Me and Willie

Willie Nelson wrote an incredible song in 1980 called "On The Road Again" and I had no idea the impact it would have on me until I recently took a 14-day road trip with my husband, Erin. We drove over 3600 miles through Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, California, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Every time when I got back in our truck for the next leg of the journey, I would sing "On the road again, just can't wait to get on the road again, going places I've never been, seein' things I may never see again, just can't wait to get on the road again." That song is truly a road trip anthem! I did see places that I have never seen before and probably won't again but I have a new appreciation for our beautiful country.

The mountains in Utah are breathtaking - and terrifying I might add. We drove from Park City, Utah through the mountains to Midway, then Cascade Springs and Waustha Park - on our way to Sundance and Bridal Falls. During this hour and half drive, I found myself singing once again. This time it was to the lyrics of Spinning Wheel by Blood, Sweat, and Tears. "What goes up - must come down - spinning wheel got to go round". The treacherous roads, steep grades, and falling rocks kept us highly alert on the curvy, narrow, and uneven roads. There was no blood, but definitely sweat and a few tears as I was terrified! I constantly slammed the imaginary brake on the passenger side of the truck, and we may possibly need to replace the floor as I am pretty sure I almost put my foot through it. Little did I realize that I would be experiencing mountain terrain like this several times over in our journey through many mountains on this road trip, and that song would be forever stuck in my brain. I learned immediately that I am adventurer - but definitely not a thrill seeker! I give high praise to my patient husband because I am pretty sure I would have left myself on the side of the road and not looked back!

We learned many things on this trip. Get gas, go to the bathroom, and eat when facilities are available. When a sign says "last stop" for gas for hours and they charge 5.89 a gallon - go just a little further and you might pay 3.49. Of course that can be a gamble because often we would drive for hours and hours through desolate and barren country with nothing but mountain ranges and empty roads in front of us. We booked hotels in the larger places we were going to stay - like in Lake Tahoe and Vegas - but it is good to have a plan so you are not struggling at the last minute to find a place to stay. I got us lost in downtown Albuquerque late at night when I messed up my Google maps and we ended up in a tent city. Not a great experience to say the least! Speaking of Google maps - the internet connection can fail at the most important times - so pack a back up map or Atlas - just in case. Also, allow for possible road construction as it is everywhere. You may also need to pack an extra amount of patience when you are driving as you don't always know what is ahead of you.

I plan to share our experiences on this trip in my "Latest Adventures" section soon. We had an incredible time and saw some of the most beautiful scenery that we have in these United States. I invite you to jump in your vehicle and "Get On The Road Again". Willie would be so proud!

Remember to be grateful.......for new experiences.....

Until we talk again........