Aired Down NorthWest - Summer 2023

One year of Aired Down NorthWest and I’ve learned so much! I love collecting and sharing stories about all the cool things you do. I love seeing the creativity in your writing and photography. I enjoy putting it all together in to this digital magazine platform so we can flip through it. Even though I love all these things, I’ve decided to discontinue Aired Down NorthWest in its current format. I’m so grateful to everyone that has written amazing articles and shared their beautiful pictures with me. I’m not sure what’s next but I can say for certain it’s been a pleasure getting to know all of you!

Thanksforreading! RebeccaZ.

What’s Inside

Unveiling the Beauty of Wyoming Jade As Above So Below

Experience Overland Expo PNW

Photo Gallery from North West Overland Rally

Wellness in the Woods

The Evolution of an Overland Rig

Women’s Fireside Chat

Unveiling the Beauty of Wyoming Jade

By James Goss @james_wyover_goss or wy_overland on FB

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Jeffrey City, Wyoming, the second annual Wyoming Jade Fest unfolded over three enchanting days from August 11th to 13th. This captivating event proved to be a celebration of art, history, nature's splendor, and the passing down of generations of knowledge, as attendees from all corners of the nation gathered to partake in the festivities.

A Gemstone Rooted in History Wyoming Jade, a gemstone as rich in history as it is in allure, holds deep significance for the region. Formed over millions of years through geological processes, this unique gemstone has been treasured by indigenous cultures long before it caught the eye of modern enthusiasts. The Wyoming Jade Fest pays homage to this storied past, honoring the gem's journey from hidden treasure to revered centerpiece of an event that brings people together.

Jeffery City: A Fitting Host The backdrop for this magnificent festival is none other than Jeffery City, a locale steeped in its own history. Once a bustling uranium mining town, Jeffery City has since transformed into a place of quiet beauty, nestled amidst some of Wyoming's most stunning landscapes. This transition imbues the Wyoming Jade Fest with a sense of continuity, as the event bridges the past and the present, mirroring the journey of the gemstone itself.

The Highlight: A Memorial Jade Hunt The highlight of the festival was undoubtedly the memorial Jade hunt held on the 13th, led by seasoned experts who generously shared their knowledge of this precious gemstone. The opportunity to engage in a genuine Jade hunt, guided by those who understand its nuances, lent an air of excitement and reverence to the event. As participants ventured into the breathtaking Wyoming wilderness, the hunt became a heartfelt homage to both the gem and the region that has nurtured it for eons.

Generations of Knowledge  What sets the Wyoming Jade Fest apart is the amalgamation of generations of knowledge. As attendees roamed the festival grounds, they not only marveled at the polished beauty of the gemstone but also engaged in conversations that transcended time. Veteran jade hunters shared tales of ancestral connections to Jade, weaving a tapestry of stories that highlighted the gem's significance across the ages. Vendors, too, offered insights honed through years of dedication to their craft, creating a vibrant exchange of wisdom and enthusiasm.

A Gathering of Enthusiasts Drawing visitors from across the country, the Wyoming Jade Fest proved to be an irresistible pull for those with a passion for all things Jade. The event served as a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, united by a shared admiration for the unique allure of this gemstone. From seasoned collectors to curious enthusiasts, the festival resonated with attendees on various levels, fostering connections and conversations that transcended geographical boundaries.

Vendors: Showcasing Jade's Splendor  Central to the fest's charm was the eclectic array of vendors who showcased their wares with pride. The offerings ranged from raw, uncut Jade specimens to exquisitely carved jewelry pieces that showcased the gemstone's versatility. Visitors were treated to an immersive experience, immersing themselves in the vibrant world of Jade craftsmanship and history. The festival's vibrant atmosphere encouraged interactions between vendors and visitors, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in transforming rough Jade into stunning works of art.

A Tapestry of Memories As the sun set on the final day of the Wyoming Jade Fest, the memories forged during those three days remained etched in the minds of all who attended. The event's success lay not only in its ability to draw individuals with a shared passion but also in its capacity to bridge gaps between different facets of the Jade community. The fest seamlessly blended education, appreciation, and commerce, creating an unforgettable experience that will linger in the hearts of attendees until the next Jade Fest graces Jeffery City once again.

