Travel Blog: The Road West

July 22, 2009

The Road West

7/22
Early to rise! I felt well rested. Glen had some digestive issues during the night. Nothing serious, but we guessed he was reacting to his tummy's unfamiliarity with fried food. He was feeling better, though, and we got our things together, filled our water bottles from the cooler in the fitness center, and headed for breakfast in the Club Room. The coffee was decent, which it is, we've noticed, when there are oil workers present (and there were). We both had scrambled eggs with cheese and grabbed apples for our "fruit break" later in the day.
Rain again! Ugh. We hoped it wouldn't follow us all the way through Houston.
It didn't, and the drive was largely uneventful. We stopped for lunch at a rest area near San Antonio, and then continued into hill country towards Ozona. About an hour away from our destination we hit a very severe thunderstorm. It slowed us a little, as did our vain attempt to get a picture of a "Drive Friendly" sign for Matt's collection. We'll get one on the way back, I'm sure.
Ozona was a pleasant surprise. A typical small town in the middle of pretty much nowhere in West Texas, we found we really were glad we'd chosen it. The Best Western Ozona Inn was practically empty but charming, clean, and definitely quiet. A great choice after another day of driving!

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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.