The Car Art Paint arrived today!

We are going to paint a map on the van of the states we will be visiting and mark our route along the way. To do this we are using a temporary paint that can be used on cars and will come off with soap and water but stay on during rain. The paint arrived today so we are ready do to that project as we get closer to lift off!

Our Gnome's Name is Gnomey and He has a Friend!

Gnomey has a friend that has also decided to join Gnomey and come with us on our trip. His name is Gnomad. We don't have a photo to show you yet but will post one soon!

Today's project

I cut a board to cover the well that the back seat on the passenger side folds into. We will not be folding that seat down so we will be using the well to store things. The board will cover the well and the "kitchen" box, stoves, and other kitchen things will go on top.

We have a new traveler with us!

Mr. Gnome has decided to join us in our travels on our Slice of America trip!

Plastic for under the shelf is done

We are putting a piece of 1/4 inch hard plastic under the shelf on the carpet so we can slide the heavy things on the plastic instead of dragging them across the carpet.

The plastic is ready so another step is done.

Answer to Quiz Question #4

Only one.

When you think about how the Lewis and Clark expedition traveling completely across country on a trek nobody had done previously it is amazing only one person died during the trip. They did have close calls though!

Sorry, Isis. You did not get the correct answer. But try again! And, Yes, I still want to go!

The Kitchen is Mostly Done

Just need to add the chain to hold the door while using it to prepare lunch from the van.

Almost done with the "Kitchen" food box!

I worked most of the day on the food box. Just several more things to finish then I will paint it and post a picture;

90 Days to Go!

This is a milestone, 3 months to go!

You know, it is very interesting that there seems to be only two reactions people have when they learn of our 31 day trip, 6 adults, 7 children part of the time, 3-4-5 adults, 4-5 children other parts, 5342 miles plus. They usually (1)think we are totally crazy or (2)their eyes light up and they say "I want to go too!"

I have to tell you, #1 is by far the majority of reactions!

What happened to the pioneer spirit? the Indiana Jones sense of adventure? the Lewis and Clark spirit of exploration? the Thomas Moran awe of the beauty of our land?

Well, we have it!!! We are not limited to "go West, young man". Our young men, and young ladies are going east, north, west, and south!

Van Shelf is finished!

Okey, Dokey! That project is done!

Next, the "Kitchen" or aka "the food box". This one is more complicated and will take longer.

The shelf is almost done!

Because a good part of our trip will be camping or cabin-ing in a different place each evening we want to make it as easy as possible to set up camp. We decided that we will make a shelf in the back driver's side of the leading van. Under the shelf will be the big tent and in plastic bins will be bedding/air mattresses/pillows. On the shelf will be tent poles, camp chairs,containers holding groceries, misc. camping stuff

The shelf had it's final fitting in the car and the legs are attached. The edge next to the back seat needs to be attached and covered. This edge is to make sure the containers on the shelf do not slide off sideways in case of a sharp turn. I am planning to attach a pouch on that edge for computer storage while riding.

Tomorrow the shelf should be totally done and I will begin working on the Kitchen "food box".

3 months before lift off!

Getting closer!!

I plan to make a shelf for the lead van to hold the tent, sleeping gear in containers below. Camp setup, groceries, jackets, etc in containers on the shelf.

The shelf and it's legs are cut, fitting will be done tomorrow hopefully. Then it will be painted.

I will also be building a "food box". We had one years ago when we used to take road trips from CA to SD but it has gone by the wayside. It was really handy when camping in a different spot each night. It has a silverware tray, space for plates, bowls, cups, cooking utensils, bread, spices, space for canned goods, cereal,cooking oil, dish soap, etc. The door of the box becomes a workspace out of the back of the van for making sandwiches, etc. Hopefully I will be able start it by this weekend.

Quiz time! Quiz #5

What is the only natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the contiguous United Sates?

Quiz time! Quiz #4

How many of the Lewis and Clark Expedition died along the way?

RE: Quiz #1

Nope, it isn't located in California!

We are going to have to collect cardboard or something just before we get there for the kids to slide down that huge sand dune! It is permitted. They also have an observatory there for public use.

100 days to go & Quiz #3

What is the Continental Divide?

Is there a Continental Multiply?