In May I had the opportunity to drive halfway across the country and back on a solo road trip. Over the course of more than 3,000 miles in 17 days, I saw and did quite a bit. It’s hard to sum it all up. In some ways I am still processing that it happened, because my life has pretty much gone back to normal since then. No one piece of the trip was especially amazing or impressive in itself, but the fact that it all happened amounted to something. There were little moments and stories that may never be retold or remembered, but it was a trip that I’m glad I took.
For those of you who want to road trip vicariously, you’re in luck. Below you will find a true and accurate account of the places I went and the people I saw. What I cannot share is the subtle moments of impact or the absurd amount of ice cream I ate (sorry).
176.8 miles Charlotte, NC: An early morning start was well worth it after attending the Creative Women’s Summit, where I found myself overwhelmingly inspired by each speaker. A few others had traveled to get there, but this was the start of a journey for me, and I wanted to soak up every moment, despite not knowing a single person there. The girl sitting next to me was on a continuous journey herself as the traveling wife of a caddy. She had an hour before dashing back to Florida, so we shared a quick lunch and meaningful conversation. I don’t know that our paths will ever cross again, but we became friends right there, totally unexpectedly.
Believe it or not, this was a working trip. So throughout the trip, I worked during the day like I would back at home. I may or may not mention it as a part of my journey but that was a big part of my trip and how I was able to have the time to do it. Just imagine me working here, because I did.
I don’t know much about Charlotte, but do I know two households of wonderful people who call that place home. Erin was a good friend of mine in Des Moines who recently moved to the Queen City, so we spent hours catching up over dinner and dessert in the ever-so trendy arts district, NoDa.
Then there’s the home I stayed in, a place that has become our Charlotte home base of sorts, especially for trips to the airport or Ikea. But this is so much more than a place to sleep–the family is dear to us and also started a friendship formed in Des Moines. Julie is an ever gracious host whom I respect and admire. Julie sent me on my way with encouragement, laughter and tightly-squeezed hugs.
314.8 Greenville, SC: All the love and friendship found in Charlotte gave me enough moxie keep on with the road trip. I arrived after dark on a Friday night to stay with couchsurfers for the first time as a surfer instead of a host. They greeted me with open arms, and I found myself soon at a bonfire of close friends and felt right at home. The next morning, the husband set out for another trip while his wife and daughter showed we around downtown Greenville. We walked through the farmer’s market and the beautiful Falls Park right in the middle of town while sharing about each other’s lives before I moved on to my next stop.
465.9 miles Atlanta, GA: There’s a lot happening in Atlanta, so I didn’t even begin to see it all in my short time there. I was taken by just how big the skyline was (I realize that makes me sound like a simple, small-town girl, but it’s true). Again, I stayed with couchsurfers (this time literally on a couch in the living room, whereas in Greenville I had a guest room) who welcomed me into their lives for the day. Both pursuing work in the film business, I learned a lot about the industry and what it meant to go after such a dream, the drive it took and the sacrifices it required, while we walked around exploring the area. I ended my time in Atlanta visiting Louie Giglio’s church on Sunday morning before heading on my way, with plenty of audiobooks and wandering thoughts to keep me company.
There’s a lot more trip to recount. I’ll be adding part 2 tomorrow, promise.
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