Three things I never do when I'm out camping & exploring • TruckTalk Ep. 03

[@softroadingthewest]

This video was made under extenuating circumstances with an absolute minimum of gear and no access to my archived files of past footage, so bear with me on the rough production values here. 😆 Thanks for watching!

[@DrBenWiles]

Regarding family issues: Been there, seen it, done it. Don't try to do too much or you'll fail at everything.

[@jimfisher2711]

My prayers are with you while you take care of your family member Donald. I've watched every video that you've ever made on this channel, and I believe your heart is always in the right place. While you obviously rely on the income from the channel, family must always come first, and GOD knows your heart and will provide. So many of us have been with you in spirit on your adventures, and when things get back to normal for you we will all still be here watching your adventures and wishing we could be there with you. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into these videos Donald. GOD Bless you.

[@Iceman-wd1jk]

Really enjoy your videos. Most likely because I'm from the PNW. Currently live in Scappoose Or from Portland anyways been all over Oregon as a kid and adult recognizing many places you've been. Keep it coming. Been building a 4Runner to get out there. I'm 57yrs old so better hurry up. Like I said thanks for the videos.

[@elflordsjourneys]

Your channel is enjoyable to watch with just the content you show us, no need to add more stuff.Hope it all works out with your family. Merry CHRISTMAS 😊

[@scottymac5174]

My younger brother and I went through a similar situation with our 91 year old dad back in 2021. Multiple long hospital visits. Wishing you and your family all the best.

[@scottymac5174]

You have to hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

[@mathewgraves1741]

Prayers from our family to yours. Been through similar situations with my family. A 3 ring binder for keeping all documents and records and a notebook for daily notes, appointments and contacts was extremely useful and helped keep stress levels down. Now time to watch one of your older vids

[@derekrice7525]

Leave the places you find as they are - there is no need to disrupt the beauty of it all - just leave it as it is - including the fish and all that is there - just visit, leave no trave, I am just a few miles behind you and I appreciate that you took the time and effort to leave things and the places as you stumbled upon them

[@daneboro6847]

Prayers a well wishes for your family member in the hospital hope you and your loved ones have a blessed and Merry Christmas regardless🙏

[@cowelk]

Well, I just saw episode 3 and I haven't seen 1 or 2 yet. But I definitely will. Your fire place looks comfy. But I am so sad you are there instead of on the road. I pray your family member will get well soon.

[@johndej]

Don't worry about the production value here. You have my more important things to deal with right now. I had to chuckle about your topics. I carry my fishing poles with me but don't remember the last time I actually used them. I always 'intend' to do it but.... I also have a metal detector that travels with me from time to time. It was a gift from my kids. The only time it was really useful was when a friend dropped some very small parts in the grass. He'd been looking for a while with no luck. So I fired up the detector and found everything quite quickly. I also have a couple of gold pans left over from when my kids were younger and loved to play in the water. One of them did come in handy as a dish washing sink once. I hope things go well for your family member. By the way, since I'm in Salem right near the freeway. If you ever need to stop for a rest, cup of coffee, etc., let me know. You are always welcome here.

[@scratchnbell]

Take care of your family. We'll be here when You're done! You can't get these moments back

[@prolificnorthwest]

If you ever want to go fly fishing here in Oregon, let me know. I’ll happily show you around and we can film it!

[@alanmohn4146]

I have rewatched a few of your Subaru videos. Your adventures are one of the reasons I bought a Forester.

[@johnwalker3263]

The detectorists was a great show! Merry Christmas Donald and I hope there’s a bright light at the end of this tunnel for you!

[@softroadingthewest]

I was glad to see a number of viewers are familiar with that show and also enjoyed it. We still have a little ways to go but I think we're gonna get there. Thank you!

[@vancamping]

Watching the tv in the background maybe you could spend more time fishing if you didn’t spend so much time filming that Primal Outdoors guy🤔 That Primal Outdoor guy

[@softroadingthewest]

You make an excellent point. I think I'll add that to my list of New Year's resolutions!

[@dalecurrier5631]

Merry Christmas, Donald to you and your family

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Dale, enjoy the holidays!

[@shitheadal]

Thanks!

