How We Survived a Weekend in the Middle of Nowhere

Medicine Bow National Forest, 8/2019.

What to expect on your trip...

If you clicked on this post, you must be wondering about or you are getting ready for a long vacation where you can disappear from the world. You must enjoy what it is like to be completely alone for miles and miles. . . If this is true, I think we can be friends.
​My partner Nikita and I, who you will be seeing in a lot of in pictures (!), we love that feeling of complete silence. But, in order to enjoy this feeling and the weekend, you must be well prepared for any situation. Here are 5 steps you should take in order to feel confident and secure during your trip.
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5 Tips for Camping in the Forest:

"X" marks the spot, Medicine Bow National Forest, 8/2019.

1. Research your destination or ask locals. Some of the best experiences we have ever had have been when we stopped in to information or visitor centers and asked for some guidance. They have great suggestions and can give you handy maps for your journey!

​2. Pack your gear conservatively. Every ounce matters when you are venturing further and further away from the crowds. While you are first starting out it would be wise to stay in established campgrounds for a night or two. This way you can ease your way into the hobby and figure out what you absolutely need and what is holding you back.
Depending on the activity, season or region in which you decide to explore, it may take you a while to collect the appropriate gear. Trust me, after five years of camping and traveling I finally have the backpack meant for my size! But finding out what works is all a part of the experience. Right?

Other supplies suggestions:

• Toilet Paper
• Wet Wipes
• Cooking Pan & Utensils
• Paper Plates
• Smaller Day Bag
• Extra Socks
• Deck of Cards
• Trash Bags
• Lounging Shoes
• ​Flashlights

Medicine Bow National Forest, 8/2019.

S'mores cones, 8/2019.

3. Bring water or choose a spot near a water source. Not all established campgrounds have potable water which means the primitive campsites will definitely not have a water source. If need be, seek out a river and boil the water at your campsite.
You can go days without food, but water is essential. Last year, we purchased gas and water containers from a local army surplus store. They really are life savers!

4. Think of simple ways to cook your food and always keep it contained. If you are outdoors in a spot that is rarely visited by other travelers, it is likely that more wildlife will be roaming around. If you have your food exposed to the environment, you will attract animals and you won't like that. We recommend packing protection like bear spray (very powerful pepper spray) or other weapons in case you come across any issues. It is not uncommon for animals to attack, so just keep that in mind.
​Over labor day weekend, we camped for three days and two nights in the Medicine Bow National Forest. For our grub we packed in corn on the cob we bought from the local farmer's market in Laramie, WY. We also had brought along sausage, bacon and s'mores (of course!) which we stored in an iced cooler. The s'mores and corn we wrapped in aluminum foil so we could cook them over the fire pit. This was so much fun and super easy!

During the night and when away from camp we locked the food inside the car that was backed into our campsite. Keep your waste contained as well, either in trash bags or throw it into the fire pit. There is a lot more information that we could give you on this subject so if you are interested in more please let us know!

5. Choose your campsite carefully. This is essential for surviving any over-night trip, especially in the middle of nowhere. This could make or break your trip! I am always on the look out for the perfect spot and am cautious around dead or weak trees. Here in Wyoming the wind can blow up to 90+ mph, trees have been knocked over by gusts - you would not want to be in the wrong spot.
When analyzing the available campsites, you should pay attention to a few other key features. Whether or not the ground is level? If it rains will the water drain towards you? Are you well sheltered from the wind? And, most importantly for myself and Nikita, are you alone yet?