Adventures Of A Dog And His Mom

[baileysgrandadventure]

Things are getting weird again

Not in the world so much. We’ve almost established a new normal for the world... stores closed, restaurants either doing take out or going out of business, gyms with lights off trying to add value to their members in the hopes that they will be viable later... whenever later is.

No, the weird is just in my little bubble. It’s getting to be time to move on. Time to study the maps and the weather and the various closures. Time to do the laundry, stock supplies, and make a plan. Time to figure out what’s next ... cause I don’t have to go home (where is that anyway?) but I can’t stay here much longer.

And that brings the stress... of when do I go? which road do I take? Will there be things open (like gas stations and hotels)? (cause lots of campgrounds are now closed) when I get to Michigan where will I stay for 14 days to self quarantine? This last is no small question and one that gives me pause. Added to it, just what the hell am I going to do after that? I have no real plan and not a big longing in my heart to stay there.

And I still want to explore the Pacific Northwest, but now is not the time. We’ll all come back stronger from this and then it’ll be my time ... to explore both places to visit and places to live and work. In the meantime, I will take some time to stay up to date on health coaching and explore possiblilities for a new career. Lay the foundations for the days to come...

[baileysgrandadventure]

Let’s count Michigan.

That makes Oregon our 14th state. We’ve slowed down significantly after waiting around in AZ for things that never happened and then waiting out the rain while dealing with the uncertainty of the pandemic in Lancaster. Both times we were blessed to be with people who cared, who made us feel welcome and safe from the apocalypse. These are definitely challenging times.

But in challenge, strength is revealed and growth happens. We’ve faced a lot of uncertainty since we hit the road a month ago. Some of it was expected. This latest stuff around the pandemic wasn’t. No one knows how to deal with this uncharted territory, but I think we’re all doing our best. People around the country {world} are showing kindness to strangers, sharing smiles and knowing looks across the room, wondering who exactly bought all that toilet paper! 🤷‍♀️

We’re doing the best we can even when faced with days full of firsts... whether it’s home schooling children, making home cooked meals, working out at home, or finding ways to stay occupied and sane.... we’re all doing our best.

For my part, I’m trying to keep my distance and yet still engage (I think I’m getting better at small talk). I’m trying to spend as much time as possible outside and see as many things as I can before getting someplace to hunker down for a few days. Trying to do all that without wearing out my buddy.

Bailey is tired. Tired of traveling, but also just tired. I’m worried about him. He seems to be aging before my eyes. I don’t know if it’s the stress of travel or something more serious ... maybe we’ll get that checked out when we get to Washington.

I don’t know how long we’ll stay. A week? Longer? Will things turn around in that time? If they do, can we get back on the road and see more of America? Will it all be shut down like California by then? They’re even making moves to close parks in many states now... including the one I’m in (next week). Then what does camping look like? Are gas stations next?

Am I now a permanent resident of the Pacific Northwest? I do like the outdoors and all the cool things to do here.

[baileysgrandadventure]

It’s the end of the world as we know it....

Today was weird. Heck! The last week has been weird. We drove from San Simeon to Geyserville, CA today. Gassed up first thing this morning and the only thing we stopped for along the way was more gas and a quick potty break.

We didn’t stop at all in SF and surrounding counties due to the shelter in place edict and the fact that virtually everything is closed. Traffic was significantly lighter than usual, even 880 was more like I-75 in Detroit than the Bay Area. Parts of it were even lonelier.

Once we got to Healdsburg we found more closures. Dry creek road is big winery country, probably 40 wine tasting rooms in about 10 miles. All closed. It makes me wonder how all these small wineries and farms are going to survive this. Can the strawberry farmers even sell their berries before they go bad?

The current plan is to go less miles tomorrow... it’s Wednesday now. Unless things get crazy and all the parks and gas stations close, we’re sticking to 101 up the coast, then cutting over around Tillamook to go to the WA suburbs of Portland. Should be there around Sat or Sunday... then probably stick around for a week or so ... see how things progress with all the closures. See when it feels safe to get back out on the road without fear of getting stranded.

