Friends and Family On the Road

I've been taking months-long road trips in my Prius for more than 6 years now.  That I've developed some close bonds during that time has been a pleasant surprise.  In this blog post,  I've highlighted a few of those relationships.  Please know that if I didn't mention you, my traveling friend, you are no less important to me.  It probably means I just don't have a recent photo of you :) ...

I'm currently in the desert backcountry of Pahrump, NV's BLM land.  This is the first place that I shared a camp with fellow "vandwellers" (those who live simply out of their cars, vans, trucks and RVs). So, I've been rather nostalgic and retrospective during my time here.

One of my newest traveling friends, Debra (tbivangirl) and one of
my first vandweller friends, Bob Wells (cheaprvliving).  From a screen capture of a
video showing how Debra was setting up her van home.  (12/6/15)
(Click here to see more vandwelling "how to" videos.)  

In April 2010 I had just started as a part-time "vandweller" in my Prius. I was beginning my 6-month National Park tour when I joined a Pahrump BLM camp shared by Bob and others in a variety of vehicles -- several vans, trailers, Class Cs, a minivan, box truck, truck camper,and my Prius.  It was my first face-to-face interaction with "vandwellers." For several days I stayed and visited over coffee and campfires.  Although our backgrounds were different, we all shared a strong desire to be closer with nature while remaining mobile in our vehicles.   At first, this camaraderie was surprising and unexpected.  But, after a while, I realized I'd found a real treasure.  These folks got me, and I got them.  I had found my tribe.

Bob says that this first impromptu camp in Pahrump was the genesis of his annual Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (RTR) that's been held in Quartzsite, AZ each January since 2011.  The RTRs have grown steadily year after year, from 40 attendees to well over 200 this past January.  This is a time and place to meet up with fellow travelers -- visit, learn, teach, and make life-long friendships.

At the RTR 2016, Mike talks about how he mines for gold on public lands.
(1/18/16)

Nightly campfires during the RTR are one of the places where
attendees gather regularly.  We had a talent night, music and
lots of conversation every night.  Pictured above is a 
cardboard-shaped van that's been set afire: Burning Van! (1/17/16) 

After the RTR ends, attendees go their separate ways, often in small groups.   This year I joined a group in Ehrenberg, about 20 miles west of Quartzsite.  Winter weather in this region is mild.  As a result, it's a comfortable place to spend the season.   Unlike the RTR, people camp a distance from one another in Ehrenberg.  But, we are still close enough to occasionally walk over for a visit.  Most of us are introverts; so, this arrangement is perfect.

Every once in a while someone will invite folks over to their camp for a group get together.  While in Ehrenberg, I had friends over for muffins one morning -- bring your own drink and chair.  Bryce, with his BBQ and "man cave" trailer was the perfect host for a Super Bowl pot luck party.

For the Super Bowl, Bryce turned his 50" TV out the back of his "man cave"
 trailer, supplied with solar power and an aerial antenna.  It was a feast --  
BBQ, meatballs, pizza, chips, dips, and more food and drink.  So fun! (2/7/16) 

In addition to my traveling friends, I got to spend time with traveling family.  One brother Ray and his wife Kay joined me for several nights in Ehrenberg.  They are transitioning from 3 years on a Harley, to an SUV, trailer and motorbike.

Ray and Kay's Jeep, trailer and Enduro along side my Prius and tent --
different rigs, but the same love for travel and nature.  (1/27/16) 

Kay enjoying the sunset.  Spectacular.  (1/29/16) 

Ray standing about the same place a few minutes later.  (1/29/16) 

Ray and Kay's trailer, decked out with lights and some music.  (1/29/16) 

I have another brother, Glen, who is currently exploring India.  And a third brother, Gary and his wife Mary who live out of their 5th wheel, camp hosting in Coachella Valley for the winter.  It's great to have brothers who have the same love for travel in their blood.

Sometimes vandwelling friends will go on day trips together.  My friend Laura and I drove from Ehrenberg to the Castle Dome Mining Museum, half way to Yuma.  It's a ghost town in the Kofa Wildlife Refuge.

