drive across the united states

I always inspire people who actually took the time to drive across the country admiring the scenery and the historical places. Although the farthest I drove was from CA to Iowa and back, I want to continue with my journey again this Summer going farther and actually stopping and enjoying myself.

moved to Cali, went broke and moved back east.

For years I’ve said that I’d love to see more of the U.S., and that someday I’d like to drive across it. I hadn’t realized that I’d end up driving it alone!

In the past, the longest drive I’d ever taken alone was from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara (I believe it took about 2 1/2 hours)? I never thought I’d be able, or want to drive a long distance by myself, such as across the country.

Recently I went to N.C. to move in with my long time, long distance love… Unfortunately it hadn’t work out, as the person turned out to totally different from what they’d presented themselves to be… Yikes! It was like living with the anti-Christ. Perhaps I’m being a touch melodramatic, but it Was a horrible experience.

We’d driven from Pasadena, Ca. to N.C. together on the I-40, along with Nicolette. Nicolette and I ended up driving back to Pasadena alone.

I have to say I was scared to do it alone, but for the most part it was a fabulous experience! It felt rather nomadic, with my car filled to the hilt with my possessions. I even sold some new designer handbags and jewelry when I needed more funds, as my trip took longer than planned… I felt so self sufficient and proud of myself.

The most stunning place was New Mexico! The terrain was as beautiful as I’d imagined… and the sunsets… *sigh

Nicolette was amazing, as she wasn’t even in a closed carrier… She hates them, so I made a nice little, shaded kitty bed for her in a box, and seated her next to me. I thought she’d maybe be a bit freaked out during the trip, because she can be a timid little thing.

She was so great! There were times when I’d open the car door to do whatever, and she’d stay in her bed! She even adjusted nicely to staying in various hotels. I’d always dreamed of having a cat that I could travel with, like the kitty in “The Cat Who Went To Paris” (a terrific book by the way).

My dream came true! *Happy dance

I have an opportunity to drive out to Oregon and see a friend I knew in the Army. I would have to leave this month, but I’m also waiting to find out whether or not I’ve been accepted into USD. Quite a drive, but if I can drive from Texas to Chicago to South Dakota then the west coast would complete this goal for sure, and I do enjoy a nice long drive…
I’ll make up my mind as soon as I hear from the university.

With gas prices as high as they are now (and just getting higher) can I really afford a cross country trip?
And do I have the time? How long would such a trip take?
I have college (nonstop for 4 years, including fall, winter, spring and summer semesters) and after that I will probably be flat broke.
One can dream…

I want to do this before my kids are to old.

This is something that should be done looking out the back of a station wagon as a 9yr old.

When I do this it will be in the Gremlin with a small travel trailer. Old cars let you experience nature more than these new thermos bottle insulated extra quiet ride controlled uber poshmobiles. When it rains you get a little wet. Dead skunk in the middle of the road? You smell it!

The Alaskan HW should also be part of this trip.

My oldest and I did drive it to CO from TX last July for a total of about a thousand miles. Should be a trip to remember for the boy.

I drove from NY to Seattle with a lot of detours on the way!! What a drive! Lots of interesting things to see and lots of great photos! Definitly an experience for everyone!

I want to start in North Carolina and drive to California. I want to take beautiful photographs all along the way

...I should change this goal to: “Drive across the United States… and stay there!”

;)

Maybe a couple more years on the east coast, then… off to try something new.

This past summer my friend Julie and I drove from California to Connecticut. It was AMAZING to see the United States as well as the people in it! It was also really interested to observe how their driving habits changed from laid back California to rush rush rush New England! I totally recommend doing this!