Good news is I have no need to get back at any specific time now. All of my plans have been postponed until June. Not sure how that’s going to look yet. Pretty sure though that Bailey is ready to be done with the epic adventure. He’ll be glad to have a house and a dog friend for a week or so. And if we ever get back to Grandma’s, he’ll never leave again. 😢

[baileysgrandadventure]

Highway 89...

Back in the road after a few days in the desert with relatives. We had the opportunity to do laundry, take hot baths, and eat home cooked meals for four days. We didn’t walk a lot because of all the picky things and that rattlesnake siting. I think Bailey didn’t want to get too far from the house and his new friends. He was always worried we get back in the road. Poor guy.

Re-entry into van life has been hard for both of us, especially due to the rain and four days of listening to the news. Then we had another change of plans due to the Coronavirus. I want to be back in my bubble, but I also want to curl into a ball and ignore everything. 😢

But we had a great hike yesterday in the Prescott National Forest and another today on a trail in Sedona. I’d love to explore more trails there, but the parking was ridiculous so we ran some errands, saw a huge accident on the highway, and eventually made our way back to Prescott and a stinky hotel room. Supposed to keep raining for a few days, but since we’re not going to Tucson now, we’ll head to Joshua Tree tomorrow. Not ideal because dogs aren’t allowed on trails, but it gets us into California and closer to the ocean... and it gives me a plan. I feel a little at odds right now.

This anxiety was supposed to go away with the job and the schedule. Apparently, I really do need a schedule... or at the very least a plan. But I can’t have dates that rely on other people. So here we go, back on the road. Back in explorer mode.

[baileysgrandadventure]

I used to be a skier. I used to live in the mountains

I’ve now got the stamina of a flat lander, but at heart I’m really a mountain girl. Love these mountains we’ve been in the last couple of days. First place on the trip where I thought, “I could live here,” was Flagstaff. What a great mountain town. Has that same feel as Truckee or Golden. Also has similar gas prices (relatively speaking)!

Maybe I could be a ski bum, cause I certainly couldn’t be a ski instructor like Dennis always said he’d be when he retired. I’m a lot rusty for that!

We had a great day walking in the Coconino National Forest then walking the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Almost 8 miles on our feet today and they’re barking! But the rest of me feels pretty good. Bailey is passed out under the covers already.

Gonna be cold again tonight. Good thing I’ve got this dog, a comforter, and I’m dressed for ski season. 🥶 it really does work out fine until morning when you have to get out of bed. Those first few minutes are brutal!

[baileysgrandadventure]

🐾 omg! This has been such an amazing day! Started with a nice long hike at Palo Doro SP in TX. It was early and not hot out yet, sun just rising. Spectacular! Almost got hit by a mountain bike, but it’s all good. My feet are red from this weird dirt.

Why dint they have grass around here? Those poor cows along side the road just eat this crunchy weedy stuff! And do they ever get water? Seems like I’m always thirsty. But it was better than carrying that dumb backpack again. How uncomfortable! Having that water sloshing around all the time. Can’t even get a good shake!

Anyway, we took the highway to New Mexico and passed this truck along the way. He stopped at the same time we did which was super cool cause I got to see what was in the truck. Mom said it was a donkey. It made funny noises! Different than the pig, but very weird. I wanted to get closet and really inspect it, but mom said it was already tortured enough riding in the back of that truck. At least he was getting lots of fresh air!

After a lot more driving we went on a really twisty road that mom was really quiet on. I stayed really still so I didn’t fall out of my seat, though we were only going about 10mph. Mom said it wouldn’t matter how slow we were going if we went over the cliff. I suppose.

Not sure why she’s all scared about cliffs anyway. We took this great hike up to the top of a mountain when we got here (Villanueva SP). I tried to get really close to the edge a few times, but it really seemed to make her nervous. Geez, lady! It’s not like I’m gonna jump or anything. Just want to see what’s down there.

I’m king of the world!

Now... sleep! Hard. 😴

Bailey

[baileysgrandadventure]

Oklahoma 2-10-9

It’s been two weeks since my last day of work. That pretty much matches the longest vacation I’ve had in over 25 years. It’s the longest I’ve gone without working since Dennis died over 16 years ago. It feels weird. If I’m traveling, it’s normally the time I’m itching to go home.

