Hiking to Trestle Bridge with Wendy and Buddy

rswfire and Wendy attempt to reach a picturesque railroad trestle bridge but are blocked by no trespassing signs and difficult terrain including brambles. They navigate around fallen trees and observe bear scat, berry bushes, and different forest environments. rswfire discusses his website development plans, including creating a field journal with photos and GPS tracking of hiking locations. After the failed trestle attempt, they visit Driftwood campground where rswfire takes Buddy (a dog) on leash to the ocean. He eventually lets Buddy off-leash at the beach where they encounter seals. rswfire reflects on his challenges connecting with people, including navigational tensions with Wendy during their activities. Throughout both segments, he mentions his sanctum service development, his role as caretaker at the campgrounds, his vaping addiction since age 17, and plans for dinner and website work. The transmission captures a full day of outdoor activities in the Oregon coastal forest and beach environment.

Daily Tasks and Travel Planning

rswfire describes completing daily maintenance tasks including laundry, suntanning, cleaning fire pits, and paperwork. He collected gravel from a work center to level his fire pit area. He spoke with his boss about volunteering in the dunes from May through September, with plans to explore Oregon and Washington's Highway 101 from October through March. He discusses needing to resolve his RV situation by converting to a smaller trailer under 2,000 lbs that his Jeep can tow, mentioning a Forest River toy hauler he previously considered. The transmission ends with him showing his campfire setup and fire pit area, noting the challenge of collecting heavy logs from other campgrounds.

Processing Financial Pressure While Hiking Oregon Redwoods

rswfire hikes to Oregon Redwoods Trail while processing financial crisis. Has $200 remaining after 10-year client refuses payment and blames him for project failures. **Financial situation**: Car insurance due, no groceries, car payment due, satellite internet due. **Client pattern**: Went through hundreds of programmers over 10 years, client disconnected from projects, rswfire managed all decisions, client didn't market completed project. **Current state**: Restarting freelancing business, feeling hurt by client's blame pattern. **Location details**: Hiking near river expecting rain, exploring redwoods that sometimes merge together, downloading forest maps and road maps for future exploration. **Personal notes**: Forgot teeth and contacts, feels embarrassed around other people, doesn't like recording around others, finds modern life recording habits incongruent. Plans to continue exploring national forest area.

Processing Dismissive Treatment from Oregon State Park Ranger

The speaker recounts a negative interaction with an Oregon State Park Ranger during a visit to fix a booking mistake. After staying at the campground for 10 days as a model occupant, the speaker encountered the same ranger who had initially been helpful and friendly. This time, the ranger opened the conversation with "another 14 days" in what felt like an accusatory tone, despite the speaker following all rules by leaving for 3 days before returning. When the speaker asked about river flooding that the ranger had previously mentioned, expressing interest in experiencing it as a natural event, the ranger responded dismissively with "that's some dark humor, there's flooding down in Florida maybe you should go there." The speaker reflects on feeling invalidated and dismissed, noting the ranger's guarded demeanor and suggesting this represents a broader shift in park rangers from land-caring individuals to law enforcement-minded personnel who don't support people seeking genuine nature immersion.

Starting Fire After Storm and Reflecting on Isolation

rswfire starts a campfire after a storm that knocked out power to the entire park. He works with wet kindling and uses breath to get the fire going, describing this as a philosophy. He mentions people disturbing his solitude but continues with his fire-building process. He reflects on his motivations for this lifestyle, explaining he needed to reconnect with nature after isolating himself for 15 years - 3.5 years in a house alone and 2 years in an apartment before that. He discusses his vulnerability in making videos without teeth and mentions his love for his Jeep, which sparked this entire journey. He expresses belief in himself and his gradual process of change while tending to the fire.

Discovering Exposed RV Electrical Components

rswfire discovers exposed electrical wiring in his RV with no protective casing, expressing frustration with RV manufacturers. He describes the wires being exposed to the elements and his efforts to clean up the area. Due to limited financial resources, he plans to use improvised weatherproofing methods including a hair dryer for drying, Tupperware containers for enclosure, and gorilla waterproof tape for sealing. He references Forest River, presumably the RV manufacturer.

Exploring Coastal Trail and Preparing for System Collapse

rswfire arrives at a new campground near Brookings, Oregon for a 3-day stay. He discovers a short trail leading to a viewpoint called "a boot" overlooking the ocean and coastal community. From the elevated position, he observes people on the beach below and reflects on preferring the higher vantage point to being on the beach itself. After the brief hike, he describes his travel day routine - doing dishes, eating tuna fish, showering, and hooking up his Jeep. He met a helpful gate attendant who allowed early check-in. His RV site is cramped and unlevel, requiring him to park his Jeep sideways. **Future plans:** He will return to a previous campground for two weeks to explore forest roads systematically. This exploration is part of his preparation for potentially living in the forest permanently. **Political analysis:** He predicts that regardless of who wins the upcoming election, the losing side will view it as an existential crisis and riot or worse. He believes this instability could push society over a precipice, leading him to prepare for disappearing from society entirely while maintaining a good quality of life.

