Monday, August 03, 2009

Trip Prep

It was funny when I opened Google Earth today and saw that my yellow pushpins were pretty much arced across my road trip route. We're just days away from trekking across the country to party in Memphis and visit Mom.
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I've actually had dreams about maps because I've spent so much time studying them. I'm the navigator. Friday night I spent hours printing out my individual Mapquest pages:

I stapled them together in sections and labled them. I think they weigh 2 or 3 pounds. I won't have computer access so I need to have all the information that I may need with me. And I've also made lots of notes. I'm trying to find the perfect balance between having all the info I need and having the trip being a free flow thing. I think it's all good so far.
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I'm such an airline travel type person that the very idea of being in a car and all the freedom that that entails has made me almost giddy. There are no "how much can I fit into this suitcase" restrictions. I'm starting to realize that I need to think about how much (little?) I can pack into my daughter's car because I want to take a million things. Just because I can.
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Now I need to relax because the busy time will be here in just two days. I can't wait!

9 comments:

Jazz said...

Wow, talk about organization...

I do the same thing actually when we're on a road trip. Gotta love mapquest.

Scarlet said...

You sure know how to prepare for a trip!

I'm so excited for you and I hope you have a safe and happy vacation!!

geewits said...

Jazz,
~~It's nice to be able to pick the size you want to have unlike just buying a map where everything is tiny.

Scarlet,
~~I'm crazy prepared: snacks, drinks, binoculars, compass, pillow, pony. You name it, I got it! And thanks!

Carole said...

Traveling down the road in the middle of summer! You go have a great time...and remember...if you do need directions, I'm only a phone call away, and I have google maps! :)

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Back in the day, AAA used to do all that Map Stuff for you, in books..."TRIP TIX" I think they called it....It was quite fantastic! I think it is amazing you've done it all for yourself! Driving across the country is or was, a great thing to do....And for just the reasons you say. And you can veer of course of you like, too....I'm excited and giddy for you, my dear! It sounds like it will be loads of fun!

Anonymous said...

I always organize my trips to the nth degree, too and then almost right off the bat suddenly decide I want to go somewhere or see something completely not on the itinerary. And that makes it even more fun. Enjoy!!

Anonymous said...

I agree with you about road trips, especially since flying has become such a pain in the ass. The freedom of the road is wonderful. And I too am a map fetishist. Bon voyage, my friend.

geewits said...

Carole,
~~It's a deal! I hope you don't regret it.

Naomi,
~~Thanks! I'm looking forward to it.

Xup,
~~That's the plan!

Ian,
~~Thanks. And yes, I'm looking forward to that freedom.

Jocelyn said...

How cool that you could do bicep curls with your maps and actually get "cut" arms. Have a blast, hon.