VagabondJeep.Com
O|||||O Bernie and Dave
Jeep, Jeep. Beep, beep.
Dave had Vardo loaded and ready to go Thursday morning. We rolled. Overland Expo East 2023 had waited long enough. Dave is loving everything. My view is shoes and tires from a dog’s perspective. Tires and hydrants used to interest me when things were different, but now, what’s the big deal? It’s alright. We are having a time, visiting all the vendors, admiring these impressive overland vehicles inside and out. The Ritz™
Today though, I have a job. I am Dave’s service dog. He is a Gulf War veteran with PTSD. We’ve been a service dog team for almost a year, after months’ of training at Service Dogs for Veterans. I am a rescue dog paired with my rescue human.
Dave is here with a strategy. The perils are great. If we get through the weekend with enough spare change in our pockets to get to the annular eclipse in New Mexico, it will be a miracle. We’ve already been part of one religious experience when we first arrived at Expo.
{cue violin music}
The entrance gate was staffed with personnel eager to direct traffic in various directions based on how much money someone had when they purchased tickets. We are in the economy class weekend camping section but had no clue how to get there other than follow the directions from the staff. Okay.
The young lady asked, “Do you know where you are going?” David said, “Yes, heaven, by the grace of g_d.” I don’t think she expected that answer. But, she was quick to reply, “Me too. I’ll see you there.” Further directions included, “Turn right and stay straight.” We did. “Raise the Lowered,” Dave says.
All who wander are not lost. Some are looking for a Port-a-Potty™. Then they get lost on the way back. Well, some of us, anyway.
Dave has mentioned several times how much he likes his French press. He likes his French press. He has declared its “necessitiness” rather than opting for simple, black, camp coffee. It is his extravagance in the off-road, wilderness. Today, he found his tribe.
We met Nathan Bonslaver from Car-to-Camp. They make a practical, functional sleeping platform for several vehicles. The design makes these super (really) easy to assemble. No cutting, no drilling. If Dave didn’t already own one, this is what he would get. We took the rear seats out of Vardo as part of our installation. There is room for tons o’ gear and a dog. Here's my four paws up, and a wag. Dave agrees.
Oh, Dave saw these Hefty® plastic boxes that slide in perfectly under the Car-to-Camp platform. Yeah, these would help a lot with storage and organization under the platform. He has that “Amazon glint” in his eyes. We’re getting more storage boxes. Fewer dog treats; more storage boxes. Kidding. Dave keeps plenty of treats for me, since I am the “Good Gurl.”
Nathan followed up with an email to tell us that the boxes came from Lowes. Who else would do that, eh? Car-to-Camp, great company.
Oh, look who we found at Expo East! The last time we saw Sasquatch, he acted like he didn’t even know us. We, sure as h_ck remember him.
Sasquatch was hocking meals from Adventure Meals. Dave bought two Pasta Primavera entree's. He liked the first one. I expect he'll like the second one. The 15 entree' (thirty serving) bucket is the pride of Amazon. Dave is going to give them a try. Me, kibbles and treats. Nothing has changed. Mountain House Expedition Bucket Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 30 Servings
Our first Overland Expo East has been tremendous, and next year is already part of our plans. Tomorrow, we head back to my big fluffy bed and play toys, in Mars Hill, NC. Our stop at home is just for a night. Monday, we begin Eclipse Chase 2023, and head toward New Mexico.
Thanks for riding with us,
Bernie and Dave
VagabondJeep.Com
O|||||O Bernie and Dave
Jeep, Jeep. Beep, beep.