Broke, Bold, and Bumperless: Part 2 - Encounters on the Open Road: From Unexpected Visitors to Kindred Spirits
Get inspired by my unconventional tale of self-discovery, skateboarding, and chasing dreams as I drop out of college and embark on an adventure in a no-bumper-havin' Toyota Echo.
^I’ll read along!^
Where were we?
So I have this crazy idea. I want to drop out of college, quit my position mid-term in the fraternity, and drive to California. My hope is that by doing this, I can convince someone at Satori that I am valuable enough for them to give me an opportunity.
A million questions are going through my head right now. How am I going to get there? I'll need a car, but will my car make it if I drive? How much money should I save up for this endeavor? What will my friends think about my decision? Taking a semester off to save money seems like a logical step, but what if my friends believe it's just an excuse to leave school and I never end up going? How will my friend, who switched colleges to attend with me, react now that I'm leaving him? And where will I live once I reach California?
But despite all these uncertainties, I knew deep down that I had to do this. It felt like the right choice for me at this stage of my life. I didn't want to have any regrets in the future. So regardless of the questions that arise, I am confident in my ability to figure it all out.
The Plan
Before I broke the news to everyone, I needed to devise a plan. The mere thought of it filled me with excitement. One thing for sure was once I reached my destination, I knew I had to cold email the owner of Satori. I planned to save around $2000 and had two options for short-term accommodation. One option was to stay with my friend Jose in Sacramento, while the other was a more uncertain prospect through the brother of a lady who worked with my mom.
I had never embarked on such a long road trip before. My travels had never taken me beyond Alabama, so I wanted to take the time to explore the country along the way. Camping seemed like the perfect way to immerse myself in the journey, with the added bonus of visiting national parks. Thus, I set September 22, the first day of fall, as my departure date.
I chose not to be completely transparent with everyone regarding my intentions with Satori. I knew that if I revealed my plans, there would be no shortage of naysayers. I did confide in a few people, and as expected, some of them thought I was out of my mind. But deep down, I believed that this adventure held a promising opportunity for me.
Initially, I faced some resistance. When discussing my hiatus from college with most people, I spun a story about taking time off to work and save money while figuring out my academic path. Only a select few knew about my true intentions of heading west, and some of them would joke about my car breaking down or question what I was really going to do out there. I vividly recall one close friend looking me straight in the eye after I shared my plan to drive west and explore national parks, remarking, "You're way more free-spirited than me."
Nonetheless, I had a plan in place. My primary goal was to explore the country and embrace the joy of travel, while in the back of my mind, I nurtured the hope of stumbling upon this dream opportunity. Having worked as a bartender for about a year, I would often share my plan with the regulars. Naturally, my manager thought I was crazy. I assured him that, at the very least, I would gain valuable hospitality experience in California. In the months leading up to the trip, I spent countless hours tending bar at a local restaurant called Little Hawaiian. Not only did it help me achieve my financial goals, but it also served as the perfect place for honing my social skills with strangers. During that time, I became close with some of the people there and even received an invitation to go white water rafting from one of the main chefs. It was an unforgettable experience—setting up camp in my hammock, cooking stew in a cast iron pot over an open fire. That trip alone had a profound influence on the way I envisioned my journey out west, tapping into my inner granola.
As the day to hit the open road was getting closer and closer, I recall my last night working at Little Hawaiian. My bar manager shared a brief story with me about how he once set off on a pursuit, despite facing doubt and questioning from others. He told them, "If I fail at what I'm trying to do, it won't be because I didn't try." Those words still resonate with me, even after a decade. In a way, I've embraced them as my own sort of mantra, guiding my approach to life.
Day 1:
I forget to mention some key aspects of the road trip! Let me quickly fill you in on the details.
First off, I made sure to capture some footage during my journey. I bought a video camera on eBay along with blank tapes, determined to preserve the experience in all its glory. At the time, I didn't have any specific intentions for the footage; I simply wanted to capture the essence of the adventure, to hold onto the memories as they unfolded before me. As the trip progressed, I felt a growing desire to share my story. However, I lacked the confidence to speak to the camera, and my narrative was still taking shape. I yearned to record my thoughts, but finding the right words proved challenging, especially as I embarked on long drives and crossed state lines.
