I have always wanted to drive cross country. So when my boyfriend, Dan, was invited to a wedding in San Francisco, it seemed like the perfect excuse to take a road trip. Unfortunately, we discovered a few weeks before that there was no plus one on the invitation. Oh well, I decided to do it anyway...
Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco
There is a first for everything, and this day just happened to be the first time in the past year that I had a confirmed ticket for a flight to California almost a full hour before boarding time. The six hour flight gave me plenty of time to compile a list of my favorite parts of flying.
Staring at the "Cleared list" and noticing that my name has been added
The feel of being pushed back against my seat during takeoff and the moment when I can finally adjust my seat from its upright position
Discovering the Suduko and crossword in the airline magazine have not yet been filled out by a previous passenger
Finding space in the overhead compartment and not having to wait for people to shove their overstuffed and no longer carry-on sized bags into the compartment
Surpassing airport security right after the "one-in-ten" who was chosen to be uncomfortably groped by an airline employee.
Waiting for my flight and people watching in an attempt to determine who is arriving, stopping over or departing
Discovering that the hysterically crying child is not in the seat next to you...and neither is the morbidly obese man
Two words. Airplane food. I don't know what it is, but peanuts are always better on a plane.
Resting my head against the window, closing my eyes (and apparently opening my mouth) only to wake up and discover that it is time to return my seat to the upright position
Day 2: World Cup Final in San Francisco
The day was devoted to eating In-N-Out Burger (Animal Style- I highly recommend it if you've never tried) and watching Spain win the World Cup. And oh yeah, a delicious Burmese dinner that followed...
Lesson learned:
Animal Style with well done fries is the way to go at In-N-Out Burger
Burmese food is delicious, especially when home cooked by a Burmese mother
Iker Casillas (the goalkeeper on Spain) is both talented and beautiful (I actually knew this already, but felt the need to state it anyway)
Day 3: Pick up car and Depart for Yosemite
Thanks to word of mouth, I found out about Autodriveaway (www.autodriveaway.com), a company which transports cars to new locations, by allowing random people to volunteer to drive the car wherever it needs to go. I called up the San Francisco office a few days prior to ask whether or not there were any cars available that needed to go towards Chicago or New York. The original plan was to drive from San Francisco to Chicago (where Dan lives) and fly back to New York, but the only car they had available was a 1999 Jeep Cherokee that needed to be relocated to Pelham, New York. I reserved it. We would have ten days and 3500 miles (500 additional miles) to get the car across country.
On Monday morning I called the Autodriveaway company at 8:30am to confirm that we were on our way to pick up the car. The phone call went something like this...
Diane: "Hello, I'm calling to let you know that I'm on my way to pick up the 1999 Jeep Cherokee."
Autodriveaway: "Umm, yeah, about that...The Jeep was broken into last night and the stereo system was stolen. We know that you specifically asked if the car had a CD player."
Diane: "Alright, so I guess the two audiobooks, three Portuguese language CDs, and ten burned CDs we brought will be of no use."
Figuring that this might be a slight setback to our 65 hour roadtrip, Dan and I convinced the company to repair the stereo system before we left, rather than pay the owner the cost and have her repair it on her own. Luckily, the company took our advice and less than two hours later, we were on our way, stereo system and all.
And so our roadtrip begins...
We arrived to Yosemite about four hours later and spent the night exploring the giant redwood trees and camping there.
Lesson learned:
A stereo system is an important part of a 65 hour roadtrip.
Starting a camp fire even with a lighter is harder than I thought.
Never pop into the campsite next door in an attempt to ask for a piece of wood from their fire, without checking to see if they are making out first.
Constructing a tent is amazingly easy.
Day 4: Yosemite to Los Angeles
We spent the morning hiking through Yosemite Valley and up towards giant waterfalls. By the time we made it to the top, we were drenched from the midst.
After a few hours of hiking we made our way towards Los Angeles where we spent the night with my overly accommodating, friendly, yet tad bit crazy friend, Vanessa.
Lessons learned:
Yosemite Valley is beautiful.
Los Angeles is not a city; it is a huge, sprawling suburb.
Day 5: Los Angeles to San Diego
We left bright and early from Los Angeles and spent the entire day exploring San Diego, which has joined the list of my top ten favorite cities in the US. Imagine a clean city, with at least 300 days of sunlight and walking distance from the beach.
Lessons learned:
Street mimes can be really good if you actually sit down and watch them.
You cannot visit San Diego without making sure to visit a Mexican restaurant.
Time spent watching the sunset is never wasted time.
