In January of 2019, my dog Jay and I took our first big roadtrip together in my Subaru Outback to Arizona. I was a little anxious about taking her on such a long trip with multiple stops. And also, it was much colder than I anticipated. I’ve been in Texas now for 30 years and I have gotten a bit spoiled. Yes it does get cold and we do have ‘Winter’ but it is always a shock when it is cold for more than a day or two. But I really wanted to go to the WRTR (Women’s Rubber Tramp Rendezvous) in Quartzite, AZ. And I wanted to take Jay so I could get some idea what traveling with a dog would be like.
The first night we made it to El Paso and it was about 30 deg F. La Quinta allows pets at no extra charge so I got a hotel room. I don’t think I ever took Jay to a hotel before. She was not sure what to make of it. But she was quite happy to see that her food was served in our room.
I am not sure of the exact sequence of events. I stayed in Phoenix with my friend Cindy and her parents for a few days. Jay immediately pulled a large bone out of the trash that Cindy’s dad had found under the couch that day. And I think she decided this was a great place to stay.
Once we made it to Quartzite. I set up in the ‘tent camping area’. There were several other women there in tents or cars. I don’t remember if I mentioned the Habitent that I used on my Subaru. They were first created for the Prius but now you can get them for various hatchbacks. They turn the hatchback into a kind of tent and the back unzips so you can get in and out through the back. It works just like the door to a tent, has a screen or canvas closing and allows air to circulate too.
Habitent turns a hatchback into a tent
Then we eventually headed to Quartzite. There were close to 2000 women there! It was pretty amazing. They had multiple ‘learning’ sessions and opportunities throughout the week. Some of the ones I attended: Solar Power, Safety for Women on the road, Hygiene for Women on the road, panel discussions, and I was able to tour the inside of quite a few vehicles and here the stories of multiple women. It was here that I kind of decided a van was the way to go. I had looked at various small towable campers over the last year or so, but had found out that my Subaru did not have a towing package and I would need to invest in installation of one or get a new vehicle. And I was no longer sure what I wanted. At the WRTR, looked at many vans and 5th wheel camper vans. During the safety discussion there was mention of how nice it was to feel that you could just climb into the driver seat in the middle of the night if you felt unsafe for any reason and just drive off without having to get out of a towable or attempt to break camp. And also the benefit for boon-docking. And a few women said they didn’t mind having to tow something but the majority said it was a bit of a hassle and a limiting factor.
The trip home was mostly uneventful. I had a lot to think about. We stayed at various campsites. The weather varied from very cold to sunny and slightly warm. Jay seemed happy to be home BUT….The next day after cleaning out the car, she laid down in the back and refused to get out. She usually follows me everywhere but that day she sat in the car even while I went inside made a cup of tea and did some laundry. She had decided we needed to go somewhere…anywhere. I eventually broke down and took her for a ride and a walk and had dinner at an outdoor restaurant where she could sit and hang out with me. Now whenever I pick up my keys she jumps up and follows me. She doesn’t want to miss out on any roadtrips!
Travels With Vanette 