10 days ago we left home to set out on a country-wide tour. We’ve stayed overnight and in 9 different states so far. Before last week, I’d never been camping, then I sold my house, gave away my stuff, bought a van, and quit my job to basically camp full time. I guess you could say I’m still an all or nothing kind of girl.

I haven’t worn makeup in almost two weeks. I don’t really miss it. Showers have been sporadic and not necessarily luxurious. I do miss those! I’ve finally figured out how to treat food as fuel. Limited selection, small budget, and long lead time for cooking - along with the goal of trying to do this all in a healthy way (i.e. little processed food).

Bailey has been a rockstar. He sits stoically in his seat, belted in for hours sometimes, without complaint. He celebrates each stop and walking opportunity like the best adventure he’s ever had, sniffing new things and exploring every bit of his new surroundings. He makes friends as he goes. He sleeps hard. I’m taking lessons.

[baileysgrandadventure]

Arkansas

The wind is blowing like crazy and has been all day. It made for really rough driving and a chilly afternoon walk. Should make the night a little colder than the last couple as well.

I always enjoy traveling and seeing new places, but I must admit right now I feel the need to stay still in one place a little longer. Just haven’t found the place to do that yet.

It’s hard to relax when I feel like I’m still checking things off a list... one state at a time.

Part of my adventure is to see if there’s a place that calls to me, that feels like home ... or like it could be. Does driving thru and stopping for a short period of time give me that? Idk. But I remember the first time I visited Paris and feeling exactly that. I’m pretty sure my “place” is in the Pacific NW, but I’m open to the possibilities. At least I think I am.

I do know for sure that it wasn’t MS or LA, maybe I’m just not a swamp girl. 🤷‍♀️ Arkansas is actually surprising in a good way. Now if the wind would only stop blowing....

[baileysgrandadventure]

🐾 it’s been a few days since I shared, but we’ve been doing ok. Mom forgot once yesterday that Lu doesn’t like surprises. I didn’t care for it either!

But we safely made it to this awesome park with a lake! Hiked on a cool trail in the woods where we saw lots of birds. Mom tried to keep me out of the mud a bit. (I hate the short leash deal!)

It was perfect swimming weather, surf was up and it was 43 degrees, but mom said no. Something about sleeping with a wet dog when it was freezing out?!?!

Speaking of sleep... I don’t know why she thinks the bed is too small. I have lots of room and I help keep her warm by staying really close all night. My only complaint is that damn cupboard I keep hitting my head on in the night!

Here’s another beautiful sunrise for ya!

Bailey

[baileysgrandadventure]

Oh My Mississippi- what have I ever done to you?

Started the day in Birmingham- which had some really nice neighborhoods as did much of the surrounding area. Tuscaloosa wasn’t bad, but the UA arboretum was a bit of a disappointment. I really expected more trees and less open fields.

Western Alabama and eastern Mississippi are quite desolate on the backroads, at least the ones I was on! And if you want a real kick in the teeth just tell GPS that you want to avoid highways then plug in a National Forest in Mississippi. I swear you will hear the evil bitch laugh and say, “OMG! We’re going to have so much fun with this one!”

Things seemed to be going relatively well when we pulled into a town named “Forest,” but they rapidly went downhill when the poorly paved backroads became water filled potholed dirt roads that led to sketch-city. We ended up turning around near a ramshackle farmhouse, barely escaping a mud bog. Back we went for miles before trying another route. Finally found an actual sign for the Forest that led us down another (slightly better) dirt road only to find the area I hoped to be habitable closed. We soldiered on for a mile or two before chickening out- worried about both getting stuck in the mud or getting lost - either way never to be heard from again.

And that, my friends, is how we ended up parked next to some big rigs near a busy road in a Walmart parking lot. And why we’re taking the highway out of this state tomorrow!

[baileysgrandadventure]

Unfortunately we were a bit too late for Gene Autry and the Amish Hippie kept different hours than us, but we did get to see this amazing cave and national monument.

