With as much time as you spend outdoors and being able to “talk” with 135,000 people, you have earned the right to speak about the disregard for nature. Well said!
As a boondocking nomad, I spend a larger portion of my time picking up after previous "campers". It has gotten worse in the last few years. Thank you for your meditation on harmony and chaos 💚
It's especially frustrating that they are so ignorant that they're cutting down live trees, which won't even burn decently. It doesn't normally take much walking to find downed timber that's had time to dry (if that's allowed in the area).
Wanton destruction of habitat and environment is always heartbreaking for me - I hope your desire to educate and suggest alternatives for little cost reaches the ears of those who need to adhere to this practice and encourages them to comply and let our forests survive and thrive.
If they don't want to stop at the gas station and purchase real wood, would purchasing Dura-Flame logs work? I don't know much about them but I've seen them at the store.
@@spoosieoopsie1616 it may, but also remember that having a wood burning fire produces almost the worst emissions....regardless we still have them, but limit their uses as he suggests.
@@gordon3988 Thanks, Gordon. I appreciate your help. My husband and I rarely light a fire, even if the night is cool. We don't really like the smell. Now I know why.
I love having a Campfire. For us it’s part of the experience. But I would never cut down any living tree. In the first place they don’t burn well. Secondly, the Forest belongs to the trees!! Not me!! I do pick up some dead wood for kindling. We used to bring our own wood from our yard but with the Emerald Ash Borer we have learned to buy local now when we go camping. We haven’t gone boon-docking much but hope to as we retire and travel more. Seeing the kind of destruction Slim showed on this episode will dishearten me greatly when I run across it. I hope more people learn to respect our natural environment and stop this kind of senseless destruction.
A telescope and star gazing are one good alternative to a camp fire. Another is a propane fire pit or a candle or lantern. You will not smell of smoke in your rig either. In the 2000s even the Boy Scouts started reducing the size of their camp fires. The also stated using the cured out invasive species in their camp fires.
Thanks for the rant, I share your frustration...sadness. Along with cutting down live trees, there’s shotguns, litter, reckless 4x4 off trails, the list grows longer with each passing camping season.
The growing trend of hiking with bluetooth speakers cranked up annoys me. If you must disconnect your sonic experience (and please reconsider that), at least use headphones so you don’t impose your disconnect on others. For some of us, the sonic and other non-visual aspects of nature are as important as the visual one.
I was hiking up Mt. Lassen in northern CA. On the way down, but still near the top, I passed a trio of dudes coming up with a boombox blasting Led Zeppelin. I would have scolded them but they were playing Stairway to Heaven. I was honestly torn. I did talk to them about it, and they understood my position, but I had to admit it was something I might have done at their age.
Well, Slim, hit another one out of the park. I learn something every video. This time I was reminded of the need to live in harmony with nature and the environment around you. Thank you so much. I think it's time to rewatch all your nature videos.
I, personally, am so glad you spoke to the issue of telling everyone to sell everything and become a nomad! I’ve always felt it was setting some people up for drastic failure. Being a nomad is not an easy life. Like you said, it takes a lot of planning and finding out if it is truly for you. So, I’m very grateful for your addressing that. And, as far as respecting the land, I get crazy over the things people do to our parks and land in general. It makes my blood boil. Take care of yourself!! ♥️❣️🙏🏼❣️♥️
Judy A I kinda did that 11 years ago and have been full time in my T.T. for over 10 years now. My expenses are now less than half of what I had "owning" a house or as I think it was owning me and tied me down to it.
@@DB-yj3qc - I’m very happy for you. It can be a great life for folks who are prepared and suited for the nomadic life. Apparently you are. Good luck and enjoy yourself. ♥️
We full time and I totally agree. I actually think it's psychologically very stressful for most people. You must be comfortable with the fact that you are always a stranger and that you have to explore. People who need familiarity to feel safe and secure will probably lose their minds.
People are responsible for making their own decisions. If they listen to advise that is contrary to what they know is right for them, then they have only themselves to blame.
I share your anger about the trees. It's not so much that people are malicious, but rather they are ignorant. Your video provides some needed education. Safe travels.
Agreed. I've camped all my life but never once cut down a living tree. There is always ample dead fall to gather. Green wood doesn't burn that well anyway.
Mike Scherer - They are nearly always selfish, not ignorant. "I want what I want AND I want it right now!" I want what I want and don't give fig about others!"
@@wendyweaver8749 selfish until caught, then they play the ignorant card. I too have been camping for over 40 years and rarely use a camp fire. I've also never cut down a tree, ever! Heck, at a state campground in PA, a local sold me a trunk full of wood for $5. Couldn't use it all after 2 days so I left it for the next camper.
Thanks for another great video Slim. Sadly, many people don’t understand or care about the outdoor beauty given to us to enjoy. You make a great point about spending a few bucks and buying firewood at a gas station or convenience store.
Thank you for your comments. Agree with you completely! I was taught how to camp from campers I met on the trail. They all had a deep respect and love for the outdoors. Slogan was leave only your footprints and leave as few of those as you can. Rules for open fires were keep them small, use only deadwood on the ground and never carry wood from one area to another. Appalled anyone would cut down trees. Know that you are probably "preaching to the choir" on your website, but still good to hear.
