Saturday, September 19th, 2009
launching, with the Jeep and the Aliner
Today I leave Canada and head to Chicago to begin the mother of all road trips: Route 66. 2400+ miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, roughly 85% of it still on original Route 66 roads. I figure this would be a good time to describe this project, and my reasons for doing it.
Recently, I lost the nice corporate broadcasting job I had held for almost 12 years at General Motors. Economic downturn, automotive industry collapse, etc. etc… I was shocked, and terrified. I grew up with a Maritime Canada work ethic – never have I not worked, ever. Around here in the car cities of Windsor/Detroit however, this has become disturbingly commonplace. Devastated as I was at the news, one positive thought glimmered through the fear: at least now I’ll have time to shoot all of Route 66.
I’ve already enjoyed a few photography trips along the desert stretch of California’s Route 66, and I exhibited a collection of those images at this year’s CONTACT: Toronto Photography Festival. The show went over very well, and many people asked about my shooting the entire Route. Of course I always wanted to – but until now, my full-time job limited my travel time. Faced now with the prospect of finding another job in a depressed area during a terrible recession, I find myself thinking that this is the time in my life to do what I love, to do what I do whether someone pays me money to do it or not: explore and take pictures. After all, that’s where most of my earnings from the job went, anyway! If there is any way a living can be made doing what I love, this is the time to find out. Before jumping into the scary world of self-employment and business planning, it makes sense to hit the road. Open the horizons, clear the head, make space for a new future.
I’ll be documenting this trip in a few different ways: black and white infrared film, time-lapse digital stills, and video (as well as running the occasional roll of film through a good old-fashioned Holga). More on all that in a later post.
For now, raise a glass to toast my insanity of doing this alone (while camping in a small trailer no less… what, no motels?!?), wish me luck, and join me on this journey. I will attempt to post daily updates here on my progress, provided I have reliable internet on the road of course.
Also, please feel free to pass this blog on to any of your friends who are into Route 66, photography, camping/RVing… or just anyone who loves the adventure of a bigass, kickass road trip.
Cheers!!
-Sandi
September 19th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Tonight’s toast goes to you.. and all the adventures ahead of you! Perhaps we’ll get to meet up along the way. We’ll be watching
To the road ahead…
– Cherie
September 19th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Wow! Big envy from the west coast. How often do you get to embark on something so cool and scary. There’s lots of time for jobs later. Have an awesome adventure.
Larry D.
September 19th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
A part of me wishes you didn’t have to come home to Windsor, but rather, could go where the wind takes you!
I think of you every day and I will check in to see your extraordinary visuals and hear about your adventure of a lifetime!
xoxo
September 19th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Wait! Come back…you forgot ME!!!!!!!!
Always wanted to do Route 66. I’ll live it vicariously through you, brave adventurer!
Enjoy the ride, Sandi.
September 19th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Good vibe to start…Brought up your blog and Depeche Mode started in with “Behind the Wheel.” I’ll send some musical thoughts along the way.
Meantime…be happy, be safe and hard nose the highway.
September 20th, 2009 at 1:59 am
Sandi,
You are my hero!! i’m raising a glass of australian cabernet (i like korea even better now that they’ve started importing more wine!) and just breathing in the delicious and exciting idea of your trip! you are in my heart!
chal-ga jo-shim-hey, areum-daoon chingu!!!! (good trip and be careful, my beautiful friend!)
much love xoxoxo
September 20th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Wow, you are one amazing women!! Have the time of your life… I look forward to checking in, and I can’t wait to see the work that comes out of this!!! All the best to you!
September 20th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
still not sure how you are doing this without a real toilet. have a whack of fun and watch out for rattlesnakes scorpions and sloe gin
see you soon hopefully in a desert sunset somewhere xoxo
September 20th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
A trip of a lifetime. You made the right decision and one that will result more opportunities. The next time I have a glass of some adult beverage in my hands, I’ll toast to your adventure! Best of luck!
September 21st, 2009 at 3:19 am
Thanks, all!
Great to hear from long-lost friends, too – thanks for getting in touch!
September 21st, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Hi Sandy,
Best of luck! Having had some roadtrip experience myself, I think that this will bring good things. I like the Triangle. Take your time and enjoy it.
September 21st, 2009 at 10:08 pm
WOW! Sandi this sounds like great fun.
One of the RVB members sent an e-mail telling us about your journey. Most of us found this Group from Aliners Group. I don’t know if you have checked it out but there are lots of solo women out here and if you need any help all you have to do is send and e-mail.
Good luck and be safe. I’m sure there will be plenty of us watching you as you go.
Jo
Tucson, AZ
September 24th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Good for you! I would love to do what you are doing, but I still have my job (for now). So I will live through your blog and give you a big hug and wish you safe travels. You rock!
September 24th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Oh, by the way. Can we get a photo tour of your trailer?
September 24th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Good idea, Christina – will do!
September 25th, 2009 at 9:32 am
I e-mailed you before I found this part of your website.
Keep up the good work.
October 1st, 2009 at 7:25 pm
I’m raising my mug of coffee to you, my dear. BEST OF LUCK and GOOD FOR YOU!