Road Trip! Getting Started

Interstate 10 somewhere in SE Arizona

We are on the road and it feels good.  One of the reasons it feels so good is that I know I have not forgotten to do anything around the house nor forgotten to pack something that is essential.  Why?  I have developed a system over the years that ensures that all is taken care of before leaving.

I used to get nervous before a trip.  I used worry about forgetting something or forgetting to stop the newspaper or mail.  I used to worry about not having everything I needed to fully support my photography efforts.  No more.

I have developed a system of checklists for various kinds of trips.  One master checklist that covers every trip and a few smaller ones, depending upon the type of trip, the duration of the trip and the destination(s).  For example, on a trip that includes long airplane flights, I take a decongestant with me in my carry-on.  Why?  Have you ever been on a plane and your ears won't clear?  It is miserable!  A decongestant will clear your ears and normalize the pressure inside and out.  Over the years, I have refined and added to the checklists so they got better each year.

One thing that I accepted long ago is that if I forget one of the common things, like toiletries or such, there are stores available everywhere in which I can buy what I need.  No need to worry about the small stuff.

Another reason getting on the road feels so good is quenching my desire for exploration and going places to which I've never been.  When on the road, everyday is an adventure and that is the attitude I maintain to keep myself feeling fresh and hungry for new places.

So, we picked up our traveling companions early this morning and headed west/southwest.  Our traveling companions have been our close friends for about 40 years.  We all know each other pretty well so there shouldn't be any surprises when in close proximity for about 3 weeks.  In the past, the four of us spent two weeks on an Alaskan Cruise/Tour.  We clicked as well as any two couples could possibly click, which made a great trip even better.  Traveling with another couple adds quite a bit to an adventure as you get to share emotions, experiences and memories with each other.  Just make sure you are really compatible and set some ground rules so everyone is on the same page before leaving.

Today's main focus was to drive to Asheville, North Carolina where we are spending the night.



Thanks for looking.  Enjoy!

Dennis Mook

Many of my images can be found at www.dennismook.com.  Please pay it a visit.  I add new images regularly.  Thank you.


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