Spent last night inside again. This time visiting friends. We’re getting spoiled. Bailey is not going to want to get back in the van today. And I must admit sleeping in it tonight doesn’t exactly get me excited! Poor Lu. Feeling the neglect and disappointment already!

It’s raining today. Just a light sprinkle so far. Not sure what we’re going to do before we leave Alabama. Not even really certain where we’re going to spend the night. Trying to hit all the states is a little more challenging than it should be.... if only things were all lined up in a straight line. Ah, my little organized and over scheduled soul is getting a little frustrated. Release those expectations, dear. Flow. It will all work out.

Speaking of which, it’s time for a workout. Then breakfast and visiting and planning the day.

[baileysgrandadventure]

We’re having a blast (mostly). The trails have been amazing. The sleeping is going to take some adjusting. Turns out this van life stuff is a lot of trial and error. You don’t really know what’s gonna work for you or what’s not before you try it... and even then it’s kind of hit or miss.

Take the dog seat belt for instance. I love it... most of the time. It makes me feel a lot more confident that Bailey isn’t going to fly through the window. But it’s a little too short and the seat is a little too small so while he stays there and has adapted pretty well, it doesn’t seem comfortable and I know he’s always happy to get out of it. But he likes it better than being in his kennel so we’ll stick with it.

Then there’s cooking. The camp stove worked great except it’s a pain to get the table put together, then get the propane out and attached to the stove, then, of course, the auto lighter doesn’t work... not even once! So I luckily had a long handle lighter that took several tries to ignite, but it worked. Then burnt the pan. 🤦‍♀️ and to top things off the little water boiling travel mug that hooks up to the car 12v decided it was a single use deal (well, technically I got to use it twice befor it died).

And thank god for GPS on these little back roads cause there aren’t any road signs on half of them, but she doesn’t have a clue how to get to the actual entrance to a national forest or park so just turn in at the first sign you see. She’s confused!

[baileysgrandadventure]

🐾 Bailey here.

What a weird day! So stressful! Mom packed up the van and we hit the road around noon. I was a little anxious for the first half hour or so, trying to find a place to get comfortable. Finally tried the passenger seat, but it’s not very big. I made myself into the smallest fur ball I could, but I still slipped a leg off a few times. But the view is fantastic if I just sit up straight.... even though I feel like I’m constantly having to balance. 😑

Luckily we stopped a lot. Once mom stuck me in my bed (cause she saw me lying in it which was fine when it wasn’t locked). She said it was to keep me safe, but it was super uncool! I’m not some dumb puppy! Made it about an hour in there before I got released and tried out the front seat again.

We finally stopped and bought me a seat belt so we’re gonna try that out tomorrow. In the meantime, we’re staying with friends tonight and there’s this really weird dog-thing 🐖 that squeals and snorts. I can’t figure out what the heck it’s trying to say but it’s kind of scary and interesting all at the same time. Mom won’t let me play with it.

It’s hard being a dog.

Bailey

[baileysgrandadventure]

Started packing today. Shit’s gettin real! Not gonna lie, I’m getting a little anxious, but I’m gonna label it excited 😜

Trying to figure out the most efficient use of space, what goes where, how often will I use things, etc... I’m sure it’ll all get rearranged a thousand times as I travel. Hopefully, it’ll at least not be too rattly and Bailey will be happy. We’ll see.

Already packed the dumbbells and some food so I’m all set.

Did a few basic stencils for decoration and, of course, mom made some curtains and the quilt. Still needs something. Hoping to pick up cool stickers from various stops along the way as kind of a memento of the trip.

Lots of final little things to take care of before hitting the road in the morning. Charge the laptop (cause I won’t have the ability to do that until I stop someplace with electricity). Double check the clothes I’ve packed (surprisingly few). Make more lists... including more ideas of where to go. Set up the toilet. Fill the water tank.