OMG almost crying with your last scenes.. so angry like you when you showed the devastation...do not understand those who do not see, hear and appreciate nature.. just the flutter of birds wings outside my bedroom window tells me it's going to be a great day. Keep up the good work Slim... you are so valuable and wise.. maybe help convert some that don't see, hear or smell nature... your anger was so palpable but also so honest and understood....thank you for all you do... from a true southern gal...
Slim - we have enjoyed your videos so much the past few years. In fact we have watched all of them from start to finish a couple of time now. In this video, you are talking about things that inspire you. You have inspired us so much, that we started our own channel. Thanks for all of beautiful nature shots and thoughtful comments thru the past few years. We truly appreciate it.
I could join you in the rant. Here in Minnesota we had people cutting down trees so they could have a better view. Or dumping their black water tanks in the ditches. Not taking their trash out of the Boundry Waters and I too could go on. Another great video, keep speaking up for the trees, we all need too and they thank you.
I agree slim! I was brought up to take care of nature because it takes care of you, my father Taught us to only ever use already fallen dead trees and to also never leave any trace we were ever there, to leave it better than when we found it.
Don’t be sorry about the trees, it would piss me off as well! My neighbor here in Maine had to shut access off to a nice scenic water area because of the garbage and actual human poop everywhere. It only takes a few to ruin it for others!
It’s all because of poor parenting and the me culture. They spend their lives preaching about saving the planet, yet can’t look after their local parks and beaches.
20:00 I think those things have to be said Slim! You are out there, you can see things that are happening better than any video will ever show. I am here for the good, the bad and the ugly. If I ever get a chance to go there, i would like to see it the way nature intended me to see it. Thanks Slim, keep up the eyes on the ground!
The deer were looking at you and saying “ oh look, that’s the guy that got stuck in the mud but didn’t loose his temper and just figured a way out of it, he’s a good guy”!,
Rant on! I didn't think I could love your videos and you even more. To live in harmony with nature is a spiritual thing and to destroy it is disrespectful. Thank you for inspiring us that enjoy it!
Vandals in the wild has always been happening. Just been a lot more people out there then usual. The education system can only teach people so much, the entitlement and lack of respect is some thing the parents failed at.
Any idea where the term vandalism came from? It's from a group of people from the 5th and 6th century. Parenting has always been good and bad, as have people, regardless of their parenting.
@@veganpotterthevegan my point is, not since the modern era at least has there been an unapologetic wave of entitlement and disrespect. It's last 15 to 20 years i have seen in my lifetime the change in morality and cooperation towards any common good...just entitlement and disrespect. Blame who ever you want but it's happening.
@@Fingerprintguy You made me chuckle. Kids want axes and saws to play in the woods. They need supervision and direction. Adults with electric saws also need direction. Please leave the camp ground until you grow up! Think one hundred years.
I wish all vanlife videographers would stress leaving a place as they find it. Thanks for actually showing how ignorant people camp out in out precious forests. We need more reminders to people like this. You’re awesome Slim!
We were always taught to leave it better, wilder, than we found it. It was a real bummer to disassemble 8 fire rings at an elevation above 10,000', in one day,on the JMT part of the PCT. Don't get me started on the other trash I packed out.
I just picked up an enclosed cargo trailer. It is a 5’X8’ with 52” of interior height. The roof on this cargo trailer lines up perfectly with the roof on our tow vehicle, a 2019 VW Atlas with the 2.0L 4 cylinder. Traveling at 60 mph netted 26 mpg, 65 mph gave 24 mpg, and at 70 mph it ended up at 22 mpg. So speed AND aerodynamics are what really effect fuel economy the most.
As kids we were taught by our parents to "Take only pictures, leave only footprints". I've tried to live by that in all aspects of my life. Try in nature to be a low impact human being.
I am also angered by people behaving in a stupid way in our beautiful forests! Selfish, short-sighted people ruin campsites. I don’t know a good solution but, meanwhile I hope wild places stay wild as long as possible.
I think I’ve become addicted to your videos. This was a very special one. I join you in your love of nature and angst about the disrespect and destruction of the gifts from Mother Nature. Keep on traveling and staying true to your observations and messages to us.
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” ~ Saint Francis de Sales
Yes yes yes! Preserve our beautiful wild areas! “Leave no trace! “….Leave it better than you found it” are not just slogans… it’s a way of life. Nature is God!
Thank you for another insightful and entertaining video, Slim. I don't know what bothers me more, people poop or people burning pallets that leave nails everywhere. I decided years ago that I will never have another campfire and I seldom camp where people frequent.
Nice video and nice to see you back ! Something about your videos and the way you conduct and edit your videos is soothing to the sole and draws you back for more:) keep it up I’m really looking forward to your next camping season
Slim, get one of those weird scoop things for the vehicle and cut that wind over the trailer. Don't worry about the rant. I completely agree. I don't think people are educated enough in the subject to realize that they are actually hurting the environment.
i agree to a point, and would add the entitlement is on the rise. what are we ready to do to stop it? raise better humans, enforce the laws, etc. I worked in the Rockies National Parks and the authorities refused to address issues if the perpetrators had a rental license plate.. its all about money
Thank you for being a voice for the trees slim. I have seen this as well and it breaks my heart. I'd like to think that some just don't know any better, so perhaps bringing it to light can help educate and create change. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thank you Slim for your rant about fools destroying our land it sickens me and makes me sad, I love nature and just love to sit and listen to the sounds of the forest it calms me
It’s so good to see you back in the woods. Thank you for bringing us a few minutes of bliss - and a reminder of why we go camping.....it’s the trees, the water, the Earth.