Laura checking out one of the many saved/restored buildings from the area
which now make up the ghost town of Castle Dome City.
Note: The rock formation in the mountains to the right is Castle Dome. (2/2/16)

Laura looking in the jail cell.  I'm not sure what that "mist" is at the bottom of the photo ...
 maybe the spirit of a departed sheriff, still keeping watch over his charges. (2/2/16)

I met my friend Sunny before our retirements, about 20 years ago.  Both of our careers were in the community and technical college system.  She's a traveler too. Although her WA home is only an hour from my place in Fall City, I mostly see her when we have both traveled to AZ.  This year we treated ourselves to a scenic paddle boat ride on Canyon Lake near Apache Junction.

Dolly Steamboat.  (2/9/16) 

Sunny gazing at the amazing rock formations that surround the lake.  (2/9/16) 

Some of the spectacular scenery around Canyon Lake.  (2/9/16)  

Due to the El Nino rains this year, Death Valley National Park experienced a rare super bloom of wildflowers.  It's about an hour's drive from Pahrump; so, I've visited it several times -- once by myself, and the second time with friends Bryce and Ray.  In addition to enjoying the wildflower blooms, we visited other sites in Death Valley.

Ray and Bryce at the Harmony Borax Works in front of wagons pulled
by the 20 mule teams.  (3/8/16) 

Because we had planned to disperse camp in the park, we each brought our own vehicles -- Ray's van, Bryce's truck camper, and my Prius.

Starting the scenic drive through Mustard Canyon, some salt flats are on the left.
In my side view mirror, you can see Bryce's truck and camper
following me down that gravel road.  (3/8/16)

Ray!  Overlooking the sand dunes in the distance. (3/8/16) 

A motley crew -- me, Bryce and Ray at Dante's View,
more than 5000' above Badwater on the valley floor. (3/9/16) 

Badwater, 282' below sea level, the lowest place in the Americas.
The boardwalk out to the salt flats with  Bryce and Ray to the far right. (3/9/16) 

I've been a part of this tribe, this vandweller community long enough now to have experienced the passing of too many of its members, my friends.  Most recently, Fred Heinman died (4/2/47-1/31/16).  I feel his absence even though I never met him in person.  Especially since some of my closest friends were his very good friends; so, I've been honored to be present when they've remembered him.  I feel I got to know him through hearing those memories and tales.

I was with some of Fred's good friends when they were distributing a few of his belongings shortly after his passing.  Mostly useful things for vandwelling, but also some mementos that seem to carry Fred's personality -- his hiking staff and hat in particular  In Debra's tribute blog post, you can see that several of us were photographed with them in his memory.  I was offered, and accepted Fred's Indian blanket, purchased at the Colorado River Indian Reservation Museum several years back.  I carry it, use it, and remember Fred.

Fred and the blanket on the bed behind him.  I now carry that blanket
in his memory.  Screen shot from a vandwelling video.  (9/19/15)

As much as I cherish my alone time in the backcountry, I also hold dear those growing friendships and family bonds with those who also cherish their alone time in the backcountry.  Life is good out here.

A Bit More Travel in 2015

In addition to my Winter/Spring travels in 2015, I got to spend another 6 weeks on the road in the Fall in/near Southern California.  At the end of October I arrived just in time for my nephew's wedding, one of the most joyous ceremonies I've ever attended.

Gillian and David after introduced as husband and wife, 10/24/15.
(photo from David's Facebook page)

I also enjoyed time with traveling friends and family.  I love being with folks who get my love for travel, nature, and living simply.  In November, I camped with folks on some BLM desert near Quartzsite, AZ.

On a supply run to Parker, new friend Debra and I hammed
it up with Elvis at Bobby D's Diner. (11/12/15)
You can read about Debra's amazing journey, thriving with
a traumatic brain injury here (TBIVanGirl).  

I also got to camp with two of my bothers and their wives at Joshua Tree NP for a couple of nights. I must have been having too much fun to take photos of us all.  But, loved sharing that time together all the same.  

My trusty Prius turned 210,000 miles while at
Joshua Tree National Park.
What a good, dependable vehicle it's been!  (11/18/2015)  

Every year the cousins, on our mothers' side, gather together the Saturday before Thanksgiving in Southern California.  Every year I look forward to this reunion of love and laughter, a generations-old tradition.

