Monday, November 28, 2016

I've decided to put all the doggone information for doggie car travel I've been collecting onto my blog!!!

I start the trip by figuring out WHEN to go, and IF to go by car! Normally, if it was just me, I'd go by train. In fact, some of these things I do below I actually DO do if traveling by train! Or even by plane!

TRAVELING NOTES 

I. PRIOR TO LEAVING

A. Note the APPX times of departure; write on a separate piece of paper, get a couple of good departure times, plan to leave at one of them, then figure out...

1. ETA's based on durations  Drive Time Calculator   
2. Sunrise and sunsets     
3. Look up construction CalTrans DOT     I-40 Road Conditions    
4. Look up weather, possible temperatures Weather.com   Look and see if we're driving during/after storms  and adjust travel days/times accordingly
5. Look to see if we're traveling during a holiday!! Or directly before/after.    
6. Get car ready.   WINTERIZING CAR   WINTER DRIVING TIPS   DIY WINTER EMERGENCY ROADTIPS    CHECK THE SPARE TIRE!!!!!
7. Let CC providers know about travel     
8. Figure out gas stops, gallons needed, total cost   Gas buddy.com (also see Drive Time Calculator)
9. Get car washed, quasi-detailed (don't know why, but it runs BETTER when it's clean!!!)   
10. Get vet-signed travel certificate based on last vet appt. Certificate of Veterinary Inspection

When I finish figuring out  day/date/time/etc, I print out the spreadsheet and put it on a clipboard.

B. Figure out a menu based on time of year. 10 Best Road Trip Snacks

1SUMMER
a. Cold drinks in cooler     
b. Snacks i.e. protein bars, M&Ms, sandwiches     
c. Big jug of water in trunk  
d. Small plates, cups, flatware, napkins, sugar/splenda    
e. 

2. WINTER
a. Thermos of hot tea   
b. Snacks i.e. heavier carbs, sandwiches, protein bars, string cheese
c. Jug of water in trunk    
d. Traveling hot beverage mugs

C. Figure out generic things to take no matter the season, get together in travel box. Go into meditation as if I were driving and think about what I'd need or like:
1. More than one cup holder!       
2. Something to hold my phone by vents   
3. Pillow    
4. Blanket
5. Cooler for drinks, colder snax     
6. First aid kit     
7. Tools etc     
8. All medications, about 14 days' worth: visit doctor and get prescripts if close to being out     
9. OTC meds i.e. ibu, Tums, allergy medication, aspirin, cough drops 

DOG STUFF- 
1. Dog dishes   
2. Water dishes   
3. Treats   
4. Leashes   
5. All information and up-to-date medical/vaccination information with pictures in ziploc per dog 6. Dog food   
7. Dog meds  & supplements    
8. Doggie toiletry items i.e. latex gloves, TP, doggie waste bags, wet ones, baby wipes, old towels, brush, paper towels  
9. Wear knee brace for when they pull me!   
10. Kiddy step   

D. Figure out things to take based on time of year.
1. SUMMER:
a. Window shades   
2. WINTER:  

E. Figure out things to wear/take/have, based on time of year
1. SUMMER:
a. CLOTHING, IN CAR Flip flops; hat; 
b. CLOTHING, PACKED (see spreadsheet below)
c. CLOTHING, WORN  S/S shirt; L/S jacket if needed; jeans; tennies; sox
a. CLOTHING, IN CAR Extra socks; heavier gloves; hat; extra jacket; knit beanie; scarf/cloth triangle; 
b. CLOTHING, PACKED (see spreadsheet below)
c. CLOTHING, WORN Tights; jeans; heavier socks; light t-neck; sweater; jacket; 

II. EMBARKATION DAY:
A. Ensure gas tank topped off     
B. 


GENERIC PLANNING TIPS AND HACKS:

NEAT STUFF I WANT AND CAN DO FOR TRAVELING:




BREA TO ABQ MAP