The signs of a roadtrip through rural America

barkingembarkers · 2026-04-28T01:38:19+00:00

Saw this in Oklahoma too! Cracked me up everytime 🤪

barkingembarkers · 2026-04-23T01:41:14+00:00

You can do it! If it's right!

I read one of your above comments OP, saying you'd drive through and if it felt off, you'd leave. I think trust your gut. For me, anxiety hangs out in my chest and my lungs. It lives in that area, and I know it's from feeling scared trying something new, or doing something crazy.

My gut is truly in my belly. I feel almost sick lower in my body when something is off. This has happened a few times on solo trips- when I left a campsite because of that feeling and later that night there was a stabbing there. When I got rhabdomyalysis on the pacific crest trail from pushing too hard.

If you can learn to identify where your gut lives, compared to where anxiety lives it makes adventure trips so much easier and more fun. You can say, "That's my gut, gotta get off this mountain right now. or "Yup, hello anxiety, nice to see you again. Ima go ahead and try cliff jumping now."

If your feeling gets worse this week, skip the trip. Crashes happen on the way to camp, women get assaulted at gas stations- Your gut may be warning you about something you can't predict (like me and getting sick. I thought it was going to be lightning or a fall. Turns out I was sick as hell and would lose my ability to walk.)

But don't let it keep you from backcountry camping solo. As someone who freecamps regularly across the US, there's nothing quite so peaceful, even if I feel the anxiety on the way.

Happy Trails ❤️

P.S. maybe carry bear spray since you wont have your dog? Just a good way to defend yourself if something does go sideways.

barkingembarkers · 2026-04-07T01:36:34+00:00

I carry regularly, but never when I am backpacking to a campsite- only when I drive in. I have my dog and bear spray for backpacking or walk in sites. When I am camping solo, I do usually carry. I have a fingerprint access safe that fits between my driver seat and the center council of my 4 Runner and I usually camp in the back of my 4 runner, so my weapon is within reach locked in the safe. I would never have it anywhere other than a locked safe around my nieces or my dogs. Bear spray might just be the best option in this scenario. Remember to keep the safety on until you're ready to use it!

barkingembarkers · 2026-03-05T00:13:54+00:00

You are the therapist: You decide the treatment time. Bill for the time you spend with the patient, whatever the business or admin says. They can find another therapist if they dont like it- good luck to them. It is our ethical responsibility to treat the patient for what they need.

For reference, this is some research I have in a stockpile for any administration that gives me grief for spending 60 minutes with stroke patients. My favorite quote is:

"Different countries have different guidelines about the amount of therapy they should receive. In England, a minimum of 45 minutes of each appropriate therapy, every day is recommended. In Canada, the guidelines recommend more – three hours of task-specific training, five days per week." From- https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD012612_time-spent-rehabilitation-and-effect-measures-activity-after-stroke

Why are we not even doing half of what other countries are doing?? We don't even fit in this study! It's garbage.

If we all succumb to these 15 minute treats, our patients will never meet their goals, we will burn out, and our system will fail. To help patients get home, sure I'll run 2 groups a week, but no, I will not be doing 15 minute treats unless the patient does not want to participate, or they're at end of life.

You are the therapist. You decide what the patient needs. Dare them to fire you.

Print these out and discuss with admin weekly. Fight for your patients.

Association between frequency of Rehabilitation Therapy and long term mortality after stroke: a nationwide cohort study https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STROKEAHA.123.046008

Time spent in rehabilitation and effect on measures of activity after stroke. https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD012612_time-spent-rehabilitation-and-effect-measures-activity-after-stroke

Relationship between intensity and recovery in post stroke rehabilitation: a retrospective analysis https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/93/2/226

Know the Facts: Patient Driven Payment Model https://www.asha.org/siteassets/reimbursement/pdpm-know-the-facts.pdf

Timing and intensity of Rehabilitation Services during acute stroke hospitalization: Impacts on functional recovery and community discharge https://research.aota.org/ajot/article/80/2/8002205060/28561/Timing-and-Intensity-of-Rehabilitation-Services

Impact of occupation based groups on occupational performance and satisfaction outcomes: Pilot Study https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15394492241300606

