The weather in Texas is starting to get colder, that means, perfect time to camp. At least camp comfortably, and not be sweaty.

The downside camping in Texas, it’s soo big, and not many public places to camp. At first I thinking of camping at Big Bend State Park. That would be nice camping in the chilly desert, and maybe even a chance of snow! But the 12hr plus drive wasn’t looking fun even though I had 6 days off. My friends and I decided to camp at Barnwell Mountain in Gilmer, Texas. A four hour drive, with nice technical trails of different levels.

I was the 1st to arrive Thursday night. From the camp entrance its not scary, and even seeing a few campers along the trails. But when I found my camp, its was different story. The forest at night, with no one nearby gave me creepy vibes. Frankly, I was just too scared to unpack. So, I waited an 1hr for my friends to arrive.

I love to camp, but only if I’m with have someone else. I did bring my doggies. Ariel was sleeping (oblivious to my feeling of being scared), but Maui felt the same creepy vibes hahaha. That didn’t help, he looked worried. But finally I was able to unpack and relax with friends.

Campfires are a must for camping. Snowpeak is the fire pit I use. Highly recommend for the quality of build.

Once the wood turned into coals, I grilled steaks. Something about steak cooked over a fire just hits differently. You get this smokey, fire flavor you don’t get with a cast iron skillet. Simple, yet elevated.

The weather forecast showed lows in the 30s for the next 4 days. It going to be a cold night. For my set up, I have a 50F sleeping bag and a space heater to keep me warm. I have a 0F sleeping bag, but its too bulky for one person. The Mr. Buddy heat is powered by propane and its safe for indoor use. This combo, I think, works the best. I’m able to pack less, and stay warm.

Had the doggies sleep in the tent and we stayed comfy for the next 4 days! Mr Buddy heater is a game changer in cold camping. If you cant afford a diesel heater this is the next option.

The next 3 days it was time to hit some trails! I didn’t take much pictures, just enjoying the moment. Test the flex in the trials, barely rubbing in the rears.

5″ lift and 35″ tires. Before I was on 3″ lift and 33″ tires. The current set up is better then old one.

My recent mods 5.29 gears with front and rear lockers, and slee sliders. The 5.29 gears allowed the Land Cruiser to crawl up the terrain with less stress on the motor and transmission. While on the descent, the speed was more controlled, and slower. This allowed me not to ride the brakes too much, it didn’t feel like I was trying to stop a run away train especially in the very steep vertical drops. The lockers was about to get me up steep ledges or slippery situations. Worse case was using my winch, and I did have to use that once.

Im soo impressed with the Land Cruiser, its my overlander, tow rig, and bad weather vehicle.

Hot pot, on a cold night is a nice combo. Hot soup, to keep you warm.

Peach cobbler for dessert. I brought ice cream, but didn’t take the picture hahaha.

4 days just hanging out with friends. Nice to reset from work and just enjoy the moments. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

One of the good things about Laguna Seca Raceway besides being a bucket list track, is the location of the track. Most racetracks in Texas are located in the middle of nowhere with not much things to do. Leguna Seca is located in Monteray, Califorina near the Pacific Coast. Also known as the Bay Area.

This area of Northern California has one of the best climates to live. Mostly sunny year round, with highs of 70s and lows of 50s. Just imagine a prefect sunny day almost year round. No wonder people are nicer and more chill.

One the off days I had, I went with my friend, Anthony, in this s2000 and took a drive in the Pacific Coast Highway. Went all the way up to Bixby Bridge and drove on a dirt road to get a good shot. The same place where I drove our Land Cruiser with Lambo and Nadine back in 2018.

This brought back memories. I’m reminded of our boy Lambo, and we miss him everyday. But in a good way, thankful for all the memories and glad we gave a good life to Lambo.

We love you buddy, and we’ll see you on the other side.

Trying not to get all emotional, I was very glad to come back. The views makes a more calming atmosphere.

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After the races, I had an extra day before I flew back to Texas, and I spent some time with my brother. He is currently doing a contract in San Fransisco, and thankfully he was off on the day I was off. Ive been to San Fransico once, and that was on the road trip back in 2018, and again brought feels of Lambo.

I noticed less homeless people out and about, but from I’m told their are homeless but they are hidden.

We bought pineapple buns at Pineapple King Bakery. https://g.page/pineapplekingbakery?share. Very delicious and its cash only. They don’t have dine in, so we went to Morro Beach, and enjoyed the views while eating.

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Later went to Presideo to chill. You can see the Golden Bridge and Alcatraz. For the people that isn’t familiar from the movie “The Rock” starring Nicolas Cage. Alcatraz is a former prison. I was jokingly telling my brother, if I had to go to prison, I wouldn’t mind Alzatraz.

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Living in the city, parking is hard to come by. Looks its worse in SF.

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Later in the day, we went to Deloros Park. This place was full up young professional probably finished from meeting heading to park to relax.

We joked about how California work ends at 3pm since all the meeting on the east coast are probably already done by now. What a life.

For the evening we went to Telegraph Hill and had dinner. Forgot to take food pics, but we had the oysters. Super delicious.

When we got done, we had a nice view of the Oakland Bridge.

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The last stop, was treasure island. City lights of San Francisco.

Very thankful I was able to experience this. This trip brought back old memories, and new ones. Life only comes once, and you’ll want to make the most of it. To reach your goals, you have to work hard it. But once you reach em, its rewarding. What you did in the past made you the person you are now, and what you do now will make you the person in the future. So go out there, and do your bucket-list things.