My Home Away from Home

My little home

my traveling companion

I own a 1988 13-foot Scamp trailer (and a traveling pom-chi named Templeton who owns me!). This is the third year I've owned this little baby. I had never towed anything before. I have found towing to be pretty easy as long as I pay attention to packing and hooking up. It helps that of I have lists for my lists reminding me the steps for departure and arrival. In addition, I have lists of what I need to pack. I have found the important part is to look at the lists and things go much smoother!

My little trailer is pretty self-sufficient. It even includes a "bathroom". I am excited because I just upgraded my sanipottie to a Thetford porta pottie. I will be practicing with it July 4th weekend. It should be easier to use and empty. My little "bathroom" also has a shower nozzle. I have yet to use it mostly because I haven't figured out how to get my gas hot water heater going. Not to worry; I will figure it out.

The Scamp is loaded with a fresh water tank, gray water tank, furnace, fridge, stove top, and sink. I recently bought a 200w solar panel and  2000i Honda generator to keep the battery charged up, and recharged and to avoid draining it. I have used both and they are great! It's nice to know that I can run everything safely and for as long as I need to. I plan to upgrade my tiny little TV/DVD at some point for those rainy days so it's good to know I will have power. I also have an electric heater and will be taking my laptop on this trip.

I bought a Coleman mosquito pop up tent for the mosquito-infested sites. It purportedly can be put up by one person so I'll be practicing in the backyard.

I recently purchased 3 new tires and wheels, and had the hubs replaced. The wheel bearings were packed and the axle inspected for any issues. These are extremely important items for a trip like I'm taking. Also, a very expensive upgrade.

My son used to build boats so he has done a number of upgrades both big and small to the trailer which makes it fun. Replacing all of the rusty screws and other hardware with stainless steel, fixing electrical cords, adding a quick disconnect for the solar, building a small removable table top, and so, so many more upgrades.

Like so many others, my trailer has a theme- wildlife tracks. I am just now getting track decals put on it and plan to add some other track items as time goes on. I made animal track curtains and pillows. I'll be adding animal track cabinet knobs later. 

The trailer came with a name-Ova- but I'd like to change her name, I just haven't come up with anything yet. Maybe it will come to me while out in the wilderness of the road trip.

Templeton loves the trailer bed

The Beginning- Planning

Planning for a 3 week road trip where I will be towing a 13-foot fiberglass trailer seems like a crazy idea to many. I'm nearing 60 with a little pom-chi dog, Templeton, and a bucket list that needs fulfilling. I apparently have a great sense of adventure albeit within safe limits. There's trepidation in a solo trip of over 2,000 miles one way with Denali National Park as my destination.

I have a box of brochures, and tour books, and many maps for my planning and I still haven't figured out how long it will take me to get there, where to stop, or where to stay. How much money should I budget? Wait- should I have some Canadian cash? Can I use my debit card at campgrounds? Where are all those pull offs for a quick overnight stay?  Most importantly, where are the natural wonders and wildlife spots I shouldn't miss?

This is a trip I've wanted to do all of my life. I'm nervous and excited and ready for it. Three weeks of solitude is attractive. Time to reflect, time to listen- to my inner voice, to the wilderness, to the critters. Time to find the part of me that was lost in the last few years.

"The mountains are calling and I must go!" John Muir

Whistler pull off in North Cascades National Park