Day 1, July 23rd

Today I woke up from the smell of pancakes and maple syrup. I’m so hungry I could eat a horse. My mom was making me breakfast so I could start off my day right. I was starting my journey across America today to tour 5 different colleges in each region. This is my whole trip mapped out-

I’m nervous taking this journey alone, but I know I’ll be alright. (IC, CC IC) It’s now 5:30 in the morning, and my mom and I are packing my bags into my car. While we’re saying our goodbyes, I realize how much I am going to miss my mom and dad and siblings, but on the bright side I’ll see them in a week or two. I’m traveling to Iowa City today to go tour the University of Iowa. My trip today to the University of Iowa will take me around 5 hours. It will be roughly 281 miles from my house to the University. This is the route of my trip.

Thank goodness my mom packed me snacks and drinks for the trip, like multiple boxes of granola bars, fruit snacks, and trail mix. I packed a few cases of water for the trip also. On my way down there the view from my windows were always the same. Corn, beans, cows and more farm animals. Nothing interesting, I’ve seen it all before.

University of Iowa Admissions Office: 107 Calvin Hall, Iowa City, Iowa: 41 degrees N long., 91 degrees W latitude.

I have finally arrived! Right now the time is 11:32 a.m on this beautiful Monday morning. The sun is shining, the air is clean, and there is a slight breeze. I am so excited to be looking around this college. The admissions office (where I’m at now) is in between Halsey Hall, and Gilmore Hall.

After touring this college and the campus, I was sure that would be the college I would go too. It was perfect for me. Close to home, great campus, easy to get places, and nice dorm rooms. Everyone seemed so nice, and kind, and everyone seemed very helpful. For my first year at the University of Iowa it would cost me 11,000 dollars. So I better start saving up now, knowing my parents they probably have quite a bit saved up already. Overall I was really excited to learn more about this college and to apply to go there in a few years. Before I left the campus, I bought myself a sweatshirt and a coffee mug for my mom and a keychain for my sister, they’d be glad I got them something. Here are a few pictures of the campus-

Tonight I am staying in Iowa City to get some rest. I’ve had a really long day, and all I want is sleep. (IC. IC) The hotel I’m staying at is the Iowa City Marriott.

On my way to the hotel, I stopped at Wendy’s to get chicken strips, a vanilla shake, and fries. It took me around 10 minutes to eat everything, I was starving. The hot, delicious hamburger tasted amazing, but the best part of my meal was the greasy, salty, hot fries. When I got to my hotel I grabbed my overnight bag out of my car, locked it and ran to the entrance of the hotel. I checked in and went to my room, 334. It’s beautiful room. It has 2 massive king beds with fancy comforters, a pull out couch and a ginormous flat screen T.V. At this point I was so tired I could hardly move. I took my shower, plugged my phone and laptop up to charge, and called it a night.

Day 2: July 24th

I woke up around 10 this morning. I had a great night’s sleep, and I was ready to go to Walnut Woods State Park. I made sure I had everything I came into the room with and took a few pictures to show my mom the room I stayed in the first night of my trip. I headed down to the front desk to check out. I went out to my car, packed up and grabbed a water and a few granola bars to start out my day right. I had a 2 and a half hour trip to Walnut Woods State Park today, but before I went anywhere I went and filled up my car. I went in and paid for my gas, and also bought a few packs of gum for the trip. I was definitely ready to get to the State Park and be outside, and not in my car. This is my route to Walnut Woods State Park-

I had a great time at Walnut Woods State Park. It was beautiful. The air is crisp and clean and the leaves on the trees are the darkest of greens. It was quite warm, but with a breeze which was perfect. A lot of the campers were barbecuing, and all I could smell was the steaks, hot dogs, and hamburgers on the grill. All the smells of food made my mouth water. At the park I walked the trails and checked out all the sites. Heres some more information about the park-

I only stayed at the park for awhile, then I needed to get on the road and head to Denver, Colorado. Right now it’s about 12:45, and I have a 11 hour ride in the car ahead of me. Can’t wait. Not. I have to drive all by myself, so I decided to get some food and make sure I had everything I needed in my car. I stopped at Pizza Ranch, got the buffet and sat down and ate. I ate a few pieces of sausage pizza; the cheese was melted and it smelt wonderful. I got a piece of dessert pizza and called it good. I actually ate quite fast, and I was out of there in 20 minutes. It’s now 1:07 and I predicted that I would be done driving and in my hotel at about 11:30 at night or so. I was so full from my lunch I didn’t grab anything to snack on except for a few waters to drink, but I was sure I’d stop somewhere to get food again and to use the restroom and get gas.

