Got back late last night from our 5th camping trip in as many weeks. As we did the previous two weeks, we spent time in the desert. Unlike our past two trips in the lower desert in Anza Borrego and Joshua Tree, we headed to the high desert.
Lighting Solutions for Your Camper
If you don’t camp in full service campgrounds (I hope you don’t) then you are forced to power your camper with a 12 volt battery bank. You may have charging solutions such as solar (preferred) or maybe a generator (I hope not — too noisy).
Camping off the electrical grid requires monitoring your power consumption and in most cases conserving energy to some degree. Most campers come with automotive-type incandescent bulbs, which aren’t very efficient and are power hogs.
REI and the Demise of Western Civilization
What’s Up With That?
Recreational Equipment, Inc., one of the country’s largest outdoor gear retailers (nearly $2 billion in annual sales) has been around since 1938. Actually it is a co-op and members receive approximately 10% of their purchases in a yearly dividend.
REI has been well known for its no-questions asked return policy. And the strategy worked – at least until recently. It appears that those who put the long running 100% satisfaction guarantee policy in place, failed to anticipate the decay of the public’s integrity and morals.
Desert in Autumn
Last week I noticed that daytime highs in the southern section of Joshua Tree National Park were predicted to be in the high 80’s F. There was only one choice… go!
I Need My Space
Over the past few months I have hiked in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and of course California among other places.
Other than California I found most trails to be in dense forests and most travel confined to trails, as cross country travel is difficult at best. These places are often confining, the sky is often hidden by a canopy of trees, and views are only possible by climbing up to a peak. Instead of forest duff, one deals with rocks and roots.
In spite of these obstacles, those places I traveled are beautiful in their own right and highly recommended.
But I prefer open spaces. Spaces where I can at almost any time position myself to see for miles and miles. The open spaces I am referring to are deserts.
Desert Time
Spent this weekend camping in the desert with Joyce. The previous two weekends we camped in the mountains where the nighttime temperatures dropped in the 30’s F. So instead of wearing layers of clothing and down coats, we were able to sit outside at night in shorts and T-shirts.
‘We’ need a new TV
A few days ago I posted an article titled, You need a new TV. I shared the conversation Joyce and I had about a possible new camper, and her perception that we need a new TV, or Tow Vehicle.
As it turned out, she was correct. We ended up getting a new camper and the new tow vehicle (TV), does an excellent job towing it.
After we took delivery of our new camper, Joyce declared, “We need a new TV!”
Milan 26RLS Solar System
As with our last camper, the very first mod we did to our Milan was to install a solar system.
I am no longer a Popup Backpacker…
No, I haven’t stopped backpacking. But we will no longer be camping in a popup trailer.
If you have been reading my posts over the past few months, then you know that our 2006 Fleetwood Niagara tent (popup) trailer was severely vandalized on July 1st. After 3 months our insurance company finally settled with us, declaring the camper was a total loss. The pay-off was equitable and we are now the proud owners of an Eclipse Milan Metal Travel Trailer 26RLS.
Autumn
Been wandering around the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. A few pictures before the rains came. Still a couple weeks away from the full color of autumn. By then I will be walking in the deserts at home.