Hello Slim Potatohead. I spent most of the weekend watching your videos. I enjoyed your intros, videography, and content, but I really enjoyed it when you were camping in the winter. There was something comforting about seeing the dry warmth of your wood stove. It was very enjoyable. Thank you.
Slim this may have been your best video ever. Your content is always good but your observations on preserving the earth / living in harmony really resonated and are a much needed message.
@@wendyweaver8749 Indiana State Parks ask that dead wood be left to decompose. Dry firewood is usually sold in the parks and most days/convenient stores
Nice to see you back in your natural habitat, SP! There is no excuse for ruining a camping spot by cutting down living trees for a campfire. There are tons of entrepreneurs selling bundles of dry firewood for $10 a bundle all over the place in our area.
Nice to see your videos coming back Potatohead , This one made me smile as those BF Goodrich just fill up with mud and your quickly left with four spinning mud discs, I found out the hard way during my early off road years !
The abundance and popularity of RUclips videos promoting “woodcraft” camping is no doubt contributing to the destruction of campsites and the environment. I appreciate your “light touch” approach.
I completely agree with you about protecting the land, living in harmony with it. I never do campfires, I don't like the smell, or the risk that a spark will get away and touch off a fire somewhere. I love being in nature, and don't need a fire. I take out anything I bring in and practice leave no trace. Including taking out trash if someone else has left it there. And I love thunderstorms while out camping, and yeah, falling asleep to the sound of the rain on the roof is awesome!!! Thanks for all your videos, one of these days when the border opens again I plan on coming up and exploring your province for a while. So much beauty up there!!!
The sad thing is there are so many dead trees and branches if you aren't too lazy to go pic them up! Thanks for respecting the land! Love your videos :)
I just have to say, I love your channel, the fact that you aren't pushing anything, so many travelers think you need to take to the road 24/7 all year every year and if you do anything else you're doing it all wrong and you're a sham or a fake, I like to travel for my own reasons, as do you, as does everyone.
I appreciate that rant. Am hopeful that maybe some of the bushcraft videos would stress more that you just can't go into the wilds and start hacking away. The past year on Vancouver Island has been disheartening. The sheer amount of toilet paper on paths and sides of roads is shocking.
It’s always a pleasure to camp when our campground neighbors respect the quiet and harmony of nature. There are others who bring their “chaos” with them - on our first camping trip with our teardrop, our neighbor imagined himself a DJ whose job it was to have everyone around him listen to his playlist. The rangers just drove by his campsite in complete disregard ... thank goodness it was just a one night stop to our destination. We found in our travels through many states early this spring, that state campgrounds with hosts have fewer problems and quieter nights. Have a wonderful camping season everyone! ~ Maria
I consider myself a slow driver. I normally try and keep it at least 5-10 miles under the speed limit. Slower in low traffic areas. Driving too slow can be almost as dangerous as driving too fast, so I try and almost match general traffic. My gas mileage varies from around 10.5 to 14.5 depending on conditions.
Problem here in Britain too sadly. I've been a wildcamper over 30 years and have never seen the wanton destruction of woodland that I have seen in the last 2 years. It makes your blood boil.
A good 70% of aerodynamic drag comes from the low preasure wake behind the vehicle. Improving air flow at the front will NEVER have the same effect as reducing turbulence off the rear of the trailer. A 0.5m cut of boat tail/kamback off the rear will have the largest impact on aerodynamic drag, with little weight or asthetic penaltie. I can run some air flow simulations if you would like
Stacy, What are air foils usually made of? What gauge aluminum plate? I would guess the angle of deflection would be slightly greater than that required to draw straight line from top of vehicle to top of trailer. Typically how tall must the air foil be to get air mass to travel over the trailer (instead of getting trapped between vehicle and trailer).?
I think the flat bottom skiff on the jeep roof idea looks good. Maybe even with a small fairing to close the gap with the roof, and having a small boat opens up new exploration opportunities. As you no doubt know, moving through air is a big limiting factor at 60 mph.
Slim: great video and thanks for bringing to light the problem of people cutting down live trees that they do not have permission to cut. Along with buying firewood from the local service station or roadside firewood stand, you could either use a propane fire pit or bring your own wood. For those choosing to bring your own wood, it either should have come from the local area of your campsite or be kiln dried if not from the local area. Wood not harvested from the local area might possibly carry an insect/bacteria that could wreak havoc on the local forest; hence the use of kiln drying for non-native fire wood.
Gas prices would only do so much to slow people down I have noticed. The carrot or the stick don't seem to have an effect on behavior behind the wheel. Time is money and the pressure is on so that everything and everyone can get there yesterday.
I like how you say you can find peace and tranquility in the cities as well. I live in Ogden, Utah and there are so many hiking, backcountry skiing, mountain biking, snow shoeing opportunities literally 2 minutes from my door. Not to mention many incredible streams for fly fishing. So much nature so close.
I’ve always loved trees, can’t explain exactly why...just do! Needing a much needed trip out to the aspens in the Rockies, their melodies in the wind soothes any chaos I may think I have! Good video.