It’s now 6:34 and I had to stop to use the bathroom and fill up my tank somewhere near Grand Island, Nebraska. It’s been a boring car ride. I’ve had no one to talk to, but that’s okay its been a peaceful drive. There really hasn’t been too much to see, just cornfields and beans, same old stuff I’m used to seeing at home in Iowa. I just can’t wait to be in Denver at the hotel so I can lay down and feel the soft sheets and relax, but I have around 5 hours left of driving. While I was in the Casey’s getting gas there were quite a few of interesting people, but I got my stuff and paid and got out to my car as fast as I could. When I got in my car I buckled up, checked my phone for messages, checked twitter, instagram, and facebook, because I wouldn’t be able to for a few more hours.

It’s now 11:47 and I’m sitting in my hotel room waiting for my pizza to come. The hotel I am staying at is almost more beautiful than my last. I just got here a few minutes ago. I’m exhausted I can barely keep my eyes open. I honestly look like a raccoon, I have such big bags underneath my eyes. I unpacked my outfit for tonight and for tomorrow so I would be a little more prepared for when the morning comes. My car ride here was okay, it was long and tiring, but the radio station had some pretty great music surprisingly. Anyway, it’s been awhile and I’m getting very impatient for my food. So to pass time, I took my shower got in bed and watched some Jessie on Disney Channel. About 15 minutes later my pizza came, I got a small sausage pizza and breadsticks and some dessert pizza, I don’t know how I thought I could eat it all, but I did. It was all so delicious, the melted cheese, and the warm, buttery breadsticks dipped in ranch was amazing. I could have all of that food everyday for every meal.

Day 3:

Today I woke up feeling great; however, I still felt tired. (IC; IM, IC) I was ready to get on the road and head to Cheyenne Mountain State Park. I’ve heard it was a beautiful place from my neighbors back in Spirit Lake, and so I decided since I was headed that way to California, I’d stop and see what’s it all about. I get dressed put my clothes away and made sure all my pizza boxes were in the trash, and I straightened up my room before I left. It was now 8:00 a.m and I needed to get some breakfast for the trip. Thank goodness the hotel had complimentary breakfast. I grabbed a few little muffins, a cup full of orange juice and checked out of my hotel. I didn’t have that long of a drive to the state park, only about an hour and 40 minutes.

The drive here was quite long, and rather boring, but oh my gosh Cheyenne Mountain State Park is beautiful. I didn’t stay long because I had a very long car ride to California tonight, but everything I saw was just gorgeous. It was rather warm outside for the morning, but it was still alright. It had many different trails to walk on and see all the sites. I walked a few and everything was so pretty. There was many different colors all around, many flowers, trees, and high and low grasses. I wish I could have stayed longer, but I’m for sure going to tell my family about this place, so we could maybe go camping there in the future. Here’s more information about the park-

It’s now 11:30 a.m. and I have a terribly long drive to California. I’m not excited to drive 17 and a half hours, but I need too. I’ve driven this long before, and I have to do it again. I tour my next college at 10 tomorrow morning so thank goodness I got a good nights rest last night. Before I started my 17 hour journey, I needed to fill up my car and get a few snacks at the gas station. When I went in to pay I grabbed a few packs of riddles skittles, swedish fish, sour gummy worms, a donut, and a few flavored waters (my favorite), and a cool blue gatorade. I had tons of things to snack on, and I’m sure my mom would disapprove of all the sugary snacks, but I’d be sure to brush and floss once I got to my hotel.

It’s 5:34 and I decided I needed to stop to go to the bathroom and fill up my tank...again. I sort of regret taking the Cadillac Escalade because the gas mileage is horrible, but on the bright side it has tons of room and I love all the technology. I’m not too tired of driving yet, but I will be soon. It only took me about 5 minutes to get gas, pay, and go to the restroom. I texted my mom and dad to tell them I was alright and what I was doing, and then I was on the road again.

