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Everyone I have ever traveled with had a different system (or lack thereof) for packing the trunk or, for that matter, the entire car/truck. What kinds of things do you carry? I addressed some of those issues in my latest MSNBC column called "How to pack the trunk". I would love to know your secrets and ideas too!
Mark
I have re-written that original post because I have changed a few things, I think, since that time. Thanks for the "amazing" compliment. Not sure if I'm amazing or a bit paranoid. LOL
Here are the things that I typically carry all the time, not just for roadtrips:
Glovebox and door pockets: GPS, 2 FRS radios, flashlight, battery charger that plugs into cigarette lighters with extra rechargeable batteries, small repair kit with thread/scissors/needles, individual packets of Shout for clothing stains (I'm a slob), individual handi-wipe packets for hand cleaning, multi-function knife, small first-aid kit, tape, paper pad/pens, and a few other miscellaneous things for personal care like dental floos, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clippers, etc.
I have a little unit that plugs into the cigarette lighter with 4 extra plugs so I can plug my cellphone, my battery charger, and a little rechargeable flashlight that is always plugged in and ready to go, all at the same time with an extra space if I need it for something else.
I plan on investing in a CB with NOAA warning capabilities or, at least, just a NOAA radio as well.
In tote bag behind driver's seat (I rarely have passengers in the back except the dog): atlas, any extra maps I need (I add more for longer trips), one of those street-atlas maps for my state, sun shades, a battery-operated fan if I need to leave my dog in the car when it's a tad warmer for her, rainhat, warmer hat, gloves, raincoat that folds down into it's own pocket, teeny umbrella, dog leash, small pillow that crunches down small into it's own little tote bag, fleece blanket, and another rubber-backed type of blanket that the dog sits on in the car (and great for sitting on the ground, especially if it's a bit damp out).
My back seat is covered with a big beach towel that matches my car's colors. Mainly for the dog to sit on but it has been handy if I've needed a towel for some reason when out and about.
Trunk: I have a hatchback. The decklid that hides contents from view has 3 pockets underneath it. These carry my car's manual, a plastic tupperware-style container with extra fuses and bulbs, a kite that goes in it's own little totebag and doesn't need a frame for days at the beach, thin nylon backpack that folds into the small outer pocket just in case I need it to carry things. Oh, and a radio that operates on batteries
On the right side of my trunk I have one of those vinyl multi-pocket things that has a larger flashlight that can also be like a table-lamp and extra batteries, bungie cords, duct tape, flares, a couple of 24-hour emergency candles, a Sierra-style cup/bowl, some packets of cocoa and dried soup, protein bars, tuna packets, can opener, compass, 1 water-bottle filled with water, collapsible cloth water bowl for dog, a fanny-pack with 2 water bottles filled with water for day hikes. A few simple tools. A pair of hiking boots and socks.
Underneath the trunk space area, in the spare-tire well: full-size spare, tire-changing tools, more tools, and emergency cash.
Lying flat on the floor of the trunk is a neat cooler I found that is shaped like a large tote bag. It folds flat and takes up virtually no space when not being used. It's very handy. You never know when you might need it. I've used it if I've been out-and-about and we've decided to stop somewhere to put together an impromptu picnic. And for trips to Costco (an hour away) for frozen items.
Because I live in tsunami-country and, if the tsunami is caused by an earthquake from the Cascadia Fault, the earthquake will be major (they are predicting a 9.0), and the roads will probably not be driveable, I also have a fanny pack with emergency supplies. I started with a backpack with tons of supplies but realized if I need to run to safety over ruined roads that it would be too heavy to carry and run with.
