Monday= St. Louis

There is an absurd amount of corn out here. Absurd.



So, the doubletake I did when I saw this was epic. It's a Panera, but time out. It doesn't say Panera Bread Company. It says "Saint Louis Bread Company." What's going on?
This is the first Panera ever. I had to go into tourist mode and get a photo with it.
I also snapped



The arch



This is something like "the largest scale model of the moon in the world."
Personally, I thought St. Louis was pretty cool. More sights (corn?) to see tomorrow!
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Fortune, mostly good.

Left at 25 after 9.
Just finished my first turn driving, switched just before Columbus, Ohio.
Observations thus far:
1. We packed well. I left Philadelphia 3 days ago and still haven't thought of anything I forgot. I didn't forget to tell Boyf to bring his video camera (why buy one if your not going to us it for stuff like this?) but my bad. Oh well. Our phones take crappy video if need be.

2. Driving in general is going well- we should be in St. Louis around 7pm- just in time for dinner.

3. I did somehow get a scuff on the front bumper of my car. Ouch. No big though, I have someones white paint as a souvenir. I can't blame anyone but myself though, because we noticed before he started driving.

4. He took some photos with my camera before he started driving. I'll have to post them from a computer some time.

5. Other news bulletins: we added up some of our costs so far:
Refilling ez-pass (toll money) $35
100 proof stoli $20
Yellowstone camping fee $22
Walmart (campstove, lantern, propane, bug spray...) $41
Hotel in Vegas $95
Kmart (air mattress, pump) $37
Grand canyon camping fee $18
Food (target and random grocery store stuff on sale for snacks and camping) approx $28
Target (cooler, ice packs) $20
More target (more food, camping cookware, toiletries) $68
Gas (used the fuel perks card, $.60 off per gallon) $20

Not bad! Running total is just under $400, but all lodging and stuff that we needed to camp (all we had to start with is a tent, camp chairs and sleeping bags; all other camping essentials were purchased in the last month.)
Gas ain't bad either- we'll fill up again in another hour or so:)
I apologize to anyone who had to see the horrific photo of me that was here.
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Location:Itawamba Trail,London,United States

The drive to the Burgh:Photos from the dashboard

First of many bridges



The windmills



Willkinsburg! Grimey but it's the first town I pass through when I get off the highway, so I love seein' it.


Burgh!



You can't see in the picture, but the busses still say LETS GO PENS in late June. Amazing.
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Making good time, even though I did stop for Starbucks already, where I encountered every idiot who had never ordered Starbucks before.








It's a beautiful day to cross PA
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Friday=First leg=Burgh!

The journey has begun! Car is packed, apt is locked, and I'm on the road to the Burgh. Getting gas in Philly now, eta in Pgh= 4:45pm EST


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The rest of the list

Cooking ~ Camping Checklists
Long handled lighter
Marshmallows, grahams, chocolate
Camp chairs
*We don't plan to set any fires, so most of the stuff I removed from this list involved campfires.


Washing Up ~ Camping Checklists
Garbage bags
Dish cloth, soap, towels
Plastic washing bin
Towels, face cloths, soap, Shampoo
Scrub pad


Medical ~ Camping Checklist
Prescription medication
Reading glasses, contacts, sunglasses
brush, paste, floss
Pepto
Benadryl/Sudafed
Tissues
Eye drops
Aloe Vera, soothing lotions
Sunscreen, bug spray
Pain Meds(Aleeve)

First Aid ~ Camping Checklists
Emergency phone numbers
Flashlight, extra batteries
Pen/pencil, paper
5 Gauze pads 4X4 and 2X2
2 Roller gauze
1 Adhesive tape
1 Pair scissors
1 Pair tweezers
10 Alcohol wipes
10 Steri strips, butterfly sutures
Bandaids (various shapes/sizes)
1 First Aid Guide
*I have delegated this packing task entirely to Boyf. I trust his Eagle Scout judgement.

