Today, May 13, means more than a month since the last posting on here.  Time is short now, until we leave.  We plan on being on the road by June 9 to reach Hazelton, B.C. on June 24 to start our guided, 34-day tour on June 26 to Alaska, ending on the Kenai Penninsula

Connie and I had a trial run in the 5th-wheel at Lake Pardee last week-end to see what things we were short of and which things will be better left at home.  I decided before the weekend that I would take my cat, Hannah and see if she remembered rving.  She certainly did and it all fell back in place for her.  I just opened the rv door and out she went to scout around and sit at gopher and ground squirrel holes.  When she got nervous with her surroundings, she either climbed on top of the spare tires under the rigs or asked at the door to be let in.  She and her sister used to travel in the motorhome with my husband and me.  We had such a good time at Lake Pardee.  The weather was beautiful and boy, did we have the visitors and new members!!  We got so many well wishes and good luck from everyone for our big trip and promised to blog much.

I was asked at one of the meals, where would a person start when planning a trip to Alaska or any large RV trip.  Since this is my first big trip since my husband passed away, I really had to start making notes.  Connie and I are spending 34 days with an Alaska tour group so that will help alot in getting our rv legs in Canada and Alaska.  Connie and I have spent hours on the computers and asking folks questions.  We've found quite a bit of information that might help people in planning a long trip and a trip across an international border, and the following is just for starts.

Probably, the first suggestion I would make would be to get ahold of "Guide To The Alaska Highway", a book by Ron Dalby.  This book has been invaluable in getting information about vehicle prep, what to pack, where to camp, wildlife and fishing holes plus, 200+ destination highlights.  If you don't already have a passport, start that process.  Know your vehicle and/or rv and get reliable help in making it road ready.  We are leaving with one spare for the pick-up and two for the 5th-wheel.  We'll let you know when we get back if that was the right decision for us.  I'm old fashioned in that I still like and use paper maps.  I keep my bearings better that way.

I had to make sure I had health certificates/rabies vaccination for Abby and Hannah.  Enough medication for myself so I didn't run out.  Prescriptions cannot be refilled in Canada I found out.  We both needed to take in account if our homes would be secure while gone, mail to be forwarded (do a temporary change of address to a friend) because the post office will only hold mail for one month.  Cancel newspapers, garbage pick-up, arrange for direct deposits to your bank; yard, houseplant and pet care, make copies of medical information and your doctor's name and phone number, copies of credit cards (oh yes, call the credit card companies and let them know you will be out of state/country so they don't deny charges), leave an itinerary with family or friends, have law enforcement or neighbors check on the house periodically, pay bills ahead or sign up for on-line bill pay.  I set up a second bank account with its separate debit card so my main account where direct deposits go, will be safer if someone gets ahold of the "traveling" account debit card.  You could even let the bank know you will be traveling.  Find out which way to go with your cell phone as roaming charges will eat you up in Canada. If someone would like it, we have a very extensive Pre-trip Packing List that we can copy and send you.

Mostly, as people who have made this adventure before us have said:  "Go slow and enjoy" , and after fast and furious preparation, we are deffinitely ready to do just that.  Just a few more weeks to go and we will be on our way, critters and all.