Getting Ready
“It is better to travel well than to arrive.”-Budda
It’s true to say if we knew the amount of planning any new adventure would involve, we may turnaround and go home, or never leave in the first place. That being said, we had absolutely no idea how much planning it would take to live simply for a month together every year in our tiny camper. Take for example these shoes on my feet. I did not want them, but, I needed them. Last March, I temporarily lost my mind and hiked the Fairyland loop around the perimeter of Bryce Canyon in plastic Birkenstocks. After a long day sloshing through the mud, and a few well-meaning comments and sideways glances from other hikers, I threw those plastic shoes away and starting planning for next year.
What does it take to get us on the road? Our tiny teardrop camper, a generator, propane, water, food, clothing for sun and snow, work/technology, a satellite, our dog Charlotte, a full tank of gas, and lots of other things that I should remember (but won’t) until I’ve forgotten them as we get on the road.
Last year was filled with learning, minor camper breakdowns and fixes, a readjustment of what vehicle works best for towing, and having a better understanding to how long everything takes when camping. Managing our day (work/fun) and all the necessary supplies and minor comforts that we can manage was a challenge. We laughed so hard at ourselves and how little we really knew, and still do, about how to successfully overland camp on dispersed public land for an extended period of time and in all sorts of weather. This year we have specific map coordinates of where we’d like to land, local advice, a little experience, and loads of optimism that we can go even further off the beaten path and into the wild. We’ll start in Colorado, then Moab, on to southern Utah with dear friends, and back to Moab (with more friends) and finally a ski day or two Sundance. There are so many things we are anticipating, but big starry nights, hiking, and waking up to a hot cup of coffee and time together top the list.
I don’t know if Mike and I will be traveling well (or in style), or that we will ever really arrive at a place of rest and relaxation. But, we will arrive every single place along the way together, which is what really counts. Stay tuned for blogs that will fill you in on the details, the highs and the lows, and hopefully share what this adventure means to us with you!
If you are wondering…Bryce Canyon’s Fairyland Loop Trail, what to know before you go!
Fairyland Loop Trail begins at Fairyland Point, at the northern portion of the park, and takes you through spectacular hoodoos and scenery along the rim and into the canyon; including a spur trail to Tower Bridge. This hike is considered strenuous due to its length and meandering trails with multiple elevation changes.
The Fairyland Loop Trail also includes a portion of the Rim Trail from Sunset Point to Fairyland Point.
Recommend carrying plenty of water, 1 quart (liter) for every 2-3 hours of hiking per person, as this hike typically takes 4-5 hours round trip over the 8 mile (12.9 km) length.
Carry plenty of water, snacks and maybe a sports drink.
Watch for snakes on the trail. Do Not Harass or Provoke Wildlife.
Foot traction devices are advised during winter (ie, do NOT wear plastic Birkenstocks!)