Anyway, I've pared it down to this: It has two outside pockets for water bottles. One is a plain water bottle filled with water and the other is a water bottle with a built-in filter that will filter out things like giardia (a major problem where I live). It's filled with water and then, when that clean water runs out, I can fill it with dirty water and drink it with reasonable chance that it will filter out anything unsafe to drink. Within the fanny pack: 1st aid kit, collapsible dog bowl and a few packets of dog food, small leash, protein bars, flashlight that doesn't need batteries (shake it for light), signal mirror, 2 foil-type emergency blankets, small duct tape, poncho, Sierra cup/bowl, two 24-hour emergency candles, protein bars, soup-packets, tuna packets, paper/pencil, small backpacker's style can opener, gloves. And a whistle that has a compass on the lid, and the lid screws off to store matches. I have wind/water-proof matches inside.
BTW, my husband and two kids have the tsunami-ready fanny packs in their vehicles as well.
I think that's it. The major stuff anyway.
ETA: Oh, and XM Radio Roady2 and case with CDs. Gotta have the right tunes for a roadtrip. Even a short one, you know! LOL
Interesting -- I have multiple doo-dads, but not a central unit.Quote:
Originally Posted by Judy
In a future article (2-3 weeks) I am going to introduce an "essential" element of road trip gear: The Personal Cabana Towel (PCT) that I think you will get a kick out of.Quote:
My back seat is covered with a big beach towel that matches my car's colors.
Good point, I forgot to mention this little ball-thingy that has streamers and is great for a game of toss.Quote:
a kite that goes in it's own little totebag and doesn't need a frame for days at the beach,
Hmmmm, I ought to do that too -- for years on the road, I carried my HAZ-MAT response gear -- but I am too old and creaky to ever dream of doing that again....Quote:
A pair of hiking boots and socks.
Great place for cash. I have some stashed elsewhere -- but that is a good idea.Quote:
Underneath the trunk space area, in the spare-tire well: full-size spare, tire-changing tools, more tools, and emergency cash.
Great list!Quote:
Anyway, I've pared it down to this:
Yep, an impressive list as always!Quote:
ETA: Oh, and XM Radio Roady2 and case with CDs. Gotta have the right tunes for a roadtrip. Even a short one, you know!
Mark
And, what's really amazing to me is really how little space most of this takes. As some of you know, I drive a New Beetle. Not known for huge trunks. Yet, all this stuff takes little space. I can easily get a weeks worth of groceries for 4 people in my trunk on most shopping trips. Once in awhile I do need to put some things in the backseat or passenger seat, but not often. Those of you with cars with more storage space should easily be able to carry all of this and more without hardly noticing it's there.
I guess I should been a Boy Scout! LOL
Mark,
Great article! It's funny you mention stuffed animals. I've got one bear that's always buckled into the back seat of my car. The rest of the items you mention are either "must haves" or "you should have if you can afford it". I know I carry two tool boxes, with everything I might need to make a minor repair or adjustment on the side of the road. I also (since an unfortunate encounter with a over-heating Uhaul truck) carry several gallons of Coolant in my car. I also try to carry at least one quart of oil and one quart of transmission fluid. Just in case.
I also carry my Red Cross Disaster Team gear, which has come to include hard hats, thick soled boots, vests (and a reflective vest and a Red Cross vest), and on my on-call weeks a change of pants and a shirt (driping water from a burned out house is really nasty and stains very easily).
Lately I also carry my mini-mobil CB radio, and my cell phone car charger (which a lot of people seem to forget... or don't want to expend the extra money on, but belive me, it's worth it!). A three-way splitter allows me to run my CD Player, charge my cell, and scan channel 9 at the same time.
I also cary quite the extensive first aid kit (again, another thing picked up from service in the Red Cross). Not only do I carry a first aid kit, but I also picked up the Disaster Kit that was (and may still be) being sold by Target bearing the American Red Cross logo, and it contains flashlights, battries, a small radio, emergency blankets, amongst other things. Unfortunately, I can't yet afford an AED unit, but if you have the cash, and the certification, its not a bad thing to get!
I did carry fire extinguishers (until they discharged on me in a explosion of powder), and have yet to replace them).
