THE ROAD TRIP- An Essential guide to crossing it off your Bucket list.

A Road Trip is an experience that everyone has on their bucket list.  However surviving the summer road trip can be a challenge, The Russell's were able to experience the challenges and tribulations that a good old fashion road trip poses this June.  Here is a hind-sight is 20/20 guide for those families that will be braving the unforgettable experience that is "THE ROAD TRIP!"

STEP 1- SECURE TRANSPORTATION:
Our adventure started about 3 months ago when we bought our "new" truck.  Our vision was to have a nice family vehicle that would safely and comfortably transport us and our trailer.  For those who have seen our new transportation, I think you would agree our goal was achieved!  ;) 

STEP 2- ARRANGE ON-ROUTE ENTERTAINMENT:
This is a crucial component to any road trip, especially those that involve children.  Our family could not live with out Williams "Little TV".  The portable DVD player has put on many km's.  It ensures the happiness of our little family group.  The "little TV" is usually accompanied by many snacks, gallons of water, and usually some special treats (e.g. the coveted 'cars' Candy's!) that make an appearance during crucial moments through out the trip.

STEP 3- ARRANGE DESTINATIONS IN A ORGANIZED MANNER:
To ensure that maximum fun is had, try to arrange stops in a sequence that limits back tracking and detours.  We found a southern heading allowed us to maximize the time we had to visit with both sides of the family, our friends and minimized distance between stops.  So when we arrived in Drumheller at the DINOSAUR TRAIL campground, we were well rested and eager to start a new adventure.

STEP 4-VISITOR CENTERS=YOUR BEST FRIEND!
Its kinda stupid, I never realized how important and helpful Information or Visitor centers were until we travelled to New Zealand and I never really paid attention to the tourist services that Alberta/Canada had until this last trip.  We arrived in Drumheller and quickly found the Visitor Center at the site of the BIGGEST DINOSAUR in the world!  There was tonnes of free resources for attractions not only in Drumheller but for all of Alberta/Saskatchewan and even BC.  The worker at the information desk was super helpful and pointed us in the right direction to find a great campground, and maximize our time in DRUMHELLER.  We were also able to find great family friendly things to do for FREE!  Like the great free splash/spray park right near the Big Dinosaur!

William is a little upset...He really wanted the "little ball" at the souvenir shop

STEP 5-WEEKDAY CAMPING/ATTRACTION VISITING IS AWESOME!!
 Campgrounds are near empty! By camping Monday-Friday you have your choice of site and don't have to worry about disturbing others (or having others disturb you!)  We had a great site with absolutely no one around!  Except for maybe wildlife, like WILD TURKEYS! 

Visiting attractions like the ROYAL TYRELL MUSEUM when they first open is well worth the early wake up!  Especially if you have younger children (since your probably up early anyway!).  If you are doing your visiting during the school year an early visit popular attractions will help decrease the traffic/volume and allow you to see what  you want to with limited disturbance.  And although travelling with a small child doesn't allow you to see or "read" everything, William was able to run around and be excited about seeing the exhibits with out disturbing the other visitors. 

STEP 6- EXPECT DIFFICULTIES AND REMEMBER ONE DAY IT WILL BE HUMOROUS!:
In every family vacation there are times when you wish you could just go home!  Every family member either secretly or not so secretly wishes this at one point.  (Even a 2 year old!)  Recognizing these times and allowing your self to push past them is pivotal to the success of "The Road Trip".  Our trip was not immune to trials and tribulations.  It turns out that weaning a child off sippy cups (intentional) and his beloved blanket (accidental) while taking a FUN FAMILY vacation is not a great idea!  Needless to say we were not equipped to handle the baffling world of TEMPER TANTRUMS!
 
STEP 7- REMEMBER TO SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY THE SIGHTS!

Hiking and Biking are great because they allow you to get outside and enjoy the scenery!  Not to mention they can help augment the calorie intake that tends to increase significantly while on vacation!  The Russell's enjoyed lots and lots of scenery on our road trip!  We experienced the vast and... vast land called Saskatchewan.  Claydon Saskatchewan was the furthest south that the Russell's journeyed this trip.  And we defiantly enjoyed the contrast of landscape during our journey to celebrate the Marriage of our friends Brooke and Matthew.

The First tree we saw in Saskatchewan!  About 10minutes after entering the province.

Claydon Saskatchewan.  I did ask the happy couple if they were really getting married or just getting everyone one to drive out to the middle of no where to kill us!

The Post office.  The other buildings in "town" include, the run down old grocery store, this post office, a run down old house, a hall and lots of farm equipment.

STEP 8-KICK BACK AND HAVE FUN:

Road trips can become allot about the miles and less about the fun! Its important to kick back, take a breath and have fun! Give your self a day or two that is less about schedule's and time and more about eating, drinking and having fun! The Russell's mastered this step! Claydon

The Joy of children!  Can fall asleep anywhere, especially after eating only candy and running around like a crazy man during the entire reception.

Stetson, Chilling in the lake!

Hunter and William hanging out and chowing down.

Crossing off a "FAMILY ROAD TRIP" from your bucket list is very rewarding.  Keep the previous steps in mind and although the definition of "successful" may differ depending on the family, you too can enjoy the tradition of the "Road Trip"!

CANT TURN YOUR BACK FOR A MINUTE.... Just a couple pictures to round off the summer so far!

Happy Canada Day!

This is all from my GARDEN!!!