New Adventures! Finding Beauty and Free Camping in National Forest of New Mexico!

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My name is Eric and I travel with my cats, “Tara” & “Opie” in a 24ft 2001 Ford Tioga RV named “Freeda” and tow either a 2014 Smart Car named “Tater Tot” or my 2012 Harley Softail Slim named “Black Betty” in a 6x10 trailer. We travel about 35 miles a day chasing 70 degrees year-round since 2010.
Here is my gear & some popular questions answered:
Gear: (UPDATED 2021)
*Main Camera: Sony ZV-1 with .07x wide angle adapter
*Stealth Camera: GoPro 10 With Mod Box, and Volta Grip
*Backup Camera: Panasonic Lumix G95
*Vlog Lens: 12-60mm Kit lens
*Stabilizer: Zhiyun Crane 2 (For B-Roll)
*Audio: (On Camera) Rode VideoMic Pro+ With Rycote VMP+ Deadcat
*GoPro 9 Black for water/action shots, rainy days & Timewarps, Timelapses, & Starlapses
*GoPro Hero 7 Black with Purple Panda Lavalier Lapel mic for Driving Narration
*GoPro Hero 8 Black for driving shots out the front window.
Time Lapses: 2 second intervals. Sped up 1200x, cropped 4K down to 1080 for panning
Night Lapses: Manual settings: 800 ISO, 30 second Shutter, 3000K WB, Protune On
Slow Motion: Shot 1080p 240fps. Reduced to 8% in Post Production
Additional Audio: Sony ICD-PX333
Editing Laptop: 2019 16” MacBook Pro 2.4GHz 8-Core i9 ~ 64GB Ram ~ 2TB SSD
Editing Software: Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Editing Encoder: Adobe Encoder - Presets: MP4 VBR H.264 16mbps
Aerial Drone Shots: DJI Mavic2 Shot in 2.7K Downscaled to 1080p
RV MPG: 7-8mpg depending on generator use.
Solar: 1280 Watts (320x4) Rec N-Peak Monocrystalline 120 cell panels on roof.
Charge Controller: Victron MPPT 150/85-TR
Inverter/Charger: Victron 3000 watt MultiPlus
Batteries: Battle Born Lithium 100ah x 5 = 500 amp hours.
Mobile Wifi: Nomad Internet ` AT&T Unlimited Business Plan & Verizon Unlimited Cell Personal Line
Music: / audiolibrary & www.epdiemicsound.com
Tara is a Tabby Mix born May 10th 2020
Opie is a Medium Hair Orange/White Tabby born August 6th, 2021
Tennessee Hayride by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommon...
Artist: audionautix.com/
Please consider following me on Instagram for early release info: / nomadicfanatic.tv
Please consider supporting me on Patreon for live updates: / nomadicfanatic

[@staroceans8677]

Nice to see you relaxing you certainly deserve it, and as you stated you've had several months that have been beyond hectic and rushed. Opie reminds me a lot of Jax, maybe it's because he's male. I think it's great that he's out and about much like you. You certainly hit the jackpot with that space, it's nice, beautiful and peaceful. Who'd have thought that the desert could be pretty and green during the winter and cool, it's amazing because when you think of New Mexico and Arizona you think of desert being hot and barren and they're all seasonal which is quite beautiful. Looking forward to your many wonderful future ventures, even when you decide from time to time to stay a little longer on your homestead and build it up, that's going to be exciting as well. As far as eggs go I could eat them all day long, they're easy, full of protein and it makes for a nice meal anytime of the day so enjoy. Safe travels!

[@HoneyandMe]

When we first began our RV journey, we had 2 ctas who had been with us for many years. Amazingly they both settled quite happily into RV life. But, both being indoor/outdoor cats I worried about them wanting to just be let out like at home. Our tabby had a personality much like Tara's. She never adapted to being on leash and was quite content to just be in the RV. She loved looking out the windows, but really didn't want 'out'. Our long haired, pure black guy on the other hand, loved being out on his leash. He loved wandering with me on the other end of the leash, but at the first loud noise or something else that startled him, he would make a dash for the RV, sometimes even slipping out of his harness! That only happened a couple times and I was too scared to take him out in case he got loose and lost. So, in the end both were indoor cats while we were on the road. Both of them have passed now and when I got my 'now' cat, Gracie, I started her on leash quite soon after. She is an indoor cat who loves to be outside on her leash. I call her harness her 'safety vest' and she can't go outside without her 'safety vest' on. She will run to the door when she wants to go out and waits patiently for me to put her harness and leash on. She LOVES to travel.

