Adventure: The Road To Freedom
July 27, 2009
I love a good road trip… doesn’t everyone?
I remember taking road trips with my parents and three siblings in a van from Miami to Upstate New York, and from Southern California to Vancouver. When I was in college, my dad and I drove from San Diego to Laredo, Texas, and all the way to Costa Rica… just the two of us and the open road.
I’ll never forget being in middle-of-nowhere Mexico and my dad telling me to stop and fill up at EVERY gas station I saw because they were not conveniently spaced. We might go 300 miles without seeing another station, so we’d better have enough gas to make it.
I remember each border-crossing taking forever, as we waited for all the right immigration forms to be reviewed, approved, and stamped… into Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and, finally, into Costa Rica. I distinctly remember wondering if we were EVER going to get there and, more importantly, how my dad could put me through such torture.
Looking back, I remember that as one of the best experiences of my life.
I want to put my son through that kind of torture… the kind he’ll probably suffer through as it’s happening, but get all nostalgic about later on. We’ve done some mini-trips, from Georgia to Orlando or North Carolina; and we drove from Austin when we moved back to Georgia. But those were more about getting to our destination, and not so much about enjoying the journey. Well that’s about to change.
You may recall from my Leap of Faith post that my husband just quit his corporate job and, as of August 1, we will be officially unemployed. Clearly we are going to have to remedy that situation at some point, but first we need to enjoy his new-found freedom. We will celebrate with a road trip during the month of August.
We don’t have a firm itinerary because we want to leave room to go where the wind blows us at times, but we have some ideas of people and places we’d like to visit along the way.
Here’s what we have planned so far:
August 6: Leave Georgia for Virginia, or Washington, D.C., depending on how we feel after all that driving.
August 7: Stop in New Jersey to pick up Nadia (Happy Lotus) and her husband, Jacob. Although I’ve chatted with Nadia online, and talked to her on the phone, this will be the first time I get to meet her in person, and I am thrilled about that. It’s one of the highlights of this trip. We’re heading to New York City together!
August 8: We’ll try to see and do some of the things one MUST see and do in NYC until around lunch time. At that point we will continue our journey to upstate New York. I definitely would rather spend more time with them in NYC, but given our lack of income… we figured we should keep it short and sweet. We’ll visit again when we are more solvent.
August 9: We’ll be getting settled in at our “base camp” for three weeks, in Johnstown, NY. My mom’s brothers live there, and she always told me I needed to get in touch with my McGregor roots (her side of the family) so… by golly, there’s no time like the present!
First week: (No idea what happens yet.)
Weekend of the 15th: Visit Niagara Falls and cross the border over to Canada where we will stay with some friends we haven’t seen in a while.
Second week: I would like to visit a new friend I met on Twitter, in Vermont. I promised her a cup of Green Mountain Coffee, and I’m dying to meet her in person. Plus, I’m about due for my pilgrimage to the Ben & Jerry’s factory there.
Third week: Spend some time in the Adirondacks, maybe Lake Placid, and further explore my McGregor roots. Might go to Rhode Island to visit my cousin, Megan… or she may come see us. Then we’ll head back home. I’m not sure what the route home will look like yet. I’d like to take Hunter to the Smithsonian, but don’t know yet if it will fit in our limited budget.
Well, this gives you an idea of what’s coming up. I plan to blog along the way, posting pictures and sharing lessons I learn from Real Life Gurus. I will keep comments open the entire time so you can come along with me, and make suggestions.
Do you love road trips? Do you have any great road trip memories to share with us? Words of advice… helpful hints… cautionary tales?
Thanks!!!
