New Configuration for the WanderinPat mobile Bug Out vehicles

Truck is not functional.  I'm using my Jeep Cherokee, which was languishing in my friends yard, and a home-made trailer that a good friend gave me 2 years ago.

Not especially pretty.  In fact, it qualifies me for "trailer trash treatment"... "Keep movin , buster.  Nothin here for you"  .   😊

Going to be heading out soon

I have a Doctor's appointment on 10/24/2018.  I plan to head out from Colorado as soon as possible after that. My goal is to go to New Braunfels, TX for Thanksgiving at my niece's house. 

I'll also get to see my son and my sister.  Camping in TX will be new for me.  I'm used to boondocking in places with lots of federal land.  Looking at the maps I have, there is not a lot of federal land between here and New Braunfels. 

So, I may just concentrate on getting to NB, and then find a place to camp. 

Some changes are about to occur

The truck I've been using to tow my 6x12 car trailer has discontinued it's ability to reliably pull my trailer.  It's most likely a transmission component called a Torque Converter.  If it sounds expensive to pay someone to fix, that's because it is.

Thankfully, I have a 1998 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) that has been put out to pasture.  It still runs and will become my transportation for now.  I plan to pull a smaller trailer to carry things in, and car-camp in a tent.  I will also setup the Cherokee so that Lacy and I can sleep in the back if the weather gets crazy.

I have been wanting to drive my Jeep in some of the places I've been, so I'm in luck.
I had a rebuilt engine installed about 40k miles ago.  It has a 3" lift on it, and some pretty new off-road tires.

So, the last month or so, I've been hunkering down at my friend Weldon's property and getting ready to make the necessary changes.

some preliminary configuration practice (below) 

the trailer I will be pulling

I am incredibly far behind on what I've been doing -- EDIT THIS

If anyone checks on me from time-to-time, please don't give up.  A lot has been going on, and keeping my blog up to date has been suffering as a result.

I left AZ around 3/29 ....

here's a brief summary of my time in Colorado summer and fall

3/20 /18  Grants, NM

3/21  Weldon's
4/1 COS GG storage
4/4 RR Rd
4/6 Doug's work site

Cleaning out my storage unit ...
urban camping
some RR Road
Until sometime in June


Cortez
Weldon's
Lacy's surgery

Lake George
Divide
Labor Day (Friday before... Truck broke down)
Weldon's (Sept - 10/4 SO FAR)

Automation ... benefit, or ... not so much... ?

I've been "urban boondocking" this last month while in Co. Springs. I've eaten in McDonalds for breakfast. They have Large coffee for $1 and a sausage burrito for $1.  They ALSO have a new innovation that is very useful. It is a "place your order station". You can use what is basically a touch screen computer with a pay input . Once you place your order, you take a thingy with a number that allows someone to bring you your order. Now this is not news to most of you. The benefit is you reduce having to stand in line. It is more efficient. For McDonalds , it allows the employees to focus more on prepping food and beverages. It also reduces their overall need for employees. And that's what *I* consider the important effect. As automation becomes more efficient and accurate , the need for human workers will be seriously reduced. This is the first time in my life I've come to believe that eventually, some really smart computer system will start to "think" ... and what it will think is "what do we need people for?" This is the first time in my life I've seen this development as more than just a really creative and entertaining SciFi story. Just call me "John Connor".. hahahah. Ok, it's not really funny.

A lovely mounted Fire Extinguisher

The fire extinguisher, which is FULL, btw, is finally no longer on the floor (my default storage spot).  I mounted in on the wall of my trailer yesterday!  :)

A month in Colorado Springs (UPDATE: TWO MONTHS)

UPDATE:  I just realized I've been here TWO months!  

I've been in CO Springs for a little more than a month now.  I've been cleaning out my very large storage unit.  I have had a 12.5' x 25' storage unit. I had my Jeep Cherokee stored there, as well as large piles of stuff I did not want to get rid of . 

I am currently storing my Jeep at my friend Weldon's house , hopefully to move it to AZ sometime in the future.

I made a lot of progress in the first couple of weeks, and then just got stuck.  I have been puttering around for about 2 weeks.  What has motivated me significantly in the last few days is that it is getting up into the 90's during the day.   I've been finding places that have shade to hang out in the daytime.  I have to consider my dog Lacy, I can't just park the truck and go into a mall or something.  If I'm not comfortable in the truck, even with the windows open; then it's too hot for her.  I found a covered parking lot yesterday, we sat in the shade for about 2 hours.

My trailer does not have A/C , like many do.  Which is good for me.  I have to learn to deal with the weather.  So, suddenly, I got my butt in gear and have gotten busy.  I should be ready to start moving into the mountains real soon.  I'm waiting for a couple of packages which I should be receiving next week.  I have a prescription I can't get filled until tomorrow, June 2.

It's time for someone who does not like hot weather for to move on.