Would You Do It?
Travel May 9th, 2011
My husband Dave and I are attending the Tribal Blogs Conference in Minnesota next month.
We’ve been waiting for the best deals on airfare for a little while, but it ain’t lookin’ too good.
He just asked in all seriousness if I would be open to the idea of driving instead “to save money and see a little of the country.”
A thousand miles.
I’m pretty sure I signed a rider in my wedding vows that I was not to be stuck in a tin can with him for more than, say, a four hour stretch of time.
He loves to talk.
I love to shut up.
So what say you? Would you drive 1,000 miles anywhere with your spouse? Have you done it? If you have, what was it like? Give it to me straight. The good, the bad and the ugly.
Go!
Stumble it!
May 9th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Ah but think of the blog fodder!
May 9th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
Hi Kathy! I say go for it! Bring a good book or share some audio books, may help keeping hubby quiet. It’s a wonderful time of year for a road trip and you see things you never would on an airplane. Hubby and I, plus a bunch of dogs just drove from the Seattle area to the Palm Springs area of California in his semi truck. This included sleeping in the sleeper cab!! I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.
Of course, we all love road trips. We have even rented a big luxury car to drive to Sacramento, CA to pick up his mom and drive home with her. That was a super fun trip!!!
Give it a shot, I think you will like it!
hugs,
Judy
May 9th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
Do it! Around hour 8 you will regret it but then somewhere along hour 10 you catch a whole new scene…a mountain backlit by a sunset, a field of perfectly waving corn, an old barn gray with time leaning towards a windmill with only 2 blades. Your hubby may have a lot to say but at hour 3 the unimportant subjects have run out and a nice little reconnection of souls may take place. Or it could be 30 hours of traffic hell…
May 9th, 2011 at 6:40 pm
Maybe so I don’t speak to much I should take along all of Kathy’s favorite cd’s. Like Jimmy Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, AC DC, you know some easy listening elevator music.
May 9th, 2011 at 6:50 pm
I am totally in favor of the Road Trip. I have driven across country three times in my life, and loved every second of it. I highly recommend EVERYONE drive across country, just once.
And, seriously, the cost of a plane ticket – is beyond outrageous. It might even be too costly for me. But, I am keeping my fingers crossed for a miracle so that I can still attend the conference.
May 9th, 2011 at 6:50 pm
Oh I’d take the drive over a flight anytime.
Music is a good way to travel (Not sure about Dave’s choice though) and you get extra days on your break.
Definitely go for it!
Babs (beetle)´s last [type] ..It’s a good job we don’t have a Walmart
May 9th, 2011 at 6:57 pm
We’ve driven from Myrtle Beach, SC to Oklahoma City, OK; Disney World in Orlando, FL; and South Padre Island, TX. I would do it again.
Especially if I had time to TAKE my time and stop often and do some sight-seeing on the way.
Surfie´s last [type] ..Surviving the Battle
May 9th, 2011 at 6:57 pm
I would love to do a road trip!! 1000 miles is nothing. My ex and I drove from MN to WA state with kid and dog and two trucks worth of my stuff. Thankfully we were in separate vehicles though I got the dog and the kid which seems like not the fairest of deals. We communicated using walkie talkies which was pretty funny. When either of us refused to answer the walkie talkie the cell phone would ring immediately. I don’t remember why we didn’t just use our cell phones but there was a reason. Maybe because it was back in the day when you were roaming or something. Anyway, it was one of the funnest trips I have ever taken and I wish to God I had been blogging back then.
Jen´s last [type] ..Yes- I Kidnapped Bacon-Calling on Hormel Foods for Safe Release
May 9th, 2011 at 7:37 pm
I’m not sure how many miles it was but we did drive from Pennsylvania to Kentucky and back. I think I would rather go through oral surgery without anesthesia
May 9th, 2011 at 7:56 pm
Several years ago my husband and I drove 1200 miles with our two kids who were, let me think, I think three and one at the time. In a Dodge Neon. Straight through. No stopping except for food, gas and bio breaks. Before they invented iPods and IPhones and even DVD players for the car.
You can totally do 1,000 miles with your husband. Take an iPod to drown him out if he starts talking too much, that’s what I’d do.
May 9th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
I would take a road trip but I would NEVER willingly go to Minnesota. Ever.
In fact, I drove 1000 miles AWAY from Minnesota. Where I lived for way, way, WAY too much of my life. I drove 18 hours… with a cat HOWLING for 17.8 of those hours.
