PASSAGES $7 / month

PASSAGES is a Substack documenting the experiences of a writer and a photographer traveling the USA in a 21' trailer, exploring themes of nomadic living, climate migration, the joys and challenges of outdoor exploration, and the personal growth and relationship dynamics encountered through these adventures.

Travel and Adventure Outdoor Living and Camping Climate Migration Personal Growth Relationship Dynamics Wildlife and Nature Conservation

The hottest Substack posts of PASSAGES

And their main takeaways

Chapter 31: Koa doesn't take the news well

1139 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Narrative Storytelling Character development Emotional
  1. Koa feels anxious about leaving her home in the Valley. She is not ready to leave the only place she has known as home.
  2. Koa discovers surprising and upsetting news about her family, which makes her feel lost and confused. She is starting to question who she really is.
  3. She experiences something new and exciting when taken to a diner, showing her curiosity about the world outside the Valley. The meal brings her joy but also adds to her feelings of uncertainty.

Part 2: Disaster strikes

2098 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Minimalism Grief Homeownership
  1. A leaking refrigerator hose under the house caused serious damage over time. The owners didn't realize it because it was a slow drip.
  2. After being away for years, the owners discovered all their treasured items in the garage were ruined by mold and water damage.
  3. Even though the owner had become a minimalist, losing their art collection and family memories was a painful experience that brought intense grief.

Chapter 30: Kent continues investigating Koa

1478 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Narrative Storytelling Novels
  1. Kent is investigating a case involving a woman named Mary Anderson, who had a stillborn baby twenty years ago. He is trying to confirm if she had a specific procedure after the delivery.
  2. Kent speaks with Dr. Samuel Ito, the doctor who delivered Mary's baby, to get answers. However, Dr. Ito is very cautious because of patient confidentiality rules.
  3. While waiting to hear back from the doctor, Kent reflects on his day and thinks about Koa, showing that he has personal feelings connected to his investigation.

Part 1: We land at the Osprey Nest...

1618 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🏝 Travel Road trips Nature Adventures Destinations Lifestyle
  1. The journey involved a long process of travel, including stopping at various places before reaching the final location. It sounds tiring but also part of the adventure.
  2. There was a sense of relief and accomplishment after reaching their destination, despite the exhaustion from the trip.
  3. The narrative hints at exciting stories still to come, encouraging readers to stay engaged and look forward to more.

Chapter 29: Jud and his family visit the Valley

1278 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Storytelling Writing Character development Narrative
  1. Jud and his family are traveling down a narrow and steep road into Waimalia Valley. It's a bit scary, but they are excited to see the wild horses.
  2. The journey brings a sense of responsibility for Jud as he drives with his family in the truck. He wants to keep them safe while they explore.
  3. On the way, Jud meets a local driver, which shows the community feel of the area. It’s nice to see locals enjoying the valley just like his family.
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One of life's finest pleasures...

1478 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🏝 Travel Camping Nature Adventure
  1. Big Lagoon County Park in Northern California is a hidden gem for camping near the ocean. It's great for those who like rustic, nature-filled spots.
  2. Beachcombing can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity. Collecting interesting stones or shells brings back memories and creates new ones.
  3. Finding treasures like agates while wandering the beach can be a fun adventure. It's all about the experience and the thrill of discovery.

Chapter 28: Kent investigates Koa

1418 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Storytelling Creative Narrative
  1. Kent is getting to know Koa better, and he's impressed by her excitement for everyday things like food and driving.
  2. He's trying to learn more about Koa's background but is hitting dead ends, which raises questions about her family.
  3. Kent feels the weight of their serious situation and knows he must be cautious in how he interacts with Koa.

Chapter 27: Koa goes topside

1638 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Storytelling Narrative Character development
  1. Koa experiences a new way of exploring the world while riding in a truck, feeling like she's on a boat. This shows her that movement can change how she sees things around her without needing to slow down.
  2. As they drive, Koa reflects on her home in the Valley and feels both comforted by it and overwhelmed by the outside world. She realizes she knows her home well, but is also curious about what lies beyond.
  3. Koa struggles with her emotions about leaving the Valley, wishing she could stay forever but trying to embrace the new experiences. It's a mix of fear and excitement when facing the unknown.

Important conclusions from the Oregon Coast

899 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Camping Exploration History
  1. Fort Stevens State Park is a great spot for camping and exploring nature. It's packed with fun activities like hiking, biking, and fishing.
  2. The park has a lot of history, with old military bunkers that you can explore. It's a reminder of the past and the peace we enjoy today.
  3. Riding bikes along the beach and seeing the famous shipwreck is a unique experience. It’s a beautiful way to connect with nature and enjoy the view.

A brush with Nomadland

1159 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🏝 Travel USA
  1. The RV migration in the USA is a significant trend.
  2. E-bikes are a popular choice for campground hosts to get around.
  3. There can be confusion about e-bike regulations that vary by state.

More Yellowstone (and marriage) adventures

339 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Marriage Nature Writing
  1. Balancing marriage and staying true to yourself can be challenging.
  2. Exploring Yellowstone through horseback riding and visits to the Grand Canyon can offer unique experiences.
  3. Communication and understanding are crucial in navigating differences and potential conflicts in a relationship.

Lurch forth!

279 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Road trips Camping National parks
  1. The author embraces being a homebody and finds comfort in their beanbag while traveling.
  2. The author's beanbag becomes a point of contention with their partner during a road trip.
  3. The beanbag brings comfort and familiarity, acting as a portable piece of home.

Unexpected dangers

239 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Road trip Camping Exploration Nature
  1. Camping can have unexpected challenges like dealing with other campers and high-speed traffic on narrow roads
  2. Dumping waste from trailers involves specific steps like first releasing black water from the toilet
  3. Exploring small towns during road trips can lead to unique and memorable experiences