Sacrifice And Nomad Life

Above all after nearly two years on the road it’s a good time to talk about Sacrifice And Nomad life. We’ll do it in Sacrifice-And-Nomad-Life-Bob Davis Podcast 1065.

Not Forced

Firstly this life wasn’t forced on me.

Sacrifice

Secondly I sacrificed a great deal by making the decision to go on the road.

Conversation

Certainly this has been a topic of conversation in these podcasts.

Utah

But these days I am in Utah.

Even more I am in Utah waiting for truck service, among other things.

Time To Think

Therefore I have time to think.

And that is not always good.

Podcast From Around The Campfire

Firstly join me around the campfire in Sacrifice-And-Nomad-Life-Bob Davis Podcast 1065 to discuss these issues.

Recent Experiences and High Summer

Secondly I’ll tell some stories about recent experiences.

Changes Out On The Road

That is to say things out here seem to have changed a bit due to inflation and other issues.

Desperation In The Air

So I see a little more desperation in the parking lots and truck stops than I remember seeing in 2020.

Sacrifice and Life On The Road

Consequently I end up thinking a little more about sacrifice and life on the road.

Would I Go Back?

For example what would I go back to my own life?

Just Beginning To Learn

But I came to the conclusion that I have only scratched the surface of what one can learn out here.

Auspicious Time

To clarify I think this is an auspicious time to be a nomad.

Back Roads and Highways

In short there’s a lot going on out on the back roads and highways of this country.

Experiences and Lessons

Even more it’s the experiences and the lessons learned that keep me wanting more.

And Friends

Not to mention the friends I’ve made.

Choose Again

In addition I would still choose the timelines and alternative life.

Powerful Inner Voice

For example when I made my decision there was a powerful inner voice which said, just go.

Just Push On

On the other hand now my inner voice seems to be saying, just push on ahead a little further.

To sum up things are a little different out here this year versus last.

But no less interesting.

Sponsored by The Independently Owned and Community Focused Refueling Station 36/Lyn

Sacrifice-And-Nomad-Life-Bob Davis Podcast 1065

 

Bonneville Salt Flats

Firstly the Bonneville Salt Flats has a long history. I can only scratch the surface of all that salt in Bonneville-Salt-Flats-Bob Davis Podcast 1064.

Kid’s Dream

Secondly I have wanted to come to Bonneville since I was a kid.

Car Magazines

Above all in those days my favorite car magazines almost always featured something happening at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Muscle Cars

For me there was certainly an attraction to the famous muscle cars of the 60’s and 70’s.

Kodachrome

But I loved those Kodachrome photos from back in the day.

Not A Car Guy

Most importantly I am not a car guy.

Still Appreciate

However I still appreciate this automotive history of the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Special History

Be that as it may history here dates back to the 1820’s.

Captain LE Bonneville

Indeed the person the Salt Flats are named after never saw them.

Details in Bonneville-Salt-Flats-Bob Davis Podcast 1064.

Donner Reed Too

In addition even the famous Donner-Reed party’s ill fated travels to California included an episode with the Salt Flats.

Hearst Newspapers

Later William Randolph Hearst got the publicity ball rolling back around 1910.

Racing Days

Subsequently racing didn’t take on the flat until the early 1930’s.

Glory Days

In the long run The Bonneville Salt Flats glory was the early 1960’s through the early 1970’s.

Setting Records

When all those iconic records were set.

Huge Attraction

Unquestionably the Salt Flats are still a huge attraction.

Families

In fact families still love the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Speed Runs

In due time they all take their pick up trucks and sedans for a speed run.

Selfies

Even more the obligatory selfie and then it’s time to go.

Hot Rods?

Presently though you don’t see too many hot rods.

Sponsored By 36LYN The Independently Owned and Operated Community Focused Refueling Station In South Minneapolis

Bonneville-Salt-Flats-Bob Davis Podcast 1064

The Real Matrix

Firstly The Real Matrix exceeds the wildest dreams of movie makers. Details in The-Real-Matrix-Bob Davis Podcast 1063.

