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Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Hit the Road!


My hubby and I have spent A LOT of time in the car the last while. Between our vacation to South Dakota, a funeral in Nevada, and another in Idaho, I think we've driven something like 40 hours in the past five weeks!

With all this driving I've realized there are a few things I need to manage long car trips. The two things I must have are the IPOD and gum, specifically Trident spearmint gum. Runners up would be snacks - not any particular kind, just something yummy to munch on - and occasionally Dramamine (Did I mention I get carsick riding passenger to the store?). I'm looking forward to sticking close to home this week - with no drives over 10 minutes!

What things are essential for you on a long drive? What's the most time you've ever spent in the car?

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16 comments:

  1. CathyAugust 10, 2011 at 5:11 AM

    Dramamine is good, I get car sick, too. Audio books are a mainstay. The last two times we've driven to my dad's house in Massachusetts (a 3-4 hour trip depending on traffic) audio books have saved our sanity. We popped in Harry Potter and not one child asked, "Are we there yet?" Of course, I suppose the donuts helped, too.

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  2. Jessica R. PatchAugust 10, 2011 at 5:20 AM

    That's my favorite gum, too! :)

    On a long drive, I need a blanket because DH keeps the van FREEZING! I also need a book or my kindle. I happen to be one of those who can read in the car, but only in the passenger seat. I can't read in the back.

    I need my iPod and a notepad/pen and phone!

    The longest ride, I can't even remember, but I've been on a plane for over 36 hours.

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  3. Wendy Paine MillerAugust 10, 2011 at 5:53 AM

    We moved from WA state to Lexington. I'd say that was one long jaunt. Good selection of music is a must for us.

    One time we drove to FL and we forgot all of our kiddie music so our toddler was stuck listening to Bob Marley for a good chunk of the trip. She now claims he's one of her favorites. (Smart girl.)
    ~ Wendy

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  4. Donna K. WeaverAugust 10, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    Seriously, we need to learn to apparate.

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  5. Stacy HenrieAugust 10, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    Cathy - Haven't tried audio books or doughnuts yet, but they both sound great!

    Jessica - I wish I could read in the car. If I could just figure out how to get over the car sickness.

    Thirty-six hours on a plane? I would be crawling the walls.

    Wendy - Yes, a move from WA state to Lexington is a LONG drive. I loved the thing about Bob Marley. :)

    Donna - Okay, I'll admit I didn't know what apparate was. :) Had to look it up. But now, I totally agree. Someone make that possible.

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  6. Chantele SedgwickAugust 10, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    We always have to have Reisen's. (Not sure if I spelled that right ...) And cinnamon bears. They are both a must. And plenty of water, though we ration it out between the kids so we don't have to stop for bathroom breaks every half hour. ;)
    I hope you had fun! Not at the funeral, but on your vacation! :)

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  7. PamelaAugust 10, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Long road trips are really hard, I think it is genetic my Mom hates them as well. To help get me from Point A to Point B I rely heavily on good conversation. Talking to my husband is easy my boys are a bit tricky with their one word answers. Jokes, riddles and story help immensely.

    Sorry to hear you had so many funerals.

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  8. Stacy HenrieAugust 10, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    Chantele - Love the rationing water to cut down on bathroom breaks!

    Pam - Good conversation is one plus of long trips. My boys are the same - the short word answers. But the second funeral we went to, we left the kids with a sitter, and so me and the hubby had lots of time to talk.

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  9. MarkAugust 10, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    Road trip sounds fun, make sure to bring along a pad of paper for writing ideas:) Cool blog:)

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  10. Sarah ForgraveAugust 10, 2011 at 2:39 PM

    Oh goodness, that is A LOT of time in the car, Stacy! Hopefully you can stay settled for a while now. For me, I have to have good music (and a DVD player for the kids). :)

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  11. Stacy HenrieAugust 10, 2011 at 3:02 PM

    Mark - A notebook is a great idea. I usually have a story idea or two on long road trips.

    Jen - Wow! Atlanta to Texas is a long drive. I'd love to visit New Brunswick. I bet there's some great stops along the way.

    Sarah - We overworked both DVD players. :)

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  12. ShalleeAugust 10, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    I've spent six to eight hours in a car, but the worst is on planes for me. I once had a 14 hour flight from New York to Dubai, and it was SO DANG LONG. I think I would have died if I hadn't had books. And now that I have a Nook, with lots of books on one small device, I can't go on long trips without it!

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  13. Stacy HenrieAugust 11, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    Shallee - I don't really like flying (short or long), so I like to tune everything out by watching a movie on the plane. :)

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  14. Peggy EddlemanAugust 12, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    Dramamine, definitely! I'm right there with you on the car sickness. 40 hours?!! That's CRAZY!

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  15. Stacy HenrieAugust 16, 2011 at 8:46 PM

    Peggy - Glad to know I'm not alone in the car sickness thing. :)

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  16. Small Town Shelly BrownAugust 23, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    Your list sounds exactly perfect. Maybe throw in a water bottle.

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