Planning the Perfect Road Trip: Our 1,361+ Mile Adventure with Dogs

Good morning, fellow adventurers!

We are coming to you with the details from the podcast of our thrilling journey from the Grand Canyon to Sandpoint, Idaho. James and I have officially embarked on our grand adventure, and we couldn't be more excited to share our experiences with you. This journey was meticulously planned, full of dispersed camping, and, of course, accompanied by our beloved dogs. Buckle up as I take you through the tips for our 1,361+ mile road trip!

The Planning Stage:

Planning a trip like this was no small feat, and James deserves all the credit for mapping out our route. We started our journey from Arizona, right outside the majestic Grand Canyon. Hopefully, you all caught our Grand Canyon episodes! From there, we set our sights on Sandpoint, Idaho, to visit James's son.

James used every resource available to plan our route, including Google Maps, OnX, Gaia GPS, and Campendium. These tools were invaluable in finding dispersed camping spots and free campsites, ensuring we had a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Key Tools for Trip Planning:

Final Preparations: Securing Our Off-Grid Home

Before leaving, we had to ensure our off-grid home was ready for our extended absence. This involved eating all of the foods :) draining the hot water tank, blowing out the water lines, putting antifreeze in the toilet, taking down our solar panels, and boarding windows and doors. It was a lot of work, but knowing our home is secure gives us peace of mind during our travels.

Starting the Journey: Bullhead City and Beyond

Our first stop was visiting our friend Lonnie in Bullhead City. We took this time to relax, finish our laundry, and prepare for the next leg of our trip. From Bullhead City, we planned to drive about six hours a day – a comfortable pace for both us and our dogs.

Driving through Las Vegas was quite an adventure with heavy traffic and construction, but the drive was beautiful and serene once we got past that. Our first major destination was Great Basin National Park. Despite a slight delay due to Vegas traffic, we made it and enjoyed the park's stunning landscapes.

However, the weather had other plans for us. A snowstorm was forecasted, prompting us to leave a day early. Flexibility is key on trips like this!

Adapting to the Weather: Changing Plans on the Fly

Initially, we planned to head to Walla Whitman National Forest in Oregon. However, due to weather concerns and other factors, we decided to change our route and travel straight up through Idaho, into Montana, and then make our way back into the Idaho Panhandle. This decision led us to Craters of the Moon National Monument, where we found an excellent campsite.

The drive through Idaho was breathtaking. Our next stop was near Missoula, Montana. We actually ended up stopping a little short due to another change in the weather. We found a nice low spot in elevation near Lima and camped, enjoying much-needed rest before making the final leg of our journey to Sandpoint.

Final Thoughts: Tips for Your Road Trip Adventure

Planning a long road trip can be overwhelming, but with the right tools and a bit of flexibility, it can be an unforgettable adventure. Here are some tips based on our experience:

Use Multiple Resources: Tools like Google Maps, OnX, Gaia GPS, and Campendium are great for finding campsites and planning routes.
Plan for Your Pets: Make sure to schedule regular rest stops for your pets to run around and get some exercise.
Stay Flexible: Weather and other unforeseen factors can change your plans, so be ready to adapt.
Prepare Your Home: If you're leaving for an extended period, take the necessary steps to secure your home.

We hope our journey inspires you to embark on your own road trip adventure. Join us for our next episodes, in which we will detail our adventures at each of our stops!

Connect with Us:

Follow us on Facebook: Kerouac's Cruising
Email us at: Join@KerouacsCruising.com

Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey.

Until next time, safe travels and happy camping!

<3Cara

KEROUACS CRUISING