Budget Travel the Jamie Z Way

[viola-tor]

Originally Posted by Jamie Z

In my experience, the Nature Valley bars and the crackers turn into crumbs long before I eat them all. That's why I prefer the chewy style.

Hmmm, I usually don't have a problem with that, but I sure can understand!


[/quote] That's a great idea. I've done the same with a few slices of bread and some pork and beans. As for corn tortillas, the reason I don't like to travel with them is because they're brittle. Before long you have a bag of chips rather than tortillas. Flour tortillas are bendable.[/quote]


Yeah, I'd had that thought too, I may look into some round-ish tupperware containers since tortillas are a staple. I sometimes pack a frisbee which has a myriad of uses, including protecting tortillias from harm in the luggage.

[viola-tor]

oh, another thing I inadvertantly tried while filling up my camelback at a gas station: After pouring in ice and looking for the water dispenser on the fountain drink machine I accidentally bumped the lemonade tab which was the same spout as the water, only for a split second, then found the water button. Those few tablespoons of lemonade in the 3 liter camelback sure made the water taste good! I'm not advising stealing, but if you happen to be clumsy...

[tomatocity]

Originally Posted by Jamie Z

In my experience, the Nature Valley bars and the crackers turn into crumbs long before I eat them all. That's why I prefer the chewy style.


That's a great idea. I've done the same with a few slices of bread and some pork and beans. As for corn tortillas, the reason I don't like to travel with them is because they're brittle. Before long you have a bag of chips rather than tortillas. Flour tortillas are bendable.




Jamie

Nature Valley

[rockydog]

nice post, jamie. i have found that if you include the word please in your requests to strangers it disarms some initial reluctance to help. then a thank you goes a long way, too. and most folks still enjoy being called sir and maam.

that said, jamie, sir. please tell me the brand of the completely freestanding dark colored tent you use. most have the initial structure freestanding but the cover usually has the flap or vestibule staked out. and most have emergency rescue colors...

in the film industry, after all is packed the last walk around is called the idiot check......don't all raise your hands at the same time..

thanks, rockydog

[viola-tor]

Casinos!

For cheap, hot, large meals and low cost (or free) drinks (gotta give in once in a while). Just stay away from the gambling tables... I don't have a problem with that, but I guess some ppl do. I just did this in NV and had a great time, and met all kinds of cool ppl too.

[NorCalTA]

Originally Posted by rockydog

please tell me the brand of the completely freestanding dark colored tent you use.

Looks a lot like one of the Backcountry series of tents by Eureka to me.

[Jamie Z]

Originally Posted by NorCalDave

Looks a lot like one of the Backcountry series of tents by Eureka to me.

The tent pictured in my article is a Eureka Apex 2 purchased in 2003. I've noticed that the current Apex 2 tents are not the same, nor dark in color.

My new tent is the Backcountry tent as guessed by Dave. I think dark colored tents are essential for stealth camping. It's not easy to find a dark green or dark blue tent. Most seem to focus on visibility.

Jamie

[QED]

Originally Posted by elmoreman

Free camping in all national forests. you need to be something like 100 yards (or feet) from a road and a water source. Other than that, its all yours. Hell...we pay for it. Gotta pay to get into "national" parks. At least some low impact camping is free

There are a few more rules than that but thr idea is right. In many national forest areas they prohibit primitive camping. The best thing to do is to stop at the local station and ask for advice. Theyll let you know about the best places to camp free. Also keep in mind that they are locals and might not want to tell you about the locals favorite places. Be friendly, swap a few stories and take your time. Theyll be more likely to turn you on to their favorites.
Another place Ive found to camp for free is small private airports. Since they are not lighted they dont operate at night and usually have picknic tables and porta poties. Ask for permission. Beware of the nice grassy area with automatic sprinklers.

[QED]

Anyone out there see or thought of ways to use your bike to serve as one end of the hammock's hanger -- keeping in mind that the pull on the hammock's lines are VERY strong. [/quote]


I have a friend that sleeps on a cot. I dont carry one because I think theyre too bulky. But, he stretches a large waterproof ground cloth over his bike and stakes down the corners eliminating the tent. Works for him.

[maiden.jade]

Just a suggestion for showers, sort of.

I carry a collapsible bucket (made by Seattle Sports) on my road or backpacking trips. I use it in places where faucets are available but not shower rooms. I wash my hair in the bucket, clean myself and sometimes do laundry too (small items). When camping near rivers, I don't use detergent in it. So I carry the water in the bucket, wash up and dump the dirty and soapy water elsewhere.

[tomatocity]

Originally Posted by maiden.jade

Just a suggestion for showers, sort of.

I carry a collapsible bucket (made by Seattle Sports) on my road or backpacking trips. I use it in places where faucets are available but not shower rooms. I wash my hair in the bucket, clean myself and sometimes do laundry too (small items). When camping near rivers, I don't use detergent in it. So I carry the water in the bucket, wash up and dump the dirty and soapy water elsewhere.

Good idea. hich ofthese d you carry?

http://www.seattlesportsco.com/produ...keyword=bucket

Another suggestion is to carry a solar shower (bag). Fill it up and tie it to you top box. As long as there is sun and warm temperatures you will have warm water.

http://www.seattlesportsco.com/produ...mit2=Go+%3E%3E

[maiden.jade]

Originally Posted by tomatocity

Good idea. hich ofthese d you carry?

http://www.seattlesportsco.com/produ...keyword=bucket

Another suggestion is to carry a solar shower (bag). Fill it up and tie it to you top box. As long as there is sun and warm temperatures you will have warm water.

http://www.seattlesportsco.com/produ...mit2=Go+%3E%3E

The smaller one of the Seattle Sports collapsible buckets. When roll up, it is small and light.

[swingset]

For showering where showers are scarce, or for expediency I like the flushable wipes. Not only are they good for other obvious reasons related to hygiene, but scrubbing with a few of them can clean you up pretty well, or at least until you get to a proper shower.

[nicolascav]

nice

[HappyRiding]

Originally Posted by rburke3141

Another place Ive found to camp for free is small private airports. Since they are not lighted they dont operate at night and usually have picknic tables and porta poties. Ask for permission. Beware of the nice grassy area with automatic sprinklers.

+1

I spent a little time knocking around the country in a Cessna 150. Municipal airports are are on your road maps and almost always have grassy areas perfect for a tent. I would land at dusk and taxi around to scout a spot to put my tent. The advantage to flying in was staying INSIDE the fence. Being female, I always slept better knowing I was in a more secure area. Twice the airport managers left the FBO buildings unlocked so I could stay in the pilot's lounges. BTW, many pilot's lounges have showers.

Traveling on my motorcycle, I have stopped at municipal airports many times to pee and get a snack from the vending machines. Most have an ice machine and cheap (or free) coffee. They also have "weather machines" to get a sneak peek at the radar. I have been known to let the weather pick my route. Also, I still love to look at airplanes so it is like a free mini air show for me.

With the new Homeland Security stuff you won't be allowed inside the fence most likely but you are likely to get permission to put up a tent outside of it. Many airplane folks are also motorcycle folks so the odds are pretty good.