I needed to stop for dinner, right now it’s 10:07 and all the snacks made me pretty full, but I really just wanted an actual meal. I really needed to finish my drive and get to the hotel, so I just got some fast food at Arby’s. I went into Arby’s to order, just so I could use the restroom. The smells of all the foods made my mouth water. I hurried up and went to the bathroom just so I could order my food and eat. After I ate I was so full. I definitely had a food baby. I honestly could say Arby’s is my favorite fast food restaurant chain. Everything tasted great. I got back in my car, checked my phone, turned on some music to keep me up, and started driving.

I got to my hotel around 5:30 a.m that morning. I was exhausted and I had to tour my next college at 10 the next morning. I needed sleep so badly. I got all the bags I needed and checked in. It was an absolutely beautiful hotel. Here are a few pictures-

I unpacked my clothes and took my shower and headed off to bed.

Day 4:

I got up around 9 this morning. I didn’t want to be late to tour my college, so I hurried and put on my clothes and grabbed what I needed. I didn’t know how long it would take me to get to the college considering it’s LA and there’s tons of traffic, so I left as soon as I could. I walked past the dining area on the way out and the breakfast food smelt amazing. Since I was in such a hurry, I couldn’t eat anything. (DC, IC)

I just got done touring my second college. It seemed like a great place to be and to learn, but it’s way too far away from home. Everyone seemed so nice, and helpful, and everyone I met wanted to do the same thing as me which was great. The professors were great people and they told me some things about college and my career path, and all the classes I needed to take. Here are a few pictures of the college-

UCLA School of Dentistry: 34 degrees N longitude 118 W latitude: Next to Mathias Botantical Garden-

After I was done touring the college, I decided to go back to the hotel, but first I needed to get more gas. I got back to the hotel and put things away in my room, and went to the dining area to eat lunch. It was all so delicious, like something my mom would make if I was back home in Iowa. I was still so tired so I decided to go back to my room and nap the rest of the day.

It was now 6:30 p.m., and I just woke up from my nap. I was a little hungry so I decided to call for room service. I ordered hot cocoa and mac’n’cheese. While I was waiting I took my shower and got things ready for the next day. I got my food and snuggled up in my bed and watched movies. I went to bed around 10 p.m., so I could get a good nights sleep.

Day 5:

I had a long day ahead of me. I had to drive all the way from LA to Tuscan, Arizona. It was only about 8 hours away but that’s still a lot. I woke up early around 6:30 so I could get ready and pack up my bags. I didn’t want to eat on the road, so I decided to eat breakfast at the hotel, and let me tell you it was delicious. I had warm buttery pancakes and crisp bacon with maple syrup. I was so full by the time I was done. I went back up to my room to make sure I got everything and I checked out. It was now about 7:30 a.m., so I hurried and got everything in my car and headed down the road.

About a half an hour down the road I realized my phone was missing. I started freaking out. I was stuck in traffic, so I decided to check my messages and twitter, but I couldn’t find my phone. (CLIMAX) I started to retrace my morning and where I could have left it, then I thought about it and realized it was in hotel bathroom. I must have left it there when I was getting ready. I turned my car around and drove back to the hotel. Thankfully they found my phone, one of the cleaning ladies must have found it while they were cleaning my room. I was already about an hour behind and I really wanted to make it to Tuscan before it got really late. I assumed I’d be there around 5 p.m. Which was fine with me.

I finally got to my hotel in Tuscan, Arizona. My drive here was fine. It was way different then Iowa let me tell you that, but I liked it. Since it’s so hot down here, while I was unpacking my things out of my car I felt like my fingers were actually getting burnt from touching the hot leather of the back seat. Anyways, I was super tired so I got my things ready for the next morning ordered my pizza and took my shower. Tonight I got Godfathers, I wasn’t that hungry, so I only got a small sausage pizza and cheesy breadsticks. It was all so good, and I was so full. I threw my greasy pizza boxes away, got in bed and fell asleep.

Day 6:

I woke up really early this morning. I had a 16 hour drive to Houston, Texas. Wooooohoooo. This time I really made sure I had everything before I left my hotel. It was around 6 a.m, so I thought I should get going. I thought I should be there by about 9 tonight.

