2024 A Roam Of Our Own Event Recap

After wrapping up the California Overland Adventure Expo in Pomona the previous weekend, I embarked on a leisurely journey down the Southern California coast, soaking in the scenic beauty along the way. Meanwhile, the rest of the Tern and AT Overland ladies embarked on their own adventure, setting out from Arizona bright and early on Thursday morning, March 21st. Our destination? The picturesque Split Rock Farm in sunny Fallbrook, CA, where we were warmly welcomed to the Roam of Our Own event by host Tami Jo Bensen, founder of Outspring and all-around incredible human being.

Nestled amidst the lush landscape of Southern California, Split Rock Farm proved to be the perfect setting for a weekend of growth and connection. With its unique micro-climate, characterized by an average elevation of 1,332 ft and refreshing ocean breezes, the farm provided a tranquil backdrop for our gathering.

Spanning over 101 acres, Split Rock Farm offered ample space for camping, with each new arrival able to choose their own spot within the sprawling grounds. The farm boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean to the southwest and Big Bear and Mount Jacinto to the northeast, making it a truly idyllic location. Hipcamp even named Split Rock Farm the #1 Glamping site in America for 2023!

Our home base for the weekend was an old Coastal Oak Grove at the heart of the camp, where we gathered each day around a crackling bonfire for panels, workshops, and heartfelt conversations.

The weekend kicked off on Thursday evening with a panel of inspiring female business owners & leaders in the outdoor rec spaces, including our very own Aimee Higgins, Kama Surface’s Rachel Dobronyi, CompoCloset’s Erica Pugh & Vanlife Trader’s Leah P. Each shared their insights on entrepreneurship and the future of women in their industries.

Each day began with a refreshing trio of morning rituals: meditation, yoga, and coffee, setting the stage for a day filled with exploration and meaningful connections. The mornings greeted us with the sun piercing through the early fog, leaving a glistening dew on everything in its wake. As Friday began, the event saw an influx of arrivals trickle in, adding to the exciting & playful  atmosphere.

Throughout the days, attendees engaged in many activities, ranging from portrait sessions in a retrofitted bus called The Wandering Portrait Bus by Sari, to workshops on navigation and non-violent communication. The schedule was full of experiences designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit.

Friday’s lineup of activities included quirky photo contests posing on CompoCloset toilets, more bus portraits, a potluck dinner and a chat on Doing Big Things with Tami Jo of Outspring & a fire dance to top the night off!

As dusk approached, temperatures cooled, and fog enveloped the surroundings, quieting the night and sending people to cozier ground & the comfort of their rigs.

Despite encountering heavy rain on Saturday, the community demonstrated remarkable resilience, coming together to share warmth, meals, and camaraderie. Witnessing everyone's resourcefulness and mutual support was truly heartwarming. The rain did not stop some of us from creating resin jewelry with Tori from Storyteller Overland and a live music performance by Echo Rose Rising.

Each day, the Vendor Village near The Oak Grove provided a relaxed setting for attendees to connect with vendors, learn about their businesses, and gain insights into their journeys and aspirations as well as partake in the on-going swap-meet.

Saturday rain came and went just in time for an insightful discussion led by the Tern Overland & AT Overland Team on building a Mental Health Toolkit for life on the road followed by a healing sound bath & dance session with SolVibrations.

In our chat, we addressed the importance of preparing for the road ahead, not only physically with recovery gear, first aid, and proper supplies but also preparing ourselves mentally by creating a mental health toolkit. In this toolkit, we prioritize things like exercise & diet, routines, self-care, professional support, journaling, meditation, and more. I compiled a list of mental health resources, prioritizing free or cheap resources, to share with those who want to know what tools and programs are out there for nomads & just people in general looking for support.

The weekend concluded with a slow and sunny Sunday, lots of snacks, and socializing. Many people trickled out throughout the day. We wrapped up the day with a beautiful full-moon ceremony on Sunday night around the bonfire. People shared vulnerable moments, challenges they were facing, and what they wanted to release. There was something unique about an all-women gathering. We left feeling inspired, energized, and empowered by the connections we had made and the experiences we shared.

A Roam of Our Own 2024 was a unique and unforgettable gathering that focused on fostering community, making connections, and empowering each other. It was a refreshing departure from traditional overland expos, offering a space for relaxation, learning, team bonding, and growth. We left feeling nourished and inspired, already looking forward to the next 

adventure.