Getting Ready!

Countdown: 4 days!

Nick and I have spent most of the weekend getting ready for the big trip. We have cleaned the truck, packed, and started getting the camper ready.

Nick wanted to show everyone how easy our Aliner sets up. Click on the video below to watch Nick in action!

Can you tell that we're a little excited?!?! Any last minute suggestions/advice?

Don't Forget Your Toothbrush!

As many of you may be preparing for summer travels, I wanted to tell you about a really cool website that will help you generate a list of your packing needs. Select your type of travel: cruise, camping, beach, business trip, whatever. Up pops a checklist of things to do (book a rafting trip) and a list of suggested items to pack (bug spray) before you leave. Check the items that you want to include on list, then save your changes and click print--or you can wait for email reminders to be sent to your inbox! Don't forget your toothbrush! (click here)

I think Gus is trying to tell me he wants to go to Yellowstone!

Travel Disagreements

Andrea was reading an article in her Women's Health about how couples can avoid arguments on long vacations, especially when they are in the car for an insane amount of time. Some of the top areas for disagreement were:
1. Directions
2. Radio Stations
3. Choices of where to eat
4. Husband wanting to do too much fishing ( I added that one)

Can any of the more "experienced" couples out there throw out some of the areas which have caused some tension on your summer travels?

The Aliner's Final Check-Up

Nick and I just got back from taking the Aliner to a camper service center. They are going to rewire the connection between the camper and truck as well as check the gas lines, wheels, water heater, etc. We just want to make sure everything is okay before we make the long trip.

Two weeks from today we will be well on our way! I don't think I quite realize how long the drive will really be! We are going to take our Ipods, portable DVD player, and Nick has satellite radio in his truck. Does anyone have any suggestions for some books on tape?

Neat Website

I love being a teacher in the summer! I have some free time which has allowed me to do some projects around the house, clean out cupboards, mop the floors, surf the internet, and most importantly get ready for our big trip. While searching the internet for some camping suggestions I came across a really neat website. http://www.5min.com/

This site teaches you how to do just about everything in 5 minutes. From camping to cooking to organizing your closet this website has it all! If you have a few minutes to waste take a look. It's pretty neat!

Travel Dates Updated

Due to Nick's new job we had to adjust our travel dates. We will now leave July 3rd and return around the 20th. Our itinerary is also a little different. Due to time constraints, we will only visit the Yellowstone area, including the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore.

We have made some reservations for a guided float fishing trip and white water rafting. We have also made a few reservations at campgrounds in the park.

Yesterday we set up the camper to get it ready. We washed it and it is now super clean! Nick inspected it and now knows what parts we will need to buy over the next few weeks. After a trip to the camping store and Wal-Mart we now have a new 5 day cooler, small grill, and mosquito nets (which I hope we will not need).

We are both getting pretty excited!