Pictures with TEXT for Lemon Cove to Seligman on ROUTE 66….Hope you like!
Route 66..cannot believe I am here!

Route 66..cannot believe I am here!

Day 10 – Lemon Cove, California to Seligman, Arizona (on Historic Route 66)

Well, we made it out of California.  My driving style, if you can call it that, does NOT work in California.  I drive much too slow and much to cautiously.  That ended up causing several problems with the locals.  So, needless to say, I am thrilled to be in a more rural locale.

All day, we have been bopping on and off Route 66.  We wanted to make some time, so it only made sense to stop off once in a while and see it.  All the reading I did on Route 66 said that there were places along the way in disrepair.  I am sorry to report that those reports are true.  I know there are historic groups working to revitalize the route and I hope they are able to.  It is such a chunk of real Americana.

Yesterday and today, our lives have been touched by several people and I thought today’s post might be a nice shout out.   This list is not all encompassing, but I hope it helps you all realize just what an important part of this trip you all have been.  I would have chickened out if it were not for you.  So thank you.

And the Thank you’s go to:

  • Everyone who helped with a financial donation.  As you know this trip was planned before Mike’s employment situation changed.  We were forced with the tough decision to wait and take the trip at another time (which probably would never have happened) or tough it out with what we had saved and ask for help.  We received the kindest donations, gifts I will NEVER forget.  Thank you for without you, I would have only made it to Chicago and probably not back (kidding,sort of).
  • Everyone who helped with donations of food, camp gear and, most of all advice.  I have been able to save a boatload of money eating the items that were donated and the items I got at Aldi’s.  Shout out to Aldi’s and their Gluten Free items!!  Thank you for your assistance as I was definitely not ready to do any serious camping.
  • Thank you Bryan Farr for sharing your excitement for Historic Route 20.  The enthusiasm was contagious and I caught it!
  • Darlene and the whole crew at AAA Solon who created the Trip Tik I am using and providing information on the area’s I am visiting.
  • Thank you to KOA for making my camping experience tolerable.  As I stated in an earlier post, starting at age 53 with no prior camping experience (okay there was that one time, but talk about a disaster, let’s just forget it ever happened) has proven to be a challenge.  I love the friendly people, the clean facilities, the laundromats and more.  I am a KOA convert!
  • Thank you Brittiny Morrison (fellow Ohioan) and Barb Jensen Elmlinger for all your help trying to connect me with the right people in Buffalo, Wyoming.  I will be back!!  And to Craig Johnson who introduced me (not personally) to Buffalo.
  • The great folks at Lemon Cove for giving the great tour!  Thank you for everything!
  • Everyone who is reading these posts.  I know sometimes I am so serious and not quite humorous enough, but I am working on that.  I want to write things that come from the heart and apparently my heart is rather serious (who knew).
  • This is a Supernatural shout out.  I have a Supernatural bumper sticker on my car (it says “Driver picks the music. Shotgun shuts his cakehole.”).  In all the time I have had that sticker I have only met one other SN fan as we are few and far between.  On the way to Newport, Oregon a car sped by us and when I looked over they were showing a picture in the window which I could not quite make out. As they pulled in front of me I saw the picture was of them with Jensen Ackles and Jared Padelecki of Supernatural.  You guys made my day.  We honked and waved and they drove off.  One of life’s little pleasures!
  • Last but not least, thank you Devi.  Devi is a comfortable car to drive and sleep in.  She carries my stuff and lets me always have a place to eat.  She is my traveling buddy and I appreciate all her extremely hard work!!  Love you Girl!

There are so many people to thank, I just wanted to list a few off the top of my head.  I will be listing more because this trip has actually become more about me and about the connections I am making with wonderful people.  Okay, it is still about me but I am seeing the value in opening up, losing the shy routine and finding out other people’s stories.  Everyone has a story, they just need someone to listen to it.

I merged two posts so the text would sort of align with the story of that part of my journey.  I am amazed at how many pictures i took, and at how the natural beauty along this whole trips fills my brain up with things i NEED to write about.   Hopefully it is an interesting diversion for you readers?

