My parents perfected what they call a “bonsai”. A bonsai is a non-stop road trip intended to get the passengers to their destination as quickly as possible while avoiding traffic delays. It starts at two in the morning. Yes – I mean 2am. I traveled with them down to California after my stay at their place in Oregon. All three of us rotated between driving, co-piloting, and sleeping in the back. I was ready for bed when night rolled around, that’s for sure.
While on the road, I saw a big rig semi truck that had an internet address on the back of his trailer that read WWW.WIDETURNS.DUH. Hilarious!
I moved away from California when I was 19. I’ve slowed my pace living in the back country mountains. I enjoy the view and talk about the landscape (or the neighbors). I had completely forgotten about how people drive like maniacs on the freeway! The speed limit is just a suggestion. Everyone traveled faster than 70 miles an hour (and I think 70 is too fast). I don’t miss that stress, that’s for sure.
When we left out of Vegas on the I-15, some guy ran across the eight-lane freeway at night. Idiot. He made it, but he had to jump over the cinder block side rail to get out of the way of a car (that was going too fast).
Truck stops are awesome. They’re easy to pull in to and they have all the crap you need while traveling. Rest stops are awesome too. Landscapers keep them groomed and janitors keep the bathrooms clean. Plus, camping is free if you have a travel trailer.
I have to get signed up for the Good Sam Emergency Road Service. It’s all the rage. 
Hey, I don't want this picture. What gives?
6 Comments
70 MPH is not too fast!
You didn’t say whether or not you enjoyed traveling with your parents. I can say that for me it was one of my more enjoyable “bonzai’s” having my first born with me.
Love you,
Miss you,
Hope to see you soon.
Sounds like fun! I plan on taking my next big trip in a few months and I am leaving at 9pm. It’s a 14 hour drive.
I didn’t know it had a name!!!! 
Kewl!
Shane, I know… cars should go faster and you want them all! Hey, what was the traffic speed like in Hawaii?
Mom, I had a great time bonzaiing with you! Especially since you let me do most of the sleeping.
Myra, 14 hours! Yikes! Drive safe – and slow
Right on sister. So where are you now?
I’m in Wyoming right now. I’ll be back in Montana in a week or two.