There’s a unique kind of thrill in setting off on a solo road trip — just me, my car packed to the brim, and thousands of miles of open road ahead. But this journey has been about so much more than simply getting from point A to B. This is the start of an adventure I’ve dreamed of for years requiring sacrifice, planning, and sheer determination. And I wouldn’t be here without the unwavering encouragement (and occasional push) from Vance, who always believed in me and this wild dream. Now, with the road stretching out before me, I could feel it — this is where our next chapter truly begins.
Days 1 & 2: Making Miles & Catching Up in Texas
The first two days were all about covering ground. I started with an 8.5 hour drive to Pensacola, FL, checked into a hotel, squeezed in a quick workout, and got some rest before hitting the road early. Another 8.5-hour stretch brought me to Houston, where I stayed with one of my favorite humans, Pascale, and her sweet pup, Kenga. We spent the evening catching up, reminiscing, and laughing until late. The next morning, we grabbed coffee and breakfast before I got back on the road.
Day 3: Quirky Stops & Texas BBQ
I covered another 8 hours, stopping for a photo op at the world’s largest shovel (because why not?) and doing some handstands along the way. Dinner was at an excellent Texas BBQ spot—because no road trip through Texas is complete without it.
Day 4: Dust Storm Drama
Left at 5:30 AM to dodge an insane windstorm… which worked, at first. But by the time I hit southeast Colorado, I was stuck in a whiteout dust storm for two hours. Visibility was near zero, so I pulled over—thankfully. A wreck happened just 500 feet ahead of me, but I couldn’t see it until the dust settled. A semi hit a car towing an ATV, and then a police cruiser rear-ended the semi. If I’d kept going, I might’ve been part of that pileup.
Once the storm cleared, I made my way to Denver, where I met my niece’s newborn baby and then drove to my brother’s horse ranch in Longmont to cozy up for the night.
Day 5: Ranch Life & More Weather Woes
The morning started crisp and cold as I helped my sister-in-law feed over 40 horses at Wildsong Ranch. After soaking up some quality horse time, I hit the road for what should have been the final leg—seven hours to Afton, WY.
But Mother Nature had other plans.
Just 90 minutes from my destination, I ran into a snowstorm and a wreck blocking all lanes. With only two hours until sunset, I wasn’t about to risk driving mountain roads in the dark. So, I turned around, found a hotel 45 minutes away, and treated myself to a big steak dinner and a glass of wine. First-world problems.
Day 6: Finally, Afton!
The next morning, the sun was shining, and I was determined to make it. I stocked up on de-icer, winter gloves, and an ice scraper before setting off. The last two hours of the drive were breathtaking—snow-dusted mountains, winding valleys, and perfectly plowed roads (shoutout to the snowplows and my trusty Subaru!).
Pulling into Afton felt surreal. Nestled in Star Valley, this place looks like a scene straight out of an old western. And the people? Incredibly warm and welcoming. I can’t wait to explore every inch of this stunning landscape.
Let the epic adventures begin!