Thank you again for your support and for listening.

The sky out west is truly amazing!!

The sky out west is truly amazing!!

More sky, it's like it is everywhere...oh wait, it is :-)

More sky, it’s like it is everywhere…oh wait, it is 🙂

A picture of the tent I sleep in.

A picture of the tent I sleep in.

The last of the foothills and mountains...looking forward to flat lands again.

The last of the foothills and mountains…looking forward to flat lands again.

The west has an amazing beauty.

The west has an amazing beauty.

Cannot seem to get away from Walmart (a joke for all my Bonitas friends).

Cannot seem to get away from Walmart (a joke for all my Bonitas friends).

Stunning views!!

Stunning views!!

Day 10 – Lemon Cove, California to Seligman, Arizona (on Historic Route 66)

Well, we made it out of California.  My driving style, if you can call it that, does NOT work in California.  I drive much too slow and much to cautiously.  That ended up causing several problems with the locals.  So, needless to say, I am thrilled to be in a more rural locale.

All day, we have been bopping on and off Route 66.  We wanted to make some time, so it only made sense to stop off once in a while and see it.  All the reading I did on Route 66 said that there were places along the way in disrepair.  I am sorry to report that those reports are true.  I know there are historic groups working to revitalize the route and I hope they are able to.  It is such a chunk of real Americana.

Yesterday and today, our lives have been touched by several people and I thought today’s post might be a nice shout out.   This list is not all encompassing, but I hope it helps you all realize just what an important part of this trip you all have been.  I would have chickened out if it were not for you.  So thank you.

And the Thank you’s go to:

  • Everyone who helped with a financial donation.  As you know this trip was planned before Mike’s employment situation changed.  We were forced with the tough decision to wait and take the trip at another time (which probably would never have happened) or tough it out with what we had saved and ask for help.  We received the kindest donations, gifts I will NEVER forget.  Thank you for without you, I would have only made it to Chicago and probably not back (kidding,sort of).
  • Everyone who helped with donations of food, camp gear and, most of all advice.  I have been able to save a boatload of money eating the items that were donated and the items I got at Aldi’s.  Shout out to Aldi’s and their Gluten Free items!!  Thank you for your assistance as I was definitely not ready to do any serious camping.
  • Thank you Bryan Farr for sharing your excitement for Historic Route 20.  The enthusiasm was contagious and I caught it!
  • Darlene and the whole crew at AAA Solon who created the Trip Tik I am using and providing information on the area’s I am visiting.
  • Thank you to KOA for making my camping experience tolerable.  As I stated in an earlier post, starting at age 53 with no prior camping experience (okay there was that one time, but talk about a disaster, let’s just forget it ever happened) has proven to be a challenge.  I love the friendly people, the clean facilities, the laundromats and more.  I am a KOA convert!
  • Thank you Brittiny Morrison (fellow Ohioan) and Barb Jensen Elmlinger for all your help trying to connect me with the right people in Buffalo, Wyoming.  I will be back!!  And to Craig Johnson who introduced me (not personally) to Buffalo.
  • The great folks at Lemon Cove for giving the great tour!  Thank you for everything!
  • Everyone who is reading these posts.  I know sometimes I am so serious and not quite humorous enough, but I am working on that.  I want to write things that come from the heart and apparently my heart is rather serious (who knew).
  • This is a Supernatural shout out.  I have a Supernatural bumper sticker on my car (it says “Driver picks the music. Shotgun shuts his cakehole.”).  In all the time I have had that sticker I have only met one other SN fan as we are few and far between.  On the way to Newport, Oregon a car sped by us and when I looked over they were showing a picture in the window which I could not quite make out. As they pulled in front of me I saw the picture was of them with Jensen Ackles and Jared Padelecki of Supernatural.  You guys made my day.  We honked and waved and they drove off.  One of life’s little pleasures!
  • Last but not least, thank you Devi.  Devi is a comfortable car to drive and sleep in.  She carries my stuff and lets me always have a place to eat.  She is my traveling buddy and I appreciate all her extremely hard work!!  Love you Girl!

There are so many people to thank, I just wanted to list a few off the top of my head.  I will be listing more because this trip has actually become more about me and about the connections I am making with wonderful people.  Okay, it is still about me but I am seeing the value in opening up, losing the shy routine and finding out other people’s stories.  Everyone has a story, they just need someone to listen to it.

Great pictures coming.  This is proving challenging for me, but I will post some cool pics very soon.  Thank you again for your support and for listening.

Day 9 – Mount Shasta, California to Lemon Cove, California

The adventure is continuing.  More mountain driving, and some very busy California road driving.  I realize that maybe California is not for me.  It is a lovely state with lovely people, but they drive way too fast and way too wild for this country girl.

So with all the drive time today, I thought of a Top Ten List of things I have learned so far.  Maybe this list will help others who are interested in doing a trip such as this:

10.  Never leave gummy vitamins in the glove box of your car in 90 to 100 degree weather.  My vitamins all melted into one big glob that I cannot even spoon out unless I reheat them.  Lesson Learned.

9.  O’Reilly’s, Walmart and any Dollar Store are your friends.  Yesterday, the check engine light went on in Devi.  Had Mike not been with me, it might have been the straw that broke my back.  He was able to diagnose the problem and saved the day.  But you never know when you are going to need an auto part, a first aid item or any number of things that you might have forgotten.  Forget the politics of the stores, they can be lifesavers in an emergency.

8.  Car camping in a Walmart parking lot is not quite the delight you might think it is.  I could barely sleep for all the random people just walking in the parking lot after midnight (mind you the store we slept at was not 24 hours, so they were closed).  There were skateboarders up until about 2 am and a car circled us for a while around 3 am.  They kept lighting something…a bowl maybe.  But it was downright scary and I do not think I am going to do that again.

7.  KOA (Kampgrounds of America) are a great resource for either tent camping or for sleeping in one of the adorable cabins.  We have been doing the cabins lately because I am just too old to sleep on the ground.  The price is better than a hotel; you have to walk to a bathroom and shower and it is not as luxurious as a hotel but for the cost difference it can mean an extra nice meal once in a while.

6.  Laundromats are a haven.  I never knew clean clothes were such a pleasure until you go a few days.  The task I felt was drudgery at home is now a gift.  Plus the time alone doing laundry is true “Me” time.

5.  Trust your gut.  Everyone says it, but it is so true.  Your instincts know when something is not right.  If you feel it, get the heck out.  If you feel really good, stay.  Today on the road I had a bad feeling and I did not stop until I was out of the place that made me uneasy.  Nothing probably would have happened, but it is not worth the risk.

4.  Simple food is the very best!!  I always wanted to try an In ‘N Out Burger (saw them on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives).  When I pulled up to the drive through, there are four main menu items; nothing fancy.  It was a great burger (gluten and all).  I appreciated the simplicity and the fact that every order is cooked to order.  Simple is the BEST!!

3.  Generally, people are animal lovers.  Today on a crowded California highway, a cat ran across the road and almost all traffic stopped including an 18-wheeler. Glad to report that the cat is okay and there were no car accidents either.

2.  When figuring travel budget, figure out all your costs and times them by three.  It is amazing how much everything costs.  I was truly unprepared (and I ain’t living large).  Money shortages can ruin a trip.

  1.  Mountain driving is not for the weak of heart.  There are sheer drops, insane grades up and down the mountain roads and your car may not like it either.  I found out, on this trip, that some states have mandated the use of ethanol in their gas which lowers the gases octane.  This can be very detrimental to a car’s engine.  I was lucky with Devi, but there was a 10% grade (doesn’t sound like much right — wrong!!) that almost blew her engine in the middle of absolutely nowhere.  Find out what your car can do before attempting mountain driving.

