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Getting There

Let’s say, for the sake of argument, that you are coming from southern California and going to upstate New York. The festival is eight days long, and over a thousand people are expected to be there. Will you drive straight through, trading off the driving and only stopping for gas and picnic meals? Or, are you going to make this a month-long deal, staying at five-star hotels, dining out for every meal, stopping at all the tiny tourist traps, antiquing and making merriment where ever you are? (Ahhh... I can dream, can’t I?) Perhaps somewhere in-between? Also, do you plan on being the first one there to scope out the best spot, or are you into the whole Pagan Standard Time thing and just love to make an entrance? As you can see, there’s lots of planning involved here!

Well, even folks like my husband ,who loves to be spontaneous, plans a little! You’ll need to factor in how to pack everything, so that all your road gear stuff is easily accessible. You’ll also need to make sure you have spending money and change along the way. That chocolate bar at the rest stop is just screaming for you to buy it, but if you’re only carrying $20's, you’re not going to get it!

You’re going to need something to drink along the way, so unless you plan on buying something every time you get thirsty, it’s a good idea to pack a little cooler inside the car. I’m like a camel and rarely drink much, but even I do this! ;) The big cooler can stay in the trunk, staying cold, and keeping the food from spoiling. Other things you’ll want in the car is your road map and cell phone, something to keep the passengers busy, and some of your bedding, like a pillow or whatnot.

Did know that you can legally pack that back seat to the ceiling, if you really need to, and can confidently drive without your standard rear-view mirror? As long as both of your side mirrors are clear and easy to view from, you’ll be just fine. However, if you make any stops along the way where you’ll be out of the view of your car, make sure nothing valuable is in view, all the doors are locked, and the windows rolled up. Don’t be foolish and assume nothing will happen; respect Murphy’s Law and you’ll be just fine! :)

Cleanliness is next to Godliness: how many times have you heard that before? When packing, it is vital to be as neat as humanly possible. Neatly folded clothes fit in your bag better, and soft bags verses hard-shell cases can accommodate more small items. Give your car an oil change, rotate the tires and get a tune-up; She needs it anyway. Wash your windshield often; many car accidents happen because of poor vision. While you’re at it, take that squeegee to your directional and headlights. Those long, dark, winding roads will really need all the extra light they can get! Also, by frequently cleaning out your car when you gas up, you will feel better about the long drive ahead of you, and knock out the lingering smells at the same time. Besides, who wants to open up the car door at a campsite and have fifty Taco Bell wrappers come tumbling out behind you? ;) With that in mind, give your car a good, hard car wash and vacuum right before you get there. Part of the festival is being seen; how nice it will be to have your first pictures taken looking good and feeling even better!

One last note: please leave your animal companions behind with someone you trust. Many festivals do not permit them, and many campers do not like them. While you may think Anubis and Bast would like to romp and play in the outdoors, what they’ll really appreciate is being quietly pampered by loving and caring sitters, in air conditioning, surrounded by their favorite toys and food.

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