2010 Art Goals #1 Art and worship road trip

So tis the season to think and plan for the new year. Ever since I started mailing around the prayer journals and created a map of Artsy Churches, a massive road trip has been brewing in the back of my mind. I feel that a REAL road trip must last about a week, include a decent number of states traveled through, and a visit to the coastline.

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Look at that monster. That's over 2,100 miles, over 35 hours on the road, and crossing through a dozen states. Now, before I can really do this, I need to replace my old 93 Civic Hatchback. Poor thing has over 170,000 miles and recently i smashed the front a little in a minor accident. My clunker would probably die before the trip was half way through.

So that's the first BIG hurdle.* I'm hoping to find a good used wagon like a Subaru Outback or Scion xB. I don't plan on traveling light - well, at least not by the end of it. Think about it. I might need to haul my live painting supplies if there's a chance i might paint at some churches along the way. or I might pick up some art along the way. or maybe i have a traveling art show to share at the churches i visit.

I need to save up enough vacation days at my day job. Also, need to save up the gas money etc needed. I'll need a camera for the documentation. Some good podcasts and audio books to listen to along the way are a must. I think a classic road trip requires some nights of car camping. I might need to buy a small tent and a sleeping bag. i'll be passing through the Smokey Mountains, and i know i'll wish i had spent a night camping there. A few nights of camping will of course save on the hotel costs. Also, i hope that a few artists will be open to allowing me to crash at their place while i travel through their area (please!).

*a friend pointed out that i should considering renting a car for the trip. hmm. that might not be a bad idea. i could rent a model that im interested in buying. it'd be like an extended test drive. hmm.