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We’ve embarked on a road trip that will be over 2500 miles. I’m driving with a kid, a dog, and 2 incredibly unhappy cats, and pulling behind us a trailer full of all our stuff. We have a cooler full of snacks, good tunes, books on CD, and a camera and journal at the ready to help us to enjoy the trip.
However, if you happen to be a prepper, I’m sure you can completely sympathize with the uncomfortable feeling of “What if something happens while we are between homes?” Think of your prepper version of a worst case scenario and then think of it happening while you’re in a vehicle in the middle of a cornfield, the mountains, or a desert. Not only would we be dealing with an event like a natural disaster, an EMP, or some other catastrophe, we’d be doing it in unfamiliar territory.
Since this isn’t just an optional vacation, but a necessary journey to reach our new home, it’s a measured risk that we are willing to take. Unlike traveling for a vacation, we will have the unique benefit of having a rolling bug-out bag behind us with tools and supplies. I took some additional preparedness measures to create the safest journey possible.
Bug-out Bags
Our fully loaded, packed to the gills, bug out backpacks are in the truck with us. Additionally, we have cash in small denominations and sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and socks easily accessible.
Food and Water
We have a cooler loaded with fruit, veggies, cheese, and a couple of days worth of chicken. Additionally we have snacks that don’t require refrigeration: crackers, nuts, bread, peanut butter, applesauce, and some homemade muffins fill a box in the truck with us. Of course, we have some longer-term supplies in the trailer should real disaster strike.
We have two cases of bottled water (something we rarely purchase), two Berkey-on-the-Go water-filter bottles, and in the trailer, we have two 5 gallon jugs of water and a big water filter.
Vehicle Emergency Kit
This always lives in the truck, but I did a quick check to be sure that none of the necessary items had been pilfered for other purposes. Our kit contains:
- Sleeping bags
- Tent
- Lighter
- Candles
- Hunting Knife
- Compass
- Pocket Survival book
- Signal flares
- Space blankets
- Warm clothes
- Atlas
First Aid Kit
This is also a constant fixture in our vehicle. It contains all of the basic items like bandages, gauze, pain relief pills, and antibiotic cream, as well as allergy medication and an Epi-pen . (My daughter has a food allergy).
Shelter
We have mapped out contacts along our route, just in case something unexpected occurs. The friends have been alerted to the approximate time we’ll be in their vicinity. Additionally, we have a tent and camping gear.
Tools
This situation is unique, in that we will have all of our tools with us, in the trailer. However, we generally have a variety of tools on hand in the vehicle: Some basic automotive repair tools, a hammer, a prybar, assorted screwdrivers, and pliers, to name a few.
Situational Awareness
The most important prep you can have is your brain. It is important to be aware of the situation around you, as well as alert to things going on in the news. It is important not only to have the means to defend yourself, but to be mentally prepared to do so if the need arises.
*****
This is the trip of a lifetime for us so we are savoring every moment. Even though we will be away from our home base, we have the advantage of skills, knowledge, and a prepper’s mindset, and I am confident we can safely meet any challenges that may arise.
I can’t wait to share pictures and stories from the journey!
Hey Daisy,
I thought the cats were going to fly ahead of you and meet you there!
HalfKin
HalfKin
That was the original plan, but unfortunately, due to a DHS regulation, they have to go through a broker, and would have cost a whopping $1100 per kitty! No way – we will just listen to the meowing!
~ Daisy
Praying you have a safe journey. Looking forward to hearing all about it.
If you happen to be in the NE Florida area (St Augustine) stop by for some fresh grilled chicken. Some of my laying hens are no longer earning their keep 🙂
Hi Daisy & Rosie…..I am trying to visualize you and I see you having such a fun time…..I know you will pull into a nice campground each afternoon/early evening and I can see you roasting marshmellows under the stars….I know, I do have a very vivid imagination!! (: I do envy U!! Keep safe, S.
Daisy and family,
Have a good trip!
All of us sending good thoughts your way.
Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Hope all is going well. Keep us updated.
May God bless and you! 🙂
Take care!
KY Mom
Well Daisy, if TSHTF, your already packed, in a way better off than many. Life has adventures in youth, enjoy them all. Wishing you safety
What a fun thing to do with your daughter! My mom and I had many great adventures that made wonderful memories. Many times, we shipped furniture and goods ahead to the new home, and travelled with dogs, snacks, and my mother’s “prepper supplies”. ( Nurses are aware that anything and everything can happen, so mom was prepared to whip up a meal in cast iron cookware-or we could stop at a cafe. ) You are teaching your daughter skills and self reliance in a terrific way. Enjoy the journey!