On the Road Again🎶

This week is a biggie for me. By this time last year, I’d already traveled through twenty states. Due to *waves hands wildly in the air* I’ve been in Florida since December. This week I’m hitting the road to begin work on issue eight : washington. It’s simultaneously exciting and anxiety-inducing. I love van-life and exploring the fiber world, and I can’t wait to get back to it! However, there are trade-offs.

Here’s the thing: I fear I’ve grown soft and domesticated during my time as a house-human.

I’ve become accustomed to hot showers, clean clothes, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and cooking yummy meals with fresh produce using all the fun gadgets that exist in a non-miniature kitchen. I haven’t slept in a Wal-Mart parking lot in the last six months, and I use as much water as I want when I brush my teeth. I’ve had multiple knitting projects and pom poms strewn throughout the house and even dipped my toes into some sewing projects. I’ve watched tv on a screen that was over 15″ and read REAL books; the ones made out of paper that take up way too much space to be in a van. There’s no denying, home-life has its perks!

What could possibly drag me away from this life of luxury? Although living on the road doesn’t boast ample space or many creature comforts, it offers up adventures and a chance to see this beautiful world up close and personal. Or from about six feet away… This trip will undoubtedly be different than last year. Traveling safely and maintaining social distance adds a whole new layer of challenges, but with some patience and persistence, it’s completely figure-outable.

It’s a long drive to Washington from here; over 3000 miles. I love being behind the wheel, blaring the radio and singing along at the top of my lungs. Every time I hop behind the wheel with full water, propane, and gas tanks, I’m overcome with a sense of freedom and possibility. And then I say that line from the Blues Brothers:

There’s 106 miles to Chicago, we’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark out, and we’re wearing sunglasses. Hit it!

Nerdy? Oh yeah. But the joy of traveling by yourself is that nobody knows! Unless you spill it in a blog… 

I’ll be driving through parts of the country I’ve never seen and hopefully stopping at some yarn shops along the way. Getting off the highway and traveling through small towns is my favorite way to get from Point A to Point B. Watching the landscape change mile after mile and eating at Mom and Pop diners and taco trucks make the long days worthwhile. The locals always know where the hidden gems are and are usually kind enough to share some history. In my humble opinion, there’s nothing so glorious as a road-trip. And a road-trip with yarn as the destination can’t be beat!

Maybe I’ll see some of you on the road? If you see a big black van with the Nomadic Knits logo on the back, share a honk and a wave; you’ll make my day! I enjoy receiving your notes and suggestions on where to go and what to see along the way, so feel free to drop a line.

Happy Trails!

Becky

PS: Be sure to check out our latest issue, Michigan, and sign up for a knitting magazine subscription or pick out a beautiful pom pom for your next hat!