Prelude

Depart: Huntington Beach, California
Arrive: Ontario, California
Miles Traveled: 38.2

One thing that will suck the excitement out of a roadtrip (at least the heady, early moments) is traffic; and no place has more of that than Southern California. So, thanks to our hotel connections we made arrangements to stay in Ontario the night prior to the official start of our journey. Beyond that, nothing says "vacation" like a night in Ontario.

Those who know me best know that what I really enjoy is planning these types of things ~ the actually travel is sort of a pain, though considering the amount of planning involved it is unavoidable ~ and part of that planning includes the purchase of "critical" supplies. Here are some of the toys supplies that will prove to be mission critical to our trip.

GPS
This one is something that even my wife agreed we should have; and now that we have had it for a couple of months I'm wondering how, and why, I lived without it. Of course it sometimes takes a more circuitous route than what I would do if left to my own inclinations; and in those moments I feel something like Dave Bowan standing by as the HAL 9000 comes unhinged in "2001: A Space Odyssey." However it is my fail-safe against my dreadful sense of direction, and it is a purchase that has given us all great peace of mine.


Swiss Army Rescue Tool
This is one where the wife simply shook her head and kept moving. But if you watch this video you will see the incredible value of this item. After all, one never knows when it will become necessary to cut away the windshield of the car, or bust out a passenger window.

Or open a bottle.



First Aid Kit
How many bandages, cotton balls, and other assorted items does one require when going on a trip? About 250 is the answer I came up with. The truth is I will probably use the first aid kit immediately following my first attempt to use the Swiss Army Rescue Tool.


So, having gotten the toughest thirty-eight miles out of the way, and properly supplied, we begin in earnest tomorrow morning. The goal is to be on the road by 6:30AM, but you all know how that goes. Assuming that there is some kind of internet/cellphone access at the Grand Canyon I'll be sure to let you know.