Tag Road Trip

After returning from a transformative year-long journey on the road, I made a decision that felt both daunting and liberating: I let go of my apartment. This change wasn’t just about shedding material possessions; it marked a profound shift in my perspective and priorities. The decision to part ways with my apartment was deeply influenced by the experiences I had during my travels. Losing my dad and my job of over a decade served as catalysts for introspection and reevaluation. In the face of loss and uncertainty, the open road became my sanctuary, offering solace and a sense of clarity amidst life’s turbulence. Upon my return, I confronted the reality of my belongings, realizing that much of what filled my apartment held little significance in the grand scheme of things. Over the course of three months, I embarked on a journey of decluttering and simplification, selling, giving away, recycling, or discarding items that no longer resonated with me.

The process was both cathartic and challenging, as I navigated through layers of memories and attachments tied to material possessions. Each item I released felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders, creating space for new experiences and opportunities to unfold.

Amidst the practicality of decluttering, the process was unexpectedly emotional. Delving into boxes that had traversed attics throughout my life, I unearthed treasures long forgotten. Each item carried memories of bygone eras, from newspaper clippings chronicling high school triumphs to heartfelt letters penned by friends and family. Sorting through these relics, I was reminded of the passage of time and the cherished moments that had shaped my journey. It was a poignant reminder of the value of the past and the importance of embracing new beginnings with an open heart.

As I bid farewell to my apartment, I embraced the principles of minimalism, finding freedom in owning less and experiencing more. The journey taught me that true richness lies not in the abundance of possessions, but in the richness of experiences and connections forged along the way. This newfound sense of lightness and liberation serves as a testament to the transformative power of letting go and embracing the unknown.

(Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take an action through these links, I may earn a commission. This helps support my van life blog and my journey.)

Chasing Dreams: From College to the Open Road of Van Life

Have you ever felt the pull of a dream that lingered in the depths of your mind, quietly urging you to chase it down? I certainly have. The spark for this dream was ignited years ago, just after I graduated from college. It was a decision to explore the country before settling into the nine-to-five routine and donning a suit. Fresh out of college, I embarked on an epic 12,000-mile road trip over a mere 6 weeks, that left an indelible mark on my soul. My dream became to traverse the vast landscapes of the United States, explore the country’s hidden treasures and discover what was to be discovered. I knew I wanted more of these adventures in my life so the plan was simple: when I retire, get a van and get on the road.

From Campus to Van: A Pandemic-Driven Road Trip Odyssey

But as fate would have it, life had different plans. When the world was forced to pause due to the pandemic, my home became my office, and my home started feeling like a prison. That’s when I made a decision that would change my life: I sold my car, bought a mini-van as a trial run, and took remote work to a whole new level.

The pandemic had revealed the fragility of life’s plans and the importance of living in the present. Why wait for a distant retirement when I could embrace the nomadic lifestyle now? The idea of delaying my dreams no longer held the same appeal.

My cousin in Montana had been nagging me for years to travel out there for a long overdue visit. After practicing with some more local New England-based overnights hit the road to Montana. I turned it into a three-month-long adventure, covering thousands of miles, countless memories, and a newfound love for the nomadic lifestyle.

Pandemic Pivot: Embracing Van Life and the Open Road

I’ve always felt a deep longing for something more, an innate desire to break free from the ordinary and fully embrace the extraordinary. Van life, I discovered, offered me the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Nine Reasons why I embraced the van life:

1. Freedom to Wander: The open road beckoned, and I couldn’t resist the call of adventure.
2. Embracing Minimalism: Simplifying my life and shedding excess possessions was liberating.
3. Closer to Nature: Van life allowed me to wake up to breathtaking natural landscapes.
4. Flexibility to Work and Travel: Remote work became my ticket to explore while earning a living.
5. Meeting Incredible People: The van life community is filled with like-minded individuals and fascinating stories.
6. Unpredictable Journeys: Each day brought new surprises and unforgettable experiences.
7. Cost-Effective Living: Van life is surprisingly affordable compared to traditional living.
8. Chasing Sunsets: I could park my home wherever I wanted, including with a view.
9. A Life Less Ordinary: The van life lifestyle is anything but mundane, and I craved the extraordinary.

(Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase or take an action through these links, I may earn a commission. This helps support my van life blog and my journey.)

I visited Coral Castle on my road trip north, a remarkable place filled with mysterious wonders and the aura of a bygone era. Nestled in Homestead, Florida, Coral Castle is a true testament to human ingenuity and the enigmatic mind of its creator, Ed Leedskalnin. This extraordinary attraction features massive stones meticulously carved and arranged to form a fascinating complex of megalithic structures.

