THE MONTHLY ESCAPE

May 2026 Edition

📎 Heads up

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Hey ,

It is camping time!

This is the part of the year when the weather starts to cooperate, the days get longer, and it gets a whole lot easier to say yes to getting outside. 

Even a quick overnight trip starts sounding like a really good idea again!

I have also had a few people ask why I have not been writing as much as I used to. The honest answer is that I have been pivoting more toward video and a little less toward long-form writing. 

But I still want to keep this newsletter going because it is one of the best ways I can share what I am building, what I am testing, and what might help you get outside more often.

So if you want me to keep sending this newsletter and also write longer posts to share with you, please do a quick reply to this email with “KEEP GOING.”

🏔️ THIS MONTH'S ESCAPE

Behind the Scenes of a Camping Season Project

This month has been less about one big trip and more about getting things ready for camping season.

I’m pleased to announce that the Weekend Escape Challenge is done, but I still cannot make it live yet because I need to get the terms and conditions agreement sorted out first. 

Yes, that’s a bummer, it’s one of those behind-the-scenes details nobody really wants to think about, but it matters.

While working through that, I started playing around and built something smaller and simpler, it’s a Quick Car Camping Checklist Builder. 

As part of the group, it is easy to use and is meant to help make trip prep less of a mess.

👉 Try the Camping Checklist Builder, It’s Free!

If you check it out, I would really appreciate your feedback.

Just reply to this email and let me know if you liked it, what you would change, or what would make it more useful.

🔧 FIELD TESTED WISDOM

This month’s tested tip is to keep car camping simple from the start

I think you all know that I believe car camping is one of the easiest ways to get outside without making things harder than they need to be. 

You don’t need to go full survival mode. You just need a little planning, the right basics, and a setup that makes sense for the kind of trip you are actually taking.

A few things that matter more than people think:

• Plan easy meals
• Store food properly
• Pack for changing weather
• Keep your sleeping setup comfortable
• Don’t overcomplicate the whole weekend

The more organized you are before you leave, the more you will actually enjoy being out there.

If you need a refresher, check out the full breakdown here:

👉 Car Camping Tips for Beginners

🗺️ READER INTEL

If you skipped to this part, I’ve been shifting more toward video. I want to know what you actually want more of.

Do you want more short videos, more written posts, or a mix of both?

And if you want this newsletter to keep showing up, reply with “KEEP GOING” so I know it is worth continuing.

I read the replies, and they help more than you probably realize.

💰 DEAL WORTH YOUR PACK SPACE

A few of you like trying simple daily routines that help you feel a little more dialed in, especially when life gets busy, or you are spending more time on the go.

If you want to try AG1, here is the link:

👉 Try AG1

I only share deals on products I use or would recommend to a friend.

As always, thanks for being part of The Monthly Escape.

This whole thing has always been about making it easier to get outside, enjoy life a little more, and stop waiting for the perfect time. 

Camping season is here. Just remember not to overcomplicate it. Once you're out there, you’ll know what you need to do!

See you out there,

-Eric

📧 Forward this to a friend who keeps saying they want to go camping but has not made a plan yet.