Day 2: Seligman, Arizona || 16 States in 16 Days

Follow the adventure of “16 States in 16 Days”, a summer road trip across the USA as it continues in Day 2: Seligman, Arizona!

TRAVEL. CAPTURE. CREATE. THEREGOESSARAROSE.COM

“[Route 66] didn’t cut through the land like that Interstate. It moved with the land. It rose, it fell, it curved. Cars didn’t drive on it to make great time. They drove on it to have a great time.”

–Sally, Cars (2006, Pixar)

“The Birthplace of Route 66”

As I step out the car, I hear a gunshot from behind me. Here I thought I was just stopping at a ghost town, but no! Historic Route 66, and Seligman, Arizona is literally poppin’! Welcome to another stop on Day 2 of “16 States in 16 Days”. A 6,00 mile road trip I travel around the United States on ThereGoesSaraRose.com and hope you join me in the story! Originally “Prescott Junction”, Seligman was name after Jesse Seligman, a railroad financier in 1886. Although not included in Interstate 40 in 1978, the town was saved by becoming the, “Birthplace of Historic Route 66,” in 1987. With that kind of title, it seemed like the PERFECT stop on our trip!

Sara Rose at various locations in Seligman, Arizona (Photo Credit: Michael Neri, 2021)

Wild, Wild…Cars?!

@theregoessararose
Western skit in Seligman, Arizona! The shot MAY have scared me. 🤣 #traveldiaries #route66 #theatre #western #thespian ThereGoesSaraRose.com
♬ original sound – ThereGoesSaraRose.com

TikTok video of street actors in Seligman, AZ (Video Credit: Sara Rose, 2021)

#BigAZz66sign in Seligman, Arizona (Photo Credit: Sara Rose, 2021)

Local thespians share their comedic, Western-inspired skits, reinacting what it might have been like to live in the Wild Wild West. With bright costumes near the local #BigAZz66sign in Seligman, Arizona I found where the previously mentioned “gunshot” originated! Notice anything special about this sign? Yes, that is Lightning McQueen and Mater from the Pixar movie, Cars! “Somewhere between Gallup, New Mexico, and Kingman, Arizona,” (Pixar.com, 2021), it is said Seligman, AZ is just one of these towns which inspired Radiator Springs from the movie! If you haven’t seen it yet, it is a create family film and shows some of the history of Route 66 and towns like Seligman, Arizona!

@theregoessararose
You mean Cars was REAL?! Welcome to Seligman, AZ! #Pixar #Disney #travelthrowback #arizona #Roadtrip #wordpressblogger
♬ Traveling – Kush Mody

TikTok video of old cars in Seligman, AZ (Video Credit: Sara Rose, 2021)

Home of Commodore Perry Owens

What happens to a Cowboy when they retire? They settle in Seligman, Arizona, of course! Commodore Perry Owens, a sheriff of Apache County, was said to be an amazing shot, with both and rifles, handguns and so ambidextrous he carried two guns! Unfortunately, he found himself relieved of his position when a shoot-out ensued in 1852, killing The Blevins Brothers and the Commodore unharmed. Relieved of his position, Commodore Owens settled down and ran a saloon in Seligman, Arizona. Check out my photos of his blue house and signage depicting his life.

More Cars!

What I was NOT expecting to find is how ready the town was for tourists! Whether it was the movie which breathed life back in the towns (or vice versa!) I was so surprised with how much there was to see that I cannot wait to return. I did not expect to step into a modern Western, but that is exactly where I was! Growing up in California, if someone told me we stopped at a scene in Universal Studios, I would have been less surprise by my surroundings.

@theregoessararose
Tips for gettin’ old #traveltiktok #western #route66
♬ Western-style acoustic rock – SOUND BANK

TikTok of animated cowboy in Seligman, AZ (Video Credit: Sara Rose, 2021)

Never Enough

A major regret the majority of this trip was not allowing myself more time to wander through parts of these old towns on my road trip. As we drove, many times I would scream, “STOP!” to my friend and driver and we would try to take as many pictures and videos as possible, even if it meant making it to the next stop exhausted and much too late. If you have questions or thoughts about what I share, please comment below!

@theregoessararose
Route 66 Road Trip stop! #carspixar #arizona #traveltiktok #funfacts
♬ Western-style pop that feels refreshing wind – SOUND BANK

TikTok of Seligman, AZ (Video Credit: Sara Rose, 2021)

Please share your favorite parts of Route 66 in the comments below! Make sure to subscribe to get early access to the blog and follow my social media for more great photos and videos! Until our next adventure, happy trails Adventurers!

Day 2: Visiting the Grand Canyon || 16 States in 16 Days

Join the chaos of my trip to the Grand Canyon during, “16 States in 16 Days” at ThereGoesSaraRose.com!

TRAVEL. CAPTURE. CREATE. THEREGOESSARAROSE.COM

Join the chaos of my trip to the Grand Canyon during, “16 States in 16 Days” at ThereGoesSaraRose.com!

See more of my trip at ThereGoesSaraRose.com!

Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona (Credit: Sara Rose. 2021)

Day 2 of my road trip, “16 States in 16 Days,” was an incredibly eventful start to the adventure and could not be shared all at once! However, I could go no further without sharing a particularly interesting moment from this day first. Welcome to, literally, my hot mess of a story with “There Goes Sara Rose”!

Listen to a podcast of this travel blog here: https://anchor.fm/theregoessararose/episodes/Ep-13-Day-2-Visiting-the-Grand-Canyon–16-States-in-16-Days-e15dp3j

Grand Canyon Entrance

The South entrance holds a Visitor’s Center and a SIX-STORY IMAX Movie Theater presenting, Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets. Be sure to check with staff for the most up to date information on events, hotels, restaurants, maps of the area and more! Stay up to date on the Grand Canyon from the Nation Park Service here or current park operations here!

The Grand Canyon was not our only stop of the day, but it should have been. As the sun moves across the sky, the colors around you change. Never in my life have I seen so many shades of greens, reds and the orange-brown layers of earth, forged through eons of time.

Wild, Wild West: Horses and…Disaster?