Glad to see you back. Hope the pain or stress of whatever was challenging you has eased. I respect that you want to keep things upbeat but we’re thinking of you.
Thanks Slim, well said and coincidentally we were just having a similar conversation while camping. One tip, consider buying the Gotread traction device, much more effective, fold very small and you can use them as leveling blocks if needed. With shipping however will cost you close to $180 CDN (perhaps less as the CDN dollar has strengthened recently).
Such wisdom you have presented on this video. I've been watching your videos for many years. Almost got to go to your meet up when you where in St Louis Mo. Thank you for your point on talk!! Take care be careful Traveling Grandma
Thank you for your honesty and realistic take on selling all your belongings and becoming a nomad. So many have learned too late that it is a lot to deal with. Going camping for a week or two is one thing doing it every day is another. Enjoy your videos. Safe Travels.
My advice: Forget about wind resistance and focus on the weight. The difference in milage with the trailer vs without is almost entirely the additional fuel that your engine requires to pull the extra weight of the trailer. I know that in the past people have paid a lot of lip service to wind resistance but the effect on your size /configuration setup is really negligible. ie: if you removed your trailer and loaded 1800lb of lead bars into the back of your jeep and somehow factored back in the rolling resistance of the trailer, you would get virtually the same milage as you do with the trailer. Our intuition doesnt serve us well in this area, its like driving across town to buy gas that is 2 cents per gallon cheaper. It seems like a good idea, until you actually do the math. Thanks for taking us along on your adventures, cheers!
@@bruisercruiserproductions228 Im not saying that wind resistance doesnt exist, Im saying that it has a negligible effect on fuel milage on this size vehicle, at the speeds I assume its going (under 70 mph?). Even if you could cut the trailer's wind resistance in half, (which you cant), you might pick up 1-2 MPG. The best you could hope to do is reduce it by 8-10% and maybe gain .2-.4 MPG. Thats roughly $14 per 1000mi savings. So youre going to spend 3 or4 hundred on some wind deflectors that would probably never pay for themselves. You could get better results by losing a couple hundred pounds from your overall weight and extend the life of the vehicle and trailer at the same time. Also if you read carefully, you will see that I said you would need to factor back in rolling resistance, (as it does have an effect).
I had a fellow science teacher that did an experiment where he wouldn’t go beyond 3000 rpms when taking off and to accelerate and it definitely made for better gas mileage - although he was probably pretty slow and annoying to be behind if you were in a hurry... then again isn’t that the point of this video to find that ‘harmony’?
With as much time as you spend outdoors and being able to “talk” with 135,000 people, you have earned the right to speak about the disregard for nature. Well said!
As a boondocking nomad, I spend a larger portion of my time picking up after previous "campers". It has gotten worse in the last few years. Thank you for your meditation on harmony and chaos 💚
Yay! Mr. Potatohead is back! Welcome back Slim! 👍 😎
What a great way to start the day, With a Slim Potatohead video!!
Bullterrier 💓
I can feel your anger. I find it hard to believe that some people are so ignorant and cut down trees in a park.
Seems like it’s people that are ignorant of forestry norms
It's especially frustrating that they are so ignorant that they're cutting down live trees, which won't even burn decently. It doesn't normally take much walking to find downed timber that's had time to dry (if that's allowed in the area).
Wanton destruction of habitat and environment is always heartbreaking for me - I hope your desire to educate and suggest alternatives for little cost reaches the ears of those who need to adhere to this practice and encourages them to comply and let our forests survive and thrive.
If they don't want to stop at the gas station and purchase real wood, would purchasing Dura-Flame logs work? I don't know much about them but I've seen them at the store.
@@spoosieoopsie1616 it may, but also remember that having a wood burning fire produces almost the worst emissions....regardless we still have them, but limit their uses as he suggests.
@@gordon3988 Thanks, Gordon. I appreciate your help. My husband and I rarely light a fire, even if the night is cool. We don't really like the smell. Now I know why.
I love having a Campfire. For us it’s part of the experience. But I would never cut down any living tree. In the first place they don’t burn well. Secondly, the Forest belongs to the trees!! Not me!! I do pick up some dead wood for kindling. We used to bring our own wood from our yard but with the Emerald Ash Borer we have learned to buy local now when we go camping. We haven’t gone boon-docking much but hope to as we retire and travel more. Seeing the kind of destruction Slim showed on this episode will dishearten me greatly when I run across it. I hope more people learn to respect our natural environment and stop this kind of senseless destruction.
A telescope and star gazing are one good alternative to a camp fire. Another is a propane fire pit or a candle or lantern. You will not smell of smoke in your rig either. In the 2000s even the Boy Scouts started reducing the size of their camp fires. The also stated using the cured out invasive species in their camp fires.
Thanks for the rant Slim! It needs to be sent more often!
Thanks for the rant, I share your frustration...sadness. Along with cutting down live trees, there’s shotguns, litter, reckless 4x4 off trails, the list grows longer with each passing camping season.
The growing trend of hiking with bluetooth speakers cranked up annoys me. If you must disconnect your sonic experience (and please reconsider that), at least use headphones so you don’t impose your disconnect on others. For some of us, the sonic and other non-visual aspects of nature are as important as the visual one.
