Planning, will it even end!

The Art of (Over)Planning

 

This planning thing can take on a life of its own.

What started as a simple plan—get in the car, head south, then west, pick up Route 66, follow the GPS (since my car doesn’t have a hood ornament), and eventually roll into Los Angeles with the Hollywood sign glowing in the headlights—has taken on a life of its own.

Turns out, it’s not quite that cut and dry. Minor details like lodging, food, fuel, and photography have all elbowed their way into the equation. And then there’s the question of what to see and what to skip.

Skipping can be a huge mistake. Some of the best discoveries aren’t in guidebooks or online—they’re the unexpected people, places, and oddities that we tend to overlook while chasing the "big" attractions.

And then there are miles. Those sneaky little numbers keep ticking away on the odometer. Google Maps makes everything look so easy—like the Texas Panhandle, which is only about three inches across on the screen. In reality? That’s 178 miles or allegedly 2 hours and 34 minutes. But since I’m not a crow (most are smart enough to avoid Texas in July), and this isn’t a point-A-to-point-B sprint, I’m probably looking at closer to five hours.

To get a grip on reality, I created an Excel spreadsheet (because nothing screams "spontaneity" like a spreadsheet). Using Google Maps, I plotted out my daily travel times to get a better sense of how long this journey will actually take. Still, as Robert Burns wisely said, “the best-laid plans of mice and men…”—so I’m fully prepared to adjust things on the fly.

That said, I do want to reach the West Coast within a reasonable timeframe. The challenge? Not rushing past life’s best moments, but also not getting bogged down chasing every fleeting roadside attraction.

While the internet is a fantastic planning tool, I’ve found that good old-fashioned maps from the CAA (AAA in the States), Drew Knowles’ Route 66 Adventure Handbook, and CCCmaps.com’s Road Atlas provide a wealth of additional insights.

The fine-tuning and revisiting of destinations continues…

Planning and Some Thoughts

The Art of Planning… and Letting Go

Planning a long road trip has turned out to be more involved than I first expected. It’s easy to say, “Let’s go!”—but quite another thing to sit down with a notebook and actually map out an itinerary.

The internet is an invaluable resource, but there’s something irreplaceable about holding real maps and travel books in your hands. Thank goodness for the CAA and their fantastic collection of detailed maps, as well as the ever-reliable TripTik planner. Sadly, TripTik will be phased out this November—another casualty of the digital age.

The deeper I dive into the history of old Route 66, the more fascinated I become. Growing up on the works of John Steinbeck and the haunting Depression-era photography of Dorothea Lange, I’ve long been drawn to the allure of the Mother Road. It’s a journey of dreams, resilience, and discovery—one I’ve always longed to experience firsthand.

It’s interesting to reflect on the influences that shape us. Not fleeting pop culture figures, but those who create profound, thought-provoking works that leave a lasting impression. Media trends may pull us in different directions—I’m not immune—but it’s the timeless voices of writers, photographers, and artists that truly resonate.

In my own career, I’ve been deeply influenced by figures like Steinbeck, Lange, Eddie Adams, Bernie Boston, Robert Capa, Margaret Bourke-White, and Farley Mowat. Their work not only shaped my perspective but also taught me to see the world through different lenses—both figuratively and literally.

That brings me to an important realization: one of the biggest pitfalls in trip planning is overplanning. Too much structure can strip a journey of its magic. Preparation is essential, of course, but the most memorable moments often come from spontaneity.

So, with maps in hand and research done, it’s time to loosen the grip on planning. The best adventures come when we allow space for the unexpected. Let’s throw caution—within reason—to the wind and embrace the thrill of exploration.

 

Overview

There has always been something about the allure of the open road that has appealed to me.  Whether it’s the mystery of what lies just over the next hill, around the bend or down a deserted road, (whose end cannot be immediately seen) I find the idea of discovering the answer an exciting prospect.

One of the draws that an automobile has always had for me is that it can take us to places that the average person, either by choice or lack of interest, chooses not to seek out.

Call it adventurism, curiosity and sometimes even foolhardiest.  By whatever name you might use, as a photographer, I find the need to explore and document such places both stimulating as well as rewarding.

With this in mind, I've decided to drive across the continent from Markham Ontario to Los Angeles, California via (or at least what is left of it) the now decommissioned Route 66.

My intent is not to just photograph the landscape but to attempt to engage and document individuals I encounter along the way.

The intention of this blog is to keep my family and friends informed as to my progress as well as provide a visual record of my journey.

Pages will hopefully be added daily, providing I have Internet access.  Look out Starbucks here I come.

Let the adventure begin…..