Related posts:
- Road to Freedom Update #3: Facing Uncertainty
- Road To Freedom Update #1: First Impressions
- Road to Freedom Update #2: Rethinking the Basics
- Adventure: Taking a Giant Leap of Faith
- Growing Up on the Road Less Traveled
Posted in Life, Spirit of Adventure, about me, family, happiness, present moment
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Hi Lisis,
I think this is awesome, how you’re making your life an adventure! And something about hitting the open road does just that. (and very cool that you’re connecting up with Nadia – that sounds like a wonderful day!). Know that I wish you well as you embark on this new journey in your life. Here’s to fully living it! (and I’d say you are!)
I recall a couple of recent roadtrips. One was from Wisconsin to Colorado, via Texas and New Mexico. By car. And I remember it well, and how our kids were real troopers (although there were moments!). Like the ice storm in New Mexico (where we sat in our car on the interstate and played games in the car…because we weren’t going anywhere soon). Or the heavy snowstorms that closed roads in Colorado. Mostly, though, I think back to that time a couple of years ago and recall how our kids today look back at that as being a super vacation. And how we were really together as a family. And living life together and connecting more with each other. And that made it all worth it, right there…
Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day
Hi lisis,
I am all excited just reading about the adventures youre going to have. I wish i was close by so we could meet as well but, if and when you do plan a trip to India i am your official guide.
I do love the road and the not knowing makes it all the more exciting…i used to go for a lot of road trips when i wasnt a mommy of a little toddler. But gone are those days…i will have to start once my daughter is old enough to enjoy it.
All i can say is on road trips, be careful of what you eat and drink and take lots and lots of great cds with you to enjoy on the way.
And you have got to take loads of pics which we want to see you share here on Q4B.
Happy Travels to you and the family!
Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last blog ..Wants vs. Needs
Thank you, Lance! For your support and, especially, for sharing your road trip stories. Funny how, while it’s happening things feel terribly uncomfortable and frustrating, but when it’s all said and done, that stuff slips away and what is left is a wonderful memory of time spent together. It’s a bit like panning for gold… only the good stuff remains.
I’ll have to remind myself of that when we go through our inevitable “moments” on this trip!
PS: How was your triathlon?
Hey, Zeenat! Well now that I have a guide, I’ll have to make it a point to go to India! In truth, I’ve always wanted to go, so one day I will have to make that dream a reality.
I definitely plan to take a lot of pictures. We’re thinking of adding a separate page at the top of this site just for pictures of the trip… or maybe Flickr, not sure yet. Suggestions in that area would be welcome too.
Happy Monday, Zeenat!
This is so awesome! And I’m more than a little jealous! I wish I had the courage to do what you guys are doing! Oh well, maybe someday
You know, I’ve been thinking an awful lot about you, and Jeff, and this trip. Mainly wishing I could go with you, but also thinking how I might be able to help. But one thing I thought of was this: what if, along the way, you all kept sharp eyes out for ways to help people by doing small, odd jobs here and there? Forget finding a new career, just travel around the country and help people. How cool would that be? I think it would be *very* cool, and I can see it blossoming into something really big and exciting.
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..I Totally Screwed My Karma
@ Jay: I don’t know if it’s bravery or stupidity, but it should be interesting either way. I keep telling Ali this might make for some interesting blog posts as my readers watch us either “stick it to the man” (pursuit of happyness) or end up homeless and destitute (pursuit of crappyness)!
I’ve also thought a lot about this traveling around the country idea. I read about people who “Road School” (homeschooling on the road), and have met so many super nice bloggers, tweeters and readers who would likely put us up for a night along our way. And I really like the odd jobs idea… kind of a mix between “Dirty Jobs” and “Into the Wild”.
Who knows? I’m open to anything… as are Jeff and Hunter. I’ve always said I’m a bit of a dandelion seed: I go where the wind takes me.
That’s great Lisis. Just you, Nadia, and your families out on the open road. I’m sorry to say that haven’t been on any sort of road trip. I really want to do one next summer. You know, a typical college boys road trip with my best buds. Judging from your experiences, it’s gonna be wild.
Note to self: start planning road trip.
Hope you guys have fun!