That being said, I love Tribal Blogs… but there just is not enough money in the world to get me to return to Minnesota.
Have a lovely and safe trip.
MsDarkstar´s last [type] ..May Day
May 9th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
I love to drive. My spousal unit is less enthusiastic, but probably still willing to perhaps make the Albany to Chicago run. His mother has been trying to convince us to visit her in Florida, which is a 1,300+ mile trip that (so far) he’s been unwilling to attempt. Pfft. Piece of cake… only 24 hours or so.
I’d drive with him because he tends to doze off when he’s not in the driver’s seat. That give me the quiet (or singing!) time I enjoy. And since I probably do three-quarters of the driving, I’d sleep when he’s driving. It would totally work for us… if I could convince him that spending 24 hours in the car is not too great a sacrifice to make for his own mother.
When I lived in Chicago, I’d drive out to Denver a couple of times a year to visit friends (usually going out there with other friends)… that was about 1,000 miles. When I lived in Denver, I’d drive to Oklahoma with my then-partner and my offspring… that was only about 750 miles. And since living in Albany, I’ve driven out to Chicago several times… that’s a little over 800 miles. I’d rather drive than fly ANY day!
Kelly´s last [type] ..Thatched Roof
May 9th, 2011 at 8:52 pm
I’m not the biggest fan of road trips, mainly because my favorite pastime is reading, but I get carsick super quick.
It’s a long time to be in a car, especially with someone you’re with all the time — there’s just not a lot of conversation fodder.
Last August my fiance and I drove over 1300 miles from our place in South Texas to Folly Beach, South Carolina. We made the trip in one 24-hour period, which I don’t really recommend, but other than being a bit cramped, it was nice.
I’ve just got a couple pieces of advice: (1) Bring audio books. They’re awesome, and some are 12 hours long — that’s half your trip! (2) Split your trip into two days, if you can. Driving for 24 hours straight, switching off to take naps, is a pain. (3) Make sure that you spend at least twice as long at your destination as you do getting there. If you drive 24 hours to stay somewhere for 24 hours, you’ll hate yourself. But if you drive 24 hours and stay for a week, you’re going to spend enough time doing fun stuff before you have to drive back. (4) The drive back is always worse, and always feels longer. Again, break it into two days if you can. (5) Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks. You can eat while driving if you have to, and you’ll save a ton of money.
Other than that, enjoy the open road, and spending time with your husband. There’s a lot to see out there.
Amy´s last [type] ..Notable Quotables- Fantasy
May 9th, 2011 at 9:32 pm
San Francisco to Gallup is the farthest we’ve gone but that was with the dogs too. It was actually sort of a fun trip. We stopped over night one time on the way, plus we pulled over for the dogs to mosey around every hour or so. I have no idea how long it would take from here to Minneapolis, but probably quite a while. I’m still trying to figure a way that I could make it. I have the “free” tickets so it’s not a flight cost problem. It’s a dog issue. I am not sure I want to leave them with Alex for that long. He’s usually good, but sometimes a total air head. Oh we love audio books on trips! Music is great for a while, but the books make the time fly!
Linda Medrano´s last [type] ..He Called Me Blondie
May 9th, 2011 at 10:37 pm
Taking a road trip with my partner and our three dogs is actually something that’s on my 101 Things list. So, I’d do it.
The key to surviving, I think, is to sing “She’ll Be Comin’ ‘Round the Mountain” at the top of your lungs whenever things get tense. And use your creativity. That’s a song that can have endless verses, so if you’re committed to avoiding confrontation, you can be at your destination before you have to start scraping the bottom of the barrel for what you might be doing when she comes (when she comes).
“Oh, we’ll all make toaster strudel when she comes!”
“We’ll be loading iTunes updates when she comes!”
“They’ll have taco dip at Costco when she comes!”
Really, that can tide you over for a good thousand miles, at least.
Thomas´s last [type] ..two kinds of bowling on mothers day
May 10th, 2011 at 12:15 am
I have, but with a couple or three kids along. Alone? Just the two of us? We have 3 kids. I don’t remember what just the two of us means.
Will´s last [type] ..What Type of Cook Are You
May 10th, 2011 at 1:22 am
We’ve done it so many times, I’d hate to try to figure it out. I’d say, on average, we do a long road trip about once every 12 to 18 months. Since we’ve been married 39 years, that’s probably somewhere between 24 to 30 LONG road trips.