After reading your article, Mark, there are a few things I definately need to add. My next major purchase though is going to be a spotlight that plugs into my Cigarette-lighter plug. It will be mainly used for Red Cross service (its VERY hard to find addresses late at night without one).
Thanks for the ideas!
-Brad
The one I use has capability of re-charging with either DC or AC. It is very handy when changing a tire at night.Quote:
Originally Posted by Arizona Brad
I was a DAT coordinator for a while -- and my Red Cross DAT response duffle is still packed and sitting by the door. Old habits die slowly (I haven't been on a response since 1997)..Quote:
It will be mainly used for Red Cross service (its VERY hard to find addresses late at night without one).
Mark
I never realized what a haphazard packer I am. I usually have a mental list of what I'm going to take and have done the shopping a few days before. But, it never fails. 7:00 the night before the trip it suddenly strikes me that I haven't washed any clothes nor have I packed anything and oh crud, I'm leaving in 9 hours! I then pull all of the suitcases out of my closet and run around the house tossing stuff into the appropriate case.
I usually carry a wheeled carry-on suitcase, a very large duffle bag that goes behind the drivers' seat for easy access to the passenger, and a large tupperware bin into which goes all the food and whatever won't fit into the other cases. Then at 4:00 am I usually wander through the house one last time tossing stuff into a grocery sack that I really need, like my prescription medicine. I get in the car and almost pull out of the driveway when I remember that I've left F.P., my stuffed rabbit that has been on every trip with me since I was eleven. I then pick up my sister who puts her wad of stuff that looks eerily similar to mine in the car, along with a bear named Euripedes. And we hit the road.
Around the second day of the trip I'll usually utter an unmentionable expletive and have to run to a Walmart or drug store for oh... shampoo, headache medicine, sandals,...well you get the drift.
I rarely, (read never) pack anything in a suitcase until about 45 minutes from departure. The usual deal for me is: 1) Over-sleep the alarm, 2) Jump into the shower 3) Pack an odd collection of clothes and personal essentials 4)Carefully pack the computer and web gear, 5) Carefully pack the rest of the gear and... hit the road. So, yes, I have been known to need to do some shopping on the way. Of course, I hit the road every couple of weeks and so this is seemingly-out-of-control-mayhem actually looks pretty smooth.Quote:
Originally Posted by lhuff
I don't tend to name my on-board-comfort-animals since they often leave my employ and go on to serve their next comfortees-in-need. But I like the notion of a road-saavy rabbit and his Greek sidekick teddy bear!
Mark
I usually pack fairly organized.. starting with a check list about a week before the trip, where I can jot down those things you're going to need but since you don't think of them every day, you tend to forget about them...
I've got a reasonably sized SUV (Toyota Sequoia), with removable back row seats. On a road trip, the 2 back seats come out and the room is used for "stuff"
I usually pack in "file boxes" if I can (actually plastic storage boxes I picked up at a office supply store with transparent sides and use around the house for storing stuff).
One box is "car stuff": extra quart of oil, tool kit, folding shovel, car repair manual, pair of work gloves, jumper cables, spare pair of running/ walking shoes, extra socks, fire extinguisher, small compressor, etc. The tool kit has a bunch of extra stuff in it including electrical connectors and wire, a small hack saw, and "zip" type wire ties. It's always in the back of the car, and having everything in the box keeps the back of the car neat when not road tripping.
Another box is "dry food stuff": roll of paper towels, crackers, fruit, etc. and potentially including paper plates, bowls, breakfast ceral in the little boxes, plastic eating utensils, etc.
Depending on where I'm going and what I'm going, another box is "Camping stuff"; propane stove with extra bottle of fuel, pan, etc.
And sometimes another storage box is loaded with "miscellaneous stuff", depending on the trip (presents, not urgent camera equipment, etc).
Ice chest of course -- sometimes put behind the front seat on the passenger side (where the driver can reach for it), but usually in the back cargo area -- but where a back seat passenger can get into it.
