I am a geographic philanderer....or as Jimmy Buffet says "I have wandering toes...." Every few years, months or days I get the itchy and just have to go somewhere. And it just so happens Hank and I are driving across the country again, for the 4th time in 3 years. I don't think this trip will be as long as the epic 40,000 mile trip of two years ago, but I do not get to know that for sure. I have found every time I try to control, I am reminded I am not in control. So, I just get a trip tik, fill up the car with gas and follow the simple directions until I am guided to the next place. The destination for this trip is California, for now, and then New Mexico, Idaho, Washington and Wyoming. And the goal is a move west, or at least that is the plan. So far the drive has been a dream, and a reminder of how wonderful our country is and how wonderful friends and family are. I began the journey on Tuesday and only made it as far as Western Massachusetts. I took the time to spend the evening with my aunt and uncle. It was peaceful, idyllic and wonderful to begin the trip with people I love and who love me. It was also and easy way to get Hank used to being in the car again....

On Wednesday evening I reluctantly left family and headed to a dear friend's castle in Westchester County. Yes....castle. My friend Tim literally lives in a 105 year old castle overlooking the Hudson River and with a bird's eye view of Westpoint. I have always acted like a princess and known I was a queen, so I got to spend the evening in quaters befitting my imagined royal status! How fun to sleep in a castle!

Follow the Road Map
Well, the map seems to be a metaphor for this trip. I have begun this adventure with a clear plan, but an openness to whatever happens. A mentor of mine expressed her thoughts that this trip was a vision quest for me. With that in mind, I had the experience on Thursday that we could just go out into the world seeking enlightenment, fame and fortune or success and just go without a plan and let the wind take us. However, we end up, much like I did on Thursday, detoured, delayed and frustrated. After all of my planning and the trip ticket, I did not look at the map, just got into the car and figured I-87 out of Westchester would eventually connect with I-80. All it connects with is The Bronx and Yankee Stadium. So, 2 hours out of my way and an extra $7 dollars in tolls, I got myself going in the right direction....