In a world where connections are often digital, the Wyoming Jade Fest provided a refreshing opportunity for enthusiasts to come together, united by their adoration for Wyoming Jade. As the festival concluded, it left behind a trail of memories, conversations, and newfound friendships, solidifying its place as a must-attend event for all those who cherish the enchanting allure of Jade.

As Above So Below

By Chris B. @goddess_atargatis_apothecary

Meet Deep Blue Portal: My 2010 Jeep Wrangler 4-door JK of the past 3 years. Coincidently coinciding with the apocalypse and my wishful thinking of an invasion of zombie mermaids, it was the perfect distraction to lockdown. Sometimes a Jeep or any off-road vehicle is all one needs to escape the human world for a while instead of a scaly tail or underwater depths.

Here in western Montana is a special place to see running north and south (46.4166° N, 114.1501°W) along a 60-mile stretch of HWY 93. The spines of jagged mountain tops are separated about every ten miles by rocky canyons, cold rivers and birds of prey but void of any thru motorized roads. Pushing deep west through this forest into Idaho is a pure wilderness area filled with rolling ranges, lakes, cascading waterfalls, tall old growth evergreens, hot springs, and many protected species.

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The Selway Bitterroot Mountain range, on some occasions with its cloud inversions can resemble the ocean. Sitting here in Deep Blue on the rocky ledge of Bear Creek Overlook I have this memory of driving along the foothills in California viewing the Pacific one foggy day decades ago. I vividly remember the waves of grey clouds rolling up to the edge and disappearing overhead. I could feel the cool moisture in the air and staring into the abyss.

Then I was driving. Here I am still. And sometimes I can smell the Pacific from here on these wet days.

The Bitterroot Valley I call home sits south of Missoula Montana and north of Salmon Idaho. Bear Creek trail system is marked on HWY 93, a turn on Middle Bear Creek Road takes you there before splitting and winding to the lower canyon hiking trailhead or up switchbacks to the top. If you blink, you will miss the tiny turn to drive to the quick overlook ¾ of the way up. Living up to its name, the top of the mountain hiking trail overlooking a wider view of the one I gaze through here, is where I first encountered a wild black bear. One early winter day I hiked up to film a survival video showing how to start a fire in the snow. After wrapping up and heading down I noticed her paw tracks over mine and off in the direction I needed to go I heard a growl clicking noise. Without hesitation I slowly backed away not needing to deploy spray and instead went straight down the mountain.

But I remember the first time seeing this scenery unobstructed and meeting someone who had their breath similarly taken away call it the sanctuary. Little did he know I had once called it that too.

Get lost in Montana, as the saying goes, because different paths can lead to the same grand view.

Rigs and Dogs of the NorthWest Overland Rally

Photo Gallery by Larry Peterson

The Evolution of an Overland Rig

By Rebecca Zemla @camp.offroad.likeagirl

September 2019 marked the beginning of my journey. I was in my camping era and needed more space. It was time to trade in my adorable, and very capable, Jeep Renegade for a Gladiator, lovingly named George. Hubby managed the service department at a Jeep dealership so things escalated quickly. Within weeks my stock Sport got a 2.5” Mopar lift and 35” tires.

One of many reasons to marry a “car guy”.

Early 2020 saw LED headlights, A-pillar offroad lights and, in what was a big move at the time, the addition of a Softopper canvas shell. The tent extension and an air mattress made my ground tent obsolete. This setup served me well in the deserts and mountains of Southern California where “cold” meant putting on a hoodie and Ugg boots.

Then came a major life change. We moved to Boise Idaho just in time for winter. Soon after I was lucky enough to meet Rose of @wylderaven. Our first trip was in late April. I thought I was prepared. But sleeping in what is basically a tin can covered in canvas in below 20 degrees is not ok. I was not ok. I tried again a month later but woke up at 3am shivering, crying and questioning all of my life choices.

Just because there’s no snow does not mean it’s warm.

I decided not to give up hope and just give up money instead. This is when I met Ed Datin of Datin Fabrication and installed a full rack over the shell. The iKamper Mini 2.0 arrived in time to attend my first Overland Expo in August. My big brother drove his new (aka stock) Gladiator from Wisconsin to meet up in Loveland CO where the ultimate in sibling rivalry began. Read his articles in Northology Adventure Magazine to see where that led.