A beautiful day in Southern California to have our
Thanksgiving meal outside, hosted by Cousin Donna
and husband Bob.  (11/21/15 photo shared by
Cousin Melissa on Facebook)

I enjoyed the actual Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas and New Years Days with family in Washington State.  Shortly after, I hit the road again, heading back south.  I hope to be posting more pictures and blog posts soon on my current adventures.

Safe travels everyone!

Outside Living Product Reviews, Feb-May 2015

I wanted to make my camp site more convenient and usable while being at a single location for weeks at a time.  I've always considered myself living out of my car (vs. in it).  That continued to be true even with the limited number of miles I traveled.

In this post I'll be reviewing the kitchen table on the left;
the umbrella with stand in the middle (folded up), and
the mat on the ground to the right.  BLM land in Ehrenberg, 2/26/15  

Unfortunately, none of these 3 extra items that I took for outside living proved to be real winners.

Although not exactly like the older camp kitchen I brought with me, this one is
fairly similar.  Click on image to view in amazon.com.  

I've had the camp kitchen that I brought with me for about 10 years.  It's very functional and well built.  But, it takes up quite a bit of room so haven't taken it in the Prius in the past.  And, that's the same reason I won't be taking it with me for future snowbirding; it takes up too much storage space (36"x18"x3").  Although convenient once set up, I really don't need it unless I'm cooking for more than just me.  Instead, I can cook under my hatch (teardrop-trailer-galley style) just fine. When I need more counter space to cook for a crowd, I'll borrow a table.  Or, I'll get a different counter-height table that folds up smaller, if I can find one.

Similar to the 9' crank tilt umbrella that I brought with me.
 Click on image to view in amazon. 

Like the camp kitchen, I've had the shade umbrella and stand for many years.  I knew I'd have days of hot sunshine and would want some shade.  I use umbrellas for that purpose at my house; so, thought I'd try one while being a snowbird.  I brought a 9' market umbrella made of light weight aluminum.  It had a crank and titled.  But, even when disassembled, it's larger than I'd like to carry in the Prius (55"x6"x6").  My goal is to keep all of my gear below window level and that was not possible with this umbrella.

This stand is similar to the one I brought while being a snowbird.
 Click on image to view in amazon.com.

Because I was trying to reduce the amount of weight and space used by my gear, I took our smallest and lightest stand (about 35 lbs.).  I secured it at the front floor which meant I needed to unpack almost everything to access it.  But, when the sun was hot, I was sure glad for the shade. Unfortunately, this lighter-weight stand wasn't up to keeping the umbrella upright with the winds.  I had to also tether the umbrella to the car to keep it from tipping over and blowing away. Sadly, a large wind gust came up while in Moab.  It turned the umbrella inside out, breaking and bending its ribs.  For my next snowbirding trip, I'm researching how to make shade with a mesh tarp that will withstand the winds.  The trick will be to figure out how to stake it in the sand and rocks.

The 4'x6' version of this reversible RV mat was still too big
for using with my Prius.  Instead, I'll keep it to use with our Class C.
Click on image to view in amazon.com.  

I like the look and function of a rug.  So, I got a 4'x6' reversible RV mat.  A rug makes a campsite feel homey and inviting.  And, it also keeps me from tracking so much dirt into the car. But, I only used it about 20% of the time.  Sometimes it was too windy.  Even with rocks piled on, it would blow away.  Other times it was too wet and muddy.  The whole mat would sink down, oozing mud through the weave with each step.  And another time there wasn't enough room to lay it out without having to dig up plants, which I won't do.  So, I ended up using a small rag rug most of the time.

My favorite travel chair so far.  Click on image to view in amazon.com.  

The chair I brought this year isn't specific to being a snowbird.  I've brought a chair with me on my travels every year.  But, I like this one so well that I wanted to do a product review on it.   It sits up a bit higher than the umbrella chairs I've used in the past, as well as provides better support.  It also folds up smaller than any other director's chair that I've seen (16.5"x 2.5"x 17.5").  It's a bit heavier at 9lbs.  My only complaint is that I needed to re-glue Velcro to the frame.

That's the end of my product reviews from my 2015 snowbird stays.  Thanks for reading.