Hitting The Open Road – First Stop Arches National Park!

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I was going to wait to write about this, but I AM TOO EXCITED! 

If you have been reading my blog, you know that I love road trips. In fact, my phone keeps reminding me that I was on one last year!

You remember it was the one I was on at the start of the COVID outbreak. The same one that I sadly had to come back early, due to everything closing (including gyms, BLM and public lands, parks, libraries, stores had no supplies, and sadly no coffee shops were open.)

But now, in 23 days, I’m hitting the open road again. I’m calling this trip my “Epic Road Trip 2.0.”

Quick Personal Update

After coming back home from my last year’s trip, a few things have changed. Gas prices have skyrocketed once again in CA. They say it’s the Summer Blend, whatever that means. Due to that, I started reconsidering my long 106-mile drive to work every day (that was roundtrip, not one way).

Sadly, I decided to leave my position at my retail job, something that was very difficult to do. The thing I miss most about leaving is my co-workers. There aren’t many places that you enjoy working with everyone. Even if you are having a bad day, it never took long to snap out of it.

I also miss some of the customers and the company overall, but I had to make the tough decision.

Leaving the fun job was a little easier due to finding one that is 100 miles closer to my house. It’s not the job I’m excited to work, but it’s working for now. And the best part, they are giving me a few weeks off!

I’m very excited, especially because in this new position, we are very short-handed. Not to get political, as this blog is not about politics, but I have to say this one thing. Whoever would have thought that people would rather collect unemployment (with the extra stimulus money) than go to work? As I said, we aren’t going to get into all of that, but I’m thankful I have been given time off!

Thinking About Life

In the last few years, a lot has changed in my life. Instead of dwelling on “What could be,” I’m focusing on what I’m grateful for. And thanks to my mom, my life has really improved over the last year.

I sleep more, have WAY less stress, and have been able to spend a lot more time with my friends and family. The one thing I miss, the comradery with my old co-workers, the pay, and the benefits. But, we all have to make sacrifices in life.

Let’s be real, and once you find out what truly makes you happy, it’s worth it.

Along the same line, I have been thinking about my life and what I have been through. Life has a funny way of doing this. It doesn’t help that with my new job I have a lot of time to think. I mean a lot of time to think.

The main topic on my mind, getting back on the road.

Ever since I had to cut my epic road trip short last year, I want to continue it. So, now is the time. In 23 days, I’ll be on the road and cannot wait.

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Another side note, and a plug for Jackery. If you are in search of a portable power station, Jackery is your solution.
I could go on about it, but I wrote a review a while ago. Guess what is going to be powering my road trip?

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My 2021 Road Trip 2.0

I would love to say that I got the summer off, but let’s be real, that isn’t in the cards. Yet. For now, I’ll take what I can get!

My current plan is to go to as many National Parks and Monuments that I can. Going back to Zion is on my list, but because I went last year, my first stop is to go back to Arches.

Then, for the most part, following the plan I had set from last year. With some fun changes. You will have to continue to read my blog, but I have some fascinating things that will be happening on this trip. I really hope it all works out!

For now, my plan includes driving over 5,000 miles, 9 states, 7 National Parks, meeting with friends, and hopefully making new ones along the way.

If you are interested in more about my road trip 2.0, leave me a comment below.

Road Trip Thoughts

I have always had an issue of overplanning for trips. I want to know everything about where I’m headed to.

There is one funny thing about road trips, and you never know what is going to happen. Cough-COVID.

My solution to this was to list everywhere I wanted to go. This was the National Parks. Then I started to look up (free) camping spots, hikes, gas stations, gyms, and grocery stores.

The fun part was that I didn’t realize that I would be driving near Mount Rushmore. So guess what? I’m going there too!

Now that I have a tentative plan on everything, it’s a lot easier. Yes, there are still many things to do, but if I had to, I could leave right now! Another fun thing about traveling solo, you can do what you want and when you want. My only time restraint is that I have to be back to work on a specific day.

Well, unless I stay on the road.

Let Me Know What You Think

As of now, my date to actually hit the road is in 23 days. I’m not sure if I mentioned that yet.

I’m interested to know what you think about road trips in general. Additionally, if you are interested in where I’m going, I’m more than happy to share.

I also have tested out the Rav recently, and there are some modifications I want to make. I don’t know if I’ll do them before the trip, but we will see.

Also, one of the big purchases I did make, mainly for this trip, was getting my first solar panel! So far, it’s been amazing and even powers my Jackery!

Please let me know if there is anything you want to know about during this road trip in the comments below!