ROVA Twenty-Eight: December/January 2021-2022

My friends and family will tell you that I’ve always been a little different (don’t ask my sisters—they’ll say “weird,” instead). I’ve always found myself doing things differently—seeking out unique places, music, books, fashion—and I’m pretty sure that a lot of you have, too. I mean, it takes a person with a slightly different mindset to live or travel in a box on wheels. The beauty in the out-of-the-ordinary is that you can elevate your knowledge and understanding of the world above what’s readily accessible. If you only go where everyone else goes, and do what everyone else does, you’ll never have the delight that comes from personal challenge and discovery. In this issue of ROVA, we hear from travelers who have sought out things that are different in their nomadic exploits. ROVA…

Roam in Redmond When winter hits, you can either run as far as possible from the cold, or you can fully embrace the new season and experience all that it has to offer. Both are fine choices, but if you’ve never experienced a “true winter,” you’re missing out—what’s winter without snow angels? Up-and-coming places like Redmond, Oregon, offer you a chance to make the most of everything the cold season brings: ice-skating, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, winter hiking trails, and sledding. Afterwards, grab a cozy country-style breakfast, or a warming wood-fire pizza, and you’ll kick yourself for chasing the sun for all those years. roamredmondoregon.com Find the Magic Even if you don’t identify as one, most travelers are amateur photographers. And whether you know it or not, there’s a special time of day when…

Thanks, Rover! Your dog’s energy and stamina can be put to good use on long hikes with the Ruffwear Front Range Day Pack. This comfortable, foam-padded doggy backpack is suitable for extended wear by your four-legged friend, allowing them to carry the day’s provisions for you. This accessory is a must for dogs with boundless energy! A padded harness and belly strap can be adjusted for a perfect fit and pack stability, while three leash attachment points make for versatile wear. Internal organization pockets prevent items from bumping and rolling around inside. Why carry the granola bars yourself when you have a willing furry helper at the ready? ruffwear.com, $79.95 Get Lit Sometimes the darkness at a remote campsite can be overwhelming, but all you need is a little friendly light to keep…

Megan, Brandon, Autumn, Nixon and Leia (fur baby) The last year and half changed the game for everyone, and we were no exception. We decided to take advantage of our situation to pursue our dream of traveling full time. So, we sold it all, bought our rig, and hit the road. We are absolutely loving—and thriving in—this new lifestyle. Instagram: @theroamingcrew Scott and Sasha We’ve been traveling full time in our truck camper for almost two years now. This lifestyle allows us to see the United States and have our home with us. Before we hit the road back in 2019, we thought that the places would be the highlights of our travels. Although we’ve stayed in some amazing places, we feel like the highlights have always been people. We are so grateful for…

My wife and I are well suited to one another. We align on several fronts: politically, and in sharing our love for dogs, beer, the outdoors, and used bookstores; however, when it comes to risk, we’re split. On the road, this difference often shows up in how we respond to the gas light. On more than one occasion, the need to fill up (me) or the preference to delay (Caroline) has led to an argument. Nothing pleases me more than having a full tank of gas. I stop for fuel early and often, and I’ve been known to “top off” when the tank is still half full (half empty, to some). Caroline, on the other hand, likes to wait until the last minute. We’ve had more than one close call, and…

Whether you’re looking to rent or purchase a motorhome for your upcoming epic road trip, you’ll likely have some questions as to which class of motorhome is best. It can be easy to get overwhelmed with the seemingly endless buffet of sizes, styles, and options on offer—and we all know that we tend to make ridiculous dining choices at buffets, so it’s important to assess all options before making a choice that you might regret (potato salad, anyone?). While you might think that the classification of A, B, and C motorhomes progresses in a natural fashion—where Class A is bigger than Class B, and C is the most diminutive of all—that’s not the case. Don’t ask us why, but whoever chose the letters to correspond with the motorhome classes was obviously…