I think of myself as a really good sleeper. Typically, as soon as my head hits the pillow, I’m out – only to be woken up, grogilly, by my alarm clock.
But now that my life is sleeping in a Roof Top Tent (RTT) or ground tent on public lands… the question is: can I really sleep anywhere?
As I’m writing this, tonight marks 26 nights on the road. 23 of those nights spent camping and every one of those nights was spent at a different place! That’s 23 times setting up/ taking down and 23 different places to call home. Honestly, it has not bothered me one bit.
However, those 26 nights were not without their challenges.
When you overland, you sure hope for (and sometimes plan for) the beautiful park ups. Picture lush forests or beaches overlooking a beautiful water body. A toilet with a sink, water, and soap in walking distance. Ideally, a picnic table and space around you for activities and cooking.
When you get those evenings, cherish them! Realistically, many evenings are spent on public lands in less than idea locations. Let’s get into it.
Mosquitos: early and mid- June had us swatting at all times to ward off these and other flying, biting creatures. Luckily, they didn’t make it into the tent.
Busy highway: we made the mistake of a park up just off a busy highway outside of Tadoussac, Quebec. Clearly, it was still too close. Transport trucks passing at a high speed at a regular interval throughout the night. This night definitely caused me some future night terrors od vehicles driving into us.
Revving engines and bright lights: we we’re the only ones sleeping at this large park parking lot in Matan, Quebec but not the only ones hanging out. High school students who had just graduated and were celebrating with a park parking lot hangout comparing whos engines could rev the loudest until 11:30pm. Also, the street lights in the lot stayed on the entire night.
Trains and planes: trains passing through close to our site in the middle of the night… six planes taking off right over our heads at 5:30am…
Best for last…
High winds and heavy rains: one night, the winds were so high (30km and gusts of 45kms) and we were in such an exposed lot, that at 12:30am we decided to get out of the tent! We packed up the RTT in the rain, sat in the vehicle, and looked at each other: “now what?” We drove 5 mins down the road to a more protected area (still strong winds) and tried to sleep sitting in our car seats from 2am – 7am! That was not a very comfortable sleep.
Typically, nights with a poor sleep, were followed by a great nights sleep. We’re now entering New Brunswick, we will see how friendly it is for overlanders.
Cheers to better sleeps ahead!
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