cross country trip.. new plan

[puff5655]

We have finalized our schedule and have begun making reservations. This makes it REAL!!

Thanks everyone for all your help through our YEARS of planning this trip!

We decided to leave out Vegas.. just no desire to go there, and worried about safety (especially for the car!). Mrs. Pete, that sounds like it works out! Nothing wrong with cruises :)

[Southwest Dave]

I sure hope you will pop by and let us know how your trip turns out with a report.

Dave.

[MrsPete]

We decided to leave out Vegas.. just no desire to go there, and worried about safety (especially for the car!). Mrs. Pete, that sounds like it works out! Nothing wrong with cruises :)

Nothing wrong with a husband remaining profitably employed in today's economy either! He was heartbroken to cut the trip back to a measley two weeks, but I completely understood his fears about being away from work so long. If I weren't a teacher, I'd probably be in the same boat.

[puff5655]

Heres our ridiculously long list of what we need for our 2 week trip. We'll be camping and hiking a lot. There's 3 of us.

Anything we left out? (Hope this list might be a bit helpful too!)

sleeping gear (pillow, bag, blanket)
clothes, pj's, regular toiletries (shampoo, etc..)
swimsuit, beach towel
nalgene bottle
sneakers, flips, chacos
purses, wallets, backpack
sunglasses
camera, phone, ipod, chargers
brush
hair straightener
sunscreen
bug spray
first aid kit, tylenol, etc..
swiss army knife

Camping Stuff
tent
mallet (for stakes)
flashlights
cooler
piemakers, foil, trashbags, grill-cooking utensils, paper plates, can opener

Stuff to Do
dvds
travel journal
books
cards, games
notebook, sketchpad, pencils and pens

Other Stuff
a laptop
noise canceling headphones
flash drive (to save pictures)
car kit (tire pressure gauge, flares, emerg. blanket, etc..)
TomTom GPS
fans


And will this all fit in a little Ford Focus?

[puff5655]

We'll be camping and doing some light hiking in Grand Canyon, Zion, and Yellowstone. 2-3 hour treks on easy-moderate trails.

I've been told hiking boots are necessary in snake country, but it seems like they would be really hot and bulky. In the Northeast, I've always just worn my Chacos sandals or my LLBean Summer sneakers (thin and waterproof) when hiking.

Would those be okay or would I be taking a huge risk with snakes/scorpions/spiders??

Thanks!

Sarah

[Mark Sedenquist]

I've hiked in a variety of footwear in the southwest -- but as personal preference I would strongly suggest you invest in a pair of light-weight hiking boots. You don't really need them for the places you are going -- but you don't really need a sprained or broken ankle either.

Mark

[MrsPete]

We'll be camping and doing some light hiking in Grand Canyon, Zion, and Yellowstone. 2-3 hour treks on easy-moderate trails.

I've been told hiking boots are necessary in snake country, but it seems like they would be really hot and bulky. In the Northeast, I've always just worn my Chacos sandals or my LLBean Summer sneakers (thin and waterproof) when hiking.

Would those be okay or would I be taking a huge risk with snakes/scorpions/spiders??

Thanks!

Sarah

Yes, you need boots. I've come too close to snakes many times, and my husband had a scorpion in the foot of his bed once at camp -- that was scary. Critters aside, don't forget the extra protection for your ankles. Let your foot slip on a rock, twist your ankle, and the next few days of your trip are shot!

Though my normal summer footwear alternates between Keds/no socks and Teva flip-flops, I love-love-love my lightweight hiking boots. They are by far the most comfortable shoes I own, and they don't feel hot while I'm walking -- I would not enjoy wearing them around the house, of course. The boots' protection factor is enormously better than that of sandals or sneakers.

They don't have to cost a fortune. My current pair was $2 at a yard sale; they're Vasque name-brand and they're perfect for me. It's spring break right now, and we've been going through closets to see what still fits / what should go to Goodwill, and I just discovered that BOTH of my daughters have outgrown their boots. No good kids, always growing, never thinking of my wallet. They're both taller than I am already! I've just bid on two pair of Merrell boots (lightweight, partially ripstop nylon, better than full leather for the casual hiker) on eBay for them. One pair is currently going for $6, while the other is at the top of my personal price range of $10. Please don't bid against me! I need those boots!

[puff5655]

Sounds like they are a must! Thanks for your advice!

I'll have to check out ebay! :)

[MrsPete]

Sounds like they are a must! Thanks for your advice!

I'll have to check out ebay! :)

I now have two pair of "new to us" hiking boots for my daughters. Both were purchased on ebay, both look all but new, both were less than $10. They had a chance to try them out last weekend on a day hike at a state park, and they both declared them perfect. Equipment doesn't have to cost a fortune.

[puff5655]

This will be the last stretch of our trip, basically the "going home" part.

We haven't thought at all about worthy stops along this route, we'll be traveling it over 3-5 days.

Wondering what highway would be the most scenic, and if you have any suggestions on places to stop and explore/view. We'd like to go through Omaha.

Thanks,

Sarah