For years now l’ve wanted to rent an RV or van and hit the open road. A few weeks ago I finally rented a van and spent & days and 7 nights driving, hiking, photographing, and sleeping all over my favourite place on the planet, Utah. To put it simply: it was one of the best vacations I’ve ever had and it is now my plan to make it an annual occurrence.
Before I left I set 5 goals for myself:
1) Do at least one hike in each of the “Mighty 5” National Parks in Utah.
2) Do not let any hardship make me decide to check into a hotel.
3) See every sunrise.
4) Watch every sunset.
5) Don’t die.
I had no idea what to expect and these goals seemed simple enough. I can say as I write this that I accomplished all 5 goals and that the experience was one I will cherish for the rest of my life.
So why did l love it so much? Here are some thoughts, in no particular order, on why this trip was “transformational” for me, especially at this stage of my life.
1) I chose Utah for this trip, which is a really special place for me, since I first visited and hiked Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park in 2010. l’ve been there about 9-10 times since that first experience. It is hard to describe why it impacts me in this way, but the rugged barrenness of the landscape, each section of the state being completely different from the other, must be experienced to be appreciated. There is almost a magical quality to it for me. The scenery was incredible and every place I stopped or visited was picturesque. I am still in awe of the things I saw, some for the first time, and favourites I got to experience again.
2) I love driving and a road trip anywhere is fun for me. The thought of taking my bed along and parking and sleeping and awaking for the next adventure with no complications of moving things in and out of a hotel was really appealing. I loved having everything I needed within the small confines of the campervan I rented.
3) The sense of freedom was almost drug-like and addicting. It was my schedule and mine alone. I went to bed when I wanted, arose when I wanted, ate when I wanted, drove when I wanted, hiked when I wanted; the schedule was completely mine. Any failures were mine, any successes were mine. I only had to be where I wanted to go. Very few us get this type of freedom in the modern world. Jobs and families and friends all occupy our time and put demands on us. It’s not often you can drive away from all of these and pursue things completely independent from everyone, even if only for a week.
4) From the germination of the idea to the time I left, I “themed” this trip in such a way as to make it a fun experience, even a little childish. One of my all-time favourite albums is called Strange Trails by Lord Huron; with songs that speak to the solo traveler and the rugged individualist in a dark and odd world. I even called it the “Strange Trails Road Trip 2024” and did what I could to stay on theme. Utah probably has more “strange trails” than any other place I can think of so I went out of my way to find as many strange places as I could. It seemed like a very fitting theme.
Follow me way out there;
There’s no road that will lead us back.
When you follow the strange trails,
They will take you who knows where.
– Way Out There, Lord Huron
From the bands bio: “Lord Huron is a musical project created Ben Schneider. Born and raised in Michigan, Schneider drew inspiration from the Great Lakes…and his music stands in awe and wonder of the natural world.”
It seemed a fitting theme, as I too, stand in awe and wonder of the natural world. Their music was my sober and somber companion for most of the trip.
5) It was generally dark by 6pm every night and there wasn’t a lot to do once pulled over and in for the night. I had planned on journalling and did two different types. One was a straightforward itinerary of the events of the day in a Field Notes styled booklet I have kept on other adventure vacations. The second was a little more childish in nature in that it was a journal of thoughts on the adventure, along with the use of “travel” stickers (and others) I had collected over the years, and on this trip. Most thoughts were related to the trip, while some were unrelated and more philosophical. It was an enjoyable type of scrapbook record of my time at night in a dark van in the middle of nowhere.
6) It was nice seeing people living the simple life in RV’s and vans at RV Parks, moving from spot to spot, just to enjoy the natural surroundings and not caught up in expensive hotels or vacations. I saw people interacting how people should; spending quality time together, not drunk in bars or clubs, putting off the usual trappings of the modern world. During one meal at a small town pub l watched people interact, all seemingly friends from the town, in their special place to be social. It was heart-warming to know this type of community feel still exists in the world.
7) I loved being alone; to drive, to think, to listen to music, to hike, to photograph. I love my family, my friends, and my dog, but being a natural introvert I love my alone time, and alone time with a plan, in a place I enjoy, was like heaven on earth (If only it had been a touch warmer! The days were perfect, the nights froze my nose a little). There is something about solitude and unplugging from the chaotic world that is good for the soul and one’s mental well-being. I didn’t listen to any news or stay current with any world affairs. It was a real disconnection from my ordinary life, and it was good.
And I feel I should know this place
As the road winds on into wide-open space.
The wind plays a haunting tone
As I make my way through the night all alone.
I been dreaming again of a lonesome world
Where I’m lost and I’ve got no friends.
Just the rocks and the trees in my lonesome dreams
And a road that don’t never end.
– Lonesome Dreams, Lord Huron
Ben Schneider of Lord Huron, speaking about Lonesome Dreams: “‘Lonesome Dreams’ is about a recurring dream I had where I was in a world that was completely empty except for myself… It was a strange almost beautiful dream because I was always in a place that was really amazing. It was an incredibly beautiful outdoor space, but I was always completely alone and I couldn’t find anybody. In that dream I knew that there was no one else in the world. It was a weird feeling, sad but at the same time liberating.”
I loved that ‘weird and liberating’ feeling of doing this alone. I know I am not alone and have a wonderful family around me. At times I need things like this; to be alone, yet never lonely. I will do this again, and most likely pick a different place and a different path to travel. There are more ‘strange trails out there to follow that will take me who knows where.’
Out there’s a land that time don’t command,
Wanna be the first to arrive.
No time for ponderin’ why I’m-a wanderin’,
Not while we’re both still alive.
To the ends of the earth, would you follow me?
There’s a world that was meant for our eyes to see.
To the ends of the earth, would you follow me?
Well if you won’t, I must say my goodbyes to thee.
What good is livin’ a life you’ve been given,
If all you do is stand in one place.
– Ends of the Earth, Lord Huron