I got my vaccine - as a registered nurse, I recommend everyone get the vaccine (no - lets not get into a pro/con discussion of the Covid vaccine). But of course it is not a requirement for joining our trip.
I don't plan on being the mask policeman on this trip. I would just ask everyone to use common sense, be courteous, and to have masks with you for when we're stopped at places that require them. I will have mine. I will wear mine when in establishments that require them. But I don't plan on wearing mine when we're on the trail.
Lets have fun and be safe on this trip, and hopefully nobody gets hurt.
Now's also a good time to remind folks to have their contact information in an envelope in their glove compartment with your name on it (see post #5). Unfortunately, things happen sometimes when on an adventure (accidents happen), and this information is needed (and you might not be in a condition to freely give it). If you've got a passenger with you, you should still have envelope(s) in the glovebox for each person. In the envelope, it should include:
1. Your first & last name
2. Your date of birth
3. Your home address
4. Emergency contact name (i.e. spouse) & phone number
5. Primary care (i.e. your doctor) name and contact information/phone number
6. Copy of your medical insurance card
7. Past medical & surgical history (a simple list and years and type of any surgery, and any medical conditions you may currently have)
8. Current medications and doses you take
9. Allergies to medications, foods, insects, etc.
10. Copy of your living will (if you have one, which you should)
11. Copy of your driver's license
There will be a couple of us health care professionals on the trip. If you've got a condition that I/we should know about (or something that could be serious) let me know. If you carry an epi pen, we need to know where it is kept (ideally either on you, or in your glove compartment). If you have an type of "rescue" medications, again we need to know where they are kept (either on you, or in your glove compartment). Having such items buried in the bottom of a bag inside another bag under containers somewhere in the back of your vehicle is not a good idea. If you're a diabetic, where's your glucometer (and strips)? Show me how yours works.
I didn't put an emergency first-aid kit on the list of required items, but ideally everyone has some sort of first-aid kit in their vehicles readily accessible. Plenty of places sell them (from mild to wild) or you can put your own together.
And if you're like me - someone who sometimes suffers badly from seasonal allergies - I'd recommend stocking up on your allergy medications (pills, nose sprays, etc.). Different parts of the country have their own special flavors of allergens that your body might not be familiar with, which may cause your immune system to go into overdrive.