Day 6: San Diego to Sedona, Arizona
After taking some advice from a native Arizonian, Dan and I took what we thought would be a more direct route to Sedona, Arizona, in an attempt to avoid Phoenix traffic. Looking back, this might not have been the best decision. When the gas light came on in the middle of the desert and the nearest gas station was 40 miles away, we came a little too close to being stranded in the desert in 111 degree weather. Luckily, the Jeep pulled through and puttered its way to the gas pump.
We splurged for a motel that night, purely for the air conditioning.
Lesson learned:
Always fill up on gas before beginning a 100 mile journey down a desert road.
Sometimes it is worth it to spend the extra $20 to sleep in an air conditioned motel room.
Be prepared to scrub your car window in an attempt to remove the hundreds of bugs that have been killed by your windshield while driving on long, barren roads.
Day 7: Red Rock National Park to the Grand Canyon
We spent the morning exploring Red Rock State Park, whose name is a description in itself. The red rocks were beautiful, but due to the hot weather, I managed to work up enough of a sweat to keep the cacti hydrated for weeks to come.
On Monday morning I called the Autodriveaway company at 8:30am to confirm that we were on our way to pick up the car. The phone call went something like this...
Diane: "Hello, I'm calling to let you know that I'm on my way to pick up the 1999 Jeep Cherokee."
Autodriveaway: "Umm, yeah, about that...The Jeep was broken into last night and the stereo system was stolen. We know that you specifically asked if the car had a CD player."
Diane: "Alright, so I guess the two audiobooks, three Portuguese language CDs, and ten burned CDs we brought will be of no use."
Figuring that this might be a slight setback to our 65 hour roadtrip, Dan and I convinced the company to repair the stereo system before we left, rather than pay the owner the cost and have her repair it on her own. Luckily, the company took our advice and less than two hours later, we were on our way, stereo system and all.
And so our roadtrip begins...
We arrived to Yosemite about four hours later and spent the night exploring the giant redwood trees and camping there.
Lesson learned:
A stereo system is an important part of a 65 hour roadtrip.
Starting a camp fire even with a lighter is harder than I thought.
Never pop into the campsite next door in an attempt to ask for a piece of wood from their fire, without checking to see if they are making out first.
Constructing a tent is amazingly easy.
Day 4: Yosemite to Los Angeles
We spent the morning hiking through Yosemite Valley and up towards giant waterfalls. By the time we made it to the top, we were drenched from the midst.
After a few hours of hiking we made our way towards Los Angeles where we spent the night with my overly accommodating, friendly, yet tad bit crazy friend, Vanessa.
Lessons learned:
Yosemite Valley is beautiful.
Los Angeles is not a city; it is a huge, sprawling suburb.
Day 5: Los Angeles to San Diego
We left bright and early from Los Angeles and spent the entire day exploring San Diego, which has joined the list of my top ten favorite cities in the US. Imagine a clean city, with at least 300 days of sunlight and walking distance from the beach.
Lessons learned:
Street mimes can be really good if you actually sit down and watch them.
You cannot visit San Diego without making sure to visit a Mexican restaurant.
Time spent watching the sunset is never wasted time.
Day 6: San Diego to Sedona, Arizona
After taking some advice from a native Arizonian, Dan and I took what we thought would be a more direct route to Sedona, Arizona, in an attempt to avoid Phoenix traffic. Looking back, this might not have been the best decision. When the gas light came on in the middle of the desert and the nearest gas station was 40 miles away, we came a little too close to being stranded in the desert in 111 degree weather. Luckily, the Jeep pulled through and puttered its way to the gas pump.
We splurged for a motel that night, purely for the air conditioning.
Lesson learned:
Always fill up on gas before beginning a 100 mile journey down a desert road.
Sometimes it is worth it to spend the extra $20 to sleep in an air conditioned motel room.
Be prepared to scrub your car window in an attempt to remove the hundreds of bugs that have been killed by your windshield while driving on long, barren roads.
Day 7: Red Rock National Park to the Grand Canyon
We spent the morning exploring Red Rock State Park, whose name is a description in itself. The red rocks were beautiful, but due to the hot weather, I managed to work up enough of a sweat to keep the cacti hydrated for weeks to come.
Lessons learned:
Despite their versatility, peanut butter and nutella sandwiches have a tough time surviving the 110 degree heat.
Cacti spikes can be tough to pull out when they are stuck on the side of your calves.
Sometimes elk decide to leisurely stroll across state highways, so always be on the lookout.
Day 8: The Grand Canyon to Boulder, Colorado
I'm not going to lie, I had pretty high expectations for the Grand Canyon and it managed to live up to each and every one. Although it was too cloudy to see the sunset, the canyon was gorgeous. It seemed surreal walking along the edge and then down into the canyon.