I overlanded happily through the winter without once freezing in my sleep. I did however notice those stock bumpers. Nothing on the market was speaking to me. So instead I commissioned Precision Motorworks to design and fab custom bumpers. My big ask was to use the front bumper as a table for my tea and the back bumper needed steps in the corners.

Mission accomplished! That back bumper gets me the most compliments and questions than anything else on my Jeep.

In a moment of emotional (opposite of logical) financial decision making, I ordered the iKamper Mini 3.0. Mostly because it was gray instead of brown. Talus Expedition Gear installed the tent, a 15 gallon water tank and power in the bed to charge a cheap fridge. Note: cheap fridge was against the better judgement of the guys at Talus. All of this was just in time to attend Overland Expo West where I would once again meet up with my brother. This time he had made some mods of his own and built a pretty cool adventure trailer. Don’t worry. I’m still winning.

Rose lead the way for another 5 months to beautiful places like Magruder Corridor, Alvord Desert, Steens Mountain, and Jordan Crater. Then in October of 2022 I got the news that my company was going back to an actual office.

Our fancy new building in Downtown Boise includes parking in the shortest parking garage of all time with a whopping 7’2” vertical clearance. My rig with rack and tent came in at 7’8”. We installed a winch in the ceiling of the garage thinking it would be so easy to pop the tent on and off for a weekend of camping. This was not easy. At all. And I missed out on a lot of camping because the thought of putting the tent back on was just too much.

March of 2023 brought the difficult decision to part with the Softopper and full height rack that had served me so well. A Datin half rack was quickly installed (thank you Ed and Patty!) and the iKamper now sits even with the cab. My MPG improved a little and I can easily slip into the parking structure at work. I don’t get dizzy climbing up to bed after too much bourbon around the campfire which is also a big win.

What’s next for George the Gladiator, now on his 4-year gotcha day? Investing in a decent fridge that does not eat power for breakfast. Replacing the defunct solar panel on the hood with a cute wrap that will double as a glare blocker. Maybe a drawer system in the bed. It’s never done and I love that about overlanding. Almost as much as I love the places it takes me and the people I meet along the way.

BC to OXPNW via WABDR

By Rachel @scaia_offroad

Like a convoy of Transformers, our crew of four geared up rigs [composed of four drivers and two passengers] rolled out onto the sun blanketed Okanagan, British Columbia blacktop, in search of a ‘happy tank’. refuel.

Now it may seem obscure that a crew of Canadians are hitting the road and headed to the Americas on July 1st [Canada Day], but it was for good reason; the attainment of a previously cancelled road trip through the Washington Backroad Discovery Route (WABDR) with the end destination, the Pacific Northwest (PNW) Overland Expo in Redmond, Oregon.

This time around, the meticulously laid travel plan was to navigate approximately 400 miles strictly off-road, with a stop over at the PNW Overland Expo and to circle home; all within 10 days.

Day 1 on the road had us travelling into the early evening and climbing a limiting alpine ledge road in search of camp, which proved to be a feast for the eyes. At about 6100ft in elevation, our camp on Fox Peak had 360 degree endlessly crystalline views. The energy of our crew remained high as we set up our rigs for our first camp site of the trip and it was evident that this crew was now linked in a way that only the great outdoors can articulate. As the air cooled, the bluebird skies switchbacked to an awe inspiring alpine sunset and the crew settled into making our first communal meal together before kicking back and warming ourselves by the fire and through one another’s jovial laughter.

Day 2 had the crew headed to Section 4 of the WABDR; shelf roads, flowing low laying sections, with a perfectly perched fire tower lookout as our end of day reward. Realizing our first camp spot of the trip might be spoiling to any others that we may come across in future, we kept our hopes realistic and didn’t assume that we’d be floored by another perfectly poised 360 degree viewed camp site. Needless to say, catching golden hour at a fire lookout amidst a warming breeze, definitely held its own in our books. As we took in our surrounds, dusk slowly blanketed the rolling hillsides along with the vibrant velvety greenery of the valley floor.