Wild horses at the Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (Credit: Sara Rose, 2021)

No one ever described to me how populated the Grand Canyon area is. Yet, there is wildlife grazing comfortable nearby all the same. Right after the entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park, you continue driving before getting to the Canyon and I was so surprised to see wild horses! See my photos above or my video on Tiktok, here! We continue on the road, find our parking spot and get ready to finally see the Grand Canyon! Returning to the car, after deciding to walk to park with the GoPro, we are off!

@theregoessararose
#wildhorses #grandcanyon #nationalpark #roadtrip #motivation
♬ Graceful Bridge – DJ BAI

Wild Horses TikTok from car at Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (Credit: Sara Rose, 2021)

The Grand Canyon

Words cannot describe the immensity of the Grand Canyon, a National Park encompassing 277 miles (446 km), said to be as wide as is it deep. As busy as it was (National Parks are getting a lot of attention post-lockdown!), there is a peace among travelers. Everyone is polite, even talkative, something I am not as used to in California. Is it the travels, a new state, a conglomeration of so many people and languages from around the world? I don’t know but I loved it here. I could have stayed at the park all day and plan on returning!

Grand Canyon vs Rock Layers Image from Visitor’s Center at Grand Canyon, AZ (Credit: Sara Rose, 2021)

GoPro Footage Coming Soon!

I traipsed around the South Rim of the Grand Canyon with a GoPro strapped to my chest and a camera in each hand. There are several centers for visitors to learn more about the Grand Canyon on site, but not all were open at the time of my visit. At the same time, not everything can be shared here! Check back soon for the GoPro walkthrough or on my YouTube, here! I’ve left another piece of my heart in a National Park, but I think this one was from a heart attack! What drama unfolds next? Well, let me tell you…

But, Did I Lock The Car?!

Weeks of planning had come to fruition; in no way was the trip, or attendees, under-prepared for the adventure. As a helpful feature, new vehicles can connect to mobile devices and alert you if you have left the car unlocked and perfect for road trips. The Grand Canyon does not have the best cell reception, so although we just received an alert, “The passenger door has just been opened”, the option to lock the car isn’t connecting. Regardless, the alert was clear as day. Why was this important? As I was moving family heirlooms across the country, almost everything important to me is in that car, and it was about half-a-mile away from me, in the middle of a parking lot, as busy as any theme park in the summer.

Last photo taken of the Grand Canyon, right before car alert was recieved (Photo Credit: Sara Rose, 2021)

It is well over 100°F / 38°C, and I am running full speed. The heat isn’t bothering me, or the crowd of people I am running through, or that I am running in hiking boots. What is bothering, why I am running in sheer terror is, I may have already made a major mistake at the very beginning of this trip. As my side begins to ache, and with leg-muscles screaming, I round the corner and the parking lot comes into view. Just a few more rows and I know I will be at the car. The question is, did I make it in time?

Not Close Enough

At this point, I am one row away from where the car is parked. I search desperately for people at a passenger door, hoping I have caught them in the act. It is so hot, and I am so exhausted, I cannot tell which car I should be looking for. I just realize, there is no one rummage through a vehicle anywhere near me. Relieved and confused, I find the car, which was unlocked. I opened the CLOSED passenger door, frantically look through the car expecting to not find my prized electronics, but everything is as it should be. I find a water bottle, and begin to recover. “What happened?” you may wonder? As my friend and co-pilot return to the car, cell reception and alerts resume to normalcy. The bad cell reception, mixed with the fact I returned to the car to get the GoPro, ensured I was alerted of the open passenger door, 20 minutes after I opened it.

Sour Huckleberry Beer & Pizza

The excitement of the afternoon left me exhausted! We were on our way to the Geology Museum when the chaos-inducing-alert occurred and interrupted the plans. Rehydrated and all belongings safe-and-sound, it was decided to grab some pizza and drinks at the Grand Canyon for an experience. And may I say, the locally-crafted, Sour Huckleberry beer was delicious!

Many times on the road trip something did not go as planned, as you saw here today. Enjoying life is all about perspective, and the Grand Canyon was AWESOME! Thank you for joining the journey and see more of my adventure, “16 Days in 16 States,” soon at ThereGoesSaraRose.com!

Night 1: Arizona || 16 States in 16 Days

Join me as I share my first steps of “16 States in 16 Days”!

Snapshots from my journal, written on June 12, 2021

Join me as I share my first steps of “16 States in 16 Days”!

My heart raced, I was about to begin a trek of thousands of miles away from my home state in just twenty-four hours. Up to that point, there had been zero fear in that journey, except the goal was to stay with family in Illinois at the end of it. My life would be forever changed in a few weeks and I wanted to do it right so, I asked friends for help on my journey. It is a long drive back home from Illinois to California driving solo, so it was decided I would return to California after dropping off my belongings in Illinois. It is an easy train ride to Illinois when I was ready. The plans were made, the destinations set. It was time to step out in the world.

Listen to a podcast of this travel article here: https://anchor.fm/theregoessararose/episodes/Ep-12-Night-1-Arizona–16-States-in-16-Days-e1588cl

One thing I would like to mention, travel changes you. Your perspective about the way the world works and where you fit in it begins to shift. These moments of growth are incredibly scary and sometimes painful. There are moments you look back at your past self, thoughts, comments made to others, and realize how uninformed you were at the time. You may even feel dumb, disappointed, or upset at how you handled past instances. When that moment happens, stop and applaud your current self. “Hindsight is always 20/20”, I’ve been told when stewing over a past moment and wondering at the post-event clarity. Once a government employee where privacy meant safety and growing up in a cult that didn’t allow social media, I am now allowed to share my life online in a way I never have. Every time I hit, “Publish” on any platform, it is nerve-wracking. However, in a year from now, I want to look back at this moment and catalog the growth, as if marking my height as a child on the inside of a doorway at home. As my post and journey become more personal, and I share these moments, feel free to do the same! It is all about progress, not perfection!

And We’re Off!

Friday, June 12th, 2021, 7 PM PST arrived and we were on the road. With the plan to be at the Grand Canyon on Saturday, we decided to spend the first night sleeping in the car at a halfway point. The map was set, leading us to a rest stop in Arizona with an anticipated arrival time of 12:54 PM. One fast food stop later and odd conversations, such as deciding to be a Drunk Unicorn for the next Halloween party, carried us through the 410 miles to the Haviland Rest Area. A huge thank you to my co-pilot and friend, @MadHatterMikie, who took the first driving shift of the trip after a full 8-hour work day so I could record the first stage of the trip! With the sounds of semi-truck engines on all night (with sleeping drivers inside or not, I am not sure), I drifted off to a dreamless sleep for the first night of my road trip, happy to be in another state and not worried about the odd seat angle at all. Check out clips of the night-drive and sunrise @ThereGoesSaraRose online!

