We have some exciting news — it’s time for our annual road trip with Monty and Gadget! We’re headed to their favorite “resort”: Rich’s Retreat in the heart of Western Massachusetts. It’s not on any map, because this special getaway is actually the backyard of our family — our go-to spot for a week of relaxing mooch-docking.
For Monty and Gadget, this means a break from suburban southern life and a chance to enjoy fresh farm air, endless belly rubs from their grandparents, tasty handouts from the table, a big fenced-in yard, and visits from fellow four-legged friends.
But before we can hit the road, we always go through a few key preparations to help ensure our trip is smooth and uneventful.
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Prepping Monty and Gadget
We always start with a full pet check-up to keep everyone safe and happy:
• Microchip Check: We make sure both Monty and Gadget’s microchips scan properly and that the contact info is current. (Tip: Ask your vet which company manages your pet’s chip so you can update it if needed!)
• Vaccines & Grooming: Up-to-date vaccines, trimmed nails, and most importantly — fresh baths. Nobody wants a smelly pup in a car or camper for 1,000 miles!
• Timing: We aim to handle vet visits and grooming 1–2 weeks before our trip, leaving only baths for the night before. This keeps things stress-free and gives us time to handle any surprises.
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Prepping the Car
Our trusty road trip car gets just as much attention:
• Routine Maintenance: We change the oil, replace the air filter, check all fluids, inspect lights, wipers, and pack a few extra quarts of oil or coolant just in case.
• Upgrades: This time around, Tim replaced the front struts and rear shocks, even though it wasn’t urgent. It felt like the right time with all the travel ahead. He also swapped in new brake pads — better safe than sorry!
• Tires: We make sure all tires (including the spare!) are in good shape, properly inflated (check the label on the driver-side door jamb), and have plenty of tread left.
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Prepping the Camper
Our camper gets the same thorough treatment:
• Wheels & Bearings: We jack up each wheel to spin and listen for unusual noises, shake the wheel to check for looseness, and repack the bearings with high-temp grease if needed.
• Tire Check: Just like the car — we inspect for damage, tread wear, and correct pressure (check the trailer’s driver-side front for specs).
• Lights: A full check of external trailer lights is a must before heading out.
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These are just the highlights of our prep routine — we also pack clothes, food, camping gear, and all the little extras that help make the trip special.
We can’t wait to share all our adventures from the road and the joy Monty and Gadget bring along the way. Be sure to follow us on Instagram:
to keep up with all their travel tails!
Happy Camping,
Tim, Kristen, Monty, and Gadget 🐶🐶
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