By days 3-5 on the road, the crew had fell into a ritualistic and effortless groove; on the road by 08:00 with camp set up [most times] by 18:00. Section 3 of the WABDR brought us to a section nicknamed ‘Beehive Road’, a lay of the land that boasts spectacular vistas and a technical off-roading aspect which had the crew pleasingly transversing over sections of rocky off-camber terrain.

The last off-road leg of the trip was littered with ceaseless cobbled rough backroads en route to Bethel Ridge, where the crew was warmly greeted by its infamous sight-lines, despite the combatant of mosquitoes. After unanimously indulging in our crisply grilled Philly cheesesteak sandwiches amidst the onslaught of valley views, it was time to bid one another goodnight. The following morning was a swift jaunt to Cottonwoods Campground for a mutually agreeable reprieve from our dusty days on the trail. With daily temperatures pushing 104°F (+40°C), it was hard not to delve into the history of the area and what it must have been like to endure the fates of the land in earlier times. Before a classic camping dinner of grilled smokies and buttered peaches and cream corn on the cob, the crew leapt into the warm waters of the seasonally shallowed creek-bed and free floated with the current, docking onto the dark, rocky volcanic stoned shore. The crew’s ‘happy tank’ continued to fill.

Prior to rolling into the PNW Overland Expo, it was apparently obvious that the crew needed to wash down and polish up the rigs, turning the car wash [in my humble opinion] into one major head turner of a parking lot. After using the misted spray of the car wash to chill the crew from the heat, the next stop was the grocery store, then to commence back into our now habitual formation of rigs for entry into the PNW Overland Expo. After a quick check in at the gates to collect our passes for the event, we boarded our convoy of rigs onto the cushioned, grassy landscape to 'circle the wagons' for a campsite with optimal space. In turn, we awarded ourselves with peripheral views of [likely 600] geared up rigs, each one fully customized and different from the one next to it. It’s easy to see how this event is a nirvana to those with the shared passion of the great outdoors.

On Expo day, our crew cascaded into the entry of the grounds and stockpiled from one booth to the next. Though our crew all have different rigs at different stages of build, there were many sights to enthral each and every one of our senses. From free custom gear repair to sponsored giveaways to trail cleanups to instructional sessions, there’s quite literally a never ending menu of options to occupy one’s time and just when you think you’ve seen it all, on the horizon tucked within the lanes of exhibitors, there’s a rig with 6 wheels, all on 40” tires. Hello MAXXIMUS the Gladiator.

While these words land on the page, I’m riding passenger side in our rig while our crew chatters over the radio and meanders through the land of the volcanoes en route back to the comfort of home.

The vast scale of the gleaming amber grain fields, prehistoric peripherals, limitless peaks and lone pockets of sagebrush peppered amongst distant brittle barns has me thinking of the unsolicited stories of the overlanders who originally molded this space to call it home. While looking onto the rolling sea of wind farms, I envy their consistently monotone rhythm as it mimics the relaxation I’ve adopted from my days on this trip.

As I end my thoughts and get lost within the sprawling views that evoke our convoy, I feel it’s overly safe to say that our crew’s ‘happy tanks’ are filled beyond their brim.

Overlanding is what you choose it to be; it’s the expansiveness and grounding of nature, the warmth of community and the enjoyment of processing memories that leave a stamp on your way of life.

Keep your moments slow, allow your gear to reflect your passions and let your photos weave your stories for years to come. Build your style of overlanding, in your own way, in your time, while boasting your individualistic style so that you may create your personalized badges of honour.

An endless amount of thanks and appreciation for our WABDR crew. Instagram: @scaia_offroad, @okanaganoverlanding, @bbo974r, @squatchoverland

Wellness in the Woods

TheFinal InstallmentofAThreePartSeriesByChrisB.

The sun was setting quickly so I hurried back to the camp spot to unpack but, to my surprise this time, I noticed more than the stacking stones. On a little side path back to the Jeep someone recently placed a wizard dressed gnome doll and a stuffed glittery unicorn up in the trees. One would miss them if not having wandering eyes like mine repeatedly in awe of the forest beauty. I say recently placed by how clean they were. This really made me feel like part of some fairytale story where I instinctively found myself in a place of a hidden world. Branding myself a “mermaid in the mountains,” I could not have asked for a better place to rest. And I felt great, physically, finding peace in this place for the night.