@theregoessararose
Day 1 of “16 States in 16 Days”! #traveldiaries #arizona #roadtripusa #travelvlog #theregoessararose #sunrise
♬ original sound – ThereGoesSaraRose.com

First Night on the Road to catching the sunrise in Arizona!

Haviland Rest Area, Arizona

Sleeping in a car when the backseat is full of personal belongings getting moved, means you get very little sleep. I suddenly cared a lot about my sleeping position through the night, LOL! I enjoyed the attempt at roughing it, but get me a tent instead any day! When on a road trip, most are probably not moving things across the country, “It isn’t normally this much of a problem, you brought a guitar,” I remind myself. Getting to see the sunrise against a clear, blue sky was a GREAT way to start the trip! As a recommendation, get as many sun shades as you can if staying at a rest area. I was surprised how bright everything was at night (see photo below)! Plan to wake up early as well, it was 109°F / 43°C by 7:40 AM!

The first rest stops on a major highway or interstate seem to have much more information about the state as shown here! Not every rest stop will have similar amenities (and some will have much more) so plan accordingly! We also took a flat of water and kept it in the trunk and it came in so handy! Drink water often, especially in the desert areas of the United States, you can end up dehydrated faster than you anticipated. A gift for future journeys, we also brought along a large, spiral-bound book of maps of the USA. Although mobile maps run on GPS, there were a handful of times tech failed me and a real map was required. As the trip was marked in the book prior, it made finding the next turn a breeze! I also marked each page with a sticky note and the name of the state, you never know when you need fast information!

Historic Route 66

Pictures taken, rested and refreshed with body wipes, we began the next leg of the trip. As planned, we diverted off the Interstate and planned to stop at towns along Historic Route 66. From my research alone, there would be so may interesting things to see! There was no way I could include everything about our first day on Historic Route 66 in one post so stay tuned for more on my AMAZING trip, “16 States in 16 Days”!

Coming Soon!

There Goes Sara Rose Podcast mini series is out soon! An audio tale of my journeys and the reason for todays delayed and shorter post. I am very excited to bring this mini series to you, recorded by ME! Stayed tuned for more details and share your favorite podcasts with us for inspiration! I am hoping to have all the current post turned into podcasts by the end of this week, depends on how my voice does! Would love your ideas and feedback on the project, see you all soon!

Can’t get enough of the TGSR Community? Game with us during Family-friendly game night at Twitch.tv/NerdGlassesLLC and interact with the live stream from your mobile device, computer or tablet!

Three Rivers – A Quaint Town for Getting Away || 1k Celebration Post!

Get out today to go see Three Rivers, California or check out my pics and videos of my latest trip here!

1k ALL TIME views?! Just last week, the TGSR Adventurer Community reached 1,000 views on ThereGoesSaraRose.com! May I say, OMGOODNESS and THANK YOU! Taking a pause to celebrate this incredibly special moment, I come to you humbled, appreciative and with something in return. It clear, you enjoy what we do and I couldn’t be more proud of how far we have come. In celebration of this and to continue sharing top tier adventures, I bring you #TravelTuesdays and There Goes Sara Rose (TGSR) Discord! #TravelTuesdays will bring a new Travel Blog Post to There ThereGoesSaraRose.com EVERY Tuesday at 11 AM PST! Get ready to Join the Adventure! The TGSR Discord was released just this week and YOUR feedback and suggestions matter the most! The community deserves a place to connect with each other in a fun and safe environment and we are excited to meet you as well!

Listen to a podcast of this travel article here: https://anchor.fm/theregoessararose/episodes/Ep-11-Three-Rivers—A-Quaint-Town-for-Getting-Away-e15849c

Regardless of how fun and hectic life can get, when it is time to recenter, I visit a favorite spot in nature! Let us celebrate together and join me as I share with you this SPECIAL Blog Post, A Quaint Place to Getaway, Three Rivers!

What to Expect

A recent trip of mine was to Three Rivers, California. As a small, tucked-away town, many locals don’t know it exists. It sits right at the entrance to the Sequoia National Park and a place I had to visit before seeing more of California on the production, “16 States in 16 Days,” (more on that on my next #TravelTuesdays Post!). I had such a blast visiting this hidden treasure of a town. Here are my favorite parts of the area, some directions, and a guide to local history!

Three Rivers, Sequoia National Park, CA. (Photo Credit: Sara Rose 2017)

Three Rivers Bridge, Sequoias National Park (Photo Credit: Sara Rose, 2017)

A Utopian History

Three Rivers, a small town nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, has been charming guests since 1886. This is when a group of settlers founded a commune in the area based on the principles of social equality and economic fairness. Every individual participated in creating and sharing public goods; this cooperation helped the community thrive! However, when Congress founded the Sequoia National Park in 1890, the utopian settlement was absorbed by the community surrounding it to join into one town — Three Rivers. This history of acceptance and equality is a source of pride for its modern day residents, and the hard work of the original community is still highlighted by the stunning memorials displayed across town.

Getting to Three Rivers

California Highway 198 will take you straight into Three Rivers. Several major cities have direct access to 198. As you get closer to Three Rivers, you’ll pass some other small mountain towns, each with hidden gems of their own. If you stop at any on your way, be sure to share your finds in the comments!

Hiking Trails Galore

Between the national parks and mountain ranges, Three Rivers has some of the most breathtaking nature I’ve seen. Luckily, there are dozens of hiking trails to explore in the area. I had such a great time venturing outdoors and hiking — I even got a firsthand look at one of the rivers! Make sure to strap on some appropriate hiking boots and go hit the trails.

Sequoia National Park. Three Rivers, CA. (Credit: Rose, Sara. 2017)

The trails inside the Sequoia National Park were friendly for beginning hikers and take you through the stunning sequoia forests. A few paths will also take you along the shorelines of the local rivers. The park is a testament to the beauty and diversity of nature. It’s definitely worth stopping in to hike here.

