Phil's Post-Gearing up

One of the first and most difficult decisions of our trip was what vehicle to take. Last year, Sandi, Molli, and I traveled to San Francisco, via the Grand Canyon and Yosemite NP to visit Nate. On that trip, we took the civic hybrid. We camped most days. Although it was fairly cramped, the hybrid was quite serviceable and we enjoyed 40+ mpg while we paid $4 + gas prices. This trip, we felt that with 6,000 miles over 5 weeks, the tiny cabin of the civic just would not do.
Now, 9 days and 3,000 miles into our Alaska trip, we are constantly grateful for the extra space the Jeep Grand Cherokee provides, even though it is 18+ or – mpg. It hits our pockets on a twice daily basis.
Starting from the top, the roof has, tied to it, folding chairs and a 5 gallon gas can, full and ready for use. We expect that additional articles may find their way up there during our travels.
Just in front of the tail gate, are 4 rectangular zippered bags. Each is about the size of a 5 gallon gas can and containing specific camping items. These are carefully separated and labeled by Sandi. One is for cooking gear, including camp stove. Another holds all our soap, foil, cleaning supplies, and dish towels. The third holds drinks and snacks, while the forth holds dry and canned goods.
To the left of these lies a 5 gallon water jug which holds our kitchen and shower water. Yet another bag has ropes, bungees and tarp. A car tool kit, including adjustable wrenches, pliers, screw driver, hammer, duct tape, gorilla duct tape (Sandi’s contribution), flare, tire gauge, fix a flat, oil, air cleaner and spare bulbs and fuses for the car. There are two suit cases, one for each of us, containing 7-10 days of clothing. We also have 2 sleeping bags and a REI Quarter Dome Tent .
The cooler is Phil’s old Green Coleman Cooler. It is located right behind the driver’s head. Our trusty Coleman Cooler is stocked with beer, soda, milk, apple juice, and wine. Eggs, bacon, hamburger or (currently Bison), lunch meat, cheeses, vegetables (from Sandi’s garden), butter, and condiments are also included. Until today, we were fortunate to find block ice. Dry ice is nowhere to be found. We fear we might need to move on to cubed ice if we can’t find a glacier soon. This is unfortunate because dry ice can last 3-4 days, block ice lasts 2+ days and cubed ice lasts barely a day.
Our cooking stove is a very compact butane/propane mix backpacking stove. It replaces Phil’s Svea stove, which he had for many years. The advantage of his old stove was that it ran on white gas (unleaded gas). The new stove runs on canisters of gas. These cost $4-$8 each. The Svea was getting temperamental on the last trip, so we are glad to have the new stove. We are doubly glad to have this new stove, since entering the Yukon today, because on the community bulletin board (Watson Lake, YK) barring all open campfires throughout the Province due to fire hazards.
Finally, we have 2 computer bags, Molli’s dog bag, and miscellaneous “floating” articles.
Seating arrangements are interesting. We have folded down half of the rear seat to make room for the cooler and to add to overall surface area for storage speace. The other side of the rear seat has Molli’s blanket, but she has yet to check in. She would much rather spend her time with her rear paws on the sleeping bag in the back seat with her front paws splayed across the front council. This is so she can regularly obtain pats and treats from those in the front seats. Phil and Sandi split the driving (editorial comment from the typist-sure, split is the word for it). The day typically begins and ends with Phil driving and Sandi taking two turns to his three. (editorial comment-he is a Duncan after all).
Maps and Milepost book for Canada and Alaska are included in the extra spaces in the car.