A shocking reality of the climate crisis.

We have reached a point in the van life saga that has nearly resorted to not much more than survival. Never did I imagine when first setting off on this adventure the actual impact of climate change, and how that would impact day-to-day life. With first setting sail in September of last year, I embarked in reasonably comfortable levels. Sure, the weather got colder, and the winter was downright freezing at times, but nothing prepared me for what is approaching.

Summer

I am currently in Corvallis, Oregon. Corvallis, located in a valley between the Coastal and Cascade mountain ranges, is a micro-climate of sorts. To the west, on the coast, the temperature remains a relative 15-20 degrees colder on most occasions. To the east lies the high desert. This weekend, Corvallis is expected to reach up to 111º. With that heat, it is impossible to even survive in a van without the risk of heatstroke or killing my dog. The thought of an AC unit is not possible, due to the overwhelming amount of power it takes to operate one. Within 2 hours, my entire solar battery system would be drained from the need. My only option is to relocate to the coast or head far North into Washington State.

Earlier today, I was contacted by someone in the North Cascade, in Washington, who offered space for Freedom and me as the heatwave approaches. It is about 400 miles from where I am currently located but connected to a glacier-fed creek. To be honest, after already exploring the coast, this sounds like the best option for my dog and I. 

The last couple of weeks haven't been terribly eventful. After visiting Seattle for a few days, I made my way back down to Oregon. I revised a few locations along the way, but have basically been buying time and trying to figure out what the heck I am to do. As the weather quickly switched from spring to summer, seemingly overnight, much of my time has been focused on staying cool. Between sitting in my van all day trying to keep my dog cool during the last heatwave that just tore through, to preparing and panicking about how I am going to make it through the coming months, as it only gets hotter, I have not had much time to explore. I have to consistently strategize on my path and destination, as I do not want to find myself too far out of reach of shelter, should another deadly heat pattern creep up. I have to operate from a place of caution because this is a matter of life and death for my dog if we cannot escape the sun. In many towns, hotels fill up quickly during heat waves, and the only options still available are usually overpriced due to demand. That is not going to fare well if I catch myself hundreds of miles from a cool spot.

The worst and scariest part: The PNW is traditionally the coolest place to be during these months. This is worrisome. 

What a journey and shocking reality to how we are living.

I will be heading to Washington, I believe, to wait out this next wave.

Preparing a photo dump in the next couple of days, as I do have some new photos to share.

-Ryan