That night we made our way through Utah, the most gorgeous state to drive through. We stopped along the way to enjoy the best green chili in the state of Utah, and ended in Boulder, Colorado where we met up with Sean, our couchsurfing host for the night. Sean was laid back, friendly and one of the most unique people I have ever met. He talked about his travels in South America, showed us his cardboard wallet, taught us the best hitch-hiking techniques and explained to us how to make a stove out of beer bottles...After I returned I told my mom that I had met my idol and you can imagine her reaction.
Boulder was a great city; biker friendly, clean, convenient and surrounded by mountains and creeks. It's hard to imagine that I once was unaware that cities such as Boulder even existed.
Lessons learned:
Italian sausages make for great dinners by a campfire.
Even if you are fearless, walking within five feet of the edge of the Grand Canyon gives you an exhilarating feeling in your stomach.
Juggling is harder than it looks.
Day 9: Boulder to Denver, Colorado
Denver was a lot smaller than I imagined it to be, but otherwise fit most of my expectations: clean city, friendly people, mountains in the distance, tons of bikes, etc...definitely joins the list of potential places to live. We spent $5 to rent bikes for the day that could be picked up and dropped off at various locations throughout the city.
We couchsurfed again in Denver and spent the night enjoying delicious taco salad, good company and tons of puzzles.
Lessons learned:
Sometimes it's nice to live in a city and know that nature still exists not too far away.
Biking is the cheapest, healthiest, and funnest way to get around a new city.
Eating a chili pepper can give you the "chili hiccups," which judging by the color change in Dan's face, are not something I ever want to have.
Day 10: Denver to Chicago, Illinois
Drove 15 hours straight. Not much excitement aside from the delicious Mongolian dinner we decided to stop for.
Day 11: Rest day in Chicago
Self-explanatory and much needed.
Day 12: Chicago to New York
Despite their versatility, peanut butter and nutella sandwiches have a tough time surviving the 110 degree heat.
Cacti spikes can be tough to pull out when they are stuck on the side of your calves.
Sometimes elk decide to leisurely stroll across state highways, so always be on the lookout.
Day 8: The Grand Canyon to Boulder, Colorado
I'm not going to lie, I had pretty high expectations for the Grand Canyon and it managed to live up to each and every one. Although it was too cloudy to see the sunset, the canyon was gorgeous. It seemed surreal walking along the edge and then down into the canyon.
That night we made our way through Utah, the most gorgeous state to drive through. We stopped along the way to enjoy the best green chili in the state of Utah, and ended in Boulder, Colorado where we met up with Sean, our couchsurfing host for the night. Sean was laid back, friendly and one of the most unique people I have ever met. He talked about his travels in South America, showed us his cardboard wallet, taught us the best hitch-hiking techniques and explained to us how to make a stove out of beer bottles...After I returned I told my mom that I had met my idol and you can imagine her reaction.
Boulder was a great city; biker friendly, clean, convenient and surrounded by mountains and creeks. It's hard to imagine that I once was unaware that cities such as Boulder even existed.
Lessons learned:
Italian sausages make for great dinners by a campfire.
Even if you are fearless, walking within five feet of the edge of the Grand Canyon gives you an exhilarating feeling in your stomach.
Juggling is harder than it looks.
Day 9: Boulder to Denver, Colorado
Denver was a lot smaller than I imagined it to be, but otherwise fit most of my expectations: clean city, friendly people, mountains in the distance, tons of bikes, etc...definitely joins the list of potential places to live. We spent $5 to rent bikes for the day that could be picked up and dropped off at various locations throughout the city.
We couchsurfed again in Denver and spent the night enjoying delicious taco salad, good company and tons of puzzles.
Lessons learned:
Sometimes it's nice to live in a city and know that nature still exists not too far away.
Biking is the cheapest, healthiest, and funnest way to get around a new city.
Eating a chili pepper can give you the "chili hiccups," which judging by the color change in Dan's face, are not something I ever want to have.
Day 10: Denver to Chicago, Illinois
Drove 15 hours straight. Not much excitement aside from the delicious Mongolian dinner we decided to stop for.
Day 11: Rest day in Chicago
Self-explanatory and much needed.
Day 12: Chicago to New York
Since I knew I would be making this 14 hour drive alone, I posted an ad on Craigslist rideshare in an attempt to find someone to share the ride with. I was surprised by the overwhelming response of phone calls and emails I received from travelers looking to join in on the trip. I chose a Chicago native named Tricia to join me for the ride, and luckily we hit it off right away and the hours were filled with chatting. Unfortunately, the backseat of the Jeep was folded up so I was unable to fit any other travelers, but I was paid to transport a box of stained glass across the country from a father to his daughter. Oddly enough, I would have profited from my drive from Chicago to New York, if there was not a slight setback...Indiana police officers.
