>>687246I had saved up some money and ended up staying primarily in cheap motels and hotels I could get deals on. I camped maybe 20-25% of the time? Some places don't have national forests readily available and National Park campsites and private campgrounds/RV parks can be just as expensive as a cheap motel room. I had money, so I'd rather pay $10 more for a shower, free breakfast, internet, bed, and heating/AC. Was a great experience. I love driving so it worked out perfectly for me. Lots to tell, but the USA is stunningly beautiful. I felt I kind of owed it to myself and to my country to drive it and really see how vast and different the varying states and regions are. Yellowstone, Glacier National, and Capitol Reef NPs were probably my favorites.
I'd usually wake up around 6 or 7 each morning if I wasn't hungover. I'd get into the National Park before it got crowded because fuck those places when they start to pack in. Some parks you don't have to worry about, but Arches, certain parts of Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, parts of Redwood parks, etc can get PACKED. I'd be out of the park or wherever by 3 or 4 pm and start driving towards my next destination. When I'd get tired or found a town that looked decent, I'd pull over and look on TripAdvisor and just book a cheap motel. If I couldn't find one for some reason or they were all booked or really expensive, I'd just cruise to the nearest place to camp and pitch a tent. I almost never had problems finding a cheap place to stay though. Also, I love trying local food and beers at bars so I tried to stay in as many small towns as possible.
All in all, it was a perfect (albeit slightly more $$ than I meant it to be) trip. Bout to head out again, except this time when I find a place I really like, I'm just going to stay there and work.
As for the vehicle, pic related. 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, 345 HP, 5.7 L Hemi. Posted in another thread too. Thing kicked ass and took names except for a few hiccups.