One thing that’s changed, though, is how long we take to get there. When we were in our 20s, we would drive straight through between Arkansas and wherever I was stationed. What would be 20 to 24 hours straight back then would be split up over 3 or 4 days each way now that I’m retired and don’t have to be anywhere in a hurry most of the time.
Mike´s last [type] ..Between the known and the profoundly unknowable
May 10th, 2011 at 3:40 am
Sounds like Dave’s idea is a good one. Traveling (by road/land) and sight seeing. =)
RonLeyba´s last [type] ..Macy’s 4th Of July Fireworks 2011
May 10th, 2011 at 4:05 am
Alright, I was positive Detroit to Virginia Beach was a thousand miles. Nope, it’s 695. That’s the furthest I’ve driven with my husband.
It wasn’t bad but we did bring quite a few books on tape. I think we tried a mystery that sort of sucked and we listened to Katharine Hepburn’s autobiography read by her. That one was interesting.
At the time we had no kids and everything fit in a Dodge Shadow. This time we’re driving to Minneapolis in a minivan with three kids. Can’t. Wait. For. That. Drive.
And the distance is … 689 miles.
Oh yeah, your question. Yes! Do it! And bring a few books on tape so your husband can listen instead of talk.
May 10th, 2011 at 4:41 am
flit — Yes! I thought of that! Should be a month’s worth of posts. If we do it and survive.
puglette — Oh, cool! A sleeper cab! I’m noticing a lot of you have taken trips with either more people or pets or both. I can’t even imagine that. I don’t know if I’m cut out for this!
daughterbonnie — I love the way you put that (“an old barn gray with time leaning towards a windmill with only 2 blades.”) You make it sound so romantic. I’ll ignore the part about “30 hours of traffic hell.”
Dave — If you do, you might find yourself “forgotten about” somewhere along Highway No-One-for-Miles in the middle of Good-Luck-Getting-Home.
meleah rebeccah — I work with a guy who took a cross-country road trip once and when he got back, the stories didn’t end for days. It did sound like fun. Except for the part where their RV broke down and they had to sleep in a tent for a night.
Babs Beetle — I’m worried about tacking on 4 extra days to the trip. It’s going to be exhausting! Then again, the response here seems so positive, I feel like I must do it!
Surfie — The idea of seeing other places in this big country of ours appeals to me because I’ve only ever flown over most states. I think it might make a nice trip for Dave and I to share as long as we’re not stir crazy the whole time. I was just imagining all the places we’ll see. It’s starting to look like a winning idea.
Jen — The walkie talkie idea sounds really fun, like pretending to be truckers or something. All I know is we’re going to have to make enough stops along the way or I’ll go insane. When my sister, niece and I drove to Canada (More Canada!) we needed to stop every two hours or I was going to cry and that’s no fun. Yeah, blogging a road trip? No shortage of material, that’s for sure.
Ann — See? I knew someone didn’t have a good experience!
Lindsey — Holy hell! A three and one year old?! Without technology?!?! I don’t know how you survived to tell about it. Honestly.
MsDarkster — Yeah, but I’ve never seen it! I’d say the same thing about Pennsylvania, where I live. It all looks the same to me. Man, 18 hours with a howling cat? I’m sure you relished in the quiet when it stopped. Man.
Kelly — I guess we can drive 10 hours on, 10 hours off, and then another 10. Somehow that seems more doable. I can’t believe people try to drive straight through. That’s totally insane to me. Dave doesn’t like to be driven, so I don’t know how that’ll work out. He’s going to let me have the wheel for part of it, no ifs, ands, or buts. You sure love to drive, don’t you?
Amy — I discovered a few years ago that I can’t read while being driven. I get car sick too. So I’m going to have to either pack up on music or audio books or both. I’m blown away you could even dream of a straight-through 24 hr. trip. Boggles my mind. Thanks for the tips, and yes, we’d break it up and we’d stay in MN for 4 days, then make a pitstop in IL to see a friend on the way back. That’ll help for the long journey home. I do like the idea of being in control of eating, stopping, etc. Can’t do that with planes.
Linda Medrano — Wait. Alex or the dog is an airhead? Hee. I wish you could come. I would love nothing more than to meet you in person. That is the reason I’m going through all this torture, to meet my good bloggy friends!
Thomas — LMAO! How ’bout “She’ll be frying strips of bacon when she comes!” I imagine it’ll get worse and less creative on the way home. “She’ll be balancing the checkbook when she comes!”
Will — I knew someone would mention that. I know, only two people would probably be a dream scenario to most people. I don’t know how people make long trips with kids, and kids who need diaper changes? God love ‘em.
