My first road trip

[akanevsky]

So the road trip is approaching. I have gotten rid of most things that I won't need. I have not been able to get the things I'm taking down to two bags. It's more like a small suitcase, a 40 L pack, a 15 L day pack, and a laptop bag. Plus a few boxes. It seems like too much but I don't see what I can eliminate. In addition, I will need to take a few things from the kitchen. Ugh.

I know we discussed how to wash dishes during a road trip, but I don't really understand the process. Let's say I have a bowl in which I can wash my dishes. I would fill it up with water from tap in a rest area. I would add a bit of soap to the water. I would wash the dishes. I would end up with dirty soapy water. I will need to rinse the dishes that will also be soapy at that point. Let's say I pour the dirty water out, and then fill the bowl up again. Now as soon as I rinse the first item, the water will be soapy again. If I have multiple items, it will be very tedious to refill the bowl each time, and also it will use up more water than I'd like. How do you approach this problem?

[Southwest Dave]

I think you may have to use less soap than you normally do !! ;-) Just wash them up and wipe dry with a tea towel or if you really want to rinse, just one bowl of fresh water should be enough. To be honest you appear to be 'sweating' the small stuff too much, after a few days on the road you will feel like a Pro and everything will become second nature, but even Pro's still learn new tricks along the way.

[Lifemagician]

Rather than worry about too much luggage, or how you will be able to perform a certain task, check back over this thread and see just how far you have come already. Take pride in your achievements.

As Dave said, just get on the road and stop worrying about the detail. It will all fall in place. When faced with the necessity to do a certain task, the mother of invention always comes to the rescue. You will meet other folk at hostels and campsites, and possibly get to chat with them, and you will all share what your challenges and plans are. You learn from others, and before long you will be teaching other newcomers to the task, and showing them how you overcame a certain challenge. Washing dishes is not the only one you will face. [I have always dried my washed dishes... never wasted more water on rinsing them. Use good quality dishwashing liquid, sparingly.]

What you really need to do now is hit the road. If you think you still have too much luggage, then weed it out as you go. Things you find you are not using at all, clothes you find you are not wearing, donate them all. Anything you wish you had, but did not think to bring, keep looking in charity and second hand shops till you find it.

Relax and enjoy the journey through your new life.

Lifey

[akanevsky]

Yes. Yes, I have come a long way since the beginning of this thread. I made a commitment to move out of my apartment by the end of this month. I got a car and let go of most of the things I had in the beginning of this month. I am essentially ready to go. I suppose that my next post will be an update from the road. Thanks again.

:)

[Lifemagician]

] I suppose that my next post will be an update from the road. Thanks again.

So looking forward to it..

Lifey

[akanevsky]

I know I said that the next time I post will be from the road, but I am trying to finalize the set of things that I will be taking with me, and I need urgent help. I have an economy car, and it has limited space. In any case, I would like to minimize what I'll be taking with me because otherwise my efforts to be a minimalist will have failed. Here's what is currently going to be in the trunk:

• A small suitcase with mostly the kind of items that I will only need when the temperature starts falling.
• Two jackets that I use the most throughout the year.
• A small cardboard box with non-perishable food, such as pasta, rice, quinoa, etc.
• A small cardboard box with tools and toiletries.
• A pair of hiking shoes.

Here's what is currently going to be on the back seat:

• Laptop bag w/ laptop and accessories.
• 40 liter hiking pack with mostly summer clothes.
• A small cardboard box with maps and guidebooks that I got from AAA and other sources.
• A small cardboard box with kitchen utensils, a wooden cutting board, and rags.
• A paper bag with toilet paper and plastic bags.
• A small cooler with perishable food.
• A gallon of water.
• A blanket.
• A single burner stove and butane canisters (I'm considering skipping this).
• A pot and a frying pan (I'm considering skipping this).
• A container for washing dishes if I have to cook on the go (I'm considering skipping this).
• A dish or a bowl that I can use to eat the food that I prepare if it's outdoors (I'm considering skipping this).

This list fills almost the entire back seat and the floor area in front of it, and I haven't even mentioned things like a tent or a sleeping bag. I would love to cut the list in half since some people manage to travel / hitchhike with just one bag, but I have no idea how to do it. I am scheduled to leave on July 2nd. This means there are less than 3 days left. I have everything else done that I needed to do in order to go, but the packing part is my last and biggest obstacle.

Special considerations for me are as follows: (a) I plan to initially be staying through couch surfing, wwoofing, and/or hostels. In this case, I can cook where I will be staying. (b) I have a high metabolism, which means I have to eat proper meals 2-3 times per day + snacks, otherwise I rapidly lose weight. (c) I will be on a budget, so would like to avoid restaurants and cafes as much as possible. (d) I would love to hike during the day, but then it's not clear how I can handle the midday meal.

Please help!

[Lifemagician]

You certainly have done well. I tend to agree with you, if your initial plans are as you say - hostels etc., you probably won't need those things you are considering skipping.

Who knows, you may meet someone who wants to get rid of a tent and camping items. and that may be just your time to pick up one.

As for your meals, are you able to have a good hearty breakfast and dinner, and then carry a cut lunch when you go hiking. You can put some sandwiches, a piece or two of fruit and a drink in a day pack. Supplement all that with healthy snack packs of trail mix. This could all be prepared at breakfast time, or even the night before.

Lifey

[akanevsky]

I like your post titles!

Yes, you're right. I guess I was still stressing out about minor details. I am simply going to prepare road food where I will be staying, so that means I don't need any kitchen stuff yet. I'm leaving tomorrow morning. Wish me luck and send blessings my way.

:)

[DonnaR57]

Remember that almost every town has stores, and if they are of size, they will have a Walmart or other discount store. Most larger towns have a thrift store, too. If you need something, you can always pick it up. Or if you have forgotten something.


Donna

[Lifemagician]

Wish me luck and send blessings my way. :)

All my very best wishes go with you.

May St Christopher guide your way and may your Guardian Angel watch over you.

Safe travels.

Lifey