John´s last blog ..3 Foolproof Ways to Keep Your Promises
In 2007 i got 6mths unpaid leave from my job here in England and set off travelling across the USA, onto Hawaii and then New Zealand, just me and my backpack. It was lifechanging, amazing, unforgettable adventure. I hostelled in some amazing places and some not so great
camped out in the deserts of Texas and New Mexico, visited the White House, partied in Hollywood, treked in Yellowstone and Yosemite, rode the ferry up in Seattle, biked down a volcano in Hawaii, climbed a Glacier in New Zealand . . . . .
You will have the best time!!
I unfortunately, lost a few good friends over my trip though, they couldnt understand why i would want to do such a ‘crazy’ thing and they felt like i abandoned them for a few months, despite my emails and postcards to keep in touch. But i also met some great people along the way, so im still in touch with now and the friends who have the same attitude to life as me, well, it made us much closer.
I am not the same person i was before i left for my trip, and i am so much better for it.
Enjoy and savour every moment good and bad, but im sure you will
@ John: Here’s a better idea… you and your friends just block off about a month on your calendar and save up some money, but don’t do a lot of planning. Maybe just pick one or two main places you’d like to see, then take your time getting to them. The funnest stuff will probably happen in between your destinations.
Resist the urge to plan. It’s good practice for life.
@ emma: Thank you for sharing your wild adventures with us. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE hearing stories of fun and exciting journeys! A glacier in New Zealand, huh? Sounds pretty amazing!!
As for your friends… I will say that’s the first change we’ve noticed since Jeff turned in his notice at work. A handful of people seem genuinely happy for him (for us), but most seem to feel like he has deserted them, or isn’t “one of them” any more. Maybe it’s the old “misery loves company” adage, but people who used to be real chummy with him barely say a word to him now.
Oh, well… we just focus on the ones who ARE genuinely happy (or at least intrigued).
Hi Lisis,
Just know that we are so much looking forward to spending time with you, Jeff and Hunter. It will be cool to actually see you and hang out. Get ready for some fun, my friend. We will take a big bite out of the Big Apple.
I am also thrilled that we are one of the higlights of the trip. That is so awesome. Thank you so much for including us in your journey.
Nadia – Happy Lotus´s last blog ..The Spirit of the Free
Sounds like you have a great trip planned! How fun that you are going to be meeting Nadia in person!
You should definitely visit DC. That’s where I’m from and it’s a great place. As for road trips…I love ‘em! I’ve driving from DC to LA and I’ve also driven from Wyoming to DC and both experiences were awesome! 
Positively Present´s last blog ..growing up is optional
@ Nadia: I can’t wait! It’s gonna be so fun!!! I’m so thankful to be getting to see NYC with someone who knows the ropes. I’d probably get mugged every 15 minutes ’cause I’d look like such a newbie on my own!
@ Dani: Well, now I know where I’ll be going to see Johnny Depp in his Mad Hatter groove. It would be so much fun to see that movie with you. March 5, 2010, hmmm… We just might stop in DC on the way home. I wouldn’t mind seeing the Air & Space museum. Maybe you’d like to go with us if we do?
This sounds like the perfect road trip. Enjoy your time. I remember the road trips my family would take. They got pretty wild sometimes with 5 kids, but I remember the excitement of the day we left. The anticipation of what excitement we might find. Priceless.
Jill´s last blog ..Gone in a flash
How fantastic is this! Can I come too?! What an amazing adventure this is going to be for you guys. It’s the best possible way to embrace this new path you’re on, in my own very humble opinion.
Looking forward very much to the news and pics you post from the road.
As for me, I love the call of the open road and have been known to just hop in my car and drive for the sake of driving. And it is in my heart (and on my Daisy List) to still do the Great American Road Trip West one day and see all of the places out there I still haven’t seen. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do this with G.
Chania Girl´s last blog ..Letter to a Friend, or Where Have I Been All Summer
Oh Leee! That sounds so exciting!
