Beauty of the States – a 2013 Roadtrip
We find Solace in nature
By Joshua B. Newcity
It has been a long year; and, we’ve planned a magnificent roadtrip! On May 24th, 2013, the adventure begins. My partner in life (Ashley Shotwell), her hard-working/fun-loving grandmother (Catherine Reese) and myself (Joshua Newcity) will be traveling around the country in our newly-acquired minivan – exploring national parks, forests, and many lesser-known places along the way (places which we hope to learn about from locals and park rangers).
Over the past year, we’ve been planning. Over the past few months, we’ve been preparing! Catherine has dehydrated nearly ½ the meals we’ll need for our 2-month journey, covering roughly 10,000 miles of driving (that does not include the multi-day hikes we will embark upon). After extensive research (and a little trial-and-error), we’ve all agreed-on and acquired our gear. Gregory and Osprey will be carried on our backs… Merrell and Darn Tough worn on the feet… and Eagle’s Nest Outfitters ( ENO ) hung high for sleep and relaxation.
Each of us will take something different from this trip. We are going on this trip for slightly different reasons (and some, the same). I think I speak for all when I say: We need a break for the everyday grind of life/work/college/ technology. Ashley is a senior art major at Johnson State College; and, she’ll be bringing along canvas, drawing pads, and paints to unleash some rejuvenated creativity on paper. I’m bringing some journals… to write in and then pass onto other travelers, with hopes that it they will keep making their way from person-to-person… around the country… around the world? It will be phenomenal to experience everything – and that much better to SHARE it with others.
A huge “Thank You” to the folks at Eagle’s Nest Outfitters for the support and the great products we’ve already purchased from you… we three have absolute faith in our gear.
We’re continually taking suggestions from new friends and family as to ‘must-see’ destinations along our ‘roughed-out’ route (seen HERE ). You can also follow our progress on our blog: www.RoadTripping.us
Ashley and I start things off with a small festival in Mass on the 24th of this month ( Strange Creek ). From there, we meet up with Catherine and head southwest! Our only planned hotel stay is in Las Vegas (to see Cirque Du Soleil ); and, maybe a night at friends’ houses (or back yards) in Colorado… the rest of our nights will be spent hanging in our Doublenest Hammocks protected from rain, wind and/or sun with the DryFly (all ENO products). We will arrive back in Vermont near the end of July… at which point, Ashley and I will head down to Floyd, Virgina to attend Floyd Fest (a finale/treat for our travels).