Activities ~ Camping Checklists
cards
*We do not have room for badminton n'at

Other Important Stuff ~ Camping

Insect discouragers
Batteries
Camera, GPS, cell phone
Swiss army knife, multi tool
Warm clothing
Rain gear, umbrella
Duct tape, gorilla glue, WD40
Sewing kit, safety pins
Toilet paper, paper towel
Water, water filter

Check out the Road Trip Packing List to find out what should be in your vehicle in case of emergencies.
*You got it:
Flashlight(bringing a few)
Booster cables, vise grips, 3/8ths drive socket set, set of combination wrenches, crescent wrench, multiple tip screwdriver.
*Greek to me. I'll be delegating this one as well.
Gallon jug of water. *I bought a 5g COLLAPSABLE jug. Amazing. Big lots, 5.99.
Extra washer fluid, oil, transmission oil, brake fluid.
Rags, workshop towels, old blanket.
Gloves, coveralls.
Spare belts (alternator, fan and air conditioner belts)
Folding shovel.
Candle, warm clothes, heavy blanket (for winter travel).
Non perishable food and drinking water.
*this list sounds incredibly extensive. Boyf can deal with this.

Bring your favourite music cd's, ipod or a satellite radio for times when radio signals are out of range.

Road Trip Packing List ~ Cooler
* I'm planning a "menu" this weekend in Pittsburgh. I'll skip this for now and worry about the cooler then.

Zip lock bags fit nicely into a cooler and shrink as the food is consumed. That leaves more room for cold drinks and fresh snacks you purchase along the way.

You might also want to pack some non cooler food items

Throw in a butter knife, sharp knife, corkscrew, (a swiss army knife incorporates several necessary items) napkins, toothpicks, small cutting board, paper plates and bowls and maybe a go cup for each traveler and you're set.

And that's just the camping stuff... Now it's time to pack your personal gear!
*Ugh. Do I have to?
~ General Vacation Packing Checklists
Vacation Packing Checklists ~ Electronics

Cellphone/charger
Camera, manual, charger, extra chip/film
iPod/charger

Vacation Packing Checklists ~ Medical
*see camping list

Vacation Packing Checklists ~ Documents

Flight tickets or Confirmation #
Snail mail and e-mail addresses
Cash/ Credit cards/ Debit card/
Copy of Vacation Packing List
Driver's license/ International driver's license
Emergency numbers
Passport
Itinerary
Travel Guide(s)/ Maps and directions
Journal/ Notebook and pen


Vacation Packing Checklists ~ Miscellaneous

Sunglasses
Anti-bacterial wipes or gel
Small sewing kit/safety pins
First Aid kit
Crazy Glue
Mini duct tape
Keys
Plastic Zip-Loc bags
Garbage bags
Q-Tips
Scented candle
Ear plugs
Reading material
Tweezers/ Nail clippers
Small mirror
Small flashlight
Eyeglass repair kit/ Lens cloth
Speedsew (or some fabric glue)
Toothpicks
Stain remover pen or wipes
Swiss army knife
Leatherman all purpose tool
*That's a rather random list of crap.

His Vacation Packing Checklists
*Not my problem, mon.
Her Vacation Packing Checklists

Bathing suit and coverup
Bras/panties/girdle/slip/bodysuit/socks *I'm bringing an abundance of things in this category.
Lingerie/ Sleep shirt/ Robe/ Slippers
Jewelry/ Accessories
Skirt/ Blouse/ Dress/ Jacket
Sandals/ Flip-flops/ Dress shoes
Shorts/ Capris/ Pants
Sweater or warm shirt
Wide-brimmed hat
Tank/ Halter/ Sleeveless tops
Workout clothes/ Tennis shoes
Comb/ Brush
Deodorant
Tampons/ Pads/ Pantyliners
Razor
Makeup/ Makeup remover
Moisturizer/ SPF/ Skin care products
Toothbrush/ Other oral hygiene
Shampoo/ Conditioner/ Styling products
Hair styling tools and accessories.
*OMG that's extensive, but at least I shouldn't be like "dang how did I forget to bring _______. I've been purchasing/setting aside many of these items throughout the week, but tomorrow I actually go through the list item by item, throw it in the car, and drive to Pittsburgh. So excited.

So the car got checked out on Wednesday. Everything is good; the filters needed to be changed (air/oil/fuel) but tires, breaks n'at are looking fine. Did I mention that the car will have it's 80,000 birthday on this trip? Cost: of maintenance $197.00. I'm going to add in the costs of all the crap for this trip later (I'm the shopper, Boyf needs to reimburse me for 1/2nd the shared crap). I also want to log an accurate running total, also because I want to keep this impressively affordable.

Thursday= packing day!!!!

2 camping essentials: glow in the dark Camp Tockwogh t-shirt, Terrible Towel. Represent!


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Boots

Actually, they're mega comfy and make my legs look fiiiiiine. I'm break'n 'em in now:)


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2 questions
1. How hidious are my new hiking boots?
2. Do you know how difficult it was to convince myself that this is NOT a fashion show?

