Utah Wrap-up: tips, wins, planning

This week I wrap up the 4 weeks we spent camping in Utah. I cover how we plan (or don't plan) tips, suggestions, equipment that worked, and how you can better prepare yourself to explore one of the greatest outdoor playgrounds in the US.
Books:
A Guide to Nine Mile Canyon: www.amazon.com/Guide-Nine-Mil...
Trail Guide to Grand Staircase Escalante: www.amazon.com/Staircase-Esca...
Matt's Offroad Recovery: • Could I Make This Reco...
Moab biking map: www.discovermoab.com/mountain...
Links to items mentioned in our videos (and my camera gear) can be found on my Amazon Storefront. As a participant in the Amazon Associates Program we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you shop from this Amazon portal:
Omnia Oven: www.amazon.com/dp/B000YLJQ5U/...
Omnia Oven silicone insert: www.amazon.com/dp/B07KGJRQ3M/...
www.amazon.com/shop/fromshetome

[@camperab]

formerly aka "Camp mal". After years I have changed to "Camper AB" because on French forums Rvers were confused. My original German nick might be misunderstood in French as "Camp badly". - Thank you for your Utah summary. I also love the beauty of this state and what it offers to interested travelers. I am happy that you like cooking and baking with the Omnia. It is surprising how many recipes are available for the Omnia online. Greetings from Bavaria, Germany.

[@FromShetoMe]

That's funny. I did have french in school and thought the same thing, or worse, "sick camper." Whatever your name, you will always be my German friend. ;-))

[@tdadventures]

Thank you much for all the tips and info of Utah. It is one of the many states we would like to visit and explore.

[@a-survivors-journey]

Thanks for the info! Utah is definitely on my list of travel destinations!!!

[@femmoto66]

Thank you for your informative channel and your beautiful videos! You and John inspired my husband (also John!) and me to downsize from our short Class C to a van. We have the Winnebago Boldt, chosen for the Volta system. We are constantly planning our next trips and find ourselves bringing you up like close friends... "Let's look into that boondocking spot Debbie and John stayed at"... "I just bought those same armrests Debbie has...."! And we are booked at Agile Off Road in February thanks to you. Have a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks Patty. We feel the same way about our viewers. They feel like friends we have known for years. Congrats on downsizing. Our neighbors got a 23' van and now realize it is too long. LOL. Merry Christmas to you and safe travels.

[@Candy-sy6eo]

Because Utah is high desert country, it isn't unusual to have 30 to 40 degree swings in temperature between day and night. Thanks for advising on needed clothing!

[@spellmadam2947]

Great info. Thank you. We were in Zion in 2015 when a group of 7 avid experienced hikers lost their lives. It just can't be mentioned enough about safety and heading weather warnings.

[@FromShetoMe]

Oh my. Even the most experienced people can get into trouble.

[@dickspade7045]

Thanks for this very valuable info, I hope to follow in your tire tracks in 2021.

[@deborahlugbauer576]

Thanks for all the great videos. We(also Debbie and John) just bought a Ford Transit which we converted to a campervan. We are headed to Utah next week from the east coast. You inspire us.

[@FromShetoMe]

Awesome. Have a great trip but be prepared for some pretty chilly weather.

[@GaryNichols50]

You're welcome, Debbie. And thank you for giving us good content to watch. Hope you and John have a very Merry Christmas.

[@NelloCambelli]

Kodachrome State Park is on my must stay venues especially with electric bikes .

[@NelloCambelli]

Does John work at Chevron plant in El Segundo?

[@Candy-sy6eo]

Debbie and John, Thank-you so much for always having a higher-quality of music on your videos. They are a pleasure to watch! Merry Christmas to you both!

