Build It

Once I decided to travel across the country, I had a burning desire to do it in the most self-sustainable manner. With the help of Nicholas, I removed the back seat from my Chevy and then created a hinged platform. This would allow me to store items beneath the platform while providing a large enough surface area for me to sleep comfortably. My research started during Summer 2020 and found some fascinating items. Some of the cool things I acquired for my journey include an attachable SUV tent, gel top mattress, solar panels, battery, heater, sunroof netting, electric cooler, hot pot, mini coffee press, and my own potty.

I also brought my Chevy to be serviced - more than once - and Jason at Ron Tonkin Chevrolet met my every concern about traveling the nearly expected 7,000 miles safely. Four new tires, new front and rear breaks, and pretty much a new engine. I also promised him I would get my oil changed once I got to Connecticut, and upon my return to Oregon. I'm as confident as I can be with my SUV. I love my Chevy.

In order for my faithful companion Sassenach to be comfortable, we practiced hiking with our backpacks and she got a cooling mat for her care and safety as we travel through desert and summer mugginess. She will carry her own water, snacks and some First Aid items...and carry out her own poo. Ever the Boy Scout mom..."leave no trace."

She and I also attended doggy training to be sure we would listen to each other throughout our journey. She is about 18 months old, and we are constantly working on listening and her boundless energy. We also did a weekend practice run to Sisters, Oregon to test out the set up. The trip to Sisters was most valuable, and I learned a ton about what to do, what not to do and what I could expect sleeping in my SUV with a dog!