The Road Trip Essentials

I just got back from a 10 day road trip from Long Beach up to Lyons, Colorado with my good friend, Joe. I got home and unpacked on the floor and gathered together my road trip essentials.

1. Herbal teas. Green, chai, roobois and Yogi...for the inspirational quotes. It's a lot easier to make drinkable tea on the road than drinkable coffee.

2. Mala. Prayer beads. Just in case.

3. Bruton Compass. And its manual.

4. Spoon and fork duo.

5. Kiehl's Facial Fuel moisturizer, SPF 15.

6. Red bandanna.

7. Bottle coozie. I picked up this green yachting number at a gas station in Coon Rapids, MN where I used to live. It's great for hiding the near beer at a BBQ.

8. Busted Kiwi laces. Handy for tying up water bottles and pretty much anything else.

9. My mom's Native print pill box. For mints.

10. Leather-bound book of national park maps.

11. Mighty Wallet. Airmail edition.

12. Two Sharpies.

13. Blackberry Curve.

14. Nail clippers.

15. Larabars.

16. Folding knife by Opinel.

17. Zippo lighter. Colt logo. Natch.

And I forgot to include my Leatherman Wave which totally saved us a few times.