The Savage Journey of True Adventure

My friends, in this twisted journey of life, there are two kinds of travelers - those who cling to the safety of a path drawn out for them and those who dare to be the architects of their own destiny. I stand firmly with the latter, for it is the wild-hearted, the audacious souls who chart their own routes that truly taste the sweet nectar of adventure.

Let me tell you something, and listen closely. Following a recorded route is like navigating through a maze of mundane predictability. It's like watching a rerun of a forgettable sitcom while the world burns outside your window. Where's the thrill in that? The true adrenaline rush, the savage intoxication of living, lies in the unknown, the unpredictable, the unplanned and discovery.

Picture this: you're out there, armed to the teeth with the spirit of adventure, ready to tame the wilderness. And what are you following? A damn GPS breadcrumb trail, like some kind of mindless drone marching to the beat of somebody else's drum. It's an insult to the very essence of exploration, my fellow travelers.

Nature doesn't give a crap about your data; it dances to its rhythm, unpredictable and wild. Trees fall, rivers shift, roads crumble and then this trail you've been on for seven hours leads you straight into a dead-end like a lost soul in the desert.

But imagine being on a dusty two-track, pine scents wafting into your truck like clouds of smoke at a Grateful Dead concert, a crumpled map slipping off the passenger seat. Your heart pounding like a war drum, knowing that every turn, every bend, is a leap into the abyss of uncertainty. That, my friends, is the savage journey of true adventure.

There's something liberating about diving headfirst into the wilderness of your own creation. It's a dance with chaos, a flirtation with madness, but it's also where the most profound discoveries lie hidden. The freedom to make your choices, to embrace the untamed spirit within you, that's what sets the adventurous apart from the mundane.

But oh, the allure of safety, of convenience. They want you to follow the herd, marching in line like docile cattle to the slaughterhouse of mediocrity. "Don't think, just follow the route," they whisper, hoping to quell the rebellious spirit within you. But we are not sheep, my friends. We are the wolves, the renegades of the off-road, and we live for the uncharted territory.

Let me tell you something: the best stories, the wildest tales, they come from the unplanned detours, the moments of glorious madness when you break free from the shackles of conformity. It's in those moments that you find yourself, that you discover the raw essence of life, of adventure. But beware, for with this freedom comes responsibility. You must navigate the uncharted waters of your soul, confront your fears, and stare down the demons of doubt. It's not for the faint-hearted or the timid; it's for the fearless, the seekers of truth, and those who yearn to taste life in its purest, most unfiltered form.

So let's raise our glasses to the renegades. As you set forth on this twisted odyssey, remember this: spoon-fed adventure and recorded routes may offer convenience, but it's the unpredictable, the offbeat, the self-made paths that lead to the heart of adventure.

Let's laugh in the face of pre-packaged adventures and seek the intoxicating rush of the unknown. Because, my friends, life is too damn short to follow someone else's road map. Embrace the chaos, ride the winds of madness, and let the thrill of the untamed wilderness be your guide. Take the reins, embrace the madness, and ride the waves of chaos with a grin on your face.

In the immortal words of Hunter S. Thompson himself, "Buy the ticket, take the ride." But let it be a ride of your own making, for therein lies the savage beauty of true adventure.

Fear and Loathing in the Unknown,

The Ghost of H.S.T., channelled through human and machine, fueled by one too many drinks

Discover Your Own Adventure: Why Charting Your Own Path Is Worth It

Overland adventures are an exhilarating experience that can lead you to breathtaking destinations and unforgettable memories As tempting as it is to ask "who's got a good route to " or "can I get a gpx file for " seeking your own path can enhance your adventure in several meaningful ways.

New Discoveries: By venturing off the beaten path and finding your own route or destination, you'll uncover hidden gems and unexplored terrain It's an opportunity to connect with nature away from the crowds

Real-Time Information: Recorded routes are static, capturing information on the day they were made. Nature, however, is ever-changing, and roads can be subject to closures due to seasonal conditions, logging activities, or washouts By doing the research and navigating on your own, you can stay informed about current conditions

Respect for Regulations: The original data of a shared route may not be communicated with the file, you could mistakenly followed an ATV trail, seasonally closed road or a path not suitable for full-sized vehicles By finding your own route, you can research the rules and regulations, and respect land-use restrictions

Personalized Adventure: Everyone's idea of adventure is different, and what may excite one person might not appeal to another. By exploring on your own, you can tailor the journey to your preferences, seeking viewpoints, activities, and points of interest that really speak to you Freedom of Exploration: Relying on a recorded route might offer convenience, but it can also limit your freedom to roam and explore. Adapt your adventure based on your interests, time, and the unexpected discoveries you come across along the way

Escape from Routine: Part of the allure of off-road exploration is breaking away from routine and embracing uncertainty Charting your course injects an element of surprise and excitement, making every trip a unique experience all your own.

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Community and Learning: Engaging in route-finding fosters a sense of community among fellow adventurers Sharing insights and experiences with others can inspire them to explore and discover new things

While following a popular trail might be enticing due to its familiarity, embracing the spirit of adventure means finding your way and creating your path The thrill of exploration, the freedom to discover new wonders, and the deeper connection with nature are rewards worth the effort So, set forth on your journey with an adventurous spirit, and may your trails be filled with awe-inspiring encounters and memories that last a lifetime. You will learn new skills and experience that can only help as you grow as an adventurer What's the worst that could happen?

Safe travels and happy exploring!

Ten Ways For Your Pet To Thrive In The Outdoors

”One way to get the most out of life, is to look upon it as an adventure” – William Feather

To be able to confidently bring your furry pals on a road trip or camping adventure is one of the simple joys of life. Except it may not be so simple. Christina Goodwin and her husband have been traveling with their dog, Chibbs, and she has some advice for making things easier on you and your good doggo.

Remain as consistent as possible to your home schedule for feeding, meds and bedtime.

Create a safe space for your canine to retreat when traveling with groups. We use a ChuckIt! travel pillow bed set up in our awning room.

Night time safety with your dog is paramount. Use light up collars or leads to keep track of your pet after dark

Co-sleep with your canine or have them stowed in a vehicle at night to keep them safe from foraging wildlife and rapid changing weather conditions

When spending time in a campground use a permanent marker to write your site number on a blank dog tag and attach it to your pet’s collar.

Do your research before you leave. Understand regulations and accessibility of where your canine can and cannot go. This will help avoid on the fly decisions that might leave your pet in a warm or cold car waiting for your return.

Understand symptoms and treatment for canine hypothermia and heat stroke.

Keep a stocked and up to date K-9 first aid kit in your rig or on your animal and know how to use it. We use MyMedic and Adventure Medical kits along with the Canine Field Medicine guide.

Follow Christina, Nate & Chibbs on Instagram

@GoGoGoodwins