Mike — You both must have good travel genes. That, or you’ve been together so long you found the perfect formula for traveling together in peace. Good for you! We do have to worry about time, I guess. Tacking an extra four days for travel onto the trip is kind of a drag, but I’m thinking of all the extra fun we may have in that time. Please God, let it be fun!
RonLeyba — And if we do this, I’m going to hear for years “Aren’t you glad I thought to drive?”
Cardiogirl — I forgot you were going by car too! This idea is sounding more and more fun to me. And with GPS, neither of us has to stress over map-reading, which I can’t do to save my life. 695 isn’t bad. I swear it’s the extra 200 miles or so that’s going to kill us. Oh, I’m so happy we’re going to meet and I get to meet your kids and Mr. C too. It’s almost here, CG!!!!!
May 10th, 2011 at 6:00 am
Nope, would not. The most we’ve been in a car driving together is 3 hours and that was because we got lost!
Karen and Gerard´s last [type] ..6 Grocery Shopping Tips For Speed And Efficiency
May 10th, 2011 at 6:39 am
I have driven from Toledo, OH to south Florida many, many times, with different combinations of family members and friends, and it has ALWAYS been fun. I have so many memories of funny or adventuresome moments. I have also driven from Toledo to Aspen, CO several times, again, nothing but fun memories. So I agree with the masses, you should consider the possibility. It’s a good time to talk, or read, or think, and plan, or listen to music, while watching our countryside.
The downside is that it takes time, and that is a precious commodity. Another is that the price of gas is now considerable, and if you lease your vehicle you will be putting on a lot of miles, wear and tear on the car, meals, etc. It may not be as much money savings as you think. Lastly, the OH, IN, IL countryside is flat not particularly interesting. It starts to get nicer in WI and crossing the river into MN.
May 10th, 2011 at 6:41 am
If you have the time, then I would say, do the road trip. Some of our best conversations have been in the car on long road trips.
Wynn Anne´s last [type] ..Get it Right the First Time
May 10th, 2011 at 6:53 am
From Karen and Gerard (not sure why comment went into spam!): Nope, would not. The most we’ve been in a car driving together is 3 hours and that was because we got lost!
May 10th, 2011 at 7:30 am
Yep–do it ALL of the time!!! If you are afraid of spending that much time with your significant other you can always borrow/rent audio tapes for the trip. That means you don’t have to carry on a conversation the entire time!!! LOL I love to travel with my hubby and with air travel being the way it is today sometimes you actually get there quicker if you drive. Then you have the luxury of having your own car and not having to depend on the schedule of someone else or an airline!!! Try it–I bet you will like it!!!
May 10th, 2011 at 7:34 am
I’m pretty sure I’d end up in jail for murder. If I do car rides it must be by myself or the other person better not say a word, not one because I HATE talking while in the car.
blueyes´s last [type] ..Four Foods on Friday 144
May 10th, 2011 at 8:15 am
Your job as The Woman is:
- be ready to pee when he is.
- be ready to pee when the car is.
- take your own music if you won’t listen to talk radio.
- be specific on what you want to eat on the road.
- as a matter of fact, write everything down on a Google Map printout on a time-table. Men like schedules. Make it a game. “I bet you can’t get me to the large ball of twine near Area 51 by 9:37″ or “I bet you can’t guess when this 40 ounce diet coke will hit my bladder and stop in time.”
Yeah, make it a challenge.
And sit in the backseat.
Naked.
May 10th, 2011 at 8:38 am
The male person and the publicist spent three years in a tin can called a “fifth wheel” driving around the country to see the sights. They crossed it from NJ to California and from Florida to Washington and from NJ to Oregon in their travels with many exciting stops along the way.
But then they met me and had to start a Farm.
Pricilla´s last [type] ..AbbyDay – Am I a Surf Board
May 10th, 2011 at 9:15 am
Driven from Detroit to NYC then onto New Orleans and back to Detroit with my future hubby. That was fun.
Later we’ve driven from Detroit to Seattle and back. And also from Chicago to Fort Worth.
The worst trip ever was a bus trip full of band students from Chicago to Disney- and then having to return home the same way. UGH.
Go for it. Don’t always stay on the main interstates. Wave at me when you go past New Buffalo, MI. Or maybe stop at our beach for a break before Chicago.
This August we will be moving my daughter to college in St. Cloud, Minn. So we will be doing a drive to Minn.
