The Packing has Begun

18 days on the road takes some planning, unlike staying at a hotel. Most meals we will do ourselves and staying "off the grid" for the most part, which means no electricity or hookups. Pretty much will haul everything we need for 7-10 days then restock what we need.  Spent part of the day today topping off prpane, retesting heaters, stove, and solar panel. Repacking and inventory of trailer essentials, repair kts, tools and first aid kit. Climbing /hiking gear all packed as well as rain gear. All the water, and drinks and shelter are staged to be packed Wednesday night.  Still keeping an eye on Glacier fires, but as it stands now, no change in plans.

The best laid plans can change and most generally do!

Recent fire on the west side.of glacier have prompted us to begin to make alternative plans for Glacier N.P.  We are not sure at this point the what those will be.  Back to the Southwest or Colorado or maybe head east...kind of waiting g and watching, knowing the Sprague Fire is with us for a while.  The air quality has fluctuated between “good” and “moderate” with some reports of visitors avoiding the park because of poor air quality and very poor viewing of the sites Glacier has to offer.  Who wants to hike 7 miles for a limited view of majestic scenery while breathing poor air.  Time will tell.

Propane tank trivia....

Did you know that not all.propane tanks are filled equally! True....I changed.out our 10 pound propane tank for a 20 lb which is the size tank we have on most of.our gas grills. With the possible use of two heaters and the stove wanted to make sure we had ample propane.  Did you know that the propane tanks you exchange for refills are only 75% full.  If.you take your tank to line u haul they fill them all the way...funny thing is its cost the same. Had.one tank filled at uhaul and it weighed about 20% more than the one I exchanged at Home depot (Shiney tank).

One of a kind neighbor

We have a great neighbor, Rosemary, who took it upon her to make us this awesome camper pillow. It's quilted with campers, tents and even Ellie standing next to the tent!  It's really too nice to use but we will. Everyone needs a neighbor like this! Thanks Rosemary!

Biggest Fear

So I asked Missy, " What's your biggest fear beside getting eaten by a bear?" Her response freezing to death so I bought her a propane heater for our side tent...now no more fear of freezing, just being eaten by a bear!

Updates

(Palisades State Park IL 2015)

This is our camper, a CampInn 560.  We have owned him since 2015, his name is WALL-E.  Pulled by a 2013 Subaru Outback.  We have camped with WALL-E for over 50 nights.  This will be our second extended trip.  Our first extended trip was in 2015 to the Southwest, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, Texas.  WALL-E is equipped with air conditioning, heater, full kitchen.  We have an AC/DC Fridge to keep perishables cold and fresh.  Also have DVD and HD TV with satellite radio.

In preparation of this trip made some modifications/additions, including addition of a HD TV antenna, new trailer jack, HI/LO furnace controller which will keep us warm at high altitude, and rock tamers to keep road debris from hitting front of WALL-E.

New Jack

                                                                     Rock Tamers

Planning the Trip

Part of the fun Taking a trip is planning it.  Pouring over maps and literature builds the excitement over the months.  Looming over routes of travel and sights to see along the way add to the anticipation.

We will be driving over 5,000 miles through 7 states including get two in Canada.  Will travel Interstates, state highways and gravel roads to get to where we want to explore.  Planning to hike, boat and taking horses to get there.

Our lodging is our 14 foot teardrop
(WALL-E).  Will prepare most of our own meals and be prepared for all kinds of weather including, yes snow!