Data On The Move

After nearly seven months, our remarkable journey has come to a close.

We left West Suffield, CT on July 16, 2007. Our 1993 Chevrolet Suburban had 217,325.7 miles on it when we left – it has 239,093.4 miles on it now. We have visited 35 states and 23 National Parks. The Suburban has needed four new tires, a new fan belt, a new clutch rotor, a new water pump, a new alternator and a bunch of other bits of maintenance. Data has eaten 844 cups of dog food. We’ve nearly hit a bear, an owl, a few cars, three elk, a handful of deer, about a dozen horses and about 600 rabbits. Data swam in three Great Lakes and two oceans. We woke up, ate, posted and went to bed 211 times.

There are hundreds of ways to put numbers to our trip, and there is some merit and intrigue to that perspective. It’s the stuff between the numbers, however, that really made this trip what it was.

Our friends and family were extremely generous to us at every turn, and for that we owe them our thanks. Our parents have offered us their complete support and love, without which we may never have left Connecticut. By providing us with comfortable beds or floor space or even just a new voice at the dinner table, the people with whom we met along the way have been a big part of our trip. More than that, their stories have become part of our story.

We have encountered all sorts of other people over the last seven months, as well. From dog parks to Death Valley, strangers have given us restaurant recommendations and new perspectives. Though I would like to think Julia and I were both sociable people before this trip, the fact that we were surrounded by new faces nearly every day has helped us learn not to take other people for granted. Everyone we’ve met has had something to say and we appreciate that.

We set out to see America, and it didn’t disappoint. Before we left, we could scarcely imagine the variety of things we would see. Sure, we could read about the places we planned to visit, but seeing wonders like Badlands National Park in person is a completely different experience. Beyond that, we realized that we live in a country where cities of millions can coexist with towns of dozens. These days, when people think of America, it often has a negative connotation thanks largely to recent political blunders. Fundamentally, this country is truly great, a fact I may not have appreciated seven months ago.

Data has been the best possible companion to us on this trip. Before we left, we knew we would never cease to be amazed by him and we were right. We would swoon without fail every time his lips flapped in the wind as his head hung from the window. We could barely contain our pleasure every night as he would snore, grunt, growl and twitch in his sleep. No matter what may have gone wrong in the day, the sight of Data curled up in some contortionist position on the back seat would always bring a smile to our faces. We’ve tried to see much of our trip through Data’s eyes – even speculating as to exactly what must go through his mind at any given time. He’s been able to see and smell more in his short life than most dogs will experience in a lifetime, yet he still has the spirit of a puppy. It’s difficult to tell whether Data is better off for being on this trip or we are better off for Data’s company. Ultimately, all that matters is that the three of us took this journey together and each of us benefited the others.

Which, of course, brings me to Julia. For the last seven months I have had the privilege of spending nearly every minute of every day with my best friend. I cannot imagine this trip without her. Every day that passes leaves me feeling as though I know her better than I had the day before. We’ve been all across America and seen more than we ever imagined, but none of it compares with what we’ve seen in each other. At the risk of sounding corny, this trip has cemented in my mind the fact that she is undoubtedly the love of my life.

This should have been the easiest post for me to write on this entire trip, but it has been the most difficult. There are so many ways to recount this experience, but none seem to truly do it justice. There is still more to be said. Over the next few days, we will put together posts detailing our most and least favorite places and experiences across the country. We will also begin a new blog, which will be located at blog.brettmickelson.com (it is still under development, but should be up and running soon).

It’s easy to be forlorn by the conclusion of our trip, but the more I think about it, the less it bothers me. As I type this, Data is snoring on the ground and Julia is laying next to me and I realize – for us, the trip has just begun.

Location: West Norwalk, CT

Just a quick note: I am going to post my final thoughts tomorrow (Monday).  We are also working on one or two other big posts over the next few days, so keep checking in.  In addition to today’s recap, Julia and Data have both posted their final thoughts, so be sure to check them out.

As Brett, Data and I sit relaxing on this Sunday evening, I think of where our journey began 31 weeks ago, on the Sunday night before the beginning of our trip: excited, anxious and completely unsure of what to expect. I have to admit that I had my share of doubts, about the trip, about us, and about myself in particular. Part of me questioned whether we would actually survive the trip and each other. Call me pessimistic, but deep down I doubted our ability to find vegetarian options in beef country, sleep in the car in negative temperatures, and in general face the day to day unknowns. In the end, though, my insecurities and uncertainties were quelled by our ability to rely only on the security of each other.

