Post by: TMM on January 10, 2008, 12:48:29 PM
Also, what sort of things would you suggest me to bring? obviously i'll bring tools, first aid kit, etc, but any ideas for something i might have missed? I'm concerned about what to wear in the desert, with the heat... i was thinking a longsleeve buttonup white shirt (cotton), thin tan slacks, and a straw hat. i hate shorts, and i think the longsleeves would protect me from the sun. i probably won't be encountering much cold weather, but i'll be prepared for that; however, i am not familiar with extreme desert heat.
so, any tools or gadgets i should bring? anything to keep in mind?
thanks,
~tmm
Post by: Manedwolf on January 10, 2008, 12:52:25 PM
Post by: charby on January 10, 2008, 01:03:53 PM
Post by: Brad Johnson on January 10, 2008, 03:12:24 PM
In general...
Have your car thoroughly serviced. New belts a hoses, complete cooling system flush with a new thermostat, maybe even a water pump if your car has more than sixty or seventy thou on the clock. Complete brake flush with new pads and rotors if needed. Electrical - new battery, clean terminals, tight connections. Full alignment. New tires if yours have any appreciable wear. Complete tuneup, whatever that entails for your particular car. Being stranded in the middle of nowhere is NOT a good trip. Don't forget to check your spare and make sure you have, and know how to operate, a jack. Join AAA.
For your car kit start with a roll of paper towels, a couple of blankets, and a basic set of tools. Nothing fancy but decent quality - think one of the SAE/Metric kits from Sears, Home Depot, or Lowes that have wrenches, sockets, hammer, pliers (regular, needle-nose, and locking), and a couple of screwdrivers. That will give you the ability to accomplish most roadside repairs.
Spare fuses. At least two in each size your car takes.
A multi-tool is also handy. At the very least a pocket knife.
One flashlight in the tool kit, one in the glove box. AA cell LED Maglites are perfect. They are durable and will keep you hip-deep in photons for many hours.
Gloves. Heavy leather ones.
An old coat. I keep a generic brown WalMart one in my trunk. Come in handy for lots of things.
A collapsable chair will come in mighty handy for meal stops or watching those beautiful desert sunsets.
Water. At least two gallons at all times.
A couple of large trash bags. Heavy drum liners are best.
A roll of duct tape.
A med kit - analgesics (aspirin, Tylenol, etc), antibiotic, regular bandaids, bulk bandages, roll of tape, swabs, antihistamines, anti-diarrhea pills, anti-nausea pills, tweezers, and fingernail clippers. A small tackle box works well to keep things together and out of the way. A gallong freezer bag will do in a pinch.
As for places to go...
Don't know where you're headed, but there's always Carlsbad Caverns, Meteor Crater, and the Grand Canyon. Just so happens that along that same stretch it a big chunk of Route 66 with plenty of R66 revivalist places to poke around.
Yellowstone. Definitely Yellowstone.
Central and southwest Colorado is always fun.
Monument Valley.
Nothern California, Oregon, and Washington. Beautiful.
The Ozarks and the Smokey Mountains - Missouri, Kentucky, West Virginia, etc.
Plenty of things to see and do, it's just a matter of finding them.
Brad
Post by: Jamisjockey on January 10, 2008, 04:10:58 PM
Second the good GPS. Cellphone of course.
Stash some money somewhere in your vehicle in case you get robbed. Just enough for a couple nights in a hotel, food and phone calls.
Zion, Bryce, and Arches in Utah. The Grand Canyon is overrated unless you do something cool like hike to the bottom or go to Havasaupi (spelling?).
Head to Texas and see the Alamo, San Antonio Riverwalk.
Maybe New Orleans...if you like sewers and public urination.
Go see Savannah Georgia, check out SC, and the OuterBanks of North Carolina. See DC, including Arlington Cemetary and the Marine Museum.
If you're so inclined head north to see NY, Boston, the Maine Coast...stuff like that.
Head Across through the ozarks. Take some back roads in Arkansas and look for waterfalls and plunge pools. My brother has some cool pictures from some cool places he went there.
