I once waited for stuff. Ever since June 14, 2016, I no longer wait for “stuff”, now I make it happen. I decided not to worry about all the details, the petty things, the shit that discourages change or adventure. I decided to jump in. I trust, it won’t always be perfect, but at least “it” is.
Through a loss, one which I will never fully recover, I learned to live. The loss of my mom changed me in such a profound way. I became a woman, I was no longer a child. I was, from that day on, denied my mothers sage advice, her voice, her caress, the presence of her love, her smell.
After moms death, I tossed around the many conversations that we shared. When I looked back, I realized many of these conversations ended with, “I wish”. My mom wished she was able to do a lot of things, my moms world was way too small, her world consisted of her family and the few towns in New York where she would visit family. There was always a reason “why” she never travelled, took a chance or even a job. My mom had one job, taking care of her family. I honestly believe she felt content with this, until we were grown, then she had time to think about the “what ifs” . My mom was not ready to die, she told me so, and knowing that, and knowing what she missed, well that would make my recovery even more difficult. I will never recover, however, I have learned to cope.
Last years road trip was epic, it was symbolic of my re-birth and was dedicated to my mom, as I know she was with me, every leg of my adventure. She travelled with me in spirit and in love. This years trip should be as epic, and once again dedicated to my mom.
Todd and I have been kicking around a bunch of plans for our road trip. It will be action packed, and we will turn over as many stones as possible. The same as last year, I invite you to share our road trip experience via our online journal. Let’s get started with the planning and……..
THE BONES
TIP: We have purchased the America the Beautiful Annual Pass. The cost is $80 and it admits you into each National Park. I am posting the individual park fees to show the savings.
Wall, SD:
Badlands National Park (Hike Door/Window Trail) Vehicle Admission: $20.00
Mount Rushmore Monument Presidential Trail: Vehicle Admission: $10.00
Devil’s Tower Red Beds Trail: Vehicle Admission: $20.00
Cody, WY
Yellowstone National Park Vehicle Admission: $30.00
Teton Village, WY
Grand Teton National Park Vehicle Admission: $30.00
Springdale, UT
Zion National Park Vehicle Admission: $30.00
Bryce Canyon National Park Vehicle Admission: $30.00
Richfield, UT
Moab, Arches National Park : Vehicle Admission: $25.00
Estes Park, CO
Rocky Mountain National Park: Vehicle Pass Fee: $20.00
Somewhere in America 