Brett and I have certainly had our share of fights, whether over what to order for dessert or where to park the car for the night. However, when you live with someone for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you learn that even a two-hour car ride can seem like eternity when it’s done in silence. Despite the ridiculous arguments that we may have had from time to time, we also developed an incredible knack for communication – arguments were always resolved, and always resolved quickly. I think that Brett and I have been changed by this trip, both as a couple and as individuals. Our relationship was transformed by an incredible sense of trust and love, as cheesy as that may sound. I don’t think I know any other couple that could spend 7 months non-stop together and actually continue to enjoy each other’s company day after day. We have had so many fantastic experiences together that can never be explained, and I can’t imagine doing them with anyone else – they just wouldn’t have been the same. Brett is my best friend, and every moment we have spent on this trip together, even those spent fighting or in silence, are memories that I will carry with me forever. Brett played a large role in my personal transformation; he showed me that it IS okay to live day-to-day without a plan or understanding of what will come our way, and that sometimes it IS okay to go days without showering or brushing my hair (he seemed to love me regardless!). But mostly, he helped me understand that in the end grades and perfect postcards aren’t what matters. I think this trip made me realize that I can’t always be perfect, even if I would like to. Ultimately I’m better for it, and I’m better for it because of him.

I also learned that, despite its many faults, the United States of America truly is an incredible place, with the most amazingly varied landscape and cross-section of American people. Brett and I often marveled at the fact that South Dakota could consist of both the most incredibly boring, endless flat lands, and also the miraculous geological marvel that is the Stronghold of Badlands National Park. Or that California could contain the imposing Sequoia and Redwood forests, as well as the humbling Death Valley. We saw bison, bears, moose, ostriches, bald eagles, and our fair share of elk and horses. We explored sulfur pots, grand canyons, hot springs, caves, deserts, forests, dunes, mountains and coastlines. We attended Wakestock, Lollapalooza and the Exotic Erotic Ball. We visited parks, museums, monuments, aquariums and even a ballet. We “Zorbed,” hiked mountains, gazed at eclipses as well as stars, and swam in Great Lakes. We celebrated birthdays and mourned untimely deaths. We saw more than I ever could have imagined.

With every one of the 21,768 miles of our journey also came a new face. We saw family and old friends, and met plenty of new friends too. We discovered that, despite how differently people live throughout America, there is an overwhelming amount of kindness to be shared. This was evident in Cody, Wyoming, where the residents treated us like their own at the seasonal rodeo which, while a stereotypical event of the west, gave us an idea of the incredible sense of community often found only in small towns. It was also evident at Coyote Buttes in Arizona, where we encountered and talked for lengths with an incredibly friendly pair of hikers from Colorado, one of whom was recovering from her battle with cancer and extensive chemotherapy. Along the trip, we often met people who were as interested in our lives as we were in theirs. We must have given out upwards of 100 of Brett’s business cards so that these people could keep in touch or follow up with our blog. While we don’t know how many of these people actually remembered or cared enough to keep up with our travels, we were happy just to spread the word.

And what role, you may ask, did Data play on this trip? He was, without a doubt, an immeasurable element of our experience. Regardless of his tendency to have diarrhea on the backseat of the Suburban, snort like a pig while pacing excitedly, eat the crotches out of our clothes, or beg for French fries like a pro, I can’t imagine that Brett and I would have enjoyed our trip as much if our 80-pound companion had not been along for the ride. Even when he didn’t have room to romp, or had to spend days stuck on the back seat or in his crate, he loved us unconditionally. Brett and I must have spent hours just turning around to glance and laugh at Data “nuggeting” on the back seat, playing with his toys, sleeping in some cute way, or letting his lips flap in the wind while sticking his entire head out of an open car window. In a way, he made this trip the incredible experience that it was, and I like to think that he had a pretty good time with us as well.

Certainly, there are things that I imagine could have been different about our trip. I regret how infrequently I posted, for the majority of the trip, because I know that what few posts I have I will cherish and reflect on in years to come. I know that I will look back and read posts that I made and think to myself “how the hell did I manage to live out of a car for 7 months?” and then I will remember that those months were some of the best of my life. I regret not having taken more photos, which I attribute mostly to laziness but also to true admiration (and probably jealousy) for the ease with which Brett can so easily capture incredible moments, and even ordinary ones, in such a detailed and unique perspective. But whenever I start to think about what I could have done better or differently, I remind myself that, as my mom always says, I did as much as I could. I finished two incomplete courses and completed one independent study. I wrote tons of postcards and thank-you notes. I visited old friends and dear family. I was awarded two internships. I loved Brett more each day. I faced my fears. I let go.