The ice chest and storage boxes pretty much tile in the back of the SUV behind the back seat. but this leaves a nice flat surface to put other things on. (The ice chest sticks up, so it usually doesn't get covered)
Clothes go in a couple of rolling duffels, and get loaded on top. Clothes & toiletries will get pulled out at every night time stop so you might as well put them on top since they're going to be pulled out.
Camping chairs and a small folding collapsable table go in between the boxes. in the gaps This fills everything in so it doesnt shift, but the camp chairs are easily accessable. One or two tents go on top of the boxes, in their storage cases (say 18" by 4" each) .
At least one 2.5 gallon container of water (fits against the tail gate), plus usually a flat of water bottles.
On top of the boxes go sleeping bags and any camping sleeping pads (big fluffy and soft, so they don't need to be tied down). For winter trips, coats and sweaters go on top too... For summer time trips, this may be sun hats.
There's other stuff scatted around the car -- maps and a small first aid kit in a pocket on the back of the driver's seat. A couple of books and magazines in a pocket behind the passenger seat. A larger first aid kit in a compartment in the back. Several flashlights scattered around the car-- at least one small one in the driver's door compartment. Hand wipes and paper towels accessable from the front seat. A voltage/ reistance meter in a compartment in the back, plus a small 12VDC to 115VAC converter. A small GPS unit in the between front seats compartment, along with hard candy, batteries, power cables (GPS and cell phone), cell phone, GMRS walkie talkies, pad of paper, and pens. At least 2 trash bags in a side compartment in the back, reachable from the 2nd row of seats. Usual set of tools and a small jack under one seat, plus a "star" or "x" lug nut wrench under the other seat. At least 100 feet of rope in the back, and a bunch of bungee tie downs. A full roll of duct tape. A half dozen or more CD's in a case in the front comparment. A plastic tarp or two, usually under the boxes. A rock hammer or two (used for rock hounding, or pounding tent stakes -- nothing better!). At least 2 bottles or tubes of high SPF sun screen in a zip lock bag.
And strangest of all... I have a cheap, old pair of swim trunks stashed in the side compartment in the back with the jumper cables. Why? At different times they've been used as swim trunks, a rag to wipe my hands, and a replacement when a pair of pants ripped horribly in the wrong place. Besides, it keeps stuff from rattling around....
Did you know Moderator Judy in a past life? (All kidding aside) great list and Welcome to the Great American RoadTrip Forum!Quote:
Originally Posted by Larrison
Well, I also carry a swimming pool thermometer-- so I will know EXACTLY how hot those natural hotsprings are when I find them! -- That is pretty specialized!Quote:
And strangest of all... I have a cheap, old pair of swim trunks stashed in the side compartment in the back with the jumper cables.
Yeah, I have been known to stop and search for those annoying rattles -- never thought to use a pair of swim trunks though!Quote:
Besides, it keeps stuff from rattling around....
Mark
I think this is a great thread. I've always been curious how other's travel (mainly to see if I'm doing it right!)
I've been "roadtripping" since I had a driver's license and have been all over the southeast US (and once out to California, which I enjoy MUCH more than flying).
During my trips I see mini-vans loaded with passengers with out-of-state tags from hundreds of miles away, and I always wonder what they have to keep them entertained or on the right course.
As my first post, and in preperation for a trip over the 4th of July 4-day weekend, I'll share my setup.
Dashboard
- Garmin c320 GPS with the East Coast maps loaded on a 1 GB SD card
- Radio Shack PRO-2051 Radio Scanner connected to a glass-mount antenna on the front windshield
Front Seats
- Cobra HH 38WX (Road trip version) handheld CB connected to a 21" antenna on the trunk lid
- Delphi MyFi XM Radio
- 4 GB iPod Mini
- Sony Cybershot digital camera (must have readily available!)