Scouting Oregon Coastal Campgrounds

rswfire drives through Oregon national forest roads exploring campgrounds while reflecting on societal collapse and place-based identity. He visits multiple locations including a closed recreation site, Cape Blanco campground, and Humbug Mountain State Park. At each location, he evaluates site quality, privacy levels, amenities like dump stations and shower houses, and proximity to coast and mountains. He documents specific site numbers, notes neighbor noise issues at his current location, and assesses which sites would accommodate his RV. The transmission includes observations about Oregon campground design, seasonal closures, and coastal geography including lighthouses and fog-covered mountains.

Addressing Boondocking Question and Storm Aftermath

rswfire responds to subscriber Evee's question about boondocking while walking through storm damage at Cape Blanco campground. He explains his current campground-based approach, noting concerns about broken-window RVs he observed when first arriving in Oregon. **Current setup involves cycling between three southern Oregon coastal towns** (Brookings, Gold Beach, Port Orford) using 14-day campground stays with 3-day breaks between locations. He describes his **dual-vehicle system** - RV for secure base living with Bailey, Jeep for exploration along Highway 101. Notes financial constraints may force boondocking soon but prefers campground infrastructure for safety and stability. **Plans to move south** toward Brookings/Gold Beach area where he's developing friendships. During filming, he walks through **recent storm damage** showing downed trees and cleanup crews. Park ranger taught him about coastal tree root systems that interlock for mutual support during high winds. Another storm expected in coming days. Video ends with him observing continuing wind gusts moving large tree trunks.

Confronting Game Man and Practicing RV Skills

rswfire confronts the 'game man' about being offended when he helped a woman, repeatedly asserting he will continue helping despite the man's denials and warnings. He practices operating what appears to be an RV stabilizer or leveling system, expressing enthusiasm about the equipment. He prepares dinner using leftover burgers and considers asking AI for recipe variety ideas. He discusses his transition from making $3,500/week as a programmer to being broke after 10 months of spending savings to reach his current situation, now wanting to become a seasonal ranger/gatekeeper for minimum wage. A new ranger helped simplify his YT (Youth Training) tasks, reducing them to cleaning furniture and walls. While exploring the park area, he observes other visitors and wildlife, noting temperature dropping to the 40s which he finds uncomfortably cold. His cousin responded about potential financial help but questioned his long-term plans, treating him like a child despite his history of helping family. He considers making a campfire but notes the wood is wet from lack of tarping.

Cat Stress and Boundary Violations in RV Life

rswfire discusses ongoing stress with his cat Bailey, who has been destructive and demanding in their shared RV space. He describes dark thoughts about abandoning the cat but acknowledges his values prevent this. The cat clawed new ottomans, howls to go outside, and disrupts experiences like stargazing. He explores the logistics of returning the cat to his mother (30-hour drive or 12-hour flight) but feels stuck. He reframes the situation as a lesson about boundaries rather than accommodation, noting he's done accommodating others without reciprocation. He walks to his usual hiking spot on the river, bringing coffee for the first time. The temperature is 44 degrees, which he finds manageable. He reflects on adapting to coastal climate and mentions upcoming rain. He discusses a client payment he desperately needs and the challenge of integrating work into nomadic life. During the hike, he observes his surroundings - fog in mountains, people fishing on the river, excessive foot traffic in the forest that puzzles him. He mentions shaving his hair, wearing bracelets, and sore ear piercings that haven't healed after months. He describes hiking as his daily grounding ritual in nomadic life, contrasting his internal centering approach with others who use external totems. He ends at the empty Redwood nature trail.

Establishing Roots at Forest Service Campground

rswfire documents extensive site cleanup and preparation work at a Forest Service campground where he will begin official duties as a caretaker on Wednesday. He spent the day learning to use a weed whacker, clearing vegetation, and reorganizing his RV interior by moving clothes from the wardrobe to an external storage shed and setting up air mattresses for better workspace configuration. **Site preparation included:** weed whacking around the property and road access, raking cleared areas, identifying locations for a tent structure and fire pit, and cleaning under the RV. He works alongside two other caretakers in their 70s who taught him equipment operation. **Job responsibilities** involve daily campsite visits to introduce himself, answer questions, and record vehicle information. He chose to manage the chaotic parking lot section rather than the quieter loop area, anticipating busy summer traffic and special vehicle events including Jeep and Bronco gatherings. **Platform decision:** He announces moving exclusively to a paid subscription model, expressing disappointment with his public audience and stating they don't deserve access to his life. Future content will require energetic exchange through payment.