[@malcolmlucas1130]

instablaster

[@annemasterson8551]

Thank you providing so many informative and entertaining videos. They are just top quality. My husband and I have a custom Sprinter and the few short trips we have taken so far have been the realization of dreams. We are looking forward to visiting many of places you have featured. Our question is this: How many times in your travels would you have considered it INSANE to have been without your cabin air conditioner unit? Thank you, Anne & OldMattM

[@FromShetoMe]

Truth is, we've probably only used it half a dozen times. Of course, you have to be on shore power to use it (or turn on the generator) unless you have a huge bank of batteries. We used it in Alaska (of all places) during a heat wave and I had to edit a video. And in Utah at a KOA because I had to edit. I think it is pretty much just when I've had to be stuck inside to edit. We do our best to move away from the heat. I understand that there is a unit that Advanced RV sells that is much quieter. Would be much nicer to have that. We don't sleep with it on because it is too loud and nights usually cool off. We carry a rechargeable fan for sleeping and have the roof fan that helps a lot.

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

Fantastic tips & suggestions! Living on a boat, we check weather constantly - always blows me away when I meet someone who is not a westher-checker. Slot canyons creep me out even when bone dry - ha ha!

[@FromShetoMe]

I think John gets tired of me asking him for a weather report every morning. I can do it myself but more fun to bug him.

[@Bee-ti1rv]

Hi Debbie. I’ve been enjoying your channel and ordered my pleasureway ascent 2021.5 a couple of months ago. Maybe we’ll run into each other someday and I can flatter you with all of the upgrades and hacks I’ve copied. You do a lovely job. Best wishes to you and John from Texas for a happy and healthy 2021.

[@FromShetoMe]

Congratulations, let's hope they can get the production schedule moved up. Would be wonderful to meet up down the road.

[@annmoore6562]

Whoa! That was some pothole. I'm glad to hear you recommend the omnia oven. I just ordered one to experiment with while we wait for our wee rig.

[@FromShetoMe]

Yes, I do love it. Just takes a little practice.

[@kathyowens9901]

It was a great series, thank you so much. I love how you describe the ground and what it does when wet and dry.

[@sportynat8702]

I enjoy all your videos! Thanks for all the tips! I am dreaming of again, (some day), staying in my van and riding my bike along the strand where you are filming this video (Bolsa Chica, Huntington Beach?). Happy Holidays!

[@CharlesinGA]

Very helpful video, hoping to get to Utah next year. I am not a detailed planner, but I like to research ahead so I know what to look for and what to avoid. Next is to find a live in cat sitter/herder for a month or so. I am not much of a cook but find the Omnia Oven a good possibility. I have an oven in the trailer but it seems like a lot to fire up when this can be thrown on the stove top and get the job done.

[@rvwall-e]

As usual, informative and full of common sense. Wishing you an amazing holiday season! Thank you for the wonderful videos.

[@SueT55]

Thank you for your kindness and sharing such great van travel adventures!

[@arlenejackson8834]

Thank you so much! I’ll be heading to Moab area in March, and you gave some great pointers!

[@suzyq3746]

Yes, I enjoyed the Utah trip very much with you 2. So many great adventures and now you have shared all your great tips. Thank you Debbie and John and have a wonderful Christmas.

[@beverleehamilton4656]

Thanks again for the informative video, and all the beautiful scenery you have captured. I would like to ask a question and get some ideas on food prep. My husband and I just purchased a 2021 Ascent and this model removed both extensions for counter top space. It has one induction burner. I did purchase a 3 qt instant pot, and two pots. I have an electric griddle for outdoor cooking, and just would like to hear what your creative mind would suggest for meals without space to prep. Thank you in advance. You guys are an inspiration to this 70 yr old couple. We are excited to be traveling . MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[@FromShetoMe]