I’m struggling against my natural instinct to plan every detail (there are so many places to see!). But I want to let go of the schedule, let go of the anxiety/stress that’s been a constant companion for years. This little trip will give me the chance to break my tv and couch addiction, give me incentive to get back to meditating and spend more time outside hiking with my boy. Going granola! 😘🐾🍀💐🌟

[baileysgrandadventure]

So today I did a thing... I gave notice at the corporate job I’ve held for half my life. In just two short weeks, I’ll officially be unemployed or semi-retired if that sounds better. Scary AF, but also super liberating. Surprising myself, I actually could barely get the words out without losing it. Truth be told, I shed a few tears. That shit was hard! But then, the relief! Holy crap! It’s been a long time coming.

I am grateful for all of the opportunities and relationships along the way. In my first month, I met the man who would become my husband. I still stay in touch with some of those people from that first assignment. I’ve seen so many people come and go over the years, seen the name of the company change several times, worked for and with some great people and some less than stellar folks. I’ve traveled the world, both for the company and for fun.

During those 25 years, I’ve visited over 20 countries; gotten divorced, married, widowed; built a house and sold three; lived in three states and moved across the country three times; made and lost friends; run five marathons, found CrossFit, become a certified health coach. I’ve suffered losses, worked thru depression, done some deep personal work. But I’m still such a work in progress. So I‘ve made the decision and taken the action(s) and now I’m getting ready to start the grand adventure with Bailey and Lu. The adventure to find where I fit, to find fulfillment and purpose.

Oh yeah, and peace. After cohabiting again with my parents for the last four months, I’m definitely ready for some peace ... and a few less carbs.

[baileysgrandadventure]

Been getting Lu ready for her big adventure....

In doing so I’ve had to really put thought into what I want to do on the adventure, what kind of weather I might run into, how much space I have and how to best use it.

What kind of toilet do I need has several associated questions like how often am I going to use it? (How close will I normally be to other useable facilities?) How often do I want to clean it? Where will it fit when I’m driving and how will it stay there? And can it travel without spilling? (Ewwww) 🤮 How much rearranging am I willing to do in order to get it out?

- and that’s just one piece of the puzzle. One little thing I’ve researched and measured and contemplated... do I need it? Will I really use it? Where will it fit? How will it travel? What will it cost, both upfront and ongoing?

Purchases so far include a propane cook stove, quick dry towels, bungee cords, a dog crate to keep the fur baby safe while underway, a table, a super cool folding shovel with lots of cool tools, some other small survival type stuff, a French Press, and that toilet. 🚽

It’s getting close to decorating time. Lu needs some color and personality now. Getting excited to hit the road and start the adventure. 😁

[baileysgrandadventure]

Cross country solo

I spent the last four days driving across the country by myself. 1500 miles from Gypsum, CO to northern Michigan. I stopped over night in Ft Morgan, CO, Elkhorn, NE, and St Joe, MI. This trip wasn’t at all like the ones I hope to enjoy later. This one had a specific time when I had to be at my final destination and then a couple of snow storms I wanted to avoid.

I covered most of the miles on the highway to make the best time. I didn’t spend any nights with just Lu since we haven’t outfitted anything yet, opting instead for hotels and one night with one of my cousins. (It was great to catch up!)

The first day was short because I hadn’t slept. Started early afternoon after flying to Vail. It was a really long day! But Lu drove great. Easy to get adjusted, great turning radius, great visibility. I was glad I had hiking boots on they gave me an extra inch or more cause I still had to put the seat all the way forward and the steering wheel all the way out. Wish my arms were just an inch or so longer. Kind of stuff arming it along the way 😬. And the heater is kind of a challenge - seems like it’s impacted significantly by speed and outdoor temp. Luckily, I stopped at a Cabela’s on day two somewhere in NE and bought a few things, like a blanket that I wore on my lap. That made things significantly better.

Can’t get the phone audio or the gps to come thru the speakers for some reason, even though it will play podcasts just fine. 🤷‍♀️ gotta read thru the manuals now that I’ve made it home.

Went thru all the emotions while driving this time. Relief, trepidation, joy, peace, anxiety, and most prominently - what the heck am I doing? There are definitely places I want to explore, but am I doing the right thing? So freaking scary! Can I really do this and enjoy it for months? And then what? But what I’m doing now isn’t the answer either so ... onward.

For now, home with this guy getting lots of puppy kisses 😘🐾