Another option is the Skyline Loop. This is a popular trail with locals, and it’s easy to see why. Salt Creek Falls, a waterfall system, is right along the path! It’s a serene scene, and something I would encourage every visitor to go check out. If you want to stay away from the parks while still taking in California nature, this trail is perfect.

Must-See Local Stops

One of the best parts of visiting Three Rivers was getting to see the shops and museums in town. These three visits are essential stops when you’re in the area.

Reimer’s Candies & Gifts shop was such a fun visit. After selling homemade chocolates and sweets for 50 years, trust me, they have perfected the craft. Reimer’s offers over 80 different kinds of chocolates, and every treat I tried was to die for. They also have super creative and delicious fudge flavors. Their creations come in all different assortments and sizes. I absolutely loved getting to try these local sweets!

@theregoessararose
More about Reimer’s at ThereGoesSaraRose.com! #travelthrowback #candyshop #sierranevadamountains #sequoianationalpark #californiahiddengems
♬ Sweet Food – DJ BAI

My absolute favorite stop was Three Rivers Village Antiques. This quaint shop was full to the brim with local antiques and goods. Western Americana is on display throughout the store, with collections of artifacts from Western settlers, cowboys, and Native American tribes. I had an awesome time looking through all of the old jewelry, photographs, and goods they’ve collected. It’s definitely a must-see when you’re in town!

@theregoessararose
Village Antiques. Three Rivers, CA. More at ThereGoesSaraRose.com! #californiahiddengems #threerivers #antiquestore #travelthrowback
♬ Western-style pop justin bieber(971614) – Murasaki Rumi

Another cute place in town was the Three Rivers Historical Museum. They had exhibits showing off the tale of the town’s founding all the way to modern times. Several renovations are planned to add even more interactive galleries for guests to see. I encourage everyone to see what it has in store. There are also several local restaurants to refresh yourself in between hikes or before heading home, each with amazing views of the river! See below for one such view from one of my top spots, River View Bar & Grill.

@theregoessararose
Dinner & nature all-in-one?! Check it out at Three Rivers, CA! #traveltiktok #wanderlust #wordpressblogger #californiaadventure
♬ original sound – ThereGoesSaraRose.com

Get out today to go see Three Rivers! Please share your favorite parts of your trip, including other small towns you find, in the comments below. Make sure to subscribe to this website to get early access to my blog, as well as extra pictures and videos of my travels from social media. Until our next journey, happy trails Adventurers!

Road Trip Safety-Dealing with Natural Disasters in the USA || 16 States in 16 Days

Road trips run the risk of encountering natural disasters, what do you do when it happens? Let’s look at things that can happen in all three major regions of the U.S.A.

When I drove my first road trip away from the West Coast, I decided to go big! However, so did the weather in several areas. To be honest, at a certain point, I was scared. Why? I was unsure of the safest thing to do. Disaster movies came to mind with visual recollections of characters tying themselves to metal posts in tornados or being swept away in a tropical cyclone. What of these, previously entertaining moments, were factual, if any?

Listen to a podcast of this travel blog here: https://anchor.fm/theregoessararose/episodes/Ep-10-Road-Trip-Safety-Dealing-with-Natural-Disasters-in-the-USA–16-States-in-16-Days-e158251

My summer 2021 road trip, “16 States in 16 Days,” totaled about 6,000 miles, and I bumped into everything! In Louisiana, the trip found itself caught on the edge of Tropical Storm Claudette on June 18th just as the drive headed toward Tennessee (the storm lasted in Louisiana for a few days). Just a day later, my phone alerted me I was in a, “dangerous +2 lightning storm,” while headed to St. Louis, Missouri. Both of these drives had rain so hard, it was difficult to see the road, cars, or anything but water. During the evening stay in St. Louis, there was minimal rain. However, the lightning shot across the sky from all around and sometimes struck the same spot several times within a few seconds of each other.

@theregoessararose
Sounds of nature or 🎸🎹🎵?! #Lightning #thunder #storm #music #traveltiktok
♬ original sound – ThereGoesSaraRose.com

Windy, of course, and drizzling most of the next day in Chicago, that evening turned for the worse. I spent 2 hours in a hotel stairway that night, accompanied by rain, sirens, a lovely couple who had just gotten married, and an F3 tornado raging about 15 miles south of our location. This was easily one of the most scared moments I have had in my life, fascinated by the science, hopeful for others caught in the path of the “finger of God”. As much as I loved Chicago, (trust me, there was PLENTY of time to see things in the city!) I nope’d right out of there the next morning. If that wasn’t enough, several fires raged across the USA with the worst in Colorado, and, well, it even rained in Las Vegas. Yes, it does rain in Vegas. Seeing events like these firsthand humbles you and makes you really appreciate first responders and the helpfulness of a fellow being.

Every time you go on a road trip you run the risk of hitting some kind of weather event or natural disaster, whether it’s a major storm, wildfires, landslides, earthquakes…so, what do you do when it happens? I was of more extreme weather changes in the mid-West but did not realize the intensity until being present for them and checking online weather reports. Let’s look at things that can happen in all three major regions of the U.S. to keep YOU and I safer on our adventures!

West Coast

Yes, we do have earthquakes. Thankfully, our infrastructure is built for them and it’s relatively rare for one to do real damage. But we have some other issues, too. Here’s what to do in each of them.

Earthquakes. If the road starts to shake, you should carefully pull over. Do not stop under or on a bridge or overpass, or under trees, light posts, signs…anything which might fall on your car. The safest place to be is in your car. When you resume driving, keep it slow and watch for breaks, cracks, potholes, fallen rocks, and damaged bridges. If you’re at the waterfront and the sea starts to leave, get inland and onto high ground quickly. Receding sea can be the first sign of a tsunami.
Wildfires. Unfortunately, fire season has been particularly bad over the last few years. If you are in an area with smoke, keep your windows rolled up. Stay in your car. Close your air vents. Continue driving, but avoid heavy smoke if possible, keeping your headlights on. Obey road closures and detours and always let firefighters past. Be flexible with your plans.
Storms. Hailstorms are pretty common in the mountains, and can sometimes trigger rock falls and landslides that block passes. Try to avoid a schedule that will cause issues if a pass is blocked for several hours.
Excessive heat. Southern California gets pretty hot, and this is also a note for the southwest desert states. If driving through the desert, make sure to have plenty of water in your trunk and also take salty snacks. Park your car in shady areas if possible.