I hope this lists helps you as you think of your own Epic Journey.  These are things I will definitely consider on my next one.  It is rough out there, be prepared!!!

Day 8- Reality Check-Please Accept My Apologies

Welcome to Day 8 of my Epic Journey.  Yesterday, I met my goal of seeing the Pacific Ocean.  It was even better than I had anticipated.  I cannot believe that I am sitting in Newport,Oregon watching the waves crash, listening to nature’s music and I feel the healing force from the ocean. I am so thankful for this journey.

Unfortunately, I think this particular chapter has to close.  This trip taught me so many things that I did not know.  I realize now that you can make lists, read books and plan but when the reality hits it is usually way different than what you expected.

I started this trip to learn what I did not know.  Some of the things I came looking for I did not find and I will continue looking in the next chapter of this trip.  Other things I never expected to know have become like friends to me.  The learning process is different for everyone, this much I know, and my experience with learning has always been somewhat slower than most.

I realize now that I started this journey to run away from the things in life that I no longer wanted to deal with.  Today, my reality check is that I have to return and take care of those things, face them head on, and then free myself from the burdens.  If I just run away, I am not dealing with anything and, therefore, I can never find true peace.

I also realize that the next chapter has to be planned out better.  The reality of the costs of living on the road are so much more than I expected.  I figured gas, food and lodging on a scale that might be reminiscent of the 1970s.  Today’s costs are so much more and money just flies out the window.  Without the support of friends and people I have yet to meet, I could not have made it to here. I will be eternally grateful for the support.  I could go on and run out of money along the way with no way to get home or to live or I can take what is left, add to it and be smarter next time.

My ability to car camp did not meet my expectations in the slightest.  At 53 years old with no real camping experience, I expected to live in my car for up to eight weeks.  My body physically cannot handle it.  I now know pains that have never reared their head before.  This trip needs more physical training, like a marathon.  My flabby, undisciplined body was not ready for this reality. I need to make a more realistic plan for sleeping and finding a sleep position that works in a car.

The night before last I slept in a Walmart parking lot (my first attempt at that) in Spokane, Washington.  I had it all figured out how it would be and when I got there the reality was much different.  Suffice it to say, I got very little sleep which made the next day’s travels very difficult.  Every decision while living on the road impacts all the next decisions you make.  If you do not get enough sleep, driving is downright hazardous down the line.  I have to have a better way to sleep than I planned for on this trip.

The idea of driving seemed to me to be a relaxing activity.  I was extremely incorrect yet again.  The stress and grueling reality hit when on Day 1 I got lost in Chicago,almost wrecked six times and practically ran out of gas in the middle of an extremely busy highway.  That was the kind of stress that takes its toll on one’s health.  I have since gotten lost several other times, one more in Yellowstone.  I never considered that could even happen.  I have GPS, road atlases and Trip Tiks (from AAA).  Yet, the reality is that signing is not always apparent and sometimes split decisions have to be made.  Turns out that split-decision making is not my strongsuit.

Another plan I had was to find a new place to live and start a new life, possibly on a Farmstay.  That plan is still in place but it will have to wait until the next chapter.  The reality of just starting a new life and doing something that I have never done before was thought too romantically in my mind.  Maybe if I was 20 years old, but not today.  I still want a simpler, more organic life but I have an old, pre-existing life that needs dealt with first.  I have some options for more local volunteer and farmstay experiences.  Baby steps seem to be the correct path at this point.

So it is with much sorrow that I head home today with my tail between my legs.  I realize that this trip was not so much a failure as it was a learning curve.  I have not left home in years, even for a weekend, and I expected to live on the road for up to eight weeks.  I thought I was more of a realist than that.  I really wanted this to work, I had a lot of people who were behind me and I did not want to disappoint them (and I hope that I did not).  But I think the funding, time and resources would be better served if I could use the knowledge from this trip and apply it to the next trip.

