🐾 Road Trip with a Dog in Norway: Preparations

📍 Location: Norway – Before departure

🐕 Gizmo's First Road Trip

In the picture, you can see Gizmo and me after a warm walk. This is his first-ever road trip and the longest journey he's ever been on, so this will be exciting!

I hadn't camped since I was a kid, so I needed a refresher on how to pitch a tent, use a gas burner, and get everything back into the tiny bags again. I practiced by setting up the tent in the garden with a little help from my parents, then tried on my own. It went much smoother than expected.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Practice pitching your tent at home first, avoids stress on a windy mountain.

• Let your dog explore the tent beforehand, it helps them feel safe.

• Test your gas burner and camping gear before leaving.

🎒 Packing – Organized Chaos

The hardest part was packing everything we needed. We definitely brought too much, but it's better to overpack than underpack on a first trip. Here's what I packed:

1. Camping table and chair

2. Bucket and trash bags

3. Backpack with clothes: winter, summer, swimwear, underwear

4. Toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrushes, nail clippers, hairbrush, tweezers, tick remover

5. Shampoo and conditioner for both me and Gizmo

6. Car harness, seatbelt, poop bags, treats, dog food

7. 10L water can, soda, snacks, and refillable food bags

8. Sandals and sneakers

9. Phone, laptop, chargers, power bank

10. Food bowls for Gizmo and extra containers

11. Both winter and summer clothes (mountains can be cold even in summer)

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Use a packing list app or write everything down, it's easier to track essentials.

• Pack for multiple temperatures, Norwegian mountains can be unpredictable.

• Always bring a tick remover and a small first aid kit for you and your dog.

• Organize your car so the things you'll need most are easy to reach.

🚗 Ready to Hit the Road

After packing the car, I said goodbye to my parents and sister. First stop: the grocery store to grab some polar bread, crispbread, and simple sandwich toppings for the first few days.

Then we were ready to drive over Valdres and start the adventure.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Keep water easily accessible for both you and your dog.

• Take frequent breaks to walk your dog, especially on warm days.

• Start with shorter stretches if your dog isn't used to long drives.

• Check the weather forecast for mountain passes, conditions can change quickly.

🌟 Summary

Overall, I felt excited but a little nervous. Gizmo seemed curious and calm, and the car was packed to the brim. I can already tell I'll learn a lot about what I really need to bring on a road trip like this. This is going to be an exciting adventure!