I set-up the tent to let Edgar get used to his new bedroom. He jumped right in.
We just got back from Lake Grove Vet and Dr. Wiekum gave Edgar extra meds and an ok to travel. Edgar knows something is going on and is sticking to me like glue.
Living out of the car trunk for a year has forced me to really decide what is important.
Sleeping comfort came first, the bigger air mattress is going to be worth the extra space.
Cooking and food storage are second. It is my intention to prepare most meals. I am hoping that a woman camping alone will get invited to dine with her fellow campers. Water storage and purification take some space and is necessary – lots of remote campgrounds do not have potable water.
Hygiene rounds out the top three – no explanation necessary.
I am packing for 3 seasons since I intend to avoid winter weather at all costs. Camping in the USA makes it easy to find laundromats and grocery stores – really, how far can you be from a store in America?
Cathy
Off the Grid with Cathy Herman 
Posted by Peggy Lind on March 8, 2011 at 8:14 pm
I’ve been making a mental list in my mind and I have to say it won’t fit in my trunk! You are amazing!
Posted by Don on March 8, 2011 at 8:21 pm
I hope you slept on that mattress to test it b4 you leave. And that test was done outside on a cold night, I hope? And you’ll have to watch Edgar, especially if you’ll be hitting campgrounds in off tourist season. A cougar would be off with him in a flash. So would a large coyote. But I suspect you already know this. The movie had already started by the time I got my popcorn and a coke and found a seat.
Posted by offthegridwithcathyherman on March 9, 2011 at 11:29 am
I am sleeping on the mattress now. I am not getting in between Edgar and a cougar, luckily for him he is faster than me.
Posted by Laura Baxter on March 8, 2011 at 8:58 pm
Edgar looks like he is going to enjoy his camping! Time is getting close. Have fun, and be careful!
Posted by Bob on March 9, 2011 at 8:43 am
Those would be my top three picks, too! What kind of car are you taking and where abouts (not exactly, of course) will you be camping for this duration? (ie. around Portland area or will you be traveling across the country?)
Posted by offthegridwithcathyherman on March 9, 2011 at 11:30 am
Around the country, south first, hope to spend Christmas in Key West.
Posted by Julie Wilson on March 10, 2011 at 8:58 am
I would avoid winter if I could too Cathy. I’m pretty much over this stuff we are getting. I’m excited to live vicariously through you for the next year and to see the country through your eyes. You’ll have to post lots of pictures. Edgar looks very cute sitting in that tent. He’ll be great company for you. If you can’t get invited for a dinner with the neighboring campers, I’m thinking Edgar will!
Posted by offthegridwithcathyherman on March 10, 2011 at 9:09 am
Edgar is a survivor and my best doggy friend. He will surely get some dinner invitations.