I guess like most people these days, I feel for some reason, that someone out there might be interested in what I have to say. I have never attempted a blog before, so please bear with me as I learn how to organize things. Comments and questions are welcome. Let me make one thing clear, though:
This is MY page and I will discuss what I wish. If you don't like something and decide to get ugly, you will be banned. You are welcome to state your opinion, but there are things I will not abide. You will get one warning and one only. My page, my rules. If you don't like it, click another button and go away! I am Pro many things that you may not like, so consider yourselves warned.
Most of what this blog will be about is making enjoying the outdoors easier for people like me - 57 years old, 5'1", knees and hips not as reliable as they used to be, and lazy as hell when it comes to "setting up camp". I told my husband I wanted something that could be pulled off the road, I could open the door, get in, lie down and go to sleep. I didn't want to have to crank, pull, stake or tie down anything. When I'm tired, I just want to go to bed. Thanks to the fantastic people at Adventure Trailers and So-Cal Teardrops we have exactly that. I will put up pictures of our trailer when I get it decorated the way I want it, but you can get a really good idea of what we've got by visiting these two websites. Mario Donovan and Martyn Davies at Adventure Trailers are awesome people and will work with you every step to get you the chassis you want (ours will go wherever our FJ Cruiser will go!). At So-Cal, Gabe Pari and his dad Mike(also awesome people!) will deck out the inside of the cab to pretty much any way you want. We added a few extras and are so happy with what we got. Right now, our trailer is at So-Cal Teardrops getting more goodies added...hot water on demand and some fancy new awnings. I can't wait to get it back so we can hit the road again! One of the things I love about it is that I can sit right down on the mattress, swing my legs in and lie down. No climbing or crawling, which is very hard on these old knees. We had a rooftop tent, which was mounted on top of the FJ. I loved the view from up there and the privacy it afforded, but that whole ladder thing was getting to my knees in a big way.
This year we were lucky enough to make it to the Overland Expo for the second time. The vendors alone were amazing! I was a little confused by some of them that didn't have any of their product for sale, but for the most part it was great. It was held in Flagstaff, AZ again this year. I've only got a couple of negative things to say about this Expo. First let me say that you've got several options when attending. You can sign up for a variety of classes and seminars, or you can buy a day pass and just browse the vendors. But be warned, you probably won't be able to see everything in one day! We signed up for some classes and on-site dry camping. The camping was horrible. It was a large pasture/field/lot with no trees and lots and LOTS of ankle turning humps of grass, rocks and holes. It was INCREDIBLY windy and dusty. Now look, I live in the desert, so I certainly wasn't expecting dust-free conditions, but this was crazy. We won't make that mistake if we go back next year. Next, let me say that I am not overly impressed by the "customer service" provided at registration. The people working the tables are not ones I would choose to work with my customers. You are supposed to receive a "swag bag" when you register, but we didn't get one. The first year we went, in 2009, the same thing happened. We had to ask for it and then we were told we were only entitled to one, because we were a couple. This, despite the fact that we had BOTH signed up and PAID for classes! It annoyed me, but my husband, who is a bit, shall we say, "more easy going" about these things, convinced me to let it go. When we didn't get them THIS year, I wanted to hurdle the table and get what I paid for, but once again, hubby convinced me to let it go. Also, food service was very limited, so make sure you eat before you go and/or take a picnic. Wear a hat, really good sunblock and sunglasses and drink plenty of fluids and you'll have a good time. You meet the most interesting people from all over the world and it's truly fascinating to hear the stories they have to tell. And if you're an animal-lover like myself, lots and lots of people bring their dogs!
Another great product I discovered at the Expo this year is made by RESTOP. They have one product called RESTOP 1 - The Pee Bag, and it's pretty much what it sounds like. Ladies, these are a MUST! They make it possible for women to pee standing up! You zip open the package, remove the provided toilet paper and alcohol wipe, snap down the top and put it in place. You get a nice, snug, secure fit against your body. When you're done, add the toilet paper, snap it shut tight and you can dispose of it in any trash can. What a blessing these have proven to be! I cannot squat anymore due to my knees (well, I can squat, but getting back up again usually proves tricky!), and RESTOP provided just the solution I needed. Hats off to RESTOP!
As I discover more products, gadgets and ideas that I like and that make things easier, I will add them here. In the meantime, get out there and enjoy! There is nothing like drinking a fresh, hot cup of coffee with the morning sun on your face. Travel safely!
