The engine of “Daisy,” my beloved vintage yellow VW Bus, hummed a familiar, comforting tune. The open road stretched before me, a ribbon of asphalt cutting through the high desert of Moab, Utah. To my left and right, massive red rock formations, sculpted by millennia of wind and water, rose like ancient guardians.
There’s something uniquely magical about a road trip, especially in a classic van. The pace is slower, the experiences more deliberate. You feel every bump in the road, every gear shift. It’s a journey not just to a destination, but into a state of mind.
This particular stretch, leading deeper into Arches National Park, was one I’d dreamed of. The air was crisp and clear, with a faint scent of sagebrush. The blue sky above was scattered with cotton-like clouds, casting shifting shadows across the dramatic canyon walls.
Here’s what this journey reminded me about the art of road tripping:
1. Embrace the Detour: While GPS is helpful, sometimes the best memories are made when you throw the itinerary out the window. That little dirt road that “might lead somewhere”? Take it. You never know when you’ll find a secluded arch or a perfect spot for stargazing.
2. Appreciate the Simplicity: Life in a van forces you to strip things down to the essentials. You appreciate the basics—a warm cup of coffee in the morning, a reliable engine, and a comfortable place to lay your head. It’s a powerful reminder that we need so much less than we think we do to be happy.
3. The Journey is the Destination: It’s a cliche for a reason. While the national parks are breathtaking, the moments in between—driving with the windows down, listening to your favorite playlist, stopping for roadside fruit stands, the camaraderie with other travelers—are just as impactful.
As the sun began to dip, painting the rock formations in even deeper shades of crimson and gold, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. For the freedom of the road, the beauty of this place, and for Daisy, my reliable companion.
Utah, you have my heart. Until the next open road.