Morning Muse - 13 Gravel Road Trip Tips

A day in the country usually includes a portion of the trip travelled on a gravel road. The length of that road could be anywhere from a half a mile to, well, let’s just say it could go on forever. 

These outings start out with a pleasure trip in mind. Maybe to see some wild life. Visit a favourite fishing hole, take in some scenery or reach a destination to meet up with friends or family. 

Finding yourself alone and miles from no where when something goes awry, is not a good feeling. Whatever the reason, plan to be prepared. The words safe than sorry come to mind.

Consider these thirteen tips before heading out on your next gravel road adventure. 

1. Let someone know what area you plan to travel. Road names, range and township road numbers and when you expect to be home or at your destination. Believe it or not, cell service is not available everywhere. 
2. Do a vehicle inspection. Tires, windshield washer fluid and is your fuel tank full. 
3. Knowing the estimated distance you are going to travel and is there somewhere along the way that you can fill your gas tank again. 
4. Take along updated road maps of the area. GPS may not recognize logging roads, cut lines and short cuts. Don’t depend on the use of a cell phone to get your out of a bind. 
5. Water (more than one bottle per person) and snacks (try for some home baked cookies, nuts, fruit). 
6. Dress for the season and the weather (current and unexpected). Layer your clothing accordingly. Take along rain gear, winter boots, dry socks, gloves, hats, warm jacket.
7. Emergency Kit. Make sure it is replenished and everything is working before you leave home. Blanket, extra batteries, flashlight, candles, matches, solar light and toilet paper.
8. Pay attention to road signs. Dead End Road might mean no where to turn around. Cattle or Stock at Large is telling you that you quite probably come across livestock on the roads. No Access in Wet Weather. This one might mean you will be mired axle deep in mud with no thought of getting out any time soon, regardless of four wheel drive. No Trespassing. It’s not your land, so why would you even consider entering? All of these signs are put there for a reason and should not be ignored. 
9. Blanket. Might be in your emergency kit, but having a couple along is a good idea.
10. First Aid Kit. This doesn’t have to be an industrial style kit. It needs to have some basics and it needs to be replenished on a regular basis. 
11. Shovel. Mud or snow, it can come in handy. 
12. Business Cards. “What?” you ask. A lot of the backroads a gravel roads take you near homes of people who live there, year round. They will know your vehicle doesn’t belong there. They may stop you to see if you need help, directions or just to ask what you are doing travelling in their area. Introduce yourself, tell them why you are there (going for a drive, taking pictures, lost, on my way to so and so’s house, and give them a business card. The card will have your name, most likely your telephone number and the business you are affiliated with. It is nothing more than common courtesy, and it validates your presence in their world. 
13. Go with a good attitude. Look forward to a fun outing. You are, after all, now better prepared for the day. 

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Do you have other gravel road trip tips? Share them with us. 

​Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life