Preparation

With just over five weeks left until I leave, it's time to start thinking about everything I need to buy, bring, and still plan. I have a general route planned out, nothing too exact yet, but I know that I want to make it down to Texas, across to California, up to Seattle to visit Curtis, and then east through Canada along the plains, and eventually back through Fargo on the way home, stopping to visit my aunt in Des Moines, Iowa. It seems like a lot of driving, and it is, over 7000 total miles and over 110 hours of driving time alone. Not to mention time scouting locations and setting up shots. I'm hoping to take a total of about four or five weeks for the whole trip. That'll be enough time to get my mind off of a few things and decipher a couple more.

The day will be May 11. I wanted to leave earlier but my grandparents will be in town for my brother's graduation so I figured it would be nice to stay the couple extra days they are here. My only exam is on May 4 so I'll have the whole week before and after it to get all my stuff together, packed, and arranged. It's going to be quite the amazing trip. I've never done anything like this by myself before; I mean sure, I've travelled to Australia, but that was with a friend, and a group. I've driven the whole way to Baltimore, but again, with friends.

The only big worry I have is where I'm going to be staying at night. Truck stops seem convenient, but I'd like to spend a couple nights camping out by myself. I have a couple places along the way that have friends, or family, or family of friends, that have offered me a place to stay and a shower. A nice warm shower. That's the thing I'll miss the most. I need to get away. I'm so ready. The last couple weeks have been very strange, and the next few are sure to be no different.

No pictures to upload yet, but I'll try my best to throw a couple up from the trip each day. You know, the stereotypical sunset, mountain shot, or self portrait in front of a landmark. I'll save the good stuff for my show when I get back. I'm going to be travelling back in time, using a 4x5 camera, travelling by myself, through miles and miles of empty, open space. I think it might be the best thing that could happen to me.