Summary

Two college friends embark on a road trip from Greensboro, NC to New Orleans in a 1985 Honda Accord, facing car troubles and unexpected adventures, ultimately choosing to persevere and create lasting memories despite the challenges.

Abstract

The narrative recounts a formative road trip taken by the author and her best friend during college. Despite limited funds, they set out for New Orleans with high spirits, camping gear, and a gas card. Their journey in a used Honda Accord takes a turn when the car's engine fails in Montgomery, Alabama. Stranded without a cellphone, they rely on AAA for assistance and end up at a Motel 6 while awaiting news of their vehicle. When informed of the extensive engine damage, they face the decision to either remain in Montgomery or continue their journey. Choosing the latter, they rent a car using a credit card against their parents' wishes and eventually reach New Orleans, where they immerse themselves in the local culture, despite the author's excessive drinking leading to a rough night. The trip concludes with them returning to Montgomery to be picked up, reflecting on the adventure that tested their resilience and solidified their friendship.

Opinions

The author conveys a sense of determination and resourcefulness in the face of unexpected car troubles.
There is a clear theme of friendship and camaraderie, as the two friends support each other through the challenges of the trip.
The author reflects on the importance of choosing adventure over resignation when faced with travel mishaps.
The narrative suggests that travel experiences, especially those with unexpected turns, can be deeply influential and memorable.
The author hints at the recklessness of youth, particularly in the decision to rent a car against their parents' advice and the overindulgence in alcohol.
There is an underlying appreciation for the kindness of strangers, such as the AAA tow truck driver and the motel staff who accommodate them during their misadventure.

The Art of a Road Trip is to not Give up So Easily

Nothing deters us from getting to a destination! Not even a blown engine.

Back in college, my best friend and I decided to go on a road trip.

However, being college students, neither one of us had any money — but we did have a plan!

We decided to take a trip to New Orleans. Neither one of us had ever been and it seemed like such a cool idea. I had a car, she had a gas card, and we both had camping equipment. We would make our way from Greensboro, NC to New Orleans within two days, camping in Athens, GA, and then on the infamous Lake Pontchartrain. We were both big Nanci Griffith fans and we just had to see it.

We packed my car full of our equipment and packed a cooler full of food. I brought a portable gas grill so that we wouldn’t have to depend on a fire to cook. My mom gave me $100 in cash so we thought we had all we needed.

The first leg of the trip to Athens was pretty easy. We arrived late at night and set up camp. Got a decent night’s sleep and headed down highway 85 towards Alabama the next day.

This is where the adventure takes a turn.

We started to notice that we had to fill my car up way too often. It was a 1985 Honda Accord that my father had bought me as a graduation gift. It was great in the city but this was the first long road trip it had taken.

It finally died on us in Mongomery, Alabama.

We limped it into a grocery store parking lot and found a pay phone to call my mom.

Yes, in 1993, we did not have a cellphone.

Luckily, my parents (mom and stepdad) had bought me a AAA membership and I called a tow truck. He towed it to the nearest Honda dealership and dropped us off at a Motel 6. As it happens, they do leave the light on for you (Gen-ers will get that).

Now, here we were, two lesbians in Montgomery, Alabama with barely any money, a car broke down, and no idea what to do next.

We spent two days in that Motel 6 until we finally got a call from the Honda dealership. My engine was blown. It would cost thousands of dollars to fix.

Shit.

I called my dad. Since he had given me the car, maybe he had some wisdom on what to do about the situation. His response to me was “what do you want me to do about it?”

Nothing. Just checking.

So I called my mom. Now, we have no way home, a shit ton of equipment and she has started to pay the motel bill from afar. She has a plan though. She hires one of her clients to pick us up. However, it is going to be a few days before he can get there.

Now, we have a choice. We can sit tight for several days in the Montgomery Motel 6, or we can see if we can get to New Orleans.

I have a credit card that has about a $700 limit on it. I’m not supposed to use it, but here I was with an opportunity to see New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain and being 21 years old, I was also a bit reckless.

So we walked to Enterprise rentals and rented a car. The guy at the desk was like “you’re not taking this over state lines are you?”

“No, Of course not!”

We so did. Right into Mississippi and on to Lake Pontchartrain.

We found a campsite somewhere on the lake. We did not realize how massive this lake is much less how far from the French Quarter we were. But at this point, nothing was going to deter us!

We drove into New Orleans in the afternoon and walked up and down Bourbon Street. We hopped into a Jazz club and ate some beignets. Then we proceeded to drink.

I wasn’t driving but I should have eased up a bit.

At some point, we were in a gay bar where the special was Jack Daniels. There was a Jack Daniels rep or some guy giving away Jack Daniels merch and said we could have what we wanted as long as we drank Jack. So we did.

The next hours of this trip were a bit fuzzy. I remember the ride back to the campsite because I had to stop every 10 minutes to throw up. I remember it was pouring down rain. I remember sleeping in the car.

My best friend was happy to fill in the gaps. First, some guy was trying to molest me in the bar and she got us to the car. After the slow ride back because we kept stopping, she got out to sleep in the tent. I locked the car behind her. Everything in the tent was soaked due to the rain and when she banged on the glass so I would let her in, I unlocked every door except hers. It was a long night for her.

We woke at dawn the next morning and loaded the car with our wet things. I apologized profusely when I learned what happened. We said goodbye to the lake and Louisiana. We drove straight back to Montgomery to meet up with our ride to go back home.

Almost 30 years later and still laugh about that trip. It was my first really long road trip and it was the last road trip I went on with her.

We did however spend an awesome week in Honduras about 20 years later sans too much drinking.

I learned a great deal about traveling then too. Travel partners can make or break a trip when things turn south. We could have decided to give up and stay in that motel for 2 days. Instead, we chose the adventure.

I still choose the adventure.