“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” — Neale Donald Walsch
I know people are jonesing to get out of the house and get back to traveling. I am one that’s been getting on a plane multiple times a month for many, many years. What I hadn’t done a lot of is road travel and hitting the great outdoors.
I had been researching Sprinter vans. I wanted something with a toilet and a shower, or so I thought. I didn’t realize the work it would take to then deal with both of those on-board options. Where to hook up? How to drain sewage? How far in advance would you need to plan? When a friend of mine told me he was taking his “Travel With Meaning” concept to a new extended level, “Road Trips With Meaning,” with an actual planned road trip to Joshua Tree, I was all in.
I grew up in Los Angeles and had been to Joshua Tree once as a little girl, but never inside the national park. You see, I hadn’t been camping in 20 years and even then I went with someone who knew how to camp and what to bring. Going with Road Trips With Meaning meant I could go camping with a small group, socially distance, be with friends and make new ones, and not have to worry too much about the external; everything was pre-planned. We rented a camper van from Traveller’s AutoBarn with everything that we needed. While there was no shower and no toilet, I quickly discovered we had all the necessities: sitting/storage benches with a table that easily turned into a bed; a sink with running water for washing hands and cleaning dishes; a small fridge for perishables; and a stove top. It also had a ton of storage space and if any one knows me, they know I don’t travel light. It couldn’t have been more perfect and for much, much less per day than a Sprinter van. The idea of tent camping wasn’t even an option for me and I had so much fun sleeping in the camper with my sleeping bag, all cozy and bundled up with my honey, safe from the outdoor elements.
The Travel With Meaning peeps brought what they call “the poop tent.” I personally got a kick out of this and enjoyed it very much, but if the poop tent is not your thing, there were public restrooms that were open, or you always have the great outdoors. A rock and some privacy is all you really need, if you’re a girl; if you’re a guy, maybe even less.
Our Road Trips With Meaning crew gave us a bag of essentials: tissue; toilet paper; hand sanitizer; drinking water; dish soap; snacks and more. The food prepared each day was so great and even included a yummy birthday pancake breakfast on a mountaintop. Gathering around the campfire each night was the perfect place where you can still be together and 6 feet apart, under the stars. The campfire brought great conversations, a little wine… or a lot… some s’mores, and a bit of reflection. Meaningful conversations are sparked when you’re relaxed and connected to the energy of one another and the great outdoors.
We did a cave hike called the “Chasm Of Doom,” which I almost didn’t do for fear of the unknown and what to expect. Luckily, I decided to say yes anyway. I was so thrilled to meet the challenge and knowing that there’s nothing to fear but fear itself. It was awesome and ended up being one of my highlights. I would’ve been so disappointed to have missed such a unique experience guided by the great Jack Steward, of Rock The Park. He had already been through this cave multiple times, so I knew we were in good hands. We just have to remember to say yes to possibilities and know that we can do more than we think we’re capable of. We went on nature walks and went high up to the mountaintops to overlook the incredible valley. You could see as far as the Salton Sea. My eyes were on overload with all the magnificence that I saw. I live in Los Angeles and I think people tend to travel further out once they start traveling, rather than discover what’s right in their backyard. Joshua Tree was magical on its own, but it’s even more special with friends new and old.
Our trip was beautiful for the eyes, strengthening for the body, and nourishing for the soul. For the 4 days we were away, I lived in a place of gratitude to be able to experience such an adventure with great friends, good food, wine, meaningful conversations and a sense of togetherness while connecting to the wonder of nature.
I can’t wait to go again.
Thank you –Mike Schibel of Travel With Meaning, Jack Steward and a big thank you to Traveller’s Auto Barn for making it such a memorable experience. One that I will never forget.
Road Trips With Meaning have launched their Spring Joshua Tree dates. They are small group adventures and perfect for couples and friends. www.travelwithmeaning.com