I try to do a lot of prep before we leave. So I'll package things up together. Maybe make dishes that can just be re-heated. We eat really simple one pot meals. Egg dishes, pasta meals in the instant pot are good. John eats meat so I buy the pre-cooked Angus burger patties from Costco that he says are really good. I'll often pre-make a pound of bacon that can be re-heated. Tacos are big in our house. I make veggie tacos but you can use meat. Lots of our meals use flour tortillas to wrap around whatever it is, beans, eggs, avocado, cheese, etc. And we always have a salad kit ready to go. I throw in a can of beans or hard boiled eggs, nuts, dried fruit, etc. As far as the counter space issue, you might look into adding another mount for the Lagun Table so you have more space in front. I have one on order and will be attempting to put a mount in the front and one in the back. I have no idea what I'm doing but there are tons of KZbin videos on it. We also recently purchased a portable "Gas One" burner so that we can cook outside on a picnic table. But as I always recommend to people, don't buy a lot of stuff until you have had a number of trips in the rig. Takes awhile before you work out the kinks and figure out what works for you. Feel free to email if you have other questions. [e-mail]

[@bruceclyne5254]

Greetings from Alabama ! You assembled critical information in a comprehensive yet succinct format. Bravo, adventurer ! 👩‍🌾

[@Pinky121971]

Thanks Debbie excellent Tips and reviews.

[@joycemoses2411]

We enjoyed watching your adventures in Utah. Thank you for the tips! Merry Christmas!

[@stout_tossme7541]

Love your series and loved watching my state and the very less traveled areas. Utah is an amazing place. Again, thank you.

[@leeyork3685]

The info about diesel fuel was interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@loridumler905]

Thank you and happy holidays!!

[@barrysoutthere]

Great info, thanks !

[@MargueriteKz]

Thanks for your thoughtful videos :)

[@timsmith7625]

Thanks for the wrap up and stay safe!

[@pamt6829]

Great info, thank you.

[@joycemarino9800]

Thanks for all the tips and info! We've done a lot of Utah but you've hit some new ones for us to consider! Lots of good tips for future planning.

[@nancyschaecher2548]

Thank you. Merry Christmas & Happy New Years, you two. Blessings.

[@christinegreydanus2069]

Thank you for all the wonderful information! Merry Christmas🎄

[@Berniimae]

We appreciate your videos i didnt know there was so much to see in utah...

[@shirleyjordan6340]

I enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas. Be Safe!

[@Joe_smoe91750]

Awesome video. We also enjoy watching Matt’s videos. Happy Holidays!

[@Pumpkin2844]

Thank you for all the inspiring videos, tips and tricks you share! Merry Christmas 🎄 and Happy New Year 🥳

[@scottsitler3023]

As always another informative video. Thanks for all the time you and John spent filming and editing. If we don't travel to Alaska again in 2021 we plan on visiting Utah and your videos certainly help us to plan. Merry Christmas!

[@angpb6176]

I enjoyed your Utah series and can’t wait to return one day. So much useful info - thanks for the updates! The stovetop oven is on my list! Happy Holidays to you!

[@stevecabacungan]

I enjoy and love watching your videos. Thanks for all the tips. Utah is definitely on our list to visit next year when we get our AI-19 4x4 in Feb 2021.

[@tominftlthomasp3559]

Thanks so much for the information filled video. You do a great job at getting to the point and I enjoy it.

[@FromShetoMe]

Awww. You're a "type A" like I am. ;-))

[@HeAndHis]

B5 vs B20 is good to know. Thanks for another informative video

[@christinebrigham4732]

Thanks so much for your helpful information re the sand in Utah. I intend to go there in 2021 when I get my Ascent.

[@stan3497]

thanks

[@michellekorn3693]

Thank you for your videos and for the great tips in this one. We are hoping to head to AZ and UT in February if COVID is not as bad. I’m not a planner either but it is frustrating to be unable to plan upcoming trips. Watching your videos makes us long for the road. Thanks for taking us along.

[@ELMS]

You forgot to answer the biggest question of all. You have a new vest. What happened to the purple vest? 🙃. Stay safe and healthy!

[@FromShetoMe]

You're so right. I had been looking for a vest that covered my bum for a long time. Finally found one and I hardly take it off.

