First post!

Its Thursday, August 25th 2011. Three more days until we embark on our journey across the Southwest dry, hot desert. Through the majestic Rockies, then it's nothing but flat, boring plains till Chicago. I have done a lot of prepping for this trip. You see, this is not a normal road trip. This is a journey. An adventure. If we were taking our 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it would be different. We would just, well, pack up the snacks and drive. Breaking down and being stranded doesn't really cross your mind as much. I have the top of the line warranty, why worry? Well, we are not taking the Jeep. We are taking my 1972 Volkswagen Bus. It has 140,000 miles. It has been down to the tip of South America and back. One cannot just jump and and drive without planning and plotting for at least a week prior to departure. My checklist is a full page. I have a fire extinguisher handy at any given moment. Purchased new tires. Got the carbs synced up and tuned. Oil changed. Wheels balanced and aligned. Brakes replaced. All in preparation for the trip. Hopefully by taking these precautions, it will enhance our chances of arrival. Yes, I said arrival. I will consider this trip a success if we GET to Chicago. Ok back to work, will update this weekend with some pics and more details of the trip and why we are going.