Boondocking. A personal opinion.
Some folks may wonder how I always found a place to stay in my 10 years of long-term boondocking. I was wondering that myself, so I thought about it, and here's what I've come up with.
1... When I move to a new location, I always arrive before lunch. The later you get to a place that has boondocking, the less chance you will find something available. So, I always tried to arrive after the current boondocker’s have left, and before tonight’s boondocker’s have arrived
2... Always have a backup plan. If plan "A" doesn't work, make sure you have a plan "B" or a plan "C". Don't drive 40 miles down a washboard dirt road to find out your only plan didn't work. Stay away from boondocking areas where there is no plan "B"
3.... On special days, like holidays, make sure you arrive at your boondocking spot days ahead of time. Boondocking spots fill up the day before a holiday, so ensure you're there at least two or three days before the holiday.
4.... Learn places you can go where there's always boondocking available no matter what. Places like Quartzsite, Arizona, Arizona trust lands, and the area around Ajo, Arizona, have so much boondocking available that filling them up is almost impossible.
5... Experience. The more you boondock, the more you will learn about how to boondock comfortably and where to boondock, because you will be talking to actual boondockers while your boondocking, and who knows more about boondocking than the folks actually living that lifestyle?
6… Stay in the West if possible. The West is the best when it comes to boondocking. There are more public lands than any other part of the country, and therefore, more opportunities.
7... And most important, don't be picky. If you're finicky and everything needs to be just right, you may be better off in an RV park. But if you enjoy Mother Nature and all the things she can throw at you at certain times of the year, and you can find some good in every place you stay, even if it's a Walmart parking lot. You can accept a few challenges as part of life, And if you have truly learned that happiness is a state of mind and not a location, then boondocking is a great way to live.
And as a final word, why does anyone in their right mind want to boondock when you can stay in the home-like comfort of an RV Park? Well, if you're ever unfortunate enough to be thrown in jail, what do they actually do to you? Basically, they take away your freedom to come and go. The freedom to come and go as you please is the most basic of freedoms... Boondocking gives you that freedom.
Theboondork
It always hurts me a little to see a Sandhill crane flying alone. They mate for life, so a lone Crane usually means something has devastated their life.
They usually fly in groups, Sandhill Crane’s don’t like to be alone…. There’s safety in numbers.
A few years ago, an old farmer's shed like this one, except it was probably 100 years old and made of wood, fell down in a windstorm. It was known as the owl house since Barn Owls lived in it. Folks missed the owls, so this modern shed made of metal is waiting for the owls to return.
This mornings sunrise. Time 7 AM, no wind, 34°…. Bundled up in the morning, T-shirt before lunch.
Sandhill cranes heading for McDonald’s for a Sausage and Egg McMuffin.