[@softroadingthewest]

Thank you so much! Your username made me laugh. 🤣 Laughs are much appreciated too.

[@JeffKnarr]

I hope your family gets well soon

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks so much Jeff!

[@wvadv]

thank you Donald

[@softroadingthewest]

Thank you so much, greatly appreciated! Happy holidays!

[@jaystewart9947]

Thanks for sharing Donald. Take care of things there. We’ll be praying for you guys

[@jeffreysmith4304]

Priority #1 Family !!! If you film it, we will Watch

[@wylde-lyfe]

Totally agree with you. We spend our time on priorities, if we have anything left, we might do extra activities but there's diminishing returns. I tend to focus my outdoorsy travels chasing trout, camping/cooking/eating. If I were filming it all, I'd be wiped out at the end of each day. I don't create KZbin videos, am retired, don't want to work at anything much beyond the few related activities. I don't always record them, but I do keep up with a few aging friends about my adventures and I take pics of particularly nice places and/or fish caught for their vicarious entertainment. One of my brothers gold prospects, beats himself up working a day digging and sluice boxing. He also fishes, but he can't usually do both effectively in one day.

[@Desertkns60]

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas! May your loved one recover fully and quickly! P.S. your channel is perfect just as it is!

[@K4VTE1818]

Ditto

[@KenBexploring]

Enjoyed this fireside chat! Fun to watch clips on the tv behind you as well. Hoping things continue to improve and you can enjoy some holiday spirit. Best wishes.

[@midnightadventureswa]

Take care of you dad and we all be here when you can take care of of your self too

[@AbMtnGuy]

Wishing you warm and healing outcomes as you advocate for and support your loved ones! Your content is always rock-solid, regardless of the production tools available. All the best for the holiday season and 2025!

[@metaxaanabeer]

"Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints", Dustin Porter of Destination Adventure. Best of the season to you and yours, Donald. "Never complain, always explain", Me.

[@kyle1758]

I live in the valley as well and do pretty much what you do, sans all the filming. Ironically, I even do it in the same truck! I like dirt bikes and dual sporting so that's usually my end goal for the trip. Explore in the truck, find a suitable place to set up base camp, explore the surroundings on my bikes.

[@IronmanV5]

Speedy recovery for your loved one

[@MattCookOregon]

Good stuff. Sometimes you just gotta say no to activities. Too many things to do. But then sometimes ya gotta say yes!

[@softroadingthewest]

Yes!

[@oldsoldier181]

The detectorists!!! LOVED that show!!!! I almost bought a metal detector after watching for that lol. Maybe someday I will, who knows. What I DO do though, is take a ham radio and play on that in the evenings.

[@softroadingthewest]

I was curious if any of my viewers would know the show. Glad to hear you loved it too!

[@DanitaReynolds]

Yeah, you can only fit so many hobbies in at a time especially when traveling around. It's one thing if you are staying at one location for days and another thing when you are only there for a night. I hope the care your dad is getting in Portland helps. It's tough that you are stuck there during the crazy season. It makes driving around in that city much more challenging.

[@softroadingthewest]

Fortunately I've been able to find lodging very very close by and haven't had to do much driving at all. We've received excellent care up here, I wish they had got him up here sooner. Thanks Danita!

[@EdwardGomillion]

Hey, rerun some old videos, and we will watch them to keep your algoryrhm up.

[@TheOffroadCamper]

Donald, you can always come out to the coast, I’ll adventure camp with you. I make the drive to Portland at least twice a week. All I do lately is sit in the base camp trailer all day, trying to get all the bugs worked out of it; and then get the off-road camper renovated so I can do some longer trips in it as it needs quite a bit of upgrades.

