On the road again…

Apr 23

Kira the Wanderdog

Ready to wander whenever we adventure. Celebrating the *Wanderlost Project.*
This little girl we acquired when she was 7 years old and from day one, she was part of our travel adventures.

It began on the 7th of March. The winter, as usual, has been long and cold. It always seems to last at least a month longer than wanted. So the opportunity finally arrived for us to head south.

This trip, for many reasons was just what we needed. Getting away from the grind of the winter, having too much work on the plate, demands of everyday life and wanting the existing job to be different. Also, it was time to get the truck built with its camper top so our travel adventures could begin in earnest.

The new camper top (AT Overland Atlas )installed and ready for travel. — The Toyota Tacoma

The third vehicle we’ve had for off road. This was the very beginning of adventures with this build.

Our camping adventures were put on hold for nearly 8 months. Adventuring into the wilderness last was in June of 2021. During this time we have been planning many trips while virtually and actually building the new truck.

Our previous vehicle was a Jeep that we had for our about a year. With those travels we decided it was just not for us. Although it did provide an enclosed camping experience there was just something else needed. What we discovered was the former Tacoma was a better fit with a different sleeping area and way to get out of the cold and rain.

So HERE WE ARE!!!! the new camper has arrived and our trip was ON…. With no camper actually installed, we loaded up the bed with all of our gear in boxes to head south. Being with family in South Carolina was our first stop. While there, Lew and our son-in-law Installed the camper top while we visited. The grandkids loved the camper and taking off to go with us on our camping adventure sounded fun, or so they said. But most likely, about 2 hours in, they would have been ready to retreat and go back home. 😁

The first night in our new camper was spent in the Sumpter National Forest in South Carolina. There was an arctic blast that moved through bringing wind and colder temperatures. Fortunately, the wind died down enough that popping the top wasn’t an issue, but sub 20 degrees F was pretty chilly. But being outside, cooking on the tail gate and enjoying the mountains, was priceless. Waking up to a sparkly, frosty inside was not a little surprising.

The sun rises over the mountains at campsite #2 at the Linville Gorge, NC — **Sunrise Morning 2**

The mountain sunrise rarely disappoints. This morning at the Linville Gorge in North Carolina was brilliant.

It was a great maiden voyage having a full 3 nights of sleeping in the national forest. The trip took us on and off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and through the back roads into the Pisgah National Forest, stopping by Blowing Rock for a full night on the town with a fabulous dinner at Hellbender Bed & Breakfast. Fun little town with cute shops, nice people and loads of places to eat.