I was hiking up Mt. Lassen in northern CA. On the way down, but still near the top, I passed a trio of dudes coming up with a boombox blasting Led Zeppelin. I would have scolded them but they were playing Stairway to Heaven. I was honestly torn. I did talk to them about it, and they understood my position, but I had to admit it was something I might have done at their age.
@@waltermeerschaert Cougars love Stairway To Heaven. After they hear that song, they get mighty hungry.
@Lou Louis Sad. That lack of consideration - utter selfishness.
Well, Slim, hit another one out of the park. I learn something every video. This time I was reminded of the need to live in harmony with nature and the environment around you. Thank you so much. I think it's time to rewatch all your nature videos.
I, personally, am so glad you spoke to the issue of telling everyone to sell everything and become a nomad! I’ve always felt it was setting some people up for drastic failure. Being a nomad is not an easy life. Like you said, it takes a lot of planning and finding out if it is truly for you. So, I’m very grateful for your addressing that.
And, as far as respecting the land, I get crazy over the things people do to our parks and land in general. It makes my blood boil.
Take care of yourself!! ♥️❣️🙏🏼❣️♥️
Judy A
I kinda did that 11 years ago and have been full time in my T.T. for over 10 years now. My expenses are now less than half of what I had "owning" a house or as I think it was owning me and tied me down to it.
@@DB-yj3qc - I’m very happy for you. It can be a great life for folks who are prepared and suited for the nomadic life. Apparently you are. Good luck and enjoy yourself. ♥️
We full time and I totally agree. I actually think it's psychologically very stressful for most people. You must be comfortable with the fact that you are always a stranger and that you have to explore. People who need familiarity to feel safe and secure will probably lose their minds.
People are responsible for making their own decisions. If they listen to advise that is contrary to what they know is right for them, then they have only themselves to blame.
I share your anger about the trees. It's not so much that people are malicious, but rather they are ignorant. Your video provides some needed education. Safe travels.
Agreed. I've camped all my life but never once cut down a living tree. There is always ample dead fall to gather. Green wood doesn't burn that well anyway.
Mike Scherer - They are nearly always selfish, not ignorant. "I want what I want AND I want it right now!" I want what I want and don't give fig about others!"
@@wendyweaver8749 So true!
Most of these people aren't ignorant. They know what they're doing, they simply don't care
@@wendyweaver8749 selfish until caught, then they play the ignorant card. I too have been camping for over 40 years and rarely use a camp fire. I've also never cut down a tree, ever! Heck, at a state campground in PA, a local sold me a trunk full of wood for $5. Couldn't use it all after 2 days so I left it for the next camper.
Thanks for another great video Slim. Sadly, many people don’t understand or care about the outdoor beauty given to us to enjoy. You make a great point about spending a few bucks and buying firewood at a gas station or convenience store.
Thank you for your comments. Agree with you completely! I was taught how to camp from campers I met on the trail. They all had a deep respect and love for the outdoors. Slogan was leave only your footprints and leave as few of those as you can. Rules for open fires were keep them small, use only deadwood on the ground and never carry wood from one area to another. Appalled anyone would cut down trees. Know that you are probably "preaching to the choir" on your website, but still good to hear.
OMG almost crying with your last scenes.. so angry like you when you showed the devastation...do not understand those who do not see, hear and appreciate nature.. just the flutter of birds wings outside my bedroom window tells me it's going to be a great day. Keep up the good work Slim... you are so valuable and wise.. maybe help convert some that don't see, hear or smell nature... your anger was so palpable but also so honest and understood....thank you for all you do... from a true southern gal...
Slim - we have enjoyed your videos so much the past few years. In fact we have watched all of them from start to finish a couple of time now. In this video, you are talking about things that inspire you. You have inspired us so much, that we started our own channel. Thanks for all of beautiful nature shots and thoughtful comments thru the past few years. We truly appreciate it.
I so much appreciate the thought you put into these useful inspiring videos. So glad to have you camping again.Thanks Slim!!
Always enjoy your side of the story and message... it’s original-it’s you man!!
I could join you in the rant. Here in Minnesota we had people cutting down trees so they could have a better view. Or dumping their black water tanks in the ditches. Not taking their trash out of the Boundry Waters and I too could go on. Another great video, keep speaking up for the trees, we all need too and they thank you.
Good Morning, Slim. Keep living the dream. Your adventures inspire me to keep working towards mine. Happy trails.
This gentleman has a solution for everything (if not most things) it’s pretty impressive.
LOL, he was so proud of his silverware drawer fix. Way to McGuyver it Slim!
Oh yes! So good to see you Slim, you just made my day!
Great concept to cover...harmony in nature and with nature. Nice job!
I agree slim! I was brought up to take care of nature because it takes care of you, my father Taught us to only ever use already fallen dead trees and to also never leave any trace we were ever there, to leave it better than when we found it.
Don’t be sorry about the trees, it would piss me off as well! My neighbor here in Maine had to shut access off to a nice scenic water area because of the garbage and actual human poop everywhere. It only takes a few to ruin it for others!
It’s all because of poor parenting and the me culture. They spend their lives preaching about saving the planet, yet can’t look after their local parks and beaches.
Garbage in nature is probably the most disheartening thing I encounter...especially when there's a garbage can nearby.
@@Chequr_Prostate Why do you people always blame bad parenting? Terrible people have always existed, regardless of their upbringing.
@@veganpotterthevegan
It might have always been the upbringing.
