It can happen at anytime to anyone. Long term travelers succumb most easily because of the sheer intensity they experience regularly, but anyone can experience burnout. Whether it be cathedral/museum burnout on a two-week marathon through Europe, or, in my case, red rock burnout in Moab.
Ahhh, Moab. That fabled adventure town in Utah. Traveling in the heat in late May with two black dogs, we longed to hike the famous red rock canyons, but knew we needed to find something that allowed for shade and water in this arid landscape. We found the perfect solution at Negro Bill Canyon.
We escaped rainy Portland for points east, making one of our favorite drives along the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway, destined for one of our favorite camping spots, LePage Park. A mere two hours east of Portland it is a whole different world, with dramatic cliffs and a dramatically drier climate! Perfect for early spring camping. Although the ever-present wind was much in evidence, the sunshine, good friends and great food were the perfect recipe for weekend bliss.
Only 40 days to go until we attend our first Overland Expo! To say we are beyond excited is an understatement. Started in 2009 by Jonathan and Roseann Hanson, Expo has become THE event to attend each year in the United States. Jonathan was formerly with Overland Journal but now works full time, with Roseann, to make Expo the premier event that it is. The largest meeting of overlanders in the US, perhaps the world, Expo has become so popular that 2014 marks the first year it will be offered on both the west and east coast.
As I stepped out of the camper, I saw Jim already had a warming fire roaring. Porter, luxuriating in the warmth of his new coat, lay curled up on his camp pad asleep. Aspen inched closer to my chair, ever the lap Lab, wanting to be as close as possible.
Two young kids, longing for adventure, meet up in an abandoned house, the lone members of the “Spirit of Adventure” club. They grow up, marry, and dream of traveling to Paradise Falls in South America. But, reality intervenes, and each time their savings jar is filling, a problem occurs, a broken down car, a hospital visit, you know, adult stuff.
We have been busy getting the Black Dog Chronicles up and running in the last week or two, but I wanted to get a brief post off showing a recent weekend at Cape Lookout in pictures. A more detailed post will follow but for now- enjoy the perfection of fall camping in Oregon.
Fall in Oregon is a magical time, and our favorite camping season. With warm days, cool nights, and half filled campgrounds, it’s a campers heaven.
One year ago today, we went to the Humane Society and brought home our sweet boy Porter. Still reeling from the loss of our beloved Maddy, we knew that having a new fur face would help heal our hearts and bring life back into our house.
We recently spent a long weekend with our friends, Ron & Dario and Dave & Anne. Having camped solo so far this year, it was an excellent reminder of the joy of camping with friends. Shared meal preparation, good food and wine and conversations around the fire made for a relaxing and enjoyable weekend. We’ve known all of these friends for years, shared triumphs and tragedies, and often words were not necessary, the mere presence of longtime friends was enough.