[@darrylk808]

It's hard to fish and metal detect with that camera surgically attached to your hand.😁

[@softroadingthewest]

LOL 😄

[@donwyates]

Every time I see a multi camera angle video, it makes me tired just thinking about how much effort went into it. I love photography, and have been shooting for 50 yrs., but I just could not see myself setting up all of those shots. I'm afraid I'd forget to go back for the camera & tripod. 😊

[@softroadingthewest]

I've never left a camera behind, but one time I did set up a shot on a tripod, then took the camera off to get some handheld detail shots or something, then drove off without the tripod. 😆I did not discover my mistake until it was too late to be worth backtracking for it, and I wasn't even sure exactly where it happened. So either someone found a nice tripod, or perhaps there it remains to this day. 😂

[@bajasoobnut]

Donald, you do you for sure as like you said family comes first, I agree with what you say about the 3 topics as it takes time away from other things. With all that said, if you need anything, even to talk with over a beer or something, don't hesitate to reach out as we come up to Portland more often than not and also doesn't help that I work up in Milwaukie lol

[@Scotty1963AZUSA]

Take care Donald. Best wishes for your loved one.

[@Fordgt409]

The Detectorists one of the best series on telivision!. I love that you discovered it and gave it a try and liked it.

[@softroadingthewest]

Heh, when I realized how few total episodes there were, I doled them out very slowly spanning months to make it last longer. 😄

[@ThomasTremmel]

Have a nice time an a lucky newyear! Greetings from Munich, Bavaria!

[@tomas5376]

Feliz Navidad 🎄🎄🎄

[@feminazislayer]

Sending over prayers from west Texas bud...

[@Longrangedisco]

Hey Donald, wishing you and yours the best of health as you approach Christmas 24. All the best from across the pond 🇬🇧

[@johndewolfe9411]

Continuing good thoughts for you and your family! I'm re-watching your Owhyhee trip with Jason as I type. Question though. Does it help the KZbin algorithm more for me to re-watch one 1 1/2 hour video, or re-watch four 20-25min videos? Best wishes!

[@softroadingthewest]

Probably the latter, but don't worry about that, I wouldn't watch any series individually if there's a compilation available. That's still a huge help and the compilations are much more enjoyable to watch, with old Jackery segments removed and slightly re-edited for a smooth, cohesive flow. Honestly I'd personally rather people watch the compilations because it's a better experience overall. Thanks John!

[@NorthologyAdventures]

Interesting perspective. Maybe the reason I don't film more on trips is because I am always doing those other things... rockhounding, aurora hunting, etc. BTW, I am headed to a friend's Christmas party weekend in Wisconsin, little do they know but they will be watching Softroadingthewest all weekend long 😄Merry Christmas, Donald.

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha thank you for the ongoing viewing, much appreciated! Enjoy the holidays!

[@mlarson3860]

Hopefully things get better soon for you and your family. ❤

[@TonyO07]

Best of luck with your family. If you find yourself with short time avail in the pdx area I know a couple quiet spots in the woods if you want to do an overnight.

[@pala4833]

Hang in there buddy. Jenny and I loved The Dectectorists.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Chuck. Glad you enjoyed that series as well.

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

Hang in there! George.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks George, bit by bit, I think we're getting there. Enjoy the holidays!

[@russellzauner]

I feel like I want to do a float down the Santiam River with a big ol fishing magnet so I can maybe find those car keys the kid dropped in there last time we went camping at Fisherman's Bend.

[@MSchumacherfan]

I hope your loved one gets well soon

[@feminazislayer]

Metal detection? Panning for gold? Naww man, that sounds like work when your trying to relax...if that's your hobby then yeah go for it...but when I'm bugging out for a weekend, last thing i want to do is more work. Its enough work just camping...

[@cfctech6774]

Thanks for taking the time to still upload content. One thing I have wondered about outdoor youtubers is now that it is your job, does it take away from the enjoyment of being in these beautiful places? I have heard some say that it does, and others say it doesn't. I could see looking at it one of two ways; trying to focus on getting good shots and filming content that will get the most views, running back and forth to set up and take down the camera can shift your focus from the beauty you're in. While on the other hand, you are earning your living by experiencing these beautiful places! I can say I am rather envious of that as I often find myself saying, "I would get out into nature more if I wasn't so busy and tired from my job". What are your thoughts? Does it take away from the enjoyment at all for you? Happy holidays and wishing safety and good health to you and your loved ones.

[@softroadingthewest]

That's a great question. And no, it doesn't diminish my enjoyment in the least. On the contrary, I think I have more appreciation for beauty and details around me that I might otherwise overlook. If I wasn't filming, I would get bored out there and would need some kind of leisure activity like fishing. Filming is sorta my treasure hunt instead of panning for gold or metal detecting. 😄 It's my work and it's time-consuming, but I also enjoy doing it.

