I finally finished a horrid project that made me miserable, and I feel so much better.  Now I can square things away in the house, pack the van, and get ready to hit the road.  Here's a plan to hit the 48 contiguous states - South Berwick, Maine to Taft, Idaho.  I won't be doing that.  Maine to Ohio to see family, then Colorado to see D & A.  Visit for a while, then probably head south.  I can plan when I'm in Colorado Springs. 

I've been to a lot of the east coast, Colorado, Texas and California.  When I was in eighth grade, we took the train from Lima, Ohio, to Chicago, a boring, dusty passenger train, then the Denver Zephyr to Colorado Springs.  My Dad was too nervous of planes to fly.  The Zephyr had an observation car just in front of the caboose,  The scenery was glorious.  Trains are an excellent way to travel.  You can read, chat, walk around, eat. 

Now I feel like a soccer Mom.

I have a minivan.  2004 Honda Odyssey, 102K miles.  I could do without electric doors and other doo-dads, but the mechanic approved, and we came to a fair price (lots less than I'd have paid a dealer, more than they'd get for a trade-in).  It's pre-scratched and has small dings, so I don't have to worry about treating it with kid gloves.  Benning doesn't like the leather seats, and they're a bit high for him, but he fully approves of heated seats. 

dog is my co-pilot.  

Really. 

A journey of 2500 miles

A journey of 2500 miles begins with a blog.  I'm not presently working, and have been needing a different direction.  Finally realized the answer is Road Trip.  Yeah, I'm spontaneous, but it does require some planning.  Looking for a van so I can car camp.  Getting things prepped so I can leave the house in okay shape. The dog needs little to no preparation, as he is always up for an adventure, large or small.  He will need proof of rabies vaccination if we go to Canada.  I will need a renewed passport, which needs to be prioritized. 

I started thinking about John Stenbeck, one of my favorite writers, and that reminded me of Travels With Charley, which I will have to reread.  Since the Great Enfloodening, I don't knoe if I have a copy anymore.  Steinbeck named his truck/ camper Rocinante.  I can't name my van until I get one.  I'm unlikely to be quite so poetic, but something will come to me. 
 
Portland, Maine - Columbus Ohio - Chicago - Fairfield, IA - Colorado Springs.  about 2400 miles

I want to be in Colorado with my son, daughter-in-law and daughter-in-la's brother for Christmas, with some stops on the way for family and other stuff.  I mostly don't want to hurry, but the calendar refuses to be trifled with.