THE MONTHLY ESCAPE

February 2026 Edition

The Two-Hour Escape Idea

Welcome back to The Monthly Escape!

Lately, I have been sharing YouTube Shorts from the road, and I want to set expectations early. These are not highlight reels. Just the real stuff that runs through my head out there.

I work outdoors, I drive a lot, and I am reminded almost every day that I am happier when I am outside.

Most of these moments never get polished. And honestly, I have wanted to learn how to edit videos for a long time. So this is me using what I have and starting anyway.

That is the energy of this month. Simple movement. Real moments. Less planning (which is very tough for me) and more doing.

Let us get into it.

🏔️ THE TWO-HOUR ESCAPE

Leave by 7 am. Hike by 9 am. Home by 2 pm.

I did this recently on a Friday, and it completely changed my day. I woke up with the usual weight of a to-do list that never ends, but instead of diving straight into it, I threw on my shoes and hit a nearby trail.

Three hours later, I was back home. A little sore, a little sweaty, but feeling more alive than I had in weeks. And I still got things done in the afternoon!

This “two-hour escape” isn't about conquering mountains or racking up miles. It's about giving yourself permission to step away without needing an elaborate plan or a full day off.

Pick a trail within 30 to 45 minutes of home. Nothing fancy. Just somewhere you can walk, breathe, and let your mind wander. 

Leave early before the excuses pile up. You'll be amazed at how much energy and clarity you bring back with you.

Sometimes the best adventure is the one that fits into your morning.

🥾 TRAIL ETIQUETTE REMINDERS

More people are getting outside, and that's a beautiful thing. But crowded trails mean it's more important than ever to be aware of how we share the space.

Here are a few quick reminders to keep the trail flowing smoothly for everyone:

Let Nature Be the Loudest Thing Out There

PLEASE leave the Bluetooth speaker at home! If you want music or a podcast, use headphones. Keep the volume low enough that you can still hear what's around you, including other hikers, wildlife, and trail hazards. The forest has better things to say anyway.

Who Goes Where on the Trail

When you meet someone on a narrow path, here's the quick rule: hikers going uphill have the right of way. If you're heading downhill, step aside and let them pass. Bikers yield to hikers (though sometimes it's safer for hikers to step aside). And horses? They always have the right of way. Step off the trail on the downhill side if you can, speak calmly, and give them plenty of room.

Leave It Better Than You Found It

Pack out everything you bring in. Wrappers, tissues, orange peels, all of it. If you see trash, grab it. One small act can ripple in a good way. And dog owners, this one's for you, bag it and pack it out. Always. Leaving it beside the trail with plans to pick it up later doesn't count. Someone always forgets.

Don't Be the Traffic Jam

Taking a break? Step off the trail so others can pass. Walking with friends? Stick to a single file so others don't have to squeeze by. At scenic overlooks, enjoy the view, snap your photo, then move aside and let someone else take it in.

Good trail etiquette isn't about following a strict list of rules. It's about awareness. Small choices matter, and when we all show up with respect, the trail becomes a place we can all be proud to share.

Want to dive deeper? Check out

👉 Trail Etiquette Every Hiker Should Know

🚙 SOLO CAR CAMPING COMFORT TIPS

If you've ever slept in your car and woken up cold, cramped, and questioning your life choices, this section is for you.

Solo car camping is one of the simplest and most flexible ways to travel, but comfort doesn't just happen. You have to create it.

Here are a few tips that have made a huge difference for me:

Build a Sleep Setup That Doesn't Suck

Level out your sleeping surface. Use a memory foam or tri-fold mattress that actually fits your space. Add shims or extra padding where needed. Keep a separate set of camp shoes by the door for easy access. Your car bed should feel like a real place to rest, not survival mode.

Stay Clean Without Feeling Gross

I keep it simple with a spray bottle of water, biodegradable soap, and a microfiber towel. Spray, scrub, rinse, repeat. It's not fancy, but it works. If you want to step it up, a portable outdoor shower can be amazing. And when water is limited, no-rinse bathing wipes change the game.

Store Food Properly (Wildlife Is Watching)

Cook and eat away from where you sleep. Use a locking cooler to keep smells in and animals out. Never leave food or wrappers out, even for a short break. If you're in bear country, use a bear-proof container. Cars are not scent-proof, and if a bear wants in, it will find a way.

Essential Gear to Upgrade Your Comfort

You don't need to spend a fortune. Start with the basics, like a quality sleeping mat or mattress, real bedding (not just a sleeping bag), a camp chair and folding table, water storage, a solid headlamp, and window shades or privacy covers. Comfort comes with time and a few smart upgrades along the way.

Solo car camping is about finding your rhythm, creating a space that feels like your own, and making the road feel a little more like home.

Want the full breakdown? I wrote an entire guide!

Solo Car Camping Comfort Tips You'll Wish You Knew Sooner

🏕️ OUTDOOR NEWS & QUICK READS

Here's what's happening in the outdoor world right now:

Free Entry Days at National Parks!!

If you've been thinking about visiting a national park, mark your calendar. The next free entrance day for U.S. residents is Presidents' Day on February 16, 2026. After that, Memorial Day on May 25, and several more throughout the year. It's a great excuse to get out there without the entrance fee.

👉 Find More Info Here!

2026 Camping Season Reservations Opening Soon

If you're planning a camping trip this spring or summer, many state parks and campgrounds are opening reservations soon. Some areas allow bookings up to four months in advance, so now's the time to start planning.

Yosemite 2026 Updates

The National Park Service hasn't yet announced if reservations will be required to enter Yosemite this summer. If you're planning a trip, keep an eye on updates starting mid-February.

👉 Stay In The Know Here

🏕️ COMMUNITY CAMPFIRE

GOT INTEL TO SHARE? Hit reply and tell me:

• Your favorite quick escape spot

• Gear you're testing this season

• Questions for future newsletters

• Adventure photos (I love seeing your escapes!)

Thanks for being part of The Monthly Escape.

February doesn't have to be all about waiting for spring. The trails are out there right now, even if it's just for two hours in the morning.

Find your escape, even if it's small.

See you out there,

Eric

P.S. If you try the two-hour escape, let me know how it goes. I'd love to hear about it.

📧 Forward this to a friend who needs a reminder to get outside.

"Escape the ordinary, embrace the adventure."