I’ve been writing here for almost 10 years now. For most of that time, I’m never at a loss for inspiration. My crazy brain is always throwing ideas at me. But lately, I haven’t been feeling it. I ask my brain for ideas and it’s like:
Perhaps it’s the feeling of malaise regarding world events. Inflation is bonkers. So is war.
Or, maybe this experiment/ project/ blog has run its course. All things must end. Am I out of ideas or is my brain just on hiatus?
Forcing creativity is never a good idea. Humans do their best work when they have passion for what they do. If you wake up and jump out of bed to do whatever you do, that’s awesome! If you dread the day, you should move on. If it’s not a Hell Yeah!, it should be no.
But I’m not ready to throw in the keyboard yet…
Mr. Palindrome, Oregon, California
I have a friend and neighbor who I’ll call Mr. Palindrome. Our younger children who are also friends posed an idea to Mr. Palindrome and me a couple of months ago:
- Children: Let’s take a road trip to Oregon!
- Mr. Palindrome and me: Ummmm, sure!
So, tomorrow (Sunday) we’ll depart for Sunriver and Bend.
This trip is an experiment for me. My normal road trip mode is to drive many miles in a short period of time. If it was just me, I’d drive the entire 1,100 miles in one day. Mr. Palindrome suggested that we travel at a more relaxed pace. So, we’ll take 3 days to get to Oregon. After our time in Bend is done, we’ll spend another 3 days driving down the coast of California. The other half of my family will fly in and we’ll head to the beach.
Why haven’t I been traveling slowly all along? How many detours/roadside attractions did I skip just to get to my destination? A lot. Going fast is no way to travel. Same goes for life.
So, I’ll be changing things up on the blog for the next couple of weeks. 1500 Days will temporarily become a travel journal where I regale you tales from the road and show you pretty pictures.
Along the way, we’ll stop and look at random stuff and visit with friends. Perhaps we’ll even meet sometime in a random city or beach? Or, over a $.75 cone.
More 1500 Days!!!
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We are stuck at home this summer, so I’m looking forward to ‘traveling along’ with you!
Oof! I hope it’s all OK on your end!
Love it! I’ve always done the power road trip growing up and as an adult, but my husband, who grew up with a teacher parent, would spend summers on long, multi-week road trips across the US to visit family. We did our first family road trip with a toddler last fall, and only driving 4-5 hours/day was so much fun. We saw new cities! We stopped at small National Parks! I look forward to FIRE some day so I have more time to indulge in the luxury of slow travel and not focus solely on the final destination.
Right on Lisa!
And FIRE life is pretty great! When you make it to the other side and pass slowly through Colordao, look us up!
Is it possible Mr 1500 has recently read “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” ?
No, but now I want to!
Looking eagerly for your Instagram account for pictures. This year summer has been cancelled
For us because of Covid. Have a great trip.
How are y’all doing? I’m sorry COVID kept us from meeting. Stupid virus.
Sounds like you’ve found some time and energy to find a new place to put your time and energy that’s…maybe…a little less focused on money. 🙂
Nothing wrong with that! I mean, isn’t the point of early retirement to stop worrying about the gyrations of the bank accounts, market, etc. and instead live life as you see fit? At times, that might be to invest in local real estate projects with friends, pickup a collectible car, whatever… and those are interesting things to write about here related to money. But, at other times, maybe it’s just to take a slow road trip with a buddy and your family.
Lots of us will enjoy the travel tales, no worries. And you can bring along everyone else for the money stories when they strike you again.
Thanks Chris! I’m getting into the slow travel. Life is good.
I hope you went to https://www.visitoregon.com/the-oregon-trail-game-online and played “The Oregon Trail Game” with the kids to get them into the mood for your adventure to Oregon. Stopping for ice cream and slow travel sounds much better than dying of dysentery or losing a wagon wheel. 😉
Have a great road trip.
Haha, we have it soooo easy in our air-conditioned steel wagons.
I haven’t shown them the game yet, but will!
Hit me up if you end up going thru the SF Bay Area
Yes! We will be close! in about 9 days. Email incoming soon.
Carl,
First time commenter, long time reader. Speaking for myself, I really enjoy your writing, stories, wacky humor and perspectives on almost any topic, so I am very happy to read about your travels. The worst scenario for me would be you stop posting all together. because you were stressed about keeping up with your ideal frequency of posting or the need to always be on-topic regarding financial independence. My suggestion would be to post only as often as is comfortable and enjoyable for you on whatever topics you want. Your fans will still be here.
All the Best!
Joe! Thanks so much for the kind words and for reading my silly content! I started this thing to amuse myself and I’m still surprised anyone else pays attention. Please look me up next time you’re in Colorado!
Sorry your trip was shortened by COVID. Hope to be in Colorado sometime in the next 12 months and will definitely look you up. Am a fellow ping pong and tennis player, so maybe we can work one of those into the mix. All the best!
Awesome!
You all might enjoy a stop at Crater Lake along the way! Not too far from Bend. I hope it’s a fun trip! What inspired the kids to want to visit Oregon?
YES! Crater Lake is in our plans!
My friend grew up in Oregon, so that’s how we ended up here.
One more recommendation if you’re heading west on Highway 58: Salt Creek Falls and Diamond Creek Falls. Enjoy and thank you for the vicarious travel adventures. 😊
Thank you!
Diddos on what Joe said. Your genuine, refreshing and by golly we like you! Enjoy the Pacific Northwest. And where did you get that ,75 ice cream..I want to go to there:)
Elizabeth! Thank you for the kind comment! Much appreciated!
Here are the details on the cheap (and good!) cone: https://sillyamerica.com/blog/little-america-travel-center-wyoming/
I’m still glad you’re posting and showing what your life is like! I’m on the same path as you so it gives me encouragement to see into the “other side”! 🙂
Thanks for the kind comment! Also, life is pretty great on this side! See you here soon! 🙂
Hey any chance your coming through Portland it’s a pretty fun town just saying. Let me know if you are up this way would love to buy your a beer or a coffee.
Jason! I love Portland, but we won’t make it up that way this time. Do hit me up next time you’re in Colorado.
Enjoy the slow road trip, and be sure to be home by mid-August!
Cheers!
-PoF
We’ll be back and eagerly await your visit!
These days, every second person is looking for Inspiration Stagnation. You have mentioned all of these very beautifully. Keep sharing.