Enroute to meet my van builder—to meet Gypsy Wagon’s magician—I pulled into a campsite in Joshua Tree National Park just as the sun was setting; at the west end of the time zone, this meant slightly after 5:00 pm.
I love traveling US 50 across Nevada, especially solo. The rhythmic alternation of mountain spine and lake-like basin floor is mesmerizing, soothing. And the sagebrush sea--my heart plant in one of the places it is still dominant. But I hear you about the potential for things to go wrong and the background level of anxiety that brings. I'm glad you made it across okay, if worn out. May Gypsy Wagon's builder give you the best traveling home you can imagine!
Oh, yeah, it’s stunning and the feeling of freedom is unmistakable. In a bare metal shell and a short time frame, it was a little more arduous. I flew home last night and can’t wait to pick her up in a couple months! That will be the time to savor the wide open country. 🩷
I will! Spending time in these places is an integral part of my life and I've enjoyed developing a practice of photographing as I go. It feels like an act of honoring. Yes, I can't wait to see either! Yay! Thank you.
Excited for you and Gypsy Wagon! I know you were on a mission, but remember, I’m just a phone call away in Reno. I can always come meet or caravan with you.
Best time of my life was walking 100 miles alone through New Mexico a few years ago. Long stretches with no cell service. Meeting people I never would have met otherwise. Absolutely liberating. I still carry it in my bones.
Ohhhh…that sounds amazing! I’ve been to Chimayo (but by car) and just now looked up Monestary of the Desert. I’m so curious to learn more—how did you plan your route? was it planned with others? places to sleep? etc. I’m sure it was magical.
(I’d be interested in a pilgrimage that’s less involved than, say, hitting up the Camino or going to Japan!)
That’s why I went to New Mexico. I just didn’t have the time or money to do the Camino (but I’ll get there someday). I did it alone (which for me was essential) and planned as little as possible. I flew into Santa Fe, stayed at a hippie hostel for the night and headed to Chimayo (took the bus about halfway), stayed at a little Rancho place there and then walked/ bused to a Buddhist commune that let me stay in a tent by the river, walked to Ghost Ranch for a night and then walked to the Monastery where I stayed a few days. Just edgy enough to keep me on my toes! I could probably give you more detail if you wanted it.
Ohhh...so cool! I love that you walked your way there and allowed your feet to show you the way. I'm not big on planning, either, so I love this. I camped at Ghost Ranch the fall before last. It's such a cool landscape. You're planting seeds...🙂
We're heading out to North Carolina in March to pick up our van from the builder, then driving across to California, then back up here to Washington. We drove down the eastern border of Nevada back in October, US 93, and yes to forlorn and desolate, to wind up in Vegas, 640,000 people in a city built on bad math.
I did a solo trip back in the summer, sleeping in the back of the Subaru (hence the van!). And yes, on the road or not, my neurodivergent brain needs a lot of alone time.
Perhaps we'll cross paths one of these days chasing water stories in the west, where all stories are water stories.
Well, isn't that exciting?! Good for you! So you know the great wide open...
And, Vegas, yes, indeed, it's a 'city built on bad math' (love that). I'm guessing you were familiar with Pat Mulroy, the Water Czar? I actually have a discussion about Vegas in my book, Taking on Water.
I'll look to cross paths :)--in the great wide open, chasing water. (And, yes, all stories are water stories, but not everyone understands that.)
Hey- Our happy hour is the last Wednesday of the month, unless stated otherwise. It was a great gathering. The next one is Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 4 PM PST, and the meeting link is included in Wildlands. You’re welcome to join us. Friends are welcome, too.
Yeah, these times are unsettling. The constellation of other factors made this trip a little arduous, but the upshot is next time I’ll have a sweet little tiny home with me :). Thanks for your support!
This piece is so bittersweet. I know the area well and the pics are stunning. But to think you would have to feel so unsafe... Can't wait to see the decked out version of the van! I hope your country gets an overhaul soon too. There is so much beauty there. I hope you can enjoy it to the fullest.
Yeah, it's a disturbing time in this country. Thanks for your well wishes. I can't wait for the decked out version either--it's going to be a sweet little tiny home! And, I'm really looking forward to an extended desert tour when I go pick her up in a couple months. Stay tuned :).
