Lessons Learned Over 2000 Miles

After a long trip from Oakland to British Columbia... and back....in the car with kids, two and five....for twenty four hours of driving...I've developed a list of lessons learned....for next time, if ever.

1) If one of your loved ones is still in diapers......... and you stop to eat....... and then you get in the car again, you will have to stop within ten minutes for a diaper change. Good digestion should be applauded, but not on a road trip. In other words, forget about making good time.

2) If you bring apples, organic granola bars, carrots and other fine snacks, they will be loudly eschewed every time for french fries.

3) Minimize spousal conflict by staying hydrated, shutting your trap, and using plenty of eye drops.

4) Two DVD players are always better than one. Rose is small, she doesn't watch television at home....much, but next time two, definitely two. The use of earphones cannot be encouraged strongly enough.

5) If you are particular about the state of your car, do not give your children pens, paper and tape for art. Or scissors, definitely not scissors. If you are not particular about your car, it's still disturbing.

All in all, a tremendous trip. And despite all delays, miscommunication, spats and bad food, I wouldn't hesitate to do it again...but with more eye drops, DVD players and tape. Can't really explain the tape, but it's gold, pure gold.