Happy Independence Day, everyone!

At least, to all my American viewers — for the rest of you, it’s just another day. But for us here in the USA, we are celebrating our 249th year of freedom. And because of that, I’ve been thinking about what exactly freedom means.

I haven’t been feeling very free myself, lately — at least, not the footloose and fancy kind! I’m still stuck here in Death Valley, dealing with adulting…when of course I’d rather be soaking in a hot spring somewhere, sipping a Ranch Water. What I’m on right now is a different kind of adventure — and I can’t wait for it to be over, so I can get to the FUN adventures. Of which I have many planned!

Believe it or not, I already have a bunch of fun stuff on the docket for the fall — I’m appearing in the Main Street, USA parade in Barstow on October 11th, and then headed to Utah for some adventures with a Jeeper friend. Then it’ll be time to shoot the photos for next year’s calendar with Jessica, which I’m planning to do in the high desert this time.

But the biggest adventure is on deck for next spring. That’s right — I already have another big trip planned…but this time, I don’t have to leave the USA.

Next year — the same year we in the US will celebrate our 250th year of freedom — will also be the 100th anniversary of Route 66! So in honor of this milestone, I’m going to travel the entire length of the highway…all the way from Chicago to L.A.

I’ve been thinking about doing this for quite some time, but just never got around to it — partly because of the expense. Not only does it take a LOT of gas to go 2,448 miles, but there’s not much free camping for the first half of it, so that’s a lot of hotel rooms, too. (Yeah, I could just stealth camp in my car…but I’m not sure I want to be doing that in Chicago…you know what I mean??)

Anyway, the perfect opportunity presented itself…thanks to my new friend Turbo. You might remember Turbo from a couple videos I made on Route 66 this past spring — I first met him at a classic car show in Amboy back in March, and then attended the grand opening of his Route 66 museum in Barstow the following month. Not only does he operate the Barstow museum, he also owns and operates the Route 66 museum in Victorville — AND he had his middle named legally changed to Turbo. So you get the idea — he’s a nut for the Mother Road!

Anyway, he’s also something of a marketing whiz…and after seeing me climb into that pink Edsel at the Barstow museum, in my polka dot dress and bouffant wig, he was struck with inspiration. Why not plan a road trip across all 8 states from Chicago to L.A. with the Edsel, the bouffant, and the Huss?? 

Seriously — he has a background in this kind of thing, and already secured the use of the pink Edsel, and he’s working on getting all our accommodations sponsored by a hotel chain. He’s also working out an itinerary, contacting people in the various towns we’ll be stopping in to shoot videos, so that we can make 8 stops in each of the 8 states, finding the quirkiest and most interesting off-beat attractions. 

Meanwhile, he’s also creating a series of collectible challenge coins that viewers and Mother Road fans can pick up at each stop, making this into something of a fun road trip scavenger hunt, for those who want to celebrate the anniversary themselves by taking the ultimate roadtrip.

So basically, I get to travel cross country, doing what I love…and all I have to pay is my food and gas. Which shouldn’t be a problem, because Turbo, being a marketing whiz, is going to help me secure sponsorships, and grow my audience. He feels confident that by the end of our adventure, I will have finally amassed a million subscribers!

 Well….we’ll see about that!

Anyway, even if I don’t get a million subscribers or find any pots of gold at the end of any rainbows…I’m sure to have one hell of a good time. I’ve always wanted to do this trip…and this seems like a really fun opportunity. I mean, a pink Edsel?! Moreover, I think this particular pink Edsel has been featured in several movies — so it’s famous! How fabulous is that?

So….even though I have a lot of unpleasant adulting to attend to right now, I just have to keep my eyes on the road ahead, so to speak. If all goes well, I’ll be blazing down that road in style next spring…and if you live anywhere along the Route, be on the lookout for a blonde bouffant!

Speaking of which…I guess it’s time to start shopping for a new pair of pink heels, and a few more vintage dresses. I can’t wear the same polka dot number every day! I should probably shop around for a better bouffant wig, too, while I’m at it — or maybe a different style, like a flip! Something fun and 1950s or 1960s, in the spirit of the time period Edsels were produced. Right??

In the meantime…I’m holding onto this future adventure, to help me get me though my current situation. The only travel I can do right now is through the astral plane, thanks to my magic beans — which have been coming in very handy for me at night, to help me sleep despite all the crazy stuff going on in my personal life. 

In fact, to celebrate the 4th of July, the people who manufacture my magic beans are running another sale: spend $50 at wonderhussygummies.com, and get a free bag of 30 gummies (either sleep or regular)! Spend $100, get 3 free bags! And of course, free shipping on all orders over $50. Head on over and check it out!

But whether or not you indulge in magic beans yourself, either way — please have a safe and fun weekend. In the US, enjoy the holiday….everywhere else. just have a good time, and I’ll see you on Route 66 next spring and on YouTube next Wednesday!