Life on the Open Road: Desert Vibes
Marfa, TX to Phoenix, AZ
Life on the road is never short of surprises — and that’s part of the magic. As the SPRAYCATION Mural Tour continues, Storm (my loyal sidekick) and I rolled out of Marfa with a few unexpected bumps along the way, but plenty of unforgettable memories too.
Never a dull moment
On Monday morning, once the automotive shops opened, I got a tow to Alpine, TX — about 30 minutes outside of Marfa. Huge shoutout to Marfa Tow, who not only got us there safely but also shared stories about life on the road, small-town Texas, and the power of resilience. Note to new RV folks — Towing an RV will never be a cheap experience. Be prepared or check out services like Good Sam or AAA.
The beauty of living on the road is the unexpected and amazing humans you meet along the way.
In Alpine, I camped overnight and, for the first time, hooked the rig up to shore power. Storm and I had full AC all night — living the RV dream! We stayed up late watching movies, eating ice cream and popcorn in bed, and soaking in the simple luxury of a cool, cozy night in our little home on wheels.
Another major highlight: meeting Monty Welt, (mural below) the local artist legend of Alpine. He welcomed me with open arms and reminded me once again how powerful the connection is between artists supporting artists. Moments like these fuel the spirit of the journey.
A Tough Lesson: The Carbon Monoxide Leak
Unfortunately, not everything went smoothly. The shop that reattached my exhaust system did not do quality work (they shall remain unnamed), and as a result, I experienced a dangerous carbon monoxide leak on the road to El Paso.
Every 15 minutes, I had to stop, open up the rig, and let fresh air in for both Storm and me. We started feeling the symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure that evening — fatigue, headaches, and nausea. Luckily, after getting lots of fresh air and rest, we both recovered fully within a few days.
It was a harsh but important lesson: Always find the right mechanic, and don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions about their work. Your life could depend on it.
Thankfully, once I made it to El Paso, I found a local expert who rebuilt a custom exhaust system for AquaBurn with care and craftsmanship. It’s incredible to meet technicians who take pride in their work — true artistry in its own right.
Living the RV Life: Expect the Unexpected
One thing every RV traveler learns quickly is that…
maintenance is constant.
Living on the road means living in a house that vibrates down highways, endures the elements, and relies on dozens of mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems to function. You have to stay vigilant.
✅ Check your tires, oil, and fluids regularly.
✅ Inspect your exhaust system and propane connections.
✅ Keep an eye on your roof seals, water pump, battery health, and brake pads.
✅ Have a toolkit on hand
✅ Don’t forget the power of a positive attitude
Things will break. Things will go wrong. But every problem is a chance to learn more about your rig and your own resilience.
RV life demands attention and care, but it also rewards you with freedom, adventure, and memories you’d never make staying put. It’s a beautiful reminder that comfort isn’t about perfection — it’s about adaptability and spirit.
Road to Phoenix: A New Chapter Begins
With AquaBurn running better than ever, Storm and I are hitting the road again — heading west toward Phoenix, AZ!
The landscapes are shifting. The horizons are stretching wider. Every mile reminds me that even the challenges are part of the story — part of why this journey is so meaningful.
To everyone dreaming of a life on the road:
