Getting across the country or even moving across state is an experience with emotions on both ends of the spectrum: I miss my friends and I am excited to be away from my childhood acquaintances; the culture is different and it’s a pleasant new vibe to get along with. Moving across country taught me a lot of things. Primarily, that it is natural to carry conflicting emotions at the same time - some will be intense and it’s necessary to embrace that for what it is. I hit a giant hole in the ground and cursed when I saw the tires toeing out, but I also remember drinking a beer and watching the stars set behind the Grand Tetons. The transition was a journey, but I am fond of the sorrowful and anger-filled moments… perhaps they are the funniest now.

     

The plan across country was straight-forward - see the country, save money, and stay safe - the execution was inherently variable. I chose a journey based on what was the most scenic, but not completely inefficient route. For lodging, I opted for campsites as a way to experience the nature and save some cash. When I arrived, I rented an Air BNB that was comparable to daily rent until I found a place. I also bought a trailer instead of a U-Haul because renting would cost upwards of $600 - buying was $1100, and I felt I could turn it around for a profit when I arrived. I ended up selling it for $1400. For gas, I made sure to drive around 60 mph to peak my fuel efficiency at roughly 21 mpg. Driving efficiently added significant time because I was driving as much as 25% below the speed limit. However, driving slower also made it safer with the trailer, especially when driving through a flash flood scenario in Montana. I triple checked the trailer was hooked-up right before each ride and changed a bulging tire as a precaution midway through the journey. Staying aware kept me from hitting a deer in the middle of the night in North Dakota, prevented an accident with a Chicago driver merging into my lane, and researching how to appropriately brake a trailer via downshifting saved my butt when plunging down the hill into Jackson Hole, Wyoming. These types of things happen on the journey and they should be expected to happen at any time. Knowing little things about what could go wrong with the trailer, and making sure the vehicle’s fluids are changed and not leaking saved me.