[@williamfenner9526]

From watching your videos I think it's really time for ya'll to up grade your E-bikes. Entry level E-bikes are great for riding around the camp ground, buzzing around town and riding some easy trails. This is a common occurrence, as your current E-bikes have opened up a new level of riding not possible for most SR's on regular bikes, but you are now pushing your bikes past their level of design. A pair of full size E-bikes with better suspension will take you to the next level and John might not crash as often......

[@FromShetoMe]

We'll get there, for sure. But it's my job to spend other people's money. ;-))

[@doggonervn211]

Another informative vid. Girls and l hitting the road in early Jan. For a planed 5 month RV road trip thru the SW and other areas this side of the Plain 🇺🇲 states. .

[@ijblessjourney]

Love the overview. We are planning a UTAH trip this summer while in route to Washington State. It will be a long trip but we are truly looking forward to it. Josie (Spouse) loves some of the gadgets you recommend, the oven will be our next purchase. Love you guys, God Bless you on your future travels and may you have a wonderful Holiday Season with your love ones. Send my regards to John, he is funny. I recommend he continues to do the HAPPY DANCE! VANTREKKING is one of our favorites as well. Take care -- Ivan

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks. We love them too.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Intro started and we both said at the same time "wow!" 👍. Very informative video. Looks like you got the HDR figured out too. Utah is a real treasure and you guys really took it in. Makes us wish we'd headed that way this fall. What's the van getting for Christmas? 😂👍

[@FromShetoMe]

Maybe a Lagun Table? Hope you have a beautiful Christmas!

[@christinebrigham4732]

Sorry that PW changed to induction stove because I can’t use Omnia. However I have learned how to use PIP with my instant pot and can make steamed breads that way!

[@FromShetoMe]

We recently purchased a small gas stove that works on both propane and butane to serve as a backup: gasone.com/collections/portable-stoves/products/gs-800p

[@flybyairplane3528]

@@FromShetoMe hi that stove is great, in that BOTH BUTANE & PROPANE Operate it, so you have the choice , when replacements on the road N;B, BUTAANE is the propellant in AEROSOL CONTAINERS ! Happy New Year ! Cheers 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@njwang586]

Hi Deb and John, thank you for yet another video. Your video helped us to settle on a PW Ascent 2021.5. Ours is arriving in mid Feb and we are really looking forward to wonderful journeys like yours. Right now I am researching what gears we need to prepare and once again your videos are a great source of information. I see that you are using Blackstone griddle. I am considering the same, but undecided between a 17 inch one or 22 inch one. I wonder what size is yours, and do your like the size of your griddle? Once again, thank you! NJ

[@FromShetoMe]

How exciting for you. We have the 17" and I can't imagine a larger one in that rig; I'm not even sure it would fit. I would also caution against buying a lot of stuff until you have taken several trips in your rig. Save some of the fun of selecting gear for later. Remember, less is more.

[@njwang586]

Thank you Deb for your advice. I bookmarked a lot of things. I also liked the table you mentioned in one of your videos (the blue color one that you can take of the legs and roll them over). It is fun just imagine what would be like out in the nature.

[@kathleenculkin5008]

Another great video - greatly appreciated. Your comments about the changing diesel availability caught the ear of this prospective purchaser of an Ascent. If you were buying a vehicle today, would you still purchase a diesel vehicle?

[@FromShetoMe]

Probably not. Although we really like the power from the diesel engine. We'd probably opt for the Ford chassis. That said, I think I heard somewhere that the new Mercedes Sprinter vans may have addressed that issue. Best to check.

[@kathleenculkin5008]

@@FromShetoMe Thanks! I had not heard that so I will keep researching.

[@vernonwoods5248]

Love your channel. You are so informative. Best on KZbin imho. I have a 22ft class c and wanted your opinion of how it would do in some of the Utah areas you’ve been to. tia Vernon

[@FromShetoMe]

Most places it should be fine. Always recommended to stop in at the nearest agency office (whether BLM or USFS or State Park).

[@vernonwoods5248]

@@FromShetoMe thank you very much for the quick response.

