Dreams delayed…

The last time I wrote I told you that I’ve decided to be a rich and famous travel writer.  I remember listening to a motivational speaker (that didn’t live in a van, down by the river) and he said that speak in the present tense when you speak about dreams.  For example, don’t say “some day I’m going to be a millionaire”; instead say “I’m a millionaire, the money just hasn’t made it into my bank account yet.”

So, I’m a rich and famous travel writer, it’s just that the money isn’t here yet and nobody knows who I am (except for my friends but they’re certainly not going to pay me to write shit; maybe to shut up, but that’s a different blog). I just need to travel and write.  My plan for the summer is to take my travel trailer around the state, to higher elevation cities, and write about what there is to do and places to eat.  Done deal, right?

Well, the “travel” part is proving to be a challenge.  You see, I discovered that a skylight in my travel trailer was cracked, and as a result it leaked…into my shower (yay) and vanity (boo).  So, I bought a replacement skylight and removed the old one.  Only to discover that there was some pretty significant water damage to the substrate.  I learned that word, “substrate”, after watching about 20 YouTube videos about how to repair RV roofs.  I discovered that this is an easy project as long as you’re handy and have tools.

I have a backpack and a bong.  I have a few tools but I’m better at watching professionals use them than I am at using them myself.

But I’m going to learn.

It’s part of the new “me”, and shit.  Yep, I’m trying to grow up and learn how to actually do things other than run a business.  I’m almost 50 so there’s time.

Anyway, my plan for the next few works is to learn how to replace rotten wood and resurfacing my travel trailer roof.

So I got that going for me, which is nice.

In a van, down by the river…

“Living the Dream!”

That’s how I answer people when they ask “How are you doing today?”  It happens multiple times a day, to all of us.  When we go shopping and the checkout person greets us.  It happens when that annoying telemarketing call gets through.

I respond like that because, in some ways – I am already doing it.  I also believe that “if you can’t say it, you can’t do it.”  I actually learned that line from the movie Risky Business; Miles was talking to Joel and he suggested that in order to truly live, you have to say “What the fuck” once in a while.  At the end of his speech he said “if you can’t say it, you can’t do it.

So I say “Living the Dream” because responding “What the Fuck” isn’t as refined.  Plus it might set an inappropriate first tone with strangers.

Anyway, beginning in March I really will be “living the dream” because I said “what the fuck!”

How am I already living the dream?

I am the co-owner of an adventure tour company.  We started as a guide company but we’ve morphed into some kind of Adventure Concierge service – we guide and arrange adventures and experiences throughout Arizona.  In some respects – that’s kind of a dream career – to work in the outdoor adventure industry.

I also have been in the kitchen, metaphorically & literally, my whole life.  I cooked with my mom & grandmother growing up; I’ve worked in professional kitchens, from McDonald’s to an elite, fine-dining restaurant out of a 4-star resort.  I LOVE food.  I love to eat food, but I love preparing it even more.

Adventure and food are the things I love most in life.  You can share them with anyone, friends, guests & clients, and loved ones.  Those to are my favorite life experiences other than being in love.  I mean, let’s face it – true love is the most amazing thing ever.  But adventure and food are close seconds.

My point?  I exist in a world full of love, adventure and food.

So, how can it get even better?  Well, because I said “WTF”.  I bought a trailer.  Here are the photos of the inside.

This is a photo of the bedroom. and my office chair.

This is the office, kitchen and restroom.

Pretty modest, but it has everything I need.

I will be leaving this March to do a boondocking practice run.  I’m going to post up along the Arizona Trail between Superior and Oracle (because there is mobile reception there) and do “trail magic”.  Then in April, after I’ve got my wheels under me, I’m going to start moving north trying to stay in cooler weather.  I’ll travel all over Arizona and maybe even into Utah and Colorado.

But here’s the best part – I will be scouting out new adventures, restaurants, watering holes and camping spots, then writing about them.  That’s right, I just said “what the fuck” I’m going to be a travel writer.

Livin’ the Dream,

AG

Backpacking Shelters

I have been backpacking since the early 90’s.  Before that I’d been camping with my family dozens of times, I worked as a hunting guide, and in the US Marine Corps, I’d even bivouac’d on occasion.  Almost every single time I’d been camping, before the 90’s my nights were spent in huge group tents; hell, in the Marines, we even had tents that housed about 25-30 men.  HUGE tents!  NOT backpacking tents!

When I started backpacking I was faced with the same challenge that any new participant faced – what type of shelter should I purchase.  So, I did what anyone in the 90’s did – go to various stores and ask questions.  Back in those days the internet wasn’t really a viable shopping tool.  Now, we have all that information at our fingertips.  But the task isn’t any easier – there are myriad options to choose from.  There are dozens of brands, types, and models, and each of these tents has a “best use”.  It’s easy to get confused.

