I am back home in Kenilworth, slowly getting back into a work mode. Thought it would be good to give myself a few days before I reflect on what has been a trip of a lifetime for me.
I have been away for 42 days or six weeks, driven 6,620 miles and gone from the West Coast to the East Coast with no real problems. My biggest disaster was the leaking cool bag. I managed to rescue the photos from the SD card that died and just posted the pix recently.
Its been an adventure for me. My first ever holiday on my own, doing something I wanted to do, paid for without running up a horrendous credit card debt. I camped most of the time, using hotels only when necessary when the weather was severe (too hot or thunderstorms). There were dangers; bears and camping, the weather including tornadoes (just missed them) and heavy thunderstorms (got caught in four). The weather was particularly unsettled for the time of year. It should have been hotter and more humid with less severe storms. In fact it was ideal for a road trip.
The above map puts it all into context. The UK would easily drop into California on the West Coast.
I have reverse travelled most of Lewis & Clark's journey to the West and ended up where they started in St Louis, MO. From there I have visited the birthplaces of the music forms I am most passionate; jazz, blues, country and rock n roll. Finally I met up with my wonderfully beautiful girlfriend in New York, and explored the most metropolitan city on earth. We ended up at my cousin's place north of Washington DC, the seat of government for the world's most powerful country. The break in Silver Spring and Rohoboth Beach helped me realise the importance of family and was a real break from the grind of daily life.
My favourite moment was the Class of 66 reunion from Sunshine High, West Memphis, when they descended on the Stax Studio in Memphis and shared their memories of the great soul artists with humour and camaraderie. I was the only white guy there!!
The most breathtaking moment from a scenic perspective is difficult to decide. I climbed many tall buildings and mountains. The Bighorn mountains were spectacular and I never saw a soul, as were the roads around Mt Rushmore. Crossing the Rockies near the Clearwater river in Idaho with no phone signal or internet was also amazing. It was so quiet! The Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive were also amazing. The Gateway to the West in St Louis was the most scary structure I climbed and the visitor centre and museum were really good too.
My time in Oregon with Vivian and my relatives from my old life was wonderful. It was great to mend friendships and I know I am always welcome in my second home, even though the farm in Amity is no longer "in the family." Thank you, you know who you are.
Its back to reality now, which translates to work. All I have to do now is think of another driving adventure...... Where shall I go next?
I have been away for 42 days or six weeks, driven 6,620 miles and gone from the West Coast to the East Coast with no real problems. My biggest disaster was the leaking cool bag. I managed to rescue the photos from the SD card that died and just posted the pix recently.
Its been an adventure for me. My first ever holiday on my own, doing something I wanted to do, paid for without running up a horrendous credit card debt. I camped most of the time, using hotels only when necessary when the weather was severe (too hot or thunderstorms). There were dangers; bears and camping, the weather including tornadoes (just missed them) and heavy thunderstorms (got caught in four). The weather was particularly unsettled for the time of year. It should have been hotter and more humid with less severe storms. In fact it was ideal for a road trip.
The above map puts it all into context. The UK would easily drop into California on the West Coast.
I have reverse travelled most of Lewis & Clark's journey to the West and ended up where they started in St Louis, MO. From there I have visited the birthplaces of the music forms I am most passionate; jazz, blues, country and rock n roll. Finally I met up with my wonderfully beautiful girlfriend in New York, and explored the most metropolitan city on earth. We ended up at my cousin's place north of Washington DC, the seat of government for the world's most powerful country. The break in Silver Spring and Rohoboth Beach helped me realise the importance of family and was a real break from the grind of daily life.
My favourite moment was the Class of 66 reunion from Sunshine High, West Memphis, when they descended on the Stax Studio in Memphis and shared their memories of the great soul artists with humour and camaraderie. I was the only white guy there!!
The most breathtaking moment from a scenic perspective is difficult to decide. I climbed many tall buildings and mountains. The Bighorn mountains were spectacular and I never saw a soul, as were the roads around Mt Rushmore. Crossing the Rockies near the Clearwater river in Idaho with no phone signal or internet was also amazing. It was so quiet! The Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive were also amazing. The Gateway to the West in St Louis was the most scary structure I climbed and the visitor centre and museum were really good too.
My time in Oregon with Vivian and my relatives from my old life was wonderful. It was great to mend friendships and I know I am always welcome in my second home, even though the farm in Amity is no longer "in the family." Thank you, you know who you are.
Its back to reality now, which translates to work. All I have to do now is think of another driving adventure...... Where shall I go next?
