Roofnest wants to highlight the stories of solo female travelers within its community. These are individuals within The Flock willing to share their experience of life on the road and in a Roofnest so that we might all benefit from what they've seen and learned along the way. If you are interested in sharing your adventure stories as a solo female traveler in a Roofnest, please take a moment to complete this form.
The following is an interview with Robin.
Q: What generation are you?
A: Boomer
Q: Where do you live?
A: Pittsburg
Q: What do you drive? Year, make, and model, please.
A: 2019 Land Rover Discovery
Q: Which model of Roofnest do you have?
A: Sandpiper
Q: Tell us about your vehicle. Do you have any awnings or accessories? Does your vehicle have a name?
A: I have an awning that attaches to my back hatch. Wish I had a roll-out one that was attached to the nest.
Q: Travel Mishaps — Has any crazy stuff happened?
A: I came back to my campsite from a hike on Wellesley Island State Park on the St.Lawrence River and my ladder was gone. Must have been kids as I found it down by the river's edge at my site. Now I lock my ladder to my roof rack!
Q: What are the top challenges you face, and how did you overcome them?
A: Sometimes it is just the courage to tackle things alone. I am always very proud of myself when I pull off these trips.
Q: Do you have some wisdom from your solo travels that you'd like to share?
A: I have a master list that I have compiled over the years that I cross-check before I set out. I also have a Garmin in Reach Explorer that gives me and my family peace of mind in case I get in trouble.
Q: Where are you going to explore next? Do you have a dream camping trip?
A: I'm hoping to get up to Algonquin Park in Canada. I love to paddle and before I had to choose between the Roofnest and my kayak on the car roof but I just got an Oru foldable kayak so I can have both!
Q: Where are your favorite places to explore? What makes those spots special to you?
A: Anywhere wild. I love to find new places I haven't seen. I almost never go back to the same place and I often try to be near water. I spent my childhood in the Allegheny National Forest in PA and learned a lot about the plants and animals there. I got very comfortable setting out into the woods for the whole day alone. I'd love to camp on the Oregon coast but it means a cross-country trip for me with the Roofnest.
Q: What drew you to solo traveling to being with?
A: It is hard to find older women who camp. My husband loves the outdoors but just doesn't want to camp either so my choice was stay home or go alone. I also value the time by myself to self-reflect and remember who I am. The outdoors really fills me up.
Q: Do you have any favorite pieces of gear you'd never be caught without? Why?
A: Camping knife, tarp with lots of bungees and carabiners, down vest, rain gear, headlamp.
