ROADDUDE

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

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You are here: Home / Archives for travel

Adventure Rig: Coming Into Its Own . . .

by Road

I’ve had this adventure rig for two and a half years now. I’ve hauled it around America more than 600 nights and over 35,000 miles.

Self-sufficnet off-road trailer/adventure rig with rooftop tent set up in the Chihuahuan Desert
Moonrise Over Mexico – Chihuahuan Desert

This rig lets me wander and explore far more than not. I use it for extended basecamps and quick overnights in all kinds of weather and environments.

It is my primary living space, put together from components chosen after extensive research. I crawled over, under, and around as many camping and off-road trailers as I could. I checked out every style of awning and water tank and solar power system and roof top tent that exists. Those components I could not visit in person, I read and researched as much as I could. Company background, construction techniques, features and options, and end user reviews.

In the two and a half years since I put this rig together, I’ve tested all components and pushed them to their limits. I’ve damaged and broken shit and repaired it in the field.

Underneath it all is the rugged and dependable XVentureTrailers XV-2. Born of military heritage, this more-than-capable trailer is the foundation that makes this adventure rig possible.

No, not sponsored or affiliated. I just like the product.

For more several more images of my XV-2 expedition trailer in use, see my Bundutec 360 Awning review.

For details on other gear I like and use:

  • Spare Tire Bag for Garbage & Recycling (formerly GARB)
  • Storage Cases and Cargo Boxes
  • Bundutec Awning
  • Sondors X e-Bike

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#xventurefamily #goxventure #xventurelife #rooftoptentliving #rtt #rooftoptent #adventurerig #overlandtravel #offroadtrailer #offgridhome #offroadcamper #mylifeoutside #campinglifestyle #getoutdoorsmore #overlandlife #livingsmall #bugout #bugoutvehicle #exploremoreoutdoors #gonecamping #onsomeadventure #nomadict #nightphotography_exclusive #nightskypainting #lightpaintingphotography #lifeadventure #hittheroad #night_owlz #night_shooterz #nightscaper

Filed Under: adventure, camping, desert, gear, offgrid, photography, rooftop tent, travel Tagged With: adventure, big bend, chihuahuan desert, desert life, mexico, nomd life, off-grid, off-road, photography, xventure trailers, xventurefamily

DARK SKY BONANZA

by Road

Under the dark sky bonanza of the borderlands you will see more stars and constellations than you ever thought possible.

Dark sky bonanaza: Billions of stars over the border
Dark Sky Bonanza Along the River Road, US-Mexican Border, West Texas

Even nights before the Milky Way appears, when moonlight shines bright, or not long after sunset as in this image, you will see so many stars you may have a hard time picking out familiar patterns.

Do you see Orion in the night sky above?

In my Night Sky Photography Workshops participants learn constellations and marker stars and planets, time indicators for the Milky Way, full range of camera settings, how to scout night sky locations, which apps I find helpful, software/developing/print techniques, and more. I enjoy customizing my workshops to participant’s needs.

I still have slots open for the Big Bend area Gila/Organ Mountains areas and can accommodate most schedules from March through May. Solo and small groups encouraged.

I’m available for custom Night Sky Photography Workshops anywhere in west Texas and southern New Mexico.

What past workshop participants have said:

“Today was one of the best experiences I have had since I took up photography. Your knowledge and experience shows in your teaching. I learned more about photography in the first 30 minutes talking to you than I have from reading books or watching a video…” – Phil H.

“Road does a great job facilitating — giving guidance and options to consider without restricting creativity.” ~ Earl S

“You catered to what I wanted/needed to practice. What a gem of a teacher!” ~ Beth R

“Road explains setups carefully and doesn’t give just one scenario. He proposes several alternatives.” ~ Sophia Z

“Road is not only very personable he is very knowledgeable, too. The icing on the cake is that he listens and worked out my ideas using his experience. I had a great time!” ~ Ke F

If interested in learning astrophotography and more about the night sky under the darkest skies in the lower 48, send me a note.

