"Be HERE now........be THERE later"

                                                          ( on the road, 2013)

“Be HERE now, Be THERE later.”

Useful words most of the time but not so helpful when planning a long trip that involves very different climates, situations, and activities. Sitting here in Sopchoppy in 70 degree weather it is hard to think about what is needed for snow, wind, tons of rain, hot springs, mountain tops, and desert. Traveling in the TT (Travel Trailer) makes it easier of course, but weight and space is still an issue.

Based on past experience we have a pretty good idea of what we don’t need and we understand that there are stores (even thrift stores) most everywhere. We try to use our space for items that are expensive and/or hard to get. With about six weeks to go we have just purchased new tires for the truck and the TT. We already have two sets of spares (for each) from our last trip. Our small generator is good to go and we have a flat jack, chains, straps, and assorted tools.

Due to the rough roads, we will not take canoes on the truck rack this time but will take “Miz Floppie”, our inflatable canoe along with the necessary paddles, PFD’s, and gear bags. We will take two bikes & bike stuff. All of this, along with cans for extra gas and water will fill up the bed of the truck. 

I have received our 2016 copy of The Milepost, called “the bible for North Country travel”, some new maps, the 2016 copy of Next Exit, the newest Rand McNally, and the National Geographic Coastal Alaska: Ports of Call & Beyond. I still have Chruch’s camping guide and lots of stuff I brought back from our last trip. I have a tentative itinerary planned and am getting more excited by the day.  It’s getting hard to stay in the Here and Now.

3/22/16

Fear of Commitment

“The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs. The chicken is involved, the pig is committed” (Martina Navatilova).

In the above example, I’m not sure that either animal had a choice. Not true for Butch and I as we considered our options for our upcoming trip. It was late February before we felt that we were free to make plans and the choices were overwhelming.  At the top of the Bucket List was another trip to Alaska, this time on the Ferry so that we could explore the southeastern section. Unfortunately it was already getting late for summer ferry reservations and reservations require Commitment. 

 

Our travel style is best described as “going with the flow”. We really, really like to wander along at our own pace, sometimes wandering off on a different path entirely.  Reservations (especially expensive reservations), made months in advance, are scary and the agent at Alaska Marine Highway gave me ominous warnings about what happens to wishy-washy travelers.  I made the big step and we are now booked to “sail” from Prince Rupert BC on June 4. 

We will get off a few hours later in Ketchikan and stay there for at least three days, camping at Signal Creek in the Tongass National Forest.  Our schedule puts us back on the boat on the 7^th for an overnight trip to Juneau where we will camp near Mendenhall Glacier for four days. Then on to Hainess. We are planning to do side trips from each of our stops and we may be able to change our schedule to give us more time if needed.

After Haines? No plans as yet. We will be back on the highway system and can resume wandering at our leisure.

Like the Pig, we are committed.