Our initial plan for the Labor Day long weekend camping trip was to camp at two or three different sites. But we couldn’t imagine finding a better site than the one along Forest Road 8430, so we stayed put.

After two days at camp though, it was time for a real test of our Kradl Portable Camping Shower. The shower worked well, but was insufficiently durable and suffered a nozzle failure. We both got full, hot showers though and were clean and comfortable. On the positive test side, we were very happy with our space-efficient 4Monster microfiber travel towels. They are highly absorbent and dry quickly.

We continue to be impressed with our Starlink satellite dish. We’ve really been enjoying the more competitive Formula 1 of the past few seasons and were able to watch the Netherlands Grand Prix from our campsite. It’s amazing that the Starlink satellite system can actually deliver an entire race without a flicker. Following the race, we watched the sun light Mt. Rainier a deep pink on our final sunset from the campsite.

Below are highlights from September 4th, 2022. Click any image for a larger view, or click the position to view the location on a map. And a map with our most recent log entries always is available at mvdirona.com/maps.

Dawn Position: 46°41.71’N, -121°52.51’W We woke up to this spectacular dawn view of Mt. Rainier.

Morning Position: 46°41.71’N, -121°52.51’W The skies remained wonderfully clear by mid-morning.

Camp Toilet Position: 46°41.71’N, -121°52.52’W The folding camp toilet setup inside the privacy tent.

Loo with a View Position: 46°41.71’N, -121°52.53’W The view to Mt. Rainier from our camp toilet.

Shower Position: 46°41.71’N, -121°52.52’W James taking a shower using our Kradl Portable Camping Shower. The shower worked well, but was insufficiently durable and suffered a nozzle failure. We’ll have to try a different design.

Microfiber Towel Position: 46°41.71’N, -121°52.51’W For space-efficient and fast-drying camp towels, we use 4Monster microfiber travel towels. They are highly absorbent and dry quickly. The two extra-large ones, pictured, are 30×59 inches (76×150 cm), but fold up into a compact 3x2x2.5-inch (7.6x5x6.3 cm) carrying case. The towels also have a built-in snap loop to easily hang them to dry. We also have an extra-small size that is great for drying dishes.

Blow Dry Position: 46°41.71’N, -121°52.52’W Jennifer blow drying her hair after a shower at camp. The EcoFlow can easily support the load of the 1,800 watt hairdryer.

Truck Position: 46°41.71’N, -121°52.52’W Barely a half-dozen vehicles passed us the entire time we were here, and a few stopped to comment on what an awesome campsite we’d found. The view from here really is exceptional.

Evening Walk Position: 46°41.72’N, -121°52.39’W We went for a short walk from our camp and hiked up a nearby hill to see if we could get view in different directions. But we didn’t find any breaks in the tree cover.

Formula 1 Position: 46°41.71’N, -121°52.51’W Formula 1 has gotten a lot more competitive over the past few seasons and we’ve really been enjoying the races. Here we are watching the Netherlands Grand Prix from our campsite. It’s amazing that the Starlink satellite system can actually deliver an entire race without a flicker.

Sunset Position: 46°41.71’N, -121°52.51’W A glacier on Mt. Rainier lit pink for our final sunset from the campsite on Forest Road 8430.

Click the travel log icon on the left to see these locations on a map. And a map of our most recent log entries always is available at mvdirona.com/maps.