I’ve been driving for about 6 hours now, and I decided to get some gas, get snacks, and use the restroom. While I was inside it just started raining out of nowhere. Everyone was talking about how crazy it was, since they barely get rain here. I thought the rain wouldn’t last long so I sat in my car, ate a few of my snacks, and checked twitter. It’s been about 10 minutes and it’s still raining, so I decided to start driving again, but here’s a picture of a precipitation map-

I’m in the Southwest region, so as you can see the area that I’m in right now only gets about 12 to 16 inches of rain a year, and back in Iowa we get about 32 to 36 inches of rain a year. That’s a huge difference.

I finally got to my hotel in Houston, Texas. It’s 6:37, so I thought I should actually have a real meal and go out to eat. I decided to go to Olive Garden. Which is my favorite Italian restaurant ever. Lucky for me I didn’t have to wait to be seated at a table. It felt kind of weird eating alone, but at this time I was used to being alone. I ordered what I usually had, chicken alfredo and zeppoli. It was quite delicious and I ate it all in a hurry. When I was getting up to leave my satchel hit someones wine glass from the table next to mine. It happened so fast and all you could hear was the loud BAM of glass hitting the tile floor. I was super embarrassed, and told the waitress and someone cleaned it up right away. I headed back to my hotel, and got gas for my trip tomorrow.

When I got back to my hotel I laid my clothes out and took my shower. I called my parents and told them about my trip so far, and how much fun I was having. I sure did miss them, but I knew I would see them in a few days. I plugged in my phone and laptop and said my prayers and went to bed.

Day 7:

Today I had to tour my third college. I was going to tour the University of Texas School of Dentistry and I couldn’t wait to see it and learn more about it. I went downstairs and ordered some breakfast, ate real fast, and came back upstairs to grab all my stuff. I checked out and put my things in my car and headed to the college.

The University of Texas School of Dentistry was a great college to see and learn about, and I’m so glad I chose to look at it. That college would definitely be a college I would want to go to and get all the details about. I really liked the campus and all the people I met were all so nice and wanted to do the same thing as me. It was located in a great place, and the building where most of my classes would be was HUGE. It looked brand spankin’ new. Before I left I made sure to get a few t-shirts and a sweatshirt for my sister. She would really appreciate the gifts.Here are some pictures-


It was now about 12:30 and I needed to get to Big Thicket National Preserve. I decided to go there because everyone I toured the college with said it was a great place to visit. From Houston it would be a 2 hour drive to the national preserve. I got some gas before I left, and headed that way.

I didn’t stay at the Big Thicket National Preserve very long because I needed to get to Florida, but I’m so glad I stopped and went out of the way to get there. It was gorgeous. Here’s some more information-

It was now about 3:00 and I had a 15 hour car ride to Gainsville Florida. :( I was dreading this trip. I would mostly have to drive in the dark the whole way there, but I needed to get there to tour my next college tomorrow. I’d probably get to my hotel in Gainsville at about 6 in the morning, and I toured the college at 11 a.m. So I would probably get around 3 hours of sleep.

I finally made it to the hotel. I got here about 10 minutes ago. It’s about 6:30 in the morning, and I’m giving myself about 3 and a half hours to sleep.

Day 8:

I had a really long day yesterday, and I honestly don’t know how I am going to stay up while I’m touring this college. I’ll probably want to sit down all the time. I haven’t ate in a while so I went downstairs to the breakfast area and got a few muffins, apple juice, and cereal and brought it up to my room. I ate it quickly while I was watching the news, got dressed and packed up my stuff and brought it out to the car. It was about 10 a.m, and I got to the college right on time. I only toured the college for about a half an hour, I didn’t like it at all. It just wasn’t up to my standards. I thought it would be pointless to keep on looking around if I wasn’t interested. The campus just seemed odd, and the tuition was too high. I really didn’t care for any of the professors much either. Here are some pictures-

University of Florida: 29 degrees N longitude 82 degrees W latitude: Next to Delta Ta Delta

After I was done at the college, I was going to go to the Canaveral National Seashore in Oak Hill, Florida. Which is about 3 hours away from Gainsville.