Keep on truckin' brave woman.. I can only imagine your discomfort traveling the wild empty cowboy lands. I often wondered what help would look like if I had a breakdown traveling the great empty. Here's to a warm comfortable caravan in your future. Note: never felt worried traveling in Iceland or Scandinavia beautiful photos
Thank you! Yeah, it's an interesting part of the world. The idea of a breakdown is a little disquieting. At the same time, despite it all, there are good people everywhere. I do need to spend more time in Scandinavia. My little taste of Norway was wonderful.
I would highly recommend Iceland. I have been there 4 times and still need 4 more trips! A good trip would be with Amorak Adventures on their 11 day hut to hut highlands backpacking trip. As one of the other clients said: it gets better around every corner. Happy Trails.
Right on! Miss you mighty sovereign warrior. Hidden Valley CG was a landing pad for countless nights and climbs for me in the 80’s.
Sad you choose to carry a card with a convicted felon’s picture on it. I guess it is similar to choosing friends and neighbors who support that fascist. And we choose to live in this country. When will it end? How do we put an end to it? Embarrassing.
Adventures ahead. Let’s catch up and make plans. Safe travels love.
Hi! I was thinking about you. A spring rendezvous?! No surprise you spent lots of time in that part of the world.
I didn't quite 'choose'--I only understood after I'd paid for it. My next move will be to join the sticker brigade. Let's follow Minnesota's lead and resist our way out of this. It's horrific.
I love traveling US 50 across Nevada, especially solo. The rhythmic alternation of mountain spine and lake-like basin floor is mesmerizing, soothing. And the sagebrush sea--my heart plant in one of the places it is still dominant. But I hear you about the potential for things to go wrong and the background level of anxiety that brings. I'm glad you made it across okay, if worn out. May Gypsy Wagon's builder give you the best traveling home you can imagine!
Oh, yeah, it’s stunning and the feeling of freedom is unmistakable. In a bare metal shell and a short time frame, it was a little more arduous. I flew home last night and can’t wait to pick her up in a couple months! That will be the time to savor the wide open country. 🩷
Yeah, I can see that. I look forward to when you have the interior kitted out and can travel like a turtle with your home on your back!
Me too! I’m so excited :).
Those photos are breathtaking and your solo adventures sound incredible!
Thank you, Sam! Yeah, it’s a big, beautiful world out there! 🩷
Keep showcasing the beauty your country has to offer, it's good to be reminded of that. Excited to see what your van will look like soon!
I will! Spending time in these places is an integral part of my life and I've enjoyed developing a practice of photographing as I go. It feels like an act of honoring. Yes, I can't wait to see either! Yay! Thank you.
Dr. Wendy P, I love reading this--what are are doing is inspiring and I appreciate the inner and outer sharing!
Well, thank you, Katharine! I’m appreciate your support. 🩵
Excited for you and Gypsy Wagon! I know you were on a mission, but remember, I’m just a phone call away in Reno. I can always come meet or caravan with you.
Thank you! I was nowhere near Reno and had no time. Maybe on the flipside when I pick her up! That would be fun.
Best time of my life was walking 100 miles alone through New Mexico a few years ago. Long stretches with no cell service. Meeting people I never would have met otherwise. Absolutely liberating. I still carry it in my bones.
That sounds amazing! Were you in the backcountry or going through towns? How long did it take?
I did a pilgrimage to Chimayo and Monastery of the Desert . It took about 2 weeks. Absolutely live changing.
Ohhhh…that sounds amazing! I’ve been to Chimayo (but by car) and just now looked up Monestary of the Desert. I’m so curious to learn more—how did you plan your route? was it planned with others? places to sleep? etc. I’m sure it was magical.
(I’d be interested in a pilgrimage that’s less involved than, say, hitting up the Camino or going to Japan!)
That’s why I went to New Mexico. I just didn’t have the time or money to do the Camino (but I’ll get there someday). I did it alone (which for me was essential) and planned as little as possible. I flew into Santa Fe, stayed at a hippie hostel for the night and headed to Chimayo (took the bus about halfway), stayed at a little Rancho place there and then walked/ bused to a Buddhist commune that let me stay in a tent by the river, walked to Ghost Ranch for a night and then walked to the Monastery where I stayed a few days. Just edgy enough to keep me on my toes! I could probably give you more detail if you wanted it.