Go up and see Yellowstone, Grand Teton.
Go down the West coast.
Check out Yosemitie (spelling?) in California.
Basically you can turn that into a nice loop, no matter where you start.
The midwest is seriously boring, flat, and hot. Skip that unless you're making a beeline for home.
The best thing you can bring is a reliable, good friend.
Multi tools rock. Keep it on your body.
Brad Johnson has a pretty good list IMHO.
Post by: Polishrifleman on January 10, 2008, 05:16:47 PM
Post by: TMM on January 11, 2008, 04:10:11 PM
i've already started putting together various things for my truck. i have a toolbox with wrenches, pliers, rags, screwdrivers, pens, pencils, etc in it. i'm starting to collect medical stuff, gauze, tape, ibuprofen, bandages. got some road flares, two blankets. Case sheath knife, SAK (knockoff i think) two crappy flashlights, going to get another. multitool, knife, flashlight, notepad, cellphone stay on me. i've got a club for the steering wheel in real bad areas. tires are in good condition, they have many thousand more miles on them, and a spare too. truck came with a jack and jackhandles, i've got a wheel-chock. i was looking at the spare tire the other day, how the hell does it come off? can't figure it out.
going to get a billy club for quick, discreet protection.
~tmm
Post by: Polishrifleman on January 11, 2008, 07:51:13 PM
Cody Wyoming, Little Bighorn, Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Headwaters of the Mississippi (Nothern Minnesota), Mt. Rushmore, Sturgis, Devils Tower, Arches National Park, Zion, Tetons, Yellowstone, Southern Colorado.
Don't forget sleeping bags, pillows, personal care items, a couple rolls of quarters, laundry detergent, a cooler, water jug, box of strike anywhere matches, tarp, duct tape, some parachute cord, small pointed shovel and a tow strap off the top of my head.
Post by: Bigjake on January 11, 2008, 07:56:23 PM
Post by: TMM on January 12, 2008, 04:33:09 PM
work was slow today so i made a list of things to bring. i'll type it out in word and post it in a few.
~tmm
Post by: never_retreat on January 12, 2008, 04:38:53 PM
Post by: TMM on January 12, 2008, 04:54:54 PM
ok, here's my list. please critique...
ROAD TRIP NEEDS
CLOTHING:
Rain:
2-piece rainsuit
Snow/cold weather:
Longsleeve flannel buttonup shirt
Down vest
Longjohn shirt and trousers
Coat
Neck & wrist warmers (fleece things that my aunt made for me)
Fleece & silk glove liners
Winter thinsulate gloves
Insulated pants
3-4 pair heavy socks
Knit hat
Hot weather:
Light, longsleeve, white buttonup shirt
Light, tan, slightly baggy slacks
Straw hat
Misc. clothing supplies:
3-4 pair light boot socks
7 pair underwear
3 black 3 white undershirts (Ts)
Fedora
Steel toed leather boots
Light jacket (casual sportsjacket or similar)
HEALTH & HYGIENE:
Teeth:
Small bottle Listerine
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Floss
Shave:
Double-edge razor and blades
Shaving soap & brush
Aftershave
Bathing:
Deodorant
Cologne
Comb
Swimsuit (for a stream, pond, etc)
Weather protection:
Chapstick
Lotion
Sunscreen
Misc. hygiene:
Mirror and washbasin that can be attached to side of truck when in use
Towel
Soap
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper/wet wipes
SAFETY:
Billy club
Steering wheel club
Spare key attached to chassis
Pepper spray
MAINTAINANCE:
Of truck:
Extra Toyota brand oil filters
Spare Toyota brand brake pads and shoes
Extra spark plugs
Windshield washer fluid
Extra oil
Tire patch kit
12v air compressor
Spare fuses
Of tools:
Wd-40
Sharpening stone/Gatco sharpener
Strop
Of clothing:
Several needles
Strong thread
Obenaufs leather oil, heavy duty LP, and silicone water-repellent spray
TOOLBOX:
Socket wrench set
Box/open end wrench set
Pliers
Screwdrivers
Knives, utility knife
Saw
Wire/bolt cutters
Safety wire
Ball hitch
