Fred's Little Corner Of Cyberspace -- Driving

Road Trips

Sedona, Arizona

When my bothers, sister and I were little, our parents would take us on road trips to places like Houston, New Orleans or Taos. Since we would leave before dawn, some of my fondest memories are of waking up in the car and watching the sun rise over the highway.

To this day, there's nothing quite like spending hours in the car. I've spent many days getting up at 3 a.m., being on the road at 4 a.m. and not stopping until 5 or 6 in the afternoon (or later!).

I'm not sure how many road trips I've taken over the years, but there have been quite a few. My first real solo road trip was from El Paso to Albuquerque for the weekend for the annual Balloon Fiesta.

Sunrise In Gallup, New Mexico

Since then, there have been several swings through Phoenix, El Paso and Houston, quick runs to Chicago, a week's vacation in Utah and a memorable trip to Washington D.C. to help an important friend move.

For example, from Omaha, Houston and Utah are only a day's drive away (with time left over). Chicago is a half-day drive (yes, I've driven there in the morning, spent a few hours, and returned in the evening). Des Moines is practically commuting distance. Driving to El Paso, Phoenix or Washington D.C. require an overnight stop somewhere (I suppose it could be done in a day, but I would have to leave around midnight, or arrive around midnight.

Of course, not all road trips are that long. Sometimes a sprint to Blair or Lincoln is fun for an afternoon.

Sometimes a road trip is just to downtown Omaha

The drive is usually made in my 2000 Honda Prelude. It's a fun car with enough kick to be serious. Still, it's simple enough to not be over the top.

For more pictures from past road trips, click here to visit the photography page.