The Ground Squirrel Café

The Ground Squirrel Café

Journal

September 5, 2026

Building a Camper Van Water System: Fresh Water, Filters and Waste WaterAlso available in German

How the water system in our campervan works - fresh water tank, Alb Filter filtration, pressure pump and underfloor waste water tank. With a full parts list, filter service intervals and everything we have learned about drinking water on the road. Built into our VW LT35, but it fits any camper or motorhome.

Evelynewassersystem, wassersystem camper

September 4, 2026

Vanlife Without Gas? What Our Camper Electrical System Does All DayAlso available in German

An induction cooktop, an espresso machine, a fridge and Starlink - and not a gram of gas. We have been living off-grid in Humbär for more than a year and a half. Here is what we actually use, how much solar comes in, and whether 5 kWh is enough.

Frankvanlife, van conversion

April 12, 2025

Visiting a Greenhouse in Almería, SpainAlso available in German

From greenhouse to supermarket shelf - where do the vegetables in Swiss supermarkets actually come from? We visited a family-run greenhouse in Almería to find out.

Evelynespain, sustainability

March 26, 2025

Kruger National Park Camping Road Trip – The Ultimate Self-Drive Safari Experience

Dreaming of falling asleep to the sounds of howling hyena and truly living under the stars with the elephants? Everything about camping and self-traveling inside Africa's largest national park.

Frankroad trip, punda maria

February 12, 2025

3 Week South Africa Road Trip - From the Bush to Cape Town

From elephants in the bush to sunsets in Cape Town - our 3-week South Africa road trip through game reserves, Kruger National Park, the Garden Route, and the Cape.

Frankroad trip, africa

December 25, 2024

Epic Sichuan Road Trip: 10-Day Itinerary for Nature & Wildlife in the Heart of China

In April, Evelyne and I set out on a journey to explore Sichuan - the heart of China, famous for its stunning landscapes, incredible biodiversity, and spicy food. Here's our 10-day road trip itinerary.

Frankasia, china

December 14, 2024

Majestic Five-Lake Hike in Zermatt, Switzerland

Seeking postcard-perfect moments in Switzerland? Don't miss Zermatt's Five-Lake Hike (Fünf-Seen-Wanderung) - stunning alpine scenery, pristine lakes for a refreshing swim, and iconic Matterhorn views.

Frankswitzerland, zermatt

December 9, 2024

On the Opposite Side of Oxford Street: Discovering Hidden Gems in Central London

What if you're searching for more than just the crowds and international brands swarming Oxford Street? A guide to the hidden gems that offer a different, more authentic side of London.

Evelynelondon, city trip

December 4, 2024

The Avatar Mountains of Zhangjiajie - All You Need to Know

This blog tells you all about how to travel the Avatar Mountains in Zhang Jia Jie, China - just like the mountains, the names of this place are confusing, so we hope to make things easier for you.

Frankchina, zhangjiajie

December 4, 2024

Hiking Tugela Falls - Africa's Highest Waterfall in the Drakensberg Mountains

One of the world's highest waterfalls, plunging 958 meters along the dramatic Drakensberg amphitheatre - the hike to Tugela Falls offers a unique blend of natural beauty and personal achievement.

Frankroad trip, day trip

October 10, 2024

Ticket to Paris and Back: A Weekend Travel Blog from Switzerland to France

When the rain clouds trap you in Switzerland for the weekend, it's time to leave for some place in the sun - in our case, Paris.

Evelynecity trip, sustainable travel

June 6, 2024

Ndaka Safari Lodge Experience: A Perfect Safari Day in South Africa

What does a perfect day in the middle of the South African bush look like? Evelyne was part of the Ndaka team during her field guide internship - and Ndaka Safari Lodge still feels like a second home to her.

Evelynetravel, south africa

July 15, 2023

San Salvatore to Morcote: Scenic Hiking Day Trip from Lugano

From Monte San Salvatore overlooking Lugano through a panoramic trail to the picturesque village of Morcote - our favorite day hike in Ticino, and why it should be on every bucket list.

Frankday trip, day hike

June 21, 2023

The Dream of Sweden: A Road Trip Through the Heart of the Swedish Countryside

Frank and I love to dream. And when dreams come true after a long wait, it feels exactly like diving into the dream itself - a little red lakeside cottage in the middle of nowhere, and just being.