Rope, bungee cords
Ratchet straps
Tow straps
Rags
Firestarters: lighters, matches, magnesium rod, Swedish firesteel
Flares
Hammer
Hacksaw
Files
Medikit:
Ibuprofen
Gauze & tape
Bandaids
Caffeine pills
Hydrogen peroxide
FOOD:
MREs
Bottles water
Army stove or similar
Stackable cookware &silverware
Salt, pepper, sugar, oil
Tea, coffee
Travel mug
Vitamins
MISC:
Blankets
Space blankets
Rain ponchos
Zip ties
Electrical &duct tape
Zip lock bags
Notebooks (pocket size &large) & pens
Laptop &charger (for writing)
35mm camera
35mm 25ex. B&W &color film
Books
~$100 cash, stashed
8x10 tarp
550 paracord
Gascan &funnel
~TMM
Post by: TMM on January 12, 2008, 05:02:26 PM
what oil should my truck have for hot weather driving? it's an '01 Tacoma, inline 4. 10w-30 alright, or perhaps 10w-40?
any suggestions for a good, inexpensive stove for tailgate cooking?
how do you think i'd manage with bathroom stops and whatnot? say i'm out in the middle of nowhere, and got a phonecall from nature on line 2...?
~tmm
Post by: never_retreat on January 12, 2008, 06:52:58 PM
Including mine. A decent one can be had for around a 100 bucks. Uniden makes nice ones. Get a magnetic antenna to slap on the roof also. They only operate at 4 watts of power so the range is not that far, depending on the conditions (flat or mountains) but a few miles most of the time. Most cops don't listen to the cb like they used to but some one might here you that can help you in some sort of situation.
10-10
msg received standing by
Post by: roo_ster on January 12, 2008, 08:45:41 PM
Get a tri-fold-type military issue E-tool, your favorite TP, hand sanitizer, and baby wipes (100% cotton ones are best, IMO).
1. Find some place where you can dig into the soil where you decide is right for doing your part of the nitrogen cycle.
2. Fully extend & tighten E-tool
3. Dig minimum 12"x12"x12" cat hole (I prefer 18" cube) for your "contribution."
4. Loosen your E-tool a bit, fold the blade over 90deg, and tighten back up so you have a pick-like instrument
5. Drop trou
6. Place butt-end of the handle on the ground adjacent to cat hole, with blade parallel to the earth. Kinda like a classic hangman's scaffold.
7. Ever so carefully, sit down using only one cheek in line with the blade & make sure that cheeck is the one to the outside. You want your other cheek to hang in the beeze over the cat hole. Get the balance right so your feet are out a bit and your thighs are parallel to the ground.
8. Lay some cable/grunt out a loaf/drop a wet load/evacuate your bowel/whatever
9. Clean yourself up with the TP and a baby wipe
10. Use hand sanitizer to disinfect hands and a baby wipe to follow up
11. Get back on the road.
Ranger Joes stocks them:
http://www.rangerjoes.com/tool-military-p-2012.html
Post by: Jamisjockey on January 13, 2008, 05:04:05 AM
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3657606
Are you going to be camping? You didn't mention a tent that I saw. If so, bring along an extra tarp you can make an a-frame or lean to with. This will give you a place to sit outside of the tent but out of the rain and sun.
re: your laptop: Alot of truck stops have WiFi these days, as well as Hotels, McDonald's, etc. Good way to find campgrounds, check weather and road conditions, or stay in touch with loved ones. You may need a credit card to access some of the wireless networks.
Consider getting a prepaid Visa or Amex.
Your truck supply list didn't have anti-freeze and water. Carry a gallon of antifreeze, and 5 gallons of water. You may need the water for yourself in a breakdown situation.
Security:
I didn't see a flashlight. Let me suggest a small lantern + a flashlight. If you're changing a tire on a backroad at night, the lantern will give you better light than a flashlight. You might consider a small headlamp in addition.