May 10th, 2011 at 11:03 am
I hate to be the wet blanket, but I say DO NOT DO IT!
I experienced this myself, when I drove with my husband and then 4-year old, to Richmond Virginia, from Memphis. This was about 9 years ago, and it seems like only yesterday. I promised myself, I would NEVER take a 14 hour trip with him again! I noticed one of your readers above told you to ‘go for it’, because “she and her X drove from”…..
You DID notice, didn’t you, that she said- she and her X, right?
I was swayed and broke my promise to myself, again, and took another trip when our daughter was 9. Not a good move.
After that trip I re-promised myself to never take more than a 2-hour trip with him.
That is why, after 19 years we are still married. All those “fav” CD’s your husband said he would let you hear, sound awesome, but you will probably end up listening to sports talk radio, especially if HE is doing the driving. That is what usually happens to us. And if you think you are going to get to sleep while he drives, I highly doubt it. If you also fantisize about sound snoozing-he will possibly be tuning the radio, during the commercials for more sports or talk radio. If you ask him to turn it down, he will likely say it helps him to stay awake and after all, HE is driving.
Unless your husband is sooooo much fun, and doesn’t like sports radio, and you both just love the same music, and just love chatting, rather than reading in quiet…..
DON”T DO IT!
But, if the price of those airline tickets are cheaper than a 6-month stint of marriage counseling @$120 an hour, going once a week…($120x4x 6 mths.)then… it’s your call.
I don’t know if it’s worth the blog fodder you will get from it. Depends on how much you want to share! Can’t wait to hear what you decide, and the results!
Kelly´s last [type] ..Mama-isms
May 10th, 2011 at 11:35 am
good lord – what a way to TEST a marriage! I have a similarly built SBH (sometimes better half) – it’s a combination of all the talk, having different taste in music AND sometimes what driving ‘safely’ is all about (did I mention that he loves to drive fast??) that makes these either white knuckle adventures or leaves me swearing never again. We always make it safely and not unlike childbirth, I tend to forget how truly painful they are until we are in the midst of another road trip!
I do them every few years and recite to myself “what doesn’t kill me, makes me stronger” and as others have mentioned – it’ll be a years worth of fodder for us, your beloved readers!
May 10th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
Wow. Is it really that far? I thought we would drive, too, since the cost of 5 people (2 adults, 3 kids) flying is just, well, more expensive than driving. Just pretend you’re sleeping… or have a piece of Bacon that you’re so hyper and annoying with that your husband finally quits talking to you just so he can get some respite from it all.
May 10th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
Ok, you can do it, but you need to prepare:
Games..either license plate bingo, or the animal game can take up some miles.
Mad libs
Humor CD’s the miles just fly when you are laughing at Jeff Foxworthy.
books on tape, hopefully something you both want to hear, or language tapes, you can see who can learn the most.
Decide now how often, and where you will stop. Break the trip up into 2 hour stints, stop at a scenic overlook, have a picnic, etc.
Pack a cooler full of surprises..drinks, munchies, etc.
Bring wipes and TP..just in case.
Confirm your sense of humor is working properly..
Susan Montgomery´s last [type] ..PVIWC Specialty Show 2011 – Rally!
May 10th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Won’t it cost something like $1200 in gas to drive 1000 miles? I like Susan’s idea of humor CDs though and breaking it up into segments.
Road trip!
Margaret (Nanny Goats)´s last [type] ..Catheter Commercials Make Me All Squirmy
May 10th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
If you have the vacation time, I say DO IT! But if you have time constraints and have to rush out there and rush back…then a plane is the only way to go. There is TONS to see between here and Minnesota! Enjoy!
May 10th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
If I knew that the wondrous majesty of The Pyramid House was in my travel path, and I could loop around and see the world’s largest doll carousal and The Mystery Spot on my way back home, I would sign up right away. You can’t ask for more better side trips than that.
Chris@TheSnackHound´s last [type] ..Blood is Thinner Than Wine
May 10th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
My vote go for a road trip. It is much more fun and you really get to know the person you are traveling with in another way. This because you spend much time to getter without disturbing things around you. So go for the road trip!
May 10th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
Ferd — I’m liking this idea more and more. You guys are professional travelers! OMG. Yeah, the extra 4 days is the downside. But I think it’ll be worth it for the luxury of having our own car along the way to come and go as we please. Based on Dave’s mpg rating, it’ll cost $290 in gas for the trip. Beats $1,400 for the plane. I think if we do plan this, we’ll have to work in other stops so we’re not bored out of our skulls on highway the whole time.
