Lexi &amp; Chris in a Truck Camper

20 Jan 2025

Welcome to Bluesky! We are Chris & Lexi and, despite what the last 24 hours might indicate, we do more than just post about hot cocoa & collagen. We are a couple on a perpetual road trip in our 1970 Avion truck camper. We share the renovation of our #homeOnWheels, slow as it may be… 1/3

27 July

We are visitors.⁠ ⁠ We wander into a new environment, explore the terrain, admire the scenic overlooks, and when the locals come through, we make room.⁠ ⁠ Because this is their home.⁠ ⁠ #wildlife #elk #camping #roadtrip

27 July

⁠So when I walked to the bathroom and a herd of elk meandered between me and my little home on wheels, of course I wanted to take a picture.⁠ ⁠ But this is exactly what the zoom on my lens are for: capturing a wildlife moment from a respectful distance while crouched beside the bathroom door.⁠

27 July

Don’t think about the bathroom.⁠ ⁠ Think about the elk.⁠ ⁠ Magnificent. Wild. Entirely unbothered.⁠ ⁠ But, yeah.⁠ ⁠ I’ll always think about that bathroom.⁠

4 June

Seaotters wrap themselves in kelp to be anchored while sleeping. A group of sea otters is called a raft. #goodnight #wildlife #nature

Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper@roamlab.bsky.social

Good night! #seaotter #wildlife #cuddles

4 June

Good night! #seaotter #wildlife #cuddles

3 June

Sea otter pups are born with incredibly dense fur that traps air, helping them float like tiny, fuzzy corks. Before a mother dives for food, she’ll often groom, dry, and fluff her pup’s coat so it stays buoyant at the surface while she’s underwater.⁠ ⁠ #seaotter #wildlife #babyanimals

3 June

It’s one of those wildlife moments that gets cuter the more you learn about it: a mother carefully maintaining her pup’s built-in life jacket before heading off to forage.⁠

roamlab.comSea Otters of Morro Bay - Wildlife Viewing on California's Coast | RoamLab™Morro Bay, California is a haven for sea otters, drawing photographers & wildlife lovers to observe otters groom, hunt, and socialize.

3 June

Morro Bay is one of the most accessible places you can go to see sea otters in the wild. #seaotter #outdoors #nature roamlab.com/morro-bay-se...

18 May

Meet the local management.⁠ ⁠ Cute?⁠ Yes⁠ ⁠ Harmless-looking? ⁠ Absolutely. ⁠ ⁠ Capable of running a surprisingly sophisticated snack surveillance operation? ⁠ Also yes.⁠ ⁠ Remember, don't feed the wildlife. Responsible outdoors-people store their food out of the reach. ⁠ #groundsquirrel #Wildlife

12 May

Our 1970 Avion C11 has posed in deserts, mountains, forests, and more than a few questionable pullouts. But tucked beneath these windswept coastal trees, it looks especially at home: half time capsule, half science project, fully committed to the bit.⁠ ⁠ #camping #coastal #roadtrip

Peek-a-boo!⁠ ⁠ These roofless stone huts might look like the perfect spot for a picnic or a game of hide-and-seek, but they weren’t built for weekend #wandering. They’re the remnants of a once-thriving #desert retreat.⁠ ⁠ The T Cross K Ranch started as a working cattle operation in 1912. #history

What stands today—the stone cabins, an empty pool, and a lone chimney—is all that remains after a 1960 fire swept through and reduced the rest to ash.⁠ ⁠ Now, instead of hosting vacationers, the land has found a quieter purpose.

roamlab.comMission Creek Preserve - Coachella Valley, California | RoamLab™Mission Creek Preserve is a rare wetlands environment in the Coachella Valley managed by The Wildlands Conservancy with hiking and camping.

Maintained by the Wildlands Conservancy as part of the Mission Creek Preserve, it’s an easy stop at the end of a well-graded dirt road—and a place where history lingers, just a little out in the open.⁠ roamlab.com/mission-cree...

