An Odyssey… in the Odyssey

If you’re coming here, you know that J and I are taking a pretty long road trip to California and back. And by soon, I mean Thursday. Why in God’s name are we doing this?? Well, because it’s there, frankly, and a road trip to Patagonia* is probably not the safest thing to do at present. 

Along the way we’ll stop by at least 12 national parks (and camp in 3), hike in all sorts of terrain, experience temperatures from the 50s through the 110s, visit friends, and generally chill the F out. As you may or may not know, I’m a nut about national parks and monuments, and we’re excited to show L the places her parents love to visit and the rest of the US.

The plan is for me to drive out and meet J and the kid at the airport in Sioux Falls, SD on Saturday. From there, we’ll head to Mount Rushmore, then down to Denver where suddenly** several friends have moved, through Utah and its myriad national parks, Vegas, San Diego, and finally, LA. J and L will fly out of LA while at the same time, my friend K will fly in to LAX and graciously accompany me on the trip back to VA.

When I tell people what we’re doing, most are incredulous, some are envious, and some think we’re insane. But really, there’s nothing stopping anyone from doing the same thing... you just get in the car, and go west. Life is short. Your phone has a GPS.

As for the driving part, I’m excited to not have to pack for a plane, or get on a plane, or deal with a plane. The aptly-named Odyssey seats 8 and can easily handle a family of 3 + camping gear, and it’s mostly packed now. Fortunately, I like driving (we’ll log around 7000 miles), but I understand people who don’t.

As for me, I’m excited to the point of nausea. It will be better once I’m on the road.

*that’s around the southernmost point in Argentina. There are several blogs written by people who have taken the journey, which invariably includes buying off corrupt cops in Central and South America. Pass.

**is Colorado to the 21st century what California was to the 20th? It seems THE place to go.

John here:

This is the blog, la la la, 

John-Clare's blog, la la la

So when Lily was little, we drove her 1100 miles around California until she got so sick of it that she cried 2 hours straight in a traffic jam and then all night the last night in the hotel.  When she was older, we took her for 2 weeks to Italy and drove her around until she barfed in the car and almost died of boredom in Umbria.  To show how much we've learned, we're taking Lily on a 3 week driving vacation from South Dakota to LA!!!!!  We learn good, don't we?

Those of you who are old enough might remember "An American Family", featuring the Louds.  Then, of course, there's National Lampoon's Vacation.  And then there's Lord of the Flies.  Anyone want to make a bet how this one's gonna turn out? We're inviting you in to the descent into the maelstrom!  

I've already been researching fireworks laws in the states we're going through, so somethin's gonna blow up!

Join us, won't you?