Road trips
A decade ago gas was 98 cents a gallon. I took a three month sabbatical from my job, rolled down the windows, cranked up the song “Life is a Highway” and with my dog riding shot gun, hit the open road. “Do it while your young.” people kept saying me. I skipped stones into the surf of the Pacific, climbed around cliff dwellings in New Mexico and rescued my dog from nearly drowning in a Montana river. Twenty-five states and 30,200 km (18,800 mi) later we arrived back home with a wrinkled road map, a journal full of adventures and a problem; there were many more roads to explore.
America claims to have one of the largest highway systems in the world. But, the first recorded long distance road trip took place in 1888 with Bertha Benz at the wheel. She and her two teenage sons drove 212 km (132mi) round trip in Germany. To commemorate the 125th anniversary of that trip the Bertha-Benz challenge took place along the historic route. It was only open to cars with alternative drive systems, highlighting the auto mobility of the future.
For me that first trip was only the beginning. I’ve meandered through 49 U.S. States and two territories in Canada. In the next few months I’ve got two more road trips planned. Granted, fuel prices are at an all-time high; but, there are ways to save money on gas. Road trips are a wonderful way to experience a country.
Have you ever taken a long distance road trip?
April 5th, 2012 at 8:58 am
I love long drives through America. I browse rural antique shops and look for local museums and historical societies. You would be amazed how many two-headed calves there are out there. Off-season is the best time for a road trip. There are no crowds and rates are low and the people who are still open will be glad to see you and will have the time to stop and chat a spell, and some of their stories may be pleasantly perverse.
I think you will blend in better with your surroundings if you don’t arrive by bicycle. And should things go sour you can move on more quickly by car.
April 5th, 2012 at 7:32 pm
When I was in the fifth grade my family took a month out of the summer and drove from our home in Texas all they way up to Canada. We camped at KOA’s all across the country and there was always some other kids there to play with. My brother is only a year and half older than me, so it was great bonding time for the two of us. My mom encouraged me to keep a journal the whole time and looking back at my twelve year old writing is always fun. I can’t wait until I can go on another big trip like that!
April 6th, 2012 at 11:17 am
My first vagabonding journey was a 8-month USA road trip. This is still one of my favorite ways (and places) to travel.