I am SO thankful that I listened to advice to take Highway 212 from Cody, Wyoming to Red Lodge, Montana (technically, I took Highway 120 North, then Highway 296 West, then Highway 212 East).
HOLY COW. I felt like I was driving through a postcard. This was by far one of the most scenic routes of this entire trip.
I continued my drive to Livingston, where I stayed with a dear friend I knew from Franklin, TN. What a beautiful town!! Between the drive and the river and the charming town, my first day in Montana had me hooked!
The next day, I headed to Virginia City and Nevada City at my dad’s suggestion. Though I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit again, I enjoyed seeing interesting artifacts and reading about the area’s history in Virginia City. I also found Nevada City - which is set up as an outdoor museum - to be intriguing. If you’re an Old West history enthusiast, I imagine you’d want to add this to your route!
#solotraveller #solotravels #soloroadtrip #highwaytomore #midlifeadventures #localtravel #scenicdrives #montana #ghosttown
Editor: @alexgcullum
Music: Brunch
Musician: Muspace Lofi
When I first started planning this journey, I estimated that I would travel roughly 6,000-7,000 miles and be on the road for about 6 weeks.
By the time I made it home, I had logged nearly 12,000 miles over the course of 8 weeks. During that time, I visited 19 states and part of Canada, explored national and state parks and monuments, drove unbelievably scenic routes, and met people I am in touch with to this day.
I went paddle boarding, horseback riding, skydiving, and motorcycle riding. I participated in a sweat lodge and slept in a tipi. I relaxed in hot mineral springs and recharged in cold creeks. I hiked 12 miles in Glacier, and I accidentally went rock-climbing in Sedona.
Despite my initial fears of traveling solo, I tackled the challenge by taking the journey one day at a time. By the time I was finished, I was amazed at the experiences I’d gathered and the strength I’d gained.
Friends, I challenge you to get out of your comfort zone, face your fears, push through, and ask for help when you need it. Amazing things are on the other side!
#solotraveller #solotravels #soloroadtrip #highwaytomore #midlifeadventures #localtravel #faithoverfear #getoutofyourcomfortzone #exploremore
Editor: @alexgcullum & @leahmccracken81
Music: Sunset Show
Musician: Muspace Lofi
I needed comfort on the day I booked this place, and it delivered that in serious style!
Not only was the bed comfortable and the shower a delight, but that toilet delivered a luxurious experience I never knew I needed!
I’d stay here again in a heartbeat. Thanks for the lovely stay, @stay.at.strayhouse !
#solotraveller #solotravels #soloroadtrip #highwaytomore #midlifeadventures #localtravel #route66 #uniquestay #luxuriousbathroom #stylishinteriors
Editor: @alexgcullum
music: Lofi chill out with a calm impression
Musician: yuki
When I was researching New Mexico and saw it had mineral hot springs, I knew I wanted to add a visit in if possible. Friends suggested Ojo Caliente, but after doing more research, I felt like Montezuma Hot Springs was more up my alley.
My original plan was to stay one night in Las Vegas, NM so I could enjoy the hot springs and then head to Lubbock, TX to visit friends. Just before leaving Santa Fe, however, I developed a bad headache and started feeling terrible. Thankfully, the drive to Las Vegas was only about an hour, but a trip to the pharmacy and a positive COVID test meant that I wasn’t going anywhere else soon.
I spent two miserable days and nights in a motel before I was well enough to visit the hot springs. Though I was taking medicine and resting, I had a feeling that the hot mineral water would offer healing to my aching body.
This place was incredible! There are several pools ranging in temperature from 94-120°, and though I was able to tolerate the hottest one for a short time, I settled into another that was just right.
Two and a half days later, I was 1300 miles away and at home in Tennessee... and the day after that, I was mowing my lawn. I’d say there’s something to those healing waters!
#solotraveller #solotravels #soloroadtrip #highwaytomore #midlifeadventures #localtravel #visitnewmexico #hotspring #healingwaters #covidgoaway
Editor: @alexgcullum
Music: Peaceful Place
Musician: Muspace Lofi
Talk about getting brave... I booked this place less than an hour before I arrived! In the past, I would have never left lodging to the last-minute, but I found that doing so sometimes results in finding funky places and great discounts!
This place is located in Cañada de los Alamos, which is about 30 minutes outside of Santa Fe. The 156-acre property sits at 7,700 feet in elevation and borders the Santa Fe National Forest and Pecos Wilderness.
This was a great place to rest as I explored nearby Santa Fe, of which I couldn’t seem to get enough! Had I spent more time in the area, I would have most certainly taken advantage of the hiking trails!
#solotraveller #solotravels #soloroadtrip #highwaytomore #midlifeadventures #localtravel #lastminutetravel #uniquestays #santafe
Editor: @alexgcullum
Music: Lonely Souls (Lofi)
Musician: Muspace Lofi
After staying at Mountain Harmony Retreat in Ramah with the loveliest hosts, I headed to El Morro National Monument at their recommendation. This place was a delight to my senses, with its fragrant juniper and towering sandstone bluff.
I was so struck by the age of the inscriptions, which included Native petroglyphs, carvings by Spanish Conquistadors that dated back to the 1600s, and markings by American settlers.
This impressive hidden gem provided a profound experience, as I began to wonder what kind of mark I hope to leave on this earth. I’d recommend you check it out if you get a chance... it’s truly something special!