[@Sandy_Loam-088]

Hey, Susan! Thanks for sharing your cat experience. I’ve never considered myself a cat person but I’ve had a few. BoSox was a stray who adopted my wife and merely tolerated me when the wife was nearby. After my wife passed away he discovered me as his new best friend. He later went to live with my oldest son at the urging of my allergist. Later I provided a foster home for a female cat for 6 months or so. (Damn the allergist!) Eric sure enjoys the company of his cats. I have no fur babies now but I do enjoy the videography of you and Eric. Travel safe, Do well, Be proud. Greg O.

[@HoneyandMe]

@@Sandy_Loam-088 Thank you, Greg! I love my animals and can't imagine life without them. I think if I had to choose, (thank goodness that's not a thing) I'd have picked animals over kids. But don't tell my 5 children! lol! Cats are just so cool. I think they are easier to have than dogs. Are you allergic to dogs too?

[@donald2687]

Love kitties thanks eric I been watching your 10 year tribute of you and Jax as full time rvers .

[@rouxchat6033]

I also travel full-time with my dog, a senior cat, and a tiny blind kitten found in the woods. She has many health issues that my vet and I are working on. Both cats love, love, love traveling. My senior boy loves to sit on my lap in camp soaking up the sun. The blind kitten loves to explore the campsites and she's quite the adventurer. Both always wear a harness and leash. When on the road the two cats travel inside the cab with me inside a crate that is seat belted in place. The dog travels next to me and is also seat belted up. Cats make amazing traveling companions.

[@HoneyandMe]

@@rouxchat6033 That's wonderful!! Many blessings in your travels.

[@sherrimitchell7290]

So peaceful where you camped and a great video. Thanks Eric and kitties for letting us tag along.

[@deee5520]

You just made my morning better. That was an amazing video. So happy to see you out and about. Beautiful places. Opie and the bird. 😊. The campfire, the water, the trees. This is what makes your videos so great. I actually like your old Christmas tree better. I did get tears when you showed the camp table. Memories. For people like me who are unable to to get out you make our world a bit happier. Thank you. Safe trip and really looking forward to more of these. 🥰Dee*

[@Mari-B]

Tara and Opie fit right in as RV cats. I love how you love them so much. They are blessed. When we were on the road for 3 years our Mo Cat sure loved it. Unfortunately we lost him last year. We miss him so much.

[@tracyvetter7468]

Awesome spot. Finally a traveling nomadic video, I've really been missing this kind of content since the pandemic. Thanks Eric!

[@doofusadventures4486]

Opie is on high alert during his walk. 😀 That looks like a lovely campsite. Good find! Safe travels.

[@cynthiam3319]

I really like this scenic and low key video. It's my type of boondocking. Calm and quiet. thanks Eric.☮

[@mariemorgan7759]

Incredibly enchanting forest! Great camping place! I can eat breakfast at any hour too!I love New Mexico!💕🏜️

[@terrysager1091]

Loved Opie and the bird, and Tara and the movie. So glad you realized Tara is a homebody. You are an incredible human being. Your videography is amazing. You also captured the sense of isolation, and yet beauty, of being in nature. So looking forward to the new adventures.

[@pauline3735]

👍🏼🎯🎯🎯

[@darrenoconnell9716]

LOVED this peaceful, relaxed video. Great music choice. So chill with the kitties, you by the fire in the forest. AWESOME!

[@mikelebonner970]

Great video! You are so talented with a camera! This was a great campground for you. It looked so peaceful and quiet. Tara looks anxious when she's outside. I think your plan to just have Opie outside is a good one. He clearly loves it. They're both sweet kitties, just very different personalities. You're a good cat dad. Hugs to Tara and Opie. 🐱🐱

[@erichoskinson5479]

I would have loved to be sitting there with you at the fire, enjoying the quiet, and talking about how our lives are so blessed.

