Checklists…

•  Chassis lubed – check
• Tires checked – check
• Fuel tanks full – check
• Water tank full – check
• Water filters – check
• Guide books and maps – check
• Reservations made – check
• Off-line computer guides – check
• GPS files – check
• Telephoto lenses – check
• Four seasons of clothing – check
• Mosquito repellent – check
• Passports in order – check
• Fruit and vegetables eaten or thrown away – check
• Alcohol reduced for border crossing J – check
• Checklist of checklists checked – check

How do you prepare for an adventure? We use checklists. Some are found online, some from books, some from experience, and some we just make up. Maybe we’re a little too anal. Then again, maybe we’re just careful.

Our trip through Canada and Alaska will cover nearly 8,000 miles of road, some of which is described as wilderness with a road through it. There are areas with no services for over 200 miles.

The majority of the road is supposed to be paved. However, we already know that the pavement can be rough enough to break things. We also know that at least 2,000 miles will be on gravel, some of which has been featured on the Ice Road Truckers reality television series. Fortunately, its summer and our river crossings will be by ferry.

So, the bottom line is the Boy and Girl Scout Motto: Be Prepared.

North to Alaska!