A VX Tour... Thinking Out Loud.

[ZEUS]

So last weekend in Moab I ended up hanging out with some true hippies that live there. It was such an eye opening experience (in many ways ). Anyway, consumerism, greed, and as Bart put it so eloquently yesterday, slavery... has left a bad taste in my mouth. Seeing people live so simply, and happily, really struck a chord. As things worsen in America on an economic level, the hippies are relatively unaffected, undaunted, and generally continue to live carefree. Well, I couldn't help but envy them to a certain degree. I could go into detail about the experience but it is not my point...

It has crossed my mind that I am most likely going to be laid off sometime this year. So... I decided I need to prepare myself for a job loss by selling all my unimportant junk and renting out my house so I don't take a huge hit on it. Then I could just move to Wyoming and stay with my dad for awhile, but I had a better idea. I am relatively young, fit, and single, gas is affordable (for now anyway), and I may never have an opportunity to travel the country again. So I am thinking about traveling thru as many of the 48 states as possible, by VehiCROSS. It may not be the best vehicle for such an undertaking but I love the idea and we have the most supportive enthusiasts around! My VX is at 71,000 miles right now and I have access to a small trailer if needed.

I may have to leave the dog with my dad to get it done. But I figure I could pack up my laptop, stop off at Burger King (Wifi) along the way so I could blog about the adventure, meet any VXers who are willing to get together, visit family, visit off-road parks all over the place, take on small jobs to help me afford gas and insurance, and basically see how far I could go. All this is a new thought for me so I wonder if the VX fam can help me plan something like this...? I wonder if I could set up a blog site with advertising to help fund the trip...?

I guess I just want to feel like I did something, hit my own reset button, and step out of an unhappy life. Ideally, I would start the tour at the 'Zu and then convoy with the furthest VXers to the east. That might come to soon though.

Any and all opinions and suggestions are welcome. How would you go about an undertaking like this?

[Ldub]

So last weekend in Moab I ended up hanging out with some true hippies that live there. It was such an eye opening experience (in many ways ). Anyway, consumerism, greed, and as Bart put it so eloquently yesterday, slavery... has left a bad taste in my mouth. Seeing people live so simply, and happily, really struck a chord. As things worsen in America on an economic level, the hippies are relatively unaffected, undaunted, and generally continue to live carefree. Well, I couldn't help but envy them to a certain degree. I could go into detail about the experience but it is not my point...

It has crossed my mind that I am most likely going to be laid off sometime this year. So... I decided I need to prepare myself for a job loss by selling all my unimportant junk and renting out my house so I don't take a huge hit on it. Then I could just move to Wyoming and stay with my dad for awhile, but I had a better idea. I am relatively young, fit, and single, gas is affordable (for now anyway), and I may never have an opportunity to travel the country again. So I am thinking about traveling thru as many of the 48 states as possible, by VehiCROSS. It may not be the best vehicle for such an undertaking but I love the idea and we have the most supportive enthusiasts around! My VX is at 71,000 miles right now and I have access to a small trailer if needed.

I may have to leave the dog with my dad to get it done. But I figure I could pack up my laptop, stop off at Burger King (Wifi) along the way so I could blog about the adventure, meet any VXers who are willing to get together, visit family, visit off-road parks all over the place, take on small jobs to help me afford gas and insurance, and basically see how far I could go. All this is a new thought for me so I wonder if the VX fam can help me plan something like this...? I wonder if I could set up a blog site with advertising to help fund the trip...?

I guess I just want to feel like I did something, hit my own reset button, and step out of an unhappy life. Ideally, I would start the tour at the 'Zu and then convoy with the furthest VXers to the east. That might come to soon though.

Any and all opinions and suggestions are welcome. How would you go about an undertaking like this?

If you didn't know it before, you do now...you've always got a couch to crash on & a hot cup of ramen noodles at "Electric Larryland" for as long as you can stand it...

[Ascinder]

If you didn't know it before, you do now...you've always got a couch to crash on & a hot cup of ramen noodles at "Electric Larryland" for as long as you can stand it...

Ditto down here man, you could even try to get people in whatever prospective area you will be visiting next to set up mini meets. I know we've been itching for an excuse to go do something cool for awhile.