[@shitheadal]

Take care of your family business, I have not even watched any of your Subaru content YET, So that will be something for me to do until you can get back to new content

[@oregonbackroadadventures4089]

We're you at st Vincent hospital on Wednesday. I saw a guy that could be your twin

[@softroadingthewest]

That was not my twin. 😉

[@oregonbackroadadventures4089]

@softroadingthewest sure like you though

[@softroadingthewest]

@ No, yeah, that was point, it wasn’t my twin, it was me. 😄

[@sagebrushbob2321]

Question number 4: "Why don't you have a diesel heater? You should have a diesel heater. It's a dry heat!"....Uhh... wait a minute. Didn't you just...? 🤣 Seriously, go ahead and take care of your personal life. That takes priority. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@softroadingthewest]

Enjoy the holidays Bob and see you soon, I assume?

[@YouTubeTyler]

I thought I saw your rig in se Portland off Sandy last week. I thought, NAH, but now I think I might have been right. Best wishes for your family member. 🤞⚕️🍀

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, well, I haven't been out that direction at all, and I haven't even been driving...just walking between my AirBnB and the hospital. Sounds like I must have a twin up here somewhere!

[@TACTICALNOMAD]

@softroadingthewest, Donald, I know exactly what you are going thru. I am caring for my ailing, 81 y.o. Mom right now, and have been for the last 9 months. I wish she was back healthy, but unfortunately that is only a nice dream, as I love my Mom and all of the sacrifices she made while raising me as a single mom, I wish she could go on forever. I hope the person you are caring for heals quickly and soon. Truck Talk is a really good format, and I enjoy watching these videos. Maybe turn it into 'The Truck Talk Podcast?' Where you can do solo videos, like this one, and have guests like Jason, Edward Shin, etc., podcasts are a very popular way to learn more about the YT Overlanders/Off-Roaders we watch.

[@softroadingthewest]

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. I think we've been in this maybe 9 weeks total and even that seems like an eternity. I wish you strength and peace as you navigate your journey. I love the idea of guest appearances!

[@TACTICALNOMAD]

@@softroadingthewest, Thank you!

[@louiskudlak2256]

I know the grind of making utube videos, very tedious and time consuming, merry Christmas to you and your family ❤❤

[@scottymac5174]

Maybe you can say cinema photography is your hobby?

[@softroadingthewest]

Yes! That is exactly what I should have said. It's my work, but it IS also my leisure activity when I'm out exploring & camping. I truly enjoy it. It IS a treasure hunt of sorts, with my treasure being getting the perfect shots of what I see out there. 🙂

[@scottymac5174]

@@softroadingthewest You already have a Hobby.

[@scottymac5174]

@@softroadingthewest We have a good friend. Joe. Joe has more camera gear than any normal person. When we go camping, he just packs up and dissapears for 20+ hours.Doing his Do. Hahaha!

[@scottymac5174]

You do it because you like doing it. It's not a job..And we Like You doing it.

[@Realtor_eliot_portland]

Happy Holidays man, sorry about the rough times. Give me a shout if I can help out in any way.

[@K4VTE1818]

Curious how many followers you have

[@garyjennyfrost9485]

it's up next to his channel name (for all content providers. ) currently it shows 82.3k subscribed. Hope this helps.

[@K4VTE1818]

@garyjennyfrost9485 Thanks.

[@om617yota7]

Sounds like you need a vacation when all this is done, go out and take a trip and DON'T film it.

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, I think it would drive me bonkers to be out somewhere beautiful and not have a camera in hand. 🤣 It's work, it's my job, but it's work I genuinely enjoy. But yeah very eager to get out somewhere and seriously decompress.

[@OverlandUnderground]

This is a great video. It would be better if you had a smoking jacket and pipe while standing under a painting of yourself with a smoking jacket and a pipe.

[@thewiredfox2691]

Dude! No! You can't film Truck Talk while not in a truck!!! [Friendly banter]

[@softroadingthewest]

🤣