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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper

@roamlab.bsky.social
12K followers 58 following 861 posts

Off on a perpetual road trip in our DIY renovated 1970 Avion C11. Camping, hiking, overlanding, XC mountain biking, rafting, trail running & anything else that gets us outside.

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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Don’t think about the bathroom.⁠ ⁠ Think about the elk.⁠ ⁠ Magnificent. Wild. Entirely unbothered.⁠ ⁠ But, yeah.⁠ ⁠ I’ll always think about that bathroom.⁠
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
⁠So when I walked to the bathroom and a herd of elk meandered between me and my little home on wheels, of course I wanted to take a picture.⁠ ⁠ But this is exactly what the zoom on my lens are for: capturing a wildlife moment from a respectful distance while crouched beside the bathroom door.⁠
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
We are visitors.⁠ ⁠ We wander into a new environment, explore the terrain, admire the scenic overlooks, and when the locals come through, we make room.⁠ ⁠ Because this is their home.⁠ ⁠ #wildlife #elk #camping #roadtrip
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
I may have to schedule regular sea otter posts as a public service. 😉
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
I couldn’t stop recording. They had me hypnotized!
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Yup! Mom just has to inflate it.
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Seaotters wrap themselves in kelp to be anchored while sleeping. A group of sea otters is called a raft. #goodnight #wildlife #nature
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Good night! #seaotter #wildlife #cuddles
Sea otter with her pup
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Like a pro!
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
She is so focused on her pup! Every little bit of that fur is going to get fluffy and dry!
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Morro Bay is one of the most accessible places you can go to see sea otters in the wild. #seaotter #outdoors #nature roamlab.com/morro-bay-se...
roamlab.com
Sea Otters of Morro Bay - Wildlife Viewing on California's Coast | RoamLab™
Morro Bay, California is a haven for sea otters, drawing photographers & wildlife lovers to observe otters groom, hunt, and socialize.
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
It’s one of those wildlife moments that gets cuter the more you learn about it: a mother carefully maintaining her pup’s built-in life jacket before heading off to forage.⁠
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Sea otter pups are born with incredibly dense fur that traps air, helping them float like tiny, fuzzy corks. Before a mother dives for food, she’ll often groom, dry, and fluff her pup’s coat so it stays buoyant at the surface while she’s underwater.⁠ ⁠ #seaotter #wildlife #babyanimals
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Meet the local management.⁠ ⁠ Cute?⁠ Yes⁠ ⁠ Harmless-looking? ⁠ Absolutely. ⁠ ⁠ Capable of running a surprisingly sophisticated snack surveillance operation? ⁠ Also yes.⁠ ⁠ Remember, don't feed the wildlife. Responsible outdoors-people store their food out of the reach. ⁠ #groundsquirrel #Wildlife
Ground squirrel close up
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Our 1970 Avion C11 has posed in deserts, mountains, forests, and more than a few questionable pullouts. But tucked beneath these windswept coastal trees, it looks especially at home: half time capsule, half science project, fully committed to the bit.⁠ ⁠ #camping #coastal #roadtrip
Truck camper parked under trees
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Maintained by the Wildlands Conservancy as part of the Mission Creek Preserve, it’s an easy stop at the end of a well-graded dirt road—and a place where history lingers, just a little out in the open.⁠ roamlab.com/mission-cree...
roamlab.com
Mission Creek Preserve - Coachella Valley, California | RoamLab™
Mission Creek Preserve is a rare wetlands environment in the Coachella Valley managed by The Wildlands Conservancy with hiking and camping.
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
What stands today—the stone cabins, an empty pool, and a lone chimney—is all that remains after a 1960 fire swept through and reduced the rest to ash.⁠ ⁠ Now, instead of hosting vacationers, the land has found a quieter purpose.
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
With #PalmSprings just 14 miles away and the San Bernardino Mountains rising all around, it didn’t take long for someone to see the bigger opportunity. In 1928, it was reborn as a dude ranch: offering guests “horseback riding, hiking, tennis, dancing" or the chance to be “just plain lazy.”⁠
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Peek-a-boo!⁠ ⁠ These roofless stone huts might look like the perfect spot for a picnic or a game of hide-and-seek, but they weren’t built for weekend #wandering. They’re the remnants of a once-thriving #desert retreat.⁠ ⁠ The T Cross K Ranch started as a working cattle operation in 1912. #history
Man looking out a stone cabin
Looking inside a stone cabin at a picnic tableEmpty blue poolLooking out a cabin
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
That's how we find ourselves, reclining poolside, enjoying the sunset over the San Jacinto Mountains, while our laundry tumbles dry.⁠ ⁠ Yes, washed bodies and washed clothes. ⁠ The height of luxury!⁠ roamlab.com/mission-cree...
roamlab.com
Mission Creek Preserve - Coachella Valley, California | RoamLab™
Mission Creek Preserve is a rare wetlands environment in the Coachella Valley managed by The Wildlands Conservancy with hiking and camping.
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
The best part about running around the Coachella Valley is all the hot springs available for some post-adventure soaking.⁠ ⁠ While we were perusing our options, we realized it would be about the same price to just stay at an RV park with hot springs.⁠ ⁠ #sunset #outdoors #roadtrip
Palm trees in front of mountains at sunset
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
100% - leave only footprints* *and even those should be limited to the trail.
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
Preparation is about making sure your adventure ends with great stories instead of bleak headlines.⁠ ⁠ What are your rules for the trail?
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
9. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹⁠ Cutting switchbacks or wandering off route damages fragile ecosystems and increases your chance of getting lost.⁠ ⁠ 10. 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗮 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀⁠ A small first-aid kit, headlamp, and a whistle weigh almost nothing but can make a big difference if things go sideways.⁠
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
7. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 Morning starts avoid the worst heat and give you plenty of daylight if the hike takes longer than planned.⁠ ⁠ 8. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘀⁠ Turn around if something feels wrong—fatigue, weather, time of day, or terrain. The trail will still be there another day.⁠
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
5. 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿⁠ Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and lightweight layers can make a huge difference. Conditions change quickly in exposed terrain.⁠ ⁠ 6. 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗻𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻⁠ Cell service is unreliable in many trail areas. Download maps ahead of time or carry a physical map.⁠
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
3. 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱⁠ Wrong turns, slower miles, or unexpected detours happen to everyone. Extra fuel and hydration can keep a minor inconvenience from becoming a problem.⁠ ⁠ 4. 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿⁠ Closed-toe shoes with good tread will protect your feet on up.⁠
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
1. 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗼⁠ Temperatures, storms, and wind can change quickly. Hot days mean higher water needs, and storms can turn trails dangerous fast.⁠ ⁠ 2. 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻⁠ Let a friend or family member know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.⁠
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 101⁠ ⁠ Most trail incidents aren’t dramatic survival stories. They’re small mistakes stacking up.⁠ ⁠ A little preparation can make the difference between a great adventure and a rescue call. Before you head out, keep these in mind:⁠ ⁠ #hiking #trailrunning #outdoors
Woman in running gear on a desert trail
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
It was a delightful surprise. I shot this from the passenger seat. It was just right there!
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
It’s a 1970 Avion Ultra C11 with many a modification by yours truly. roamlab.com/rigs/avion/
roamlab.com
1970 Avion C11 - Vintage Truck Camper & Home on Wheels - RoamLab™
Learn how we renovate, travel, and live in our road tripping vintage aluminum home on wheels: a 1970 Avion C11 Ultra truck camper.
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Always! 🫶
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Somedays, one thousand words just aren’t enough to capture the moment. It’s quiet. It’s meditative. It’s perfect. And there’s no place I’d rather be. #camping #sunset #camper #roadtrip
Man walking around a vintage truck camper in the desert
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Some days, I just need to burn something. I just hadn’t intended that it would be my hair…. #camping
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
⁠So, here we are, lacing up for a longish run, comforted in the knowledge that there is a shower at the end of it all.⁠ 2/2
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Running has us relying a lot more on developed campgrounds than in the past. We don’t have to shower every day. But, trust me, everyone would know if we didn’t. And while we do have a water tank, I have yet to build out a proper shower. ⁠ ⁠ 1/3 #trailrunning #hiking #camping
Man lacing up running shoes in a truck camper parked in the desert
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
It's shorts season on Picacho Peak: so warm out that I started wondering if it might be too hot to run. Yes, I've run races in the heat, but I just wasn't planning for these temperatures in February.⁠ ⁠ #hiking #outdoors #desert #adventure #trailrunning
Woman standing on a desert hiking trail
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Some days, we spend hours on dirt roads for a view.⁠ ⁠ Other days, we just need a bathroom break.⁠
Truck camper parked at an Arizona rest stop
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Nice! We keep debating our shower build. It’s been years now. I may just put one in to have it done. 😅
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Views from the road⁠ ⁠ #hotairballoon #hotair #balloon #roadtrip #roadtrippin #roadtripping #lifeontheroad #sedona #sedonaarizona
Hot air balloon over the Sedona desert
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
Thank you!
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
We can't control everything, but we can at least try not to be these people and, instead, advocate for our public lands.⁠ ⁠ These places gave us memories. Let’s not be the reason someone else never gets the chance.⁠ 3/3
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
There are so many reasons boondocking options are lost: pressure from the hospitality industry, NIMBY locals, public land sold to private interests, bad campers who set dangerous fires, harm delicate flora, leave messes, and ruin it for the rest of us. ⁠ ⁠ 2/3
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
⁠There is something bittersweet in visiting our old haunts across Sedona. A lot of the sites where we camped and created special memories are now blocked off.⁠ ⁠ 1/3 #publicland
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
So, yeah, we make a stop off by some outlets to get Chris the basics. ⁠ ⁠ When he will be reunited with is suitcase...is yet to be determined.⁠ 4/4
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
So, now we are dialing in a minimalist shopping list: in the history of our travels, what does Chris NEED? So far, I have: Underwear Socks A nice shirt A casual shirt A pair of pants And *waves hands vaguely* running gear 3/4
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
I shake my head, "if you didn't put it by the door, I didn't bring it in.⁠ We look at each other, shrug, and go to bed. Because it is too late and we are too tired to get worked up about clothes. The next morning, however, we have plenty of energy to direct towards fashion faux pas. 2/4
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
The last few days on the road have been a blur. We were winding down before bed on our first night when I looked around and asked Chris: where's your suitcase? (Yes, we still store most of our clothes in suitcases.)⁠ ⁠ Chris looks around: "you didn't pack it?"⁠ 1/4 #roadtrip #packing #woops
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
Time to get away from all that ice, ⁠ Time for the desert and not taking easy rhymes.⁠ ⁠ Sedona is a special treat this time of year. It is technically off-season. It can snow and get muddy. But it's still so much warmer than where we were.⁠ ⁠ 𝘍𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 @roamlab 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴⁠
Truck camper parked in the desert
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Lexi & Chris in a Truck Camper @roamlab.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
🙌
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