After 40 years of tent and tailgate camping, we decided adding more creature comforts would make the time spent in the backcountry even more enjoyable. Therefore after much research, we decided to buy a used Alaskan Camper mounted on a 4×4 one-ton pickup truck with a utility bed. Why an Alaskan? We like the telescoping feature to raise and lower…
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A camper’s tale of there and back again
South Coast Ridge Road in Big Sur
UPDATE March 2022: Nacimiento Fergusson Rd. is closed to through traffic between Highway 1 at the coast and Fort Hunter Liggett due to severe damage to the area. Campgrounds and dispersed camping are closed per Forest Order due to the Dolan Fire. Be sure to check the US Forestry website for updates. Large fines are imposed for camping in closed…
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Squatting hazards
Answering the call of nature is an integral part of wilderness camping and requires some heightened awareness of your surroundings. We dig a hole designated for this purpose when we camp choosing an area free of cactus or prickly plants, anthills, rattlesnake hideouts, and stay careful never to pollute a watercourse. As we have gotten older we have purchased a…
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Big Sur’s Mud Creek Slide
This summer 11 miles of Highway 1 was cut off to the rest of the world and only accessible via the long, windy route of Nacimiento Fergusson Rd. that takes us through the Fort Hunter Liggett military base. Either end of this section of highway was cut off after storms brought long-needed rains following a drought and terrible wildfires in…
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Death Valley itinerary and menu
Part of the fun of planning your trip is getting out a good map and choosing where you want to explore. Guide books are very helpful in deciding where to drive and camp. Just be aware that back roads and campsites can change dramatically due to the harsh elements. Just because there is a route on the map, doesn’t mean…
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A desperate adventure in the Kern River
This is a life-changing adventure experience we shall never forget and perhaps can be used as a lesson that will save someone’s life. I have posted our lessons learned at the end of our story. The power of water The deafening roar of the water added to its shocking power to hold me underwater. I could see the turbulent water…
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