Ohhh...so cool! I love that you walked your way there and allowed your feet to show you the way. I'm not big on planning, either, so I love this. I camped at Ghost Ranch the fall before last. It's such a cool landscape. You're planting seeds...🙂
We're heading out to North Carolina in March to pick up our van from the builder, then driving across to California, then back up here to Washington. We drove down the eastern border of Nevada back in October, US 93, and yes to forlorn and desolate, to wind up in Vegas, 640,000 people in a city built on bad math.
I did a solo trip back in the summer, sleeping in the back of the Subaru (hence the van!). And yes, on the road or not, my neurodivergent brain needs a lot of alone time.
Perhaps we'll cross paths one of these days chasing water stories in the west, where all stories are water stories.
Well, isn't that exciting?! Good for you! So you know the great wide open...
And, Vegas, yes, indeed, it's a 'city built on bad math' (love that). I'm guessing you were familiar with Pat Mulroy, the Water Czar? I actually have a discussion about Vegas in my book, Taking on Water.
I'll look to cross paths :)--in the great wide open, chasing water. (And, yes, all stories are water stories, but not everyone understands that.)
Penn Gilette gets credit for the bad math line!
Hi - I'm nearby- as I work in the Sonoran Desert in California and Arizona part of the year.
Oh cool! Will you be there later this spring?
I'll be in the area until April 9th.
I’ll be back sometime around then, so I’ll let you know as it gets closer :).
OK, sounds good.
Join us for Wildland’s online Happy Hour on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 4 PM PST (U.S. and Canada)- see today's Wildlands post for the meeting link.
And please restack so others can find us. https://robinmotzer.substack.com/p/today-an-online-happy-hour-wednesday
Hey, sorry I couldn’t make this yesterday. Hope it was great. Is this a regular event?
Hey- Our happy hour is the last Wednesday of the month, unless stated otherwise. It was a great gathering. The next one is Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 4 PM PST, and the meeting link is included in Wildlands. You’re welcome to join us. Friends are welcome, too.
Nevada outback definitely different now than earlier days. Glad you found a way through it that worked, Wendy, and I appreciate these field notes!
Yeah, these times are unsettling. The constellation of other factors made this trip a little arduous, but the upshot is next time I’ll have a sweet little tiny home with me :). Thanks for your support!
This piece is so bittersweet. I know the area well and the pics are stunning. But to think you would have to feel so unsafe... Can't wait to see the decked out version of the van! I hope your country gets an overhaul soon too. There is so much beauty there. I hope you can enjoy it to the fullest.
Yeah, it's a disturbing time in this country. Thanks for your well wishes. I can't wait for the decked out version either--it's going to be a sweet little tiny home! And, I'm really looking forward to an extended desert tour when I go pick her up in a couple months. Stay tuned :).
I certainly will! Enjoy Joshua Tree!
Thank you, Mark!
Keep on truckin' brave woman.. I can only imagine your discomfort traveling the wild empty cowboy lands. I often wondered what help would look like if I had a breakdown traveling the great empty. Here's to a warm comfortable caravan in your future. Note: never felt worried traveling in Iceland or Scandinavia beautiful photos
Thank you! Yeah, it's an interesting part of the world. The idea of a breakdown is a little disquieting. At the same time, despite it all, there are good people everywhere. I do need to spend more time in Scandinavia. My little taste of Norway was wonderful.
I would highly recommend Iceland. I have been there 4 times and still need 4 more trips! A good trip would be with Amorak Adventures on their 11 day hut to hut highlands backpacking trip. As one of the other clients said: it gets better around every corner. Happy Trails.
I think you mentioned that. It sounds wonderful! I’ll check it out. :)
I'm so glad you're pulling the plug on getting your van tricked out!
Me tooo!!! Hope you’re engine is tuned!
Right on! Miss you mighty sovereign warrior. Hidden Valley CG was a landing pad for countless nights and climbs for me in the 80’s.
Sad you choose to carry a card with a convicted felon’s picture on it. I guess it is similar to choosing friends and neighbors who support that fascist. And we choose to live in this country. When will it end? How do we put an end to it? Embarrassing.
Adventures ahead. Let’s catch up and make plans. Safe travels love.
Hi! I was thinking about you. A spring rendezvous?! No surprise you spent lots of time in that part of the world.
I didn't quite 'choose'--I only understood after I'd paid for it. My next move will be to join the sticker brigade. Let's follow Minnesota's lead and resist our way out of this. It's horrific.
xo