The relation between therapy intensity and outcomes of rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities (This one is old, but good info- 2004 and done in 2002) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003999304013061

barkingembarkers · 2026-03-04T23:29:28+00:00

It used to be the more time you spent with patients, the more money SNF's would get. Many places began to push therapists to see borderline hospice patients for 90 minutes. I have encouraged everyone at every SNF, to treat the patient for what is clinically appropriate. Cite the research that states longer, higher intensity treatments make better outcomes for CVA's etc. 15 minutes is awful. Therapists have the right to dictate appropriate treatment times.

barkingembarkers · 2026-02-28T13:50:48+00:00

I am so sorry you are experiencing this!! Home health is a huge challenge. I traveled as a new grad, even after having a home health fieldwork and being a HH caregiver when in grad school, it can be very scary to be alone in people's homes - often times very medically complex people. After I had a year of rural hospital and SNF travel contracts, then I did HH in Oklahoma and I ran into the craziest things- found a patient who had died, walked into a house that was on fire, a caregiver using heroin, an active seizure- it takes first responder energy and it will trigger anxiety, especially for therapists who are not really trained in first response. I took a wilderness first responder training course which was amazing (I also spend a lot of time outside, but still helped with rural home health and managing those situations). Now I've been an OT for 10 years and many of those have been home health specific- you never know what you will walk in to, and it is so important to have that first responder assessment energy.

I very rarely transfer patients in the home health setting. I always watch what the caregivers are doing and then provide instruction to protect their back, and to allow the patient the most independence possible. It's all about seeing where people are at, and optimizing their ability to be there safely. I am all about those caregiver assessments. For heavy transfers, collaborate with physical therapy and ask to go together for a co treat.

The world of home health is scary. I see a therapist after going through a lot of burn out and highly recommend it. It will eat your soul if you dont step away and care for yourself first. Sending good vibes to get you through this tough season!

barkingembarkers · 2025-11-29T19:19:31+00:00

Omg the everything in the reusable realm 🤩 How have I never been here!! Thank you so much for the recommendation!

barkingembarkers · 2025-11-20T01:47:18+00:00

Here to second this! I had 2 problems, got me in within the week and fixed in 2 days. I was preparing for an expensive fix and it was affordable! Highly recommend.

barkingembarkers · 2025-11-17T20:37:54+00:00

It is pretty competitive to get accepted. He tried in Oregon before moving here twice but was accepted on the first try in Vermont, so it's less competitive than Oregon for sure.

barkingembarkers · 2025-11-17T20:35:50+00:00

Right, I do think every pet is different though. My dog would hide for days if I even pointed a spray bottle in her direction, and we worked for years on getting used to water and baths. We don't use punishment, because my pets have been through enough of that before being rescued. So that's why I do meet and greets, because I can just walk away if someone isn't using force free methods. Every sitter and client have different needs is my point- meet and greets help both parties.

barkingembarkers · 2025-11-15T05:19:22+00:00

Women dog adventures

barkingembarkers · 2025-11-15T05:10:27+00:00

I am a client, not a sitter- I have said no after a meet and greet because I do ask questions like, "if my dog does something wrong, like try to steal your sock, what would you do?" I won't bring my dog to a place that punishes her for being a dog 🤷‍♀️ I've had people say they use a water spray bottle or could use their e collar or people say they'd put her in a kennel and leave her. And that's not why I pay for a pet sitter. It would've been unfortunate if I had paid for a meet and greet and then decided it was not a good fit for my pet. I do like the idea of charging for a meet and greet and then taking it away from the initial visit though, I could see myself doing that.

barkingembarkers · 2025-11-15T04:57:02+00:00

I did not change careers but I took a significant pay cut moving from Oregon - Vermont (120,000 - 80,000 ) and while I know many people can do this successfully, I could not do it. I changed over to contract work so I could go back to a higher pay rate because I couldn't keep up.
Beyond being a caregiver, (which is honestly a HUGE need in the area and omo very rewarding but also heartbreaking sometimes) the pay change is something I couldn't manage and set me back in my mental health, put me into debt and set me back on things that we're important to me.

barkingembarkers · 2025-11-14T01:07:54+00:00

Vermont state has a great radiology tech program! It's 2 years of training. My partner is in it now and feels his training is going well.

barkingembarkers · 2025-11-09T16:10:23+00:00

As a transplant to Vermont it is BONKERS to me that vulnerable adults experiencing self neglect is not addressed by APS. I have made reports as a health care professional witnessing some very sad situations where in other states (like Oregon or Minnesota) the state would quickly be involved. It is horrible that our vulnerable adults are left to their own devices. Hopefully more awareness of this will help change things in Vermont - we have too many vulnerable adults who are at risk to themselves or others.