#solotraveller #solotravels #soloroadtrip #highwaytomore #midlifeadventures #localtravel #elmorro #juniper #visitnewmexico
Editor: @alexgcullum
Music: Sunflower
Musician: Muspace Lofi
Wood AND rock... combined?? When I saw that Petrified Forest National Park was on the way from Sedona to New Mexico, I knew that I had to stop for a visit!
This place. Fossils. Petroglyphs. Native ruins. Painted Desert. I was thrilled at every turn!
Add this stop to your Arizona road trip itinerary… you won’t regret it!
#solotraveller #solotravels #soloroadtrip #highwaytomore #midlifeadventures #localtravel #petrifiedforest #painteddesert #petroglyphs #nativehistory #visitarizona
Editor: @alexgcullum
Music: Lazy Weekend
Musician: Muspace Lofi
As I was driving from Sedona to the Petrified Forest, I simply could not figure out where Route 66 was. Driving on I-40 (which my Maps app said was Rt. 66), I saw a sign for the park, so I pulled off and decided to regroup.
To my delight, I spotted the Wigwam Motel and immediately recalled the similar “Cozy Cone Motel” in Pixar’s Cars. 🚘
What a fun spot! I loved walking around and looking at the old cars… and the huge pieces of petrified wood! 🪵
#solotraveller #solotravels #soloroadtrip #highwaytomore #midlifeadventures #localtravel #wigwammotel #uniquestays #route66 #getyourkicksonroute66
Editor: @alexgcullum
Music: Down the Street
Musician: Aleksandar Kiprov
When I mapped out my route, I had originally planned to stay one night in Sedona and then head to Gilbert where my cousin lives. The timing of my visit just didn’t work out, but she generously sent me some money to go out to dinner. ♥️
The change in plans also allowed me to take a day off of driving and add an extra night in Sedona. And after my adventurous day, I decided to get cleaned up and take myself on a date! 💃🏻
At the recommendation of a friend, I went to Elote Cafe for dinner. I told the bartender what kinds of foods I liked and trusted him to order for me. And can I just say - YUM!! The food and service did not disappoint!! 😋
After dinner, I couldn’t bear to call it a night - especially since I went to the trouble of fixing my hair and makeup! 👩🏻🦱💄
A tip from the bartender pointed me towards Mooney’s for karaoke. I had originally just planned to people watch, but the persuasive host convinced me to put my name on the list. 😬
This was a first for me - singing karaoke sober! I managed to make it through the whole song, but I made a beeline for the door as soon as I was done! 😅
#solotraveller #solotravels #soloroadtrip #highwaytomore #midlifeadventures #localtravel #visitsedona #visitarizona #solodate #karaokenight #soberfun
Editor: @alexgcullum
Music: @brunomars & @leahmccracken81
**Back story: written on my rental car was, “On a sobriety journey. Have traveled 10,000 miles. Want to help with gas money? Venmo @ recoveryroadtrip”. That message led to connections and conversations throughout my trip. ♥️
After my sweltering hike at Pyramid Trail, I went on the hunt for a place to cool off. I lucked out when I found an incredible spot only 10 minutes from my Airbnb!
Grasshopper Point is a scenic cliffside swimming hole with hiking trails and picnic areas just two miles from Sedona.
While I didn’t opt for cliff-jumping during my visit, I did nestle myself between some large rocks and enjoyed what felt like a cold plunge with hot tub jets.
This beautiful spot was a refreshing delight! So very glad I found it!!
#solotraveller #solotravels #soloroadtrip #highwaytomore #midlifeadventures #localtravel #sobrietyjourney #visitsedona #visitarizona #coldplunge #natureismymedicine
Editor: @alexgcullum
**A note about the intro: When I started out on this trip, I tried my hardest to get friends to join me for at least a part of it. I was NOT excited about traveling alone… in fact, I had a lot of fears I had to push through to go in the first place.
While I had unbelievable adventures along the way, I also experienced doubt, fear, and loneliness on the journey. I’m so grateful for the friends and family who sent me encouragement any time I shared my heart in my daily stories. ♥️**
After my amazing hike in Glacier, I was excited to explore beautiful Sedona. I found out pretty fast that although it’s quite scenic, Pyramid Trail isn’t a place to train for a 5K. I am SO thankful that despite having zero cell service, Google Maps still showed me my location and direction... because my solo adventure might have turned out much differently otherwise! 😳
That view though… and the uncharted territory I managed to navigate… what an experience!! 🙌🏻
(p.s. I decided after this experience that I was done with solo hiking for a bit!)
#solotraveller #solotravels #soloroadtrip #highwaytomore #midlifeadventures #localtravel #visitsedona #visitarizona #solohike #natureismymedicine #natureismyteacher
Editor: @alexgcullum
Though I originally only planned to stay in Sedona for one night, I ended up staying for two! This place proved to be a great home base as it was within walking distance of Pyramid Trail and a short drive to Grasshopper Point. 🥾👙
Admittedly, this was a much different setup than I’d experienced before, as the suite was one of several within a large home. I really liked the location though, and I was delighted to have a place where I could do laundry! 🙌🏻
#solotraveller #solotravels #soloroadtrip #highwaytomore #midlifeadventures #localtravel #visitarizona #visitsedona #airbnbtravel
Editor: @alexgcullum
Music: Lofi
Musician: Livang