Never whip out your entire wad of cash. Either use ATM's along the way, or if you're carrrying several hundred in walkin' around money, put only what you need into your front pocket. This way when you go to pay, you're only paying with the minimum amount possible. This keeps thieves from seeing you with a few hundred dollars.....
How are you tracking your expenses? let me suggest you build a spreadsheet or keep a ledger. When i was 19 I went on a week long road trip with two other guys. One night in the strip club and we were suddenly broke. Only thing that got us home was my CC.
Budget out what you think you are going to need per day, and how much you have to start. Track your expenses closely by keeping reciepts and tallying at the end of the day what you spent.
Sounds a little anal for a road trip, but it beats begging mommy for money when you're in the middle of BFE.
Don't call anyone "Good Buddy" on the CB.....it doesn't mean what it used to.
How are you carrying and securing all this gear?
I'm a big fan of the rubbermaid totes. Stackable, rainproof, and they form a more or less flat surface other things can be laid on top of. Great in a car, SUV or camper shell. If your truck has an open bed, you'll want something you can lock and lock to the truck. Thieves will steal anything. An actionpacker can be locked, and with some creative drill work you can run a chain or cable through it.
I'll think of more later, but I'm off to the throne room now.
Jfruser's method of pooping works, but there's simpler ways out there.
http://www.quakekare.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=36
Post by: TMM on January 13, 2008, 05:52:55 AM
i don't plan on using my laptop for internet, in fact, i don't want to. i like to write, and want the laptop only for ease of writing and editing.
credit card or debit card is a must...
the cash will be in the truck, as a backup to what i have on me.
i have water on the list, under "food"...
i read that you suggested antifreeze and, to my embarrassment, i don't know what the hell it's for. i know there's brake fluid, washer fluid, ATF, steering fluid... is the antifreeze for the radiator, by method of elimination?
expense tracking is a fine idea. i have plenty of money, but i'll watch it carefully, and i plan on guesstimating how much i'll spend. i've always been careful with money.
the stuff will be held in various ways, whatever i find useful. toolbox, tackle box, travel bags, backpacks, etc. depends on what's in it, how often it has to be accessed, and if it needs to be moved or carried.
i will be driving an '01 toyota tacoma extended cab, and i'll be getting a cap for the back, and i'll put a futon back there as well.
~tmm
Post by: roo_ster on January 13, 2008, 09:32:44 AM
Post by: grampster on January 13, 2008, 10:21:17 AM
Post by: Manedwolf on January 13, 2008, 10:29:07 AM
As for bathroom, there's civilian version of the piddle packs used by the military. They unfold into a urninal and instantly gel liquids, and can be thrown away.
And as for rifles, hell YES there's laws about that, depending where you're going. If you went through MA with that, you'd be in jail for a year.
Post by: Jamisjockey on January 13, 2008, 03:51:57 PM
Quote
i read that you suggested antifreeze and, to my embarrassment, i don't know what the hell it's for. i know there's brake fluid, washer fluid, ATF, steering fluid... is the antifreeze for the radiator, by method of elimination?
expense tracking is a fine idea. i have plenty of money, but i'll watch it carefully, and i plan on guesstimating how much i'll spend. i've always been careful with money.
expense tracking is a fine idea. i have plenty of money, but i'll watch it carefully, and i plan on guesstimating how much i'll spend. i've always been careful with money.
Yes it is. The standard is 50% antifreeze, 50% water mixed. Most radiators hold at least a gallon, if not more. (Actually, I just found a link that states that your Tacoma will hold 2 gallons for the I4, 2.5 for the V6.) Carry a full gallon of antifreeze, and a full gallon jug of distilled water. This will be your backup if you overheat. If you do overheat, pull over, kill the engine (leave the key turned so that your electric fan can still work), and give it a rest for a bit. Then pop the cap carefully and fill the radiator.
