One Long Shortcut

Chapter 163: Big City Problems and Smoked Brisket Solutions The big excitement this week was our trip to Dallas. Even though we technically live on the road, there is something different about deliberately setting off for a destination that isn't a river, a campground, or a construction site. This trip felt like a proper getaway. As we approached Dallas, the highways began multiplying. Two lanes became four. Four became six. Then suddenly there were roads on top of roads, giant concrete flyovers stacked in impossible directions, with people driving like true cowboys!  The first mission was furniture shopping. Unfortunately, what looked like a simple roadside showroom on Google Maps turned out to be wedged between highways, high-rises, and parking spaces apparently designed for compact hatchbacks rather than a giant camper van. By the time we parked, I had a genuine headache. Fortunately, the moment we walked into the showroom, everything improved. The sofa I had been obsessing...

Chapter 160: Dogs, Chorizo, and the Mystery of the Missing Progress One of the best things about vanlife is campground dogs.  Some people wake up to birdsong. Some wake up to ocean waves. I wake up to random dogs appearing at my front door like furry little tax collectors demanding affection. This is Koda!  4 year old Rottweiler who hates dogs but loves people. This is Buddy!  Buddy is everyone's friend. This particular morning, while I was working in the van with the sliding door open, a puppy came to visit. Louie was a long-haired Dachshund in the most unusual pale coloring, and despite being born blind, he somehow managed to locate me with remarkable accuracy. He wasn't blind to opportunities for pats, that's for sure.  The little guy climbed right up onto our running board and leaned into every scratch and cuddle I offered. It was impossible not to smile. Louie <3 The rest of the day was pleasantly uneventful. Spring continued its usual identity crisis of warm...