FIRST TRIP WEST
Follow the Trip
From North Carolina
to Joshua Tree and back through Arizona.
My first extended trip runs west from North Carolina to Joshua Tree. The map shows the states reached, with numbered pins linking to the stories.
Stories from the road
✓ Arizona — Phoenix and Petrified Forest
November 8, 2026
From the Rim to the Road Home
Leaving the Mogollon Rim, a work trip to Boston, reconnecting with friends in Phoenix, and starting the slower road home through Petrified Forest.
✓ Arizona — Sedona and the Rim
November 1, 2026
From a Crowded Campground to a Desk on the Rim
From a crowded overnight stop near Sedona to a quiet desk overlooking the forested Arizona rim.
Joshua Tree to Sedona, Arizona
October 25, 2026
Back on the Road: Joshua Tree, a Few Repairs, and the Long Way Home
Leaving Joshua Tree, making repairs, and turning toward Sedona on the journey home.
Joshua Tree, California
October 12, 2026
A Good Mechanic in the Middle of the Desert
A mechanic’s visit on BLM land, sunrise at the Rock, a break from the heat, and riding out the storm before Ryan Campground.
Across the trip
October 10, 2026
Pack It In, Pack It Out: I’m Not Here to Clean Up Your Trash
Picking up other people’s trash at every stop, from bottles and chip bags to abandoned chairs and couches.
Arizona and California
October 6, 2026
The Desk Is Out There
A snake beside camp, a broken taillight and jack pin, and finally getting the desk outside at Joshua Tree.
Arizona
October 5, 2026
Does It Really Matter Where You Work?
Working from the camper, camping outside Flagstaff, and watching the stars appear after work.
New Mexico
September 29, 2026
Go camping, go four-wheel driving, it’s fun, they said…..
A muddy departure, a five-hour recovery, and a change of plans for the day.
Tennessee and Arkansas
September 26, 2026
From Knoxville to a Campsite in Arkansas
A night beside I-40, the drive west, and a difficult campsite setup.
North Carolina and Tennessee
September 24, 2026
Day One: Oh Crap
A forgotten medication bag, a tire sensor scare, and the first state line.
North Carolina
September 22, 2026
Trip preparation
September 21, 2026
How I’m Preparing to Work Full-Time From an RV
The work hours, screens, internet connection, and equipment prepared before leaving.
North Carolina
September 20, 2026
Getting Ready to Get the Desk Out There
Washing the trailer, packing the gear, and getting ready to head west.
Trip background
September 20, 2026
Why I’m Taking My Desk on the Road
How an earlier Joshua Tree visit led to the plan to return with a trailer and take the workday on the road.
North Carolina
September 20, 2026
4:30 a.m., Wide Awake
An early morning, a lot of anticipation, and the first trip west getting close.
Trip preparation
September 20, 2026
Why I Started The Desk Out There
Starting a journal of the first extended trip: campsites, the work setup, travel days, and learning along the way.
October 25, 2026 · Joshua Tree to Sedona
Back on the Road: Joshua Tree, a Few Repairs, and the Long Way Home
Back in the RV after a trip home, tackling repairs, and turning east toward Sedona—with sunsets, a rainbow, and hot air balloons along the way.
