Preparations

When I first started to consider the idea of a US Road Trip, I immediately knew I wanted to go West. I've spent very little time in the Western half of the US and a few friends had already started hitting some parks. Seeing all the US National Parks is on my bucket list and so... began a list of all the places I wanted to see.

21 States from Texas to North Dakota and west.

34 National Parks.

Numerous National Forests, Monuments, Wildlife Refuges, and Rec Areas.

Lots of friends and even some family.

I have a giant, color-coded spreadsheet; my road atlas has been highlighted with the must sees; and my packing list is coming together. Some very generous friends are letting me borrow some camping and hiking gear and I'm renting an intermediate SUV so I can more comfortably camp in my car. I'm not "planning" a lot - I'll have a route in mind but not a specific timeline. If I want to spend an extra day here or take a rest day somewhere, then I will!

But why, right? Why now? Why solo? Well, I've been sitting down here in FL for six months contemplating the meaning of life and meditating on my higher purpose. With the shut down of the entire entertainment industry and the much needed social justice reckoning, I keep wondering if what I was doing before March 12th is enough anymore. How can I be a true accomplice and be an agent for real change? I've always dreamed of traveling but haven't been able to afford to take the time off or made enough money to save and do it.

So I started research on how to make travel part of my life and discovered a term - Location Independence. It means not being tied to a location in order to work. And now that everything is happening virtually - how perfect!

I also have a big birthday coming up - and that always leads to a time of reflection for me. So what could be more perfect than me, the open road, nature, and nothing but time to think.

Think about my priorities in life. Think about social justice work. Think about travel. Think about new jobs and creating a new normal.

So that's what I'm going to do. Feel free to comment along and ask questions. Feel free to leave tips and tricks of whatever trade. I'm excited to see where the road will lead.