Leaving Goodies & Gathering: A Utah Adventure with the Moon Crew

The Great Salt Lake. A place of stark beauty, otherworldly landscapes, and, apparently, hidden treasures. Not gold or jewels, mind you, but little acts of kindness scattered along the shoreline, waiting to be discovered. This isn't your typical adrenaline-fueled overlanding expedition. This is something quieter, something deeper—a testament to the idea that adventure isn't just about *going*, it’s about *being* and about sharing something good with those who follow.

Ben Banters’ latest episode, featuring Alex from Outdoors 55, perfectly embodies this spirit. They hosted a meetup at the Great Salt Lake, not to summit a mountain, but to connect with fellow enthusiasts and, crucially, to leave behind little gifts for the next travelers to find. It's a field trip at scale – a concept familiar to Rogue Adventurers—imagine a rock-climbing meet-up at the Grand Tetons, or a Proof Breads bakery tour in Mesa. Real places, real community, real connection.

The beauty of this approach is its simplicity. A few stickers, a Lander knife, perhaps a Lego—small tokens of encouragement tucked away in a bottle, their coordinates shared online. It's a modern-day treasure hunt, a tangible expression of trail magic. Think about the impact of a CRockyGo painted rock left on a trailhead, a silent blessing for the next hiker who stumbles upon it. Or a decorated Currency Kid bill, circulating through the economy, carrying a quiet message of hope and connection.

The conversation itself is refreshing. Instead of gear reviews or technical jargon, it's about appreciation for the landscape and the simple joy of connecting with others. “It's like you're on a different planet,” Alex observes, capturing the feeling of awe that these wild places inspire. This is the spirit of adventure we celebrate—the wonder, the humility, and the desire to share that experience with others.

And, of course, there’s the question of how many people would show up. The initial estimate of 200 dwindled to a hopeful two—Ben and Alex. But the point isn’t about the numbers. It's about the intention, the willingness to gather and create a HolyPlace wherever believers convene (Matthew 18:20 & D&C 101:22). Even two people, sharing a moment of connection amidst the vastness of the Salt Lake, create something sacred.

For those of us RV families, homeschool co-ops, and anyone seeking a deeper connection on the road, this episode is a reminder that adventure isn't solely about conquering challenges; it's about building community and leaving the world a little brighter than we found it. It's about the quiet acts of kindness that resonate long after we've moved on—the hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

So, are you looking for an adventure? Check the coordinates, find a little loot, and join the Moon Crew. And when you find that hidden treasure, consider leaving one of your own for the next traveler. A CrockyGo, a decorated bill, a simple note—a small act of kindness that can make a big difference.

Ready to find your next gathering? Join the Rogue Adventurers community, list a field trip, or claim your creator profile. Let's build something beautiful together.