2 comments
1. Yes, I have giant 8.5 man-sized feet.
2. Spell check on new iPhone=awesome


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FOOOOOOOOD

So, I'm not sure if i have mentioned this yet. I lovvvvvvvve food. I count eating as one of my top 5 hobbies, along with crafting, photography, cocktails (yes, creating and sipping cocktails is absolutely a hobby), and the outdoors. I plan to enjoy 4/5 of these hobbies on my trip (I doubt I'll be doing any crafting, but I hope to meet some skilled crafters and perhaps purchase some American Indian handicrafts.) Anywho, food. I'm exited to eat many regional delicacies in my travels as possible, from Southwestern fare to the giant steaks up in cow country. Since were taking Route 66 all the way there (yes, we will be hopping on the interstate quite frequently to pick up the pace.) I was very happy to find this site: Route66Food

Here is the first delicacy that caught my attention:
CHICKEN in Illinois
Diner food in OK
Burgers in OK

Okay, I stopped my search here. I really need to find a better site of food that is ROADSIDE along Route 66. I thought that would be easy to find because their diners/ burger joints/random kitschy fast food is so well known. I'll keep looking, and update this later.

EDIT:
Thank you Travel Channel. I knew I could count on you!
Route 66
Man vs. Food is my fav
Thank you for posting his itinerary! Here's a sample from Chicago.
And finally, I cant stand him, but I like the same greasy crap he eats.
Guy's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives
Route 66, Episode DV0202

* Emma Jean's Holland Burger Cafe

17143 D Street on Rt. 66
Victorville, CA 92394
Tel: (760) 243-9938

* The Rock Cafe

114 W. Main St.
Stroud, OK 74079
Tel: (918) 968-3990
Website: www.rockcaferoute66.com

* Cafe on the Route

1101 Military Ave.
Baxter Springs, KS 66713
Tel: (620) 856-5646
Website: www.cafeontheroute.com

Picked up a few reading materials...

So, I went to AAA today to get some info. They were VERY helpful. I'm not sure if I'll have room to pack all these books with me, so as much as i would love to have abundant reading material with me on the trip, this stack is just too much. I think I'll have to just look thorough it and take notes....good thing I have no work this week...or the next...or the next.

Look at all the states we'll be passing through!!!




And, this is our final map. I'm amazed that 99.9% of the time we will be driving on roads that are actually on this map! We will be taking scenic detours (Mt. Rushmore, Historic Route 66) when time allows.
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Books!

Went to the library...totally awesome, great resourses. And unlike my apartment, they have real A/C. I'll be visiting again this week.



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Sleepy list

Sleeping/Tenting ~ Camping Lists
Tent, poles. pegs (boyf's problem! Simply not my dept.)
Inflatable mattress (borrowing one from the p's)
Sleeping bags/Bedding (we both have a sleeping bag and I'm bringing 2 sets of sheets and 2 blankets; an indoor set and an outdoor.And a blanket bag. See photo.)
Pillows (one each...I don't think well have room for more, as much as I lovvvve pillows. I am bringing plenty of spare pillowcases....I mean, your face sits on it for 8 hours a day; it's gotta be fresh.)
Book light (just bringing a lantern)
Mosquito netting (not sure...)
Ground cover for under tent (tarp and drop cloth)
Floor mats (I might bring one of the gross mats that are in my classroom, but prob not)
Tarps for shade and rain protection (not sure how many total?)
Foot pump for mattress & inflatables (not sure what inflation mechanism it has but if I forget this were screwed)

Mud volcano. YES MUD volcano.

Our Yellowstone accommodations; will book tomorrow. This is the only one in Yellowstone with showers....Can you believe it?

Photo source

Backcountry camping

Ethics
eHow

I could really use some more info.....public library trip tomorrow? Definitely.


Photo source

Vegas, bitches!

Just booked this...almost was overbooked so we had to upgrade our room, but it's still less than 100 dollars. (Lies. $102.02. Still pretty fab.)

FREE CAMPING!!!

So, this blows my mind. I spoke with Nathan (super mega helpful dude at the National Parks Service Reservations number. When I asked about the Petrified Forest, I found (after calling the number specific to Petrified Forest National Park, that it is FREE to camp there. I was informed of this after calling the park directly and listening to thier automated message regarding this policy.

