ColoRADo to Van City: Things that Make Me Happy

It’s time to pick up a girl from college again! Yaaay! … I think. I’m unbelievably excited to have Kenedy back in Colorado - to have these days together once again and probably for the last time. I’m excited for the change of pace. I'm excited to move every day through remote parts of the West. I’m excited to see and learn because no matter how many times we’ve been across the country, there is still more.  

I’m excited until I remember just how far it is on those long, not-so-lonely roads and how much energy it takes to sit, attentively and alert behind the wheel - for three and a half days at our pace, with charging, side quests and dog things. 

With that in mind, I’m bringing a few small things because they make me happy.

Books and maps

OK, so maybe not so small. But essential! These are for review and for escape and to learn about the the places we are passing. Maps are large and tangible. They give scale and distance. Most paper maps offer unique insights. Consult the map at every chance. Also, stop at independent bookshops at every chance. More generally, support local businesses. These are the places that hold community together.

Don't judge.

Journal(s) and other writing, sketching, poetry, observation accoutrements 

A compact, portable journal (bring it everywhere!) is essential. At my age a thought pops up one minute and is gone the next. Write it down! I like to keep a trip report, too. Journals and writing, sketching, observing, etc. are so good for us on so, so many levels.

Big and small

Coffee 

If I’m gonna drink it, it’s gonna be good so sometimes a girl's gotta bring her own. There are oh-so-many gadgets out there for coffee and we've experimented extensively. On the road and camping, we’ve landed on AeroPress. It’s simple, fast (stays hot) and the right strength, i.e. very strong for us. If possible, use a gooseneck kettle. Do you have one? There's no going back to a regular kettle after you’ve used a gooseneck. Ours is induction and can be plugged into the car!

No need for BYOC. Entrada Escalante Lodge does it right!

Music 

The playlist is key and even with ear buds and phones, sometimes the stars align and the car rocks!

Camera 

Oh that wondrous instrument to capture fleeting moments, goofy expressions, colorful messes, awe-ing vistas, blackmail worthy mistakes and time together. Soon the car and house will empty of kids and the photos will be views and nature and dog. But for right now, we have chaos and the camera helps capture the story, the place, the mistake, the goofiness, the awe. When I’m finally ready to come back to write, the pictures are foundational.

Snacks

Must be a variety of crunchy, savory/salty, sweet and healthy. No small challenge!

Before

Done!

***

The trip North starts again the day after (my) tomorrow. We’ve managed to find a way to do these drives together almost every other time but this spring, with graduation, health issues and work responsibilities, it’s just me. Not even a dog. 

To keep loneliness and fatigue at bay, I’m going to try a few new things.

• Pre-researched and planned breaks. A solo 7:30AM to 7:30PM drive is very hard. Also, I want to stop and follow a bit of curiosity - all those nuggets that we’ve driven past previously. 
• More, consistent healthy foods and snacks. Most often we are focused on getting out the door which inevitably results in emergency gas station food or breakfast burritos and baked goods. This will be my attempt to make a meal plan and stick to it for the full drive. No more ravenous gas station food. More fruits and veggies. Mindful food, local food, healthy food!
• Daily blogging. It’s lonely being by yourself, day after day, on the road. I hope I can find a few interesting things to share as part of a daily blog that both helps record the journey and also gives me purpose: take a picture, learn the story, tell the story, enjoy the story!