I’ve been pondering a solo road trip for a while but to be completely honest, I was as excited as scared at the opportunity.  When was the last time, I traveled alone into the wilderness?  What are all the possible “bad” outcomes that could transpire while being alone in the woods with no cell phone coverage?  What if I get hurt or stuck in the middle of nowhere?  What would I do each day by myself?  Would I get lonely?

As the quote goes, “If you’re lonely when you are alone, you’re in bad company”.

So despite some of my apprehensions, I pushed myself to get out of my comfort zone and to move forward with a 4 day road trip.  Plus, I decided to bring my trusted companion, Bella, with me.

My ultimate destination…  Cape Flattery, the northwesternmost point in the 48 States.  Before setting off in Ruby, I wrote down a few ground-rules for the duration of the trip:

Rule 1: No reservations, no planning.
This is the antithesis of our usual vacation planning where every detail seems to be planned out ahead of time.  I wanted the luxury to just drive in any direction with no immediate purpose.  No pressure to reach a certain distance or destination each day.  A free-spirited, destiny-determined trip.  Figure out where to sleep at night when you need to figure out where to sleep at night!

Rule 2: Go slow, stop @ interesting sites.
We’re usually in such a rush to get to the destination that the journey is missed.  I want to take the time to make the pit-stops.  Stop at historic sites or parks along the way.  Instead of ignoring the brown-colored Points of Interest signs along the road, pull over or detour to visit these places.

Rule 3: No eating out.
I have Ruby.  She has a stove, refrigerator and sink.  I’ve spent a fortune on outfitting her.  Now use her.

Rule 4: Be extra-friendly.
I’ve been conditioned to be carefully cautious towards strangers.  Probably my NJ/NY City upbringing and a product of being mugged too many times at Times Square for making eye-contact or engaging in conversations with strangers.  Well, this ain’t NYC!  Get out of my comfort zone and meet some new folks.

Rule 5: No internet/cell phone… unless in emergencies or for required activities.
Sure I was going to have to use my phone to find the closest gas station or nearest campground, but no optional usage – e.g. checking emails or texts, playing games, etc.

Here’s the video wrap-up of the trip and below that is the final report card and closing thoughts… 

So how was the trip and how did I do?

Rule 1: No reservations, no planning.
A+ Made zero reservations and winged it each night.  Of course it helped that nobody was camping in the wet, cold winter but still, was proud of myself that I was able to let go and relax…

Rule 2: Go slow, stop @ interesting sites.
B+ I started out strong stopping at several points of interest along the way.  But as the rain picked-up on the first night and into the second day, I found myself skipping a few brown signs and deciding to stay in the comfortable confines of the van.

Rule 3: No eating out.
A+ All meals cooked in Ruby.

Rule 4: Be extra-friendly.
C but with limited data to assess.  The intention was there but given the cold and rain along with the somewhat remote destinations, I saw more animals than people.  Animals 6 – People 5.  Animals seen on trip include three deer, two seals and a rough-skinned newt.  People seen on trip include 2 hikers, 1 park ranger, 1 museum worker and 1 campground attendant.  Next time I’ll do better.

Rule 5: No internet/cell phone… unless in emergencies or required activities
B  I probably deserve a bit higher grade here as I did not have internet service for 3 of the 4 days.  However, on the last day, as I entered back into civilization, I got a constant barrage of alerts and notifications and although “the spirit was willing, the flesh was weak” and I succumbed to the temptation of my internet fix and then felt guilty afterwards…  (actually, not really!)

Parting Thoughts:
Definitely glad that I took the trip and enjoyed the solitude that only Mother Nature can bring.  Average cost came out to $62/day – 32% spent on campground fees, 31% on gas/ferry fees, 29% on groceries and 8% on museum/park fees.

Next time the goal is to disperse camp and spend zero on campground fees.  That along with more time staying in one place will probably bring the cost to under $30/day.  Regardless of cost, I enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Northwest Coast and recharged my soul.