Only have a few days to be a dirt bag?
The more salt or dirt encrusted you look and the more information you have on free (mostly legal) camping spots, the better. That’s true, at least, if you want to be a productive and trusted member of the climber/surfer dirt bagging community. But if you’re not able to enjoy dirt-baggery full time (there’s no shame in splitting your time as both a professional and dirt bagger) and can occasionally leave your high heels at home and hit the open road with your laptop, here are some tips:
1. Loitering is an art form
On a recent trip to Joshua Tree I was parked in a local coffee shop, working away. Two lost looking climbers came in wondering where the outlets were. In this particular coffee shop the outlets are locked, probably anticipating climbing bums like us poaching the Wi-Fi for hours. So I start here and then make my way to the next spot where they are generous with free coffee refills and outlets.
Loiter-brary. Photo: Shutterstock
2. Don’t skip the library
After I’ve had more coffee than I can stomach, I head to the public library. If you want to really get to know the community (and loiter for free) make sure you don’t skip the library. It’s quiet, there’s wifi, and as long as you’re not causing any trouble, chances are good that won’t get kicked out.
The locals know about things like this. Get to know them, and they’ll show you things you’d never see on your own. Photo: Shutterstock
3. Talk to the locals
From aliens to sound healing, the locals you meet along the way will tell you amazing, stranger than fiction stories. And you’ll see things you wouldn’t be able to find on your own, like a raft under the dock in Monterey where the sea lions and sea otters congregate with their young.
Wash off the stink. If you can smell it, so can everyone else. Photo: Shutterstock
4. Find the hot springs
If you’re going on day five without a shower, you may start to feel a little repulsed by your own smell. Naturally occurring hot springs are an amazing way to refresh. If you want to beat the crowds (usually older gentlemen), get there early!
Ukeleles are secondary to dogs. Photo: Shutterstock
5. Bring a ukulele (or a dog)
A ukulele, harmonica, or other pack-able instrument can go a long way in helping you relax when the nights get long and cold. But, we all know a dog is a woman’s best friend.
If you’re on a solo surf mission to surf this, you may want to tell someone where you’re headed. Photo: Shutterstock
6. Push the limits of your own fear, but don’t be stupid
If you have a bad feeling about a camping spot, a person, a plan, or anything, listen to your gut and get away. Don’t feel like you have to share your plans with anyone. Keep them a secret if you want, but it’s always a good idea to tell someone you know and trust your plans. That way, if anything goes wrong, they’ll probably figure it out at some point.
