Inspection time!

First off, before I forget again, I must let all know that the background photo on this blog was taken by me with a GoPro camera while riding next to Dennis. Yes, that is him on the right, with Peekaloo riding pillion (passenger). The camera is waterproof, shock proof, has a 170° viewing angle, and can be attached to the bike, helmet, or chest mount and set to take photos or video automatically. It is used a lot in TV shows like "Wipe Out." Methinks that it will come in handy in the next few weeks.


Since we had not used the bulk of our camping equipment for about 3 years (our last hurricane run), we are going through the ever-so-exciting process of

3-room Taj Majal for Bowser & teens

unpacking, inspecting, and repacking each item we intend on taking with us. Here's were lists come in very handy. As we go through this dull but necessary process, we write down items that need replacing, items we didn't use last time (aka: garage sale fodder), and items we didn't have but needed last time, like, ... oh... I don't know.... maybe matches! We forgot those once. 

Speaking of boring but necessary, the bikes and minivan are also getting inspected and prepped. Boring and time consuming but very, very, very necessary.


One unexpected item we are taking along is our son "YoManBob." Ok, he's not an item. He's our new pinch-hitter. He flew in for a 2-week visit a few days ago and I used my super mommy-guilt powers to convince him to come along with us on the trip. 


Actually, his addition is a win-win situation; he gets a free vacation and I get a relief driver for the minivan. He also helps balance out the male-to-female ratio. I don't think my husband's sanity could have withstood 5 weeks on the road with me and three teenage girls. I'm fairly certain we would have lost both him and Bowser somewhere along the Mojave. At least now the ratio is 2.5 to 4. Bowser only counts as half-male (I think he still holds a grudge about it).

1-person (ha!) tent for YoManBob

"YoManBob" had only one stipulation before agreeing: he gets his own tent. After spending the day cooped up in a minivan with 3 teens and a dog, can you blame him? Well, we do have a small (and I do mean small) 1-man tent he's stuck w - I mean! - he gets to use. 


We still haven't decided who's cooking detail he's gonna be on. Probably "Team Gamma", since they can carry more. Besides, YoManBob is not going to be riding a bike. Why should he be subjected to my meager cooking skills? I save that kind of torture for Dennis.