[Scott Harness]

:I love hippies,being an ex-one myself (or am I still one) I might have to join you for part of the TRIP. I mean eye-opening experience

[JoFotoz]

Bed , Burgers & Booze await ya in San Diego


jo

[MSHardeman]

Zeus,

I guess it depends on how "planned" you want this trip to be. I'm sure you could find couches to crash on (VX owned or otherwise) so accommodations don't seem like they would be a problem. Check out www.couchsurfing.com. If you just want to wander around the country then you'll just need to know where the gas stations are and how much clothing you will need between trips to the laundromat. If, on the other hand, you want to plan your route out it will take a little more coordination to schedule places to stay and people to meet.

I would think that if you want to do it super hippie style you would just need cloths for a few days at a time and money (or goods and services to trade) for meals and gas. Point the VX in any direction and start driving.

I agree that it would be great to try and get little VX mini-meets together where ever you go. You're always welcome here in the Aspen valley, but if you would prefer to head to Denver I would gladly make the drive over there to meet up with everyone.

Sounds like a lot of fun, and a great way to see parts of the country that you wouldn't otherwise take the time to visit (if you do bi-ways all the way).

[VX crazy]

Zeus,

I guess it depends on how "planned" you want this trip to be. I'm sure you could find couches to crash on (VX owned or otherwise) so accommodations don't seem like they would be a problem. Check out www.couchsurfing.com. If you just want to wander around the country then you'll just need to know where the gas stations are and how much clothing you will need between trips to the laundromat. If, on the other hand, you want to plan your route out it will take a little more coordination to schedule places to stay and people to meet.

I would think that if you want to do it super hippie style you would just need cloths for a few days at a time and money (or goods and services to trade) for meals and gas. Point the VX in any direction and start driving.

I agree that it would be great to try and get little VX mini-meets together where ever you go. You're always welcome here in the Aspen valley, but if you would prefer to head to Denver I would gladly make the drive over there to meet up with everyone.

Sounds like a lot of fun, and a great way to see parts of the country that you wouldn't otherwise take the time to visit (if you do bi-ways all the way).

Ummmm, IF he does 'bi-ways' all the time??? LOL

[ZEUS]

Ummmm, IF he does 'bi-ways' all the time??? LOL

I thought that same thing... um... that came out wrong... or did it go in wrong. EWW!

[tomdietrying]

If you make it out to Tejas, you've got a bed, milk or beer, and I'll throw in some home cooking (if I can talk the wifey into it) otherwise it may be peanut butter and cereal.

Come on down!

Peace.
Tom

p.s.
We'll get some B-B-Q too!

[nfpgasmask]

Justin,

I think this is a terriffic idea. If you do it, you know you are welcome to stay with us (we have 2 spare rooms/beds/etc).

Just make sure that if you do take on this adventure, you stay in Reno for at least a couple weeks, so we can camp, shoot and wheel for a good amount of time.

Also, be sure to buy a nice camera, as documenting such an adventure will be an absolute must.

I say, go for it. If I was single I would certainly entertain the thought. Personally, I have never been happier being out of the big city and out west. I just wish I didn't have to work so damn much so I could take more road trips.

Bart

[ZEUS]

THANKS FOR ALL THE INVITES AND SUGGESTIONS EVERYONE! I like that couchsurfer site, I am going to join that one for sure!

[CrnCnn]

Yet another spot here in Reno if you need it. We have an apt but I got an air matress. I am getting good on the BBQ so your always welcome.

I think it would be awesome. Before I left Tucson I didnt really want to go anywhere. Since I have lived here I would love to travel more, just lack the funds.

[kodiak]

You should get some sponsors to finance your adventure. You could start a website and update it with details from your trip. Add a PayPal link for donations.

It could work!

[nfpgasmask]

^^^^^That is a good idea!! Maybe somehow incorporate donations to VX.info in the process.

Bart

[snowtrooper1966]

I say do it!
It would be a once in a lifetime experience. All will not be sunshine and butterflies, but it will be how you deal with the tough times, as well as how strangers step up to help out that will stay with you.
You could try to plan some of your adventure around any sceduled meets. Coming out here to Mammoth in the summer, there are TONS of places to camp, and you would be free to use our shower/laundry....
Just a thought.