#farwesttexas #astrophotography #starshooter #milkywayphotography #milkywaychasers #nikond850 #nikonphotographer #travelphotography #travelingphotographer #nightskyphotography #bigbend #visitbigbend #transpecos #visitmarathontexas #visitmarfa #terlingua #westtexas #borderlands #offgridliving #desertlife #vivaterlingua #ghosttown #photographyworkshops #nightphotos #longexpoelite #painterly #artphotos #longexposurephotography #celestial #thedesertiscalling

Filed Under: Art, Night sky, offgrid, photography, travel Tagged With: art photography, astrophotograhy, big bend, borderlands, desert life, far west texas, night sky, photography workshop, star shooter, terlingua

Wanderin’ South of I-10

by Road

Wanderin’ South of I-10 from Jacksonville to Los Angeles, that part of the country below Interstate 10, is to be in Another America.

Nowhere is that feeling of being in Another America more evident than when south of I-10 in southern Louisiana. One of the last truly regional areas in the United States, south of I-10 in Louisiana is Cajun Country.

Looking West From the Atchafalaya Spillway over Lake Fausse, south of I-10 in Louisiana
Looking West From the Atchafalaya Spillway Near Sunset

Written with a fountain soda in mind, the grooves of the song Green River always come to mind when wanderin’ south of I-10 in Louisiana.

Well, take me back down where cool water flow, yeh 
Let me remember things I love 
Stoppin' at the log where catfish bite, 
Walkin' along the river road at night, 
Barefoot girls dancin' in the moonlight. 

I can hear the bull frog callin’ me 
Wonder if my rope’s still hanging’ to the tree 
Love to kick my feet way down the shallow water, 
Shoe fly, dragon fly, get back to your mother 
Pick up a flat rock, skip it across Green River

~ John Fogarty, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Green River

Van and off-road trailer on a gravel road atop the Atchafalaya Basin Levee Spillway, south of I-10 in Louisiana.
Gravel Travel, Southern Louisiana style, atop a levee near the Atchafalaya Basin

Cajun Country is one of the last places in America to retain as much of its culture and personality as it has. It’s obvious the moment you get south of the Interstate and away from the cities. Get back into the bayous where there are no big box stores and no fast food, and you’ll see what I mean. There’s plenty of original food, music, mixed patois, and warm hospitality.

Explore Cajun Country

Wind your way down two lane roads through the rice fields between small crossroads towns. Walk into Landry’s Meat & Grocery in Catahoula and get ya some warm Boudin. When I was there I was the only customer in the store not wearing white rubber boots. Head over to Kaplan and ask around where Suire’s Grocery & Restaurant is. Get a couple of plate lunches just for yourself. That way you can taste a wide variety of the best and most authentic Cajun Country food you’ve ever had. “If you want country cooking, come to the country” they say at Suire’s. I recommend the Turtle Piquant, though you won’t go wrong ordering anything there.

Gravel road atop the Atchaflaya Levee Spillway at sunset, south of I-10 in Louisiana.
Looking back down the levee at sunset

Go down through the cane fields and find Bonamis Grocery and get a coke and more warm Boudin. Listen to the local duck hunters talk about da poodoos and how someone used it in gumbo. It’s just an old corner store that sells beer, firewood and white rubber boots. A whole shelf of white rubber boots. Delcambre Reeboks, one Cajun friend explained.

South of I-10 in Lousiana is the best place to slow down, relish your environment, and explore to your heart’s content. I could write pages more about Cajun Country, and hope to soon. I have a mess of images and some video to explain.

NOTES:

The images in this post were done one late afternoon on the Atchafalaya Basin Spillway Levee. It is a long, high, levee in southern Louisiana that runs up from Charenton near the Attakapas Island WMA.

An interesting article with a great 1969 video of CCR performing Green River can be found at Creedence Clearwater Revival’s ‘Green River’ at 50 – Our Essential Guide to Early CCR.

Sign up for the Roaddude Newsletter to be notified of new pieces on the food, music, and culture of Cajun Country.

 

#atchafalayabasin #bayoucountry #cajuncountry #ccr #greenriver #actuallyincalitho #ha #runningthelevee #louisianasunset #sunsetonthebayou #igerslouisiana #southofi10 #takemebackdown #coolwater #graveltravel #creedenceclearwaterrevival #backroads #southernlouisiana #cajun #swamplife #adventurerig #offroadtrailer #lifeontheroad #homeonwheels #wanderingphotographers #wanderingsoul #travelphotographer #travellife #nomadiclife #nomadlifestyle

Filed Under: music, offgrid, photography, travel, vanlife Tagged With: atchafalaya, atchalafaya basin, bayou, boudin, cajun country, charenton, delcambre, kaplan, lake fausse pointe, levee, louisiana, south of I-10, spillway, swamp, travel photography

LONGER THAN A MEMORY

by Road

Icy road east of Boise City Okalahoma
US 412 East, Boise City, Oklahoma
There's a road, in Oklahoma 
Straighter than a preacher
Longer than a memory
And it goes, forever onward
Been a good teacher
For a lot of country boys like me

~ Steve Earle, Nowhere Road

I need to dig into my files to see when I made this image. Fifteen or more years ago now, I’m sure. It was after a huge blizzard turned ice storm in the peculiar part of Oklahoma where the panhandle touches four other states.