And as I write the final sentences of this final post, with tears streaming down my face, I want to turn my attention to you, the reader. Regardless of who you are, you have been as much a part of this trip as the three of us. You have put a roof over our heads. You have given us restaurant and sightseeing recommendations. You have provided us words of encouragement. You have reminded us that we were not alone in this journey. We hope that when Data On The Move is closed, and we move on with our lives, that you will continue to stay in touch. We hope that, should you ever find yourself in our neck of the woods, you will know that what awaits you will be the same kindness that you offered to us at times when we most needed it.

Regardless of what tomorrow, or next week, or next year brings for us, a trio of travelers, I know that I will always have this trip and the experiences and memories that can never be measured or matched.

All My Love <3 J

edit 2/11/08: In the last 24 hours, while I have had time to think about this final post, I find that my mind has come across various events or characteristics of the trip, which may or may not have been worthy of an addition and/or edit. While I would like to keep the post as it was originally, I feel that what it lacks, surprisingly, is any mention of a crucial element of our incredible journey: our parents. My parents, Frank and Mary, and Brett’s mom, Ann, were so incredibly supportive of our exploration that it might not, it WOULD not, have happened had it not been for their endless support. We are so lucky to have parents who think outside the box, who love us and trust us to make the right decisions for ourselves and for each other. To them we are forever indebted.

We slept in as late as possible today, since we know that those days will be few and far between once the trip is “officially” over. When we woke up we found that it was snowing, and the ground had a thin, white blanket. Data had not yet seen the other dogs, besides Manny, so we took him out to see what kind of mayhem would ensue. Cheez-It, Joey and George were released from the runs in the backyard, at which time they showed total excitement over the return of their canine buddy. Joey was especially excited, and played chase and tumbled with Data for a good 20 minutes. Ann arrived home from work as we stood, amused, watching the dogs entertain themselves.

Upon returning inside Ann was kind enough to make some of her delicious scrambled eggs, which fortified us for a day of unpacking and organizing. Soon after, we ventured back outside to start taking apart our “house” of almost 7 months. The snow was still falling but we were undeterred. We removed items from the car in sections so that Brett could take photos of everything as an inventory of sorts. First came the cooler with the Nalgenes and various food that we, for the most part, never needed. This was followed by all of Data’s possessions, including his food, medicine, toys, various chews and crate, which will be put back into the Suburban once it has been cleaned. Next we removed our sleeping supplies, including sleeping bag, pillows, blankets, and towels. Then came the clothes, camping equipment and finally, the car supplies. We then removed the rest of the various objects that were floating around the car. Afterwards it was time to take off the Thule cargo box. Brett and I are amazed by the amount of Data hair we have found in the car, even though it was vacuumed twice during the trip. We also agree that the Suburban looks incredibly empty and also strange without the Thule top.

As a reward for our hard work, we made a much anticipated trip to Roma Restaurant, which we have been extremely excited for basically since the day we left on our trip. We had planned to make a trip to this delicious restaurant while home for Christmas, but because of the fact that I got sick and our flights were changed we were unable to do so.  We were so excited when we arrived at the restaurant that we were practically giddy. We ordered our usuals: fried mozzarella (bricks, not sticks), salads, a plain pizza, and baked ziti. When the food came we practically devoured our food, but not before Brett was able to take some photos of our spread. We both ate way too much, but it was so worth it! There are plenty of leftover pizza, which I’m sure will be enjoyed for days.

In order to get a second dose of the amazing movie theater popcorn, we decided to see a movie again tonight. National Amusements not only owns a movie theater in Manchester, but also in Enfield, which is about 15 minutes from Brett’s house. We made a quick stop at Suffield Veterinary Hospital in order to pick up some Advantix for Data, because he is 10 days behind on his flea and tick medication. Afterwards, we went to the 10pm showing of Juno. We debated between Juno and There Will Be Blood but decided it ultimately didn’t matter because we wanted to see both. While the movie has had very good reviews, Brett and I were less than thrilled about it; it seemed to try too hard to be an original Indie film, with enough cheesy and trendy music to last a lifetime. While the story line was endearing, the plot wasn’t developed enough to actually engross the viewer, in my opinion. Regardless of the disappointment of the movie, Brett was able to enjoy a second day of delicious movie theater popcorn, and therefore it was a good experience.

All three of us are now relaxing (Data is actually snoring and making all sorts of strange noises as usual) and it will be time for bed soon. Since the car is unpacked there is little for us to do tomorrow, but the one thing we would like to do is give Data a bath, since he hasn’t had one since… JULY!! Tomorrow we will also make our final posts, which I imagine will be bittersweet.

<3 J