The Road Trip: Three Friends Tour America's West

Brea, California

May 6, 2015

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I can't wait for tomorrow.
 

For the better part of the last three months, Carter, Caleb, and I have been planning a two-week long road trip throughout the western United States. Every stagnant pause at the dinner table, every quiet car ride around town, all of my available thinking time has been dedicated to this trip.

You could say I'm excited.

Just a little bit.

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Here's an overall map and where we plan on staying. Quite a swath of land to discover in only 13 days. (Click image to enlarge)

Although we intend on having a fair bit of time for relaxing, our itinerary has been rigorously planned, every roadside attraction has been accounted for. But as you can see, our main goal is visiting National Parks.

List of our upcoming attractions:

• Yosemite National Park — Days 2 & 3

• Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks — Days 4 & 5

• Death Valley National Park — Day 6

• Zion National Park — Days 7 & 8

• Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument — Day 9

• Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park — Day 10

• Canyonlands National Park — Day 11

• Mesa Verde National Park — Day 12

• Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve — Day 13

At 2 p.m., a thunderous knock came from the front door.

My heart was pounding in my ears. I opened the door to find two goofy grins staring back at me—Carter and Caleb. The three of us met when we worked for Philmont Scout Ranch in the summer of 2013 at Sawmill camp. We quickly became close friends that season.

As for proof, a goofy pic of our entire staff.

Caleb Jennings is the hippy without shoes, Carter Smith is the giant with a 3/4 ax, and I'm the imp with a nut-collector. Yep, what a crew.

The three of us went out for dinner and drinks; a celebratory commencement.

We came back home for ice cream and a living room showing of Reservoir Dogs.

Carter hoists the first pint. Heroes in Fullerton serves great beer and burgers.

My duffels are packed, my goodbyes to my family have been said. After much anticipation and waiting, the time has come.

Wheels up, 7 a.m.

Tomorrow, it begins.

The Road Trip has started.

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