8 Days Out

We are eight days from leaving, assuming it stops snowing. When you plan on being gone for five months, you need to look at the systems (house, fifth wheel and truck), pack clothing for all four seasons and also for hobbies (fishing, biking, sewing, hiking, wildlife viewing). For each system we have broken down tasks, dates and what we need to support it. That leads to surprises. While getting bearings greased on our IS, we found the brake pads worn critically low. Also, had a tire that slipped a belt. 

Packing has begun along with removing unnecessary items. We’re still heavy on tools, but they are insurance.  Truck service takes place next Tuesday, then I can start packing it. Kayak rack was installed today.  Terrie and I both visited the dentist for some new hardware (got my new front tooth) and Terrie got two new crowns exacerbated by her moose encounter last fall. Monday is routine doctor visits so that we are good until fall. 

Propane will need to be restocked since we are using it up with the low temps in the teens. We have to make sure pipes don’t freeze. Our traveling companions are leaving Tuesday, so we will be meeting on the road. 

Colorado will only allow you to renew plates the month before they are due, so I have an 8 am appointment to get that task done. Already have some Canadian currency and insurance binders for Canada. 

Terrie’s sewing machine got back from being serviced for the trip. She will need it at rally in September, which we need to register for on Monday morning at 8 am. Can’t pack the bikes until the weather gets better (read that as stops snowing). Still working on the trip plan. The 2023 Milepost (Alaska Travel Book) and Alaska Tour Saver arrived and we’re making sure to incorporate any last minute travel changes. Had to split some extra firewood today to keep it warm inside (we ran out of firewood for the first time since we moved to the mountain). 

As you can tell by the wide ranging topics, there is a lot that goes into preparing for a 10,000+ mile trip over 5 months. We will use Escapee’s Mail Forwarding to keep up with mail. Amazon has lock boxes everywhere if we need to order anything. We already know there are Costco’s in Grand Prairie, AB and Fairbanks and Anchorage in Alaska. And, Elon Musk has made sure we have internet for the whole trip (StarLink). Many people don’t realize once you get to about the Alcan you lose Satellite TV and SiriusXM. So, we’re moving forward. Looking forward to sharing our journey. If you comment, please leave your name. 

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