You'll know after your first few days what you're probably going to be spending and how close your guesstimate was. Last cross country trip I estimated gas at $3 a gallon, and I was only off by $30 between my estimate and my actual fuel total.
Make sure and lock your truck cap. Also, at night you can pull the distributor wire to make your vehicle theft resistant. Consult your owners manual. Pull the master, not just one of the spark cables!
Ditch the billy club, it can be considered a weapon. A young kid with hiking boots and a walking staff wouldn't be out of the normal throughout most of the country, though.
Don't forget my recommendation for lighting. You're going to want it along the way.
I've slept in the back of a few pickups over the years. Great way to camp!
Post by: Manedwolf on January 13, 2008, 03:56:52 PM
Also, some cars, like Honda/Acura, you don't need to leave the key in. The secondary fan will keep running if the engine needs cooling.
If you're not familiar with under the hood, be very careful messing with the spark cables. If you put them back on out of sequence, well...let's just say you'd need a towtruck and possibly an engine rebuild.
Post by: Phantom Warrior on January 14, 2008, 01:24:21 AM
I strongly recommend a D Cell Maglite for your trip. They are extremely handy for doing stuff at night. I carry the Surefire lithium light and the long running LED AA flashlight, but I keep coming back to my battered 3 D Cell Maglite. I prefer a 3 D Cell, but 2D is exactly the right size to fit in a glove compartment. Honestly, bring as many Maglites as you can find. I usually travel with my 3D, maybe a 2D, a couple 2AAs, and maybe a AAA one scattered throughout my vehicle, my bags, and my person. They are extremely handy and for $15 a pop you can't go wrong.
Being sure to bring a CREDIT card would be a good idea also. I use my debit card for most stuff, but the credit card will come in handy if you have an unexpected large expense. My friends took a road trip to Nevada a few years back and had to buy a used car along the way because the one they were driving gave out. Stuff happens.
Tracking expenses is a great idea. I started tracking mine while I was in Iraq last year with just a plain Excel spreadsheet. Columns for date, who you paid, how much, and what for and you are good to go. With all your electronic information it might be a good idea to back it up somehow. If you are talking mostly writing, spreadsheets, and a reasonable number of digital pictures (did you bring a digital camera? They are great for trips!) you could easily back it all up on a $25 USB Flash drive.
My philosophy is to keep the latrine issues simple. If you have to pee, just pee on a tree or in the ditch. You are a man, the world is your urinal. If you have to go #2, dig a cat hole (as described) and squat over it. I had to dig cat holes at basic and I never balanced myself on my E-tool. That strikes me as a great way to get crap on you E-tool. To each his own, I guess.
Desertwise, DRINK WATER. That's all it takes. I went through basic at Ft. Benning, Georgia in the middle of summer and what always got people was they didn't drink water. If you are out in the heat and you don't drink water you will collapse. It's called heat stroke. And when I say collapse I mean you will pass out and fall down on your face. I've seen it happen. I made sure to drink plenty of water and I was never even dizzy the whole summer. If you decide to hike the Grand Canyon or something, bring water. A Nalgene water bottle or two would be a great idea.
Post by: Chuck Dye on January 14, 2008, 07:41:47 PM
Get off of the freeways where possible.
Get lost when ever the possibility is interesting (the BEST restaurant I have ever found, I stumbled into in Yokosuka. It was the third place on the left. To find the second best, get lost on Long Island, turn left, it is the fourth building on the right
) If traveling in the summer, do not pass up a rural county fair, any rural county fair. Get off of the midway and into the barns. For that matter, take the time to participate in small town local functions where ever you find them.
Beware! Truckers eat where we can park the truck, which ain't necessarily, or even likely, the best spot around.
If in sheep country, do not miss the Basque sheepherder hotels and their restaurants. If you have the opportunity, dine with the residents and try to get them talking about the old days. In fact, getting the mossbacks talking where ever you are can be a treat. (90+ year old Montana cowboy, still working: How..........come?...............I say..........how..........come.....................all......you.....fellas...........from ..........California...........all.........talk..........so..........gol...durn..........fast?)
