The engine hums with the promise of adventure, the open road stretches before us, and the very air feels charged with anticipation. This isn’t just any road trip; it’s the start of an epic, eight-day journey across the United States with my most cherished companions, a true testament to the joy of shared experiences and the thrill of new beginnings. My incredible friend and coworker Melissa (my high school rock for over two decades!), my best friend and coworker Shelby, and my wonderful, blue-eyed Matthew – the new light in my life – are all piled into my Nissan Rogue. We left Abilene Thursday afternoon, and as I sit here reflecting, the first stretch of our odyssey has been nothing short of breathtaking.
I am utterly, gloriously, madly in love with Matthew, and to see the easy way he’s integrated into my chosen family, the laughter that flows effortlessly between him and the girls – it fills my heart to bursting. Shelby and Melissa love him, and their approval means the world. We’ve been jamming out to amazing music, taking in every changing landscape, and preparing ourselves for the incredible sights and experiences yet to come. Every mile feels like a deepening connection, a new layer added to the tapestry of our shared joy.
Day One: Deserts, Grandeur, and the Glittering Oasis
Our first monumental leg of the trip saw us leaving the familiar plains of Texas and pushing westward, through the expansive, rugged beauty of New Mexico, then climbing into the breathtaking vistas of Arizona. And then, there it was.
- The Grand Canyon: To say it was amazing is a profound understatement. Stepping onto the rim of the Grand Canyon for the first time is a truly humbling, almost spiritual experience. The sheer, unfathomable scale, the kaleidoscope of colors painted across its ancient layers, the silent majesty stretching to the horizon – it’s something pictures can never truly capture. It felt immense, truly life-changing, reminding you of the vastness of time and the smallness of human concerns. It’s a geological masterpiece that fills you with awe and perspective. We took it all in, breathing deep the crisp, clear air.
After soaking in that natural wonder, we continued our drive into the dazzling, artificial glow of Las Vegas.
- The Las Vegas Strip: From the ancient grandeur of the Grand Canyon to the glittering, vibrant chaos of Las Vegas. The contrast was stark, almost comical, but utterly exhilarating. We walked the famous Strip, taking in the fantastical architecture, the dazzling lights, and the electric energy of the city that never sleeps. The sheer spectacle is something everyone should experience at least once.
- Lisa Vanderpump’s Restaurant: Matthew, being a fan of the reality TV star, was absolutely thrilled to catch a glimpse of one of Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants. The opulent decor and the palpable sense of celebrity intrigue added a fun, pop-culture specific thrill to our Vegas detour.
- White Castle (Don’t You Dare Judge!): Yes, you read that right. After the high-end glamour of Vegas and the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon, we embraced a different kind of culinary icon: White Castle. And honestly, don’t you dare judge. Sometimes, after hours of driving and sensory overload, those tiny, steamy, impossibly addictive sliders are exactly what the soul craves. It’s a nostalgic, greasy, perfect end to a long day, embracing the simple pleasures.
This entire stretch was a marathon. I drove straight through, pushing mile after mile, witnessing the landscape transform from desert plains to mountainous grandeur, then to neon excess. It was roughly a 16-hour drive from Abilene to Las Vegas (with stops, of course, but continuous driving on my end), a test of endurance and caffeine. By the time we pulled into our first sleep stop in Barstow, California, we were utterly exhausted, but incredibly happy, buzzing with the memories of an unforgettable first day.
The Journey Continues: California Calling!
This is just the beginning. Over the next few days, our adventure will continue its ascent, making our way up to the very top of California. We’ll be visiting the majestic Redwood Forest, a long-held bucket list item for Melissa, whose excitement is contagious. Imagine standing beneath those ancient, towering giants – a truly humbling experience.
From there, our plan is to embark on the iconic drive down Pacific Coast Highway 1, winding through breathtaking coastal vistas, exploring charming towns, and perhaps even indulging in some of California’s renowned wine country. Our journey will then lead us back to the familiar, vibrant energy of San Francisco (where I recently celebrated my 40th birthday!), then further south to the glittering sprawl of Los Angeles, and finally concluding our epic odyssey in the sunny embrace of San Diego.
I’ll be sharing more posts about our trip and all the amazing journey and sights as we go. So, brace yourselves for an onslaught of adventure, beauty, and probably a few more White Castle confessions.
Sorry for all the pictures! (Just kidding, not sorry at all!)
Stay tuned for more updates from the road – the open road, incredible company, and the sheer joy of living fully!