Time to come clean with another thing, early on the panic attacks were pretty strong.  Mike joined me, with the intent of making sure I was safe and that I did not Thelma and Louise it off a cliff.  The concept that I was supposed to be so brave doing this trip went right out the window when I had to have help. I tried to be that heroic person, but I was ill-prepared this time out.  I am sorry to all of you who are dissappointed.

I dismissed the glances from friends and family that said I was crazy, they were right I was crazy to think that something this gigantic would work the first time out of the gate.  Just because I dreamed of this trip since I was 15, does not mean I was ready.  The situation I am in now shows how un-ready I truly was.

Where do I go from here other than back to Ohio?  I take what I learned and keep blogging (hopefully, you all will still be interested), I re-invent a new plan which will end up with real results not just pipe dreams and I continue to journey on my Epic Journey in different ways than I had ever imagined.

There are so many things I have learned that I still want to write to you about.  I hope you are not too disappointed with me and I hope and pray that you will join me for Chapter 2 of my Epic Journey.  I honestly could never have gotten this far without you.  I appreciate and love you all!!

Day 7 — The Pacific Ocean!! Newport, Oregon!! I Made it!!
It's me at the Pacific Ocean. I made it!! A bit overcast but who cares!!

It’s me at the Pacific Ocean. I made it!! A bit overcast but who cares!!

Today’s post is all about reaching my goal of getting to the Pacific Ocean.  I could tell you about the interesting day I had yesterday (car camping at Walmart) but I think today the post has to be about the beauty of the ocean, about its healing properties and its energy.  Hope you like the wordless post and like the pictures.  I wish I was Ansel Adams, but alas I am not.

Pacific Coastline via Oregon.

Pacific Coastline via Oregon.

A beautifully misty shoreline.

A beautifully misty shoreline.

The waves rolling in and with them the ocean's healing energy!

The waves rolling in and with them the ocean’s healing energy!

The overcast afternoon sky as the sun tries to peek out.

The overcast afternoon sky as the sun tries to peek out.

Even Devy loves the view.

Even Devy loves the view.

I have more photographs.  My connection at the Moolack Shores Motel is a little weak. So I will keep trying, also going to get some pictures of sunset even though it is still overcast.

Day 6 – Onward and Westward
Devi and the cabin I stayed in last night in Buffalo, Wyoming.

Devi and the cabin I stayed in last night in Buffalo, Wyoming.

Okay, here is the newest plan…head west again.  I really want to see the Pacific Ocean and I am this close.  If I turn back now, I will never forgive myself.  The respite in Buffalo, Wyoming was much needed.  Who would have guessed that a trip like this would be so tiring.

Many amazing things have happened since I started this trip just six days ago.  I have met wonderful people from all around the country.  While in Buffalo, I met a young lady who transplanted from my home state of Ohio.  It really is a small world!

Another amazing thing is the Internet.  I think we all take it for granted, but being able to connect (when you have a connection) is amazing.  Keeping in touch with friends and family is truly priceless.

The interior of the Busy Bee Cafe.

The interior of the Busy Bee Cafe.

While I have been on the road, I have heard from people from Kentucky and Alaska about volunteer opportunities.  How cool is that!!  I have people reading my blog from several foreign countries.  The concept just blows me away.  I never, in my life, would have thought that anyone, anywhere would have ever read anything I have written.  It is good to be connected.

This trip has taken so many twists and turns since I first started thinking about it when I was 15 (today I am 53, so it has been a while).  I do not think the re-planning is over.  I may have to change it up a bit.  I do not believe I will be able to physically take the entire around the country portion in one shot.  It will have to be done in stages, but that is okay.  It is not another failure on my “resume.”  It is just a change to a plan.

Downtown Buffalo, Wyoming. It is an adorable town!!

Downtown Buffalo, Wyoming. It is an adorable town!!

Today, I reserve my expectations to see what unfolds and leave the disappointment in the rear view mirror.  Today, I try to be part romantic and part realist; someone who can dream a little yet still hold tight to what needs done.  I say that as I am doing a load of laundry at the KOA.  Somehow I thought the drudgery of life would be something I left behind during this trip (not very realistic, I know).  Today, the idea of a shower and clean clothes seems more like a luxury than a drudgery.  I guess it is all perspective.