I lassoed down the camera in my Toyota Echo, ready to hit the road. With excitement and anticipation coursing through my veins, I set out on an adventure that would shape me in unimaginable ways. As I crossed state lines, I realized the magnitude of my untold story, the transformative power it held. The camera and journal became intertwined, guiding me toward the unveiling of my narrative. With the camera as my companion, I embarked on the open road, ready to embrace the unknown and create memories that would forever reside within my heart.
Though I attempted to keep a journal, it was tough to write every day, especially after enduring hours behind the wheel. Nevertheless, I was able to write on some of the days, determined to leave a tangible record of my journey.
My first stop on this adventure was a convenient KOA campground in Arkansas. I was eager to cook up a meal and transfer the footage onto my computer, not wanting to fall behind on capturing my experiences.
Feeling exhausted from the ride, I didn't have the energy to journal that night. However, as I hit the road the next day, a thought echoed in my mind, "Holy shit, I am doing this! Holy shit, I am actually doing this!" It wasn't just empty talk anymore; I was finally taking action.
In the past, I would often engage in enthusiastic conversations with friends about ambitious ideas, but they would remain mere conversations. That lack of action used to drive me crazy. I often wondered what was holding us back from pursuing these incredible aspirations. I wasn't afraid of failure; instead, I feared conforming to the conventional path that seemed acceptable to everybody else. The idea of following the traditional route of going to college, getting a high-paying job, buying a house, and starting a family just didn't resonate with me. As I observed older friends living out this script, it seemed like they settled for a life that lacked fulfillment.
Money was another aspect that baffled me. Some people seemed solely focused on chasing a specific number, thinking that reaching that monetary goal would bring them happiness and security. I couldn't relate to that mindset. I felt a deep urge to pursue something I genuinely loved, knowing that by continuously improving and mastering my passion, I would inherently become more valuable.
And so, with these thoughts swirling in my mind, I embarked on this journey of self-discovery and fulfillment, ready to embrace the pursuit of my passions, come what may.
Day 2-3:
The first stop on my journey where the real exploration began was in Oklahoma. It started to look quite different from the other side of the Mississippi. Before I left, I had bought a National Geographic atlas, specifically the national parks edition. I can’t recall if the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge was featured in it, but it would become my next destination.
As I arrived, I encountered some small rocky hills that they called mountains. One particular peak caught my eye, offering a breathtaking view from the top. I made my way to the visitor center, where I approached the counter. There sat a guy with long, white hair, sporting hiking shorts and a ranger's shirt. To my amusement, there was a bottle of hand sanitizer labeled "bison snot" with handwritten words on a piece of paper taped to it. The playful and entertaining fellow behind the counter introduced himself as Randy.
I shared my intentions of camping and going on some memorable hikes at the refuge. Randy, with his jovial nature, responded, "Well, I was supposed to take this guy hiking tomorrow, but I don’t want to take him. Meet me at the visitor center in the morning, and we'll go on some great hikes. I know of a fantastic cave we can explore!" It sounded like an incredible opportunity. Randy had a knack for humor and was incredibly insightful. He even mentioned a short hike near my campsite that I could embark on that evening.
Excitement welled up within me as I looked forward to the adventures that awaited me the following day, guided by the charismatic Randy. Little did I know that this encounter would mark the beginning of an unforgettable chapter in the road trip.
As I began to set up camp, it didn't take long for some unexpected visitors to arrive. Deer and turkey roamed nearby, and later in the evening, I heard some commotion around my cooler. I shouted, "Hey! Hey!" but they just kept on rummaging. Fueled by determination, I finally mustered the courage to pop my head out of the tent and shine a light in their direction. To my surprise, a couple of mischievous raccoons were caught red-handed, getting into my trail mix!
The morning arrived, and it was time to meet Randy at the visitor center as planned. True to his word, he was there and ready to go. I hopped into his truck, eager for the adventures that awaited us. Randy was a treasure trove of information about the place. He shared that he had transformed his health by adopting a plant-based diet and regularly hiked around 30 miles a day. I quickly realized that keeping up with him on our hikes was no small feat.
Randy had a fantastic sense of humor. He told me a story about a regular visitor who dabbled in photography. He had asked her to take a photo of him for his Facebook profile. To his delight, she not only snapped a picture but also added a touch of badassery by editing in a sword and making it appear as if he was fighting off a dinosaur. This tale perfectly captured Randy's spirit—he was undeniably badass but also didn't take himself too seriously. We hit it off instantly, sharing everything with each other. I confided in him about my aspirations with the skate company, and he responded with immense support and encouragement. We even flirted with the idea of embarking on a cross-country walk together. Randy mentioned that he knew someone from the Discovery Channel and might even pitch the idea to them someday.
