I’m writing this from the ocean at Coos Bay, Oregon. This is only the second night of my road trip—I left Seattle just yesterday. It feels surreal to already be this far south, but the journey so far has been anything but smooth. Between battling bugs, dealing with crows, and confronting the realities of living on the road, it’s already been a journey full of whirlwind of challenges and intense reflections.
The Bugs, the Crows, and the Ocean
Let’s start with the crows. They’ve been following me since I hit the road, and honestly, I’m starting to think they’re my uninvited travel companions. Whether they’re here to torment me or keep me safe, I can’t tell, but their constant presence is unsettling.
As for the bugs—wow. The mosquitoes here are relentless, and I’ve lost track of how many bites I’ve gotten. I’ve been dousing myself in bug spray, but it doesn’t seem to help much. It’s making me realize that while I love the idea of camping, the reality of it—dirt, itchiness, and discomfort—is not my thing.
Despite all this, the ocean is stunning. Standing in the waves brings a strange sense of peace, even though I feel completely unprepared for the outdoors. Flip-flops in the mud? Not my brightest idea.
Camping Reflections
Tonight, I’m staying at Sunset Bay Campground, which was an unexpected stop. My original plan was to make it to Eureka, California, but the beauty of Coos Bay and the promise of a hot shower convinced me to stay. It’s only $20 for the night, and I’m grateful to have a safe place to park and recharge.
Setting up my car for sleeping has been a process, and I’m realizing how much I still need to downsize. My car is packed with things I don’t really need but can’t seem to part with yet. Letting go is hard, but I know it’s a necessary part of this journey—not just for my belongings, but for the mental clutter I’m carrying too.
The Loneliness of the Journey
Being alone on the road has been strange. I chose this solitude, but it’s still hitting me in ways I didn’t expect. Everyone I see here seems to have someone—a partner, a friend, or family. Meanwhile, it’s just me and the open road.
This solitude is both freeing and isolating. On one hand, I love that no one is influencing my decisions right now. I’m figuring out who I am without anyone else’s input. On the other hand, it’s lonely. Quiet stretches of time make me confront things I’ve been avoiding for years.
Rewriting My Story
One of the biggest things I’ve realized in just two days is that this trip isn’t just about the places I’m going; it’s about rewriting my story. The past feels heavy, and I don’t want to carry it anymore. I’m learning to replace old narratives with new ones—stories that reflect the person I want to be, not the person I used to be.
It feels a bit like a witness protection program for my identity. Is it lying to leave parts of my story out? Maybe. But it feels like the only way to protect my peace and focus on who I’m becoming.
Final Thoughts: Moving Forward like the Ocean
As I stand here, covered in bug bites and contemplating my next steps, I can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. This trip is already messy, uncomfortable, and far from perfect, but it’s mine.
For now, I’m taking it one step at a time—literally and figuratively. I don’t know where I’m headed next—maybe Eureka or further south. For now, I’ll take another hot shower, clean up. Tomorrow? Who knows. But isn’t that kind of the point?
What About Your Road Trip Adventures?
Road trips are full of surprises—sometimes messy, sometimes magical. Have you ever faced silly unexpected challenges like the nagging of relentless crows or moments of deep introspection while on the road?
I’d love to hear your stories! Share your favorite (or funniest) road trip moments in the comments below or tag me on Instagram @audreymikal. Let’s connect over the chaos and beauty of life on the road!
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