Through the Eyes of a Novice Wearing Rose-Colored Glasses: A Solo Excursion

“Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”

Many may recognize this infamous quote from the 1930’s film, The Wizard of Oz. If this is however unfamiliar territory, I’m sure you will still fully grasp how accurately the main character Dorothy’s priceless expression above may reflect how being new or even somewhat seasoned to traveling solo may feel. For me personally, being new, I’m left with the feeling of bursting excitement with a side of apprehension, leaving me to ask, “where do I go from here?”

Not long ago I set sail on a solo road trip where the treasure to be discovered would forever become a part of my heart. This adventure defied all my initial expectations of a simple vacation to escape the 9 to 5 and like the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly a whole new stage of life emerged. All of my explorations up until then were quiet whispers compared to the thunder I would metaphorically and literally experience, and in such a way unlike previously, on my own.

From start to finish it was like jumping into the deep end of the pool, and with every mid-air occurrence I let go of any hesitations holding me back. At the first small spark inside my heart to plan such a trip I knew I needed to start making some very real commitments as soon as possible, otherwise you would most likely be reading a post about a dream for the future that could forever remain on the dusty shelf of self regrets. First, I started with some simple things: such as choosing the dates for travel, requesting off from work, and reserving a rental car through Enterprise. Personally, I found these tasks less challenging than one may think, because they did not require loads of research on my part. And since I had chosen to begin planning roughly 5 months in advance, I recognized that any necessary changes or potential conflict could and would be resolved as the time to embark drew near.

When I would tell people of my upcoming trip I was frequently asked, “Are you going by yourself?!” When I would confidently reply, “Yes,” I was often met with much less confident reactions. Don’t get me wrong, I truly appreciate my friends and loved ones and their steadfast care for me. I certainly would have traveled with another the entire journey, but it can be a lot to ask of someone for such an amount of time. I also saw this as an opportunity for personal growth while getting to know more about myself. I did however, sensibly stay in communication reporting my whereabouts and recent events with family, friends, and loved ones. I also met up with a familiar face upon my journey, which I unquestionably recommend all other aspiring travelers to do, if possible. A voyage shared with another is like salt added, and provides the extra zing to something already good in and of itself. Also, I met a substantial variety of genuine, warm, and thoughtful new people, including the hosts at different Airbnb locations.

At this point you may be wondering, all of these dreams when introduced to reality, where did they actually take me? I traveled approximately 3,800 miles, from Pennsylvania to New Mexico and back again within the vicinity of 12 days. I can only imagine your thoughts when reading my limited amount of time to cover such distance to be exhausting. I’m not going to disagree, it would have been preferred to travel without anytime restrictions. However I found myself as many do unfortunately confined to limited time to take off from the very thing that provided the financial means to achieve the dream, my job. The desire was stronger than the obstacles, so I made it work with absolutely no regrets.

To say I could fill a book with what I experienced is an understatement. And although Colorado was not where my journey began it was by far one of the most memorable of the places visited. I was told the mountains were amazing, but this word holds no true meaning until seen in person where pure awe of God’s beautiful creation will flood every part of your being. I can do no justice by even attempting to describe the splendor, I truly do mean it when I say, you must go and see for yourself, there is no other way. And know, there are places in Colorado where you may question if you will ever see civilization again, which when the night sky takes over may bring about a quiet fear. This fear however should not be allowed to take over and keep you from immersing yourself into what is so difficult these days to achieve, a moment with no distractions. So you may lose contact with the outside world for a time, but embrace it because it’s a rare gem some may never discover in this lifetime.

Upon waving goodbye to Colorado I smiled hello to New Mexico where to my delight I found myself remaining a much welcomed pace of slow and steady. I began in Taos where both hiking and art galleries can be enjoyed within a short 15 minute drive of one another. I was not disappointed by my quest to hike the Devisadero Loop Trail at the recommendation of my Airbnb host. This was an easy to moderate hike around 5.5 miles and included the occasional steep and rocky. As you find yourself stepping higher and higher from where you first began, amazing views of the town of Taos are revealed, not even a fear of heights would keep me from climbing. Definitely be prepared to share this hike with the sunshine as shade tends to be a bit shy, which it would also be well advised to invite water to be your close companion. I feel some may miss this little town if they blink too fast, but I believe it is worth the second glance.

Although staying within the same relaxed vibe of Taos, Sante Fe where I next stayed, offered a unique personality all it’s own. You can battle bears and always win, as these works of art can do no harm, they will however supply the opportunity for an epic photo. And once I got my bearings and made a few wrong turns, the town became relatively comfortable to navigate regardless of my being the new kid in town and only stopping by for a visit. Although there are many, one of my favorite encounters was that of a piano player at The Plaza. He was a snappy dresser sporting a top hat and the talent to match. He offered a most welcomed lunchtime serenade. Sante Fe will call your name and for certain make you feel at home, if even for just a brief moment in time.

I will not hesitate to admit, I did not encounter a perfect journey without bumps along the way. But these rocky terrains and storms encountered are part of what made the trip so exquisite. There is nothing I would have changed, but only now, have I attained the invaluable knowledge to provide kindling for future expeditions!

Heaps of experience and knowledge were reaped from what I would consider to be one of my first real travel adventures and I eagerly look forward to learning from others who have gone so many miles before me. And so, rather than this article being one filled with the how-to and what-to-do explanations and interpretations, I will save these for the future articles and close with this small part of my own undertakings with you.

I hope this to be a place where it may all begin for you, or maybe even rekindle some formerly deep-rooted adventurous flames, because before we can get up and go, the spark must first be ignited to bring to life our dreams! May we one day meet as the song says, “somewhere over the rainbow” in the place we’ve allowed our dreams to come true.

Have you visited any of these places yourself? Do you have any suggestions for what I or our readers should come to see next time? Please comment! Better yet, do you have a roaming interest of your own that you would like to explore and use to help other travelers? Why not consider writing and submitting an article of your own to be reviewed for posting HERE on Roaming Interest!