You make so much sense that I am now a new subscriber to your channel, 2 thumbs up
20:00 I think those things have to be said Slim! You are out there, you can see things that are happening better than any video will ever show. I am here for the good, the bad and the ugly. If I ever get a chance to go there, i would like to see it the way nature intended me to see it. Thanks Slim, keep up the eyes on the ground!
Enjoyed your video- I feel like I’m visiting a good friend! You’re a soothing, kind and intelligent human being. Please keep your videos coming!
The deer were looking at you and saying “ oh look, that’s the guy that got stuck in the mud but didn’t loose his temper and just figured a way out of it, he’s a good guy”!,
Rant on! I didn't think I could love your videos and you even more. To live in harmony with nature is a spiritual thing and to destroy it is disrespectful. Thank you for inspiring us that enjoy it!
Vandals in the wild has always been happening. Just been a lot more people out there then usual. The education system can only teach people so much, the entitlement and lack of respect is some thing the parents failed at.
Any idea where the term vandalism came from? It's from a group of people from the 5th and 6th century. Parenting has always been good and bad, as have people, regardless of their parenting.
@@veganpotterthevegan my point is, not since the modern era at least has there been an unapologetic wave of entitlement and disrespect. It's last 15 to 20 years i have seen in my lifetime the change in morality and cooperation towards any common good...just entitlement and disrespect. Blame who ever you want but it's happening.
Too bad trees cannot fight back. They're all bark, no bite. 😉
@@Fingerprintguy
You made me chuckle. Kids want axes and saws to play in the woods. They need supervision and direction. Adults with electric saws also need direction. Please leave the camp ground until you grow up! Think one hundred years.
Well, you made me cry...but you also made me smile. Love your videos, Slim.
that woods hike and talk was beautiful!!! It was pure and well said ...
I wish all vanlife videographers would stress leaving a place as they find it. Thanks for actually showing how ignorant people camp out in out precious forests. We need more reminders to people like this. You’re awesome Slim!
We were always taught to leave it better, wilder, than we found it. It was a real bummer to disassemble 8 fire rings at an elevation above 10,000', in one day,on the JMT part of the PCT. Don't get me started on the other trash I packed out.
I just picked up an enclosed cargo trailer. It is a 5’X8’ with 52” of interior height. The roof on this cargo trailer lines up perfectly with the roof on our tow vehicle, a 2019 VW Atlas with the 2.0L 4 cylinder. Traveling at 60 mph netted 26 mpg, 65 mph gave 24 mpg, and at 70 mph it ended up at 22 mpg. So speed AND aerodynamics are what really effect fuel economy the most.
That Atlas is a very well designed & engineered vehicle.
Don't forget that the German engines are very efficient compared to many other makes.
Great vid, Slim. Glad to be getting you back.
As kids we were taught by our parents to "Take only pictures, leave only footprints". I've tried to live by that in all aspects of my life. Try in nature to be a low impact human being.
Grant, exactly -- you and I must have been raised by parents that thought alike; thank you!
Perfectly said....
Welcome back. Glad you are out and about.
I am also angered by people behaving in a stupid way in our beautiful forests! Selfish, short-sighted people ruin campsites. I don’t know a good solution but, meanwhile I hope wild places stay wild as long as possible.
I think I’ve become addicted to your videos. This was a very special one. I join you in your love of nature and angst about the disrespect and destruction of the gifts from Mother Nature. Keep on traveling and staying true to your observations and messages to us.
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” ~ Saint Francis de Sales
Love your analogy of Nomadland. A true misconception of the lifestyle we chose, not what we were forced to do!
Hello from Vancouver, BC.
Love your videos. Always makes my day when you've uploaded one for us to watch.
thank you Mr potato head not for the trailer tips not for stunning views but for speaking out for what you believe in fair travels
Mount a Aluminum wind deflector on your roof rails at the rear [ a spoiler ] they use to be fairly common to see in the past.
The only problem with a Slim video? They end. I usually save them for a relaxed evening with time to appreciate. Many thanks for another good one.
Yes yes yes! Preserve our beautiful wild areas! “Leave no trace! “….Leave it better than you found it” are not just slogans… it’s a way of life.
Nature is God!
Happy you ended with water bringing harmony and love back in balance Thank you Slim.
Thanks once again for your insight. Your anger is also mine. Needless distruction. Namaste Jay
Thank you Slim for the beauty and wisdom.
Thank you for another insightful and entertaining video, Slim. I don't know what bothers me more, people poop or people burning pallets that leave nails everywhere. I decided years ago that I will never have another campfire and I seldom camp where people frequent.
Nice video and nice to see you back ! Something about your videos and the way you conduct and edit your videos is soothing to the sole and draws you back for more:) keep it up I’m really looking forward to your next camping season
Slim, get one of those weird scoop things for the vehicle and cut that wind over the trailer. Don't worry about the rant. I completely agree. I don't think people are educated enough in the subject to realize that they are actually hurting the environment.
danmanx2 - Unfortunately, the forest vandals do not care about the effect of their actions. They want what they want, and want it now!
i agree to a point, and would add the entitlement is on the rise. what are we ready to do to stop it? raise better humans, enforce the laws, etc. I worked in the Rockies National Parks and the authorities refused to address issues if the perpetrators had a rental license plate.. its all about money
Thank you for being a voice for the trees slim. I have seen this as well and it breaks my heart. I'd like to think that some just don't know any better, so perhaps bringing it to light can help educate and create change. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thank you Slim for your rant about fools destroying our land it sickens me and makes me sad, I love nature and just love to sit and listen to the sounds of the forest it calms me
It’s so good to see you back in the woods. Thank you for bringing us a few minutes of bliss - and a reminder of why we go camping.....it’s the trees, the water, the Earth.
