I slept well last night. I was pretty tired from the trip and the long drive. Overall it was a super fantastic time and both Susanne and I really enjoyed the trailer experience. We decided to name the trailer “Clark” and the truck “Lewis”; they made a good team. It seemed fitting since we did in some places follow their footsteps.
We ended up driving 3415 miles on this trip. All in all, the driving wasn’t too bad. We planned a pretty good route. In the end, we were getting a bit tired and where ready to head back home.
I did discover that the “average mpg” is not the average mpg. I have no idea what it is actually the average of — best guess is from the last tank of gas.
For anyone that is thinking about doing a trip like this, here are a few warning signs that it might be time to head back to the barn:
- You have run out of scotch
- The mattress that used to feel comfortable on day 7 is now causing you second thoughts about whether you should go to bed yet
- It’s hard to distinguish the inside of the trailer from the outside in terms of quantity of dirt
- You no longer care that you have yogurt stains, mud, dog hair, and a bit of broccoli on your sweat pants when go into the coffee shop
- You are desperately rationing coffee pods and the thought of running out is one of the most devastating things you can imagine.
- You think that the KOA in Winnemucca is starting to look like a good retirement option
These are just a few of the warning signs. There are many more.
I asked Susanne in Bruneau Dunes what was her favorite part of the trip. She said it was the boondocking in Nevada. I would agree. I think my absolute favorite moment was taking a shower at the cattle muster station near Notch Peak.
There was something about it that brought back so many memories from my life. I have traveled all over the world and done all sorts of crazy things. It reminded me a lot of when I was 19 and I spent a year traveling around Asia/Australia/New Zealand. The small joys of finding something that makes you laugh or smile or makes your food taste a bit better. Life just offering you up an opportunity for your enjoyment. Standing naked in the middle of the desert under a stream of cold water with the bright sunshine and not a soul anywhere around is just a feeling that you can’t buy. It makes you feel like a kid and opens your mind and your soul.
The other thing that I really loved was the absolute silence we had in a few locations. Nothing. When you are in the hustle and bustle of a city, you lose track of how stressful and impactful all that noise can be. Silence is a wonderful and rare treat.
I really liked the time on the beach at Tillicum too. Watching the dogs run up and down the beach with just pure joy pouring out of their every movement could only make you laugh and smile.
I got tired of Humbug. Too much road noise.
I really enjoyed taking pictures. Digital photography is just a whole new world that opens up some many possibilities.
It was a bummer to lose 5 games to 3 to Susanne in Scrabble. I must admit, she’s a better player now. Sigh. I have to work like crazy for every win.
I feel fortunate in my life that I have been able to do this trip along with so many others. Like the recent study showed, happiness comes from experiences not things, and although we had a lot things with us, it was the experiences along the way that I will always remember. Even a flat tire on a 100 mile dirt road becomes an important part of living and being happy…especially when you are back in your comfortable bed.
Not sure what our next adventure will be, but I am sure we will start dreaming about it tomorrow.
(and that my friends is the end of this adventure and the beginning of the next)
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