Provo

Secondly what better place to talk about The Real Matrix than a Walmart Super Center in Provo Utah?

Walmart As A Reference Point

Above all this kind of place is kind of a reference point for me.

Certainly there are Walmart’s all over the United States.

I’ve been to a lot of them.

Walmart All Night

In addition you can still hang out in some Walmart parking lots all night.

Convenience For Nomads

And Nomads love the convenience in transit.

Maintenance

Most importantly I am in Utah to get some maintenance for Mobile Podcast Command.

All Terrain Tires

That is to say if you listened to my adventure in Dinosaur National Monument you know I need All Terrain Tires and maintenance.

Fragile Economic System

But as I walk through the Walmart here in Provo to do this podcast I am reminded how fragile our economic system is right now.

Enormous Influence

As a result I think it’s time to reinforce the fact that The US Federal Reserve Bank has enormous influence in our society.

The Real Matrix

Enough influence to function as The Real Matrix.

Inflation

Moreover as our central bank struggles to control inflation the result may be a recession.

Deflation

Even more a much bigger and more dangerous recession may be in the making.

Meanwhile every nomad I know is rooting for a deflationary recession.

Food and Fuel

That is to say much lower prices for fuel and the things we nomads need.

Back In The World

On the other hand this kind of situation might not be good for people back in the world.

Pressures Of Life

Finally I have often talked about the pressure of life back in the land of bricks and sticks.

No Judgements

Certainly this is not offered as a judgement.

Observation

But only an observation.

Gratitude

And it makes me glad to be a nomad.

Income Not Keeping Pace With Inflation

For example recent data shows incomes are not keeping pace with inflation.

Adds To The Pressure

And that adds a lot of pressure to life.

Provo Itself

To sum up Provo itself is a much younger community.

Therefore I talk about Provo’s demographics and history a little bit.

And of course,

Dinosaur National Park Challenge

Firstly we don’t think about whether getting out of a situation we worry about getting in, right? Learn more in Dinosaur-National-Park-Challenge-Bob Davis Podcast 1062.

Getting Out Can Be Tough

Secondly getting out of something is often way more challenging that getting in.

42 Miles of Dirt Road

Therefore the challenge in Dinosaur National Park is the 42 miles of dirt road to get out.

US Park System

Above all don’t get me wrong. This is one of the oldest parks in the US Park System.

And it is one of the largest.

Echo Park Campground Is Amazing

Even more it features the Echo Park road and Campground, which are truly amazing.

But there’s more.

Ancient People

Most importantly the Petroglyphs of the Fremont People.

Abandoned Ranch

And even an abandoned ranch dating back to the turn of the last century.

Campground At The Confluence Of Three Rivers

Finally I could go on for hours about the campground nestled in the rocks at the confluence of three rivers.

In addition there are at least two other campgrounds I now know of that might be more accessible.

And Bones

Further did I mention there are Dinosaur bones there?

Two Great Days

Most importantly I spent two great days in the campground.

Killer Meals

In the same vein I went on some great hikes and had some great meals.

Great People

Likewise I met some great people.

I was worried about getting out the way I got in.

Take The Beach Road!

So I was thrilled when I met a camper who told me to go out the River and Bench road.

No Climbing, She Said

In short it meant no climbing, she said.

To sum up this is where the adventure and challenge began.

[Editor’s Note: I keep calling it the ‘Beach’ Road, but it is in fact The Yampa Bench Road.]

Begin The Ordeal

Because getting out turned out to be quite an ordeal.

Certainly the rest of the details are in Dinosaur-National-Park-Challenge-Bob Davis Podcast 1062.

Oh I have Been On Bad Roads

I have certainly been on bad roads before.

A Certain Charm

But this one had a certain charm I will not soon forget.

Adventure

As a result this podcast is the story of the adventure.

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul

Dinosaur-National-Park-Challenge-Bob Davis Podcast 1062

Where Is The Highway To Heaven?

