ROADDUDE

Longtime Off-Grid/Vanlife Adventurer - On the Road In North America

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You are here: Home / Archives for business

ROOM WITH A VIEW

by Road

More and more backcountry camping spots are discouraging or forbidding the digging of catholes. FTWDK, catholes are for squatting over. They should be at *least* six inches deep, seventy-five feet from any trail, and at least two-hundred feet away from any water or camp.

Social media has increased the visitation to backcountry and off-grid places at a rate seven times the increase in population. SEVEN TIMES, according to a study done in Seattle about Mt Rainier NP.

Contrary to what some overland sites preach, it is NOT the ‘increase in population, so get used to it, it’s inevitable’ type mentality we should believe.

Many folks that go to a specific spot they’ve seen online or read about on a forum giving exact coordinates are far from prepared. Even those who call themselves overlanders.

Over the last few years I’ve been to dozens of remote sites down single lane dirt roads, miles from any pavement. Some have a toilet building of some sort within walking distance or near the beginning of the road. Most don’t.

I’ve seen human waste and desert blossoms (used toilet paper stuck to the ground or cacti) in almost every spot. Often within a 15-20’ radius of camp where people cook and sit by a fire. Often WITHIN SIGHT of the composting toilet building set up to reduce this kind of humanshit. Multiple piles. Multiple blossoms.

If you’re going to some ‘for the gram’ type spot, whether camping overnight or day-hiking, be prepared. Prepared to pack out what you brought in. You should not have to leave anything behind.

The best and most compostable solution is to make your own composting bucket. You can get comfortable seats that snap right on.

The trick to eliminating odor and being able to use the bucket for a month or more before emptying is keeping solids and liquids separate. Use peat moss or coco fiber for solids. Use a jug for liquids. Empty liquid soap dispensers work well; just cut out the inner spout. Use ziplocks for used paper or use toilet paper meant for Marine, RV, or septic systems if putting it in the bucket. Pack it all back out. Dispose of it in proper fashion.

It’s not that difficult. It doesn’t stink. It’s not inconvenient.

Just do it. If you can’t or won’t do it, don’t go.

Here’s how to put together A Simple Composting Toilet.

 

@roaddude
@leavenotrace
@treadlightlyteam
@americanadventurist
@expeditionportal
@overlandbound
#roomwithaview #packitinpackitout #vanlife #nocatholes #desertblossoms #adventure #offgrid #solotravel #nomadlife #groover #imtiredofthisshit #beprepared

Filed Under: bathroom, business, camping, gear, offgrid, vanlife Tagged With: back country, bathroom, coco fiber, compost bucket, composting toilet, off-grid, peat moss

Biz Cards, Discipline, & Getting Stuff Done

by Road

 I’ve been off-grid and camping since early May, with just a few nights here and there under a “real” roof. As in a roof with a building under it.

I like my roof more, to be honest. It’s big and has a moon and stars.

Which means jamming all I can for tasks that need to be done—like site implementation, business cards, and promised pieces and images on gear for various folks—into those few days when I have consistent cell service and can sit down at a computer.

When I get out on the road, tweaking basecamp setups, testing gear, and talking to folks, last thing I think about is sitting down at a computer.

I need to work on that and discipline myself to dedicate part of every day, or several hours every week, to taking care of biz.

Or there won’t be any biz to take care of, right?

One of the things I managed to accomplish was getting some business cards together. Lot of lost opportunity in not having material to give folks when they come to check out my gear and ask “You have a card?”

These are simple temp cards of a sort, wonderful to use until I get a proper Roaddude logo. There’s another thing needs doing.

Got these cards from MOO and couldn’t be more pleased. I’ve used MOO in the past for projects and have always found them easy to use, efficient, and responsive to needs. Quick to ship, too.

They’re not a sponsor. I don’t have sponsors. Maybe someday. Using this MOO link, though, will get you 20-25% off your first order and give me some credit towards my next. MOO’s just a company I think worth checking out who have always treated me well.

Now to get to other stuff that needs doing, like images of my awesome XV-2 for @xventuretrailers, info for @nb_expeditions on their cool GARB, photos of my preferred firepit for @summitexpotrailers and my amazing canoe for @hornbeckboats, and a number of replies to write, about everything from #trailguardian to the #roaddudefoodcookbook. Oh, there’s more, too.

It’s all coming, promise.

I need an assistant.

#businesscards #myheadisspinning #idratherbeontheroad #idratherbecamping #timetogetserious #takingcareofbusiness #adventure #nomadlife #vagabonding #discipline #accomplishinggoals #workandtravel #exploretocreate #travelblogger #camplife #offgrid #ontheroad #ihaveaheadache #creative #outdoorliving #liveauthentic #timetotravel #hittheroad #solotravel #marketing #worktoplay #outside #workshopleader

Filed Under: business, marketing

On the Road in America

THE BIG PAUSE of 2020-21

ROADDUDE.COM is usually about one man’s travels and photography around North America.

During The Big Pause of 2020-21, however, it is about making quality cloth & fabric face masks and face coverings for the public. Every mask purchased enables more to be made for donation.

I have made, sold, and donated thousands, as far away as Sudan.

Stay safe, stay clean, stay healthy!

Thank you for your orders and support!


Kudos from Customers for Face Masks I make, sell, and donate throughout the pandemic:

“The best design I’ve seen.” ~ Richard F, California

“We love your masks and use them all the time! They are the best fit from different types we tried. I was actually thinking of ordering more :)” ~BW, Cambridge MA

“We really love them. The quality is amazing and they are comfortable. Will be great for hiking and work.” ~ Beckie G, SW Harbor

“Both my husband and I love the masks. Fit very well and stay in place when talking.” ~ Susan W, Livermore Falls

“The masks arrived today! Thanks so much. They are terrific! Best fit, most comfortable, most stylish of any I have worn or seen.“ ~ Elaine J, SW Harbor

“Excellent mask! Highest quality and fit. Find it very comfortable and breathable. Much better design than the pleated style. If you care, please wear!” ~ Jane W, Scarborough

“Outstanding quality comfort and fit. These are as good if not better than pictured on the web. Worth the wait and cost. I would buy again. Have recommended you already. Five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating!” ~Janet, Rockport

“Got ‘em!!! Arrived today and they are impressive.” ~ Bob B, Maine

“Thank you so much for the quality masks. The fit is great. Good work!” ~Lynn B, Maine

“Really quite nice and much needed!” ~Kathy H, Maine

“That’s nice, dear.” ~Ma


Where is Road?

Back Cove, Maine, working on:
– making masks
– portfolio & prints
– prep for painting desert art mural
– improving storage functionality in van
– helping folks haul and deliver items
– South of I-10, Another America
– Roaddude Food Cookbook
– website improvements
– my tan

I hear it’s summer. Is that true?

Help Roaddude Tell More Stories & Write More Blog Posts About Adventuring


Roaddude.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to sites like Amazon.com and Adorama Photo.

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