Uggs and Rascals

After 2 weeks (which included 7 full days spent in the car)  and 6, 242 miles later we are home from our cross country trip. I thought it only responsible to provide helpful hints in the event you , your loved one and your pet are planning this type of trip.

1. If your planning to purchase one of those things that goes on top of your vehicle to keep your luggage in, the brand Thule is not water proof. Try to put everything in your vehicle as you get an extra 3 miles per gallon. Don't worry about not being able to see out the back or the passengers seat in our case, a well trained dog and/or person will be able to let you know if you are about to hit something.

2. Pack a cooler. You have no idea how hungry you will get for things like string cheese, trail mix, potato chips and the occasional piece of fruit.

3. If you are traveling with your pet go to AAA and the get the book "Traveling with your Pet-the AAA Pet Book" this tells you all the hotels in the US that accept pets. Also, don't underestimate how excited your dog will be to be staying in a hotel, your dogs excitement level is directly proportional to the fear the housekeeping staff has of your dog.

4. Get up early and drive. The prettiest part of the drives were always at sunrise.

5. Deep breaths. You know that sound of the person in the passenger seat sleeping (see #4) on days 6-7 it gets really annoying. It would have been worse if I could have seen him (see #1).

6. Don't worry if you pass that McDonalds or Subway, there is usually another one about 1/8 of mile down the road.

7. Travel with someone you love, who knows you really well and has a good sense of humor as you will have some tense moments and disagreements. For example, on our last day of driving this is what was discussed/argued about:

• Although we both agreed that we hate the  look of Ugg Boots I was willing to overlook their appearance because they are so warm and comfortable which lead to .....
• The argument over fanny packs where I am  willing to overlook their appearance because they are so practical. Brock was both confused and scared by my revelation.
• We had a heated discussion about whether the sanitation standards of a Subway in a gas station are the same as a free standing subway. This went on for awhile until we realized we were arguing the same point agreeing that a free standing Subway is more sanitary. We eventually had a good laugh over this one.
• Finally, we had a spirited debate about the weight of a rascal (the little scooter). Brock was adamant that they weighed over 400 pounds my stance was that they probably cost $400 and weighed less. This was the point in the trip where we decided that it is OK to have a few hours of quiet reflection.

Happy travels to you!