Evelynesweden, granola girl

June 8, 2023

San Francisco - A West Coast Road Trip

Walking the streets of San Francisco was one of Evelyne's biggest childhood dreams. Part of our one month USA West Coast road trip series.

Frankwestcoast-roadtrip, san francisco

June 6, 2023

A Friends Road Trip to French Riviera Part 3: Lavender Sunset Sparks

Get lost running down lavender fields in the southern French countryside of Provence. Sun down low, light in a golden glow that will make you remember the moment. For infinity.

Frankfrance, europe

March 10, 2023

Amsterdam's Guide to Friendly Neighborhoods, Cafes and Nature Gems

Instead of popular attractions, we tried to feel the city's soul and uncover off-beat neighborhoods not found in any guidebook - our own Amsterdam.

Evelynecity trip, inspiration

December 21, 2022

The Natural Bridge on the Oregon Coast and a Peek Into the Redwoods

Flying our drone over the Natural Bridge on the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, then heading south into California's ancient redwood groves.

Frankwestcoast-roadtrip, oregon

December 7, 2022

Camping Diaries, Driving Down Oregon Coast

A diary of driving down the mystic and rugged coastline of Oregon and how we felt like we lived in a vanlife dream, with wild-picked blackberries, sourdough cinnamon raisin bread, and our bed set up in the back of our car facing the wild ocean.

Frankwestcoast-roadtrip, vanlife

November 6, 2022

Campfire by the Beach - Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach is a picturesque stretch of sand along the Oregon coast, just a short drive away from Portland - home to Haystack Rock, tufted puffins, and our first beachside campfire.

Evelynecannon beach, oregon

October 31, 2022

A Day Well Spent in Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon - the city of roses and good coffee. A place I have dreamt about visiting for a long time. Here's how we made the most of a day in town.

Frankwestcoast-roadtrip, portland

October 30, 2022

North Cascades Adventure: Exploring Glacier Lakes & Wilderness in the Pacific Northwest

Our first outdoor adventure takes us up north of Seattle into the North Cascades - a mountainous hiking paradise with over 300 glaciers and nothing but wilderness and the magical vibes of the Pacific Northwest.

Frankwestcoast-roadtrip, mountains

September 23, 2022

The Adventure Begins in Seattle

"If you could pack up your things right now and go, where would you go?" Those were the very first words I asked Frank when we met. His answer became a three-month dream, and then a plane ticket to Seattle.

Evelynewestcoast-roadtrip, seattle

September 15, 2022

Perfect One Month USA West Coast Camping Road Trip Itinerary - Places to Visit, Things to Do

In mid August, Evelyne and I left Switzerland for a month road tripping the West Coast of the United States. 5,001 miles of open roads, breathtaking sunsets, two brown bears, thousand year old forests, glacier lakes, and one wildfire we escaped.

Frankwestcoast-roadtrip, usa

August 7, 2022

A Friends Road Trip to French Riviera Part 1: Sunset and Hazy Glow in Paradise

Dispersed camping in the almost wild, ice cream in the old town of Nice, and the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen, at a hidden cove called Plage de la Madrague.

Frankeurope, france

August 4, 2022

Beautiful Three-Day Hike from Verzasca to Maggia Valley in Switzerland

Three days crossing from Verzasca Valley into Maggia Valley, over 9 hours, 23 kilometers, going 1643 meters up and 2048 meters down - and a new friendship made along the way.

Evelyneverzasca valley, switzerland

August 4, 2022

Lakeside Evenings at Pfäffikersee, Zürich

A lake to dream a little and slow down the world. Have you ever seen a lake in such a magical teal that you legitimately wonder if someone dropped a giant jug of paint into it?

Franklakes, pfäffikersee

July 29, 2022

Vagabond Dreaming

Have you ever asked yourself what a happy life looks like? The feeling of almost touching the sky, experiencing a perfect balance in your life like there is already everything inside you that you ever wished for?

Evelynethoughts, inspiration

July 2, 2022

The World's Most Legendary Fettuccine

No other food has ever taught us so much, raised so many questions, and brought us closer together as this pasta did when Frank and I traveled through the West Coast of the USA in our 4Runner.

Evelynecooking, vegan