With #PalmSprings just 14 miles away and the San Bernardino Mountains rising all around, it didn’t take long for someone to see the bigger opportunity. In 1928, it was reborn as a dude ranch: offering guests “horseback riding, hiking, tennis, dancing" or the chance to be “just plain lazy.”⁠

3 Apr

The best part about running around the Coachella Valley is all the hot springs available for some post-adventure soaking.⁠ ⁠ While we were perusing our options, we realized it would be about the same price to just stay at an RV park with hot springs.⁠ ⁠ #sunset #outdoors #roadtrip

3 Apr

That's how we find ourselves, reclining poolside, enjoying the sunset over the San Jacinto Mountains, while our laundry tumbles dry.⁠ ⁠ Yes, washed bodies and washed clothes. ⁠ The height of luxury!⁠ roamlab.com/mission-cree...

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 101⁠ ⁠ Most trail incidents aren’t dramatic survival stories. They’re small mistakes stacking up.⁠ ⁠ A little preparation can make the difference between a great adventure and a rescue call. Before you head out, keep these in mind:⁠ ⁠ #hiking #trailrunning #outdoors

9. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹⁠ Cutting switchbacks or wandering off route damages fragile ecosystems and increases your chance of getting lost.⁠ ⁠ 10. 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗮 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀⁠ A small first-aid kit, headlamp, and a whistle weigh almost nothing but can make a big difference if things go sideways.⁠

Preparation is about making sure your adventure ends with great stories instead of bleak headlines.⁠ ⁠ What are your rules for the trail?

5. 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿⁠ Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and lightweight layers can make a huge difference. Conditions change quickly in exposed terrain.⁠ ⁠ 6. 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗻𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻⁠ Cell service is unreliable in many trail areas. Download maps ahead of time or carry a physical map.⁠

7. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 Morning starts avoid the worst heat and give you plenty of daylight if the hike takes longer than planned.⁠ ⁠ 8. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘀⁠ Turn around if something feels wrong—fatigue, weather, time of day, or terrain. The trail will still be there another day.⁠

1. 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗼⁠ Temperatures, storms, and wind can change quickly. Hot days mean higher water needs, and storms can turn trails dangerous fast.⁠ ⁠ 2. 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻⁠ Let a friend or family member know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.⁠

3. 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱⁠ Wrong turns, slower miles, or unexpected detours happen to everyone. Extra fuel and hydration can keep a minor inconvenience from becoming a problem.⁠ ⁠ 4. 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿⁠ Closed-toe shoes with good tread will protect your feet on up.⁠

10 Mar

Somedays, one thousand words just aren’t enough to capture the moment. It’s quiet. It’s meditative. It’s perfect. And there’s no place I’d rather be. #camping #sunset #camper #roadtrip

2 Mar

Some days, I just need to burn something. I just hadn’t intended that it would be my hair…. #camping

2 Mar

Running has us relying a lot more on developed campgrounds than in the past. We don’t have to shower every day. But, trust me, everyone would know if we didn’t. And while we do have a water tank, I have yet to build out a proper shower. ⁠ ⁠ 1/3 #trailrunning #hiking #camping

2 Mar

⁠So, here we are, lacing up for a longish run, comforted in the knowledge that there is a shower at the end of it all.⁠ 2/2

27 Feb

It's shorts season on Picacho Peak: so warm out that I started wondering if it might be too hot to run. Yes, I've run races in the heat, but I just wasn't planning for these temperatures in February.⁠ ⁠ #hiking #outdoors #desert #adventure #trailrunning

20 Feb

Some days, we spend hours on dirt roads for a view.⁠ ⁠ Other days, we just need a bathroom break.⁠

19 Feb

Views from the road⁠ ⁠ #hotairballoon #hotair #balloon #roadtrip #roadtrippin #roadtripping #lifeontheroad #sedona #sedonaarizona

7 Feb

⁠There is something bittersweet in visiting our old haunts across Sedona. A lot of the sites where we camped and created special memories are now blocked off.⁠ ⁠ 1/3 #publicland

7 Feb

There are so many reasons boondocking options are lost: pressure from the hospitality industry, NIMBY locals, public land sold to private interests, bad campers who set dangerous fires, harm delicate flora, leave messes, and ruin it for the rest of us. ⁠ ⁠ 2/3

