1,900 Mile, 9-day shakedown trip
A shakedown trip is usually held close to one’s home or base camp. The purpose is to learn about one’s rig, supplies, gear, etc while close to home before adventuring too far out. That way if something goes wrong, an adventurer is near home base allowing for an easier return if necessary. I did not do this.
Feeling the need to escape, I decided to do just that. I went out solo with no real destination or itinerary.
I drove from basecamp west to the Rogue Valley of Oregon where I camped out on a side street, in a commercial neighborhood, in the rain.
Waking up the next morning, I visited the Black Bird, an outdoor and adventurists retail paradise. After strolling the bird, I opted for a drive up to the top of Mt. Ashland. An hour later, discouraged and unable to find a parking spot from the crowded ski area, I left. Heading back down the snow-covered mountain.
Once reaching Interstate 5, I pointed Jack north and kept driving until I could not go any farther. A couple of days later, I dipped my toes into Canada.
I returned back to basecamp via the Washington coastline before cutting inland at Astoria.
Overnight quickie
After returning home from my solo adventure. Crystal wanted to head out for a quickie. We opted for a drive from base camp through the Siskiyou Mountains of Northern California before taking the long way back.
We saw some incredible landscapes, many we should have not had access to in the middle of winter. Such as CA-3 across Scott Mountain. But the winter snows had been mild and allowed for some on pavement adventures that would normally be closed for winter. After traveling up and over Scott Mountain we rounded by Trinity Lake before ending up at a truck stop in Redding for the night. The next morning we grabbed a quick drive through breakfast and caffinated up at Dutch Bros before heading north to Medford and a special stop at the Black Bird.
What I learned
Along the way, I camped out at truck stops, Cabella’s, rest areas, and casinos. Travel was fun, exciting, and adventurous. Best of all, I learned a few things along the way. Here are nine things I learned on my nine-day adventure.
The custom-built platform I made is too tall, there is not enough headroom in the bed area. I want to be able to sit crisscross applesauce without hitting my head.
I can get by with a shorter bed than previously thought. This frees up some extra space. But Jack needs specific storage for larger items. Cargo box?
A near 200-mile daily travel average is way too many miles.
After sticking my toes across the border, I cannot wait to further explore Canada.
Even in the rain in winter, the PNW has a lot to offer.
Truck stops are not as friendly to cars that wish to overnight park as they are to semi-trucks. Yet, Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops are friendly to car travelers. Casinos are also limiting overnight parking due to COVID.
Truck stop showers are beautiful.
Truck stop fuel prices are typically better than standard fueling stations.
Traveling alone is not lonely. But traveling with a companion is more enjoyable.