Wasnt expectn a video today slim. But damn im glad to see ya
Hello Slim Potatohead. I spent most of the weekend watching your videos. I enjoyed your intros, videography, and content, but I really enjoyed it when you were camping in the winter. There was something comforting about seeing the dry warmth of your wood stove. It was very enjoyable. Thank you.
Lots of great advice Slim!👍
Slim this may have been your best video ever. Your content is always good but your observations on preserving the earth / living in harmony really resonated and are a much needed message.
Oh, btw campers who cut the trees, green wood does not burn well!
SRPerk - "I don't want to take the time or make the effort to search for deadwood! I want a fire NOW!" Selfishness run amok.
@@wendyweaver8749 Indiana State Parks ask that dead wood be left to decompose. Dry firewood is usually sold in the parks and most days/convenient stores
I too love getting out of the chaos of city life once in a while for a respite out in nature. Being a city person sure has a lot of stress.
Spot on, as always! Good to see you Slim.
Well said. And so glad your back .... please never stop your sharing your beautiful and peaceful videos...stay safe
Nice to see you back in your natural habitat, SP! There is no excuse for ruining a camping spot by cutting down living trees for a campfire. There are tons of entrepreneurs selling bundles of dry firewood for $10 a bundle all over the place in our area.
Nice to see your videos coming back Potatohead , This one made me smile as those BF Goodrich just fill up with mud and your quickly left with four spinning mud discs, I found out the hard way during my early off road years !
The abundance and popularity of RUclips videos promoting “woodcraft” camping is no doubt contributing to the destruction of campsites and the environment. I appreciate your “light touch” approach.
I completely agree with you about protecting the land, living in harmony with it. I never do campfires, I don't like the smell, or the risk that a spark will get away and touch off a fire somewhere. I love being in nature, and don't need a fire. I take out anything I bring in and practice leave no trace. Including taking out trash if someone else has left it there.
And I love thunderstorms while out camping, and yeah, falling asleep to the sound of the rain on the roof is awesome!!! Thanks for all your videos, one of these days when the border opens again I plan on coming up and exploring your province for a while. So much beauty up there!!!
The sad thing is there are so many dead trees and branches if you aren't too lazy to go pic them up! Thanks for respecting the land! Love your videos :)
I just have to say, I love your channel, the fact that you aren't pushing anything, so many travelers think you need to take to the road 24/7 all year every year and if you do anything else you're doing it all wrong and you're a sham or a fake, I like to travel for my own reasons, as do you, as does everyone.
I enjoyed your walk through the forest, and your talk.
Dear man, you feel for us all, bless you for that 💕💕💕💕💕💕
I appreciate that rant. Am hopeful that maybe some of the bushcraft videos would stress more that you just can't go into the wilds and start hacking away. The past year on Vancouver Island has been disheartening. The sheer amount of toilet paper on paths and sides of roads is shocking.
It’s always a pleasure to camp when our campground neighbors respect the quiet and harmony of nature. There are others who bring their “chaos” with them - on our first camping trip with our teardrop, our neighbor imagined himself a DJ whose job it was to have everyone around him listen to his playlist. The rangers just drove by his campsite in complete disregard ... thank goodness it was just a one night stop to our destination. We found in our travels through many states early this spring, that state campgrounds with hosts have fewer problems and quieter nights. Have a wonderful camping season everyone! ~ Maria
I love Slim's and his videos, keep them going my Canadian friend.
Glad to see you. I always enjoy seeing your inventions on how to make things work in your travel home.
Driving slower will improve gas mileage, wind resistance increases proportionally to the square of the speed.
as a former trucker, i agree 100%.
I agree too, we did a 12,000 mile trip, and had a 2000lb loaded trailer, with a 4cyl SUV and we averaged 17 miles to the gallon.
I consider myself a slow driver. I normally try and keep it at least 5-10 miles under the speed limit. Slower in low traffic areas. Driving too slow can be almost as dangerous as driving too fast, so I try and almost match general traffic. My gas mileage varies from around 10.5 to 14.5 depending on conditions.
@@shmack-dab-in-da-middle3960 My Dad did that. The Police stopped him and told him he was causing a tailback and to go at the normal speed.
Thank YOU Slim. Love your message and your well said Rant..!!!
People not looking after campgrounds is a global problem it seems. I'd love to know why people think doing stuff like this is acceptable.
Its a big problem here in Australia too. The indigenous people here are campaigning to close of national parks.
Problem here in Britain too sadly. I've been a wildcamper over 30 years and have never seen the wanton destruction of woodland that I have seen in the last 2 years. It makes your blood boil.
Thank you for the update and the well spoken insights.
A good 70% of aerodynamic drag comes from the low preasure wake behind the vehicle.
Improving air flow at the front will NEVER have the same effect as reducing turbulence off the rear of the trailer.
A 0.5m cut of boat tail/kamback off the rear will have the largest impact on aerodynamic drag, with little weight or asthetic penaltie.
