The Rig Twenty-Twenty... Trip Planning

Trip map
Click on photos to enlarge

This coming summer, I'm planning to drive US Route 2 West. I have no idea how long I'll last on the road... we'll see what happens. Last year in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont (May - October), I took 2-3 day trips, hiked 100 mountains including 20 ski areas, and drove 7000 miles. They were great little trips and easy to manage. A longer trip may stretch my abilities and interests. Plus, who likes to leave Maine in the summer? Nevertheless.

The plan is to leave in July after Espen and his family depart, and to keep to the US/Canadian border. I've read the book, Northland, and loved the idea of exploring this region. Route 2 doesn't dance conveniently along the border, but it's a basic path to follow. At this time, I don't have an interest in driving through Canada as the map below indicates because I want to hit spots like the Lake Placid and others off Route 2.















I've started a packing list (e.g., me, Bailey, sleeping bag)... \o/... and will use apps like RV Parky, Google Maps,  Roadtrippers, and AllTrails to find free parking at Walmarts, small ski areas, hiking trails, and dump stations along the way. Traveling is tough with a dog, but I'd never leave Bailey behind even though in Sharon, he has the best caretaker on Planet Earth. Truth is, we're coming to the end of our days together. He'll be 10 years old in May and I'm pushing 70 (holy flying cows). For Bernese Mountain Dogs in America, 10 years old is 3 years over the average death date. But, we're still going strong hiking local mountains and XC skiing 4-5 times a week.

I belong to a Facebook group called Travato Owners and Wannabees. These members share lots of insights about travel. If you have an issue on the road (e.g., error warning about hot water heater) you can search on the Facebook site about solutions or post a question. Within minutes,  5 - 30 people offer insights. This support is quite amazing.  I'm guessing I should take more precautions with Bailey by buying a restraint seatbelt (i.e., harness that connects to a seatbelt). He won't like it, but the protection while logging miles seems smart.

Attean Lake near Jackman, Maine 

These little RVs fit right into typical parking spots because they're only 21' long. Furthermore, they're fully contained... just like a tiny condo in New York City. I wish I could leave at the beginning of June when school gets out because it's a bit cooler, but I've got obligations with Sebino and Guido as well as Espen and his family. It's all good.

More to come...

Parked along the road in the Mahoosuc Range in Western Maine.

The Rig's log and journal. I keep track of oil changes,
generator exercising, trips taken, and gas mileage.
I hope to keep this blog updated, too. We'll see!