- 45 cal. handgun (I wouldn't travel anywhere without it, and we like to cat nap at truck stops)
- Loving, and like-minded, fiancee that loves road trips as much as I do (equipment not standard)
Back Seats
- Two laptops (both stay in their cases; one with a 17" LCD is main system and used for email or what not while in the hotel, the other with a 10.5" LCD we use for war driving and watching DVDs)
- Cooler filled with snacks, drinks, etc.
- Sunshades for front and back windshields, and shades for side windows when we need to pull over and count some sheep.
- Our favorite pillows and two blankets.
- A handy ol' atlas
Trunk
- Fully inflated spare tire!
- Luggage (not exciting)
- Tool box with all the vehicle basics
- A "self-jump start" thing that charges your battery
- RainX wipes
- The Bible (doesn't have anything to with the trip, and I'm not a very religious person, but I've narrowly missed a LOT of bad situations and I have to attribute it to something, so I always carry it with me)
I'm sure there's quite a bit I've missed, but we always pack the basics such as extra medicine and what not.
I drive a Lincoln Towncar and we have quite a bit of room (especially in the trunk). The gadgets are fun, but the GPS is the only one that's constantly used. Most of the time on long trips, we prefer to roll the windows down and enjoy the new sights and smells as opposed to listening to the radio.
The two pieces of equipment I would recommend to everyone is the XM Radio and the GPS. You'll never get lost, and you'll always have the same radio stations to listen to without static (something I hate when traveling is FM radio)
Thanks!
Welcome to the Great American RoadTrip Forum! There is no one way of doing it right. And some people are more organized than others.Quote:
Originally Posted by RoadTripper601
Maybe they just love being out there? I rarely listen to anything when I am on the road. Except that I do love local AM/FM radio stations -- you hear stuff on the radio that national satellite formats can never duplicate.Quote:
During my trips I see mini-vans loaded with passengers with out-of-state tags from hundreds of miles away, and I always wonder what they have to keep them entertained or on the right course.
where are you going?Quote:
As my first post, and in preperation for a trip over the 4th of July 4-day weekend,
Are you licensed to carry? Why would you need a weapon at truck stops? They are about the safest places on the road!Quote:
- 45 cal. handgun (I wouldn't travel anywhere without it, and we like to cat nap at truck stops)
That does sound like essential gear to me too!Quote:
- Loving, and like-minded, fiancee that loves road trips as much as I do (equipment not standard)
What is "war driving"?Quote:
the other with a 10.5" LCD we use for war driving
I carry snow chains 365 days a year for exactly the same reasons.Quote:
- The Bible (doesn't have anything to with the trip, and I'm not a very religious person, but I've narrowly missed a LOT of bad situations and I have to attribute it to something, so I always carry it with me)
Thanks for the post!
Mark
This is all great info! It has helped me compile a list for my upcomming trip. Thanks for sharing everyone.
I'm a big XM fan, and while they are trying to copy some of it by picking up some major "local" stations, its very true they can't give you the same flavor.Quote:
Except that I do love local AM/FM radio stations -- you hear stuff on the radio that national satellite formats can never duplicate.
I will still, particualrly at night, jump over to the AM dial - if for no other reason than to see how far away I can pick up stations. I used to regularly listen to Pittsburgh and Cleveland stations while driving through the Dakotas, and once even found a French speaking station - that I assume was from Quebec - while driving in Southwest Minnesota.
