In the winter, bring a blanket in your car and maybe a small shovel if you get stuck in the snow or mud after a downpour.

Don't be afraid to ask for help at a country store or a small town shop. I live in a very rural place and we don't bite. I'm a rare Democrat in a republican county but no one's going to see you and not be willing to help you.

Even if you're the stereotypical Seattle Boogeyman, most are happy to answer questions about best places to camp, fish, or roads to avoid.

Oh and please follow the speed limit in tiny towns because you will get pulled over. We will watch from our blinds in that case and it happens almost nightly as we live on US 12 in SE WA.