Ed Leedskalnin’s Enigmatic Creations

At the heart of Coral Castle’s allure lies its intriguing backstory. It’s said that its creator, Edward Leedskalnin, quarried and carved these colossal stones entirely by himself, using an unknown and seemingly mystical method that still baffles visitors to this day. Ed was a reclusive figure who dedicated over 28 years to crafting this astonishing masterpiece. He attributed his knowledge to the “secrets of the universe,” which he claimed to have uncovered during his life.

One of the most captivating features of Coral Castle is Ed’s “Polished Star Telescope.” This peculiar device is a small hole drilled through a massive rock, strategically positioned to align with a specific star in the night sky. It’s believed that Ed used this telescope to observe celestial bodies, further fueling the mysteries of his creations.

Exploring the Mysteries of Coral Castle

While the exact methods Ed employed to move and carve these enormous stones remain a secret, his work continues to inspire fascination and curiosity. Some speculate that he possessed anti-gravity knowledge or an uncanny understanding of magnetism and the Earth’s energy. Ed’s cryptic statements only added to the enigma, hinting at profound discoveries and insights into the “secrets of the universe.”

Coral Castle invites visitors to step into this world of marvels, where they can admire Ed’s craftsmanship, ponder the purpose of his celestial observatory, and contemplate the mysteries that surround this extraordinary place. It’s a must-visit destination for those on a road trip through Florida, offering a unique glimpse into the life and mind of Ed Leedskalnin.

As I marveled at the stones’ intricate carvings and the mystique of the Polished Star Telescope, I couldn’t help but be drawn into the timeless enigma that is Coral Castle. This place serves as a testament to human curiosity, determination, and the quest for understanding the universe’s mysteries. Whether you’re a history buff, an amateur astronomer, or simply an adventurer on a road trip, Coral Castle will leave you with lasting questions and an enduring sense of wonder.

So, if you’re planning a road trip through Florida and want to explore a site that’s both historically significant and shrouded in mystery, be sure to add Coral Castle to your itinerary. It’s a captivating stop that’s bound to leave you with more questions than answers, a hallmark of truly enigmatic places.

Ed Leedskalnin

In the world of remarkable feats and enigmatic creations, few stories are as perplexing and awe-inspiring as that of Ed Leedskalnin and his astonishing stone garden, Coral Castle. A simple man in appearance, Ed’s unassuming nature and unremarkable physique held no hint of the monumental marvels he would craft. As you gaze upon a picture of Ed Leedskalnin, it’s nearly impossible to fathom how this meek and humble man brought to life one of the most mysterious and captivating landmarks in the United States.

Standing before Coral Castle, one can’t help but wonder how Ed singlehandedly quarried, carved, and assembled massive limestone blocks, some weighing as much as nine tons, into a mesmerizing array of sculptures. His tools were rudimentary at best, yet the precision and artistry displayed in every piece defy explanation.

This was easily one of the most beautiful and scenic road trips I’ve taken on any of my van life travels. The first third of the trip followed along the Payette River and then it headed into the mountains. I made a few stops along the way including an oil change, coffee, some places that were too beautiful to just drive by, White Bird Battle Historical Monument and my first taste of a Huckelberry pie. Unfortunately, the last half of the drive was after dark so I didn’t get to see much at that point.

Driving along the Payette River.

Huckleberry Pie in Lucile, ID

I saw this place and decided to stop. I’d never had huckleberries before and thought this would be a good place to get some. The man working the counter was very friendly and helpful when I asked him about the fruit. He went into the back and cut me a slice of a new, fresh pie! Tastes like blueberry.

White Bird Battlefield Overlook – Nez Perce National Historical Park

On June 17, 1877, Captain David Perry and his troops moved into the canyon to strike the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) who were sheltering in one of their winter villages. The soldiers encountered a peace party of six warriors carrying a white flag riding towards them. A civilian volunteer shot twice at the peace party and the battle began. The U.S. cavalry was defeated with heavy losses and the Nimiipuu began their long journey to find safety and sanctuary. Another sad story about the white man’s mistreatment of Native Americans. You can read more about the battle here

I arrived in Missoula, MT late in the evening!

At the age of 16, I embarked on an unforgettable Colorado River rafting adventure, following in the footsteps of my father, who had experienced it a decade earlier. Years later, my sister ventured on the same journey. Now, nearly four decades later, I find myself drawn back to this remarkable experience. Join me as I prepare for my upcoming road trip from Boston to Colorado, where I’ll once again set out on this incredible river adventure.

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  Visiting Airport Mesa Vortex, Sedona, AZ – Aug 2022September 6, 2022
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  My Van Life Journey: Exploring New York City’s Sights and Sounds (June 2022)July 13, 2022
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  Colorado River Roadtrip and BackMarch 10, 2022
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