I started the fire with ease gathering items I had packed to make a simple elderberry syrup before sundown. The list consisted of elderberries of course, a handheld small strainer, half a jar of honey from home, a spoon, a pot, a bottle of spring water, and a coffee filter. Cheesecloth would work the same. It took longer to boil the berries over the open flame than from an online stovetop recipe. I was racing the sun but had no worries carrying on into the night. When the cooked berries reduced to a thick liquid, I removed them from the flame and poured them onto the coffee filter which I placed perfectly in the strainer.

Taking the spoon, I mashed the berries, scooping and rolling them over until the very last drop dripped into my camping cup below. I did not want to drain them directly into the jar of honey in case the heat would crack the jar. So, I instead had my camping cup half filled with honey before adding the berry sauce. Then after a moment of mixing and cooling the sweet syrup in the cup I added it to the honey jar. This resulted in a beautiful clear purple goo that turned tasty. With my camping kettle simmering at the same time already filled with the hodgepodge of medicinal weeds and gathered pine needles, I immediately made myself a cup of tea topping it off with a couple of spoonfuls of this “in the wild, wellness syrup.”

Listening to the trees sway and river sing I laid my head to rest smiling for having such a wonderful, almost unbelievable time in the woods. But that is how my life goes and without sharing this story there would be no witness.

The next morning, I made a gourmet breakfast over a juniper log fire. Apples, sage, thyme, scrambled eggs in a cast iron skillet with a little brie cheese topping off the omelet with more of the purple jam. It was divine.

After a quick yoga stretch for the stiff drive home, I packed up camp leaving no trace, no trash because without good dirt I do not get nutritional medicine.

The western fire sky smoke had reached me overnight, yet I took off the front sections of the Jeep top anyways to feel the full experience of finishing my adventure.

Recently I purchased this Rugged Ridge Full-Length Eclipse Sunshade from Extreme Terrain and for the price it has really worked out well. Some hidden rewards of having it stretched over the top of the Jeep during times like this driving down dusty back roads besides keeping the sun from directly hitting is it also keeps rocks from flying in. Funny thing, not only rocks but as I was exploring a tight corner under a giant pine when a green caterpillar and a few pinecones fell on top of the shade before bouncing off. That is when I realized it doubled as keeping these types of things out and probably good at deflecting bird droppings.

I once was caught in a wicked hailstorm outside of Helena Montana and the sunshade additionally helped keep me safe from falling ice balls.

I shop Extreme terrain often because most items have positive reviews, and the price is fitting. The only drawback to this sunshade I found out right away is not to grab it by the hooks when connecting it to the front of the Jeep. The hook came off one end of the bungee cord and unless I thread it back through it has become unusable. Not too big of a deal as it works fine without it. There are two other bungee cords connecting the right and middle sections of the shade plus Velcro straps, just now I am more careful how I grab the ends and pull them. What I love best about this netting is no need to disconnect it when putting the Jeep’s hard top on either. It is both stylish and protective plus there are plenty of how-to videos online to fit it to your Jeep.

One an important note before embarking on any mystical experience of medicine gathering in the woods, make sure to familiarize yourself with poisonous lookalikes and check your local forest station for any personal use gathering permits including back country road use. Happy trails.

Follow Chris B’s adventures and photography

www.storytellerspace.com and @goddess_atargatis_apothecary

Women’s Fireside Chat

You can tell by my rig, featured in The Evolution of an Overland Rig, that overlanding as a woman does not mean everything has to be pink. It CAN be pink. Or purple. Or rainbows and unicorns if that’s what you’re in to. The very best part of building a rig for your adventures is that it’s yours. Other opinions do not have to matter. They are not the ones driving it or sleeping in/on/next to it. Ignore the posts full of man-splaining and their opinions about angry grills. Bask in the glory of whatever rig you’re driving full of whatever gear you own or borrow. Ask other women. There’s nothing we like more than talking about our adventures and the stuff we bought to go with. Take your time to decide what works for you, build it at your pace and in your budget. Buy something, try it, hate it, sell it, buy something else that now you know you’ll love because you know more about what you don’t. This is like kissing a lot of frogs before you find your prince. IYKYK.