In Randy, I had found a kindred spirit—a remarkable individual who blended adventure, humor, and an unwavering belief in chasing our dreams. Little did I know that our meeting would become a pivotal moment in my journey, fueling my determination to pursue the extraordinary and seize every opportunity that crossed my path.
Meeting Randy was an absolute highlight that set the tone for this incredible journey. He became a source of inspiration, reminding me of the true essence of living life to the fullest. Whenever I glance at the picture of us together, it serves as a powerful reminder of how people should embrace their existence.
Randy's infectious spirit encouraged me to let go of unnecessary seriousness and embrace a more lighthearted approach. He showed me the importance of pursuing my genuine desires and aspirations without fear or hesitation. In his company, I felt reinforced to break free from societal norms and pursue a life that truly resonated with my deepest passions.
Reflecting on that memorable encounter with Randy, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons he imparted and the renewed sense of purpose he awakened within me. It is a constant reminder to live authentically and chase after the things that truly matter to me.
Day 4-5:
As I crossed Texas, I primarily traveled through its northern region, which happened to be incredibly flat. When I reached Amarillo, I decided to stay at a budget motel. Unfortunately, it was in Amarillo that I lost my trusty atlas. In my haste to hit the road again, I absentmindedly left it on the roof of my car, only realizing my mistake when I stopped for gas further down the road.
However, it wasn't until I reached New Mexico that the landscape started to captivate my attention. Driving through a mesmerizing dust storm, I witnessed a terrain unlike anything I had ever seen back in Georgia. The sights in New Mexico were a striking departure from my familiar surroundings, showcasing a wild and awe-inspiring beauty that I wouldn’t forget. The adventure was truly taking me to uncharted territories, opening my eyes to the wonders that awaited me on this remarkable road trip.
My next destination was Mesa Verde, nestled in the southwestern corner of Colorado. The anticipation running through me was electric; it was another stop that I had discovered in my National Geographic atlas. Little did I know that the United States was home to such ancient cliff dwellings. At that age, there were so many things I had yet to learn and explore.
Upon arriving at the campsite, I approached the friendly staff member responsible for collecting fees. To my surprise and delight, he offered me a "gypsy" discount, sparking a sense of camaraderie and adventure. He even extended an invitation to join him for a night of revelry in Durango. However, my curiosity and eagerness to witness the cliff dwellings firsthand compelled me to decline the invitation, knowing that the morning held an extraordinary experience waiting to be unveiled.
A sense of restlessness consumed me as I embarked on this long and financially limited journey. There was a constant urge to keep moving, to push forward to the next destination. After immersing myself in the marvel of the cliff dwellings, my wheels were already in motion, propelling me towards the next campsite: Natural Bridges.
Arriving at Natural Bridges later than expected, I discovered that the campsite was fully occupied. I found myself settling for the overflow camping area, adapting to the circumstances at hand. The recent memories of devastating floods in the region weeks prior had left me slightly on edge, contemplating the forces of nature that had recently wreaked havoc in Utah. The sight of a coyote in the vicinity added an extra layer of caution to my state of mind.
Sleep eluded me that night as I managed to rest for only four hours before resuming my journey. I reluctantly packed up my campsite, missing the opportunity to witness the natural bridges that had drawn me to this place. However, my eagerness to press on to the next destination, Zion, propelled me forward, determined to embrace the experiences that awaited me there.
So Close:
As we delve deeper into this remarkable journey, I'm aware that we've deviated slightly from the main narrative. Yet, there's a grandeur in capturing every facet of this adventure, showcasing not just the story but also the very essence of the journey itself. So, dear reader, join me as we venture further, inching closer to the culmination of this odyssey.
With each passing mile, we draw nearer to our ultimate destination: California. The anticipation builds, tinged with a sense of triumph. The finish line beckons, promising an unfolding tale that awaits its moment of revelation. I invite you to stay connected, to witness the conclusion of this captivating expedition.
The story that awaits us there holds promises of intrigue, growth, and transformation. So, my dear reader, keep that sense of curiosity alive within you, for the grand finale is within sight. Return to witness the unveiling of what lies beyond the finish line, where California's vibrant tapestry weaves itself into the fabric of this extraordinary tale. Together, let us embark on the final chapters, where the true essence of this remarkable journey will be revealed.
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for Part 3!