Adra Writes

This story began in 2015 when my impulsive and naïve self decided to buy a 1969 VW bug as a daily driver. Me and my car (her name is Evie) survived the 3 years at university with a fair share of troubles, but we survived – barely. She taught me a lot about myself, my ability to face unexpected problems and to trust strangers when in need of help (and yes, this is foreshadowing). 

Fast forward to June of 2018. I graduated college and decided to take a road trip that would span more than 3,600 miles (5,800km) in two weeks with Evie. I had been on long road trips before to the west and south of the States before. I wasn’t totally inexperienced with the concept. However, I decided to go in Evie, a 49-year-old car, because I wasn’t old enough for a rental at the time (21 years in the minimum age for renting a car in the States). Oh, and I was totally broke, so using what I had combined with my stubbornness pushed me to make the decision. 

My motivation truly surmounted when my best friend was living in Salida, Colorado for that summer. I thought it would be great to go visit her and do some serious hiking. The plan was for me to drive out solo and catch up with her for a week. We would drive together (in her car of course) to the Rockies, and then I would continue to go South solo. Simple plan, right???

I spent a week planning my ass off because I knew it was a big (and stupid) decision. I knew all the interstates, where I wanted to camp when I needed to refuel, and what times of the day to drive. I prepped my car to the best of my ability. Then, to the dismay of my mechanic still decided to go. 

Off we went at 5 o’clock one June morning heading west with my hands shaking on the steering wheel. I was in over my head, and I knew it, but I also knew that I could deal with anything to come my way so I drove on. I spent the first day talking to Evie and telling her “you can do it” any time I felt doubt creep in my mind. We made it all the way to Kansas City, Kansas (731 miles) on the first day with no problems. It was really fun to drive, and people would pass me with a thumbs up or a big smile and honking their horns. I felt encouraged to continue on my journey with more confidence in myself and Evie with every friendly face I saw. 

Relief overwhelmed me once I arrived at my Airbnb for the night with no problems. I felt like I could breathe and finally relax for the first time all day. I welcomed the stranger’s bed after a 12-hour drive and slept hard. I had an extraordinary day ahead of me to reach my final destination and I was so looking forward to the finish line 

Little did I know at the time, it would be 3 more days before I arrived in Salida. 

Stay tuned for Part 2 tomorrow!!