The Highway To Heaven is in the Colorado Rockies. I discovered the Highway To Heaven on a trip from Fort Collins to Snowmass Village. Learn more in Highway-To-Heaven-Bob Davis Podcast 1061.

House Sitting

Even more I seem to have fallen into a couple of house sitting opportunities recently.

Fort Collins

Firstly in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Snowmass Village

Secondly two spectacular ski in ski out winter villas here in Snowmass.

Sticks With Me

But it was the trip from Fort Collins to Snowmass that sticks with me.

Stunning Winding Road

Above all coming down a winding road from ten thousand feet, I caught a glimpse of a perfect mountain town.

And renamed the route “The Highway To Heaven”.

Sun Shines Supreme

Certainly I have found the light of the sun to be different at higher altitudes than lower.

Fourth Of July

In addition coming down those mountain highways on the fourth of July was really something.

Spring To Summer

In short Colorado transitioning from late spring to summer.

And the colors.

Bright Greens, the red dirt in this part of the state, browns of the mountain and blue of the sky.

Therefore my name for this highway is The Highway To Heaven.

Learn more in Highway-To-Heaven-Bob Davis Podcast 1061.

World Back Home

In the same vein the more I travel the more the world of bricks and sticks seems unreal.

Wild and Free

Likewise on this fourth of July with all the issues and happenings and concerns, I was not touched.

Grateful

To clarify I found myself just being grateful for the opportunity to go where I want.

Endless Road Trip

On an endless road trip during an endless summer.

Seer and The Seen

On the other hand these days everyone wants to tell us where to go and what to see.

Further this places an intermediary between the seen and the seer.

Solitude

To sum up isn’t having the experience in solitude the experience?

Low And Slow Travel

In conclusion lower and slower travel provides an opportunity to really get to know individual states.

And I am looking forward to much more of Colorado!

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul

Highway-To-Heaven-Bob Davis Podcast 1061

 

Colorado Abundance

Firstly talking about Colorado and Abundance these days is a little strange. Learn more in Colorado-Abundance-Bob Davis Podcast 1060.

Scarcity?

Secondly given all the problems we’re dealing with maybe I should do a podcast about scarcity.

But I don’t feel that way.

What Is Important

Above all in these difficult times we all have to assess what is actually important.

Not About Material Possessions

And I don’t think of abundance as being related to material goods.

A Lot Of Something

Certainly the word abundance means a lot of something. Anything.

Keep It Simple

Most importantly I have come to believe that if you appreciate what you have and keep things simple you will feel abundance.

Even Austere

That is to say a sense of comfort and having a lot of what you need.

Pressure Cookers

Of course living in a pressure cooker because you have to pay bills doesn’t contribute to a sense of safety or abundance.

Less Is Indeed More

On the other than it is a surprise to have learned through the nomad experience the less I have the more abundant I feel.

Losses

For example we have all dealt with the loss of loved ones in the last couple of years.

Left Behind

Even more we often find ourselves overwhelmed by how much is left behind.

Is This Important?

Therefore one wonders whether any of this stuff is important?

Keep It Simple

Meanwhile many people are downsizing and simplifying.

Pop Culture Goes Dark

In the same vein “abundance” used to be a big word in pop culture.

You don’t see it as much these days.

Rich?

In addition if abundance is defined as being rich many of us are going to feel like we have fallen behind.

Not At The Gas Pump

Moreover one needs only one trip to the gas station to feel poor.

What I Need

Meanwhile as I camp and roll through Colorado and the rest of the Southwestern US I find myself getting what I need, when I need it.

Million Dollar View

Furthermore many million dollar views and experiences in the forests and campgrounds often for free.

Too Beautiful For Words

Finally some of these experiences are too beautiful for words.

Choice

In conclusion real freedom is being able to choose the experiences we have.

Breakout

In short we don’t have to live in a prison we created.

Escape

There are lots of ways to escape.

