u/Pinkparchment37

I was shocked that Tig and Mae hadn’t heard about the circus wedding. Fortune has referenced watching both of their specials, but they haven’t watched hers? They’re all comedy GOLD! Get with the program and support your friends, guys!

Hi, I’m an “indoorsy” gal looking for guidance, reassurance or whatever this thread has to offer. I have an 18 year old son, graduating high school next week. He has planned a trip to visit a few west coast national parks (we are in DC) later this summer with his dad, no sweat no problem. I trust my ex entirely and he has outdoor/wilderness experience.

My son, however…not so much. To be honest, he’s fairly sheltered and does not have much experience even camping, let alone truly “roughing it.” He recently shared that after a family trip to Michigan, he wants to drive solo through South Dakota and the Badlands for a few days.

Besides the 13-hour initial journey from our place in Michigan to the park, I’m nervous about multiple aspects of this trip—one, he’ll be alone in case of emergency. Cell service may be spotty or non-existent. Two, he plans to sleep in his car, which I know is illegal in most/many places. Three, he is a large man but I fear his size gives him a false sense of security when it comes to trusting strangers on the road. While I’ve instilled in him not to take a ride from anyone or drink/eat anything offered by a stranger, I think he suffers from a teenage male immortality complex and don’t trust he won’t roll the dice if push comes to shove.

I do plan to address my fears with him in the next few days, but I want to be prepared and not come across as a paranoid or overprotective mother (and I am not). Are my concerns legitimate? Or am I overreacting because I don’t have much national parks/road trip/camping experience and listen to too much true crime? Any information about unforeseen obstacles also appreciated.