These handheld 2-way radios are rugged, versatile and keep us connected in the backcountry. Often we will find no cell phone reception where we camp ... Read More about Why 2-way radios are a must when camping
Who’s behind Boondockers
Pres enjoys the challenge of driving back country trails. Janice combs through guidebooks and keeps tabs of us on the map while exploring back roads. She also enjoys writing and taking photos to post and share with you.
Both of us love to discover the history as well as the flora and fauna of each area we explore. Our favorite part of camping is simply relaxing outside beside a campfire to savor our wild surroundings.
Gear Reviews
The EZ Off makes opening jars a cinch
Struggling to open up a jar while camp cooking is not conducive to relaxing in our beautiful surroundings! We discovered a simple gadget that opens ... Read More about The EZ Off makes opening jars a cinch
Star gazing gear
Camping under the stars is one of the best perks about camping. The wilderness is far from city lights to enjoy seeing the Milky Way, passing meteors, ... Read More about Star gazing gear
Ghost towns and gold mines
Ghost town at Inyo Mine
Ghost towns from the booms and busts of gold, silver, and assorted mineral mines are scattered all through Death Valley National Park. Lonely ruins ... Read More about Ghost town at Inyo Mine
Jail Canyon – miner’s cabin and gold mine in Death Valley
Jail Canyon is a worthy day trip as well as an interesting place to camp in the Panamint Range of Death Valley. The ghost town of Ballarat lies within ... Read More about Jail Canyon – miner’s cabin and gold mine in Death Valley
Explore the Minnietta cabin’s mining history
The desert mountain ranges going into Death Valley contain many canyons where old mine shafts, cabins, mill sites and various ghost towns of past ... Read More about Explore the Minnietta cabin’s mining history
Campfire talk
Real help from off-road recovery groups
Have you ever been stuck on a wilderness back road and needed help? Pres and I have been stranded in the past and help was tough to find. We’ve had to ... Read More about Real help from off-road recovery groups
Losing the freedom of camping
Being under “shelter at home” orders has given me a new perspective on the many freedoms I have taken for granted. It seems like overnight; the world ... Read More about Losing the freedom of camping
Holding playing cards hack
Playing a card game is a favorite pastime while camping. Even more time may be spent on this kind of activity during this “shelter at home” ... Read More about Holding playing cards hack
Latest from the Blog
Real help from off-road recovery groups
Have you ever been stuck on a wilderness back road and needed help? Pres and I have been stranded in the past and help was tough to find. We’ve had to hike out in the dark, as well as be rescued by BLM Rangers. Recently we have discovered Off-Road Recovery Groups on Facebook as a valuable resource to find real…
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Off-road recovery of our truck camper
Driving up the steep windy road to the ghost town of Cerro Gordo, I felt excited yet apprehensive as to meeting the folks who had agreed to extract our Ford F-350 4×4 with Alaskan camper out of the Inyo Mountains. The rig had been lying on its side for over 2 months after our wreck along the Swansea Salt Tram…
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Wreck in the Inyo Mountains
Our 4×4 truck camper was losing traction going up a shale section of road in the Inyo Mountains. Pres had driven us many miles through a steep canyon with breathtaking views of the Sierras across the Owens Valley from where we planned to camp to celebrate our 44th wedding anniversary. Pres tried to back up the truck to find better…
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Losing the freedom of camping
Being under “shelter at home” orders has given me a new perspective on the many freedoms I have taken for granted. It seems like overnight; the world has “closed” its streets, shops, cafes, parks, beaches, and even our public lands. When I do venture out for essentials, the atmosphere is filled with fear behind masked faces. I am in my…
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Holding playing cards hack
Playing a card game is a favorite pastime while camping. Even more time may be spent on this kind of activity during this “shelter at home” season. Many of us have pain or hand fatigue while holding our hand of playing cards. Some folks due to arthritis, or perhaps from a disability. Kid’s small hands can find it hard to…
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Camping at The Indians Ventana Wilderness
We took a break from the COVID-19 quarantine at home and boondocked at The Indians in early April. Recent rains turned the hills green and wildflowers were starting their colorful show. We want to do our part to “flatten the curve” while camping by taking extra precautions. This means keeping our travel close to home, sanitizing at the fuel pump…
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Guardian angels in the desert
Pres drove our rig through some sandy washes, around a fallen Joshua tree, and over some narrow, rocky sections with cactus and brush adorning our camper with new desert pinstripes. We were eager to find the mine designated on our map for a turn-out in which to camp to enjoy a special Valentine’s Day dinner. Earlier that day, we had…
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