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul

Road To Shambala

Firstly the road to Shambala took me through the Grand Canyon, Navajo Nation and the San Juan Mountains. Learn more in Road-To-Shambala-Bob Davis Podcast 1059.

Obsession

Secondly the road to Shambala is all about a bit of an obsession these days.

Tired Of The Vice

Certainly younger adults are beginning to tire of high rents and home prices back in the world.

And the day to day pressure in big cities that has begun to feel like a vice.

Welcoming Community

Therefore there’s a lot of conversation about how to design and build a welcoming community.

Sustainable Community

Even more a sustainable community that works.

Welcome to Shambala!

Mountains

Nestled high in the mountains of Colorado.

Mining And Farming

Above all Shambala is a mining and farm community.

But with a twist.

Dedicated To Community

Most of Shambala’s new and long term residents are committed to building just such a community mentioned above.

So far they’re making it work.

Don’t Tell Anyone

And that is why they don’t want anyone to know the actual name of the town.

Cooperation and Collaboration

For example community kitchens, Waldorf based schools and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration.

Most importantly this is a community that works at being a community.

Questions

Certainly I have questions. We’ll talk about them in Road-To-Shambala-Bob Davis Podcast 1059.

Thai Food At The Community Kitchen

However it’s pretty amazing to be able to enjoy Thai Food at the community kitchen with ingredients picked that morning from a local farm.

Newborns Welcome

Another for instance might be how the town welcomes new born babies.

Celebrations and Events

In addition there are plenty of town celebrations and events.

Networking

Finally it is an idea people network and work toward in Shambala.

Huge Trend

In conclusion interest in sustainability and community is a huge trend with certain demographics today.

In short it is great to see the work pay off in the community.

Not Bougie

Finally Shambala is a western mountain town without bougie trappings.

No Expensive Development

And without the expensive development that has ruined so many other western towns.

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul

Road-To-Shambala-Bob Davis Podcast 1059

 

Pipeline Fire In Flagstaff Arizona

Above all I am about 3 miles from the Pipeline Fire in Flagstaff Arizona. However my experiences South of here inform what happened here. Learn more in Pipeline-Fire-Flagstaff-Arizona-Bob Davis Podcast 1058.

Coconino National Forest

Firstly I was camping in the Coconino National Forest about 20 miles South of Flagstaff.

Blatant Disregard

Secondly what I saw there was blatant disregard of the no fire rule by campers.

Freedom?

Of course we all want freedom.

Rules

Certainly nobody likes rules.

Don’t Be An Idiot

But freedom doesn’t mean being an idiot.

Negligence Caused Pipeline Fire

For example a local was arrested leaving the scene of the fire in Flagstaff. He had ignored the burn ban and started the fire.

Park Ranger View

I had a great conversation with a park ranger in the same vein.

Too Many People

To clarify there are too many visitors and according to the ranger they don’t listen.

And she said the rangers would rather tell people what they can do.

Due to the number of visitors in paid sites the National Forest shunts people to dispersed camping sites North of Sedona and South of Flagstaff.

Dispersed Camping Is Primitive

As a result there are no vault toilets or trash facilities.

Modern Americans Don’t Do Primitive

Apparently modern Americans don’t know what to do with that.

Let’s Have A Campfire!

Furthermore if they want a campfire then they light one.

Stories To Tell

In Pipeline-Fire-Flagstaff-Arizona-Bob Davis Podcast 1058 I’ll tell some stories about some of the things that went on in that dispersed campground this weekend.

Forest Service

Moreover things that provoked a visit in force from the Forest Service.

These Are Spaces To Appreciate

To sum up it’s amazing to me that people don’t fully appreciate how lucky we are to have these spaces to experience.

Not Destroy

Even more a forest fire is incredibly destructive during and after the burn.

Sad

And it’s sad when the fire starts because someone just wants to do what they want to do.

In conclusion I don’t get into the debate about how they manage these forests. Truth is there is a generational drought in the west.

A sign that says no fires means no fire.

Sad that has to be said.

