A series of crises kept delaying our departure, but we finally made it on the road at 2:30 pm. Two people, two dogs, and a ton of stuff in (and on) a Ford Explorer – Mazatlan or Bust!

We considered several different ways to deal the the plethora of stuff needed for a month long trip. We concluded some of it was definitely going to have to go outside the passenger compartment. We considered a Hitch Hauler [4], but by the time you add all the accessories, it's pretty expensive. So it came down to car top carriers. Now which kind – hard or soft?

I wanted a hard carrier. I felt a hard sided one would protect our stuff better. Plus they have locks. Chuck did some research, and it turns out that most any brand you buy requires its own mounting system. That really increases the price and makes permanent changes to your vehicle. I still wanted a hard one. They lock, and come on, it's not my car we're talking about here.

Chuck wanted a soft carrier – one big water resistant bag you put all of your stuff into. They are light weight, inexpensive, and easy to mount to any vehicle with a luggage rack. Problem is they are easy to steal, and I didn't want to have to completely unload the car every night and reload every morning.

To solve our dilemma, we went shopping. The first time I actually laid my hands on a hard carrier, I knew we weren't going to go that way. Yes, they all have stainless steel locks, but the locks are set in very flimsy plastic. The shell isn't so much a hard box as a suggestion for the shape the plastic should take. Yeah, it may be hard to pick the lock, but it would be a piece of cake to pop it out of the plastic with a screwdriver. The bags weren't any better. They have to be stuffed full, or they flap in the wind and tear. Since I really didn't want my underwear scattered across the highway at 70 mph, we nixed that idea. So now what?

We ended up at Cabela's [5]. We went to the camping section and found some duffel dry bags [6]. They aren't just water resistant, they are water proof. We chose three bags – two magnum and one large. That way, we could use whatever combination we need to accommodate our stuff with no extra room, plus still have space available to bring home the stuff we buy on vacation. We attached them to the existing luggage rack with ratcheting ties downs. No modifications to Chuck's truck.

We also bought a tire step [7] and a pet barrier [8]. The tire step is pretty self explanatory. Chuck thinks its the best thing since sliced bread. The pet barrier is great, although we aren't using it exactly according to package directions. Instead of using it to keep the dogs penned up in the very back, Chuck flipped it over, and we're using it to keep the luggage in back in case of a quick stop and the dogs in front with us.

We finally got what was supposed to be on the car on it, and what was supposed to be in the car in it, and got 10 miles down the road before Chuck wanted to stop and check the bag on the roof and make sure it hadn't shifted or loosened. OK. I pull off the highway, and he went around checking, prodding, and tugging. Everything looked good, so we continued. And promptly developed a flapping strap. We pull over again. Chuck tucks straps and tightens and we're off again. A few minutes later, the flap starts again. We live with it. Annoying, but bearable. Especially if you turn the radio up.

We're cruising along pretty good until the wind picks up. Now the truck seems to be oversteering. Grrrr. Well, we were coming up on West anyway and about to make the obligatory kolache stop, so I can't really complain. I went in for kolaches and Chuck let some air out of the tires. Back on the road. (does anyone hear Willy in the background?)

From there on out things went smoothly and we made pretty good time. We got into Laredo at 10:00 pm and set about finding the Residence Inn. After our experience in Flagstaff, we are in love with the hotel. This one didn't have a dog park, and there were signs in the parking lot that they were not responsible for whatever befell you car or possessions, but the room was very nice, the bed exceedingly comfortable, and they welcomed our dogs with open arms. I had asked my dad to make the reservations for me, since he has platinum status in their reward program and can work some great magic. I was hoping to get the pet fee waived. He surprised me by using some of his reward points to pay for the room. My dad is a really great guy.

We spent 2 hours unloading the car. I say we, but I entertained the dogs while Chuck carried all of our stuff up to the 4th floor. Gee, I love that man of mine. After that, quick showers, quick dinner, and into bed. Time for 5 good hours of sleep and tomorrow the border.