Uggghhh! There has to be a better way...

Packing. There has to be some magic formula for figuring out what to take on a trip spanning almost 5 weeks and covering eight states!

Today Smoky suggested that we put our suitcases in the back seat. Hmmm, I wonder what's going in the trunk? Well, the trunk of a Prius is not very large, and we usually pack it pretty solid for just a long weekend, but I really, really need my yoga blocks and yoga blankets. :) And what about the cooler with all our snacks? A traveler shouldn't be expected to do without chocolate, should she?

I actually tried to pack my suitcase today with almost everything I think I'll need, but it doesn't include any shoes. We'll need hiking boots for sure, and tennis shoes, and a pair or two of Keens, right? We also have to plan for cold weather—it gets chilly (make that "cold") in Yellowstone in the evening and early morning, and I suspect that is true for some of the other higher elevation locations as well. So we need layers (pile, insulated jacket, rain jacket) plus gloves and hats. Whew! That's another backpack all to itself.

And I really need to take my hiking staff, too.

We haven't mentioned all the camera equipment and computers, external hard drives, iPads, iPhones, charging devices, binoculars.

OK. I'm starting to hyperventilate. Maybe I should just make a list...
—Shann