Living on the road for days, weeks, even months on end may be a closed chapter. And that is alright.
During my twenties and thirties, several days in January were dedicated to blocking out tentative dates for road trips. Weekend getaways. A week here or there. And at least one long drive spanning a few months or an entire season.
The notes app on my phone had a running list of parks, forests, mountain peaks, and small towns to explore. Mostly collected from rest stop brochures, paper maps, brown road signs, strangers at scenic overlooks, and grocery store locals.
A quick glance reveals each list was last updated in 2023. Shortly after optimistically planning a few fall road trips. My mind was brimming with confidence while the rest of my body needed another nap. I was a few months out from an anaphylaxis reaction to a new food allergy and recovery was not going well.
I always knew my food allergies would interfere with spending time on the road. Perhaps keeping me away from true wilderness areas with no cell service. Maybe giving up months on the road for a few weeks instead. Or minimizing the travel radius from my front door.
Small concessions. Gradual shifts. Slowing down.
Stopping altogether? A truly unexpected outcome.
Dandy and I attempted traveling twice last year. One trip went better than the other. Both were a challenge. Turns out having nine severe food allergies and MCAS disrupts travel days from start to finish.
So much food prep. An unrelenting medication schedule. Running into Dandy to eat the second my timer went off. Discovering a new heat intolerance. Getting stuck in traffic at inopportune times. Somehow not having enough cleaning wipes. Glade plugins attempting to steal my ability to breathe. Being allergic to grass.
One hit after another.
In retrospect, the confidence I had leaving my house for the first trip was hilariously high. I spent a full week preparing and felt so ready while releasing Dandy’s parking brake.
Visiting with family I had not seen in far too long was wonderful and worth every hurdle stumbled over.
But the actual act of traveling? Something I once spent more calendar days enjoying than anything else? Miserable. No desire to do this recreationally anytime in the future.
Chapters are meant to end.
I had an extraordinary twenty year run of aggressive travel. Every opportunity to hit the road was grabbed, extended beyond reason, and treasured down to the minute.
What a privilege.
As always, thank you for being here.
You have the best attitude! Love you so very much!
Blessings! I hope daily life, not on the road will treat you better. You deserve it. <3