Monday, February 8, 2010

Joys of the Open Road

Everytime I mentioned we were driving to Missouri or that we'll be driving to Florida, everyone rolls their eyes. For the most part, flying is the only way to go for many of our friends and family. Me, I'm a road trip gal at heart. Okay so a little case of fear of flying might help it along but still I really do love long car trips.

I think everyone should drive from coast to coast, or nearly as in my case, at least once in their life. It's the only way to really see the country. Seeing the landscape go by and change from lush forests to desert or from hills and mountains to the plains is something that just can't be done. I also don't think the variety of beautiful landscapes our country has can truely be appreciated from the air.
Plus there are so many interesting road sights to see. Like this 198 foot Cross at the intersection of Interstates 57 & 70 in Effingham, Illinois. According to The Cross Foundations's website, an estimated 50,000 travelers drive by it daily and it's meant to be a beacon of hope.
I'll admit that when I was growing up and my parents took us on numerous driving trips, at times I was less than appreciative. During our trip out West, from MI to WY, a scenic outlook sign only led to groans from me in the backseat, cause it seemed like my parents stopped at everyone. All those miles must been worth it in the end, because now I'm the one hopping out with camera in hand.
One thing I do wish I'd started on earlier was taking pictures of ER by the state sign of each one we drive through. I hope eventually she has a collection of all 50 states, taken over a lifetime, I think these will eventually be a wonderful visual travel log and keepsake.

So tell me readers, do you drive or fly and why...

P.S. We're leaving on our drive down to FL soon, 18+ hours, two hotels on the way, with a preschooler and my mom in the car with us. I reserve the right to return from Disney and post about why you should never take road trips☺

5 Friends Said:

Amanda said...

Oh, I know you'll have a great time! I wish I could get to some type of blogging/social media conference. Hopefully one day.

Love the state signs idea! Fantastic!

Oh, when we travel as a family, we drive (four kids, two adults = too many to pay to fly). When it's just the two of us, or just me, we fly.

Tonja said...

Long time no talk! I am glad to see that you and the fam are doing wonderful.

I hope y'all have a very safe and exciting roadtrip :)

I know that you are braver than me...even tho I did drive 13 hrs in the car only stopping for gas with my two kids in the car. Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back (:

Annette W. said...

Well, to California we'd fly...but haven't needed to since children.

We'll be going to Vermont (from PA) this summer...and driving. Way too close to fly!

Rebecca said...

I love to travel! One of my life goals is to visit every of the 50 states and somewhere outside the us as well. This was a great post :)

Nicole said...

I am a very nervous flyer...I do prefer to drive if I can. Although...my nerves can't take crazy traffic anymore either. But I really love a road trip! Fun times! Can't wait to hear all about your time at Disney!

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