I can run some air flow simulations if you would like
Stacy, What are air foils usually made of? What gauge aluminum plate? I would guess the angle of deflection would be slightly greater than that required to draw straight line from top of vehicle to top of trailer. Typically how tall must the air foil be to get air mass to travel over the trailer (instead of getting trapped between vehicle and trailer).?
I think the flat bottom skiff on the jeep roof idea looks good. Maybe even with a small fairing to close the gap with the roof, and having a small boat opens up new exploration opportunities. As you no doubt know, moving through air is a big limiting factor at 60 mph.
Good grief. You should be angry. How could people be so irresponsible? Thank you for speaking up, Slim. Save the trees.
Slim: great video and thanks for bringing to light the problem of people cutting down live trees that they do not have permission to cut. Along with buying firewood from the local service station or roadside firewood stand, you could either use a propane fire pit or bring your own wood. For those choosing to bring your own wood, it either should have come from the local area of your campsite or be kiln dried if not from the local area. Wood not harvested from the local area might possibly carry an insect/bacteria that could wreak havoc on the local forest; hence the use of kiln drying for non-native fire wood.
By far the best way to improve gas mileage is to go as light as you can on the gas pedal...Slow down people! 😊👍🎉🎉🎉
Drag is proportional to the SQUARE of velocity.
@@waltermeerschaert That’s really cool dog....
Gas prices would only do so much to slow people down I have noticed. The carrot or the stick don't seem to have an effect on behavior behind the wheel. Time is money and the pressure is on so that everything and everyone can get there yesterday.
I like how you say you can find peace and tranquility in the cities as well. I live in Ogden, Utah and there are so many hiking, backcountry skiing, mountain biking, snow shoeing opportunities literally 2 minutes from my door. Not to mention many incredible streams for fly fishing. So much nature so close.
I’ve always loved trees, can’t explain exactly why...just do! Needing a much needed trip out to the aspens in the Rockies, their melodies in the wind soothes any chaos I may think I have! Good video.
I live in Southern Illinois and planted an Aspen tree. It's about 3 years old and seems to be doing well.
Thank you for your videos, Mr. Slim. Have a great summer!
My last campsite had 9 fire rings where the ground was scorched by building fires above ground. And I carried a mound of trash out of the site.
Glad to see you back. Hope the pain or stress of whatever was challenging you has eased. I respect that you want to keep things upbeat but we’re thinking of you.
Thanks Slim, well said and coincidentally we were just having a similar conversation while camping. One tip, consider buying the Gotread traction device, much more effective, fold very small and you can use them as leveling blocks if needed. With shipping however will cost you close to $180 CDN (perhaps less as the CDN dollar has strengthened recently).
I am a nature lover too. I love recycling and watching new life in the spring
Such wisdom you have presented on this video. I've been watching your videos for many years. Almost got to go to your meet up when you where in St Louis Mo. Thank you for your point on talk!! Take care be careful Traveling Grandma
Thank you for your honesty and realistic take on selling all your belongings and becoming a nomad. So many have learned too late that it is a lot to deal with. Going camping for a week or two is one thing doing it every day is another. Enjoy your videos. Safe Travels.
My advice: Forget about wind resistance and focus on the weight. The difference in milage with the trailer vs without is almost entirely the additional fuel that your engine requires to pull the extra weight of the trailer. I know that in the past people have paid a lot of lip service to wind resistance but the effect on your size /configuration setup is really negligible. ie: if you removed your trailer and loaded 1800lb of lead bars into the back of your jeep and somehow factored back in the rolling resistance of the trailer, you would get virtually the same milage as you do with the trailer. Our intuition doesnt serve us well in this area, its like driving across town to buy gas that is 2 cents per gallon cheaper. It seems like a good idea, until you actually do the math. Thanks for taking us along on your adventures, cheers!
I disagree. Wind resistance plans a roll. Tires also play a roll (no pun intended) in it as well, rolling resistance is real.
@@bruisercruiserproductions228 Im not saying that wind resistance doesnt exist, Im saying that it has a negligible effect on fuel milage on this size vehicle, at the speeds I assume its going (under 70 mph?). Even if you could cut the trailer's wind resistance in half, (which you cant), you might pick up 1-2 MPG. The best you could hope to do is reduce it by 8-10% and maybe gain .2-.4 MPG. Thats roughly $14 per 1000mi savings. So youre going to spend 3 or4 hundred on some wind deflectors that would probably never pay for themselves. You could get better results by losing a couple hundred pounds from your overall weight and extend the life of the vehicle and trailer at the same time. Also if you read carefully, you will see that I said you would need to factor back in rolling resistance, (as it does have an effect).
It is amazing how you find a solution for everything. I love your videos.
The people doing all these damages to trees obviously do not know what they are doing.
Or don't care...
Well done! Thanks so much and glad to see you again! all the BEST to you and Cheers from south of the still closed border! :)
"Jack-rabbit" starts and hard braking can increase fuel consumption by 40 percent but reduce travel time by only 4 percent.
Good to know!
I had a fellow science teacher that did an experiment where he wouldn’t go beyond 3000 rpms when taking off and to accelerate and it definitely made for better gas mileage - although he was probably pretty slow and annoying to be behind if you were in a hurry... then again isn’t that the point of this video to find that ‘harmony’?
Just Beautiful. Thank you