Where I Am & How Far I’ve Gone in 12 Days
Today marks Day 12 of my road trip.. Feels like it’s been a lifetime and no time at all. I’m in Wyoming right now, just outside Cheyenne, heading east on I-80. This is state number ten. Or nine. Depends if you count the minute I spent in Arizona.
I’ve covered around 3,000 miles so far, (my trip monitor got reset at some point—oops—but I’m guessing it’s close). Since leaving Washington on July 21st I’ve been through Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado… and now Wyoming. That’s a lot of states in 12 days.
Day 12: Updates
I’ve hit a point where my car feels like a disaster zone. It’s full of random clutter I’ve been tossing around in the heat—blankets over garbage, misplaced tools, and clothes everywhere. But today’s cooler weather feels like a blessing. For once, I don’t feel like I’m melting! With the windows down, I’m not suffocating in the usual heat, which gives me the energy to organize and reset.
The vibe here in Cheyenne, though? I don’t know. Something about it feels off and I don’t really like it. I’m planning to stop at Walmart for a minute so I can grab a few things and hopefully get my car straightened out before I move on.
Personal Stories and Reflections
Last night was absolute magic, though. I camped in the Rockies, and it was freezing. Like, toes-numb, dig-around-for-a-blanket freezing. After days of feeling like I was melting, it was the best thing ever. I woke up cold and happy.
But this trip has been more than just highs and lows, it’s also taught me a lot about myself. I’ve learned to trust my intuition and to move quickly when something doesn’t feel right. I’ve also realized how important it is to keep my surroundings tidy. Like, the mess in my car? It’s not just a car mess—it’s me. When my car’s a disaster, my head feels like one too. Fixing one helps fix the other, so maybe today’s cleanup is more than just moving stuff around.
Tips and Advice for Car Living
Okay, so car life. Here’s what I’ve figured out so far:
- Sunroof Hack: If you’ve got one, tilt it open. It lets the heat out without needing to crack the windows. Plus, you can stargaze at night. Win-win.
- Gas Tips: Never let your tank go below half, especially in areas with long stretches of nothing. I’ve learned to stop whenever I see a good price.
- Safety First: Always park in visible, populated areas. Lock your car, and keep self-defense tools like pepper spray or a stun gun nearby. I sleep with mine within arm’s reach.
- DIY Car Maintenance: Learn to do the basics. I’m changing my oil tomorrow because mechanics? Nope. They’ve burned me too many times.
- Car Organization Matters: Keep your car neat, even when it’s hot. A little effort every day prevents overwhelming chaos.
State-Specific Thoughts
Wyoming – I don’t know, man. It feels like it’s just land, endless land. Cheyenne isn’t really giving me good energy, so I’m not sticking around.
Colorado – The Rockies were gorgeous but stressful. I-70 is a nightmare—trucks with their brakes on fire, elevation messing with my head. I’m good. Never doing that again.
Northern California – This remains my favorite so far, especially the coast. There’s something magical about the redwoods and ocean air.
Dos and Don’ts for Road Tripping after 12 days on the Road
Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way:
Do:
• Stop often for gas. Take small breaks to stretch and decompress-—I like ‘scroll on my phone for 15 minutes’ breaks, makes me feel a little more normal.
• Take time to enjoy the surroundings of whatever place you’re in, and take lots of photos! Like, record videos, voice memos whatever. Record everything.
• Keep your stuff organized. Trust me, it makes life so much easier.
• Pay attention to your surroundings. Always sleep in populated, well-lit areas. I personally like to park directly under street lights. I’m not sure if it’s more secure, but it definitely feels like it.
Don’t:
• Let strangers know too much about you. Privacy is so important, especially if you’re a solo female.
• Stay in places that feel sketchy or unsafe.
• Forget to check your car’s condition regularly. Like, I’m talking check your fluid levels (especially oil!) and tire pressure everytime you get gas (or every 2-3 days if you drive a lot like me). If you don’t know how to do this, google it. Seriously, you do not want to end up stranded in a sketchy place like Mesquite, Nevada, trying to find a reliable ASE-certified mechanic that won’t further damage your home or steal your belongings. Trust me.
Day 12: What I’ve Learned so far
This trip has been an experience that has taught me resilience and resourcefulness. I’m realizing I’m capable of more than I thought. Whether I’m driving through wild terrain, fixing my own car, or navigating weird vibes—none of it phases me now.
I’ve also learned how little I actually need. Living out of my car has stripped everything down to basics, leaving me with clarity about what matters most. And honestly? I kind of love it. It’s just me, my car, and the open road.
Main Takeaways
• Trust your gut: if something feels weird or off, just leave. Don’t be reckless.
• Stay clean and organized: Your environment seriously impacts your thoughts and emotions. Clutter is an actual living nightmare.
• Learn to adapt and be flexible: Road life changes fast and sometimes that means changing your sleeping spot last minute, or accidentally forgetting to pee in a state that has no public bathrooms for 200 miles (thanks, Utah rest stops). Even in challenging moments, there’s beauty to be found in the experience.
• Enjoy the little things: Embrace the simplicity of living on the road. You don’t need much to be happy—just safety, comfort, and a sense of purpose for the day ahead.
• Appreciate the Journey: Don’t rely so much on maps, instead try to take more random turns. Explore the small towns and rural areas.
This trip is teaching me to appreciate the messy, chaotic, beautiful process of figuring things out. I’ve faced challenges, celebrated victories, and grown more confident in myself and my abilities. As I move into Day 13, I’m excited to see what’s next on this journey. Wyoming might not be my favorite, but it’s part of the journey. Here’s to wherever the road takes me next.
As always, don’t forget to share your revelations with me below ♡
Until next time,
Audrey
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