We’ve been talking a lot about goals and planning – all good topics for January, but I know some of you are probably itching for me to get back on the road so I can have run-ins with aggressive cacti and get lost on spectacular trails. Bear with me. Next week I head for Arizona and know I’ll have more beautiful sights – and mishaps, since I’m the Mishap Queen – to report on.
Meanwhile, goals. Aside from a desire to slim down both my midriff and unread book pile, my Big Audacious Goal is to see every one of the 394 National Park areas. And unless I start doing a lot of meth, it’s going to take a while. I’m guessing three years.
Which seems overwhelming. 394 parks in three years! Sane people would take on that goal over a lifetime. But, as we’ve established, I am not a sane person. My mother has repeatedly denied she ever dropped me on the head as a child, but she lied about that whole Santa Claus thing, so I’m not sure I trust her.
I’d been to about 35 of the National Parks before I bought Sadie, but my plan is to revisit all of them (except the ones I’ve already talked about here, here, here, here, and here) and share my scampabouts with you.
I'd love to get back to Yellowstone this year.
It’ll be the usual Gone Scamping shenanigans, but better. Same small-town quirk, but new and improved, with monuments and rivers and battlefields! And maybe, just maybe, I’ll get pulled over by another highway patrolman!
A girl can dream.
I’d also like to use this forum to raise funds for the National Park Foundation, though I’m still working out the details. (It may be as simple as putting a “donate here” button on the blog, but I’ll keep you posted.) Having fun and doing good are an irresistible combo, and I’m committed to both. I like to have a big challenge ahead – life without one seems uninspired.
Anyone else have a Big Audacious Goal they’re working toward?
Big Audacious Goal? Retirement!
That picture of Yellowstone looks just like a shucked oyster. I thought you were doing another food review.
My goal is to survive and keep sane in an increasingly insane world!
I think you have set a wonderful goal, and I look forward to reading about your adventures. I keep thinking I will see more of the national parks, and also visit some more lighthouses, but medical issues keep getting in the way. I may never get to all the parks, but I’m sure gonna try to get to a lot of them!
Good luck.
Gypsy
Deonne,
I suggest your plan may be pretty much unworkable on a practical level. To hit all 394 parks in 36 months would require you to do 11 a month, or one every 3 days.
All you would be doing is driving from one to the other and rushing through the parks. That doesn’t sound very enjoyable to me.
Reevaluate?
Fred
Go you!
We have a boat – old and used when we bought it 4 years ago. I live near the Mississippi. One of my life goals is take this boat from Minnesota to Louisiana on the Mississippi River. Who knows if we can actually do this. The boat might not be big enough or we may not enough about cruising the Mississippi in order to actually pull it off. But I like the idea of it and I want to do it, dangit!
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I have a kind of similar goal. This year I turn 62 and can get a Golden Age Pass! I want to make the most of it, and go from park to park and stay until I really see the park! I feel like up until now I’ve been skimming the surface. Look forward to reading about your park visits!
Diana recently posted..The Middle of Nowhere
I want to see the states I haven’t yet seen in my 65 years. That includes: ND, NE, KS, IA, MO, IN, KY, WV, DE, NH, RI, ME, and end with a nice cruise to AK! Still trying to decide to go it alone in my minivan, Walmart and Motel 6-it and do ALL THAT DRIVING myself or go with grouchy boyfriend and split the driving. Me and grouchy visited Casita in Rice, TX, loved it, but can’t afford both the trip and the Casita. Any thoughts?
Deborah – Nice! Any idea when?
Minnie – Yes, a giant, technicolored oyster. Which I would not eat.
Brad – A fine goal. What just happened in Tucson is one more reminder of how tough that can be.
Gypsy – I love lighthouses, and hope to see some along the way.
Fred – You definitely have a point. Does it help that I’ve already covered six here on the blog? (ha) My hope is that since so many of them are small – it doesn’t take long to look at a battlefield – I can knock a bunch out at a time. The three-years goal is just me wanting to put a time-frame on it, to keep myself motivated. But I’m also fine with failing spectacularly on that part.
Jenna – Thanks!
Manisha – Great goal! It’s like the waterborne version of Sadie.
Diana – Ah, the coveted Golden Age Pass. I’m with you on the digging deep part, though that sort of negates my response to Fred above (ha).
Gayle – That’s an interesting bunch of states, how fun to see them all! Alaska is the holy grail, but I’m almost certain I won’t get there this year. I imagine a big trip would be easier with a partner, grouchy or not. Actually, my dream is to date someone who can back up Sadie without jackknifing. If he could do that I’d allow some grouchiness. Casitas are great little trailers, and I think the Scamp and Casita people are linked. They seem similar in features and quality, so I hope you can get one. Used?
In an earlier incarnation, circa 1990, I traveled through the Northeast and around Lake Superior in a 13 foot camper. I am 76 inches, and traveled alone. And I can tell you that I crowded myself to distraction. I have been accused of harboring multiple personalities, but it ain’t so, and that trip proved it. There was no room for more than one.
So yeah. If you travel with someone else in Sadie, expect grouchy. Followed by homicide.
Well, maybe you could manage with a midget. But you’d probably end up tossing him.
Bob
PS: Fiberglass eggs like Casita and Scamp are among the few trailers I recommend buying new. The resale value is so high you can’t find a bargain buying used.
Bob Giddings recently posted..Fall
Only midget boyfriends from here on out. Check.
O, you could always do his n’ her Scamps. Lessee, Sadie and….Ralph? Co-campers, boon companions, fellow travelers. A coupla Eggheads who back each other up. Now wouldn’t that make a blog!
Bob, who thinks there oughta be a dog in there somewhere, too. Named Scamp, just to confuse things.
Bob Giddings recently posted..Fall
Deonne:
You seem in a big hurry like you are in a race with time like a marathon of the National Park system and who can finish first gets the pot of gold. Maybe you need to slow down a bit. I know that might not be the best thing for your metabolism and your waistline but when you get to those parks, bring a backpack along and trek into the wilder areas and stay a few days out there. Ah the wilderness! Just a thought. Best wishes!
Virginia – It’s an excellent thought. In fact, I’m thinking about your and Fred’s comment a lot. Thank you.
I think visiting all 394 is audacious enough without any time constraint.
Parks funding is intriguing. If you are already in contact with that organization it might be interesting to hear more about their particular challenges.
Debt free would be a nice BAG this year. Wish me luck.
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Bob – Debt free is an outstanding goal. Best of luck.