I was running blind with two lady truckers as we wound our way down through darkness in Colorado, trying to get through on any road still open in the storm.

Chatter on the CB told us the interstate ahead was fouled with jack-knifed trailers and four-wheelers sliding into each other with cars scattered like matchsticks.

I found a way around and led our little convoy over to La Junta and Lamar and then south towards Oklahoma. We were the only ones out as the blizzard howled on.

‘Driving by Braille!” one called out on the radio. That’s when you can’t see the road or where the lanes are, so depend on rumble strips to let you know you’re at the edge.

We hit the two lane, roaring through intersections in the dark, our headlights the only competition to the one or two streetlights in small towns covered in snow. I asked one of the lady drivers to get her truck out front and run lead. The snow was getting too deep for my van to plow through so I brought up the rear.

She couldn’t see on one windy turn and tapped her brakes, red brake lights magnified by falling flakes. The gal behind her, in front of me, slammed on hers to the sudden light, her trailer sliding half sideways and back. I hit mine too, counter steering my fishtail just like I knew what I was doing, sliding within inches of kissing the ass of that trailer.

We made it down to the big Love’s truck stop the far edge of Boise City sometime after midnight and all huddled into a booth to warm up, amazed we’d made it through and happy to lay eyes on each other after only meeting on the radio.

I made this image the next morning as I headed out on US 412 east of Boise City, sun shining and road glistening.

That’s a fifty mile long sheet of rugged hard ice.

Longer than a memory, this image takes me right back there every time I see it.

 

#longerthanamemory #iceroad #oklahomawinter #lonenomad #nomadlife #iceroadtrucker #straighterthanapreacher #steveearle #nowhereroad #ladytrucker #adventureawaits #roadstories #goneoutdoors #landscapephotography #onsomeadventure #myoutdoorlife #letsgetlost #blackandwhiteart #blancetnoir #artphoto 

 

Filed Under: photography, travel, vanlife Tagged With: blizzard, boise city, ice storm, lady truckers, landscape photography, nowhere road, oklahoma, photography, steve earle, travel, vanlife

FAVORITE SPOTS

by Road

I have favorite spots around the country for making images.

I’ve scouted them for angle, lighting, night sky views, and overall vibe. Sometimes I look a long time before finding one that feels right.

A recent favorite spot, though, wasn’t scouted, chosen, or contemplated. It was just there, at the edge of camp. All I need do is turn my head.

Two favorite images were made right in this little slip between cattails.

One last year of my @hornbeckboats 14’ Nomad, Viking-like in stillness…

and one this year of a Great Blue Heron that came to visit at breakfast, wary but patient in posing.

Now I have the image at the top of this post, made right at the edge of camp, as a third favorite from this spot on the shore, to remind me that spots full of promise and beauty can be anywhere.

All you have to do is turn your head.

Where are your favorite spots, whether for making images or just being?

————————————
#favoritespot #myfavoritespot #naturephotography #wildlifephotographer #naturephotograph #newenglandautumn #writerphotographer #perfectspot #exploretocreate #goneoutdoors #mylifemyway #mylifeoutdoors #nomadphotographynetwork #passionproject #getoutandexplore #canoelife #birdphoto #greatblueheron #lightestboatsinthewoods #overlandadventure #photoop #photoopportunity #justlook #turnaround #magick #truemagic #photographylessons #photoworkshop #workshopleader

Filed Under: camping, photography, travel Tagged With: favorite spots, great blue heron, hornbeck boats, landscape photography, nature photography, nomad canoe, photography

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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.

Recent Posts

  • It’s Mask Time In America
  • Adventure Rig: Coming Into Its Own . . .
  • Morning Breakfast Muffins
  • DARK SKY BONANZA
  • RED CURRY LENTILS w/ SWEET POTATOES & SPINACH

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