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Published: July 22nd 2010
Central Camera
Old Skool photo shop on S. WabashStress!
Before the Trip: Where’s that freakin’ receipt?! Of course, there was no good reason to spend 45 minutes searching all around the condo, pant’s pockets, and vehicles for the original Jewel grocery store receipt from the previous night. After all, even if found, and then combined with the other two items required for a Papst Blue Ribbon 30 pack $4.00 mail-in rebate, there’s no logical reason, during this final night of packing before a 6-week vehicle road trip that I should be concerned about a few measly bucks. But, this trivial detail does not stop me from searching. And search some more. I just had the receipt last night, and I put it…? Maybe I should double check the car—perhaps it’s under the seat…
Such intense distractions are common to me, as the task at hand—the coordination and careful decisions and selections regarding what to take and what to leave behind—looms large in the background of my Chicago condo before embarking on a truck camping trip from Chicago to Seattle. This disarray is easily
Visual Organization
If it don't make the bin, it ain't in! evident when one views the various large stacks of camping supplies on the floor of my Chicago condo. On the bed, huge pile of clothes; in the dining room, camping equipment strewn and vertically stacked all around my “command center,” the dinette table. Stacks of books and papers get shuffled around. Technology wires are double-checked and organized. Nice, reliable pens are selected.
These are many of the many loose ends to tie up before leaving. I’ve been thinking about this long trip since last year; the previous adventure can be found at
. Being a writing instructor at a Chicago Loop University—in addition to offering an excellent work environment—allows an 11-week, paid break once a year. And large breaks are prime time for wanderlust.
Having finished classes July 8th, and students’ final grades by July 12th, the rest of the time has been fraught with last minute tasks: Visiting the Toyota dealer for a once-over of the Toyota Takoma, dealing with Sprint regarding past and present phone bills and issues, shopping for a new tent (at 3 different stores: North Face, Moosejaw, and REI—which ended up getting my business), taking Sophie to the vet for a Self Portrait
One of many to follow! once-in-a-lifetime teeth cleaning—a 2-day ordeal), jamming with the hippies at
, researching and perusing the Chicago Public Library for a cross-section of reading material to match any mood, and, as mentioned, looking at almost all of my possessions , making the delicate decisions as to which items will make the final selection cut.
Where I Plan to Start…
As of noon today, it all finally got finished. I’m currently waiting on a friend, J.T., who is also leaving Chicago to attend a Writers Workshop at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. We’ve got a 228 mile drive to make but are getting a late start, as J.T. pulled an all-nighter last night. Since I’m packed, my anxiety level has all but disappeared, so I’m able to presently start this summer’s blog during the additional 3 hours of free time waiting for him.
We’ll be camping near Iowa City, and from there, after 1-3 days, I’ll head north, following the Mississippi River north and into upper Minnesota. There, I plan to visit Bob Dylan’s old stompin’ grounds, Hibbing and Duluth, then make my way to the Boundary Waters for a couple of days of canoeing/camping. Then, Sophie, my pet dog and faithful traveling companion, and I will head west, through North Dakota (49 states down—only Hawaii to go) to Glacier National Park, through Idaho, and into Washington State, with Seattle as a goal (I’m meeting an old college buddy for a “reunion of sorts”).
As always on a driving road trip, I plan to camp as possible (last year’s trip from Chicago to Utah allowed over one month straight in the tent). Taking advantage of National Forests—America’s true and free natural access to nature (especially when traveling with a pet)—camping is always free. The majority of my expenses will be gas and food (limited restaurant eating, hopefully). I’m looking forward to bumming around, writing in the blog as much as possible, taking photographs, reading 1 of the 12 schlepped books, playing with Sophie the dog, swimming, dreaming, etc. As with last year’s blog, I’ll certainly comment on my location and what I’m viewing, the various people that I run into, general camping/traveling tips, and, when necessary, a good ‘ol rant!
If you like the blog, shoot me a comment, and I’ll publish it. Also, feel free to invite friends to follow the
Command Center
More technology carried each year! adventures as well. Knowing that folks are viewing the blog entries is good motivation on a long trip.
Thanks for reading the blog…now, if only J.T. would drag his ass out his door so that we can finally make it out of the Windy City!
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