T-8 Days

When I was about 14 years old, I discovered the idea of cross-country road trips. Immediately, I made it a goal to go on one. I've always worked in the summers, though, and for one reason or another, haven't had the opportunity.

Then, this spring, I decided to take the plunge and go for it, and figure out the logistics as I went. I started planning, toying with different routes.  Even at this point, my route is still fairly fluid, but here's the basic idea:

Drive up to the Niagara Falls area over 4th of July weekend, then head out to Detroit to meet up with a friend for a few days. Then to Chicago briefly.  The next big stop will be in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  From there, I'll make a stop in Phillipsburg, Montana to mine some sapphires.  Keeping my eyes on the West Coast, I'll head to Seattle.  Turning south, I'll head down the coast, stopping in Portland.  In San Francisco, I'll pick up Dear Husband (DH), and we'll keep heading down the coast, ending up in San Diego. Then we'll turn back up north and head inland to Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park. Next stop will be Denver or Boulder, or both, then back across the country, stopping in the Ozarks in Arkansas, and St. Louis, before finally returning home.

All of these are subject to change other than picking up DH in San Francisco.

Packing has already commenced, and the butterflies are making themselves felt!  As for this blog...the plan is to update it as often as possible along the way, with pictures and stories.  It all depends on the wireless.  So keep checking back.  I might post another post or two about how I'm preparing for this mega journey.