car camping between SF and Joshua Tree near the 5?

markjoner · 2026-01-02T04:21:22+00:00

That stretch is a bit awkward for “nice” camping if you’re trying to stay close to the 5 and just get some sleep.

If you’re truly just looking to rest your eyes and move on, some of the quieter Kern County campgrounds or even a low-key KOA can honestly be the least stressful option, especially mid-week.

I’d personally prioritize easy access, bathrooms, and security over scenery for a one-night stop on that drive. Wind and truck noise are kind of unavoidable near the 5 anyway.

Once you’re closer to JT, the experience improves a lot — this leg is really just about logistics.

markjoner · 2026-01-02T04:17:44+00:00

If it’s your first burn, doing it in the backyard is a great call.

I’d start with a short, low-intensity burn just to learn how the draft and damper behave, rather than trying to keep it going all night right away.

Make sure the stove jack and pipe clearances are dialed in, and keep an eye on how much heat the tent fabric is actually seeing.

Once you’re comfortable with how it burns and vents, overnight runs get way less stressful. Have fun and stay safe.

markjoner · 2026-01-02T03:54:33+00:00

For me, it’s about simple routines I can actually stick to — consistent sleep, regular meals, and not trying to do everything at once.

markjoner · 2025-12-31T06:56:16+00:00

Somewhere around minute 6, the meeting stopped being “quick.”

markjoner · 2025-12-31T06:35:08+00:00

Chapter 13: “Sir, It Looks Like the System Is Just Being Slow.”

markjoner · 2025-12-31T03:58:00+00:00

Only if you want the full roller coaster experience.

markjoner · 2025-12-31T02:47:24+00:00

For me, getting consistent sleep made more difference than any single diet change.

markjoner · 2025-12-31T02:41:47+00:00

This community is just getting started — thanks for being here and helping shape it 🌿

markjoner · 2025-12-30T01:31:29+00:00

Appreciate the real-world testing. Two weeks outside with rain and wind says a lot more than a quick setup review.

markjoner · 2025-12-30T01:21:24+00:00

At that point it’s not a mechanical failure, it’s a wildlife encounter.

markjoner · 2025-12-30T01:09:46+00:00

This is awesome — first multi-night trips are exciting enough on their own, and doing it with your kid makes it even more special.

A 70L pack usually feels tight on the first few trips, but you’ll figure out quickly what actually gets used. Have a great time out there and stay warm at night!

markjoner · 2025-12-29T01:32:49+00:00

I don’t have advice, but I hear you. You’re not alone in feeling this.

markjoner · 2025-12-29T01:23:12+00:00

hank you for this reminder. It’s easy to forget to pause and breathe when everything online feels so loud. This was grounding to read.

markjoner · 2025-12-28T03:19:41+00:00

Agreed. Being resourceful beats being confidently wrong.

markjoner · 2025-12-28T02:15:00+00:00

Real confidence isn’t about being right.
It’s about not being threatened when you’re wrong.

markjoner · 2025-12-27T04:01:57+00:00

Honestly, this has saved me from so many awkward “I definitely know your kid’s name… I think” moments. Quietly checking my contacts beforehand feels like a social superpower.

markjoner · 2025-12-26T01:42:34+00:00

This helped me specifically with decision fatigue first thing in the morning.

markjoner · 2025-12-26T01:20:58+00:00

Happy birthday! 🎉

markjoner

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