Post by: Strings on January 15, 2008, 12:47:56 AM
Another vote for ditching the billy club, and going with a cane. If asked why you have it, "my knee sometimes acts up".
Another suggestion: get numbers for folks on here that might be along your route. Such things can come in VERY handy!
And Huck is right: get lost as often as possible. In the next couple years, I'm planning on taking a summer off, and just going "for a trip". Take backroads, and decide what direction at intersections by Ye Olde Direction System:
1-spit in palm
2-smack fist into palm
3-follow spit
you find MUCH more interesting places that way!
Just do NOT forget to bring plenty of TP...
Post by: TMM on January 15, 2008, 12:53:11 PM
i'm eyeing the tri-fold German shovel on cheaper than dirt for my crapper shovel.
i'll definately lock the truck cap, but i won't screw with the wiring. if i really feel unsafe, i'll pull a few fuses from the fusebox.
i already have a really old 3D light, not maglight. Gramps gave it to me the other day. i'm going to keep an eye on ebay for some cheap maglights, even walmart is too expensive ($20 for a 3 or 4D)
i probably will get both a credit and debit card.
a digital camera is nice, but it's expensive, and i'd need a more whiz-bang laptop to edit and save them. i'm planning on a POS from ebay.
i DEFINITELY agree with getting off the freeways. you miss far too much...huck, you have the same mentality that i do.
TP goes on the list...
phone numbers of aps'ers is a good idea. when the time nears i'll ask for them. good opportunity to meet people.
~tmm
Post by: Boomhauer on January 15, 2008, 02:57:37 PM
Quote
i was looking at the spare tire the other day, how the hell does it come off?
Should be a hole in your bumper. Might have a lock on it. You stick your jack handle in it and crank it down. Fords have a retarded system in which you put a key that looks like a deep well socket on the end of the jack handle and stick it down the hole.
Read your manual??
Post by: Chuck Dye on January 15, 2008, 03:52:26 PM
Many have made much of having lots of toilet paper. A good idea, but I would be sure to have a roll or three of good paper towels, too. The paper towels will substitute, at need, for the TP but TP won't reciprocate.
Post by: Boomhauer on January 15, 2008, 04:13:51 PM
Are you throwing a grill in the back, too? Or eating at fast food places along the way?
I used a bunch of 35 mm disposable cameras from Walmart. Cheap, durable, easy to use. Only downside is that you can't view the pictures until they are developed, and you have to take them and get them developed...
Post by: roo_ster on January 15, 2008, 05:02:22 PM
Be biased toward small cameras over large cameras with more doo-dads.
Why? 'Cause if it is too big for you to keep in your pocket 24/7, you will miss your best photos.
Post by: Strings on January 15, 2008, 06:04:38 PM
Another concept for camping showers is the solar shower: basically a black plastic bag that you fill with water and leave in the sunlight for a few hours...
Post by: Hawkmoon on January 15, 2008, 06:15:57 PM
going to get a billy club for quick, discreet protection.
Bad idea. Illegal in many states -- including the state from which you'll be starting.
Massachusetts is even worse. I once visited MA. I knew my various CCW permits weren't recognized in MA so I thought I could give myself at least a bit of protection with a cannister of pepper spray.
Wrong.
MA doesn't want its citizens (or the citizens of any other state) to have any viable means of self-defense. Pepper spray is illegal in MA. So is just about anything that might actually be useful to defend against an assault.
You really REALLY need to lay out an itinerary, and then find out what the laws of each of the states you'll be visiting allow. When you get west, don't forget that the various Indian reservations don't necessarily adhere to state law on things like weapons and concealed handguns. Do your homework. It's much to complex to even get you started in an Internet thread.
