I’m up to four miles. It’s been in the 90s, but the smell of fresh rain on my morning run after a beautiful storm the night before … a wonderful way to start the day!

Intrepid outdoorswomen, gather ’round!

I’d like you to meet …

Earl.

Photo courtesy of Meetearl.com

That’s right, Earl is a gadget,

not a guy.

(Really—who needs a guy anyway?)

Anyway …

Earl promises to be a remarkably handy fellow to have around. I can imagine when I lived year-round, 30 miles beyond the end of a dirt road, deep in the Idaho wilderness, how handy-dandy getting to know a guy like Earl would have been.

He … okay, it … is a brand spankin’ new off-the-grid gadget that could save your life.

More rugged and durable than any smartphone (and most guys), this little machine boasts:

• a GPS to give you precise readings of your location, direction, and elevation
• weather sensors to accurately forecast changing conditions in the most remote locations
• a transceiver that connects to analog and digital radio frequencies up to 20 miles away
• a glove-friendly infrared touchscreen with 3D joypad and gyroscope
• a laminated solar panel that provides up to 20 hours of battery and charges in 5 hours with direct sunlight
• a water-/dust-/shock-/mud-proof design

Oh, yeah.

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“Salute British ingenuity. Behold, the ubiquitous mobile home, a two-wheel tribute to the British spirit of adaptability, and to the great and growing pastime of messing about—in caravans.”

So begins the video below all about the Caraboat.

Back in the late ’60s, a man named Tom Car dreamed up this little watercraft, which is truly a land caravan (glamper) that doubles as a houseboat. Using a 6 1/2-horsepower motor, this wasn’t exactly a seafaring vessel (think the Perfect Storm for about 10 seconds, then cut to credits), but what a sweet little idea.

The curtains are a nice touch.

I wonder how long it took to get those swans in the shot?

Only 64 of these beauties were made before they stopped production, rather quickly. (Click here for the rumored theory on why the Caraboat went out of production.) This caravan-boat is now highly sought after by collectors.

I saw this retro video and just about died. You’ll love it.

The music is divine.

The quality—fabulously ’60s.

And they even have tea on board.

*Listen for this line:

So yo-ho-ho-ho to you, too!

It’s a doozy.

Now, let me introduce its new and updated cousin, the Sealander. The German-designed Sealander has taken this idea and transformed it into a modern machine.

The two ads themselves are strikingly funny! Maybe in 60 years, someone will be laughing at our “modern” Sealander.

Oh, how times do change.

Sure, summer weather makes it a lot easier to get some exercise, but summer travel can sometimes put a damper on our best intentions. I decided if I was willing to lug my running shoes all over the Northwest this past month, I’d better be willing to use them! And as it turns out, a looming half-marathon is a very good motivator. Guess that’s the point, right?

My official “training” does not begin until later in July. In the meantime, I’m just working on being ready for that training to begin.

And it’s an awesome way to start any day The Foothills of Boise, Idaho, are home to seemingly hundreds of running and biking trails. Visiting family a few weeks ago, we enjoyed a run most mornings, and I kind of kept up with the seasoned runners. Clocked 3 miles a day … and learned it’s much easier to run when you’re with good company. And the views, well, they speak for themselves. Inspired!

And the following weekend I was in Portland, Oregon, for a college reunion. While the company was also wonderful, they slept in a bit, so I enjoyed some muggy morning runs solo along the Willamette River. I ran 2.5 miles and learned that a path filled with folks happily enjoying their own morning exercise is also a good motivator.

Glad I brought my running shoes. I look forward to the next path this marathon journey takes me on.

Now that you’ve read my book, Glamping with MaryJane, you need to find a fabulous place to get your campin’ glam on.

We’re back for an 8th day of where to glamp in 2013.

Have you been hankering to visit our neighbors in the Great White North? Do you love wildlife, five-star food and accommodations, and a good rest filled with adventure? If preserving wildlife habitats are also at the top of your list, visit the Clayoquot (pronounced Cla-kwhat) Resort this summer.

I think they’ve thought of just about everything.

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Tofino, Vancouver Island, Canada

Courtesy of Clayoquot Wilderness Resort; http://www.wildretreat.com

Imagine a place where guests enjoy all-inclusive, five-star vittles and beverages; a massage with your minimum 3-night stay; and activities such as rock climbing, horseback riding, ocean or fresh water fishing, whale and bear watching, Wild Side First Nations Interpretive trail trek, river and sea-kayaking, archery, hiking, skeet shooting, target shooting, mountain biking, surfing, zip line, paintball, tree platform climbing, and even surfing.

Courtesy of Clayoquot Wilderness Resort; http://www.wildretreat.com

You’ll have a blast launching yourself into new experiences.

Courtesy of Clayoquot Wilderness Resort; http://www.wildretreat.com

Scaling mammoth cliffs.

Courtesy of Clayoquot Wilderness Resort; http://www.wildretreat.com

Feeling the thrill of wildlife watching, bears, and whales, and eagles, oh my!

Courtesy of Clayoquot Wilderness Resort; http://www.wildretreat.com

Or buckle down and giddy-up for a ride on the equestrian side.

Courtesy of Clayoquot Wilderness Resort; http://www.wildretreat.com

As they put it, “Couples, grandparents, school-age children, teens—regardless of experience—find their ideal program of custom-designed fun and adventure at the Resort.

The months of May and September are perfect for couples, while the summer months might better suit high-energy family gatherings.”

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Now that you’ve read my book, Glamping with MaryJane, you need to find a fabulous place to get your campin’ glam on.

And so, we’re back for a 7th day of where to glamp in 2013.

While my glamping B&B is on hiatus after eight years (my DIL and indispensable B&B maitre d’, Ashley, and my son, Brian, are having their second child any day now), here is another organic glamping farm to tide you over. Kinnikinnick (I just love saying the word) Feather Down Farm sounds picturesque!

Kinnikinnick Feather Down Farm
Illinois

Visit this charming organic farm with roots that date back to 1849. Streams and dreams created Kinnikinnick Feather Down Farm, named for the river that runs through it.

Photo courtesy of Kinnikinnick Feather Down Farm

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Gutsy gals …

Photo courtesy of Getawaygals.com

and glammed hams …

Photo courtesy of Getawaygals.com

Where do I sign up???

The Getaway Gals Camping Club is the southern belle’s answer to the call of the wild.

Photo courtesy of Getawaygals.com

Mind you, “the wild” is open to interpretation …

Photo courtesy of Getawaygals.com

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