Whump

Don't wanna write. Don't wanna wander. Just wanna go home.

I spent a buttload of money on my sweet Tach, just because everything was due, nothing was wrong. Oil change, tune up, coolant flush, the whole nine yards. Now he can't barely get up hills. What did they do to him?! Wah!!

I had an elaborate plan for the rest of the trip, involving multiple backroads and mountains. I'm rethinking now, and may head for flat desert land soon here, which means I'll be home in days. That feels good. Sort of. I'm just kinda whumpy today. When Tach's not happy, I'm not happy.

Seriously. There was this one time, after leaving him alone for a short time in an airport parking lot, that really creeped me out. I am a very mellow person. I can't remember the last time I got truly upset, I tend to just go with the flow. Five minutes after getting in, I went a little nuts. I was pissed, and mean, and depressed, and let it all out on my unfortunate sister. Five minutes later it was gone again. Weird. I think Tach was letting me know how he felt. And he's not happy now, either.

So let's talk of happy things. Last night I hit my last state. I think it's time for another map.

create your own personalized map of the USAor write about it on the open travel guide

You may have noticed the little white spot roughly the shape of Louisiana. I could have dipped down and touched it, but I felt the state didn't deserve that. Louisiana was at the very top of my list when I left. I kept putting it off, for one reason or another, and now, it's just too late. I left it as the sole white state as a mark of respect, and as a solemn vow that I will be back. Oh yes, it will be mine.

Then there's Alaska, but I'm not even going to think about that right now. My mind will explode.

I celebrated with a nice meal, a couple margaritas, and an evening in the Movie Manor, in Colorado. I watched the new Harry Potter movie from my bed through the window, and loved it. Just because I could, I was completely naked. When's the last time you did that in a multi-plex?

My camera is amazing. After battling with it for an hour, trying to wrestle the almost fully exposed film out, I was about to send it off to the morgue. Then I noticed that the battery was missing. Just for kicks, I threw in another one, and lo and behold, the power came on, and the film popped out. That is one tough ass camera. How many of us could jump out of a rapidly accelerating car (I think I was going about 40), and walk away with barely a scratch? Oh well, I guess I didn't need a new one anyway.

Time to go consult my maps. Interstate 40 could get me home by tomorrow, if I let it. We'll see. I'm not sure if I'm ready to go that far just yet.

I think I've done more since last we spoke, but I can't remember what or where, and I don't care. I told you, we're whumpy today.

Comments

[Rachael]

Well, you HAVE been gone almost a YEAR! I'd be whumpy, too. (such a good harry potterish word, too....) Come home and we'll celebrate my bday! xo

[Dad]

Wow! Map looks so cool, burning through nearly all states. Look forward to seeing you home soon.

Botts dots were invented by Alexander Botts, who never made any real money from them, cause he was employed by Caltrans (Calpoly grad). They have saved many lives, but if you're feeling devilish, put your tire on one at 60 and brake hard...POP! The epoxy is good, but not meant for 2 ton sideways pressure. Love, Dad

[amy]

Your map is looking mighty impressive Bethany! Yep, can understand you are itching to get home.. But what an adventure you have had!

(When you want to go to Alaska let me know, drove up to the Yukon and saw a taste of Alaska about 15 years ago.. Great adventure. So different up there but can understand if you are NOT into another road trip in the near future.. ;)

Hang in there girl, you are almost there...

[Marilyn]

Bethany, The Movie Manor! I love that you stayed there because, well, that's something I would do. :) All good things must of course come to an end, but it's sure been great to read about your adventures. I've spent the last four years living on a tiny rock that's only 13 miles long--not easy for someone with my kind of wanderlust. So thank you for all the vicarious thrills I've gotten out of reading about your travels. May the last leg of your journey be a safe and sweetly memorable one.

P.S. Any plans to compile your travel entries into a book??

[Anne]

That map just blows me away. Way to go (pun intended).

[Anne]

That map just blows me away. Way to go (pun intended).

[Ann]

I hope Tach feels better soon, and that you do, too. Safe travels.

[Daisy-Winifred]

Well you are either home as I write this or spending one of your last nights with Tach alone. Either way I suspect that HOME will be pulling hard and you will wake refreshed with journey plan to hand be that to the kitchen to make breakfast or foot down and heading for that particular front door.
Listen to that body and heart of yours. Whumpy is good if you don't berate yourself for feeling that way. Whumpy means you make decisions and act. It may mean a few more back roads or just a straight through drive home either way be safe and like Rachael says after a year on the road

- hey you don't just count from the time you actually left but include the maps and guides you read and researched before, the equipment you got together for tach and you and the time when the off was already done even though you were still at home -

go home and celebrate. I did actually read Rachael's comment as celebrate her BODY which I thought was a novel enticement for a sister - visions of her striking poses in her running gear whilst you tried not to giggle did come to mind :0)Take care, be safe and arrive knowing the journey will continue even if the travelling may be curtailed for a while.

[greta]

Safe home, dearest...what a Grand Adventure!