Anyway, I appreciate all of you who are reading this blog and for all your support.  I am going to try to keep moving forward and learn about myself and learn about others.

Thank you for everything!!  I feel so blessed today!!

Day 5 – Buffalo, Wyoming — Again

Have you ever gone somewhere in your life and when you got there you just knew it was right?  That is exactly how I felt when I rolled into Buffalo, Wyoming a few days ago.  I mostly came here because I am a huge Longmire fan and I just had to have lunch at the Busy Bee Cafe (one of Walt Longmire’s favorite places to eat in the books and the show).

This is the official Busy Bee Cafe Logo. I do not own its rights but use it respectfully in my blog.

This is the official Busy Bee Cafe Logo. I do not own its rights but use it respectfully in my blog.

I did not have lunch, but I had breakfast and the server, Kia, was perfect!  The food was great, the atmosphere welcoming and the weather was beautiful.  Before the Busy Bee opened, I met a gentleman who transplanted to Buffalo and he told me history of the town and why he loved it here.  He stopped to talk with me on his way to Bible Study at 6:30 am.  I was impressed.

The people at the KOA Buffalo (as I mentioned in a previous post) were absolutely wonderful to me and I felt as safe here as I did anywhere.  The campground was fun, clean and accessible.  Road Lesson:  A clean, hot shower is worth more than gold!!

I kinda got an inclination that maybe I had found a “home”, a place where I could fit it.  Small town living with lots of caring individuals and the opportunity to become an active member of the community through volunteering.

I spent the day in Buffalo today trying to find a place to live and a job.  If it was meant to be, it would happen.  In the process, I met a lovely artist woman at the Chamber of Commerce outpost, a group of women involved in local businesses and the sweetest real estate agent who so very hard to help.  The day was full of meeting and greeting.  Unfortunately, it seems that it was not meant to be as nothing quite worked out.

What was I thinking….trying to do this on the spur of the moment without any hint or preview.  I just fell in love with the history, the town and the people.  I do not want to leave, but I cannot afford to stay.  Maybe I can come back.

As I read my posts I realize that I sound very negative.  I honestly am not that negative of a person.  So during my downtime today I got real introspective.  I realized that I, much to my dismay, I am a romantic by heart.  I romanticized this trip like the trips of Jack Kerouac, Hunter S. Thompson and Robert M. Pirisig.  As Hunter would say, this trip was to be my “high water mark.”  I was expecting everything to change because of it.  Then my true self, the realist, stepped in and kicked me square in the pants and demands to know what I was thinking.

Because of those unrealistic expectations I am experiencing disappointment. When I was younger I was full of wonder and awe.  Although a bit jaded, I still had that feeling that life was going to end up like some sort of sappy Disney movie.  Then, I guess, you have to grow up and become responsible and pay your bills and be contributing members of society.  That is all fine and good, but the heavy weight of responsibilities moves wonder somewhere else, somewhere not easily accessed.

So I realized today that I am not negative so much as I am too much of a realist.  I no longer want to be a realist.  I want to have the wonder back, I want the awe back but I think I have to do it in a way that is not quite so Pie-in-The-Sky.  Just like the perfect chocolate chip cookie dough, you need the right amounts of each ingredient to make the perfect cookie; too much of one thing or too little of another will ruin the entire batch.

I am hoping I can change my perspective to reflect the perfect mix of romantic and realist.  You actually need both to keep from messing the situation up too badly.  Sorry it took my almost a week to figure this out, but maybe this knowledge will bring about the change I am looking for.

Thank you for listening….Buffalo, I still love you..I hope to return!!

Day 4 — Yellowstone National Park
The water in Yellowstone is amazingly blue and so beautiful.

The water in Yellowstone is amazingly blue and so beautiful.