Wynn Anne — Yes, I’ll have the time, with some to spare at the end of it so I can recover (read: sleep for two days).
Karen and Gerard — I don’t know why suddenly you went into my spam filter. Three hours lost is worse than three hours getting somewhere. I pity you both!
Beth Ann Chiles — I think Dave won’t even mind talking to himself. He’ll just have to let me know when I’m being spoken to. I’m loving the idea of having our own car, especially for the trip home when I want to make a pitstop to visit a friend. That was the most expensive part of the journey by plane. Flying out on a weekday is murder on your wallet.
blueyes — I loved a road trip that I took alone a year ago, about 300 miles. Alone in my own thoughts. Glorious!
GoingLikeSixty — I was laughing hard enough about your list of rules and then I got to the naked part. You kill me.
Pricilla — Holy goat, Batman! That’s a lot of damn driving. Your publicist and male person are fearless. But aren’t you glad they came to their senses and settled down with you?
newbuffalomom — I can’t believe how much y’all have driven all around the country! We’ve never done this before and we’ve been together for 20+ years. How we missed a very long road trip in all those years is anyone’s guess. I pity you about the school trip. Must have been hell on wheels.
Kelly — Tell us how you really feel! OMG. I might just have to do this just so you can say “I told you so.” I don’t know. We’ve never done this before, so I don’t know how things will go with Dave driving. He needs to let me drive part of the way because I will go insane being the passenger. LMAO about the counseling. You’ll know what we decided to do, trust me. Unless we kill each other, then you will only hear the empty wind howling from The Junk Drawer.
CC — I do worry a little about the safety aspect. I know our chances of getting killed are greater on the road than in the air. So I’ll be the co-pilot, keeping us from becoming roadkill. I’ve forgotten all about the 8 hour trip I took with my sister to Toronto. I’m praying the same thing happens with this one.
Devon — I checked again on MapQuest. It’s more like 1,200 one way. I can ignore him when push comes to shove. If I have to, I’ll sit in the trunk.
Susan Montgomery — All awesome tips! I know he won’t have any trouble stopping a lot. The only thing I’m worried about (with any travel) is that I can’t eat the meal I’m used to unless I pack and ice it all. I don’t want to screw up my weight loss progress. But when you’re stressed on the road, it’s easy to eat take-out and that’s the worst thing to do when you’re not burning any calories.
Margaret — I calculated it’ll cost $400 in gas. Even with the high cost these days, that doesn’t feel so bad. Compared to airfare, it’s a bargain. Road trip!
Alice — Yep, we have the time. I just officially requested two weeks. The conference and side trip will only use five or six days of that, so we’re good to go.
Chris — Ooo! What’s The Mystery Spot? Is it a mystery. Can I find it on a map? Enter it into the GPS? Where is it?
Utbildning — Or, you get to know them in a way that makes you want to kill them.
May 10th, 2011 at 7:49 pm
Kathy – It is a magical place where balls roll uphill and water flows up into a bucket. On your way home, go through the Upper Peninsula and come down through Michigan. It is a silly tourist trappy spot. My aunt and uncle stopped there on their honeymoon. They remain happily married and weren’t too badly affected.
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/9043
Chris@TheSnackHound´s last [type] ..Blood is Thinner Than Wine
May 10th, 2011 at 8:35 pm
I love long car trips… and naps…so as long as I don’t have to drive 1000 miles isn’t too hard. Also, books on tape are awesome for shutting up a chatty spouse.
DameMeow´s last [type] ..The Internet is Gross- an Infographic
May 10th, 2011 at 9:05 pm
Me, I would never do it. I am a no good companion when it comes to car travel. Fall asleep in the first 30 minutes. Here’s a thought. Let him drive while you fly! At least you don’t have to pay for 2 tickets!
May 11th, 2011 at 4:44 am
Chris — That is the coolest thing! Checked the website. Those two women leaning all weird like that? How bizarre! Thanks for sending that.
DameMeow — I would love it if I could nap because even though you’re not doing anything, it’s tiring. But I can’t sleep in a moving car. I think you lose that ability after you turn five.
Reena — Ha! Hadn’t thought of that. Sure, I could cut the airfare in half if I fly and he drives. I like the way you think.