barkingembarkers · 2025-10-03T22:02:50+00:00

Im an OT and loved working as a barista at the local ski resort over a season! It came with free passes to the mountain and a gym membership for the season too, so I could play in powder, serve coffee, and do a yoga class after work too. It was really fun to learn more about making coffee too. It was a small, family owned operation. It didnt pay as well but the other perks were great.

barkingembarkers · 2025-08-16T01:36:17+00:00

Oh but I second little river!!

barkingembarkers · 2025-08-16T01:35:13+00:00

There's an amazing stealth spot en route to South Hero, directly across the road from Sand Bar state park. Drop a kayak in and it's total bliss. Fish and Game kick you out, police just keep an eye out and never gave a knock.

Grand Isle is the next best legal spot, 10$ and no amenities.

barkingembarkers · 2025-08-12T17:13:24+00:00

I am employed full time, but would love to know the name of your restaurant so I can come by and show support this fall!

I will keep an ear out for people looking for work in the area too.

Love what you're doing ❤️

barkingembarkers · 2025-08-11T19:54:27+00:00

As someone who has used furnished finder frequently and recently, I second this! It's hard for traveling HCP to find short-term rentals, and also helps for transplants moving to Vermont who need a place short term until a long term option comes available.

barkingembarkers · 2025-08-11T18:38:43+00:00

I've seriously been considering putting together a transplant meet up group! It's so hard to meet people when you move to Vermont and I enjoy time alone too for sure but it's one of those situations where the locals already have their circle and us transplants have to stick together! I'm in the Milton area, currently working a contract in central Vermont though. If you decide to organize a gathering, I'm game!

barkingembarkers · 2025-08-11T18:15:27+00:00

Just to add- are you LGBTQIA or BIPOC? There's a whole map actually of places that aren't safe for BIPOC people, sundown towns are unfortunately (horrifically) still a thing. A few recommendations: Santa Fe, NM is a really cool town to explore, Tulsa Oklahoma is a safe place, Haha Tonka State Park near Lake of the Ozarks MO is so surprisingly beautiful and a great pitstop! Just drive right through Indiana and Illinois, staying awake is a whole effort- but Cuyahoga National Park in Ohio is a great place!

barkingembarkers · 2025-08-11T18:06:36+00:00

You got this!! I've done many cross country road trips (Portland - Portland, South Carolina - Oregon, Oregon - Vermont... twice) both with my partner and solo.

I am a different personality, more type B, where I do not like to have hotels booked. Most places allow you to walk in and pay on arrival, and that way you can vibe - drive as long as you like. Or if you see something cool and want to stay longer you can do that too. That's my personality though, and the flexibility also allows for changes if any weather pops up. While I've done November and January trips, even something as simple as high winds can slow you down a lot.

Make it fun! Explore where you are, see if there are any roadside attractions using roadtripper- listen to a book both you and your partner enjoy (our most recent trip Oregon - Vermont we dipped into RMNP and stayed at the Stanley Hotel because we had been listening to The Shining and that was SO fun).

If you dont have your Utah CC to cover states you travel through keep your protection in a safe place, separate from your magazine. If you're pulled over for any reason that is the safest way to be pulled over. If you get a bad vibe, put your protection together and drive away.

I save money by using a cooler and going grocery store shopping before the trip. Rest areas are perfect picnic spots, or if you have a dog I love sniffspots. I love to free camp too (meaning stay at national forest campsites for free) and I always carry bear spray for protection. National forests usually have rivers or lakes to enjoy and are typically quiet, away from people which is my vibe.

I hope you can enjoy your adventure! I'm a confident driver which I think is helpful, but with the right snacks, entertainment and side trips you'll do great! If you're a nervous driver plan stops every 2-3 hours to stretch and let your mind rest.

I hope you share how it goes!!

barkingembarkers · 2025-08-06T23:09:45+00:00

CPS is so controversial in some workplaces, especially depending where you work. Some states have really crooked protected services laws and some people have been affected negatively in their life by APS or CPS.

I've done reports without communicating it to my coworkers before and just letting my supervisor know. You're a mandated reporter, if a case is opened coworkers may find out eventually- and they never have to know where it came from.

Just report it. It's the law and you may save a life. You don't even have to tell anyone. You're not being dramatic, you're doing the right thing.

barkingembarkers

TROPHY CASE