I'm lazy. I'm just going to post the email I sent the kids this morning:
We arrived in Abiquiu after an adventurous day at Bandelier Nat'l. Mon. (more about that another time). We were exhausted. Our hosts, Jeff and Marilyn, crossed us on the road as they headed out to dinner. They seem like wonderful people (mother and son), and the thoughtfulness with which they've appointed this "casita" nearly overwhelmed us. It is great! They thought of everything, and the fridge, cabinets and closets are stocked with an endless supply of.......well, pretty much everything.
The view from the back porch is of the Pedernal and Black Mesa. The front yard has a table with umbrella (where they set the morning paper for us) right next to a pinon tree decorated with very busy hummingbird feeders and other bird feeders. They have Arabian horses which we have not seen or met as yet and two Jack Russels which I spied racing around the house last night. I've been promised we will get a chance for an up close and personal meet and greet. Yay!
Right now I'm half sitting, half lying on the sofa while the laundry gets done. I don't know where dad is. I think he's wandering around the property. Neither one of us are in a hurry today. Our bodies are still kind of adjusting to the altitude, which has hit us this time for some reason. After lunch I guess we will drive into town and check out the shops and look at the 2 or 3 restaurants and bars. There are 2 other towns within 1/2 hour from here. We'll explore those too.
I suspect we will tour Ghost Ranch, where Georgia O'Keeffe had a studio and painted some of her more famous landscapes. There are also several places where we can hike.
For a little extra spice, we learned from our host that Shirly MacLaine lives just the other side of the hill, and Marsha Mason lives about 1/2 mile away.
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The Anatomy of a Road Trip
Things to Consider
- Did you know that Google Maps mobile version can communicate with your GPS? I use it on my Blackberry. It's $Free$.
- If you bring a laptop, make sure that all the software you need is in place, as well as having your link up to date. Passwords in a safe place?
- Don't forget to keep your address book updated.
- Bring extra batteries for the camera. Don't wait until you need them! You'll miss good pictures that way.
- Don't forget to gather those extra wires and chargers you might need for the electronic gadgets.
- Make a list of the things you might forget to pack. Cross things out as you pack them
- Count out the meds and vitamins! Don't get caught short. Take a few extra.
- Invest a couple of dollars (and that's all it costs) in a small travel pillow. It will be a welcome relief to your travel partner and you.
- Make sure the car has been serviced and is ready for the trip.
- Take a few minutes to join the various reward programs the hotel chains offer. It doesn't cost anything or take very long, and you may end up saving the cost of a night's room somewhere along the way.
Packing for the Road
- Let's face it, most hotels are still a little stingy with outlets. A power strip is inexpensive and insurance that all your electronics will be charged and ready for use when you leave the hotel in the morning.
- The rule of thumb should be to pack only those clothes in which you feel totally comfortable now. If you rarely wear it now, you aren't going to wear it on vacation either.
- Check those prescriptions and make sure you have enough for the trip and then some. Allow extra for emergencies that may find you staying longer than anticipated.
- Remember that more weight means lower gas mileage! Do you really need to bring everything with you?
- Pack a sandwich baggie with quarters you've been setting aside. You will have laundry. Look in your local discount store for a small travel sized container of laundry detergent, or improvise your own container. Buying from machines is exopensive.
- Pack so you don't need to lug everything in when you stop at a hotel. If you only need certain items sometimes, put it in a separate, zippered tote or some other type of bag. If only a few places will require a certain type of clothing, keep it in a separate suitcase and don't bring it in.
- Save money and avoid stress. Bring the makings of lunch with you and eat at attractive rest areas, pretty overlooks, or a shady spot anywhere. It is cheaper and it is so much more relaxing. Big Plus: It can be healthier too if you cut down on fast food.
- Consider investing in a plug-in cooler. We got one as a gift from our kids and love it. It keeps things nice and cold without the mess of ice.
- Whatever type of cooler you have, do bring it. And also bring along a package of your favorite beverage. Keep a couple on ice at all times. Much cheaper and far more convenient than buying from machines or at convenience stores on the road.
- Don't forget paper towels and window cleaner! Not every gas station can be relied upon to have these things available - or usable.
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3 comments:
Hi Carole,
Loving your blog! I read it all tonight while I'm waiting for word that Michelle landed safely in Hamburg, Germany. (She flew there with her 13 year old cousin) She's supposed to land in about 30 minutes. Yay! Have a great rest of your trip and keep the comments and pictures coming!
Kathe :)
Hope Michelle has a great time. My first trip to Europe was Munich, Germany.
Michelle's visiting family friends near Hamburg. They'll do a couple of overnight trips to Berlin and Amsterdam and lots of day trips local to Hamburg. She called this morning. I think she's a little homesick, but very excited.
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