Was it worth it?

Have passport, will travel!

     After I posted about the Eclipse on facebook, a friend commented, "Was it worth it?"
                                                                          Y.E.S.
     I'm writing this on January 17, 2018, and I still think it is worth it. It is worth it even though:

*  I put at least 6,000 miles on my 12 year old Malibu Maxx (now affectionately known as "Miracle Maxx"). Maxx climbed the Rockies, traversed the plains (twice), and endured the rigors of rush hour in several metropolitan belt-ways without engine trouble or a flat tire. After returning home, he needed 2 quarts of oil, replacement of a turn signal bulb, and preventive maintenance.

*  The cover of Maxx's gas-cap is misaligned, held on with duct tape. (another lesson: always have duct tape!)

Miracle Maxx back home in PA

*  I had severe back pain after the return trip of 6 days straight in the car. I learned I now have arthritis in my back. But hey, that arthritis was probably developing for a while, and I would have it if I went on the trip or not. BTW, anti- inflammatory meds and back exercises are helping now.

*  I had to work extra hours both before and after I left to meet all the deadlines due during the 3 weeks I was away. (about 50- 65 hours/ week June-July-October & November)

*  My yard went to rack and ruin. I had someone cut the grass, but the weeds just went wild for 3 weeks and I had no time to get them under control (see "work extra hours" above).

     WHY is it worth it?

*  BECAUSE seeing the Total Eclipse of the Sun is a once-in-a-lifetime, totally AWESOME experience.
*  BECAUSE spending 3 weeks with my son is probably something we will not do again. He saw America as only you can on a Great American Road Trip, and I was there with him.
*  BECAUSE I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone, daring to plan, and pray, and finally believe that this amazing trip could happen.
*  BECAUSE I now have this as proof that I can pray, plan, prepare and DO something that seems too overwhelming. The goal of seeing the Eclipse was enough to spur me on to accomplish things I didn't think I could do.
*  BECAUSE now, in the aftermath of winter storm Grayson, as I look out my window and see ice, snow, and bare branches tossed by the frigid wind, I can imagine in my mind's eye the beauty that I saw in the summer. It sustains me and gives me hope. I do not think I could drive all that way again, but I have been perusing the Amtrak website, checking fares for the Empire Builder route that will take me back to Glacier Park.

   
 And then again, there is another Total Eclipse in North America  April 8, 2024. I'll keep you posted!
     https://www.space.com/37878-solar-eclipse-2024-path-of-totality-maps.html 
         

Lessons Learned

Hello everyone,
     It's been 5 months since Jesse and I left for our Eclipse Adventure. I've had time to reflect and sort out what really has remained with me from this experience. I wanted to share it with those who have followed along with us.
     First of all, I realized I have wonderful friends who encouraged and prayed with me all along. My husband Mike supported and encouraged me, and remained home to hold down the fort. I want to thank you all. Without your prayers and practical help, I don't think I would have ventured out.
     Here are some other nuggets:

*  AMERICA is an amazingly beautiful country, not only the National Parks that people flock to see, but every state, even if all you see is from the Interstate Highway.

*  The CULTURE is very different west of the Mississippi. Kate called it "the code of the West." If you see someone on the road, you stop to help, because you are literally out in the middle of nowhere: no AAA truck, no phone service, and no town for miles. We drove 97 miles from Shoshoni WY to Casper WY and there was literally no gas station between those two towns. I never let the gas tank go below half full after we left St. Louis.

*  WALMART is everywhere. So are other chain stores, to a lesser degree. In some ways it is welcome/ familiar/ convenient, but also monotonous.

*  ONE visit to Wall Drug is enough. I would return to every other place we stopped. I would like to go to Chamberlain SD again, but it is very remote and can only be included on a road trip like this.

*  Driving 85 MPH in South Dakota is VERY different from driving 75 MPH on the PA Turnpike.

*  ALWAYS have a plug and cord to charge your phone in the car. If you don't have one, stop at the next Walmart and buy one.

     See my next post, "Was It Worth It?"