Post by: Boomhauer on January 15, 2008, 06:33:28 PM
Post by: Strings on January 15, 2008, 07:33:19 PM
Post by: TMM on January 17, 2008, 11:52:21 AM
i'll definately ditch the billy club, and get a stout cane. do you think it's worth it to carry OC spray?
thanks to my Grampa a have a habit of snagging napkins and such at fast food joints, dunkin donuts, etc. i'm never without dunkie-d's napkins in the truck...
paper towels on the list.
i really like my manual 35mm for good-quality photos, since it's very versitile in focus and whatnot, but i might invest in a cheap digital camera, if i get a laptop that can store the photos.
i am planning on bringing a propane or alcohol stove with me, that can cook, grill, etc. Harbor Freight for about $40.
~tmm
Post by: Brad Johnson on January 17, 2008, 11:58:21 AM
Quote
but i might invest in a cheap digital camera, if i get a laptop that can store the photos
A stack of memory cards is cheaper, not to mention a darned sight easier to carry.
Brad
Post by: Chuck Dye on December 06, 2009, 04:55:35 PM
TMM, how did it go?
Post by: mgdavis on December 06, 2009, 08:30:02 PM
A credit card with a high limit in case you get stuck somewhere and need to get home in a hurry.
And Like Brad said, AAA.
I've learned the hard way on both of those.
It's also good to have a GPS that knows where the local NAPA is.
I've been to parks and places where you need to pay with exact change or a check. I had neither, but I didn't get caught...
Edit: Just caught the date on the OP. :oops:
Post by: Chuck Dye on December 06, 2009, 08:45:43 PM
I should have PM'd TMM
Post by: TMM on December 06, 2009, 09:09:20 PM
was just browsing APS here and noticed this old fossil of a post up on top...
i think i posted a link to my Livejournal blog when i left. it can be found here:
http://themadmailler.livejournal.com/ (http://themadmailler.livejournal.com/)
the first half page or so is dedicated to college stories, because i have since began college. i'm a freshman. after a couple posts i realized that no one except my mother was reading them, which was kind of depressing, so i stopped writing them.
it has been a long while since i have read that blog, but i can assure you that there are some extremely amazing things written in those pages. some things that i have forgotten, and only remember upon re-reading the post...
but if you want a quick summary, it was phenomenal. even more amazing when i look back on it and remember what i did. i traveled 21,500 miles total across the country and back over the course of 4 1/2 months. i met some cool people, an APSer (bigjake... an awesome dude with a wife who can cook a mean potroast... thanks again man!), an ex-vagabond in a sagebrush field whom i had known for years but never met, and a camped with a group of three packed in a small Chevy S10, all with thier own stories involving brushes with the law.
my only problems involved my tires. i blew a 1 1/2" tear across the tread going 50 on pavement, and got a screw stuck in a tire in northern montana. my Tacoma was reliable as all get-out. not a single mechanical issue. i thought my alignment was shot by the end of the trip, but actually in the right front tire, the radials were broken and the tire was bulged out. (i've since shelled out $720 for new tires)
i still have most of my roadtrip stuff in my truck. tools, blankets, cap on the bed. my awesome uncle made me a frame from 2X6's and plywood to put my futon ontop of, which proved to be invaluable for storage and moisture / temperature control. i still have that too, to prevent things from sliding around in my bed. it's all really just handy stuff that's good to have around.
except for when i was in Detroit (the biggest shithole i've ever been to...), i always felt safe. never was sketched out by anyone. people tend to be nice and friendly.
the cherry on top was that the total expenditure for this 21,500 mile, 4 1/2 month road trip was $6000. yea, six grand is a lot for an 18 year old, but i had the money (plus some...i thought it would be more), and if i did it again i probably could cut the price in half without much effort.
to everyone else aspiring to take a road trip: GET OUT OF HERE AND GO DO IT!!! life's too short to put off something like this. i have no idea how many people i met along the way, middle aged, young, old, who wished that they went at some point in thier life. they acted as if they couldn't anymore. if you're alive, you can do it. if you have any sort of money to your name, you can afford it.
i could write a whole book here, really. but i'll keep it to this. take a look at my blog if you feel so inclined, or better yet, get out on the road and see what it's like yourself.