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating

Pipeline-Fire-Flagstaff-Arizona-Bob Davis Podcast 1058

 

 

Always Something

Due to the realities of Nomad Life It’s always something. A phrase we often use but don’t like very much. Learn more in Always-Something-Bob Davis Podcast 1057.

On The Move

Firstly I am on the move again.

Hidden Problems

Secondly being on the move often means problems develop that have hidden themselves when you’re just hanging out.

Control Emotions

Above all I’ve learned to get control of my emotions when I do have a problem.

Opportunity

That is to say stop, look up and ask yourself what the opportunity is rather than give way to your worst fears.

And so it was this week.

Off Course

First of all I was off course.

Use Maps Not Google

To clarify there is no substitute for a good actual map.

Certainly Google or Apple Maps have their uses.

Global View

But having a real map gives you a global view of where you’re headed.

Oops

Therefore that’s how I ended up in near Lake Havasu when I was headed to Scottsdale.

More Fun

However the fun does not stop there.

I Love The Smell of Diesel In The Morning

In short that’s when I noticed the smell of fuel.

Check out Always-Something-Bob Davis Podcast 1057 to find out more.

Experience

Therefore driving down a mountain nearly 25 miles with some kind of fluid pouring out of Mobile Podcast Command was quite an experience.

Pray

After praying to get to Parker Arizona and find a good mechanic I ended up at MNR Racing.

Oddly enough a church was right down the block.

The Saga Is Not Over

Finally the sags is not over at the recording of this podcast.

These guys are closed til the 10th of June.

However they have decided to check out the truck and find out what the problem is.

Remain Calm and Carry On

Finally I remained calm.

Did not allow a relatively minor problem ruin my day, or life.

Where’s That Bowl Of Cherries?

To sum up these days life on the road can be a challenge.

In addition life back in the world isn’t exactly a bowl of cherries either.

Surprises

In short life is full of surprises.

It’s always something!

(I may have referred to MNR Racing as MSM racing in this podcast. I don’t know why I do that! In any case the proper links to MNR’s FB site are linked and I can’t say enough good things about them. Thanks Again!)

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul

Always-Something-Bob Davis Podcast 1057

 

Summer Peace

Firstly Memorial Day signals the start of summer in the US and I think we all need to get some Summer Peace in 2022. We’ll talk about it in Summer-Peace-Bob Davis Podcast 1056.

I Know The Rules

Due to social media I am well aware of all the rules concerning virtue signalling for holidays like this one.

Up To You

But in this podcast I will leave the protocols of this extended weekend to you.

One Crisis To The Next

Secondly these days life for many Americans is one crisis to the next.

Time For A Break

Therefore it is time for a break.

Peace

That is to say we all need a moment’s peace.

Podcasting For A Long Time

Above all I have been doing podcasts for a long time.

And it is rare for me to be able to do a podcast on any topic as succinctly as this one.

Back In The World

Certainly life ‘back in the world’ is standing in line.

Not So Good

Or waiting for hours to talk to an actual human being.

Even more it’s strapped budgets and time schedules.

In addition work projects that don’t seem to make any sense.

Who’s In Charge?

Finally I get the sense that those in charge have no idea how to even explain ‘the problem’ much less fix it.

Idea Of Peace

As a result I decided to dedicate this first official podcast of summer to the idea of peace.

Summer Peace.

That is to say getting a moment of peace for yourself this summer.

Makes No Sense

In the same vein the world doesn’t make sense to most of us.

Nomad World

On the other hand in the nomad world things are a little different.

For example we spend a lot of time talking about our rigs.

And planning delicious dinners.

Cooperation and Consensus

Moreover while we talk about things back home we seek cooperation and consensus rather than winning an argument.

Gratitude

After that we’re just grateful.

In short I recorded Summer-Peace-Bob Davis Podcast 1056 on memorial day to share some memories and a genuine wish for some summer peace for you…

And everyone.

Summer Peace.

Get Some.

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul

Summer-Peace-Bob Davis Podcast 1056