[@mikes1796]

Eric, I've been watching you for years. This has gotta be my favorite video. This is the type of camping that I do. No RV parks, no reservations, and not totally sure where I'll be camping. But it always seem to turn out better than expected. I could picture myself in your place as you stood around the fire at night. This is camping. 🌲

[@rouxchat6033]

Yep, me too! No campgrounds for me either. Zero to maybe one or two quiet distant neighbors is my idea of bliss.😊

[@bostonterriermomakasandy9722]

I love how Opie walks with his big fluffy tail up in the air.

[@RVDebs]

That camp looked so good! You keep smiling it's contagious. Hope to meet up again sometime.

[@ronnettrobinson8275]

I love how you make your home on wheels feel so cozy with the lights!

[@Not-thatKaren]

You left me wanting more of that campground! So nice, relaxing and beautiful!

[@southerngal7899]

I had tears when I saw you with Tara Bear at the beginning and especially at the campground.😻 Sometimes I feel like she doesn't get enough attention and maybe why she's a little kitty introvert. I've had sooooo many kitties, just love 'em. Tc and safe travels. 🙏✝️ You're a great cat daddy, Eric. And, breakfast is good anytime. 🥚🍳🥓

[@rouxchat6033]

Oh, now this is a campsite!!! Yep, I would have been thrilled to stay there the full 14 days. Of course, cell reception is low on my priority list. 😆 🤣 😂 😹 I'm a full-time traveler with my dog and cats, too, and find hidden gems like this frequently. Zero neighbors is always preferred. Great video, Eric. Loved watching the fluffies spending time relaxing with you. Happy travels. 😻

[@shellyscott4822]

I'm living in a campground now and I love the serenity of nature and water xoxo Opie and Tara

[@AngelSusie57]

I love your pretty little tree. We had been thinking about getting one of those flocked trees but I didn't feel it would be safe for my two kitties, I was glad to hear you verify that. Your campsite is so beautiful and peaceful, New Mexico is a lovely state. Looking forward to all your videos on this new adventure, my husband and I always enjoy them. Hugs to the precious kitties.

[@elizabethlizardqueen]

Hi Eric!! I've been following you for a while, and I must say how enchanting your videos are!! I have been to Gila (pronounced Hee-La) National Forest a few times - it is incredibly peaceful! You, Opie, and Tara are a delight - Thank You for sharing your adventures!

[@wearysoles]

Not hearing airplanes, traffic and in general no human noises. That's freedom

[@catherinedonoghue]

Thanks

[@nomadicfanatic]

Thanks, Catherine. Have a great weekend.

[@charleneheiland8803]

Beautiful. So glad to see the big smile on your face. Driving:ya gotta drive there to get there ,no matter where there is. Try putting some pepper jack cheese on scrambled eggs,cover and let melt. Yummy ! Happy safe travels to you and the beautiful kitties.🐈🐈‍⬛🌄

[@pavofan59]

Looks like those kitties are getting along great. I love how Opie's tail curls over his back. A true sign of happiness.

[@Mike-01234]

Love Arizona been here for 35 years came from California 35 years ago I could afford a nice home for 69k. Boating trips all over the state to almost every lake skiing up at Snowbowl. 4 wheeling in the winter target shooting so much you can do here. Take highway 60 between from Show Low down to Globe though salt river canyon. Paved but some 180 deg switch backs as you go down in the Salt River canyon Amazing views. Globe is a copper mining town not much to see there unless you like copper mining. There are a few things to see as you end up down in the low deserts. If you get a chance you camp near where the Travis Walton says he was abducted by aliens in 1975. They made a movie about it called "Fire in the Sky". One of my punch lists I want to do camp a few nights up there. The location is near Snowflake general area is public but not the exact spot.

[@sheilawright4957]

So beautiful. As always Luv n Hugs to you Eric,Tara and Opie. Heavenly hugs to Jax.