I found some pretty useful information, and have since decided that rather than booking all this sites, I'm just going to call the park directly, and get a person to say "My name is _____ and I am telling you that you may get here, to this office, by this time, on this date, you may stick your tent where you want (within reason) and only pay for entry to the park."
Amazing!
"When you camp on BLM, or National Forest land without staying in a campground, you are doing dispersed camping. Nearly all BLM and NF land is open to dispersed camping. I just drive along until I find a spot that will make a good campsite and then I pull in and set up camp. Very often the authorities will ask that you try to use existing campsites instead of making new ones. The main issue there is if you make a new campfire ring. These are unsightly and scar the land so they try to limit them."

Word. Sounds fabulous. AHHHHmazing.

Final?

Okay itinerary, you must be final so that I can begin booking accommodations (I'm taking care of hotel/camping, boyf is dealing with the couch surfing part

The top link is the tripwiser itinerary, and our google map is here.

Cooking crap

Cooking/Eating ~ Camping Lists
Barbeque, camp stove, grill for campfire
(what does this even mean? I'll have to ask the bf. I'm somewhat camping illiterate, but the experiences I've had were amazing. I love those iron sandwich jawns. My favorite is pb and trailmix.)
*Boyf's reply
Which is of course, not available in stores.
Fuel for BBQ, stove, charcoal (ie...not sure yet)
Pot, pan
Matches, lighter
Cooler, Ice (enthuastic CHECK)
Plastic containers, zip lock bags
Napkins
Plates, bowls, water bottles
Knives, forks, spoons
Cooking tools (flippers, grabbers, stirrers etc.)
Knife
Mixing bowl
Oven mitts

I'll have to consolidate this as best I can. And we really need to finalize accomidations...I messed up and thought my friend lived in Portland but she's in Seattle so that changes the route a bit. Finalizing all that and at least half our sleeping arangements is my goal for tomorrow.


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Target

New cooler, old captains chair.





Trying to keep the costs down, so I'd really like to borrow stuff from friends and family. I've learned that my parents have (brace yourself) FOUR air matresses. I don't think they'll use any of them while I'm gone, so I think we'll be good. They also have plenty of tarps and drop cloths. Nice! Still could really use some camp cooking crap. And a lantern. All I bought was the cooler (good investment, them jawns last a lifetime.) And I got boyf a captains chair. Sweet.
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Checklist, food only

Food ~ Camping
Peanut butter, jam, bread
Coffee, splenda, powdered cream
Cold cereal (granola, cheerios)
"Just add hot water" meals (haven't had Lipton's fettuccine alfredo in some time, but it's good stuff)
Corn on the cob, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, other random skewerable veggies
Canned beans (Bush's vegetarian baked beans....amazing. Maybe some Trader Joe's turkey chili?)
Taco kit
Chips, pretzels (I could sustain on a variety of just the 2 for months)
Granola bars, cookies (I have a feeling well be eating beaucoup granola bars)
Juice, lemonade, iced tea, pop
Liquor (nom nom nom. A rum n' a vodka will do)

We'll get produce,eggs, meats, and dairy from farm stands n' supermarkets on a meal by meal basis so we won't have to keep the cooler constantly icy.

Hint from the site:
Tailor your food list by making a menu then make a list of the items you'll need. Take along a macaroni or potato salad, a marinated vegetable or bean salad and a coffee cake or muffins. They last for a few days and make menu planning easier when you first arrive.


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Checklist, megalong

This list is bananna's. I'm going to try and pick through it and pack light; I don't even think all this shiz will fit in my car. Check out the next post.

Food ~ Camping Checklist
Salt, pepper, sugar, spices
Mayo, mustard, ketchup
Butter/margarine
Salad dressing, dip
Cooking/Salad oil
Peanut butter, jam, syrup
Coffee, tea, cocoa, cream
Pickles, olives, hot peppers
Bread, rolls, hotdog/hamb. buns
Eggs, cheese, milk
sour cream, yogurt
bacon bits, parmesan, croutons
Hot cereal - oatmeal, etc.
Cold cereal
Marshmallows, popcorn, campfire food
Tortillas
Tuna, ham flakes
Kraft dinner, noodle/rice side dishes
Limes, lemons
Corn on the cob
Potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots
Pasta, spaghetti, instant noodles
Hot dogs, hamburgers
Pancake mix
Watermelon, grapes, oranges, etc.
Lettuce, cucumber, green onion, celery
Onion, garlic
Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower
Mushrooms
Tomatoes, colored sweet peppers
Chicken, pork, beef, fish
Bacon, sausage, ham
Canned beans, soups, spaghetti sauces
Canned fruit
Taco kit
Peanuts, chips, pretzels
Sliced meats
Granola bars, cookies
Drinkin' boxes
Juice, lemonade, iced tea, pop
Beer, wine, coolers
Liquor, Bailey's, mix, ice
*Tailor your food list by making a menu then make a list of the items you'll need. Take along a macaroni or potato salad, a marinated vegetable or bean salad and a coffee cake or muffins. They last for a few days and make menu planning easier when you first arrive.

