We’re Driving Across the US in October!

We can all agree that 2020 has been bizarre, to say the least. Not only have we been faced with an international pandemic, but I also lost my stepdad to cancer in March, then Wynston almost died in April.

Though I’ve endured intense trauma this year, I’ve brought a positive attitude with me along the way. I learned through experiencing so much death and sadness that life truly is short, and I don’t want to waste it.

Since his recovery, Wynston and I have had several adventures in our minivan camper conversion, and now we’re going bigger than ever! In October we head out on a cross country trip throughout the United States.

The first main destination along our ride through the US is my sister’s place in Florida. She and my brother-in-law just moved to Miami Beach in August, so that’s my excuse for driving to the Atlantic Ocean!

To get there, Wynston and I will leave on October 4th and head east on the I-10. I’m going to take one week to get to Miami Beach, so I won’t be in a huge rush.

I may stop to see my aunt and uncle in San Antonio, Texas. Other than that, I plan to stay the night at a couple KOAs and gas stations along the way.

After hanging out with my sis for a week in Florida (we will arrive on the 10th), Wynston and I will head north to Savannah, GA. We will stay there for two nights.

We will then venture to Charleston, SC to check out the Magnolia Plantation. It was recommended to us as a fantastic dog-friendly must-see.

After that, we’ll spend three nights on the Outer Banks, NC.

Related post: Surviving a Solo Road Trip With Your Dog

From there, I am not sure what I’m going to do. Part of me wants to continue driving up east until I reach Vermont. The other part of me knows I will be exhausted and won’t want to make the extra drive.

The thing is, I’m going to spend time in Indiana as well. So that’s my second main destination. I just haven’t quite decided how I’m going to get there – drive up north and add just two hours to the drive, or head straight from North Carolina to Indiana.

Either way, after Indiana I will head down south through Kentucky and Tennessee to Arkansas. I would like to spend a couple nights with my friend Brittany in Bella Vista, AR.

After Arkansas, Wynston and I will make our way back home on the I-40. I plan to arrive home around the beginning of November.

Honestly, I have about 5 potential routes drawn out. I don’t think I will ever have a definitive one. I just know the time frame I want to stick to. Keeping my itinerary open will allow me to rest as needed.

I decided to head out on a cross country trip with Wynston right now because I have the time and the opportunity. I can continue working on the road, while my other animals are being taken care of at home.

This year has taught us that literally anything can happen at anytime, so if I can travel the country now with my son, I’m going to do it.

And I am STOKED! I know it’s a massive undertaking to do myself. We’ll be gone for at least a month. But I’m going to take my time, and stay with friends and family along the way.

I also feel it’s necessary to let you all know that I do travel armed, so I can protect myself at all times. As a solo female traveler, I take zero risks.

In the meantime, I am preparing to be gone from the house for a month. I will obviously be packing up the van much more heavily, with winter and rain clothes, as well as items for the beach and hiking. I have to cover all of my bases!

I’m researching surrounding areas that Wynston and I will be staying in for nearby veterinarians, dog-friendly restaurants and memorable attractions.

If you have any recommendations for fun activities in the following places, let me know:

Savannah, GA

Charleston, SC

Outer Banks/Hatteras, NC

Pensacola, FL

Mobile, AL

And if you want to follow us more closely, be sure to join the Dog Mom Days Caravan Club!