[@patriciacoxson3180]

Hello there Eric Tara and Opie. . Its nice to see you enjoying your time outdoors before the snow ❄ Flies. . We have a cat and dog. . Our animals we keep inside . We do take our dog and cat when we go to the lake Meredith here in Borger. We have them on a leash. .. love seeing your furbabies so cute and funny sometimes they make us laugh 😆 Give Tara and Opie a hug Stay safe out there on the roads. Thanks for taking us along with you everywhere you go Eric we appreciate it. Take care God bless your friends Gerry and Pat from Amarillo Texas 😺😺😺😺

[@karens8633]

So glad you learned about the flocked trees! ❤

[@belindasalinas]

New subscriber here. What a nice campsite you found on this trip. It is refreshing to see a man with cats as his pet of choice...I am a feline lover myself. Hope to vicariously tag along with you. Safe travels!

[@nomadicfanatic]

Thanks for subscribing! Cats are easy and the best traveling companions.

[@What.The.Fluff.]

@@nomadicfanatic I agree! Cats rule! BTW: I believe Tara just needs more time to observe & feel safe in one location, before venturing out on a harness. Maybe some time in the pop-up enclosure for both just to see, smell everything securely first? Also, they may do better if you walk both together, or use stroller for Tara.✌️😽

[@JonnyDIY]

Beautiful spot, I wouldn't have wanted to leave! 😂💕👍

[@nomadicfanatic]

You and me both!

[@meister241]

You’re great at what you do Eric. You bring to life what you encounter. I absolutely love your channel. Thanks dude

[@gthornton3]

So glad you found a happy place to camp. Stay safe and safe travels.

[@marketshare3969]

The Reservoir is called Nelson Reservoir that’s where I taught all my kids to fish. 😊

[@ejs6010]

I loved your opening shot with Opie watching the bird. It appeared to be a Canyon Towhee. Great find in the Gila Wilderness. Safe journeys..

[@greco2189]

Get your cat a small crate that she is comfortable in. Use it while you are driving. Then when you park someplace bring her outside in the crate. Once she is comfortable with that but the leash on her and open the door to the crate. Let her explore, and when she wants to she can go back into the crate. It is a process that takes time. But she will like the crate as her safe place.

[@robindobbs672]

Eric ~ you are such a great kitty dad! Opie is so cute walking outside with his tail straight up except for the tip moving around! Beautiful camping site. Glad you are feeling happy 😊

[@donnac.1609]

Ah ...to breathe fresh air by a campfire! Glad you found such a nice place to land! 😸 do have their own individual ways! My Reggie liked a walk about ....my Missy is a rescue and she was not so comfortable in 32ft. Been on the road 4 yrs and she has finally settled in! Tried a leash but she meows and meows to be by the door, ultimately wanting back in the rv. Very scared outside....guess she has bad memories from that! Great video and as always looking forward to more! I am in a good cell area now so I can keep up!

[@thaitravels5871]

Great to see you on the road again, you found the perfect camping spot for your first night. Give the kitties hugs and kisses…safe travels🥰

[@jocichon1230]

Goodnight Eric and fur babies

[@windjammer1958]

Eric, very nicely done, great videography been a while, Thanks! All your vid's are good, this type if video are special. just you and the kids, on an adventure...

[@jameshill2998]

That lake is nelson reservoir SE of eager and you drove by Luna lake east of Alpine .

[@loissalmon1378]

Eric you can tell the elevation by the forest. Tall trees means higher altitude. Brush means lower. Desert is usually high desert, still cool. After traveling in the west and being observant of flora and fauna and altitude, you’ll have a better idea what’s up!

[@SuperLaplander]

Very nice episode! Very soothing with nature, your editing and the music. Thank you Eric!

[@jodybarkema4714]

Awesome campsite! Love seeing Opie out enjoying life outside 👍super happy to be back out on the road with you traveling to new fun places. Happy travels and be safe Eric ❤

[@monumentmom7593]

Super good video Eric. Time lapse, drone footage, outdoor cat time...we hit the trifecta!

[@janetaylor9555]

Eric, when you were walking Opie I noticed, for the first time, the white spot on his right hip close to his tail. That's so cute! It made me think of the worn spot guys get on their back jeans pockets where they keep their Skoal can. Hope he's not dipping. LOL

[@annieyahu676]

So Beautiful 😍 And so precious.. those fur babies getting all their hugs and pets in for the day ❤️

[@adriannurse1502]

What an awesome overnight find. We travel with a kitty too. She is so funny. She wants to go out, but if we open a window for fresh air she panics and hides under the bed. Lol!!!

