This blog is the travel log for Hillary and Theo, 50-year-old mom and 8-year-old son, as we go on our 50-day adventure across the United States.
Turning fifty felt like a big deal to me (Hillary) and I wanted to do something big to mark this personally important passage. A few years ago I decided that it would be great to take a 50-day trip across the country. I could see some places I haven’t been to for many years, discover new terrain, and show my son how marvelous and widely varied our country is. So, we began to talk and scheme about doing such a trip. There is a tentative route, but the other part of our plan was to take each day as it comes. Suggestions from fellow travelers, delight in things we experience along the way, and whim may well change our route and our plans. I didn’t over analyze or over plan this trip. Our regular life can feel (and be) so scheduled that I wanted a change from that, too.
I am also happy to spend a big chunk of time with my son. In some ways that much togetherness makes me nervous, but in other ways it will truly be an adventure. Although we have different interests and priorities, I think we will be building a rich shared history and relationship through this trip.
We begin our trip from our home in Portland, Oregon. Our car is a 2006 Saturn Vue, with a Thule box on the roof. We will be camping, staying in motels, and visiting friends and family. We are attempting to travel light – whatever that means for a trip this length – and we did fit in pretty comfortably with all our gear.
A number of friends made us CDs of traveling music, and one of them was titled “Highway 50″ (thanks, John!). That has become my nickname for “the trip.”
7 responses so far ↓
Suzanne // June 7, 2008 at 3:51 am |
Much love, luck and blessings to you both as you head off on this epic adventure. We look forward to reading about your trip over the summer.
Mary // June 7, 2008 at 11:20 pm |
Safe travels.
Kit Wilding // June 22, 2008 at 3:27 pm |
I think about you and Theo often and am glad to have this blog to check up on your two to see how much fun you are having! We miss you both!
Kit
Yer Brudder // June 28, 2008 at 12:47 am |
Hello Hillary & Theo-
You did it! You really did it. On the road, across America, look out! What a terrific adventure you are both getting to share, and thank you both for also sharing it with us. A very enjoyable blog to read, it brings us right along with you. I can’t wait for the next day, and the day after that. Much love to you both, and see you soon? – Marsh
David Salminen // June 28, 2008 at 6:33 pm |
Hi Hillary and Theo – I’m so excited you’re going to Biosphere II – What a great experiment! When I visited there a number of years ago, I got so carried away with the jungle environment, that I almost ran into the area to start climbing trees, swinging from vines, etc… of course, there are many, many “miracles and wonders” in travelling – I’m so happy for you both, taking off across the continent… Many thanks for sharing your stories and pictures! Wow! Best – David
Jules // July 1, 2008 at 5:33 am |
Woo Hoo!! So enjoying the blog!! Theo, how lucky you are to see so many cool things!! The kids are enjoying the pictures, so keep them coming!
Be safe, Love Jules
stewart // July 3, 2008 at 5:04 pm |
Javalinas? I think I ordered two of those (with salt) at a bar earlier this summer. Wow, I haven’t checked in awhile…what a trip. You’re traveling down some roads I’ve experienced, too. Here’s hoping you guys encounter some fun times, and perhaps an exploding firework or two, on the 4th of July. Happy continuing travels, Hill…