Central

We’re not going to talk about those Midwestern winters because that’s not when you’re going to be taking your road trip. Leave that to the people who live there.

But there are some things to worry about even in the summer.

Tornadoes. A tornado warning means that conditions are possibly suitable for a tornado. A tornado watch means that the storm is producing potential tornado conditions and/or a tornado has been sighted. In towns where tornadoes are common, you may hear sirens…if you do, go into the nearest open building and go to an interior room or basement. Find out if your hotel has a tornado shelter or a basement area. If not, the safest place to be is the bathroom. Do not go anywhere until the tornado warning has passed. If you are on the road and the tornado is distant, turn at right angles to its path and drive until you find a sturdy building. If you’re actually caught in high winds, pull over, park, and tuck yourself in the bottom of the car….or leave and put yourself in a ditch. Don’t shelter under a bridge.
Lightning. If you are driving during a lightning storm, stay in your car. Even if your vehicle is hit, you are likely safe as the metal frame conducts lightning past you. Make sure any sunroof is thoroughly closed. Pull over if visibility is too bad to safely drive.
Excessive heat. In the central south, you have the same heat issues as in the desert. However, the further east you go, the higher the humidity. Check not just the temperature but the heat index and avoid physical activity during the hottest part of the day.

East Coast

In general, the East Coast has less severe weather than other areas, but the biggest concern is hurricanes. Unfortunately, hurricane season overlaps with the summer vacation season. You might, though, consider scheduling your trip earlier in the summer. While hurricane season starts on June 1, it’s rare for there to be severe storms before August.

Hurricanes. The nice thing about hurricanes is that you can see them coming. The bad thing about them is they last for days. If you are planning a trip during hurricane season, be ready to change your plans. If you’re booking stuff in advance, consider travel insurance. Don’t stick around…make sure you have a full tank of gas and get out. Every year, some idiots get hurt trying to watch a hurricane.
Lightning and thunder. East coast storms tend to be shorter and less intense than those in the Midwest, but dangerous summer storms are not unknown.
Excessive heat. High heat and humidity are an issue everywhere from Maryland south. Avoid scheduling heavy activities for the hottest part of the day and keep plenty of water in your car.

The most important thing is to be flexible. You never know what might happen and you need to be willing to accept a bit of a detour. Sometimes it can be more exciting than your original plans! To find out more, contact There Goes Sara Rose today.

History, Art and the Free Spirit on Route 66 || 16 States in 16 Days

Come along Route 66 with me and JOIN THE ADVENTURE!

You know about US Highway 66, not because you are deeply invested in highway systems, but because of the yearning for freedom. Though it wouldn’t be completely paved until 1938, US Highway 66, commonly known as Route 66, entered the US Highway System in 1926. Its significance takes many forms. It was the first all-weather highway between Chicago and Los Angeles, two massive economic focal points of the American West. Its development from dirt-road-to-superhighway epitomizes economic development and the remarkable geographical links brought about by a robust national public highway system. Its birth and development came at a time of immense turmoil and economic upheaval, yet it persisted.

Listen to a podcast of this travel article here: https://anchor.fm/theregoessararose/episodes/Ep-9-History–Art-and-the-Free-Spirit-of-Route-66–16-States-in-16-Days-e1570m1

As a result, it became the romanticized highway we know today, coming to symbolize the optimism that fell over the American people after WWII. Bridging the Rocky Mountain divide and stretching to the Pacific Ocean, Route 66 represents the free-spirited ideation of a country already firmly built on free-spirited ideation. Pulling on the history of the USA with its free-spirited energy, and embracing what it means for my own adventures, is why I’m going.

Sara Rose in Seligman, AZ (Rose, S. 2021)

Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center (Rose, S. 2021)

Route 66 Museum in Litchfield, IL. Photo: Rose, S. (2021)

Why is this trip so pivotal? This is the first time I have left the West Coast, the first time I have traveled on such a road trip, and the first time I have gone so far with the specific goal of collecting and sharing what I can with all of you (translation: Taking more tech supplies than clothes!). This is the moment I set out on my professional path, one I carve out for myself, and I welcome you to come along as, “There Goes Sara Rose”!

How to Road Trip on Route 66

“Historic” vs Interstate

In 1985, Route 66 was removed from the United States Highway System, as its utility had become unnecessary in the wake of the successful Interstate Highway System. After it was decommissioned, numerous organizations worked to preserve significant structures, features, and artifacts of the road. Their work has resulted in the “Historic Route 66” that we know today. This is not to be confused with Interstate 66 (I-66), which is not connected whatsoever to the original Route 66.

VW Bus Tourist Stop next to The Copper Cart in Seligman, Arizona. Photo: Rose, S. (2021)

The modern version of Route 66 we know today isn’t entirely drivable, as it no longer needs to serve as a functional highway. Instead, the drivable portions serve as monuments to American history. Some of these spots have been turned into historic locations with informational posts, signs, and more! You will see many on my socials and here at ThereGoesSaraRose.com.

Navajo & Hopi Indian Arts and Crafts Center in Winslow, AZ Photo: Rose, S. (2021)

Packing Your Clothes

Compression travel bags, such as the Hefty Shrink Pak Travel Bags I used, are an excellent way to pack for a road trip when organized correctly. A packing tip section may sound simple, but these bags and this method saved me hours of frustration:

Keep your clothes CLEAN! You may try to keep dust and dirt out of the car but the windy air will not allow it!
Keep your clothes EASY TO ACCESS! With one bag per day for clothes, you can skip taking the suitcase into your lodgings except when it is time to wash. Traveling with friends? Still consolidate outfits into one bag per day.
Keep your clothes ORGANIZED! Folding and keeping bags flat as possible before compression leaves room for important extras such as swimsuits, extra socks, a windbreaker etc. to help with various weather plans.

You will want to map out a plan regarding when you will clean your clothes and take change and laundry soap; do not assume you will have clothes cleaning services nearby! Having a windbreaker, rain poncho, and/or warm weather gear when traveling in winter is a key part of being prepared for anything.

Route 66 Highlights-Subscribe for More!

