Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
—Robert Frost
THE EMPTY HIGHWAY. Just two lanes. A long way from anywhere familiar. A long way from anything at all. No traffic. No signs of civilization other than the road itself. Just you. And maybe a pet or two.
For some people, that’s part of a perfect adventure. For others it’s an anxiety inducing situation.
AAAAACK! I’m all alone! What if something happens? Or, more specifically, what if something happens here, in the middle of nowhere?
If you lived your life in cities and suburbs, then a lot of the country beyond populous areas might leave you feeling isolated and vulnerable. So far from help and resources. Is there even a cell signal?
No wonder many nomads—particularly those new to the lifestyle—prefer to travel with at least one other person.
But here’s something to consider. If you run out of gas or breakdown, you are already in your home. You have shelter and food, a bed, ways to keep warm or cool, maybe some type of entertainment. You can wait—for days, if necessary. Wait? For who? Well, the road is there because there are people around who need it. Someone will come along eventually. And that someone will probably be helpful, because that’s how people who live in the middle of nowhere survive—by helping each other when necessary.
In the end, success at life on the lonely road depends upon your vehicle, what’s in your vehicle, and what’s in your head.
Make the road less traveled less scary
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- Have as much of an emergency fund as you can; keep some of it in cash
- Check your tires, tire pressure, belts, hoses, brakes, wipers and fluid levels regularly
- Watch your gauges and know what’s normal
- Be aware not every small town has fuel; fill up whenever you have the chance
- Carry oil and coolant
- Avoid potholes and debris
- Know how to change a flat
- Have tools: even if you don’t know how to use them someone else might
- Keep your phone charged, pull off the road to use it
- Know where you’re going and how to get there—maps, GPS
- Check the road reports
- Check the forecasts
- Keep your windshield clean
- Avoid driving toward the rising or setting sun
- Avoid driving at night
- Don’t drive when tired
- Watch for livestock and wildlife, assume they’re going to walk, run, jump in front of you
- Play good road music
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Perfect.
Yes. Most folks who live on those “roads less traveled” are usually friendly and will help. Been there. Done that.
Penelope I am not on the road yet but do live in an area with no cell signal and not many houses. I have helped lots of people with gas, fixing flat tires, or breakdowns and numerous accidents. It seems like my house is always the one that anybody in need comes to and I am here to help. I think it is an Adirondack thing.
Yes.
And in your tool bag be sure you have a roll of gorilla tape and some zip ties or Velcro straps for emergency repairs until you can get to a shop.
What about WD-40 ?
Good for the squeaky door hinge
Ha ha ha…Hi Bob !!
In the mist of nowhere, you can not be alone…the presence is always there, cherish it…there so much magic in the woods of nuance, so much…only be quiet if you want to hear its voice…
Agree, love your comment…so spiritual !
gosh I wanna be out there sooo bad but my van is not done yet but soon take care
Most rural people were raised or through life’s experience, will go out of their way to help. In 69 years of life I have experienced this often. Great article and reminder in a time when we are always hearing about the scares. Stay safe! Use your head and common sense.
The suggestions above are very good and remember the deer you hit is the one you didn’t see
I find it extraordinary fortune that in the decade I’ve been on the road, I’ve never broke down. Well, I have gotten stuck three times though – twice in Slab City and once in Inyo National Forest. I’ve come close to breaking down only once while in Mammoth Lake when I sputtered right into the car shop. I’ve learned to stay topped off on all fluids and tire pressure as well as keep a very keen, almost obsessive ear to my campervan’s sounds. I also give my van, Evergreen Queens lots of praise everytime she starts up.
This is so encouraging for those of us who are soon to venture away from what has been home. Thank you!
I’ve traveled alone on roads where there was NOTHING! Started to scare me a little but like you said, the road is there for a reason. I decided that in the future if I’m alone I’d stick to more populated roads. But I did feel accomplished after that experience.
Driving from WA state, to Illinois has some of the loneliest empty roads that I never want to be on. I drove with the thought that my Creator is there, and promised to care for me, so I never even thought of being fearful, just get to my destination. Dad was in Illinois, mother was in WA state.
One day, I watched deer jump out in front of three cars ahead of me. I was shocked and thankful that they did not hit anyone.
So, pray first, like someone above said, use common sense.
Enjoy your visits.
Toni
When I’ve encountered deer on the road (without incident so far) it was usually just after sunrise or just before sunset. I rarely drive at night anymore, but deer can be out and about when it’s dark, too.
Alone? I love alone! In the desert or mountains and everywhere in between, alone is good. And when you meet someone new on your all alone trip, that’s extra special. I never fear being alone because God is my Co-Pilot
Hank, beautifully said !
Thank’s for the tips. A thought-provoking idea.
Lj
I lived in Dubois Wyoming for 12 years, this brought back a lot of memories, Walmart, 88 miles away. I would just zone out while driving, looking at the stunning outdoor world. Time flew by. My stress level was almost at zero. Now I live in North Carolina, driving here the stress level is turned up all the way to Eleven.