ETD: 4 Days

Where did the time go?  We can't believe we leave this Friday, June 10, for Alaska. 

Two weeks ago, we made up the inevitable To-Do List, which gives us some organization to leaving for this length of time (7-8 weeks).

This list included (but is/was not limited to)....

• What in the world are we going to eat?  I'm on vacation and don't really want to cook....hmmm.  This one remains a mystery.  If you have a suggestion, I'll take it.  No, I won't take SPAM.
• Renew AAA Card (for 28+ years, I've been a member).  BUT, this year, I accidentally cut up the wrong card, joined again, lost my original number, got a personal phone call asking if I wanted my old AAA number back, and was very impressed that customer service is alive and well in Ohio AAA.
• Order a TripTik - something to do close to leaving for the latest in road construction;  I did this online and the person who sent it out warned that I had better see a AAA agent face-to-face to make sure I've got this set up right.  Hmmm.
• Medicines...making sure we have over a 90-day supply reminds me of my grandparents and parents who traveled to Florida for several months/year.  NOW I know what they were always rushing around about.
• Mail...when I called, the U.S. Post Office would only hold it for 30 days and someone had to come in and pick it up; however, I decided to try face-to-face, and I was able to just list the first day we were gone, NO pick up date, and the Post Master signed saying quietly...."no problem."  :)
• Packing....my clothes are in the camper; Brad hasn't started.  'knuff said.
• Coins...needed for laundry and tolls (and maybe bathrooms).  We just did $20 in quarters because of changing out money at the border for Canadian money.  At this writing, it is about an even exchange of $1 US = $1 CAN
• Camper updates....Brad is working on the grill cover/screen to keep rocks out.  He also wants to wax the top of the camper, mount the TV, etc., etc., etc.   After living with Brad for 23 years, there will always be more to do than what can be accomplished in the given time.
• Bills...we moved every bill to online pay this past year; I'm taking stamps (first-class and post card), labels, envelopes, and an extra packet of checks
• Work on trailer done by Eastside Storage...pack wheel bearings, check brakes....
• House stuff...timers on lights, mount some additional outside lights, spray weeds, clean house
• Hire someone to mow lawn (Leo across the street)
• Hire someone to water plants/collect papers/spray weeks (Kearstin, college student from church)
• Dog....since she would be considered bear food, we're taking her to Mom and Dad's on Wednesday
• Documents to make sure we take:  passports (and have an extra copy of those items in case one gets lost), Canada requires Passports now; Vehicle registration, title, liability coverage; Trailer registration, title, liability coverage
• Stuff to do along the way...Kindle with lots of books uploaded.  Extra books if Kindle isn't charged, etc., Nintendo DS with scrabble, cross-stitch project, school "stuff"
• Cell Phone/Internet connections decisions:  We decided not to get an i-phone or i-pad at this time...not enough coverage to warrant the monthly fee; we are activating the dongle on a month-to-month plan for times when we do have Internet; from all reports, this will be spotty and we're off the grid, probably in the Yukon
• Things to pack in the back of the truck....bear repellent (thanks, Bob Largmann), generator, diesel fuel can (we can only have an additional 5 gallons coming back on the ship from Skagway to Prince Rupert), tie rope (in case we get stuck), 1-2 plastic tubs with extra camping supplies
• We are not taking a big cooler....too often we have to give up meat/veges/fruit at the borders...we will get about 1-2 weeks of food at a time
• Plastic container with itinerary and maps, books, etc. for behind driver's seat of truck
• On-Star subscription service for truck continued
• Home answering machine turned off
• Camping Cards:  AAA, GoodSam, and KOA Value Cards
• Cash and Gas gift cards
• First aid kits
• Camera, Tri-pod
• Laptop
• Sun Glasses + Extra Glasses + copies of eye prescriptions
• Address Book
• Call Sheriff to make Vacation Visits
• Dispatch already cancelled
• Suspend Waste Management Trash pick-up

I'm sure we'll add to the list before Friday's take off.  That's why we just are driving to the other side of Indianapolis (Crawfordsville KOA).  We know how this first day will go.... "honey, did you remember to pack the ????"  (No, did you?)