First, let’s outline what type of shelters we’ll be talking about – there are tents, tarps, and bivy sacks.  Bivy sacks are essentially waterproof (resistant) bags that you slip into with your sleeping bag.  They’re at the extreme end of the minimalist scale and very few people opt for JUST the sack.  I’ve used one before and I have to admit – I hated it.  There is no real “shelter”, just a sack.  The best thing about the bivy is it’s weight.  You’d be hard pressed to find a lighter option.

Next are tarps.  These come in all types – from the Katrina special (think blue polyethylene) to the lightweight nylon rip-stop models shown here.  These are very versatile, but take a bit of practice to set them up, especially in the absence of trees.  In that case, you’ll want to use trekking poles or sticks to prop up the ends.  Yes, sticks.

One of the benefits to the tarp, similar to the bivy, is the weight.  Generally, these shelters are the best weight-to-protection from the elements, however they are open and not so good for buggy nights.  A few manufacturers are making all-mesh structures that fit under the tarps.  They’re going to add weight to the shelter but if you live in areas with lots of flying critters, or just don’t like the idea of creepy-crawlies, then this might be the ticket.

Your next option is a tent.  Here’s where it really gets confusing.  There are single-wall, double wall, 3-season, 4-season, 1, 2, 3+ person, backpacking, car-camping, blahblahblah.  It’s easy to get lost in the sea of tent options.  The overwhelming majority of backpackers go when it’s not snowing out (the 4th season) so I’d limit your search to 3-season tents.  Next, is that most of the time a 2 person tent will suffice – most of the time.  I am a rather big guy and a 2 person tent is actually just big enough for me and my gear.  So, unless you’re Shrek-sized then a 2-person model is usually most appropriate.  If you’re shopping for a family backpacking tent then you’re getting into heavier options and will most likely want to divide the tent between multiple hikers.

Your next consideration is cost.  Weight is usually indirectly proportional to cost – the higher the cost the lower the weight, and vice versa.  Usually.  Set a budget and stay within that budget, especially for your first tent.  Once you’ve determined you’re a backpacking addict then feel free to do what I’ve done – purchase multiple tents.  I have 4.

My suggestion is that you rent a couple of tents before you purchase.  There is a great organization called Lower Gear that has multiple options AND they ship rental gear all over the country.  Once you’ve tried a few models you’ll have more information to make a decision from.

See you outside.

Food in the backcountry

I just recently attempted to do a thru-hike of the Arizona Trail this past fall.  I failed.  I pulled out because, apparently, my career actually expects me to be present.  In other words, being an adult sucks.  So I pulled off the trail after only 200 miles.

As a result I have about 40 homemade dinners that I’d prepared, just sitting around.  Some are in the refrigerator “just in case”; others are stored at room temperature.  The ones that are refrigerated are the ones that have ingredients that would probably prefer cold-storage for as long as these suckers are probably going to be stored.  The others are definitely shelf-stable.

I dehydrated most of my ingredients.  For those that were easier, or more cost effective, I used freeze-dried.  I sourced from various providers.  All of the names escape me, but one stands out – Honeyville.  I used them because they have an outlet within a few miles of me.  I know there were other providers but I can’t remember their names right now (thank you scotch).

Anyway, my approach was to think of items that were “one-pot-meals” that I enjoyed at home.  Things like Rice & Beans w/ Taco Meat, Jambalaya, Chicken Alfredo, Mac-n-Cheese w/Tuna, etc.  Then I thought of the textures – smooth beans, cooked rice and crunchy chips; succulent chicken in a creamy Alfredo sauce; Mac & Cheese with Tuna (what?!).

Then, what I did was come up with recipes for the top 15 meals.  Next, I calculated the volume of ingredients that I’d need to dehydrate or purchase and got to work.  My dehydrators (yes, two) were working overtime for about a month.  I ordered my bulk, freeze dried items.  Finally I was ready to assemble.

Here’s where I went wrong.

Scotch.

During assembly time I would have a little bit for Santa Clause, a little bit more for Santa Clause, a little bit more for Santa Clause.

You see where this is going, right?

By the end of my assembly I had about 50, out of 60 needed, dinners.  “That’s OK, I thought.”  Best laid plans of Mice & Men and all that shit, right?  I figured that I’d be patching holes in my planning anyway, so what’s 10 meals.

The result is that I have these, mostly, awesome meals that would feed me twice, and 3 normal people once.  These meals are huge.  Sure, some of the recipes are a bit off (spice wise) and some of the ingredients disappear into the final product without a trace, but these meals are f’n awesome.  I have been working my way through them, while out camping, and have learned quite a bit about what works, what doesn’t, and how to get around stupid/scotch mistakes.

I endeavor to shoot some videos of my best results in the coming days/weeks/months so stay tuned.  Meanwhile I’ll be gleaning information from various forums for their ideas and stealing the $#!T out of their ideas…then sharing them with you.

So, for now, I bid you adieu.  I have some scotch calling and a freezer bag of…something waiting.