Barking Embarkers

From Maine to Oregon, Minnesota to Maine, Oregon to North Dakota, my little pup Chloe Rue and I have been exploring around this beautiful country, and we’ve learned a few things. We’ve learned the importance of flexibility (especially in the winter), the benefits of having a toolbox, cooler, and we’ve learned that it really, truly isn’t about the destination. It is all about the adventure and company enroute.

Oh Sweet Flexibility

You are headed off on a grand adventure. The RV is hooked up, the tire pressures and spare tires have been checked, fresh ice cubes dumped in the sewer tank to clean ‘er up, and your dog and her travel kit are packed. You have all the tools you might need, in case you pop a tire, lose an awning or fracture a gray tank enroute. You have an overnight bag and a cooler full of snacks. You’re ready to hit the road.

I’ve been there too, and I hit the road on a beautiful morning, and all of a sudden my sister calls, panicking about the snow storm that is planned to hit once I get to Illinois. What else is there to do, but either drive through the night, or wait out the storm? There is the option to beg my sister to meet me half way so we can beat the storm together and make it to the RV Hall of Fame (which allows free overnight parking with museum admittance by the way), just in time for a quick cat nap and continued driving. Yes, this actually happened, but we beat the snow storm and only had to drive while towing a camper in a blizzard for about an hour. Here is a perfect example of the benefits of being flexible when it comes to driving across the country with a pet. Chloe was having the time of her life, squeaking on her toy and being a co-pilot, and we managed beat the weather.

When you’re driving across the country, especially when towing a camper, there are endless opportunities for catastrophe, but practicing keeping an open mind and being flexible allows room to make the adventure a million times more fun. It’s best to plan to be flexible. I’ve learned having extra days planned on the end of the adventure and only booking hotels or campgrounds when arrival is absolutely certain can make for a much more enjoyable trip, compared to towing a camper for 8 hours non-stop with no room for breaks or wiggle room for stops. This doesn’t work for everybody and drives my family crazy; and having a plan is okay too; it is all about embracing the moments when it doesn’t fall into place.

Be Spontaneous, But Plan, or Not

Spontaneity has lead to the best kept secrets our country has hidden along the interstates and back roads. However, Chloe and I also like to be prepared for spontaneity. When we travel, we keep a stash of change for tolls, a small hiking bag with all of the hiking essentials (fold up water bowl, protein packed treats for both me and Chloe, a first aid kit, Chloe’s boots and halter etc), and a cooler for sandwiches, fruits, veggies and healthy snacks. We have a couple gallons of water as well. The cooler is helpful because it is easy to store safely away from bears when camping, and away from Chloe if she does feel the need to snack on human food. I typically plan 5-7 hours of driving each day, with tentative overnight stays planned, but not usually booked. I like to find free spots using freecampsites.com, or pay for an overnight using the allstays Camp and RV app, hipcamp.com, or a simple google search. I also am sure to keep someone informed of my plans; as a solo female, it is important to consider safety.

Often times I plan trips using the roadtrippers app as well, because it allows you to add awesome quirky, stops on your way. I found Pinky the Pink Elephant in Wisconsin while on an adventure with friends, Crater of the Moon National Monument in southern Idaho, and some gorgeous state parks, like Devils Lake state park in Wisconsin. Whenever stretching the legs is necessary, or a potty break for the pup, checking out roadtrippers is usually worth it.

Let us not neglect the greatness of the BROWN SIGNS. Seriously, impulsive turns into national forests, monuments, parks, rivers or even big trees, like the Octopus Tree in Oregon can turn into awesome adventures, especially when accompanied by a pup. In case you’re wondering, the Octopus Tree wasn’t really that cool, but the view of the ocean just steps away from the tree was epic. It is always a risk when driving a camper into a place impulsively, there is no denying that. Be sure to be confident when backing up, and it never hurts to call ahead if possible. I have found some beautiful waterfalls, gorgeous mountain top views, and the unknown adventure is always the best. My favorite was an impulse turn in Door County Wisconsin in the fall, where we ended up at a small county park. The waves were outrageous and the park was so incredibly beautiful! It was so much more than I expected, and made a quick pit-stop unforgettable.

Enjoy the Ride

That brings us to the best part of Long Haul trips with your pup: the ride. I am pretty sure dogs inherently love riding in a car. The fresh air through the window, the smell of wind, grass, snow, or even pollution is so enticing to dogs, their enjoyment makes the ride that much more enjoyable. So, roll down those windows, jam to your favorite song, or listen to your favorite audiobook, let the wind blow your hair around (or beard, if that is your thing) and just savor the open road with a super cute co-pilot. Life is short, let us live it well, and to be grateful for the adventure that it is. Happy trails and happy tails, my fellow barking embarkers.