Proposing Extended Stay at Mountain Property

rswfire records a transmission while parked next to a Jeep with duck pond decorations after grocery shopping. He shows multiple bug bites sustained during recent hiking, including an old spider bite and newer bites that are causing significant discomfort. He purchased hydrocortisone cream to treat the bites. **He made a proposal to property owners** to stay at their location for autumn and possibly winter with his RV, seeking a home base near Natural Bridge, a place he has visited for 20 years and considers his favorite location on Earth. The property is owned by young partners who run it as an Airbnb. Someone responded that they would contemplate his proposal. He wants time to adapt to this lifestyle, work on making his RV more livable, and have access to hiking the tall, steep mountains in the area. The transmission includes driving footage showing mountain terrain that appears smaller on his phone camera than in reality. The recording concludes with music.

Encountering Deer Family on Forest Trail

rswfire encounters a mother deer and two babies on a forest trail, spending approximately an hour waiting and observing as the deer family blocks the path. He speaks gently to the animals, expressing concern about disturbing them while needing to pass. The deer appear calm around his presence, with the babies eventually reuniting with their mother. He describes this as one of the most profound experiences of his life, emphasizing the shared inhabitation of space between human and wildlife. After the encounter, he continues toward a scenic overlook, reflecting on the wonderful nature of the day.

Traveling Through Kansas to Wilson State Park

rswfire travels 180 miles through Kansas, experiencing dash cam failures that he temporarily fixes with painter's tape. He reflects on an auto parts store employee who talked him out of buying adhesive, calling it unsolicited advice and a lesson to trust his own judgment more. He describes the landscape - wide open skies, hills, farmland, and wind turbines - expressing genuine appreciation for Kansas's beauty. **Travel and mechanical issues:** Both dash cams fell off overnight, requiring temporary painter's tape fixes. He plans to visit another auto parts store at his next stop. **Philosophical observations:** He discusses pattern recognition as his cognitive style, explains his resistance to external validation using a painter analogy, and connects fragmentation to societal problems. He theorizes that farmers might be more integrated than urban people due to living and working in the same space. **Arrival at Wilson State Park:** He reaches a small, remote campground next to a lake. The site has no water hookups despite his expectations, forcing him to accept going without water again. He sets up camp in an unlevel spot by the lake and plans to explore the 25-mile prairie trail system, though the 90-degree heat may limit activities. **Future planning:** He discusses extensive RV winterization plans for the Pacific Northwest, including adding insulation boards to walls and ceiling, installing insulated curtains, and sealing his slide permanently. He mentions wanting to learn fishing from indigenous cultures and reflects on societal collapse and lost survival skills.

Recorded Meeting with Oregon State Parks Leadership – March 5, 2025 (Audio Only)

Oregon Coast Arrival and RV Insulation Work

rswfire begins the day with frost on RV windows and plans to insulate before incoming rain. He resolves the ethical dilemma of a Trump supporter's rubber duck gift by deciding to give it to another Trump supporter rather than keep or discard it. He explores Cape Sebastian, finding it steep and less crowded than expected, then hikes the River View Trail through Myrtlewood Grove near the Chetco River. The trail features jungle-like vegetation with large ferns and minimal insects, which he finds remarkable given the proximity to both ocean and river. He completes partial RV slide sealing using gorilla waterproof tape, unable to reach some spots due to lack of ladder access (ranger cited liability concerns). The campground allows 14-day stays with 3-day breaks between visits. He notes barking neighbor dogs as an annoyance reminiscent of why he left his house. During the hike, he observes the low Chetco River flowing to the ocean and anticipates watching it grow during winter rains starting in November. The ranger indicated he could drive his Jeep down to the river area. He discovers various trail connections and a bridge, noting road noise proximity but overall enjoying the environment. He reveals significant financial stress - arriving with only $300 after paying for two weeks at the campground, credit cards in default, and outstanding payments for RV and Jeep. A longtime friend provided financial assistance. An ex-client still owes him money. He acknowledges needing to restart his business and expresses gratitude for his friend's help.

Exploring Dunes Near Ocean Volunteer Site

rswfire explores a dunes and forest environment approximately two miles from the ocean while volunteering at what appears to be a park or recreation area. He expresses strong resonance with the location and considers ways to extend his stay beyond normal volunteer limits, including asking about management unit coverage on Monday. He navigates challenging terrain while being cautious about healing core muscles from a previous injury, expressing concern about long-term disability. The exploration reveals expansive dune systems that he finds impressive and suitable for vehicle access.