Cooking/Eating ~ Camping Lists
Barbeque, camp stove, grill for campfire
Fuel for BBQ, stove, charcoal
Pot, pan, griddle
Coffee pot, teapot
Matches, lighter
Bottle/can opener, corkscrew
Cooler, Ice
Timer
Plastic containers, zip lock bags
Napkins
Table cloth, weights or clamps
Plates, bowls, mugs, go cups
Knives, forks, spoons
Cooking tools (flippers, grabbers, stirrers etc.)
Flame resistant gloves
Knife, knife sharpener (we use Wiltshire self sharpening)
Toothpicks
Skewers
Mixing bowl
Oven mitts, pot holders

Sleeping/Tenting ~ Camping Lists
Tent, poles. pegs
Sleeping roll, inflatable mattress, cot
Sleeping bags/Bedding
Pillows
Book light
Brush or whisk
Mosquito netting
Ground cover for under tent
Floor mats
Tarps for shade and rain protection
Foot pump for mattress & inflatables

Campfire ~ Camping Lists
Firewood
Axe
Firestarter, fat sticks
Long handled lighter
Marshmallows, grahams and chocolate
Weiner stick, popcorn popper
Newspaper or other non-glossy paper
Camp chairs, side table
Weiner sticks
Other campfire cooking tools
*Keep plenty of water handy when campfires are burning.

Washing Up ~ Camping Checklists
Garbage bags
Dish cloth, soap, towels
Plastic washing bin
Towels, face cloths, soap, shampoo
Laundry soap
Rags, shop towels
Scrub pad
*Leave-in conditioner gets the job done without using excess water. That's a big plus when you're camping!

Medical ~ Camping Checklists
Prescription medication
Inhalers, Epi pens
Reading glasses, contacts, sunglasses, extras
Eyeglass/hearing aid repair kit
Ear plugs, hearing aids
Toothpicks, brush, paste, floss
ASA
Antacid - Tums
Benadryl
Tissues
Eye drops
Aloe Vera, soothing lotions
Sunscreen, bugspray
Pain relief, Tylenol, Motrin, etc.
Vitamins, herbal preparations
Day and night cold medication
Immodium, metamucil
Water purification tablets
Polysporin
Hot water bottle

First Aid ~ Camping Checklists
Emergency phone numbers, poison control
Flashlight, extra batteries
Pen/pencil, paper
1 Barrier device (breathing)
5 Pair non-latex gloves
2 Burn dressings
5 Gauze pads 4X4 and 2X2
2 Pressure dressings
2 Eye patches
1 Abdominal pad
2 Roller gauze
1 Adhesive tape
1 Pair scissors
1 Pair tweezers
5 Triangular bandages
10 Alcohol wipes
2 Each hot and cold packs
1 Space blanket
10 Steri strips, butterfly sutures
Bandaids (various shapes and sizes)
Antibacterial hand gel
1 pocket mask
1 First Aid Guide

Activities ~ Camping Checklists
Life jackets
Swimsuits, fins, goggles, towels
Kayak/canoe, paddles
Tubes, noodles, float toys
Bicycle
Dominoes, cards, dice, etc.
Bocci, frisbee, horseshoes
Baseball/glove, volleyball, basketball, etc.
Kite, remote control toys
Compass, maps
Mirror
Foot pump for inflatables
Fishing gear, licence, bait
Golf clubs, racquets

Other Important Stuff ~ Camping Checklists
Folding chairs
Large piece of outdoor carpet
Lantern, fuel, mantles
Heater, fuel
Flashlights, headlamp
Reminder
*Check out the Road Trip Packing List to find out what should be in your vehicle in case of emergencies.

