The Rules of a Roadtrip

Life can be fun as a Road Warrior. This particular Road Trip included the Castle Air Museum in Atwater, California.

The Rules of a Road Trip
The purpose of a Road Trip is to get out to look at things and experience things you wouldn't ordinarily look at or experience.

The Rules:

1. By definition, a Road Trip occurs by traveling down roads. So, using a car, van, or truck is required. (Motor homes are also acceptable as long as they don't have a cute name painted on the back or too many stickers referencing fishing, golf or being retired.)

2. There are two types of Road Trips. A Known Road Trip is when you have a set destination. A True Road Trip has no known destination. On a True Road Trip, you flip a coin to decide your direction of travel once you are in the car. The first flip decides between the directions North and South. The second flip decided between East and West. The final flip decides between the two winners. (If you are traveling near the coast, you do not have to drive into the water if that direction wins the flip.)

3. Live off the land. You do not take any food on a Road Trip. All food must be acquired along the way.

4. Chain restaurants should be avoided. Uncle Zeke's Original BBQ is a good choice for food. McDonalds, Burger King, or Taco Bell are not. (Remember the idea it to experience something you wouldn't ordinarily experience. If you ordinarily don't eat at McDonalds, Burger King, or Taco Bell, then these choices are valid.)

5. If something looks even mildly interesting, stop to look at it. Remember that the goal is to get your sorry butt off the couch and look at things. So…don’t be afraid to look at things as you discover them.

6. Be ready for anything. Bring a jacket, a hat, and sunscreen. A Leatherman multi-tool or extra guitar picks can be useful too.

7. Music is a requirement. Just like the movies, life is better with a soundtrack. Don't be afraid to change-up your music choices as well. Too much of AC/DC or the Boston Philharmonic can be equally stale.

8. Forget fashion. Dress for comfort. Leave the designer clothes at home. Jeans and old sneakers are good.

9. Alternate roads can be good. A lot of America is found between the highways.

Friends, and jet aircraft are always a cool combination.

A bunch of rusted farm tools and tractors were found later in the day. If it is interesting, stop to look at it.

On a Road Trip you always live off the land.

You never know what you'll find when you start looking. On a Road Trip, the journey is the adventure.

Oh...it's also a very good idea to keep your fishing poles in the car.