Out on the road for the first time

[skrowzdm]

A few months ago I received a new calling in life. The time is fast approaching for me to take the next step in following this calling, "take the plunge" if you will. In the spring I will be quitting my job (with no intention of ever returning to that line of work again) to begin my journey. I will be leaving from the eastern united states where I will travel through the southwest, the rocky mountains, out to the pacific, then back east to pack up the things that I wish to have with me in my new life and then travel back west to whatever place I will have found to be my new place in the world. My new calling is two fold, one part is to the earth, our home (I will devote part of my industry to preserving our planet); the other part is to help with the spiritual awakening that is going on in the world today. I have no fear in leaving a job that I have always known was not my true calling (I have worked in a factory for ten years now as a welder - I kinda fell into it like many people fall into their jobs). I could, however, use some advice on traveling cross country via automobile. I haven't done much traveling in my time and I was wondering if there were any tips that anyone may have for being out on the road (for at least a month). Also, if any of you have taken a journey of sorts to "find yourself" I would like to hear your story. Any words of wisdom or encouragement would be warmly welcomed - feel free to email me personally, if you like.

with best wishes for peace profound,
chris

[AndyMartin]

Let yourself get lost.

And have fun!

[elainevdw]

Road trip!!!

To help stay alert on the road, have upbeat, loud music, chewing gum, and caffeine. You'll notice that 7-11s across the country have all sorts of different flavors of espresso -- from the typical French Vanilla to Dutch Chocolate and Butterfinger! I had fun finding and trying all different sorts of gas station coffee. (You'll find some thread of your own to take you across the nation.) Also, turn the heater on your feet and roll down the windows to stay warm but alert (if it's cold outside).

Make side trips. Sure, you can take I-80 across the country... but if I remember right, you'd miss some great stuff in the West, like the Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, Jewel Caverns, etc. (all to the north) or Carlsbad, Hoover Dam, and the Grand Canyon (to the south).

Kansas never ends. Minnesota has way too many mosquitos. Wall, South Dakota, is hilarious. And truckers are always in the know, if there's something you need to know.

[Wabi-sabi]

Stay away from the interstate system. Take the scenic route.

Don't have any idea where or how far you will go in any given day. Head in your general direction but have no plan.

Camp as much as possible. It is easy to meet lots of people this way (less expensive also).

If you are physically able, hike some of the many trails our country has to offer. Climb a mountain or two.

Backpackers have the saying "hike your own hike". Do that but however you say the same thing as it relates to a car trip. Trip your own trip maybe?

If you aren't viewing the world with wonder and see only beauty, stop until you do.

Many of us envy you so have a great experience.

[helgi]

Maybe this will help, a guide to living in your car: http://www.carliving.com/

And the book, on Amazon: Car Living: How to Make It a Successful, Sane, Safe Experience

Also, searching for "Car Living" on Amazon brings up a few more interesting books on the subject.

[River]

I've done a similar trip and hope to again one day. Great fun.

Asking a local is always a good way to find those hidden gems. Also, stop in at those "Visitor Centers" usually near the state border. Yo'll find brochures for those lesser-known attractions and you just might end up following your nose somewhere special. (Like a fabulous Tibetan restaurant in the middle of Colorado.... )