Now for my trip from Buffalo, Wyoming into Yellowstone National Park.  I was excited because of all the wonderful things I heard about the park.  Getting there was a lot harder than I had anticipated.  The mountain grades were so hard on the car and I was just not experienced enough to know how to drive them.  The scenery was breathtaking, there is no doubt about that, but so was the drive.

Mike had purchased for me, online, a National Parks pass which allowed me into the park for nothing which was quite nice.  I can always visit other National Parks for a year.  It is a great idea if you are thinking about visiting a few National Parks.

From the entrance to the exit was a line of bumper to bumper cars, vans, motor homes, buses and trucks.  I would assume that if I had actually had a plan for seeing the park, instead of just winging it, things may have gone smoother.  But as it was, I was panicked from all the traffic and was not able to enjoy the sights as much as would have liked.

My advice; if you want to see Yellowstone, have a plan.  Do not just show up and expect to have the time of your life.  There are a lot of people visiting at any given time and it can be overwhelming to be in such crowds.

On the way out of the park,I got turned around yet again and ended up on a dirt road (and I use the term road loosely).  It was really a path that a car could fit on.  Then all these large SUVs appeared out of nowhere going really fast.  It was like a scene out of “Men in Black”.  I soon realized after quite a bit of time on this path that there was a very swanky restaurant on the road and that is where the SUVs were headed.

The road finally spit me out in Jackson, Wyoming.  I was so exhausted from white knuckle driving all day, I luckily found a lovely camp ground in Victor, Wyoming and spent the night.

My observations on Yellowstone are probably not that of most.  I had not made a plan and it really did not work this time due to all the people and vehicles in the park.  Planning is imperative for this type of trip and if you plan, I am sure the experience will be better.

After yet another crying session, wondering if I have done the right thing, I decided to go back to Buffalo, Wyoming.  I really liked the town and wish I would have stayed there instead of going to Yellowstone.  Lesson learned.

I took I-90 back so as to miss he huge mountains and give Devi a little bit of a break.  It was a lovely ride back and it did a lot to calm my nerves.  As I got back into Buffalo, I stopped into the KOA I stayed at a couple nights before and I was EXTREMELY lucky to find out they had a cabin available.  A cabin was just what I needed to regroup and rethink.

Thank you to Shawn and Mickie, the hosts at the Buffalo KOA, and the entire staff for saving my sanity and giving me a place to shower, wash some clothes and basically just chill out.

This trip is much more grueling than I had anticipated and I am going to take another day to rethink things. I will let you know what I come up with!!  Thank you for listening!!

Day 2 – Dubuque, Iowa to O’Neill, Nebraska and Day 3 – O’Neill Nebraska to Buffalo, Wyoming
Somewhere in Iowa. Big Sky, beautiful country!

Somewhere in Iowa. Big Sky, beautiful country!

Today I am going to combine Days 2 and 3, not because there is not much to say (there is so much to talk about) but I do not want to get too far behind.  I have to admit that this trip has taken some twists and turns, some I anticipated and some I never saw coming.  All my research and reading about car camping did not prepare me for the reality of it all.  I thought I could adapt a little easier than I have….it is still a work in progress.  I am enjoying it but lack of sleep, time changes and weather changes have really thrown me for a loop.  Oh well, all part of traveling on a budget!!

Traveling Route 20 instead of highways has been a blessing!

Traveling Route 20 instead of highways has been a blessing!

I cannot believe how beautiful Iowa is.  I remember driving through it as a teenager and all you could see were pigs and corn.  My adult eyes now see lovely, large fields of life-giving corn and soybeans.  Amazing green lush carpets of vegetation.  Peaceful scenery and huge blue skies.  Iowa, you surprised me!

One disappointment in Iowa (and it was not Iowa’s fault).  As a big Frank Lloyd Wright fan, I was thrilled to find one of his homes (The Walter Estate) in Cedar Rock.  Unfortunately, I was closed.  I was going to jump the fence but figured I did not have enough bail money if I got caught.

