73 replies to this topic

[hoyden]

Pre-game.

 

Tomorrow I take my new Four Wheel Camper (Fleet) from Arizona to Illinois in a bit of a cannonball run halfway across the country. With only a modicum of time off from work, this first trip won't have much for sightseeing, but it'll be wonderful to see my family for the holiday. 

 

That all said, it's the night before take-off and I admit I'm a little nervous. I've done many drives of this length, but the reality is that it's been many years since the last one. I'm certain that I've over-packed, but I think the camper and truck can handle a few extra cans of tuna and spare socks. I just hope I didn't forget anything important. The nice thing about taking highways across, is that most things can be purchased if found lacking. Just don't forget my wallet. 

 

Today, I had my propane topped off, checked the battery/solar levels, made sure my tires are even, bought groceries, and unpacked a few last minute items from Amazon. I need to get batteries for my new fancy bright flashlight. I am inordinately excited about this flashlight. It's not a Surefire, but it'll do the trick. It's been years since I had a decent light. I've been using those cheapy ones you pick up at the Autozone counter while waiting for them to look up a part on the computer. I've also gotten them from Harbor Freight - free with purchase! But those are often glitchy, and while decent for finding a washer that rolled under the tool chest, not very good for illuminating the night camping spot. I shoulda gotten those flood-lights installed.

 

My travel companion is ready to take on the world. Wish she could share the driving. She also sucks as a navigator. "Smells like food! Let's go there!" 

 

 

Anyway, time to end my ramblings.

See you all tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

[ski3pin]

Travel safe and have a great trip and holiday.

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Hoyden, be safe, have fun, enjoy family!

[craig333]

Food, sleeping bag, the rest can be dealt with. Good luck.

[takesiteasy]

Food, sleeping bag, the rest can be dealt with. Good luck.

 

And maybe a map...   Have fun. We did a cross-country trip for Christmas a few years ago- had a great time.

[GroovyDad]

Safe travels...

[Smokecreek1]

Hey-what a better opportunity to train your side kick as a co-driver ---have a good run and be sure to double check everything, every morning before you head out ! You would not like to head off down the road with one or two latches unhooked or your co-driver tied to that camp table or the propane still turned on !

 

Smoke 

[longhorn1]

Have a great trip

[hoyden]

Hi!

 

I've got 2.5 more hours at work before I can leave and I'm chomping at the bit and drinking some black tea, hot (not Earl Grey). Sitting in a cave, surrounded by monitors, florescent lights, and machines that go Ping! is draining my life-force. 

 

Pugsly is at home, wondering where that bin of food I had out last night went. (It's in the camper now!) 

 

 

I'll leave work, go home, do a final run-through, and be on my way.

I need to remember to stop to get batteries for my flashlight and check my truck oil. 

 

I have food, a sleeping bag (actually two that zip together!), a spare blanket, printed map, Toyota Nav System, a TomTom, and two cell phones (work is one), snow boots just in case, topped off propane tanks, 100% in batteries, Pug food and bed, popcorn. 

 

In my teens and 20's I did a lot of long road trips. I've always felt most at ease on the road, but it's been a long time since I spent any real time out there. Becoming a working stiff, does not dampen the WanderLust but it does make it more difficult to assuage.

Edited by hoyden, 20 November 2015 - 09:59 PM.

[ski3pin]

I bet you fall right back into the "road trip routine". Have fun.