The love for nostalgia is evident in the care that has been taken with preserving these pieces of history, a moment in time saved to share a story. Many of the stops have several signs touting a landmark of some type, beaming with pride at passing drivers, enticing them to “taking the next right!”. The unplanned stops became my favorite; the finding-of-the-unexpected just as appealing as a curated museum. A friend and I spent almost an entire 16 days photographing, recording, and taking notes of various parts of the United States, from the Mojave Desert to New Orleans, from Chicago to Las Vegas. Makes sure to subscribe and follow this blog to be the FIRST to get these stories, photos, and more!

Here are a few excellent attractions along Route 66 I missed I planned to return back to, such as:

Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In

Located in Seligman, Arizona is a historic eatery that was built in 1953 by Juan Delgadillo. It stands out from the crowd quite literally as it was built mostly from scrap lumber. Flamboyant and humorous, featuring menu items like “Dead Chicken” and “Cheeseburger With Cheese”, Delgadillo’s is a delightful stop on Route 66.

Cadillac Ranch

A public art installation in Amarillo, Texas, Cadillac Ranch is one of the many quirks of Route 66. Buried in the desert sand are ten graffiti-covered Cadillacs. Visitors to the installation are welcome to contribute to the artistic display with their designs spray-painted onto the Ranch’s vehicles.

The Wigwam Motel

A curious motel in Holbrook, Arizona furnishes guests with the chance to sleep in wigwams for the night instead of traditional motel rooms. While the rooms are shaped like tipis as opposed to the more hut-like wigwam, this kitsch motel is still a great place to lay your head.

Join The Adventure!

The dream of travel, seeing places never seen, and turning that into art, is the whole reason why I write this blog. If that’s something you’re dreaming of too, I hope these posts help inspire you towards taking your own journey. Want to get your kicks on Route 66? Come along with me for the first major leg of my travels in “16 States in 16 Days”! Follow me on social media for updates as they happen and subscribe to my blog for stories on my adventures. Thank you for coming on this journey with me.

Sara Rose at the Grand Canyon, Arizona. (Photo: Neri, M. 2021)

P.S. Notes while traveling are key! Purchase Word Vomit: A 90-Day Expression Journal to give yourself space for mindless doodles, inspiring art, and processing unfiltered emotions! This is a great way for you, your friends, or kids to prepare for a blog of your own or just word vomit!

WHY read a Travel Blog? || Introducing Sara Rose

Welcome to OUR Adventure! Are YOU ready to join, is the question? EXPLORE more here!

One would think an Introductory post would be the first thing a blogger would share, but who wants to do EVERYTHING by the books, anyway? Welcome to my journey of finding myself…tomorrow we shall wanderlust but until then I am fine being wanderLOST!

She turned and walked the direction she wanted to go, by herself. It wasn’t something she wanted at the moment, she just wanted chicken, in a sandwich, dipped in sauce…it really didn’t matter except she knew the goal was chicken. Who was this girl? Well, she was me, the moment before I felt changed as a person. This moment took place during my filming and production of, “16 States in 16 Days”, amazing photos and videos coming your way soon! But, I am specifically NOT a solo-person, someone who is great at taking care of me and spending time, comfortably, with myself…that is SO not, well…me. Yet here I was, in the middle of the French Quarter and Bourbon Street at 1 AM, eating chicken all by my lonesome.

Listen to a podcast of this travel article here: https://anchor.fm/theregoessararose/episodes/Ep-8-WHY-Read-a-Travel-Blog—Introducing-Sara-Rose-e156vie

Why do this? Why is this moment important, now?

Because I was once scared, and didn’t realize it. Scared the world would tell me I was wrong about so much I thought I knew.
Because, I am hoping, it will help you realize: I didn’t just walk out my door one day and become who you see in front of you and that isn’t your story either…it takes effort and energy to move in such a direction. But it is worth it; I will share how I did it and how you can too!

What I hope to publish here is not only my story, and how I got here, but also share tidbits of what I learn along the way to help you with your story. Tidbits on the path to financial independence, photography, web development & design, living with physical and mental health diagnoses, what it is like to travel now (post-lockdown), striking out on your own, leaving friends and family behind for a moment to find your path and more! Even more exciting are the things I am going to share with you we don’t even know about yet, as we have yet to discover them!

To help you get started, here are a few questions to ask yourself on your blogging journey and my thoughts on the matter:

“Why am I blogging?” If you bleed passion and creativity out of your brain faster than your finger tips can keep up, you may be here to inspire others to action more so than yourself.
“What am I blogging about?” ThereGoesSaraRose.com is about travelling to create art, creating art to travel. A natural painter, I find the need to research and see the world at a closer view before I can create and of my artistic passion with others. A travel blog allows me to share the moment of epiphany/inception-to-creation. I am sharing a blueprint for fellow artists, with the long-term goal of owning my own art gallery.
“Who shall be a fellow Adventurer? What is your demographic?” The curious, the kind and the passionate. Everyone cannot drop what they are doing right now and begin a travel adventure, but we can support others in their journey and receive support in our own growth. From someone who took thirty-four years to see more than the West-coast of the USA, I can only encourage you to work up to the moment you DO decide to travel and share what we can until then. You travel when you are ready, I will be here with you until and after then!
“If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished?” I had to share this question as is, as it was asked of ME, so that I can share with you…as much as I have hopes and expectations for what this blog and travel-life can mean to me and others…at this point…I literally just hope to blog successfully throughout the next year…how about that for easy goals? For instance, it can take me all afternoon to, i.e. figure out how to share my Amazon journal on my website and case-in-point for why this blog wasn’t shared when I wanted to yesterday! But we shall be appreciative for each accomplishment. On a personal note, I would love to know that I am taking care of myself as much as I am taking care of others in a self-sufficient way. Adventurers, hold me to that comment, will you?

You and I are not locked into anything, we are specifically here to grow and change together. I am going to try, and I am not going to give up; there is so much more I could promise myself, but one blog post at a time, am I right? Peter Dinklage, an actor from a favorite TV show of mine (but a person who has been through more obvious struggles than the average one of us), made this comment in his speech to a graduating class, “I waited a long time out in the world before I gave myself permission to fail. Please don’t even bother asking. Don’t bother telling the world you are ready. Show it. Do it.” (Dinklage, 2012) I am ready for this, are you?