May 11th, 2011 at 6:55 am
Yep. In an instant. We are a good team when we do something together, although I think we would murder each other on the Amazing Race because there is too much pressure should someone make a mistake with directions or something. We both like to travel and we do a lot, so this would be a breeze. Sirius radio helps a LOT–if you have it.
lin´s last [type] ..Im-Never-Wordless Wednesday
May 11th, 2011 at 8:04 am
Keep in mind it’ll cost around $450 for gas alone…plus wear and tear on the car…plus wear and tear on the marraige…plus, if you guys work and need to take extra time off for the trip, you have to add in the cost of lost wages…it’s expensive no matter what you do!
May 11th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
Given the indiginities and irritation of air travel these days I would be in favor of driving were I lucky enough to be going to the conference. Himself and I have driven to Old Orchard Beach ME, Findlay, OH, and Jacksonville, NC from Downingtown, PA, and we drove to Sturbridge, MA for our honeymoon. The only thing that made the honeymoon trip back to his parents hateful was that we did it the day before Thanksgiving. (Don’t drive across Connecticut the day before Thanksgiving. Its bigger than you think.) We took turns picking CDs and stopped when we needed to. Those midway attractions are absolutely necessary….gives you midpoint goals to shoot for and the break makes the drive more bearable.
May 11th, 2011 at 6:27 pm
I love to drive, and Jepeto and I get very silly and laugh a lot, so I would do it, but I know it’s not for everybody.
May 11th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
My grandparents drove from Virginia to California and back again for their 50th wedding anniversary, and we still hear wonderful stories about it years later. Don’t know if I could do it tho-I might go stir crazy stuck in a car day in and day out. But they loved it.
May 12th, 2011 at 1:13 am
I drove 1600 kilometres from Melbourne to Brisbane for a friends wedding, which is about 1000 miles. However that was with a friend, not my wife…pretty sure we’d only last about 100 miles before wanting to kill eachother lol
May 12th, 2011 at 5:34 am
Of course i’d do it! 1000 miles is nothing compared to 2000 miles which i passed lately
cheers!
Petra
Petra´s last [type] ..Secrets to finding the romance of your dreams
May 13th, 2011 at 11:15 pm
Kathy-
I have actually made the drive from Reading to Minneapolis. Say you will do it, but only if he takes you to the Mall of America.
For reference, Mrs C and I have made many trips by road to Boston, and westward to Columbus where I grew up. She knows all the exits and where all the good shoe and chocolate stores are.
If you drive, go across I-80 and stop in Sharon PA.
There’s a chocolate store there where they make it while you watch and let you sample it. The signs on the Interstate won’t let you miss it.
By the way, if you drive to Minneapolis, be prepared to pay tolls. LOTS OF TOLLS. Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois are almost exclusively toll roads. When I drove over the raod for a living, I always had petty cash to pay for it. I doubt you do. Bon Voyage!
Chris Casey´s last [type] ..Lawnmower Man
May 14th, 2011 at 7:44 am
Luckily my husband is fairly quiet (unless he’s had a few beers), so it wouldn’t be bad to go on a long trip with him.
idiotonastick´s last [type] ..Aggression
May 14th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
I used to love making road trips but as we get older it gets harder. My husband gets very drowsy after 200 miles and me about the same. We drove a lot in France last summer but covered less ground than we planned to.
May 14th, 2011 at 3:36 pm
Yes. I would drive that far with my wife. I think you should do the same with your husband. Be romantic about it — not in the candlelit dinner kind of way — but in an adventure together kind of way.
P.S. I once drove from Scranton to Mississippi with my whole family (before I was married). Six of us in a mini-van for 1200 miles. Wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be.
J. Bear Savo´s last [type] ..Trimming the Fat with Twitter
May 14th, 2011 at 10:13 pm
Go for it! Wear headphones and chronicle the journey. I love to jot down notes while my husband drives. We’ve taken 3-hour drives. It’s fun to write down observations and it also keeps me from watching him drive too close to the car in front. He’s not much of a talker and listens to talk radio to compensate for his lack of conversation. I’m the chatty one, so he doesn’t mind when I write.
Lauren´s last [type] ..Mothers Day Celebrity Head Trip Getaways
May 16th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
I love road tripping. However, my husband sucks at road trips. I like to stop and see things along the way on the spur of the moment. He wants to get from point a to point b as quickly as possible. Annoying and boring. Books on tape have been extremely helpful. We do it because it is cheap and that is more important to our family than silly fights over seeing the world’s largest ball of barbed wire. I will make him see that ball one day!
May 16th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
I love road trips with my hubby. When we travel, that is part of the vacation, not just a means of getting there. We chat the whole way, catching up on stuff that has fallen through the cracks of our busy lives, reminiscing about past vacations and imagining future trips. It’s all good!