TMM
Post by: TMM on December 06, 2009, 09:59:16 PM
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Nov. 22
Drove into Albuquerque today. I first went to two museums, the National Atomic Museum, and the Museum of Albuquerque. the atomic museum was another small but interesting museum with both peaceful and wartime nuclear technology history. the other one was more of a traditional art museum, with both modern and old art. i liked the more modern art better, finding the eccentric creations more captivating than the oil paintings. After those two, i drove to the Frontier Restaurant that carol had suggested to me long ago. I got a red chile burger and a Frontier sweet roll. my roadfood book had said that the sweet roll was doughey, but i wholeheartedly disagreed - it was sweet, chewey, and moist. the burger was good too, somewhat in the same style of Sycamore's burgers. I left the city on I-40 (the ex-rt. 66) until moriarty, where i headed south. i hadn't gotten as far as i wanted to a national forest to camp, so i went to some campground symbols on my map that were closer. as it turned out, they were in national forest property, but i could only find one of the two campgrounds that had been advertised on a sign, and it was closed. so, seeing no signs forbidding camping, i pulled off onto what looked like a well-worn pullout off the road to camp. since it was getting dark, i made a can of chili. as i was cooking it, i saw a pickup driving slowly up the road, and as i ate, i saw i slowly drive back, and stop on the road near where i was. after a minute, i saw someone walking up to my door in my sideview mirror. I rolled the window down, and said hi to the kid who later introduced himself as Wes. he apparently was in the same situation as i was, trying to find a campsite. he asked if they could camp with me, and i said sure, pull up your truck. The driver pulled up, and the other two occupants came out to say hi. There was Adam, the driver, aged at 28. i later learned he was an ex-felon, a car thief, was wanted for crime in michigan, had kids he wanted to see that were in michigan, and had the lung capacity of an 85 year old because of a lung ailment of his. Amanda was Wes's girlfriend, and she didn't talk much, and didn't reveal any real bad past history, she was just traveling with her boyfriend. Wes was about 18, the same as Amanda. he had a horrible cough that interrupted his words, and seemed to be a bit ill from something. his yellow hoodie sweatshirt was beaten and stained. they made a fire as i ate my chili, and i went out to warm up by the fire. Adam offered me a beer which i accepted and drank with my chili. we all stood or sat around the fire, talking of out own stories and problems. they had been on the road for about 2 and a half months, and wanted to get up to michigan for thanksgiving, and eventually back to california. Adam spoke of how he wanted to meet his kids back in michigan, even though he had a warrant out on him. "my kids are my life," he says. "why the f*** would i go back to michigan otherwise? they'll put me in jail, my truck will be reposessed - but i need to see my kids. F*** my wife, i don't care about her - she left me. But I love my kids to death..." Wes spoke of his own problems, how he did time and kept doing more because he kept scrweing up and couldn't stay straight. Adam's view on life was much more advanced than that of a normal 28-year-old. because of his lung ailment that would kill him by age 40, he saw each day with much more importance, a selfless importance that few people, especially his age, had. The whole group struck me as a very American group, very Grapes of Wrath-like. a group of traveling vagabonds, each with thier own crimes and problems, traveling together to get thier minds off thier problems and sort things out, make a better life for themselves. I really liked spending that night with them.
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TMM
PS. to give you an idea of my safety during my ENTIRE road trip, i'd say this was the most dangerous night, because there was a felon and a criminal camping 20 feet away from me. but they were the nicest folk, and minded thier own business.
Post by: Bigjake on December 06, 2009, 10:25:53 PM
Post by: Boomhauer on December 06, 2009, 11:20:21 PM
The economy taking a dive has put my plans on ice for now. It'll have to wait.
I really, really have to get back out West. Ever since spending three weeks west of the Mississippi, it's been boring back home. Exceedingly boring.
Post by: TMM on December 07, 2009, 11:18:14 AM
Good to know you made it home man, I was starting to wonder, being that I haven't heard from you in 16 odd months.. :cool:
i called you a time or two after i got back, but it was a game of telephone-tag and i eventually forgot about it...
TMM