Today was another full day of trip prep, focused on getting the truck organized and making sure everything has its place. I packed up the storage bins that slide neatly under the cot in the bed of the truck--each one serving a specific purpose to make life on the road smoother.

- Bin 1 (Tailgate access): This holds all the gear needed to set up camp--awning, tarp, and folding chair. Quick access here is key when pulling into a site.

- Bin 2 (The kitchen): I've loaded this with cooking supplies, dishwashing buckets, dry goods, a a butane stove, and silverware. Everything I need to make a decent meal at camp.

- Bin 3 (Clothing): This has all my clothing, including layers for colder weather. I've experienced a snowstorm in Colorado in May before (see my Great Divide Mountain Bike Ride blog), so I'm not taking any chances.

- Bin 4 (Bike gear): This one carries my biking essentials--helmet, shoes, bike pump, and even my zero-degree sleeping bag for colder nights.

I also stocked the truck fridge with fresh veggies and snacks. Next to it, I set up a smoothie station with all the powders I use regularly: whey protein, creatine, red raspberry powder, cocoa powder, psyllium, and collagen. I'll be running the Blendtec blender off my 2000-watt inverter tucked beneath the plywood platform.

For water, I'm bringing a container I can refill and run through a Berkey-style filtration system. Clean water is a must, and this setup will keep me covered.

On the tech side, I'm bringing my iPhone, iPad, and a spare old MacBook Pro. As always, before a solo trip, I made sure our estate plan is current and that Robin has full access to my accounts and passwords. It gives us both peace of mind.

I also prepped digital navigation tools. With fast Wi-Fi at home, I downloaded offline maps for both GaiaGPS and iOverlander. Gaia will help me navigate public lands, especially in remote areas without cell service. iOverlander will be my go-to app for finding stealth camping spots and community-shared tips.

Since I'll be spending a fair bit of time off-grid, I also downloaded a small library of entertainment--TV series, documentaries, and movies--onto my iPad. It's always nice to unwind at night with something familiar, and having a few favorites loaded up means I won't need a signal or data to decompress after a long day of exploring.

Not everything went smoothly, though. My first attempt at making privacy curtains was a flop. I bought some cheap fabric that started unraveling as soon as I cut it. I'll probably stop along the way and pick up some Reflectix--that silvery bubble wrap insulation. It's cheap, easy to trim to window shape, and adds a bit of insulation too.

While working inside the SmartCap today, I noticed just how much heat the black stainless steel absorbs. That might be a challenge once the sun's overhead in the high desert.

And now, as the departure gets closer, I can't help but reflect--this will be the first time in three years that Robin and I have been apart for more than a few days. It's hard to leave the comfort of our home, the joy of our daily routines, and the peace that comes from being with someone you love. But I also know that this trip is about exploring possibilities, stepping into new landscapes, and seeing if southern Colorado might be part of our future.

Prep Day #2: Packing, Planning, and Preparing for Departure

Day One: Launching Westward

Colorado Scouting Trip Prep Day #1: Dust Seals, Crossbars, and Locking Down the Bike