Laura: Why I'm A Roadtreker

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime. ~Mark TwainHi everyone. I'm Laura and this is my Roadtreking guest blog. I'll be regularly sharing my experiences, observation and travels as I Roadtrek across the country.

I read James Michener's “The Drifters” when I was about 12 (we weren't allowed to watch much TV when I was growing up) and the idea of drifting without a strict agenda stuck like burrs in a dog's coat. I love to travel, whether in my home state of Missouri, which is quite beautiful, or around the globe. I have been been blessed by a monk at the top of the Himalayas in Bhutan, eaten lamb lung in Tibet and crickets in Mexico. I scuba dive, sail and canoe. But I have always wanted to drive around my own country, no plans and by backroads. I love a good hotel, but I like to have my stuff with me, my dog- Ruka and sometimes even friends! I am all about not having to make reservations or worrying about bed bugs!

I got my Roadtrek Adventurous in Oct. of 2011 and have already logged over 15,ooo miles and 13 states. Sometimes for 3 days or maybe a month. I can go town or country, back roads or toll roads and when I get tired, I can do the RV park, campground, Walmart, someone's driveway or boondocks. I am hooked up, wired in and all my photography gear fits without the added baggage charge! And hey, I'm a woman and can take as many pairs of shoes as I want.

For this gal, travel is about interaction, adventure and rolling with the unexpected (hail, cancelled flights, snow- closed on Mondays!). Its about meeting people and getting their story. About researching the area, geography, history, culture and the like. It's about pulling over for that photo op or “The World's Best Pie”. It's about asking questions and talking a walk around the corner from the point of interest. Staying longer if I want. Most travelers today get out, snap a shot, get back in the car and drive to the next overlook. Or they are crowded on big busses with 50 of their new best friends for 10 days. Not for me.

I'm also a naturalist and birder and traveling in this manner allows me much more opportunity than I would otherwise have.

I call my rig OLGA for “Old Ladies Get Around” because I plan on touring until I can't see over the steering wheel. Heck, maybe by then I'll have met a nice looking younger man and HE can do the driving!

Look for my report on my trip to Idaho…coming right up in a day or so.

9 Comments

You are AWESOME! I love the adventure in you, and the next gift, courage. Fifteen thousand miles is a great amount to have covered in any amount of time.
I can see my travels are going to be vicariously through you. Thanks for including me in these trips. Life is good.
Love,
Becky

Laura, Best of luck on your trip to Idaho. I am both a native Idahoan and a Roadtrek owner/enthusiast. The four sections of Idaho are the northern area, western Idaho (Boise) central Idaho (the mountians) and eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls). Eash area is very different from the others. I would be glad to offer some suggestions. Enjoy your trip and your Roadtrek. John

what fun you are having. I seem to be loaded down with “stuff” but will enjoy your adventures vicariously. Looking forward to more blogs.

Happy trails, my friend!

Idaho is a great location – we spent a couple of weeks there 2 years ago. I’m eager to get your take on it. There are so many different experiences there that we’re all sure to learn something. Good to see you out on the road, Laura!