Nebraska's overwhelming scenery

Nebraska’s overwhelming scenery

I just drove through Nebraska, but the scenery was truly breathtaking.  The foothills in the distance, the high altitude and the overwhelming views from every angle took me by surprise.

I Love LONGMIRE!

I Love LONGMIRE!

Next stop Wyoming…I am in love with Buffalo, Wyoming and I will tell all next time.  I promise to have more stories and pictures next time.  I am learning to adapt to areas without Wi-Fi and typing in the car.  I am an old school typist and I seem to take up lots of room when I type 😦  I thought I would just pop into a Starbucks along the way and update the blog, but I have yet to see one since I left Illinois.

Thank you for your support!!!

Day 1 – Cleveland to Dubuque, Iowa

Day 1 – Cleveland to Dubuque, Iowa

Finally, I get to start writing about the trip. Here goes:

Well, my first couple of days were a mixed bag for sure:

Thought I was downsizing, seems like an awful lot of stuff to take.

Thought I was downsizing, seems like an awful lot of stuff to take.

I was planning on leaving Saturday, July 25 but I got a late start, so Sunday ended up being my new launch date. The plan stood to get from home past Gary, Indiana and Chicago, Illinois and then somewhere after that. The ride to Gary, Indiana was lovely, the weather was great. I was feeling very optimistic about my latest life choice. Then I took a wrong turn and was stuck in Chicago traffic for over an hour. Not just traffic, but stop and go and almost get hit a few times traffic. I was freaking out and was low on gas (my bad!). I do not know how I got so turned around. Sammi, my GPS, was just about as confused as I was. I considered turning around and going home but I did not.

A gift from my friends and a great way to start my trip!

A gift from my friends and a great way to start my trip!

I got to Dubuque, Iowa at the end of the day. I had a city campgrounds in mind but could not find it because of lack of signage. But I called the number and the camp host came right over to get me. He was awesome and put me close to the front. The temperature was very hot so I rolled the windows down and quickly taped up some screens Mike had made me to keep bugs out and cool breezes in. It worked perfectly. As the sun went down, the temperature went down also. No sounds but the songs of crickets, passing traffic and the melodic sounds of a faraway train. This semi-outside experience was a first for me.

My view from my very first campsite! Very close to the water!!

My view from my very first campsite! Very close to the water!!

Unlike at home, there was no television, no loud refrigerator, and no other household noises. Just the sounds of nature and a little traffic. It was so incredibly peaceful. I have yet to be in peace mode, I am still in stress mode, but it will come to me. Soon I hope!!

Devi did a great job camping!!

Devi did a great job camping!!

As far as car camping, I have never done it but I had an “idea” of how it should go. Boy, was I wrong. I struggled with getting comfy, staying cool, trying to get undressed, eating (dinner last night was snacks given to me by a friend) and generally getting used to sleeping in a SUV down by the river (yes, I was really next to the Dubuque River). I fought and struggled for a couple of hours, but then got my “blankie” out of storage and my pillow and drifted into dream land. Just needed some comforting items.

I never realized how beautiful Iowa is!!

I never realized how beautiful Iowa is!!

Unlike at home, there was no television, no loud refrigerator, and no other household noises. Just the sounds of nature and a little traffic. It was so incredibly peaceful. I have yet to be in peace mode, I am still in stress mode, but it will come to me. Soon I hope!!

Amazing Iowa Sky!

Amazing Iowa Sky!

I learned a lot last night and feel like I am well on the road to becoming a car camper aficionado or not. This morning I woke up reorganized the car and started on my way to Nebraska.

Just a cool bridge -- looks like modern art.

Just a cool bridge — looks like modern art.

As I think back on the last few days, I am very impressed with how beautiful this country is.  The corn fields of Iowa are amazing but also feed us and feeds the farm animals,  fuel our vehicles and have been known to be a main part of certain adult beverages.  Corn as far as the eye can see and it was truly stunning.

Sammi, my Garmin. She can be chatty at times :-)

Sammi, my Garmin. She can be chatty at times 🙂