https://meanderingpassage.com//wp-content/uploads/images/2023/04/EBM-20160612123551.jpgThere are places in the eastern US where you can see for long distances with beautiful landscapes that are hard to describe. But something about the wide-open spaces of the Western United States takes your breath away. It’s a feeling that you’ll never forget once you experience it. The vastness of the landscape, the endless sky, and the sense of freedom that comes with being surrounded by so much natural beauty—all add up to an awe-inspiring experience. It’s easy to understand wanting to live there.
But as much as we might love to romanticize these wide-open spaces, it was necessary while RV’ing to remember that they can also be harsh and unforgiving. There’s not a gas station, fast food restaurant, or shop every few miles like often in the Eastern US. While RV’ing, this awareness inspired additional preparedness in the form of extra water, fuel, tools and planning.
Of course, the sense of being on your own a little more when exploring the Western wilderness is also part of what makes it so thrilling. You can truly feel alive when you’re out there, surrounded by nothing but nature, enjoying all the beauty and wonder that the wide-open spaces of the West have to offer.https://meanderingpassage.com//wp-content/uploads/images/2023/04/EBM-20160612142957.jpg
When I bought my Subaru Outback one of my requirements was a tank that had range. Driving around Utah, Arizona, New Mexico I needed to get some distance out of my car without having to stop frequently or hold my breath hoping for a gas station to appear.
Yes, the wise plan accordingly. With the truck and 5th Wheel RV, we carried an extra 5-10 gallons of fuel in approved containers in the bed, just in case. Of course, some things you can’t plan for. Our diesel truck started counting down to limp mode while towing in the middle of nowhere New Mexico due to a firmware issue. I got it to a dealer for an update in the final three miles…sweating bullets. LOL
The planning is critical for fuel, water and food in the western states. Our ancestors ventured across the plains in covered wagons with very similar concerns, excluding the fuel. Nor did they have computer issues. LOL However, I can so enjoy the wide open spaces of the west. It touches me in some special way. By the way, thanks for posting these images from your archives and giving that distant perspective. Loving it.
I can easily understand how you feel about the West, Monte. If it hadn’t been for family concerns, I might have talked Bonnie into settling there, and we did discuss it. I’m happy you’re enjoying seeing some of the unseen photos.