These are my time-tested general rules. In addition, there are tens -maybe hundreds- more that apply to specific activities and chores.
RULES OF THE ROAD for OTR-9 2018
1 | Plan and prepare thoroughly before I leave. |
2 | Plan and prepare for contingencies. |
3 | Do not set off until fully prepared and rested. |
4 | Getting home safely is the goal of the trip |
5 | Turning back is always an option. |
6 | Don’t leave Donner unattended. |
7 | Exercise Donner every day. |
8 | Know here Donner is at all times. |
9 | Keep Donner safe, secured and under control. |
10 | Let Donner have fun. |
11 | Keep Donner clean, dry, comfortable, and healthy. |
12 | Blame nothing on Donner. |
13 | Drive safely; Don’t drive when tired; Obey the law |
14 | Drive only a reasonable distance each day. |
15 | Get off the road by sunset. |
16 | Observe daily schedule closely |
17 | Get on road early, efficiently each day. |
18 | Use the break-camp and pit-stop checklists religiously. |
19 | Stay on schedule, but reserve the right to change it. |
20 | Meet and enjoy people along the way. |
21 | Retire early; get a good night’s sleep; get up early. |
22 | Exercise every day. |
23 | Eat healthy. |
24 | No drinking (except a glass of wine daily). |
25 | No pipe-smoking on roof rack, in Defender, near tents. |
26 | Stay clean, dry, comfortable, and healthy. |
27 | Protect my eyes. |
28 | Put everything in its place. |
29 | Keep the tent clean, organized and tidy. |
30 | Leave campsites better than I found them. |
31 | Keep the Defender clean, organized, tidy, maintained. |
32 | Plan the day’s goals and the remaining trip daily. |
33 | Keep a daily journal. |
34 | Update the blog daily. |
35 | Read every day. |
36 | Enjoy the moment. |
37 | Act smartly, intelligently, safely, esp. on roofrack. |
38 | If there’s a problem, fix it; prevent it, move on. |
39 | There’s a solution for every problem so don’t give up. |
40 | Don’t blame anything on anyone, including myself. |
41 | If something is important, do it now! |
42 | Help others in need. |
43 | Don’t take any unnecessary risks. |
44 | Respect nature. |
45 | Keep the right views thoughts, words, and actions. |
46 | What you do not pack, leave at home. |
47 | Do it right the first time. |
48 | Do what is right. |
49 | Expect and prepare for the unexpected. |
50 | Don’t rely on the GPS |
51 | Know where I am and where I am going at all times. |
