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3 men, 1 van and 48 states in less than 120 hours
This morning, when there was one woman (me) in one car (a Toyota Corolla) going along 3 streets in 5 minutes on my way to teach a class, I heard about these 3 guys who are in a car traveling this week to all 48 states in the continental U.S. They're not traveling through each state, but are at least crossing borders to say they've been in each one.
One of the guys, Joshua Keeler, was being interviewed on the radio about the trip. Originally, years ago, this was going to be his father's trip. His dad, James, had mapped out the journey, but James' mother's death kept him from going. Joshua got hold of the maps and corralled his two friends Joey Stocking and Adam Gatherum to go along with him on this journey they are calling, "The Great American Road Trip." There is an attempt to break the Guinness record for a similar trip, although, Guinness no longer keeps such records for road safety sake.
This morning the trio was in South Dakota. They started in Vermont on Sunday, and tomorrow they will end their trip at Four Corners, the spot where Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico meet. You can see the path these three took and get more details about them at their Web site greatamericanroadtrip.us
Keeler said they are eating a lot of cold canned soup and snack packs. There really isn't any time to stop except for gas and to use the toilet. They've noticed a 50 cent fluctuation in gas prices and have found that their 2005 Toyota Scion is perfect for the journey.
Here's the route they're taking.
Filed under: Blogs, Stories, Transportation, Budget Travel, News
Reader Comments (Page 3 of 4)
King Greek May 9th 2008 11:19AM
i been in 35 states
Fred Patterson May 10th 2008 4:47PM
It's too bad these kids spent all that money on gas and spent 99% of their time in the car either sleeping, eating junk, looking out the window to see not very much, or mesmerized by the broken white lines as they took turns driving... They missed 99% of what many consider the most beautiful country in the entire world!! I suppose if the purpose was to prove a certain stamina then they succeeded. As someone who spent 5 years traveling, living and experiencing the country from a converted van I feel a kind of sorrow for these guys who missed so much!!
I only hope that they (and others) can find the time and means to explore their own country. There is so much to see and experience in America. I've been from border to border (Canada - Mexico) and from sea to shining sea - and spent worthwhile time in each of the 48 states but in 5 + years hardly scratched the surface of what America has to offer... but, I can say that I know America a lot better than most people who, for the most part, never really see this country as they either stay within their own small region most of their lives or, if they travel on vacation, they fly off to Europe, etc., and never get to see what I know to be the most beautiful country in the world! See America First! Thanks, FAP
Pastor Rick May 9th 2008 11:38AM
I have been to 43 states. My wife and I went to 21 states during out 4 week honeymoon revisiting places I had been before.
It was a blast. We drove 8,200 miles and took over 4,000 digital photos.
Kudos to the guys for their trip.
I just hope you realize all the beauty you saw was a gift to us from God.
Blessings
Pastor Rick :-)
Rich Hunter May 9th 2008 11:40AM
I give them huge props. Live is a journey not a destination. I'll bet they have memories they won't ever forget and bragging rights to shut up anyone standing around the 'ol keg! Around the World in 80 Days' Phileas Fogg had nothing on these guys. Jules Verne eat your heart out!
Sinuous May 9th 2008 11:43AM
I don't understand why all you bitter people leave comments? If you are going to say something negative about somebody else's Idea of a good time or an adventure then you're ignorant. And Gary... If you weren't too busy talking shit and actually looked at the map, you would see that they actually did hit Florida. Oh, and about the truckers who do it in two days... It's called their job...These guys were doing it for fun not because they were getting paid to do it..
skaterphreak1237 May 9th 2008 11:45AM
Guys had nothing better to do than waste gas and they prob dont evenn have jobs.
Elizabeth May 9th 2008 11:47AM
I drove across country with just my 2 year old when we moved from Florida to California. Driving on the interstate, you only see some changes in the country but you don't get to savor much more than the inside of your car and get swollen ankles and a sore butt. I love road trips, but if I was going to drive to every state in the lower 48, I would at least want to really be able to enjoy it. 3 days in a car with 3 smelly men eating cold soup and only stopping to pee isn't an adventure. It's just proving you can stand smelly men and eat soup and drive for 3 days.
JessLeVally May 9th 2008 11:46AM
Road trips are a blast -- but cold soup! You need to be driven ... obviously.
bohall30 May 9th 2008 11:47AM
ADVENTUREOUS????????????HOW EXCITING IS IT TO SIT IN A CAR FOR FIVE DAYS STRAIGHT........HOW IS DRIVING THAT LONG LEAVING YOUR COMFORT ZONE.......THEY NEED TO GET LAID AND GROW UP.........
JoJo May 9th 2008 11:57AM
I've driven cross country several times, and compared to these kids, I took my time...three days, I didn't see ANYTHING except trees, or fast food restaurants or gas stations...
I guess it's great that they had an adventure, and that they didn't "kill" each other from having to be in such cramped quarters and only getting a numb butt, a lighter wallet from having to pay for all that gas, and a small blurb in a blog.
publicity stunt? May 9th 2008 12:04PM
I'm sure Scion paid for all of their gas...
Mike May 9th 2008 12:17PM
For a person who loves to drive when we go on trips I think it's a great way to see things and other places.If I was healthy enough to do it I too would try.Yes people look at the map they hit Fla.One question,How much did it cost? Way to go guys,I know that your dad is proud of you.
Clarence May 9th 2008 11:53PM
Way to go guys, sounds like a great trip for any reason. Life is what you make of it.
andy May 9th 2008 12:21PM
Interesting on how they planned their routing.
Tom May 9th 2008 12:44PM
What did they actually see of these states. Many of them were driven by at night or just touched on a little side trip. I also have driven the 48 contiguous states have crossed every pass through the Sierras and most through the Rockies. Have visited family or friends in at least twelve states, spent at least one night in most and have visited nearly 100 parks and tourist attractions. It's a great country and no one can live long enough to enjoy it all. No, I am not a professional driver, just a driving and travel enthusiast. Tom
Bobbie McIntyre May 9th 2008 12:49PM
Don't knock it until you've tried it. A spirit of adventure can keep you young and happy.
I am an 80-year-old grandmother. I work summers
at a guest ranch in Wyoming. The best time of all is the driving from my state to Wyoming which is a 2000 mile trip, and I sing all the way, Way to go boys!
ben May 9th 2008 1:06PM
its a cool idea, but guess what: after the thrill of it all the have to drive home for a long long long time
melyndarene May 9th 2008 1:08PM
Awesome job guys. Sounds like great fun. They should have taken Hillary and Obama with them on that trip! Maybe Florida and Michigan wouldn't have been missed then. (just kidding)
I drove cross country from New York to Idaho in the dead of winter with my two children who were one and four and it was a great trip. We did it in three days but it was exhausting.
Hopefully these guys have a CB radio with them. Passing the time talking to truckers is great fun and they warn you of the cops up ahead too.
MTREE May 9th 2008 1:26PM
NO THEY DIIDNT MISS FL LOOK AGAIN
MIKE ROUNTREE May 9th 2008 1:28PM
NO THEY DIDNT MISS FL LOOK AGAIN