We’ve been boondocking on this piece of land for three nights. We are not plugged into a power source or running water… only sustaining on what we have in the trailer.

I upgraded the battery a few months ago, so we have plenty of light inside of the trailer at night. We can also charge our phones and listen to the hum of the fridge without worrying about not having enough power. Water is the one resource we have to conserve when we’re dry camping in the middle of nowhere. With a 25-gallon freshwater tank, you can’t take long, luxurious showers. You have to take quick, military-esque showers whenever possible. We also have extra gallons of fresh water for cooking, drinking and for the dogs. The last three nights in Tucson is the longest we’ve dry camped and I don’t feel like I’ve missed out on the conveniences of daily life.

Traveling like this makes me think about the excessive amounts of resources I consume. Back in the real world, I’m guilty of taking 10-15 minute showers on a regular basis. Being out here in the open, living on limited water and electricity, I feel like I don’t need a whole lot to sustain myself. I understand why there are so many full-time Airstreamers/RV-ers; living an exploratory lifestyle. It’s a way to be in the moment with your surroundings, without being distracted by the conveniences of daily life. You take care of your basic needs in the most efficient way possible so that you can focus your attention on what’s in your moving backyard.

Photo shot with FujiFilm FinePix X100. Snyder Hill, Tucson, Arizona