I wish I could join you
I love how you have a week where you have no idea what you will do and it`s great you`ll get to meet Nadia
yay!
Have fun!
Rosa´s last blog ..“Ay, qué lindo” – “Oh, how pretty”
that is sooo true! (some) of my friends did make the odd comment like i wasnt one of them anymore. One of my friends husbands who has a daughter about 5yrs younger than me, said he wouldnt let his daughter do a trip like that on her own (i was 32 when i did it) and has hardly spoke to me since.
But one of my friends who i have become closer too, since doing the trip, is doing a 10wk trip of her own come next month and I am flying out to join her for the final 2 wks *insert huge smile*
I will look forward to following your adventures on your blog!
Lisis, How fabulous, and great that you are meeting up in person with online friends, including Nadia. I love the ‘real life guru idea’. I am a bit jealous because I lived in NYC for 15 years, but have not been back in 7, and am having major withdrawal symptoms. My vote would be the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the admissions fee is optional! But of course there are 2000 things to do there, including just people watching, so you’ll have no trouble occupying yourself.
I always love being on the road. There is something about not being anywhere in particular, being ‘in between’ destinations, that just creates this sense of space and freedom. I always have a lot of creative ideas and insights when we are on the road (we do a lot of road trips.) Enjoy!-Lisa
Lisa (Mommy Mystic)´s last blog ..Faith and Government – Where’s the Line?
I’m completely jealous. I love traveling in general. Unfortunately I’m at the mercy of a temporary zero budget situation. I think it’s cool that you are going to be blogging. BTW, if you haven’t read ON the Road, by Jack Kerouac, I highly recommend it. It might motivate you to do a little pancake tour of North American diners of your own.
Srinivas rao´s last blog ..How I leveraged volunteer blogging to get my first guest post on one of the most heavily trafficked blogs
I love road trips! I’m sure you’ll all have a blast, especially hunter. Some of my best memories were on road trips with my parents as a kid. Unforgettable.
Come to Winnipeg! It’s only three long days of driving from Niagara Falls
David Cain´s last blog ..The Essential Skill of “Want Management”
Roadtrips are good for the soul. I think you guys are going to have an amazing time! I can’t wait to see what kind of adventures you kids have, and what better way to share them than via this blog? : )
Alison | Quest for Balance´s last blog ..Adventure: The Road To Freedom
@ Jill: Thanks for your support… I bet a trip with 5 kids was REALLY something to remember.
@ Chania Girl: You definitely need to do the trip out West. In fact, we’re thinking of trying to do that in September… Georgia to Colorado to California to Texas and back. I picked those cities just because I know someone in each who might put us up for a night or two (or, in Ali’s case… possibly much longer!). If you are still in North Carolina, maybe we can meet for lunch, or something, on the way back from this trip?
@ Rosa: I wish you could join me too. I really have no idea what ANY of the three weeks will look like, but I figured I should aim for something and see what actually shakes out.
Congrats to your husband on quitting corporate. Freedom! Yes road trips are so fun.
When our 4 girls were growing up we took plenty. We didn’t have money to eat out so we always packed food for the road and restocked along the way.
I came from a family of ten and I remember sitting on each others laps all packed in our car that seated 6 and yes my memories are great ones. I’m sure we were fighting and complaining but I don’t remember it.
So glad you’re blogging along the way and letting us share the trip with you.
Can’t wait!
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..“Turn Fear Into Faith” Freebie from Peggy McColl
@ I think it’s GREAT that you’ll be joining your friend. I’m smiling for you too!
@ Lisa: THANK YOU for the recommendation. As it turns out, “optional donation” entry fees are perfect for my current budget. We’ll definitely have to check that out. Is that the one from Night at the Museum? Like you, I enjoy being between destinations.
@ Srinivas: You know I read that, but WAAAAAAAAY back when I was in college, before I really knew anything about anything. I’ll have to pick up a copy to read on the way. On a totally different subject, I love your name… it’s fun to say in my head when I see your comments. It has just the right combination of consonants, or something.
