Each blog, though short, took approximately two hours (sometimes more) to produce. Mainly, this is because we had to select photos to represent our experiences from thousands of photos taken. Yes, that is right, we have nearly 8,000 photos from vacation. Sorting through these can be and will be challenging.
Another astute friend asked what we would do differently on the next go-around. Carl and I had gear for camping, hoteling, and staying with friends. Next time, we think it may be best to stay with one mode rather than prepare for three. Camping on the east coast was challenging and we had so much gear that we didn't use that it may have been better if we had brought less... I don't know about you, but this could be said by almost every vacationer I have ever met. On the other hand, we were prepared for anything and everything and did not find ourselves in a bind anywhere (except for the car trouble, which was not so bad).
Our last question for today's blog asks for cross country roadtripping advice.
Carl and I found what worked and what didn't as we went along. For example, we found that cold coffee and cold food worked best for us as it allowed us to get on the road faster and utilize our cooler to the best of it's ability. One piece of advice every road tripper should take: never ever keep uncooked eggs in your cooler. It just doesn't work.
If you find yourself looking for a hotel, spend the money and get a room that won't have you up all night worrying about a serial killer or cockroaches and bed bugs. Trust us on this one.
Finally, don't plan your cross country road trip, planning is futile. Just wake up and decide where you'll drive next.
Have more questions or want to hear more abot our journey? Ask! We'd love to share!
Glad you are both safe and sound.
ReplyDeleteThere's no place like home.
There's no place like home.
The photographs were exquisite. You really need to do something with them.
Traveling sometimes means stress levels way above the norm. How did you both handle that?
Carl and I have a very strong relationship, in the end we don't hold grudges and in the moment, we recognize one another's boundaries. Sure, there were moments of stress, but we kept what was important at the forefront. When things went sour, we let them go; we don't throw recriminations.
ReplyDeleteFor example, when the car had issues, neither of us got upset or mad, or sad, etc. We pulled over and worked together as a team to find a dealership. We used maps, phones,and internet and seamlessly got our car fixed. We always find the silver lining.
Before we left for vacation (months before) we had a plumbing issue in the middle of the night. I woke Carl a few hours before he had to be at work to inches of water on our bathroom floor. Neither of us got mad or stressed, we worked together and got the wet vac, mop, towels, etc and took care of the issue... and ended the disaster with hugs. This is why our relationship works. Boundaries are set, we both respect them, we love each other ever more.
We've joked about going on television to compete in a couple's-teamwork-gets-tested type reality show because we would do so well with it.
Upon our return, we've discovered we're a stronger couple than before we left home. I still think he's perfect (all imperfections aside, lol).