[@harlanmangum5973]

Good. morning from North Carolina. Enjoyed your video this very cold morning sitting here in front of the fireplace. Probably do a little Ancestry work today. How is your folks back home? Hope you and John have a great Christmas! Enjoy and stay safe!

[@FromShetoMe]

I do need to get back to my tree. But there are so many shiny objects to distract me these days..

[@harlanmangum5973]

@@FromShetoMe I can relate to the shiny objects...Talk to you later.

[@richardross3172]

Over 60% of our land here in Utah is public land, so you don't have to travel too far away from the "crowds" to find solitude.

[@stout_tossme7541]

Love it! We gotta keep it Public, too. Love our State.

[@craftytraveler9238]

Thank you for the lovely informative video. We hope to do the Grand Circle maybe next May. We pull a trailer. Do you think leaving the trailer in a boondocking space is safe to leave while we go sightseeing?

[@FromShetoMe]

I think it just depends. Most places, yes.

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

Yes, a smart move is to carry a spare fuel filter for your diesel system.

[@stanw909]

Bolsa Chica. Our favorite beach , but be careful crossing that bike path. Some of the riders don't believe in pedestrian right of Way.

[@FromShetoMe]

Absolutely. Little kids especially don't pay attention.

[@thatcanadianchick7589]

I'm trying to find a Coleman fold down camp over but having a bitch of a time with that, lol !! That Omnia oven kinda looks like a bunt pan with a lid !!! I wonder if that would work and save some ca$h ?!

[@FromShetoMe]

It has a pan that it sits on that forms an air gap to separate the pan from the flame. So you would have to come up with something similar to keep the bottom from burning.

[@Ronin925]

Thanks for your video. Where do you store your Blackstone griddle when traveling?

[@FromShetoMe]

It just fits in the rear of van. Not an inch to spare.

[@Ronin925]

Thanks for your reply.

[@tcflanagan3576]

Did/can you publish a list of where you stayed. Planing my spring trip. Thanks

[@FromShetoMe]

I'm trying to figure out how to get the coordinates out of my Gaia GPS map. Can you email me so that I can send it to you? [e-mail]

[@stevecabacungan]

Just one question on your E-bikes security & locks. How do you secure and lock your bikes on the bike rack?

[@FromShetoMe]

We just use a cable lock but we remove the batteries for transport. All locks can be broken/cut/dismantled but you can only do so much.

[@stevecabacungan]

@@FromShetoMe Thanks. I'm concerned about bike theft while parked on streets when visiting cities on our trips.

[@FromShetoMe]

@@stevecabacungan Yes, in cities I would be concerned. Abus makes some really good locks.

[@christinebrigham4732]

Is there any way to identify the B 5 fuel when you get to the tanks?

[@FromShetoMe]

No and that is the problem. Many times, if it is B20 there will be a ticker but you just don't know for sure. Some states like Minnesota have mandated all stations buy B20. Oregon may be another state that mandates it. I did some reading on line and discovered that many of the bigger truck stops sell the B20. You would think that truckers would get a bit bent about it because your mileage will be a little bit worse on B20. I think this is mostly a problem with Mercedes. George at Humble Road made a comment awhile back referring to the issue and said he always fills his tank when it is half empty so as to hopefully dilute the B20 with B5. The colder states change to a winter blend which I think is closer to B5. But don't know for sure.

[@bcoppes1]

Where did you get that dome cover you used on your grill at the 10.33 mark?

[@FromShetoMe]

It’s just a stainless steel bowl with an added magnet for a handle.

[@bcoppes1]

@@FromShetoMe thanks! 💙

[@gahammy]

What was the audio guide you use? Was it worth it if you are visiting only state parks or BLMs?

[@FromShetoMe]

Not sure what you mean by "audio guide." If you are referring to the map guidance, that was just Google Maps. If you want something geared more for off road and hiking, then Gaia GPS is hard to beat. But that is a subscription service.