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Being on the road has been something I’ve been looking forward to for a while now!
Every day, there are adventures, but trying to remember to go with the flow isn’t always easy—more on that coming up.
As always, if you have any questions or comments, let me know in the comments below!
Packing (Too Much)
To start this post, I want to mention something that I’ve said before, but maybe at some point, I’ll realize it myself and will stop doing it.
Why do I always pack too much?!?
I guess it might be due to always being prepared for anything. You truly never know what will happen, Cough COVID.
Add that I’m going to be in temperature extremes. The range is going to be from the 30s all the way to 100 degrees!
So I’m bringing a few winter things as well as summer clothing. That also means that I am bringing extra blankets to stay warm at night.
Then there are the things that I didn’t realize I didn’t have room for. The two biggest pieces of gear are my new solar panel (see image below for details) and computer bag. Dang, it! But I know I’ll be glad to have them both.
There is also the option that, while on the road, I might alter my Rav4 platform build. I really want to have a few improvements to the platform that I built.
But, if you didn’t know, there are a few things that I must make sure the Rav continues to have:
- The vehicle must look like every other car (there are a lot of Rav4’s out there)
- I must be able to see out all my windows.
- I don’t want to keep anything outside (besides the tire and basket)
- Keep a black interior, making it difficult to see anything inside (between tinted windows, black blankets).
Back To The Road Trip
There is no greater feeling to get back on the road! After getting to Nevada, I realized I had a huge smile on my face.
That smile lasted just long enough for me to find a construction zone. Well, a few construction zones (three). My first leg of this journey took a bit longer than expected.
After sitting in traffic for a while, I remembered that I feel blessed to make this trip. So taking a deep breath, I reminded myself that I am on vacation, and I don’t have any reservations.
I do, hopefully, have a few surprises that will work out on this trip. But I don’t want to say anything if they don’t work out. So that leaves there really only being a date that I have should be back at work.
A fun fact for you, I sadly didn’t have an epic camping spot for my first night. After a few ideas fell through, I ended up sleeping at a truck stop. The good thing is that I’ve stayed at this particular one before, it’s a nice place, and they have good coffee.
Great Basin National Park
My first night, being at the truck stop, wasn’t the best sleep. I assume that had to do with the crazy amount of wind, which was violently shaking the Rav all night long, as I was trying to sleep in it.
I kept reminding myself that it wasn’t a bear (not yet anyway).
Okay, after I woke up, I went into the truck stop to get some coffee and headed towards Great Bison.
It was a pretty easy drive. And as I was going, I thought that you all might be wondering why I choose to go to Great Basin. Well, mainly because it was on the way to Arches. That, and I’ve never been to this park before.
Time To Get Some Hiking In!
I went on a few smaller hikes, nothing really that impressive. Then I saw there was a hike called Wheeler Peak.
I was able to download the trail map (using my trusty AllTrails app). For this park, it looked like Wheeler Peak was the highest point.
The hike was rated as hard, and the first half of the hike had me wondering why. Besides the wind, it was easy. After about halfway, I realized why the rating was hard due to being steep, crazy windy, and cold.
Let me also add that I’m glad I was smart enough to put pants on. It didn’t talk me long to find some wind shelter and put on everything in my daypack. That included a beanie, Buff, and gloves (very glad I never took these out since Angels Landing).
Even with all of my gear, I was so cold I couldn’t feel my hands after about 30 minutes of hiking. The wind was insane. I estimate the wind was over 60 miles per hour, which pushed me over a few times and was very difficult to walk in.
I’m sad to report that I didn’t get to the top. I ended up swallowing my pride and stopped about 800 feet from the top.
Just before deciding to head back down, I thought I would take a picture. It’s funny that it didn’t work. My phone wouldn’t register my fingers on the screen. So, needless to say, there are only a few shots I took.
Camping Time
As I’m sure you already know, my whole idea is to do all dispersed camping on this (and all) my trips. They are all generally free, and I focus my stays on BLM and other public lands.
It’s because of this that I always plan multiple camping locations for each area. This is because, as I mentioned above, some of them don’t work out. So I have backups (truck stops, rest stops, and others).
The camp spot I found for this night was amazing!
Before settling in, I made some dinner (more of breakfast) and enjoyed my destination.
Wrapping Up My First Few Days
Quick Side Note
This is a side note I’ve been thinking about. Having a desire to work remotely, I realize that finding places to work is not always easy. I assumed working outside would be ideal, but not when it’s crazy hot outside.
Also, it’s one thing to write on a computer, and it’s another to upload photos. I’m still working on that issue, but I am pretty sure I will find a solution.
So, I will not be posting every few days as I planned.
Going With The Flow
Remembering to go with the flow is always important, even more so when you are traveling.
I have had some amazing experiences so far, and this trip is only just starting. I slept very well at this amazing camping location and really wanted to stay a few other days. But, I have a few plans that I need to make, so I must move on.
I will leave you with a few of my office and morning coffee.
I’ve never been to this national park, so I appreciated your photos. Each terrain has it’s own beauty.
It’s crazy that it was that cold! Especially considering it was around 100 degrees at home.
It says a lot when your phone doesn’t register your fingertip!
One of the details you left out of your story is that you really struggled to get as far as you did on that hike. Like, how you had to crouch down low to keep climbing the elevation and avoid being blown over by the winds. That’s determination. I am glad you turned around when you did because I did not have the coordinates for the Search & Rescue team to know where to begin looking.
That was a beautiful camp site you found!
As for over packing, it’s a challenge to find the balance between that and feeling prepared.
With this trip having such differing temperatures, you had to pack for every possibility.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say they needed something, and you quickly pulled the item from your pack. So, yes, you will always have things you don’t use. But you are confident that you can meet any challenge the road throws at you.
Did you use your solar panel? If so, are you glad you packed it?
Good points and you are right, and I still don’t have a personal GPS or something to call for help. I’ve been thinking about it for a while now…maybe something I should really think about getting. Side note, I’ve been looking at the Garmin InReach Mini if anyone has information about it, LET ME KNOW!
And overpacking is an issue, but honestly, it’s also helped out a lot so far.
As for the solar panel, I haven’t needed to use it yet. I think with all the driving I’m doing. It’s easier just to charge electronics while the Rav is on (aka, when I’m driving). But, if I happen to be stationary for a bit, having the panel will be a game-changer.