Big, scary decision has been made...

[Echo]

I am thinking of driving about 600 miles per day or so. I also have to think about the cost of overnight stays at motels along the way. 7 nights can add up to a lot. If I didn't have the cat, I could camp with the tent but would be too worried about her getting loose. She is a definate flight risk. Have thought about flying her back there but not sure what that would cost and I don't trust my roommate to get her to the airport for me.

Barbie!!! I am so glad that you have made the decision to go home. You will be so happy to spend this time with your Father! I can picture his joy when he hears your news!

Also glad to hear that you might be hitting up a certain GTG in Florida!! YAY!

As to Lola and camping? Start now getting her use to wearing a harness and using a long lead. That way you can keep her hooked up and camp on your way back to MN. Good idea on the 2 new tires. Just make sure also to check out that spare tire and have a good one there too. Even if it's a used tire, you can get one in good shape.

Way to go girl!!!

[Sandersmr]

Good luck to you on your decision.

[snowball]

well if you decide to do some sightseeing...I'll not be far from Jackson WY as I will be having the trailer moved up to ID for the rest of the summer and
part of the fall...you can see lots but if you are overly concerned about mts take I70 across then start angling up when you get to NB
but 8 days gives you lots of room to go in
sheila
oh by the way it sounds like a sensible idea...one you might regret come Jan but snow does melt sooner or later

[Nasoosie]

Excellent idea, Barbie! You will always have time to return to CA if so motivated, the next time without an insane roommate! Hope to see you in FL for the GTG down there sometime in January, probably. I have a spare bed if you don't mind hearing TV on all night! (I run it to cover up my tinnitus hum in my head!) Or, I also have a tent that attaches to my pickup for inside/outside sleeping! Good decision you have made for both you and your father.

[BarbaraRose]

Thanks Soos! I will be staying with my girlfriend in Crystal River. Who is planning the GTG this year?

[Carolinagal]

Until you get to cooler weather, hope you won't keep to your plans of 600 miles a day Barbie. Under good conditions that's a lot of miles for one person, very tiring and heat adds to our tired feeling.. Just take care okay ????

I think for your sanity, and the fact you are insuring you will have no regrets in years to come about your Dad, That you have made an excellent decision. You really need to be away from those wackos at home and work gosh I'm so glad you still sound so sane in mind

Take care and do hope you can enjoy your trip , surely there are some Sistahs along the way you could meet for a short stop over.

CArol

Soos said she would post dates and where, just no scheduling of things to do, last yr doing it that way worked great.

[cpatinjones]

Wishing you the best.

[JudyJB]

Good decision. No more worrying about your crazy roomates and their supposed upcoming marriage or NOT.

You can save some money, pay off bills, and be closer to family for a while. Then when you are ready, you can take off and do the things you want to do.

And do go back to school. You are never too old, not that you are old anyway.

[Irmi]

Barbie, I think your decision to go back home is wise. The last few months, you have sounded frantic, between your job and room mate situation. I agree with CArol that 600 miles a day is a bit much, so take your time, and if you have a chance, have some mini GTG's along the way.

[BarbaraRose]

Yah, 600 miles is a lot for each day. 400-450 per day would be easier. I thought about flying my cat back but after thinking about the stress she would go thru in that process, I think she would be better off with me in the car. I will probably start taking her for short rides in the car and see if she gets used to it.

My dad is super thrilled that I am coming back. He said that news was the best birthday present he could have gotten!

[BarbaraRose]

Just wondering...would it be a good idea to get AAA in case something happens on the way to MN? I don't have any kind of roadside assistance insurance other than free towing thru State Farm.

[Irmi]

Barbie, because of the length of the trip you're about to make, I wouldn't leave without some type of roadside assistance insurance. Just the peace of mind knowing you have something available is worth it.

[BarbaraRose]

Silly me!!! I went back to look at my prospective route from CA to MN and my plan is actually 6 hours per day, not 600 miles per day. Whew! It would actually be between 350 and 400 miles per day for a 6 day trip. That is more doable. I think I just heard my little car sigh with relief!

[Dawn309]

Whew! 6 hours sounds so much better than 600 miles each day.

I think that is a good idea to take your kittie on short trips to get her used to riding. Be sure and let us know where you are everyday when you hit the road. I am glad you are getting away from your totally nuts roommate and her daughter.

[OutandAbout]

Barbie, this sounds like really good news. It's one chapter closing, but another opening. You will be able to do more back in MN. You can also say that you have done CA and not wonder what if? Especially if you do not wish to return in the future. Good luck and drive safely.

P.S. Even though your manager/friend is delighted to have you back, I would get everything in writing. Get the dates, times and salary all in writing. Do that for you.

Linda