Linda´s last [type] ..Ups and Downs
May 16th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
Hell no! My husband is fidgety. By mile 10 he’s been through everything in the glove compartment, center console and door pockets and offered his opinion on what I should throw away. Then, he’s out of things to do so he plays with the auto locks and power windows. There are three year olds who can sit still longer and he can’t be placated with a coloring book or a baggie full of Cheerios. He listens to Wilco and Band of Horses and actually thinks they’re GOOD. I think I might actually jump out of the car.
Then again. I’m terrified of flying. I refuse to unbuckle my seat belt and I dig my nails into the ends of the armrests. I sweat and turn white and it takes a massive effort not to scream, “We’re all gonna die” every time we hit turbulence.
So maybe if I let him drive all 1000 miles he wouldn’t play with stuff in the car leaving me free to man the MP3 player. MY MP3 player.
Ok, yeah. I guess I’d do it.
May 17th, 2011 at 9:41 am
thank you
http://www.bnat-q8.com
maikl´s last [type] ..ßíÝ ÃÌÐÈ ÇáÇäÙÇÑ áãæÖæÚí ãÌåæÏí
May 17th, 2011 at 10:30 am
Oh it’s great fun! Hubby is all “I-want-to-get-there-as-fast-as-I-can-so-I-can-lay-around-the-hotel”
and I’m all “I-want-to-stop-at-every-antiqueshop/Starbucks/store-on-the-way-to-make-the-trip-itself-an-event”
So needless to say now I only drive to Minneapolis with daughter. At least SHE understands the concepts of “driving there is half the fun” and bathroom breaks. At 800 Km each way, that’s a must.
Good Luck!!! You’re gonna need it.
Maureen´s last [type] ..Moribund Moribund
May 17th, 2011 at 10:27 pm
i love road trips. but, i would like to admit that i was SHOCKED when you said 1,000 miles. i even had to verify on google maps. i would never have guessed that your home to minneapolis would be 1,000 miles! that’s good ol’ american geography education for you!
(hee. i just re-read that and it makes it sound like: “i know where you live…” stalker, much?)
and now i’ve looked into how far i live from you… 1,627. what’s 600 more miles? check with dave and let’s get it on the calendar.
Ali´s last [type] ..How to Work Through Bad News with Your Child
May 18th, 2011 at 9:10 am
There would be so many cool places to stop along the way and back. But I like road trips and so does my husband…we have a great time with all the tunes we can load onto the Zune, we have an endless supply of music. I say go for it, but leave your cranky side at home.
Carla´s last [type] ..Cheesy Post
May 18th, 2011 at 10:56 am
Oh dear.
And from what I’ve heard, I think I’d really LIKE Dave and not want him to, say, be found murdered outside a rest-stop.
Jenn of Many Cabbages´s last [type] ..Humorous Space Adventure Short Story- The Hyphiz Deltan Job
May 18th, 2011 at 6:29 pm
There is nothing funny about spending 1,000 miles together in a car…remember, there is always the ride back home! I don’t think I could last that long with my wife’s whistling and humming…FLY.
Melissa´s last [type] ..Perspectives
May 19th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
My husband and I recently drove from Baltimore to Tucson in a Budget 20 foot rental truck. No problems. The truck was SO noisy that we couldn’t really argue if we wanted to
. I have to say he was as cheerful as a person could be under the circumstances.
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:44 pm
I would do it. I love my wife and we could spend hours talking….not sure about 1000 miles worth of hours, but I would try it
Blake Johan´s last [type] ..How to Conceive a Boy- It is Possible!
May 31st, 2011 at 6:08 pm
I absolutely love road trips, but to each their own. If you’ve never tried, it’s worth doing once for the experience.
Shane “Master” Dayton´s last [type] ..The Keyword Academy Review
June 16th, 2011 at 1:45 pm
Me and the lady have done it many times…not exactly a thousand miles but 680 each way to see her folks. We do it every thanksgiving, and its become something like a tradition. Audio books are the best things for the journey, just make certain to get something you both are interested in.
Josh´s last [type] ..Prague Airport Private Departure Transfer
August 5th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
Hey Kathy! It’s months after the conference, and I hope you had a fantastic road trip. If you ever have another relatively short-notice event you want to attend and driving has lots its appeal, I’ve found online travel deals like Orbitz promo codes that are designed just for last minute, big travel deals.