Until next time….I am off to hang out with all of YOU in a Twitch stream! Apologies as this post was supposed to go out yesterday, here is to making mistakes and enjoying each learning lesson. Let that sink in.

See you in a few friends!

-Sara Rose

How to Start a Travel Blog – a Rewarding Pastime or Future Profession?

Why should YOU start a travel blog? Get all the details HERE!

Take off for a dream destination. Tour a museum or hike a scenic trail. Take lots of pics and notes. Relax on a hotel-quality mattress or cuddle into a down bag as insects serenade outside. Do these moments sound inviting? Perhaps you should start a travel blog! If you are just starting out on your writing journey, practice by grabbing a journal and let it flow until you are ready to share your words with the world. As a thank you for reaching 500 views, then 600 views only a week later, I want to give back to the community of Adventurers with this special & informational post. YOU ARE APPRECIATED! Join the community & subscribe to this blog or just be the FIRST to read upcoming stories such as “16 States in 16 Days”, coming soon! Until then, let’s learn how to start a blog of your very own!

Listen to a podcast of this travel article here: https://anchor.fm/theregoessararose/episodes/Ep-7-How-to-Start-a-Travel-Blog-a-Reward-Pastime-or-Future-Profession-e156ukq

Why start a travel blog?

The tide of travel blogging is rising and for good reason. Affiliate marketing . . . Google AdWords and external sponsorship make travel blogging a promising way to fund trips and, for some, even create a fun, new means of making a living. Many are tired of being inside but don’t know where to start or where to go, another great reason to share your adventures.

Do you dream of traveling on a regular basis and sharing your experiences? Maybe even making a bit of income? Me, too. So I decided to take the leap and you, too, can learn how to launch your own travel blog.

I’ll get you started. After that, the sky’s the limit. Create a plan, a theme and release your unique website. Begin exploring the globe as a virtual tour guide. The experience of being an entertainer/educator is highly rewarding and the student taking flight is AMAZING, so share your story in the comments below!

Monetize your site, if you could use some extra cash. Recommend products and services, schedule helpful ads to assist readers. Travel blogs can earn a bit of profit to help support expenses. Blogs can lead to books and seminars, if you’re ambitious. Maybe even a TV show like those hosted by travel celebs like Samantha Brown or Rick Steves. Travelers are dreamers and dreams can come true with careful planning and persistence.

So if you’re like me and want to leave the daily grind behind for a new lifestyle more suitable to your wandering spirit, why not go for it.

My history – could yours be similar?

I worked 10 years for the government as an analyst and hated being inside when the world outside was passing me by. I decided to switch careers and studied for two years to earn my Bachelor of Science in Multimedia Development & Design. I returned to school but graduated during 2020, when options were limited and the world was in crisis. We each have our struggle to get to where we want to be, I don’t want to give the impression the path here was an easy transition. I knew I needed a change, I was just afraid. Could it be that you are, too? More on the day I quit and what happened afterward, check out my video on how I became a streamer and let’s get back to travel blogging!

Planning the spirit of your travel blog

Planning ahead is the key to a seamless journey. Planning is also the key to longevity when it comes to blogging. Yet it only takes a few minutes to get started once you know where you are going. What types of trips will you take? What’s different about the way you travel? What’s a title that will get you noticed? These are some questions to ask yourself when planning your blog. There are a few key details that really help when traveling on a road trip, as well as a few inexpensive ways to save LOTS of money in the long run…but that is for another post on another day! Here is at least how to get you started travel blogging.

Here are the simple steps to starting a travel blog that will take you places:

It’s super easy to start a blog on WordPress though there are other options also.

Register the title. This will also be your URL. Your blog’s title shouldn’t be too long, but it must be memorable. People should be able to tell what your blog is about from the title.
Select a theme. Choose a style that fits your topic. Personalize the home page with text and photos.
Prepare an opening post, featuring an attention grabbing illustration. Keep search engine optimization (SEO) in mind, when composing both the text and title. Use keywords in your title and several times in the text. It’s not rocket science, but this will help people interested in the topic find you.
Click publish.

WordPress offers free sites, but upgrading provides perks that will be useful down the road, if you are serious about success. You may want to upgrade your domain name from yourblog.wordpress.com to your own domain name.

The most important rules for success are to:

Blog on a regular basis: monthly, weekly, daily – whatever frequency you can maintain. The more often the faster your list of followers will grow, but frequency shouldn’t be pursued at the expense of quality.
Create content that’s helpful and entertaining.
Gain free followers by socializing and if desired, by investing in marketing. Making intelligent comments on the blogs of others with similar interests, or trading guest posts, helps both your blog and the ones you visit. Formal marketing plans are an option also.

Bonus tip: Blog well for a brand and you may earn a free trip. Business, especially in the blogging world, is all about relationships.

Travel blogging is about building trust and camaraderie

Tell your story. Be personal. Make people want to travel with you. Feature the happenings from trips that are most touching. The little things others overlook. Passion is contagious. If your love for new horizons comes through in your writing, others will want to join in your adventures. Today virtually. Perhaps in a few years as part of a tour group if that’s in your plans. Who know where travel blogging will lead you?

Go for it!

Now that you know the basics. It’s time to take the first step on the journey to becoming a killer travel blogger. Follow me at ThereGoesSaraRose.com for updates on my trips and for more helpful information like this.

California Academy of Sciences | San Francisco Golden Gate Park

Check out the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park with EPIC photos!

Tucked away in San Francisco’s world-renowned Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences has served as the backdrop of many of my fondest childhood memories—my family has been coming here for years—and it is certain to offer a unique California travel adventure for you, too.

The museum’s mission is to “regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration,” and I find my own interest in natural science is stoked with each revisit of it. Beyond the education in science, the Academy itself is a sight to behold. It underwent a multi-million-dollar remodel in 2008, which swapped around some of the layouts I was familiar with from childhood, but ultimately yielded the environmentally friendly architectural gem that stands today. Join me as I guide you through some of my favorite highlights the institution has to offer.

Note: I visited the museum pre-lockdown, so you’ll notice many folks are mask-less in my photos. Rest assured, the institution has a thoughtful reopening plan which you can dive into here.

