Tag Roadtrip

I didn’t know when we packed the car in the summer of 1988 that I’d still be feeling that trip all these years later. Aviva and I had a plan, a route, some maps, and a stretch of time to see the country before everything else kicked in. What I didn’t realize then was that those weeks on the road with her would reroute everything. That trip, that time, changed how I see the world, how I live, and how I love. It made movement feel like home. And lately… I’ve stopped moving.

We stayed in motels, pitched the tent, crashed with friends. We argued. We got lost. We listened to Bad Company’s 10 from 6 and UB40’s Labour of Love far too many times. But somewhere between New Orleans and North Dakota, I caught a glimpse of something I’ve been chasing ever since, the road itself. The feeling of motion. Of being untethered. Of becoming someone new a little more with every mile.

That trip didn’t just show me the country. It opened the door to a version of me I didn’t yet understand and she kept holding space for that version long after the trip ended. Through years, through changes, through life. Her presence shaped the way I move through the world, and even now, she’s still with me.

Although she wasn’t still by my side, her voice, her way of seeing things, her humor… it’s all still in me. She’s still with me. That trip didn’t just show me the country. It showed me who I could be. And she was the first person who made space for that version of me.

And now that I’ve stopped for a while, I realize how much of her is still in the way I move.

I know where I’ll be going next. But for now, I’m here. Sitting still-ish. Remembering. And grateful for her, and the road she showed me.

Recently, I had the pleasure of inspiring my niece, who works remotely, to embark on a remarkable road trip across the American West. Armed with her dog and a sense of adventure, she set out from Columbus, OH.

Her first night spent at a charming Hipcamp on the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. From there, she ventured into the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park, where encounters with bison left an indelible mark on her journey.

Her next stop was Wall Drug, a famous roadside attraction that turned out to be more of a tourist trap than a genuine experience, prompting a quick departure towards the tranquility of Black Hills National Forest. A visit to Buffalo, Wyoming, revealed a hidden gem of a town that added a touch of local charm to her travels.

One of the most memorable moments came in Bighorn National Forest, where she woke to the sight of a majestic moose strolling past her car—a testament to the unexpected joys of the open road. Finally, she crossed into Utah, where the landscapes seemed to stretch endlessly before her, marking the culmination of a journey filled with wonder, discovery, and the freedom to explore at her own pace.

Her adventure serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best journeys are the ones where we set aside the familiar comforts of home, embrace the unknown, and let the road lead us to new experiences and unforgettable memories. I can’t wait to see where she goes next!

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Chasing Dreams: From College to the Open Road of Van Life

Have you ever felt the pull of a dream that lingered in the depths of your mind, quietly urging you to chase it down? I certainly have. The spark for this dream was ignited years ago, just after I graduated from college. It was a decision to explore the country before settling into the nine-to-five routine and donning a suit. Fresh out of college, I embarked on an epic 12,000-mile road trip over a mere 6 weeks, that left an indelible mark on my soul. My dream became to traverse the vast landscapes of the United States, explore the country’s hidden treasures and discover what was to be discovered. I knew I wanted more of these adventures in my life so the plan was simple: when I retire, get a van and get on the road.

From Campus to Van: A Pandemic-Driven Road Trip Odyssey

But as fate would have it, life had different plans. When the world was forced to pause due to the pandemic, my home became my office, and my home started feeling like a prison. That’s when I made a decision that would change my life: I sold my car, bought a mini-van as a trial run, and took remote work to a whole new level.

The pandemic had revealed the fragility of life’s plans and the importance of living in the present. Why wait for a distant retirement when I could embrace the nomadic lifestyle now? The idea of delaying my dreams no longer held the same appeal.

My cousin in Montana had been nagging me for years to travel out there for a long overdue visit. After practicing with some more local New England-based overnights hit the road to Montana. I turned it into a three-month-long adventure, covering thousands of miles, countless memories, and a newfound love for the nomadic lifestyle.

Pandemic Pivot: Embracing Van Life and the Open Road

I’ve always felt a deep longing for something more, an innate desire to break free from the ordinary and fully embrace the extraordinary. Van life, I discovered, offered me the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Nine Reasons why I embraced the van life:

1. Freedom to Wander: The open road beckoned, and I couldn’t resist the call of adventure.
2. Embracing Minimalism: Simplifying my life and shedding excess possessions was liberating.
3. Closer to Nature: Van life allowed me to wake up to breathtaking natural landscapes.
4. Flexibility to Work and Travel: Remote work became my ticket to explore while earning a living.
5. Meeting Incredible People: The van life community is filled with like-minded individuals and fascinating stories.
6. Unpredictable Journeys: Each day brought new surprises and unforgettable experiences.
7. Cost-Effective Living: Van life is surprisingly affordable compared to traditional living.
8. Chasing Sunsets: I could park my home wherever I wanted, including with a view.
9. A Life Less Ordinary: The van life lifestyle is anything but mundane, and I craved the extraordinary.

I embarked on an ambitious year-long road trip that kicked off in Boston in November 2022, and it’s set to conclude right back where it began in November 2023. The prospect of this grand journey filled me with a unique blend of anticipation and excitement, knowing that I would be traversing the diverse landscapes of North America, experiencing the ebb and flow of the seasons from coast to coast.

For the initial leg of the adventure, I strategically planned to chase the sun, leading me through the warmth of the southern states and up the breathtakingly scenic west coast. This part of the trip allowed me to soak in the balmy rays of the southern winter, exploring charming coastal towns, vibrant cities, and natural wonders along the way. As the seasons shifted and the days grew longer, my route veered northward, transitioning into the summer phase. It was during this time that I embarked on a truly epic journey, navigating through the heart of Canada, crossing into the rugged wilderness of Alaska, and ultimately aiming for the elusive Arctic Circle. The stark contrast between the winter and summer segments of my voyage promised a wealth of diverse experiences, each chapter offering its own unique tapestry of sights, sounds, and adventures.

I have been asked multiple time where I went in my first six months. Below is a fun little video recapping where I went on the first six months of the trek. This leg took me down the east coast to Florida, across the country to California and back to Florida.

This was easily one of the most beautiful and scenic road trips I’ve taken on any of my van life travels. The first third of the trip followed along the Payette River and then it headed into the mountains. I made a few stops along the way including an oil change, coffee, some places that were too beautiful to just drive by, White Bird Battle Historical Monument and my first taste of a Huckelberry pie. Unfortunately, the last half of the drive was after dark so I didn’t get to see much at that point.

Driving along the Payette River.

Huckleberry Pie in Lucile, ID

I saw this place and decided to stop. I’d never had huckleberries before and thought this would be a good place to get some. The man working the counter was very friendly and helpful when I asked him about the fruit. He went into the back and cut me a slice of a new, fresh pie! Tastes like blueberry.

White Bird Battlefield Overlook – Nez Perce National Historical Park

On June 17, 1877, Captain David Perry and his troops moved into the canyon to strike the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) who were sheltering in one of their winter villages. The soldiers encountered a peace party of six warriors carrying a white flag riding towards them. A civilian volunteer shot twice at the peace party and the battle began. The U.S. cavalry was defeated with heavy losses and the Nimiipuu began their long journey to find safety and sanctuary. Another sad story about the white man’s mistreatment of Native Americans. You can read more about the battle here

I arrived in Missoula, MT late in the evening!

At the age of 16, I embarked on an unforgettable Colorado River rafting adventure, following in the footsteps of my father, who had experienced it a decade earlier. Years later, my sister ventured on the same journey. Now, nearly four decades later, I find myself drawn back to this remarkable experience. Join me as I prepare for my upcoming road trip from Boston to Colorado, where I’ll once again set out on this incredible river adventure.

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