Before leaving for my trip, my mom told me that she would give me $100 if I made it across the country without getting a ticket. I guess she assumed the odds were in her favor since I would be driving almost 4000 miles in just ten days. She was right. The conversation went something like this...
Police officer: "Do you know why I pulled you over?"
Diane: "I am going to assume it was for speeding?"
Police officer: "Yes, were you aware you were in a work zone?"
Diane: "No"
Police officer: "Well you must have missed the six signs that signified this was a work zone with a 45mph speed limit. You were going 72mph."
Diane: "OK"
Police officer: "License and registration, please"
Diane: "Umm, this isn't my car"
Police officer: "Whose car is it?"
Diane: "It's a car I am driving across country through a company that relocates cars."
Police officer: "So its a rented car?"
Diane: "No, it's different."
Police officer: "Well since you are a professional driver, you should know not to speed in work zones"
He didn't seem to understand.
In my defense, there were no workers, no cones, no signs of construction at all.
It just so happens that as of July 1, 2010 Illinois enacted a new law to cut down on speeding in work areas, stating that the minimum fine is $300. I am going to call next week once the ticket is processed, suck up my dignity, and beg for the lowest fine.
Before leaving for my trip, my mom told me that she would give me $100 if I made it across the country without getting a ticket. I guess she assumed the odds were in her favor since I would be driving almost 4000 miles in just ten days. She was right. The conversation went something like this...
Police officer: "Do you know why I pulled you over?"
Diane: "I am going to assume it was for speeding?"
Police officer: "Yes, were you aware you were in a work zone?"
Diane: "No"
Police officer: "Well you must have missed the six signs that signified this was a work zone with a 45mph speed limit. You were going 72mph."
Diane: "OK"
Police officer: "License and registration, please"
Diane: "Umm, this isn't my car"
Police officer: "Whose car is it?"
Diane: "It's a car I am driving across country through a company that relocates cars."
Police officer: "So its a rented car?"
Diane: "No, it's different."
Police officer: "Well since you are a professional driver, you should know not to speed in work zones"
He didn't seem to understand.
In my defense, there were no workers, no cones, no signs of construction at all.
It just so happens that as of July 1, 2010 Illinois enacted a new law to cut down on speeding in work areas, stating that the minimum fine is $300. I am going to call next week once the ticket is processed, suck up my dignity, and beg for the lowest fine.
To make matters worse, when I was ten minutes away from my final destination and completely out of cash, I noticed toll booths and the Throgs Neck bridge up ahead. Unsure what to do, and somewhat curious what happens in this circumstance I lined up and awaited my turn at the booth. I explained the situation to the lady in the booth who gave me a nasty glare along with a form to fill out as cars behind me produced a somewhat melodious tune of honks. Turns out I have to pay the toll by mail with an additional $2 fee. I guess it could have been worse.
Lessons learned:
You can learn more about a person in a 14 hour car ride than you can by knowing someone your entire life.
Craigslist is a great way to avoid the middleman and work out a deal that benefits both parties involved.
Don't ever speed in a work zone. The potential fine is not worth saving the extra time.
Make sure you have plenty of cash available to pay for tolls.
The roadtrip went amazingly well, especially for our lack of plans and cash. Our typical diet consisted of fig newtons for breakfast, dollar store snacks, peanut butter and nutella sandwiches for lunch, and dinner at a cheap restaurant. We stayed with friends, couchsurfed, camped, and spent two nights at a motel and one night at a hostel. We ended up spending about $475 each, the majority of which went to gas. Sadly, the ticket I received might end up costing more than the entire trip!
Lessons learned:
You can learn more about a person in a 14 hour car ride than you can by knowing someone your entire life.
Craigslist is a great way to avoid the middleman and work out a deal that benefits both parties involved.
Don't ever speed in a work zone. The potential fine is not worth saving the extra time.
Make sure you have plenty of cash available to pay for tolls.
The roadtrip went amazingly well, especially for our lack of plans and cash. Our typical diet consisted of fig newtons for breakfast, dollar store snacks, peanut butter and nutella sandwiches for lunch, and dinner at a cheap restaurant. We stayed with friends, couchsurfed, camped, and spent two nights at a motel and one night at a hostel. We ended up spending about $475 each, the majority of which went to gas. Sadly, the ticket I received might end up costing more than the entire trip!
I love all those things about the plane you mentioned! And I'm pretty sure I sleep with my mouth open, too...
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