Just putting something out there

[teenagebambam]

I was at a family wedding this weekend. Among other topics of conversation, my mother (80 years old come January) expressed her lifelong desire (as-yet unfulfilled) of driving cross-country, coast-to-coast, using the interstate as little as possible.

Now, there's no doubt that my mother could and very probably MIGHT set out on this trip all alone....BUT, since my partner, my sister and I were all in the room when she said it, we ll got the fire in our bellies as well and said we'd go too. Next summer.

So, just putting it out there so the Universe knows we want to do it, and none of us have two cents to rub together and probably won't by next summer.

Your best wishes are appreciated, as well as any advice from anyone who's ever done such a thing!

[I Have A Dream]

1. So mote it be.

:hug:

[Cleita]

2. My husband and I spent ten years of our life doing this and it was a very

educational and inspiring experience, however, with the price of gas out there, may I recommend mules and a covered wagon. Regardless, may you experience this journey, however you manage to do it and best of wishes.

[teenagebambam]

4. Ha!

My mother actually suggested to her sister-in-law (they live in the same condo building) that they might want to investy in a cart and pony. My aunt didn't miss a beat and said ""Yeah, but who's going to brush and feed the horse?"

[teenagebambam]

6. And as for gas....

....my partner, a very resourceful type, is looking into getting some corporate sponsorship or something.

[lildreamer316]

7. !!!Lots of possibilities!

--a new type of fuel for the car (http://runyourcaronwater.org/ ?) Something of that sort
--use a prototype of a new fuel car (hybrid electric, water, straight electric, etc.?)
Shop around.

[crikkett]

3. look into google earth

there might be an online group for such an endeavor.

[MorningGlow]

5. Selah--and so it is!

Sounds like a lot of fun, teenagebambam! My mother, brother, and I drove cross-country so he could take the California bar exam. I was 11. We took the interstate, mostly, which was a yawn and a half. Back roads sound best. Have you read Blue Highways by William Least Heat Moon? It's about driving cross country using only the "blue lines" on maps (back roads). It's really great--funny and touching and interesting. Here's the Amazon link (although Amazon seems to be having problems today): http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Highways-Journey-into-America/dp/0316353299/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1213040504&sr=1-1

[teenagebambam]

9. Read Blue Highways YEARS ago -

- but it was a college assignment and so I only *half* paid attention to it. I'll look it up again!

[Delphinus]

8. I would simply

*LOVE* to do that!

May the Universe shower you and your family with its abundance.

[SheilaT]

10. What a great idea!

The price of gas is going to be the greatest barrier. And, of course, the cost of lodging.

Instead of corporate sponsorship, how about some kind of local fund-raising. Perhaps friends, relatives, and neighbors would be willing to contribute to the cause. Just make sure that there's good and public accounting of money if you do that. Start a blog, document the trip. Just make sure someone on the trip posts at least once a day.

Start doing some serious planning, such as how long you all could be on the road. At least a couple of months would be terrific, although the reality of jobs may force a shorter time frame. If you stay with friends or relatives for at least part of the journey that can save a lot of money also.

I spent the entire month of May on the road, driving from Kansas to South Carolina, then to upstate New York, New Hampshire, and finally to Pennsylvania and Indiana. Along the way I saw friends and relatives not seen in years (40 years in the case of the cousin in New Hampshire), spent time by myself and put more than 5,000 miles on my car, a Honda Civic so the cost of gas was almost bearable. I did much of the trip on the interstates, but something looser along the back roads would be wonderful. I spent at least six months planning this trip, working out my itinerary and who I'd see and stay with along the way. In my case this was, as I kept on telling others, a journey of self-discovery and exploration, as I'm divorcing after more than 26 years of marriage, and want to start a new life.

Your trip can be done.

[stellanoir]

11. Best wishes on an excellent adventure for you and your family.

I hope you manifest what you need to make it so.

I've been across the continent many times. I wish every American had the opportunity to do so at least once.

A journey of this nature really inspires one to marvel over our national and geographic diversity. It truly widens one's world view, inspires great appreciation for what the pioneers endured, and gives one a sense of why California symbolizes for some as a sort of promised land.

During the second and third cross country trips I took, we did one of those deals through which people are relocating and didn't want to drive their cars themselves. The companies then would provide the first tank of gas and deal with the insurance. That wouldn't work for a leisurely trip on back roads though as there were slightly restrictive time constraints.

Camping out or sleeping in the car every other day and taking turns driving really diminishes the costs also.

Hope you work it all out and have a total blast.