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Guess what I finally did?
I went camping!
I’m sure you might have already guessed that. But, taking a quick overnight FREE trip reminded me how great it is to get outside and escape the daily grind.
Camping has a funny way of slowing you down and reminding you what to be grateful for.
I also was able to test out my latest Rav4 setup, the PVC platform, and make sure it all works out for my needs.
I found, which I’m happy to know, everything fit! As with everything in life, there still needs to be some tweaking. I’ve noticed when you are doing a van, or small SUV, conversion. You are never truly done.
Get Out And Explore
Why am I sharing my weekend getaway?
First off, it was extremely affordable! FREE! And the other is to remind everyone that it’s good to get out and explore the world we live in.
There are so many things that keep us from doing what we love to do. The best time to do them is NOW!
Something I was reminded, from what my old commanding officer used to say, GO DO!
It’s simple to get lost in what you are doing and working on. Let’s focus on the fact that it’s beautiful outside, depending on where you are in the world that is.
For me, like you, there are projects that I’m working on outside of my full-time job.
Here is a simple fact for you, you will never finish everything. There will always be a never-ending to-do list. You will never have “The perfect time,” and you honestly never know what will happen in the future (cough, COVID).
There is something we all tell ourselves, and it’s tough not to think about it. It’s along the lines of, “I just don’t have enough time.”
When was the last time you thought that? I’m sure it was today, if not very recently.
Well, guess what? We all have the same 24-hours, and it’s our decision on what we will do with them.
Planning Out Your Weeks
Last week, to take control of my time, I decided to plan out the next four weekends. This can be harder than it seems. As I have so much on my Google calendar, it’s overwhelming.
How did I do it?
I deleted everything. Sometimes starting with a blank sheet, or calendar, is the best way to start.
Then I started with the basics, my full-time job, errands, chores, and I was impressed with what time I actually had left.
Then I planned out the next four weekends, which is my real time off. I added in two camping trips (the first was last weekend), a bike ride around Tahoe (my plan will be in two weeks, I haven’t ridden at all this year and cannot remember my last ride), two hikes I want to do, and something that I’m looking forward to in June. More to follow on that later.
Why am I doing this?
Well, that is because I work Monday through Friday and only have the weekends to getaway. I am looking forward to having more time, but it’s what needs to happen for now.
I have found, lately, that my weekends have been spent indoors. Not good for someone who loves being outside.
I’ve been doing projects, such as writing for this blog, training (SEO, Copywriting, and other courses), reading, and trying to catch up on everything I put off during the week (like building up another website, let me know if you want to know more).
The thing I’m not doing, the things that truly make me happy, which is time outside.
Sometimes we need a simple reminder, and that was me reading my other post on this very topic (click the link, then come back). That is why I decided to make a few drastic changes, once again, and do more of the stuff that makes me happy.
Camping and Getting Outside
Okay, now let’s get back to my CAMPING TRIP!
I cannot explain how much I needed this. It’s so nice to get away, no cell reception, just your thoughts and the birds chirping in the distance. I honestly forgot how amazing it is to get away.
Not only that, but did I mention it was FREE!
Well, I had to pay for gas, but besides that, and an hour of driving time, it was free! How did I do that? I spent the night on US Forestry land, baby!
If you have been reading any of my posts about camping, you know that I spend most of my time on public lands. It’s great because you don’t have to pay LARGE FEES to camp, you don’t have neighbors right next to you, and you choose where to go and when.
The Rav Build – Update
Overall I really like what I have done with the Rav4 build. As you may already know, I’m not a handy person but have done what I can.
One thing that I will say is I didn’t sleep great. I tried to remember that it’s normal for me not to sleep great for the first night or two somewhere new. After all, it’s my first camping trip in months!
Getting to the platform of my Rav4 build. I do like it overall. It fits great and works for my needs. But, I realized very quickly that I couldn’t sit up. I know what you are thinking. It’s a small SUV and not a van.
I can sort of recline but sitting up is a bit of an issue. Also, with my current setup, I have my Yeti sitting next to me, inside. That also means it’s difficult to move around.
My solution to the platform is to keep the PVC option (as I’m not great with tools, and it’s easy to use, not to mention lightweight) but build a lower platform. I will have to rethink my bins, and maybe use duffle bags instead, but we will see!
Camping is awesome. That’s an easy statement to get behind.
Waking up while camping is the best! Even if you didn’t sleep great.
I woke up when I wanted (my latest curtains, fourth try, have been a game-changer). Knowing I had no reception or cell service, I got out my trusty AeroPress and made coffee.
I finished a book I was reading and then realized I was sitting in the middle of nowhere, listening to the wind through the trees, birds chirping, and woodpeckers in the distance. It was nice to be relaxing and not have to be somewhere or, honestly, have a care in the world.
After packing up, which didn’t take long, I found a hike nearby. The weather was great, and it was an easy hike too. That’s good because it’s been a while since I’ve done this long-distance walking thing.
And I’m preparing for my 2021 road trip! As I’m getting older, I’ve learned that starting small is a good thing.
Unexpected Suprise
After arriving home, I noticed a box on my doorstep! A very welcomed surprise as this shipment was two days early!
As you can understand, there are always things that I need or want to buy. I love gear, after all. But this box is different, as I’ve wanted to try it but couldn’t get myself to order it.
The box contained my first shipment of Mud/Wtr. Have you heard of it?
I plan on using this product for the next week or two.
I’m already taking notes of what I like and don’t like about it. I always do my best to provide you with an unbiased review of everything I use.
I’m only reviewing products I enjoy and use recently, but with this one, you might be surprised!
Coming Up For June
I requested the month of June off work. I had to change it a bit, but I got a few weeks off!
Guess what I’m doing? Road trip, 2.0!
For now, I’m calling it this because I want to continue my Epic Road Trip from last year!
If you don’t remember, I was in Colorado in 2020 when COVID shut everything down. And I mean everything. Which, sadly, caused me to cut the trip short and b-line straight home.
So this time, I’m doing things a little differently. I plan on writing more about it, but here is a teaser for you:
- Over 4,500 miles
- 9 states
- 10 National Parks
- Hopefully, a few National Monuments
- Visiting friends and hoping to meet more along the way
I cannot wait to be back on the open road. The hardest part of planning this trip is waiting for another MONTH! I also have to keep telling myself I need to return, but we’ll see.
Let me know if there is anything else you want to know about this post, especially if you are interested in what my road trip will cover.
Your post made me want to go camping!
It’s been years since I have camped, but your description reminded me of how relaxing it can be, and just being at peace and enjoying nature.
Anyone who’s gone camping knows that all the work really is at the very beginning and at the very end. Planning, making lists, packing up, and preparing. And then cleaning up and putting it all away when you get home. But it’s all worth it for that peace and quiet and relaxation. It’s a total rejuvenation.
I like the pictures you post. Makes the reader feel like we’re there with you. You sure find some pretty places to hang out. And it’s really important you have that set up for your morning coffee. LOL
I believe all of us need to get outside more often. It’s too easy to get bogged down with all the things we need to do inside. Let’s get out there!
How exciting that you’re having your epic road trip soon!
You shouldn’t say that, cuz I will say we are going…this weekend!
And yes, the busy part is at the beginning and the end. That’s also why it’s awesome to have the Rav set up, and it doesn’t take much time at all! Well, maybe 15 min or so…especially if I set the Rav tent up.
I honestly want to leave right now for the road trip. But I’ll settle for a few days in Tahoe.