Dealing with Raccoon Disruption at Expensive Cottage

rswfire is staying at a $200/night cottage at a state park and experiencing sleep disruption from a raccoon repeatedly climbing on the roof throughout the night. He expresses frustration that the park management isn't implementing humane deterrent methods despite the high cost. He came outside at 4 AM to charge his phone since the cottage lacks USB charging capabilities. He notes that his RV doesn't have these problems and criticizes the cottage's lack of basic amenities for the price point.

Driving RV to Oregon Coast First Time

rswfire drives his RV from an inland location to the Oregon coast for the first time, documenting the journey through mountains, tunnels, and forests. He stops for fuel at 6 AM, travels through California briefly, and experiences excitement about reaching sea level and seeing the Pacific Ocean. **Key events include:** passing through the Smith River National Recreation Area, driving through redwood forests, navigating GPS confusion, and finally reaching the coast where he can glimpse the ocean through fog. He sets up camp for a planned two-week stay, expressing enthusiasm about exploring the area including hiking, foraging, storm watching, and potentially learning to surf. The transmission captures his first encounter with the ocean environment and his decision to spend winter on the southern Oregon coast before potentially heading north in spring.

Driving South for Adult Store and Oregon Dunes Exploration

rswfire drives south to Coos Bay to visit an adult store, purchasing toys with limited funds ($200 remaining). He interacts with the store proprietor who mentions a downstairs area where people have sex legally. After shopping, he obtains a National Forest pass in Reedsport and inquires about volunteer opportunities. He explores the John Dellenback Dunes Trail, hiking through forest that transitions to sand dunes. The trail leads toward the ocean but he turns back due to low phone battery (30%) and lack of preparation. He observes the campground, noting its primitive sites and peaceful atmosphere. During the dune hike, he reflects on a childhood memory of getting lost in sand dunes in Michigan. He encounters wildlife and observes a tree sapling growing alone in the dunes, which he describes as sovereign and self-sufficient.

Hiking Redwood Trail and Exploring Pacific Northwest Environment

rswfire takes a morning hike on trails near the Eel River in what appears to be a California redwood forest area. He explores the Redwood Trail, searches unsuccessfully for fairy circles (rings of redwood sprouts), and crosses a fallen log over a creek. Throughout the hike, he observes the unique lighting conditions created by the tall redwood canopy, noting how little sunlight reaches the forest floor compared to his previous hiking experiences in Kentucky. **Environmental observations:** He discusses the dramatic difference in sunlight exposure, explaining how the sun's angle in mid-October creates longer shadows, and how the redwood canopy blocks most direct sunlight. He notes the temperature was in the 50s in the morning after reaching 80 degrees the previous day. **Equipment and logistics:** He mentions using his Ninja Foodi for cooking, correcting previous power consumption estimates. His watch battery died so he couldn't record the hike data. He plans to shower, organize his RV space, and focus on job searching. **Broader reflections:** He discusses his financial stress, his integrated cognitive approach to navigating challenges, and his perspective on upcoming elections and societal collapse. He expresses frustration with aggressive driving behavior in the area and considers the timeline for societal decline, advocating for preparation rather than panic.

Early Morning Drive Through Oregon Forest to Coast

rswfire wakes at 4 AM and begins a journey from his overnight roadside position to Medford, Oregon. He drives through Lake View for fuel, then continues through forest and prairie terrain toward Valley of the Rogue State Park. During the drive, he reflects on societal collapse, describing his experience as a gay man facing hatred, his disappointment with Obama's presidency, and his view that Trump represents inevitable societal decline comparable to Rome's fall. He explains his seven-month effort to "wake people up" and his decision to position himself for survival during system collapse. The transmission documents his travel route through Oregon's varied terrain - desert to forest to prairie - noting elevation changes, temperature drops to 26°F, and encounters with other drivers including one who honked aggressively. He travels with his cat Bailey, discussing practical concerns like low solar batteries, upcoming inverter delivery, and plans to use his RV shower. He arrives at Valley of the Rogue State Park around 12:30 PM, securing a site for one night before continuing to the coast the following day.

Organizing Books and Supplies in Storage

rswfire shows his book collection stored in a tall storage bin outside his camper, including Minecraft books he couldn't part with and cooking books since he needs to learn to cook. He describes the storage setup as inefficient, noting that camping equipment like a telescoping ladder needs to fit in the same space. He expresses appreciation for the beautiful outdoor environment and his solitude, mentioning plans to hike in the natural surroundings.