Smoking materials
Insect discouragers
Foil, wax paper, plastic wrap
Folding table & chairs
Batteries
Scented candles
Water jugs
Camera, GPS, cell phone
Swiss army knife, multi tool
Warm clothing, wool socks
Binoculars
Rain gear, umbrella, gum boots
Duct tape, gorilla glue, WD40
Hammock
Sewing kit, safety pins
Solar garden light
Solar panel
Fire extinguisher
Toilet paper, paper towel
Small shovel
Music - ipod,satellite radio, etc.
Musical instruments
Whistles
Travel clock
Clothesline/pins
Water, water filter

And that's just the camping stuff... Now it's time to pack your personal gear!

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Shoes. Yeah, shoes.

So, while I don't know where I'm staying, I have thought about the shoe situation. I'm going to have to take 6.
Brown cowboy boots
White flip flops
Puma sneakers
Colombia water sandals (like Keen's)
Tahiri red patten leather pumps (I am going to Vegas, I need a pair of trashy heels)
Minatonka (sp) moccasins
*I'm debating a back up pair of sneakers, either my running sneaks or my Nike high tops (gotta look fly in L.A.)
Sorry y'all, just needed to think that out. Shoes are a big parta my life.


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Tripwiser

I hope this works! This is our semifinal itinerary, but I'm thinking that were going to leave a day later than initially planned and try and camp in national forests the majority of the time.
I am so supermegaexcited.
I'm loving this tripwiser site because you can plan as much or as little as you want (right now I just have destinations and dates but I can enter accommodations and photos n'@ if I want. Ahhhhmazing.
Were aiming to finalize the itinerary tomorrow and all accommodations by Friday.
*what i mean by this is that I'll be planning mildly following boyf's input. I'm definitely the planner- he's much more easy going.

Itinerary temporarily finalized

We have a possible itinerary for our trip!!! Still wingin' it, but I can start looking into what couch/futon/forest we'll be sleeping on. I'm so exited to get into the spirit of travel for the sake of travel!
Since I left high school, I have had more than 10 bedrooms. I've lived in dorms, apartments, and houses in Pittsburgh, D.C., and Philly. I lived out of my car for months at a time after college. I guess what I'm getting at is that in really looking forward to the freedom of travel rather than "I have a new job and have to pack my life into a relatively small sedan and try and function ." I've already limited myself to just 5 pairs of shoes. You have no idea how hard it's going to be to pick which ones.



So, this is what city well be in each day. Were averaging 5 days coast to coast(ish...Philly close enough for me I'm not going to drive to the jersey shore on top of it when I'll make the Philly to Shore trip 10,000 times). We'll be spending 3 nights in L.A with a friend of the boyf, mostly couches/motels on the way up and mostly the wilderness on the way back.
I'm supermegaexited.

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The Volvo

Just thought that I would first share that I'm blogging from the dentist. My hygenist is impressed.
Should we use my Volvo or rent a car?
http://www.tripspot.com/roadtripfeature.htm
I think that my car (a Volvo s40) should be good...




It has about 76k miles, but I haven't been driving it too much (I walk to work). It has perks like a moon roof, cd/radio/tape deck (having all 3 is essential), and is generally in good shape (my last car was a 94 escort...it had 112k ish and is to the best of my knowledge still running. Just so yinz understand I'm not used to power steering let alone that fancy clicky beepy door opener). I plan to get the oil changed and have my mechanic check out the majors (same dude I've had since I've had a lisence).
As you may see, I'm leaning toward taking my car. Even a cheap rental car, for the 14 days that I would need it for, would be more expensive than any routine maintainance my car may need. And, I would worry more. At least in my car, I'm not going to go freaky if a pebble dents the hood. No thank you! I still have to double check my assumptions about costs n'at. But, I love my car and I think it deserves to come along.
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Our plans

30 years ago, going on a coast to coast road trip would have involved a comically huge paper map, cash, and a sturdy car or RV. My type A self would not have handled this well. That type of journey, while amazing in its own right, would involve a laundry list of worries. What if something happens to my car? What if we run out of food, water or gas? Where do we sleep? What's worth stoping to see? How do we get there? Where's the closest gas station? What if we get lost?
In today's world of iPhones, AAA, and GPS, all of these potential situations can be remedied en route to our destination. So, we can just roll...even the worrywarts.
In about a month, myself (25 year old teacher from Philly) and the boyf (24 year old electrical engineer from Pittsburgh) will pack some clothes, snacks, water, a tent, and gadgets ranging from a video camera to duct tape into my Volvo. Then, we roll.





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