7 Feb

We can't control everything, but we can at least try not to be these people and, instead, advocate for our public lands.⁠ ⁠ These places gave us memories. Let’s not be the reason someone else never gets the chance.⁠ 3/3

The last few days on the road have been a blur. We were winding down before bed on our first night when I looked around and asked Chris: where's your suitcase? (Yes, we still store most of our clothes in suitcases.)⁠ ⁠ Chris looks around: "you didn't pack it?"⁠ 1/4 #roadtrip #packing #woops

So, now we are dialing in a minimalist shopping list: in the history of our travels, what does Chris NEED? So far, I have: Underwear Socks A nice shirt A casual shirt A pair of pants And *waves hands vaguely* running gear 3/4

So, yeah, we make a stop off by some outlets to get Chris the basics. ⁠ ⁠ When he will be reunited with is suitcase...is yet to be determined.⁠ 4/4

I shake my head, "if you didn't put it by the door, I didn't bring it in.⁠ We look at each other, shrug, and go to bed. Because it is too late and we are too tired to get worked up about clothes. The next morning, however, we have plenty of energy to direct towards fashion faux pas. 2/4

1 Feb

Time to get away from all that ice, ⁠ Time for the desert and not taking easy rhymes.⁠ ⁠ Sedona is a special treat this time of year. It is technically off-season. It can snow and get muddy. But it's still so much warmer than where we were.⁠ ⁠ 𝘍𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 @roamlab 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴⁠

standwithminnesota.comStand With Minnesota Donation DirectoryStand With Minnesota is a hub for supporting, learning, and taking action to support Minnesotans impacted by ICE and federal enforcement.

28 Jan

When so many things are going wrong, there are also so many ways to show support.

Electronic Frontier Foundation@eff.org

As the people of MN take action to protect their community members, there are many efforts and organizations that people can show support for at Stand With Minnesota. www.standwithminnesota.com/ (3/3)

28 Jan

Whistles are an important tool to draw attention when we are in danger. This is about running This is not about running

9 Dec 2025

The walls are going in!⁠ ⁠ See that board in my hand. It's going to frame our refrigerator. It's going hold that food locker in place while we bounce around dirt roads so that, when we stop for a cold one, it will, indeed, be cold.⁠ ⁠ #diycamper #diy #camper

9 Dec 2025

Mundane things are magical when you make them happen. Until there is an award category for "most satisfying mod," pulling a chilled treat from our conveniently located ice chest will be reward enough. ⁠ ⁠ What can I say? It's cool.⁠

What is the most extreme weather you have camped in?⁠ ⁠ The temperature is dropping with the leaves, and we are about to take a test trip with the latest camper renovations. ⁠ ⁠ Temperatures will be freezing. ⁠ Not the worst we've camped in… 1/4 #roadtrip #camping #weather #outdoors #nature

The next morning, we drove past the remains of a semi that tested its luck and came up snake eyes.⁠ ⁠ That said, we should only be facing cold this weekend. And this time, we aren't trying to cross a massive blacked out state with empty grocery shelves, like in Texas a few years ago.⁠.. 3/4

Weather doesn't care about your holiday plans or that meeting at the beginning of the week. And we've learned not to push our luck.⁠ ⁠ What's your story?⁠ 4/4

But we swore we wouldn't camp that cold ever again.⁠ ⁠ The same goes for tornadoes. ⁠ I pay a lot more attention to weather reports while driving through tornado alley these days. We don't want to spend another night rocked to sleep by gusts of wind whipping through a Walmart parking lot… ⁠ 2/4

Passthroughs are (generally) for permanent builds. If the camper never parts from the truck frame, it's not that hard to add a portal from the driving area to the living area. Bolts, glue, and sealants are acceptable mounting materials to isolate this passageway from cold, noise, and moisture. #diy

Our first version debuted in 2022: a primarily foam prototype that relies on compression to seal out the elements. It's been good enough to get us through these last few years, but I'm working on something more tailored to our build. ⁠ ⁠ 3/4

Step 1 is reframing the camper access⁠. Getting the fit right took a long time. But it feels good to finally be sealing the aluminum frame in place.⁠ 4/4