8/30/22 Sometimes one must test the depth of water with both feet. What I had imagined, quite some time ago, the dream of this camper was to bug out, leave the Northeast in winter and roam where the temperatures were milder. It has been a real learning up over the last 12 years, learning by doing, succeeding and failing but also with the guidance of those who have also done this and were willing to share; In good nature where one is happy to help, laugh at the screwups, suggest great ideas and thoroughly enjoy Wandering the West (and north/south).
We started small, taking trips into the North Maine Woods. A wild, rough place that can toughen you up quick, From those great trips in our FWC Eagle on a Tacoma 4 cylinder manual transmission we somehow got home each time. Many things I would never try again that in our ignorance we survived. ( Driving the length on top of a beaver dam or canoe scouting the flooded road for a 1/4 mile to test the depths then give it a go... with a shot of Irish at the other end. Did I really think through the consequences of stalling half way? No. And maybe that was better I hadn't.
Since that time of steep slope learning we drove to Alaska and across The Yukon and home again. We traveled the Canadian Maritimes through Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, across Labrador and northern Quebec. Some roads were pretty wild and some things happened that weren't so good but the adventure was terrific.
And now a new chapter. Our pre-covid plan was to be roaming Mexico and northern Central America when Luann retired freeing us in the winter months to travel. This will happen soon but first a warm up to get our mojo working. The plan is to head south and west from wonderful western New England to the Natchez Trail starting in Nashville and ending 440 miles south in Natchez, Mississippi, Heading due west from there, across Louisiana and into Texas. We are staying off the 'slab' as much as possible and driving 'blue highways', though slower, are far superior for wandering and actually seeing where you are. Interstate highways (slab) are mind numbing and dangerous. You pay that price for speed. That is not the coinage I am willing to pay in. Though at times tedious and slow the blue highways offer small stops and interesting, most likely very old amusements to see. Like half buried cars as art or a 50 foot milk bottle. We are talking Americana.
Our goal is general. Wander. We decided to structure the first three weeks with destinations by necessity. Even remote spots in National areas are being reserved online, something juxtaposed to the idea of venturing into the wild. I supposed if I was still a youth that is possible still with a backpack and tent. A Four Wheel Camper goes pretty much everywhere else. It allows one to leave, for the most part, the herd behind (Though Covid seems to have encouraged highly incompetent people to head out without a clue other than a YouTube education causing, in their enthusiastic ignorance, enormous damage to our beautiful lands).
Our initial destination is Big Bend, Texas. Both the National Park as well as the State Ranch Park: 3 days in the National and 9 days in the State. Between these we will have a three day respite at the "Earth Bag House"; an off the grid cabin made from bags of dirt and then stuccoed to appear as a SW style home. It is solar powered, composing toilet and a quiet break to regroup and suss out any needed reconfigurations in the camper. Showers will be good too.
Very enjoyable read!
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