Loading Day...

We've finally arrived at the loading days. Now comes the chance to pare everything we own down to the necessities and decide what we cannot live without. For me, it's choosing the wardrobe that will make me comfortable, warm, but not too warm (hot flashes, you know) and cute. 

Next is food, food, food. We always eat down the fridge and pantry before a trip. We use everything that's old so it takes less time to transfer the rest. I used to spend a lot of time stocking up on everything. Now I put some things in and then go shopping. 

Maybe I should apply that to my wardrobe. HMMMMMM.

Two days and counting...

Where did that come from...

So we've been doing what everyone else has been doing, I mean you, Bob. Getting organized and going through every bin, drawer and cubby. 

The contents of Mona included the remnants of every other RV we've owned. I've found tools for the 5th wheel, accessories for things we no longer own, random remote controls and a sewing kit that included machine parts, i.e..needles and bobbins. 

I'm also taking a hard look at anything I haven't touched in a while, or in most cases, never. Like 4 different types of measuring cups, only one of which I've used. I have too many cups and glasses. I like Paula's philosophy of service for 4 and disposable everything else. 

The bins underneath have gotten the same treatment. Most are now only half full. I feel good about all the purging and organizing, but having this much extra space makes me nervous. What essential, make or break my entire trip thing, is gone or forgotten? I lay awake at night just wondering. Okay, not really.

Luckily, we have a credit card and I know how to use it. I need to leave room for the next great treasure I'll find on this adventure.  Wouldn't you?

Where O' Where...

It's been a while since I've posted anything. We've spent the last few weeks on projects, but our favorite was a new grandson.

We made the trip out West to visit the newest member of the family and had a ball. We are in love again. Now that we are back, lots to do. 

Here are two of our favorite people...

The Northern Lights...

One of my bucket list items has always been to see the Aurora Borealis. Since our last trip and this trip have been in the summer, we probably won't see them. I'm a little bummed. 

Then I found a section in the Milepost that lists a website from the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, aurora forecast . The site gives a position of the aurora and a rating of 0 to 9. 

I'll be checking it constantly, since it may be possible to view the aurora from the northern part of the US and in Canada. It may involve more than a few late nights, but would be so worth it.

Fingers crossed.

Glamping...

So what is Glamping? It's just short for glamorous camping. The best example I've seen was in Yosemite National Park. We arrived in the campground and managed to get our 5th wheel wedged between the trees, surrounded by families on their last weekends of freedom before school. In the next loop was a beautiful, shiny Airstream in the best spot in the park. In the early afternoon, they began to set up a table for dinner. I think it seated about 10 or so, and lots of lights in jars and in the trees. Next came what I can only assume was a catered dinner, complete with wine service and someone to serve. Those people really threw a party. Everyone in the campground did so many laps, I imagine it created a nice breeze. Sigh. But I digress.

My friends in Albuquerque sometimes took issue with the idea that I left home in a 36 ft motorhome named Mona and wanted to call it camping. I think of it as camping, just not in the sense that I sleep on the ground or go without clean sheets and a shower. Who wants to do that, anyway?

Well, maybe a lot of people and Craig and myself in the past. We started in a pop-up camper and now travel in style and comfort. It was a dream to get out and see some of this great country.

Enter Alaska 2016. Can't wait to see what our little group comes up with. (The picture is from Q and that's Van in the foreground)