July 2013

So, we have been trying to do this trip for 3 years and every year, gas prices would sky rocket when we would start getting into the planning mode and we would postpone it. We decided this year, to heck with it, we are going.

The next step is planning on where we are actually going, the stops we will make, what we will do there and how much time we will be there. Actually, we wanted to go without any reservations so we could kind of plan it as we went but, with the crowds at the National Parks, especially, Glacier and Yellowstone, we decided to make reservations as far Yellowstone to be sure we will have a place to camp at Glacier and Yellowstone. From that point on, we will have several campgrounds at each destination that we will choose from providing they have availability.

Next, we started looking at the different things to do at each stop, making notes of the the things we wanted to be sure to see, making maps if there were sightseeing road trips we wanted to see at any particular area. There are more hiking trails that look wonderful then we will ever be able to do although, we have selected several we really want to give a shot. Ok, I know we are flatlanders living at sea level and most of these hikes are in the mountains (real mountains, not the Smokies), but, we are going to give it a shot. Our backpacks are ready: bear spray, bug spray, bear spray, water, bear spray....you get the idea. (Wonder if we should be taking oxygen, these mountains look really high!) I'm hoping we get up there and discover all this talk online about bears is way overrated. But, we will be prepared. Oh yeah, we need to remember, if it's a grizzly, fall down and cover your head with your arms, if it's a black bear, scream and yell and wave your arms. Are grizzly's black? Just wondering how I will tell the difference. Honestly, I don't think I could stand in one place unless I was just frozen in place and I probably wouldn't scream because I would be "speechless".

With a week to go before we leave, we have the camper just about ready to go. It is amazing how you can fit a 4br house into a 30 foot camper. lol. Well, almost. It is really difficult getting all the winter clothes packed, jeans, sweatshirts, heavy coats, etc., when it is 90 degrees + outside. As I haul clothes out to the camper, I am afraid I am not taking enough winter clothes because it is so hot here, so, I double up on the winter stuff. Now, I'm thinking about the "hot" places we will be, Little Rock in early August, the desert out west, Texas, and I'm afraid I don't have enough "cool" clothes, so I add more. As usual, I will have way too many clothes but I get comfort from the fact that Bob is taking more then me.

So, the trip is now MOSTLY planned as far as where we are actually going. Not including sightseeing road trips from each destination, we will log over 8,000 miles. Hmmm, I'm tired of riding already! We will leave in 6 days, July 31st and plan on being back home before Thanksgiving. We will have Rob check our mail every week and I am depending on him to water the few houseplants I have, We will see how that works! Got the lawn service setup to mow once a week and hopefully, anyone sending us a BILL will do it via email now. They will if they want to get paid.

The 31st better hurry up and get here. Can't stuff anymore in that camper!