Listen to a podcast of this travel article here: https://anchor.fm/theregoessararose/episodes/Ep-6-California-Academy-of-Sciences–San-Francisco-Golden-Gate-Park-e156u5c

Osher Rainforest

Saving the best for first! One of my all-time favorite spots at the Academy is the Osher Rainforest. The rainforest is housed inside the museum. You read that right—a rainforest inside a building! And experiencing it is as amazing as it sounds.

The rainforest is four stories high and encapsulated in a giant glass sphere. Inside, you can get up close and personal with the flora and fauna of the Amazonian forest. You’ll want to plan ahead, as this permanent exhibition is available to partake in by reservation only (which you can make in the Academy’s lobby by scanning a QR code to select a time to visit), and trust me, it is not to be missed. Check out a video of the dome and inside view of the Rainforest, here!

Steinhart Aquarium & Claude the Alligator

Next up is the Steinhart Aquarium, where you can see 40,000 live animals and be immersed in their striking underwater habitats. I’ve always loved aquariums and have visited my fair share, and the Steinhart is one of the most spectacular.

Steinheart Aquarium, California Academy of Sciences — Claude the Albino Alligator, California Academy of Sciences

Claude the Albino Alligator, California Academy of Sciences

No visit to the Academy is complete without a tip of the hat to my buddy Claude, the American alligator with albinism who appears snowy white. You can find Claude in the part of the aquarium that showcases the ecosystems of the Southeastern United States called “the Swamp.” Also available for your viewing pleasure are exhibits on tide pools, coral reefs, lagoons, and much more.

Kimball Natural History Museum

And don’t miss the Kimball Natural History Museum, which showcases one-of-a-kind specimens from the Academy’s expansive scientific collections. I was fascinated by Academy’s dazzling gem and mineral collection, and I also loved learning about the role of color in the natural world. From tiny insects to enormous dinosaur bones, the natural history museum has a little something for every adventurer to enjoy.

Living Roof

Capping off my visit to the Academy is a trip up to the 2.5-acre living roof. Up here, temperature, wind, and rain are monitored, and the entire structure is edged with solar panels. The roof contributes to the sustainability of the building by providing insulation and capturing excess rainwater. More than just functional, the roof is a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of the Academy’s interior and provides a unique chance to reflect on California’s environment while peering down at Golden Gate Park below.

Looking for a California adventure of your own? Get your tickets to the California Academy of Sciences here and be sure to subscribe to my blog and follow me on social media to join me on my travels.

How to Plan Your Visit to Anza-Borrego Metal Sculptures

Listen to a podcast of this travel article here: https://anchor.fm/theregoessararose/episodes/Ep-5-Anza-Borrega-Metal-Sculptures-e152dma

In the desert of South California, a T-rex erupts from the sand. You thought you just had to worry about falling on one of the various cacti (check out my video on those here!), didn’t you? Don’t worry, the dino is not the human-eating kind, but a sculpture made of metal.

A little further down the road, the T-rex is joined by a prehistoric mammoth and a kneeling camel. The whimsical works come from the fantastical mind of sculptor Ricardo Breceda. Not originally an artist, Breceda created his first sculpture after his daughter watched one of the Jurassic Park films and he created a dinosaur for her. Fascinating!

Anyone can visit the sculptures, located along Borrego Springs Road, but the journey does take some preparation. There is no fee to view the sculptures and the average vehicle (not one low to the ground) can maneuver the dirt off-road parking areas around each art piece. I recently visited and chronicled my journey through video and my social media, check out some of my favorite photos though in this blog!

Anza Borrego Horse and Carriage Metal Sculpture

Before you go

Before you head out on any trip, it’s important to make sure you’re fully prepared, particularly when traveling in a pandemic.

Aside from packing your camera gear and your favorite snacks, make sure you’re prepared for the weather. Summer weather in San Diego County is temperate, with highs of 77°F/25°C and lows of 62°F/16°C However, the sculptures are located in the desert, with current high’s at over 100°F/38°C so it’s best to bring layers of clothing, a wide-brim hat and sunscreen to help protect you from those golden rays.

The sculptures are mostly visited by car travel, so it may be a little easier to stay socially distant. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends wearing a mask when in public, remaining six feet from anyone outside your part and washing your hands often. Be sure to check the CDC website for the must up-to-date travel tips.

How the sculptures came to be

Breceda was first commissioned to make sculptures for Galleta Meadows Estate, a large desert property owned by Dennis Avery. Now more than 130 creatures are scattered around Anza Borrego Desert, with new ones occasionally popping up.

Breceda's Eagle Anza Borrego Metal Sculpture

The rust-colored sculptures are scattered across 10 square miles. Because the surrounding landscape is barren, it is easy to spot them from far away.

Some of the most popular sculptures are the sea dragon (or serpent, if you ask some locals!), the grasshopper and the scorpion, and the sloth.

The sea dragon is the largest of all the sculptures and even crosses the road. It stretches across 350 feet and rises to a height of 15 feet. The scorpion and the grasshopper face off in an epic battle, but they are sculpted with intricate detail. The sloths feature fur made of metal and are designed to look like the Harlan Ground Sloth that used to live in the area. Travel post-lockdown left us with lots of travelers, plan your photo sessions well or you might lose out on daylight like I did!

The sculptures are spaced out along Borrego Springs Road, so it’s best to drive to each one. Some portions of the drive require travel along dirt roads, so be sure your car is reliable and has a tank full of gas. Pocket maps can be purchased from the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association at the Visitor Center. Borrego Springs has a wonderful town center in between these sculptures, don’t forget to stop and hydrate or grab snacks to stay nourished (I recommend the Boba truck!).

Anza Borrego Spanish Padre Metal Sculpture Rosary

What to do after

If the desert is still calling to you after your drive, you can head to the nearby Anza Borrego Desert State Park.

With the regional stay at home order lifted, California state Parks are reopening, though some precautions still remain in place.

Reservations are required at many Anza Borrego campsites and the visitor center is maintaining limited hours — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Monday — with limited capacity. Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with heavy cleaning schedules, so be sure to pack your own hand sanitizer to keep clean.

Park goers are asked to recreate responsibly, including wearing face coverings and maintaining a safe social distance from other hikers. This goes for the sculptures as well. Be sure to check the most recent state park guidelines before you head out.

After you’ve fed your wanderlust and creative spirit with a trip to see the sculptures, check out ThereGoesSaraRose.com for more travel tips.