I got to Canaveral National Seashore about 15 minutes ago. It’s now 4 p.m and I was ready to look around and walk along the ocean. It was a beautiful day outside, and I was hoping to see a few dolphins or little crabs. Like usual I didn’t stay long, but here’s some more information about the seashore-

I have a 12 hour trip to Richmond, Virginia. I really don’t know why I didn’t plan out my trip a little better. All this driving is driving me nuts, but it is what it is. At least I’m not that tired. I figured I’d get to my hotel around 4 in the morning. Before I started driving again I got some snacks, used the restroom and filled up my tank. It was going to be one awfully long, boring car ride. Sigh.

YAY. I finally made it to Richmond! My hotel room is perfect and the beds are so comfortable. The pillows are just right, not too soft and not too hard. Just perfect. I already checked in and took my shower, all I need to do now is sleep. Finally.

Day 9:

Today I have to drive 11 hours to get to Cambridge, Massachusetts. I went down to the hotel lobby and got some breakfast. I sat down at one of the tables and started eating and watched a little bit of the news. When I was done I went back upstairs to my room, got dressed and called my parents to tell them how I was doing. They seemed like they really missed me, I mean I have been gone for a week. Hopefully I’ll be home in 4 days or so.

I got everything packed up in my car and headed to Massachusetts. I’ve never really been around this part of the United States and it was a lot to take in. Lots and lots of cities as I kept driving.

I finally made it to my hotel in Cambridge. After I got everything into my hotel room I went out for supper. I was really craving some breakfast food, so I decided to go to IHOP. The things I get here usually are blueberry pancakes, cold milk, and bacon. (IC WITH LIST) I was pretty much the only person in there, which made me feel odd, but oh well the food was great. I finished my supper pretty quickly and went back to the hotel room. I showered quickly and went to bed.

Day 10:

Today was the day I finally got to tour Harvard University. I was super excited. I got ready and checked out by 9:00. I didn’t have time for breakfast, but before I headed to the college I stopped for some gas.

Oh my goodness. I really wish I could be going to Harvard University, but my parents couldn’t afford the tuition and I couldn’t get a scholarship, but I had an awesome time looking around and learning more about the college. The campus was beautiful and I really liked how the dorms were set up. I also bought myself some souvenirs while I was at the college. I got myself a sweatshirt and a coffee mug for my dad. Here are a few pictures-

Harvard University: 42 degrees N longitude 71 degrees W latitude: Across the street from Jose Mateo Theatre

I got done touring Harvard University at about 12:30. I was now headed to New York to see the Statue of Liberty! I was so excited to see it, and when I did I was amazed. It was gigantic, but honestly I think it looks like a male. Oh well. Here’s some more information about the Statue of Liberty-

Tonight I get to stay at the Radisson Martinque on Broadway! I’m super excited. But before I go to my hotel I stopped and ate some dinner at Panera Bread. While I was eating I found some pictures of the hotel I’m staying at tonight. These are some of them-

When I got to the hotel my jaw just dropped. It is the most gorgeous hotel I’ve ever seen.

I was so happy I got to stay here tonight. I don’t know how I was going to get myself to leave this place tomorrow morning. The rest of my night I watched movies and walked around the hotel. It was a perfect night. No more colleges to go see, and I got to see my family very, very soon.

Day 11:

I’m so happy that I get to see my family in less than two days. I’ve missed them all so much. Today I get to drive all the way to Chicago, Illinois. I was sad to leave this hotel, but I for sure coming here in the future. It’s by far my favorite hotel I’ve ever stayed at. I got everything I needed and checked out and headed to my car. I packed everything up and was on my way to Chicago.

I made it to my hotel in Chicago! It was one boring car ride here, but it was peaceful. I listened to my music and took in all my surroundings. At this point I just wanted to be home already. I took my shower, said my prayers and went to bed.

Day 12:

Only 8 more hours until I’m home! I cannot wait another minute to see my family and my puppy Cocoa. I miss everyone so much. I’m just going to try to get home as fast as I can.

I actually sort of missed seeing cornfields and bean fields all the time. I missed home. I was now only about 20 minutes away from home. I just had to stop in Estherville to get some gas and dinner at Godfathers for everyone at home to have. My journey across the United States went very well. I had lots of fun, and met many new people and got to see what things were like all around the U.S. I had a great time, but I’m glad I’m home. After seeing all these colleges I think the best one for me would be the one closest to home. Overall I had a great time and traveling and looking for future colleges alone made me realize I’m finally growing up.