We just returned recently from a twelve day road trip to Colorado. There are so many things I love about a road trip, especially one that goes west.
I love loading up the car with everything we’ll need. We bring supplies for picnicking, car camping, motel staying, and backpacking, just in case. We fill the car with tons of snacks that are not part of our “regular life”, like beef jerky and Doritos and Peppermint Patties and Little Debbies. We bring our road atlas and we have no plan. We make no reservations – we head west and see how far we get.
Now that I have a new iPhone with maps, directions and Siri, we sometimes get help finding lodging a couple of hours down the road, but Siri has a lot of difficulty with the pronunciation of towns like Natchitoches, so we have to sigh with exasperation under our breath – poor Siri just doesn’t get it.
We inevitably run into surprises, like the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas.
If you Google “Cadillac Ranch” you’ll see how these partially buried cars have changed in the decades they’ve been here.
There are spray paint cans lying around if you’d like to leave your mark.
We love the wide open spaces and big sunsets from the car.
And quirky places like this old gas station made of petrified wood.
Or a place by the side of the road with cool carved Mr Peanuts, Uncle Sams and a zillion antique bottles.
We travel well together. We take our time. My sweetheart drives; I navigate. We are now spoiled with cruise control and XM radio, plus a jack for our iPod. Really living in the lap of luxury!
We stop at Dairy Queen almost daily. It becomes a game – will this town have a Dairy Queen? We break at nearly every rest stop, wandering around picnic areas admiring the wildflowers that grow in even the most parched-looking western soil.
We sing in the car. We laugh. On boring flat stretches we use the road atlas to quiz ourselves on the nicknames of all the states – do you know North Dakota? You will never guess…
We’re self-sufficient, and we’re free.
You know I tell myself that one day we need to just drive across and around the U.S. So much to see here… Love these pictures and glad you enjoyed yourself.
Yes – do it! It’s so much fun!
My favorite thing about road trips, aside from the snacks, is the quirky places. I love that you stopped at all of these neat roadside attractions. I hope that on your next trip, you’ll get to see the big ball of twine and House of Corn.
We went to the Corn Palace (and Wall Drug – I LOOVE Wall Drug) two summers ago, but I still haven’t seen the giant ball of twine!
Loving your post – great photos – thanks for sharing! Have a Beautiful Day:)
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed!
Fun!!!
We are taking a road trip to Canada the first of July. And we are doing just what you did. Loading up the car (Miata always a fun challenge to fit everything in), no plan, no reservations, just going and doing whatever and whenever. Love your post and now I’m even more excited to go our adventure
Wow – in a Miata – that is impressive!
Enjoy your trip!
First, I love the sunset shot! We just did 11 states in 12 days, just under 3100 miles. Of course this was on the motorcycle so I’m jealous of your ability to pack lots of goodies and extras
Thanks, Theresa! I am amazed by the motorcyclists! Saw two guys leaving Dairy Queen and bravely heading out in the rain!
You guys really know how to do it!!
You have captured and expressed the road trip experience just perfectly. It’s great to just get in the car and drive. Thanks for sharing!
It is – part of the American experience, I suppose!
What a wonderful post! Kudos on taking the same appreciative spirit into car travel! I cherish my memory of a grand road trip I blogged about a few years ago, and you reminded me of the little adventures that make spontaneity on the open road a true pleasure. Thanks Zipper! When I visited Cadillac Ranch, one of the cars read “I love you Sara” and the universe seemed rather encouraging
.
I love that one of the cars had a cool message for you – that’s the best! I miss you and hope our paths cross soon!
I used to think I wanted to take a long road trip out west. And then I took one in Canada. Now I wouldn’t mind it if I didn’t see the inside of a car, any car, for a long while. lol! My road trip was a bit more self-sufficient, though. No smart phone of any kind, no GPS. Just a map and a cell phone that wouldn’t work in Canada. I know. It’s crazy.
Your trip looks like great fun, and all kidding aside, I can certainly see the appeal in it. Wonderful set of images, too.
We used to take road trips with just a road atlas too! We didn’t get cell phones until we were evacuated for Hurricane Katrina – so we’re late adopters. I love a good road trip, but the grass at home is so nice too!
“We’re self-sufficient, and we’re free.” Amen sister. You have captured the very essence of what I adore about road trips. Well said.
Thank you!