Road Trip: Iowa-California
In somewhat predictable fashion, I spontaneously decided to drive to Los Angeles to help my sister move apartments, hang out with a good friend in Tahoe, and explore other areas along the way. If you can’t tell, I’m incredibly awesome at not planning out anything in advance. Except, I like to think of it as planning to not plan. It keeps things exciting. However, one day, I’m going to throw in a, “I just bought a plane ticket to this place. We leave in a few months.” I mean, can you imagine? I hope so, because honestly, I can’t. The thought almost gives me anxiety.
Anyway…
I quickly glanced at a map, packed up my new used car, and set out to really break it in.
This is a good place to add that I have now driven through Nebraska EIGHT times in 2011. If you don’t know anything about driving through Nebraska, I can sum it up as long, flat, boring, and slightly smelly. Driving through Nebraska is akin to road trip torture. However, since I live/am based in Iowa, there is really no good way to get anywhere slightly interesting without first falling into a comatose state due to the monotony of outstretched hinterland. I tried to spice things up by documenting my first bathroom break and eventual suicide:
The other problem with the length of Nebraska is that, when coming from Iowa, it’s usually dark by the time you reach land with any hint of three-dimensionality, e.g. Colorado. However, it is always nice when you wake up in a hotel, look out the window, and see things you did not know were there at 2 am the night before. That is exactly how the second day of my drive started. Colorado, Utah, and a tiny piece of Arizona were much more visually satisfying. In fact, I stopped at way too many “View Areas” to take in the scenery. Being by myself in a car and randomly driving through places I have never seen before is pretty much where I reflect on life and create lofty future plans. It is also where I get that really-good-feeling-that-I have-no-idea-how-to-explain. I guess, exploring with minimal restraint is where I find my “happy place”.
I often ask myself if I travel because I’m running away from something. Maybe. But, I’m okay with that. I can’t imagine doing anything else. However, free gas would be super nice…
Related posts:
- Road Trip: Iowa-Florida
- Road Trip: Iowa-Florida, Part II
- Road Trip Part II: Heading North
- Road Trip Part III: Lithuania↔Croatia
Comments
8 Responses to “Road Trip: Iowa-California”Trackbacks
Check out what others are saying...-
[...] Driving from California to Iowa & back again – Trip Planner – Yahoo …Driving from Iowa to California Right after Thanksgiving (best …Distance from Iowa to CaliforniaFlights to California from IowaIowa Train Tours : Tours.comPassenger Rail in Iowa – Office of Rail TransportationRoad Trip: Iowa-California | Rambling Brooke [...]
OMG you have Mrs B’s Skis ” Rossignol – ATTRAXION VIII Echo” if I’m not mistaken…It took me ages to hunt them down in Europe and the buggers the sent them without the bindings….Aaaarrrrgggghhhhh Despite them being included in the price on their website….Grrrrrrrr. Leaved me just 7 months to get the bloody company to send them and for me to get around to fitting them…..Not sure we have the same boxes though
P.S. What do you do for a living??? Travelling is not a day job, or is it?
spooky – just as I submitted the dull comment above I got a message saying the bindings had arrived…..Leaving just 7 short months to fit them….Oh no the pressure….
P.S. Nice montage of the photos only…
Top tip for taking a picture of yourself in the restroom mirror – angle away from the cubicles and drop the camer down a bit so it does not cover your face….
Did you get the Rossignol – ATTRAXION VIII Echo to take the shot of you in the rear-view mirror? or are you illegally smuggling dwarves in those boxes? – which I guess would answer my question about what you do for a living…
When playing chicken with another vehicle it is probably best to choose something smaller than an effing great truck….
I can’t look….
I actually rented those skis brand new in Montana, and by the end of two weeks, I decided to buy them. I like them a lot. They tried to charge me for the bindings too, until I pulled up websites on my phone and showed the ski shop people that they’re supposed to be included. Glad I actually researched what I was buying.
You’re on to me. I’m definitely part of an illegal dwarf trade across state borders. I’m trying to expand to other parts of the world currently, but the sedation for long range trips is expensive. Actually, I do a lot of freelance writing, ghostwriting and marketing. I pretty much do what I can to travel, and sometimes, I’m paid to travel. It’s not so bad :)
You better stop reading this response and start fitting those bindings!
Not a great start I don’t even under the instructions….
If any of those dwarves are any good with skis can you smuggle them into the UK – see I’m giving you internatonal oppertunities
What a fantastic way to look at adventure. Always living on the edge, more people need to be spontaneous and enjoy life.
Hi! I like your pictures! How do you feel about one of them being used in a personal inspirational website, non-commercial (nothing sold, no income to site–all “outgo” :) )
Credit would accompany picture, of course.
Thanks!
Delores, No problem. Use whatever!