[@jackie6582]

Just put her in the tent for cats outside she likes that I saw👍

[@carol7303]

Maybe you should take the two kitties out together she might be more comfortable walking with Opie

[@garylippy4291]

Eric I’ve followed you for many years. Love your efforts and artistic ability.

[@3dognite]

Nice camping site. Big and open. Too bad you couldn't be by the water.It's nice that Opie enjoys the outdoors. I have had cats in the past. I can say they were all different. I had a cat that looked just like Opie that had a similar personality. He wasn't afraid of people or the outdoors. Neither were afraid of my three dogs. They both were talking cat's. Which was cute, but at times it became incessant cat chatter. It's unfortunate that you did not have cell service or Star Link service. It's nice having a campground to yourself. Nice and quiet. Your videography is awesome. You are a real pro with camera. Enjoy your time at this campsite. As always, thank you for sharing Eric.

[@michaeldennison436]

You could have gone and visited the Gila Cliff Dwellings, they probably weren't that far away. Have seen your site off and on for a couple years, and got used to you being at Kevin's site lately so finally subscribed. Love seeing different sights and places across the country. We took two different 52 day trips pulling a smallish 5th wheel in 2017 and 2018, and would love to hit the road again. Travel safe.

[@ChasB2010]

In case no one has noted it, it's "hee' la" as in Gila Bend.

[@FairyChild_For_Freedom-Justice]

The views you got at night time were so beautiful you could see the stars. Thank you for all the hard work you put in your videos they truly are enjoyable and relaxing.❤

[@marca7086]

That lake you drove by is Nelson Reservoir, in between Springerville and Nutrioso, AZ

[@jenedweeb]

Just Beautiful and peaceful!

[@davidpittman57]

Love the campsite, you have an art of finding some very neat pleases. Thanks for sharing them!

[@jeffsnodgrass9747]

I would love to know where that campground is so we can visit when we go full time next year. Good to see you back on the road and in your "environment". Safe travels and have a great winter!!

[@living2ndchildhood598]

I’m guessing that campground is on Hwy 182 just east of the NM/Az border and alongside the San Francisco River. This is just a guess! More refined guess: Swapp Loop Luna, NM 87824 United States

[@6byteme9]

Figured it out Nelson Reservoir. Head of the Ditch Campground. Your Welcome.

[@SandysTravels]

Omg, we stopped at that reservoir, had lunch . Asked the same question about the concrete pad and rocks. Didn't think I'd ever see it again. Then stayed in either apache or Gila national. Forest. Very beautiful, see ya on the road

[@mikenevermon9041]

It's really great to watch you adventuring once again. I love it Thanks

[@sumpnspecl2]

Looks like a fish hatchery dam.

[@lauriej4597]

Wow, that’s a GORGEOUS camp site! You are so lucky. Just you, your beloved cats, and beautiful nature! Can’t get any better than that. Sure beats devastated SW Florida right now. I’m jealous.

[@PaulMSabol]

One concern you my have is, if your trailer is not secure, a good thief could just back up to it and Black Betty and trailer are gone. The bike would have been more secure in your storage unit.

[@SSArt98]

Great site and very peaceful! Did you ever hear or see any wildlife during the visit? _I've had that feeling before like you were in __14:44__, it's great!_ ( ;) ) Very glad to see the kiddie's get some outdoor time! Be well, catch you on the flip side! *James*

[@jodycanfield6684]

Eric... Should you purchase a rock guard for Tater Tot? I bet it eats lots of rocks and gravel when being towed around. 🤔

[@nomadicfanatic]

I've been looking for a bra for for the car just to keep things easy.

[@jowillowcat6044]

My cat doesn’t like being outside with a harness either. We tried for several years, it’s a no go. Like you, I don’t want to keep stressing her out. She’s a happy, healthy inside cat.😊

[@skyblue-lb9kr]

You are blessed with those kitties! Have you tried a front pack with Tara?

[@dino-2379]

I’m sad ☹️ I totally understand and I totally get it that peoples lives change and desires for a way of life changes I totally do understand - I followed CVK and pandemonium for years but now that they took to homesteading I’m not interested in that and I seldom watch their videos anymore - I get it but for me personally it’s sad ☹️

[@Step-n-Wolf]

Stop by ABQ for a green Chile cheeseburger, my treat. Give me a shout.