I live in Florida and are looking to relocate later in the year. While we have an idea of where we'd like to go, we're off to explore the small towns of North Caroina, Virginia, and West Virginia.Quote:
Originally Posted by Editor
Sure am. They may be safe, but I like to make sure the safest place on the road is my own vehicle. Actually, my family is from the very rural mountains in VA and they don't take kind to "ferigners" there. I wouldn't travel anywhere without it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Editor
War Driving is the "hunt" for open wireless connections; basically by driving around and using utilities on a laptop to detect wireless networks. You would be amazed how many unsecured and open wireless connections there are. I live in rural Central Florida and I can drive down a 5 mile stretch of highway and detect around 30 wireless connections.Quote:
Originally Posted by Editor
And the reason you enjoy doing this is????Quote:
Originally Posted by RoadTripper601
Not sure it's an "enjoy" sort of thing; however, if you're in the need for some local info or even just to check email, it's fairly easy to find an open Internet connection by sitting in a parking lot.Quote:
Originally Posted by Editor
I've worked in IT for years; I can't be "disconnected" from the world for too long. Although when I'm traveling, I try to limit myself to just checking email. :)
While I love listening to some local radio, I also love my XM radio and it gets a lot of use when I'm in the car, even for short trips around town. I am hooked on the radio classics. Jack Benny sure stands the test of time.
I really don't see a reason for carrying a gun while roadtripping. I'm under the impression that even if you're licensed to carry, that not all states have reciprocal agreements to allow you to carry in their state. I really couldn't and wouldn't recommend that any roadtripper carry. Just didn't want to let this slide without further comment.
I think if you look at the collective travel experience of the editor, all the moderators, and other regulars here, it amounts to hundreds of thousands of miles of traveling. I have never heard anyone mention being in any kind of dangerous situation where a gun was needed. The chances of this type of situation occuring are so very slim as to be almost non-existant.
So I just hope most of you aren't carrying and, if you insist on doing so, that you are fully trained, and that you regularly practice. Nothing worse than someone carrying who doesn't really appreciate the power they have nor know how to wield it safely.
I have to completely agree with Judy on this one. Growing up while moving around, the family firearms were always buried in the back of a U-Haul. And now being only 20, possession is not possible. Even still, I can think of only a few places I would venture to where I would even remotely feel a need to cary, if any. I actually feel more at danger in parts of my own city (Phoenix) then out on the road.Quote:
Originally Posted by Judy
I have never had to even feel like I had to use any sort of personal protection. However, with that said, I've also never traveled anywhere without some sort of personal protection around. On all trips I tend to have my telescoping tire iron in a pocket behind the front seat. It means I don't have to go hunting for it when I have a flat, but it also means I have something should the situation warrant it. Even if its to break the window of a Minivan where someone carelessly left their child locked in during Arizona's blistering heat, its there.
Again, to reiterate Judy's comment... I've never had to or felt like I've needed to use something. But common sense and knowing others have, keeps some sort of personal protection availble. And of course, common sense keeps me from wondering INTO a situation where I would need it.
-Brad
I love the idea of using the clear Tupperware-style boxes, or Rubbermaid containers for storage. In the past I have used laundry baskets they hold a lot if you get the right kind they can stack together. Blankets and sleeping bags make ideal covers for the laundry baskets. I always try to keep the contents of our vehicle covered with a blanket, bath towels or a sleeping bag. It helps protect you stuff from the sun and also keeps your stuff out of sight from vandals. Vandalism is a concern today and keeping your stuff covered is a good deterrent.
You must drive a hatch-back or a SUV? Trunk covers keep most prying eyes away from gear -- I have both kinds of vehicles and I usually just use the big, floppy hat that I use for emergency roadside stops. The only gripe I have about plastic containers -- is the lid. I never use them and suggest that you don't either. There is nothing as frustrating as trying to get the lid of in a hurry when the container has expanded with the day-time heat.Quote:
Originally Posted by uclid
Good point, although the best way to avoid that is to park in "good locations" and make the vehicle appear that breaking in is just too much work.Quote:
Vandalism is a concern today and keeping your stuff covered is a good deterrent.
Mark
Yes an SUV , Jeep Liberty even though the rear window are slightly tinted one can still see inside if they are close enough. This will hold true to just about any vehicle type. Leaving a camera or laptop PC in plane view could be a lure for a thief! Regardless of any “good location” you find to park there is always the possibility something can happen. Just a quick stop at a busy highway rest area can be a disaster. It is just better to be safe take simple precautions if you can.
