And, We’re Off!

Hector and Christi at home before packing the car

After a final few days of frantic packing and preparations, Project 100 has officially launched! We loaded up the car this morning (can you believe all this stuff fit neatly into the Prius?) and headed east from Phoenix.

Christi and Hector with the car packed

It wasn’t until about 24 hours ago that I began to think maybe we were crazy for embarking on a scheme like Project 100. Up until that point I had just crossed off items on the to-do list that seemed surprisingly easy: plot out our route, select the travel gear, get new tires, leave my job, sign up for an Obamacare plan, rent the house, pack away our belongings and move them to storage, make arrangements for our other car, etc. But as I was scrubbing floors and taping up the last of the kitchenware boxes last night, it dawned on me that only someone bordering on insane would leave behind a perfectly good job, cozy home, family, friends and everything comfortable and predictable to spend a year living out of a Prius and visiting national parks. What had I done?

Christi with a card of well wishes from workmates

However, as we made our final two trips to the storage unit this morning (pushing overloaded carts down the hallway of the U-Haul facility for the umpteenth time this week, akin to the movie Groundhog Day), the doubt from the night before disappeared and I knew all the logistical gymnastics, stress and bother would be worth it once we hit the road. And all the well wishes from friends, family and coworkers will surely keep our spirits up through the more challenging moments we might have to face.

Hector being welcomed to New Mexico

There’s certainly something enchanting about pulling up anchor and setting sail on a big adventure of discovery and learning. And from our first day on the road as we made our way over to Las Cruces, New Mexico, it seems we’re not the only ones. Every time a vehicle packed to the gills passed us by, we asked each other, “Road trip, or moving?” Our guess is, they’re other adventure-seekers like us. We hope to meet some of those folks as we make our way around the country!

22 thoughts on “And, We’re Off!

  1. Shirley Karcher

    Christi and Hector, you know I will be praying that you have ‘the best time of your life’ … be safe and have a great adventure!
    Aunt Shirley

  2. Rebecca Montgomery

    I wish I had the guts to leep and be adventurous like the two of you! Enjoy every moment, every sound and make sure to tell us every cool thing you get to see!

  3. Kate Innes-Monsalve

    Wow how exciting!!! I can’t wait to read about your adventures! Just watch out for marauding horses, pack your food away properly ?

    1. Christi Post author

      Yes, between the horses at Zempoala and dogs at La Malinche, we’ve learned our lesson about keeping our food safe from critters. Wish you guys were here with us on our adventures!

  4. Marcie

    Way to go Hector and Christi. I wonder how long your organized packing will last.
    I’ll send your blog site to my women’s party folks and they can follow along! Looking forward to following your journey!!

    1. Christi Post author

      Thanks, Marcie! Organization is key. Putting the same thing in the same place each time will save time and headaches. So far, so good!

  5. Bob Rink

    Great, you guys. Will track your progress and maybe share some favorite stuff as you approach areas Francie and I have hits on our 2 1/2 run around the country.

  6. Shirley Karcher

    Christi and Hector,
    Praying that you have the ‘best time of your life’ …be safe and have fun!
    Aunt Shirley

  7. Alyssa Albertone

    But, it’s a really fine line between insane and genius 😉 Happy adventuring and I hope to see ya on the road sometime!

  8. Tracy Birkinbine

    Christi, I love your website! I just finished looking at all your pictures. I can’t wait to read about all your adventures on Project 100! Have fun!

    1. Christi Post author

      Thanks, Tracy! We’ll be posting many more as we get back to civilization (and WiFi coverage) after each wilderness excursion.

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