Roadtrip

Most of the travelling I've done has been on the road. Growing up, the Six-Bears family would never fly on vacations(accept for a rare trip to Disneyland) and, so, were limited to touring the Northwest via Audi Quattro. In college my road experience continued as, when holidays permitted, I'd shuttle from Missoula to Seattle and back. Though my flying has increased greatly in recent years, I prefer, when reasonable, to travel by auto. Few things embody American life as completely as the road trip. The road trip synthesizes freedom, space, and technology, qualities that have shaped America from the beginning, into an experience which captures the essence of what it means to be American. We, as Americans, are aware of the size and geographical diversity that exists within our nation's borders. Those of us who grew up in the Northwest knew of the Southwestern deserts, Southern swamps, and New England forests. We know that different regional cultures thrive in their respective locales in America. Anyone with even a trace of healthy curiosity longs to explore the country. The road trip remains the ideal way to do this. Travelling America by auto allows for the voyager to excercise virtually total individualism in the American fashion. The traveller can decide when to depart, how fast to go, where to stop along the way( and, indeed, the curious stops on the road trip seem essential, customizing the journey for the particular individual/group. One should anticipate those unique places, never to be seen again, whether it be a landmark drive-in for a road-side lunch or a 'Pulp Fiction' style pawn shop. The latter I've stopped at more than once in hopes of directions. Somehow I'm never the one waiting in the car.)
   Most journeys, be they great or small, are taken with the destination as the primary goal. In olden times, it was something to fasten ones horses to a carraige and face the elements. Few had the luxury of setting out with the purpose of "finding America" or seeking random adventures. Horses could not travel nearly as far nearly as fast as the automobile, limiting people to geographic regions small by our standards. The airplane certainly made distant travel easier and faster. Flight is the ultimate 'destination based' form of travel and, while it allows the traveller the unique 'bird's eye view' of the world, can offer the traveller only a service.   The charm of the road trip is that all decisions lie with the traveller and the journey is the goal. Most auto trips, of course, lead to a planned destination, but the true road trip entices its travellers with the promise of the experience of getting there. The less clearly defined the destination, I think, the more of a "true road trip" the journey will become. An over-emphasized destination could lead to a hurried trip which won't do, since the point is to enjoy what awaits you on the road. Time should be of minimal importance. On the road trip, unlike flight, the traveller is a participant in the landscape he is visiting. The red rocks of Utah or the snow capped peaks of Idaho are far more 'tangible' when seen through the windshield of a car. Smells and temperatures can be felt via a rolled-down window. Best of all, you can slow down and stop.
     Though there are countless places and roads I have yet to see and cruise, I have done my share of road tripping, especially in the last five years. Here's a descriptive list of some of the memorable places I've seen while hittin' the road.
I-90 From Missoula, MT to Bozeman, MT
The first time I took this drive was with my dad. The second, with a van full of smelly fraternity brothers. This drive offers a look at Western and Central Montana. Unfortunately, you'll pass Butte, MT on the way. Step on the gas until you're outta there. There are some great scenes crossing the mountains of the 'Continental Divide' with a lot of "Lewis and Clark" prarie country to follow. Bozeman is a worthwhile college town with enough to do for one or two days. Yellowstone Park is not far away.
U.S. 93 From Missoula, MT to Kalispell, MT and beyond
I'm natually fond of this drive as it takes you through lots of the Flathead Rez area. You'll pass the National Bison Range, The St. Ignatias Valley, and the breathtaking Flathead Lake. There are many interesting establishments to stop at to add "content" to your trip. Find a Buffalo burger and Huckleberry Shake. Hit the restroom at a roadside gas station within the Indian rez(just ask Ethan Wesley). After Kalispell, find your way to the amazing Glacier National Park. You'll be in awe of the natural landscape even before you reach the park.
U.S. 93 From Missoula, MT to Las Vegas
The mother of all road trips that I've taken. This one was in the dead of winter and took 19 hours. For experiencing real American space it's tough to beat Idaho. I was enchanted by the barren expanses and ranch coutry I found in central Idaho. It's one of the most scenic states I've driven through. The terrain changes often in ID, which is another plus. It was dark by the time I reached the Nevada border, yet was well aware of the desert surroundings from the view my highbeams allowed me. I vividly remember small rodents and the occasional deer bounding from the highway as I approached. Definately a memorable and recommended drive.
I-15 From Las Vegas, NV to Butte, MT
This doozie took a whopping 21 hours, much of it in snow. The most amazing part of the trip comes in the northwestern corner of Arizona that you cross, where you'll find yourself surrounded by towering red rock mesas and canyons unique to the American southwest. This terrain lasts until beautiful St. George, UT.
The rest of the drive takes you through Utah state(Salt Lake City included), which is rather unremarkable, and Idaho which, if the trip is made in one day, will be travelled in darkness.
I-90 From Missoula, MT to Seattle, WA(or vice versa)
I've made this trip many times going home for breaks during college, and it has never bored me. The geography changes often enough and quite drastically. The western Montana mountains are of enough visual interest and you'll often find youself the only driver in sight. Idaho's Couer D' Alene is one of the trip's visual jewels and is worth a stop. The stretch of road from Couer D' Alene to Spokane, WA is uninspiring, yet past Spokane is the wide open eastern Washington expanse. The trip, in my opinion, reaches it's climax at the sharp cliffs and brown desert of the Columbia River area. Stop at a 'scenic view' site and take a photo if given the chance. Central Washington's nice and once you reach the Snoqualmie Pass you'll be immersed in the greenery that is Western Washington's natural signature.
HW 12/U.S. 95 From Missoula, MT to Moscow, Idaho
This drive follows a Montana river(can't remeber which one exactly) for quite a ways before spitting you out in Idaho. The rest of the drive is more fabulous scenery of Idaho. Just outside of Moscow are unique scenes of rolling hills and farm country. I highly recomend driving Idaho in the summer time.
I-5 From Seattle to Los Angeles
I made this baby not to long ago as my trek to Hollywood. The big thrill was leaving Oregon and entereing the "Golden State." Northern California is plentiful with golden peaks and green pines. Much of the state south of San Francisco is drab farmland but the anticipation of getting to southern California should be enough entertainment. This is probably not the most scenic or interesting route for the true road trip between Seattle and L.A. If time is no facter, research the best "road trip" route.

Though I've been a part of other memorable drives, these are some where I have driven all or part of the journey and feel that I was in tune with 'the trip.' As one can see, this list only scratches the surface of places to go and see in America. You can bet I'm itching to hit the road again in search of America. I urge readers to do the same.   The road trip is a rich part of American culture, as can be seen by it's appearance in popular twentieth century works, and is the supreme way to aquaint oneself with the coutry on both a macro and mico scale. Fly past wheat fields in Washington, marry a hooker in Vegas, blow a tire in Dead End, NM. But don't forget that this is the land of wide open spaces. And for heaven's sake, don't hurry.