[@nomadicfanatic]

Next time! I love AbueQUIRKY!

[@ladyinhotpink0575]

Eric u look happier than a pea in a pod! I really enjoyed seeing the kitties out enjoying the fresh air

[@bambihargrove6499]

Such a Beautiful Blessing finding that Free spot. Loved this relaxing, cute, Beautiful video

[@terryclark1520]

Road trip, road trip, road trip!

[@barackmycat9448]

Cats are all different. My cat doesn`t like being picked up at all or going into a carrier or cage. Beyond that he is friendly and cool. Great vid Eric!

[@orangeziggy348]

Maybe try taking Tara out at night where there are lizards she can catch. Once she realizes she can hunt then shell lose her fears. Especially allow her to sit amongst shrubbery and hang out underneath shrubbery, then shell feel safe.

[@mgs8747]

Nice video! Love the nature shots and being in the outdoors. Glad your doing more of that.

[@barrylambert8572]

From a videographer's eye, probably one of your best videos yet. Well done.

[@joycemyers9898]

TOO quiet for me. I'd be looking to see Sasquatch!

[@mendyedson1825]

It's good to see you on the move. I love the trees. Opie is your leash kitty and maybe Tara can be the stroller kitty. Safe travels and take care of yourself, Tara and Opie.

[@rosepederson166]

Relax and enjoy!... Your videos help me wind down and relax, Thanks for sharing!!

[@Schimms]

Eric, do you ever get lonely? What a lovely spot to camp. Thanks for sharing!

[@nomadicfanatic]

Depends... I "feel" lonely at times, but with the kitties, and up til 2am editing some nights... I don't have time to be lonely.

[@santiagopollocko5494]

Nothing better then time in the mountains! We live in the Sierra and the Cascades .

[@maebellaakamaegirl190]

ERIC, TARA AND OPIE. I JUST HAVE TO SAY , IT IS SO NICE TO SEE YOU BACK ON THE ROAD TRAVELING BE SAFE BE HAPPY AND HAVE FUN. ❤️👋💯

[@swhight]

Welcome to New Mexico! Beautiful campsite! Just for future reference, “Gila” is pronounced “HEE-la”. Safe travels!!

[@dottieburton5501]

maybe Tara is in love with Johnny Depp like all us girls play her another Johnny Depp movie and see if she likes it lol

[@earl9027]

What about the hot tub ?

[@chrishelms1967]

Glad you found a peaceful spot to recharge

[@lisawynne283]

Thank you for as always an amazing time lapse beautiful wise decision on leash and Tara Opie more than makes up for it made me tear up when you wer sitting with tara your a good dad love your tiny Xmas tree on the table wish was mine love this video nice enjoy kiss the babies love you guys ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@jcc3279]

Eric I was just thinking about you and your mickey mouse telephones you should get yourself a Vonage voip line or an ooma or even a magic jack. That way you could have a "landline" in the RV just an idea my friend anyway take care your friend Jason C. Originally from Michigan now living it up in Sunny Orlando Florida.

[@nomadicfanatic]

Totally!

[@lindacrawford5029]

Just a suggestion if you added another chair for safety it would look like one might be inside

[@sjr7822]

Still got your outside tent for Tara You could cover half of it with a blanket for her spot while she breathed in the fresh air. It is good for those two to get some fresh air in their lungs. You know how good you feel after being outdoors? Anyway, that's my 2cents, nice campsite, nice video!

[@arlenelaw5645]

Excuse me Bless your heart. Your completely right Eric about Tara you don't want to stress her out.♥️♥️

[@olddoc4430]

It’s Hee-La (gila) with love

[@johnd746]

My cat Teddy loved walking with his harness. My current cats don't. Cats definitely have individual personalities.

[@wyyeti4004]

That clear “dug” stream might be an Acequia…(ah-se-kee-yah)…watercourse for any local communities or uses. I echo another comment…check for ticks. We used to live in NM.

[@galpalsal]

Grateful for nature and kitties - they restore your soul.

[@Birdbike719]

Gila is pronounced HEE-La. Like Gila monster. A beautiful campground