Where do you go...

 

... when you need to buy storage solutions?  Yep: IKEA.  It works for the house and we went in search of a few things for the van.  Plus, a bonus reason (besides wanting to see a Skanka): getting some steps in when the temperature is above 100º.

Arriving at the truly BIG box store...

Photo bombed...

 We started our trek through the "maze."  Joan was looking for some storage and bedding solutions, I was wanting a cabinet that will serve as a night stand between the twin beds.  One of the needs for us: a place to put our stuff when we're in bed - phones, a bottle of water, iPads.  Roadtrek does a good job of making things work double duty, but there is no good place to put your electronics when you're ready to turn over and go to sleep.  It's a fairly snug space, and not really designed for a night stand.

Joan found a bedding solution for her; I already have a sleeping bag that is waiting for a sheet insert.  About half way through that huge store, I found a cabinet with a "push to open" door that is part of a bigger wall storage unit.  You could buy the "cubes" separately.  The hang tag for that item was missing, but we found the aisle and bin where it is located; we continued shopping.

Fourteen hours later, we found our way out of the "IKEA maze."  Yes, I'm kidding.  I don't know how many hours it was, but there were buzzards flying over people who had given up all hope for finding a way out.  We found the cute/cabinet right where it was supposed to be and headed for the check out.  Only two people in front of us, but every self check station was taken by people who have obviously never used a scanner.  When it was our turn, Joan had us out of there in less than 2 minutes.  Don't mess with a pro.

We had parked the van at the far end of the parking lot; there was a skinny tree next to the parking, providing a small bit of shade.  Well, the sun had moved far enough while we were inside that the shade had moved.  A couple other stops, then lunch at Outback - we haven't eaten at one of those in a couple years.  Make mine an Alice Springs Chicken (Joan copied me).

Then a stop at Dollar Tree to see if we could find a small dishpan to fit the sink in the van (no, IKEA didn't have one)... nope.

Then, heading for home (108º along the way).  I really enjoy driving the Roadtrek, but we'll be putting it in storage soon so we can have the driveway back.  It drives nice - good view from that high vantage point (higher than in the Aspect).

Back at home, we carted stuff out of the van, and I went to work on assembling my IKEA purchase.  Since we weren't using this as part of a "whole wall storage solution," there were some parts left over.  Intentionally.  But, the cabinet is going to work well in the van...

It is square, and we will attach it in place when we're ready to use it.  👍