u/brianfrommalden

body text was optional.

Decided to take a lap around Lake Hancock. First image was my estimated time and distance. Turned out to be 7hrs 41mins and 23.07 miles. The gps image near the end got a little wonky.

was about 8ft tall

photo #1 possible wild blueberry?

photo #2 black cherry?

photo #3 trunk of possible cherry.

photo #4 small plant i remember seeing a lot of when i was a kid. not so much nowadays.

photo #5 potential cherry in my neighborhood.

I will be traveling solo and using my car as a micro-camper. Actually purchased the car for this reason. Never thought I'd be tooling around in a Kia Soul, but, 49 states later, here we are! The majority of my stops at night are at rest areas along my route. I source the locations ahead of time and, 95% of my nights, I make it to my destination without logistical issues. I mainly travel in September since I find it very beneficial for the weather's balance of mild enough nights that don't require more than my rechargeable fan and being early enough to miss out on the first snows. I go on these trips for a few different reasons, so it's just not drive, drive, drive for the sake of distance. The cities listed are not necessarily where I will be stopping, rather an estimated area of where I'll be at the time.

#1 - I have a project that I am working on that requires photos from specific locations. I don't need to be at each location long, just enough for a quick photo.

#2 - Finding regional foods or produce. Things that I can't get in my climate that I can just pull up and get fresh off a farm will always keep me driving with my eyes peeled. Regional foods or foods that were created in a specific location are awesome. Having ridiculous bbq from smokers that never sleep in Texas, or a Hot Brown at The Brown Hotel in Louisville, or a whole pie for the road from Sally's Apizza in New Haven. Just great moments. Looking forward to Loui's Detroit-Style Pizza, Jarry Smoked Meat in Montreal, Union Oyster House in Boston [oldest restaurant in the usa celebrating their 200th anniversary this year], and Olneyville New York System in Providence for Hot Weiners and Coffee Milk.

#3 - Scenic Drives. I have been checking off many amazing drives, so sometimes, yes, it is all about just getting behind the wheel in an amazing locale. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Beartooth Highway, Sea to Sky Highway, Trail Ridge Road. Just too many, and the problem is wanting to drive them in both directions! This trip I'll be adding the Trans-Labrador Highway, The Viking Trail, and The Irish Loop.

#4 - Adding stops at national parks helps break up having to go from metropolis to metropolis. I'm constantly adding more, and each road trip is guaranteed to have some good hiking. Historic sites, scenic vistas, national monuments, all on my radar when planning. This trip I'm looking forward to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, Deep Cove Historical Walking Trail, Thrombolite Walking Trail, Jelly Bean Row, Ocracoke and The Outer Banks Islands.

So, you might wonder how I fit it all in. And to be honest, it is pretty damn jam-packed and not really what most people would want in a vacation. I'm up most mornings 5-6am and continue my day until my last destination 10pm+. I have joked that my real vacation begins once I get back home. It's not easy, but it's really rewarding to me and I love it.

It very much helps that I walk quickly. I often do 30,000 steps in a day for work, and thankfully, that has a positive impact and translates well when walking cities or out in the wilderness. I knock out hikes regularly in less than the posted minimum time. I know this drive too will run out, but I'm gonna keep pushing while I can.

Some previous road trips I've done since I started keeping track -

2025 - fl/mo/tx/ca/wa/co/mi/nc = 170004 miles.

2024 - fl/tx/ca/bc/yk/ak/al/co/il = 16608 miles.

2023 - fl/tn/mi/ny/nb/pei/pa/va = 9335 miles.

2022 - fl/la/tn/co/mt/mn/mi/nc = couple miles.

c'mon, let's hear the announcement, kexp! fingers crossed for august 22nd!

Zoomed in pic shows some neat yellow growth as well. Located in Central Florida.