Good advice. As a journalist I often park in "dicey" locations and my vehicles are loaded with all sorts of cool electronic gear. I have logged a little over 1/2 million miles in the last few years and have never been broken into -- precautions are always wise -- but I have found that possessing and acting on an awareness of being "invincible" works about as well as anything.Quote:
Originally Posted by uclid
Mark
You get no argument from me Editor. If something bad is going to happen it’s going to happen. You can not live in fear of something like that. Still if one uses common sense they usually prevail.Quote:
Originally Posted by Editor
When I travel, I take the same kinds of precautions. I have a hatchback with a deck lid that covers the contents in the trunk. The only things I might leave in plain view in the cab are things like tent, camping chairs, sleeping bags, cooler, etc. Anything valuable is in the trunk covered up, in the glove box, or hidden under the other cheap stuff that shouldn't inspire thieves to take a chance.
However, one time I slipped up and it cost me. In my hometown, I often go out to the bay to walk my dogs. I usually put my purse in the trunk when we go walking but, one time, I forgot and left it on the floor in front of the passenger seat. Mind you, I live in a very small town where I've never worried much about theft. Heck, we don't even lock our front door. The dogs would deter any stranger from trying to get in. Anyway, the one and only time I left my purse in view, I returned to find my driver's side window broken and my purse gone. Not much cash but the trouble of cancelling credit cards, my debit card, and replacing the contents of the purse (wallet, a bit of make-up, digital camera, PDA, etc.) really hurt. (Our deductible is $1000 so it was no use turning this in...the camera and PDA were relatively cheap ones so it didn't add up to $1000 to replace everything). But it was still about $400.
So, in all my travels, I've never had a thing lost or stolen. I had to stay home for that to happen because I left my common-sense asleep that day. Bummer.
Quoted from Judy
I get laughed at a lot for obsessively locking up everything, even in Keithville. But after living in New Orleans for four years and working in downtown Shreveport for 6 I never leave anything out. And I double check that my doors are locked.Quote:
So, in all my travels, I've never had a thing lost or stolen. I had to stay home for that to happen because I left my common-sense asleep that day. Bummer.
Funny though - the rear window in the Buick (see previous posts about this car) failed to roll up and I left it down for about 4 days until I could get it fixed. You could reach through the window and easily unlock the car (I did it a few times out of convenience). I was amazed that no one even thought to take the car.
But - the only real accident I've ever been in happened just a mile from my house. I firmly believe that if I hadn't been so sure of my location that I'd have noticed the truck running the red light (30 mph over the speed limit) before I did.
I always wanted to live in Mayberry. Don't think any doors there had locks. Except for the bank, of course. Grin.Quote:
Originally Posted by lhuff
I must live in Mayberry -- Las Vegas, NV is home and I lock some of the doors in our house some of the time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Craig720
Mark
While I haven't covered as many miles on road trips as some of you guys, I know I'm not the only outdoorsman in this crowd of adventurers. Growing up in So Cal, I've never had a trunk without the three day EARTHQUAKE kit. As time passed, it was replaced with the gear for a comfortable 2 week hike. And that's just the backpack. I've added a 5 gallon water barrel(freshened every 3 months), and a few under the bed storage containers. One with dehydrated food(to preserve texture until I really need to put them in my backpack), one with 5 full changes of clothes, and one with light to light/meduim fishing gear. And, for the car, the spare tire and a can of fix a flat(Sure it's a coin toss as to whether or not it will help, but it's better that not having a coin to toss), basic tools, and jumper cables. Oh, and, just so you know, a friend of mine used panty hose as an emergency belt for the radiator pump a couple years ago and they remain tried and true, so a couple pairs of those.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Sedenquist
I just visited your article, but the first list of items is empty? What am I missing?