Westward O - FAQ

Some answers to frequently asked questions regarding the trip......

Q:  What are the 3 main rules of roadtrips ?
A:   Rule 1:  No eating at national chain restaurants.  Rule 2: No shaving (after an emotional appeal, Karen received a one-time exemption).  Rule 3: No GPS (only maps).

Q: Who does most of the driving ?
A:  I am in command of the ship.  If I slip out of consciousness then Karen is allowed to briefly take the wheel while trying to revive me.

Q:  What vehicle are you using ?
A:  We are driving my father's 1995 Toyota Sienna. Despite the age of the vehicle it is in very good shape and has low mileage.  Being able to borrow the van in MN really made this trip possible as renting a van for over three weeks and dropping it off in a different city would cost more than my first car.  As it has two captains chairs in the back - it is quite comfortable for our family of 5.

Q:  How did you choose your route ?
A:  The main decision point was the route after the Yellowstone visit.  A more Northern route would continue the theme of exposing the family to the natural beauty of the West.  I decided that a more diverse trip through some cities would be more likely to prevent mutiny. 

Q:  Have you ever contemplated leaving the kids at the side of the road ?
A:  Almost every day.  The vast majority of the time they have been great travellers but being in close quarters for long periods of time produces a significant amount of "stop touching me" chatter from the back of the vehicle.  Most of the time I try and just turn up the music.

Q:  How do you get enough time off of work to take a 25 day roadtrip ?
A:  Getting 25 days off is the easy part.  Coming back and still having a job is a bit more tricky.  Hopefully I can pull that off..

Q:  What is the general reception of your beard ?
A:  Lukewarm, at best.

Q:  Are you camping on this trip ?
A:  The Olen family is what you would call "indoorsy".  We have tried to take as many hikes as possible but prefer to end the day with a roof over our heads and, with any luck, a big tin of bacon at the breakfast buffet in the morning.

Q:  What is that screaming that I hear coming from your pockets ?
A:  My credit cards begging for mercy.