Month: October 2016

Cross-Country Road Trip Summary

Cross-Country Road Trip Summary

I am in the middle of a cross-country road trip from Washington State to Dallas, Texas.  Here’s a summary of where I’ve been and what I’ve done so far.

  • Made high quality handmade soap in Bellingham, Washington.
  • Attempted to go to Vancouver, BC, but was unable to get into Canada.
  • Got some awesome local advice in Eugene, OR.  Ended up taking the scenic route through Oregon.
  • Drove through McKenzie Pass from Eugene to Sisters.  Breathtaking views!
  • Experienced Umpqua Hot Springs.
  • Almost ran out of gas in Crater Lake and the only gas station was closed for the night.  Ended up hammock tent camping in the snow, unprepared.  It was better than any camping trip I could have ever planned.  Life-changing!
  • Went camping in the redwoods way off the grid. I met some very nice, very interesting people.
  • Stayed in Monterey and enjoyed the scenic coast.
  • Drove down the Pacific Coast highway.
  • Visited a friend from college and went on an awesome hike.
  • Accidentally ended up in Las Vegas.  Stayed on the strip for $30.
  • Saw Zion and Grand Staircase National Monument in Southern Utah.

I’m going to do a few more days of hiking in Utah, then down to the Grand Canyon North Rim. Then head to Flagstaff and Sedona.

For pictures of all the above experiences, check out the Road Trip photo albums my my facebook page.

The underlying lesson of this trip:  You miss out on many opportunities and adventure if you never leave the house.

The full blog series:

Road Trip Part 1: Cross-Country Road Trip: Washington and Oregon

Road Trip Part 2: Cross-Country Road Trip: California and the accidental stop in Las Vegas

Road Trip Part 3: Cross-Country Road Trip: Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico

Road Trip Part 4: Cross-Country Road Trip: Texas

Road Trip Part 5: Cross-Country Road Trip: Mississppi, New Orleans, and arrival in Florida