Last summer, I took a leap of faith.
I decided to pack my bags and take the camper to Florida to travel around my home state.
I had the flimsy outline of a plan and a burning desire to get the F out of my current lifestyle. So that’s exactly what I did.
I started by traveling to Jacksonville, FL, where my parents and brother live.
I migrated toward Pensacola, stopped in Port St. Joe, stayed a couple of nights in Crystal River right before scallop season kicked off, headed down south to Anna Maria Island for a family vacation, then rounded out my travels at a dear friend’s house in Ft. Meyers.
I was knee-deep in one of the hottest Florida summers I’ve ever experienced, surrounded by thunderstorms and tornado warnings, in a 12-foot camper with my dog.
This immersive experience illuminated three key chores that are required when you’re in a small space and nature is your living room.
What’s On Deck:
3 Tasks I Do Every Day While Traveling
I was generously over-prepared for my summer escapades around Florida, but most of the gear I packed was for situations that I was praying wouldn’t happen. I also packed clothing that wasn’t appropriate for the extreme weather I was experiencing. (Note to self: don’t do that next time.)
Although I had a litany list of things to reach for, I found myself doing three unexpected tasks every single day because they made a positive impact on my day-to-day living.
1. Spray Non-Toxic Insect Repellent
I had no idea that I would rely on insect repellent as much as I did.
And I’m not talking about layering up with bug spray that did nothing to prevent me from getting eaten alive by yellow flies.
I’m talking about insect repellent for the camper crevices!
Think about all of the seals, corners, and hinges that make up an RV. There are a lot of little spots where unwanted insects can transform your home on wheels into a bug paradise, which is not what we want.
But if you’re like me, spraying toxic bug repellent in small spaces with a curious dog is a recipe for disaster.
That’s why I was over the moon when I discovered a non-toxic insect repellent spray by Wondercide. Wondercide is plant-powered, proven protection from bugs like ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, ants, and roaches.
I turned to this company because they were focused on the same goal I was — effectively protecting my spaces from bugs without endangering my health or my dogs. (Read their entire story here)
This spray is critical to keep bugs at bay without worrying if Rocky will get sick if he accidentally licks a freshly sprayed spot.
Wondercide delivers a reliable way to cut down on unnecessary toxins in your RV and your house without dampening your defenses against crawling and flying insects.
They also make a Flea & Tick spray which is another must-have item if you take your dog hiking. No one wants to bring hitchhikers back to camp after a great day in the woods.
2. Rinse Off All Items Left Outside
I did not understand the force of rain on a pile of mud or a bed of dirt until I had to leave all my camping items outside in a tornado warning.
The dirt spray from rain droplets hitting the soft earth covered the sides of my cooler, chairs, table, and privacy tent.
I’m talking about a solid 6 inches of mud spray all over my gear because it rained that aggressively for multiple days in a row.
Unfortunately, most of my days were cloaked in rain but that meant I got into a solid routine of rinsing everything off in the morning.
This not only knocks off layers of dirt but it also lets me inventory the state of my gear and determine if I need a better storage solution while at camp.
Rinsing everything off with a hose also helped me keep unwanted bugs at bay, which was mission-critical while traveling through Florida.
Yes, dirt and debris are part of camping, but no one wants to be covered in it every waking moment. Plus, reaching for something (thinking it’s clean) and putting your hand in an unknown substance is an unpleasant experience…
If it rains while you’re camping, make sure you leave some time to clean up before you head out.
If you unfortunately have to pack up in the rain, I recommend putting towels underneath your gear in your car to help it dry out while you’re driving. You can also outfit your car with WeatherTech mats to keep rainwater, dirt, and mud from embedding themselves into your carpet fibers.
I love my WeatherTech mats and they go a long way when you’re packing up camp in a thunderstorm.
3. Use Essential Oil Sprays to Reduce Unwanted Smells
I packed two essential oil sprays that turned out to be my saving grace.
After just one week of living on the road in the heat, I was in desperate need of some olfactory reprieve.
That’s where my Good Morning Beautiful and Sweet Dreams Darling essential oil sprays came in clutch. They allowed me to manage any unwanted odors without having to turn off my AC and air out the camper.
Although that normally would be a good option, when there’s no breeze, a 96-degree heat wave, high humidity, and a panting dog, you can’t afford to turn off the AC or open the doors for too long.
If you’re okay with spraying toxins in close quarters, you can probably get by with Febreeze. I, however, have sensitive skin and prioritize removing toxins where I can.
That’s why essential oil sprays are my go-to for a quick pick me up — whether it’s on my face or on my pillow, cultivating the right collection of sprays makes long days in a small camper a helluva lot more comfortable.
Being Uncomfortable Causes Unexpected Growth
Living life on the road for two months brought me face-to-face with unexpected challenges, but it’s these very challenges that have enriched my journey in ways I never imagined. From relying on essential oil sprays to combat staleness to diligently spraying non-toxic bug repellent on camper seams, and even the simple act of rinsing off gear left outside in the rain – each task has become a testament to adaptability and creativity.
Through these small yet significant acts, I’ve learned to embrace the unpredictability of life on the road, finding joy and fulfillment in the everyday moments that make long trips worth it.
As I reflect on these unexpected tasks, I’m reminded that it’s not just about the destination but the journey itself – the mishaps, the challenges, and the serendipitous moments that shape our experiences and memories.
So, here’s to embracing the unexpected, finding beauty in the mundane, and living life with open arms and a curious spirit, wherever the road may lead.
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