@ David: Three days, huh? I’d love to come out that way to see you, Sherri and Gwynn. If we end up moving to Upstate New York, we’ll have to make that a special trip in the fall (and before you head out on your adventure).
@ Ali: Exactly! This will be my first “public” road trip, sharing my pictures and interesting moments with readers. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. Next time we’ll head to your house, out West.
@ Tess: Wow! That sounds incredible, packing that many people into a small car for a road trip! I’m sure there were plenty of complaints while it was happening, but what a great memory! Thanks for reminding me about the food thing. During our days of being employed we got pretty lazy about road trips, stopping for food along the way since there are zillions of restaurants to choose from. But that’s a luxury we can’t afford on this trip. I’ll be sure to plan ahead for that.
Whee!! I love it that you’re going to bring us along for the ride. And I agree with David, family road trips are what we all remember! I can remember laying in the back of our paneled Station Wagon on our way from the midwest to Arizona one winter. I played one-person Yahzee! the whole way.
Does anyone still play that game??? ha
Have a great day, Lisis.
You sure got the right picture! Vermont is starting to change color now. Bring your sweaters — the nights get cool in the mountains. The two guest rooms await your mid-August arrival.
@ Lori: I never leave home without you (my readers).
I’m loving the image of you in a paneled station wagon. Maybe we should get one of those to complete the picture.
@ Gyan: Eeeek! I’m SO glad you mentioned that ’cause I was packing like a girl straight out of Hotlanta in the summer… flip flops and spaghetti straps. Now I’ll be sure to add some more layers to the equation. Ooooh… changing leaves! That’s gonna be magical!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Nothing better than taking a real break from daily living. Different scenery, different food, different climates.
I agree, take warm clothes because on the road it gets cold. I don’t know how much of a girl scout you are but we always take a plastic ground sheet, so when the ground is wet after the rain stopped you can still sit somewhere dry and we always take a torch.
Have a fantastic adventure.
Wilma Ham´s last blog ..How mother and daughter manage the fear driven corporate world.
Hey, Wilma! I’ll go ahead and tell you, I’m not much of a girl scout. However, I married someone who is practically Bear Grylls at times, so he’ll probably take a good bit of outdoor gear for us to be ready for anything.
By “torch” I’m assuming you mean “flashlight”, right? Semantics, I know… but when I read that I was picturing us by the side of the road at night with a flaming torch, like you’d see on Indiana Jones. Now THAT would make an interesting blog picture.
[...] having established that whole preamble, here’s my first Road to Freedom [...]
WOW! Its simply great. I wish I could have joined you. Alas!! the 50000 miles distance. I wonder why the so called ” CREATOR” made this globe so big.
Once upon a time I used to travel a lot by car.. So …
1. First-Aid box with all kinds of medicine for common ailments including some common antibiotics.
2. Choclates candies and sweet kinds of snacks… they give instant energy.
3. Non-heavy meals(meat/chicken based .. they stuck in the stomach for long) and fruits.Remember our nearest zoologicals ancesters do live on fruits.
4. Drink a lot of water but intermittantly … it keeps the toxicity level of the body low and keep the body afresh yet you dont have to halt many times for urination.(Avoid coke type of stuffs.. plain water or fruit juice is preferable)
And my 3 wishes are —-
Happy journey
Have a lot of fun
Enjoy your soul to the fullest.
sajal nandy´s last blog ..QUICKPOST: NO SHORTS IN THE MOUNTAIN
Thank you, Sajal. Maybe one of these days I’ll be able to take a trip in your direction and come see you and Zeenat.
Thanks for all your practical tips (I especially love the one about chocolates!). And I really appreciate your three wishes. You are the sweetest of friends, as always.
Take Care!
[...] going on in your life? Is it already an adventure? If not, how do you think you can make it one? Are you living the life you’ve always [...]