Earlier this week, I started preparing for my upcoming trip to the Desert Southwest. As part of this preparation, I purchased a few items that probably don't lead Amazon's list of best selling products!

1. The items rolled in the plastic sleeves are the window coverings for my new Prius. With the help of the attached suction cups, these Heatshield sunshades snap into place to block light and provide privacy while camping in the Prius.
2. The white fabric is no see um mosquito netting. This netting will be fitted for the side windows of my Prius and then sewn into sleeves that will slide over the windows. On warm nights, this netting will make it possible to roll the windows down for better ventilation while providing protection against mosquitoes and other insects. I will share photos of how these sleeves work once this trip is underway.
3. The box standing in the back holds specially made gaiters. These gaiters strap around the calf and cover the leg from the ankle to just under the knee. These "Rattlers Brand" gaiters offer snake protection in an area of the body most subject to snake bites. They are a precautionary measure that I plan to use while solo hiking out to a remote Indian ruin in southern Utah. Although the odds of getting bit by a snake are very low, those odds are a little higher while hiking on a more remote trail in this area of the country during the summer months. Getting bit by a rattlesnake while two miles away from the car would not be good. Next, I'll have to figure out how to protect my arms!

​I wonder what other strange items I will be buying before I leave for this adventure!