Hittin' The Road! Dad, Lad, Old Truck and a Road Map

Tomorrow morning, I'm flying to Kansas City, getting a rental turd and going down to Joplin to buy Oldsteeljunky's '62 Suburban. I'll then be driving it about 900 miles back home to Jefferson, Georgia, on the other side of Atlanta.

I've been talking about the trip constantly for the last week and a half--and my 10-year-old is just DYING that he can't come. "Sorry bud, you've got school." I've been twisting the knife a bit, too. Well, more than a bit..."Hey, I'm going to be driving back through Memphis! Memphis is world famous for it's Bar-B-Que!" His eyes got real narrow, and almost without moving his lips (but smiling juuuuuust a little) he said "I hate you...You KNOW how much I love Bar-B-Que." Yeah, I'll bring you back a rib or two, little buddy! Bwahahahahaha! Other conversations have included "I never get to go on any cool trips with you! You get to go to all kinds of cool places!" and "I wish you could do this in the summer, so I could go."

What he doesn't know is that instead of taking a guy from work here to run back with me (like I've been telling hime for the last two weeks), the second plane ticket to KC is for him. We'll tell him tomorrow morning when we "miss" the turn to school on our way to the airport. Momma Bear is packing his bag today while he's in school.

The 'burb is spartan to be sure, but Junky says it'll get me home with new tires, a battery and a headlight--I believe him. We'll hit Wal-Mart for new shoes, Sears for a new battery, and the parts store for an eye, a new air cleaner and a bottle of RainX. It's got seat belts, a bench seat, no radio and not much else. I'm taking a tool kit out with me, an Atlas, a cell phone and my insurance card. It'd be a pretty straight shot via Interstate, but Interstates are no fun, so we'll be running back roads through all the small towns most of the way. It'll add time, no doubt, but you just can't see the country we live in from the Interstate. Boy Wonder shares my love of driving the back roads, even if it's just running to Home Depot on a Saturday. Always wants to drive the back roads. He's an EXCELLENT map reader, and I couldn't have a better Navigator.

I won't be able to post any pics from the road, but I'll have the camera with me, and Boy Wonder will have one too, so we'll get it from his perspective as well.

Two guys, an old truck and a road map--Travels with Andrew.

-Brad

 

Ahhhhhh.

Good times.

 

Doesn't get any better than that!

Those are the kinds of things more Dads should do with their kids instead of buying them another video game.

Right on! or Ride on!

 

You're lucky, buy the way.

I have two girls who would rather walk that ride with me in the RPU

 

Andrew is right....you do take all the cool trips.
I'm with him (Squinting my eyes to little slits)......"I hate you"!!

 

Best Dad Ever

 

I did that when I took my nephews to Disneyland... Your idea is WAY better... He's gonna love it!

 

If you find you need some resources near KC, call me.
I'll PM you my number.
r

 

Can't imagine a better father than that.

 

Very cool of you. I bet the expresison on his face when he figures out what your up to will be worth everything. Have a good trip.

 

We need a pic.
That moment is THE definition of Kodak Moment.

 

Dammit...youre gonna ruin that boy.... . Thing is.....we need more ruined like that. Have a fun, safe adventure!

 

Hey Brad, good on ya for taking your son...what a great trip for him...but will you quit telling everyone in the world that the back roads are better than the interstates? Man, that's like telling the whole world where your personal treasure box is !!!

I hate interstates...and the REAL Americana is on a two lane...ANYWHERE in this country!!!

Good luck with that trip...and have fun!

R-

 

Your son might forget a couple of things in his lifetime, but never this. Not to many dads include their kids in on things like this. Good job.

 

Do you have the HAMB Helper Pages from last year?? If so, please remember to take them. If not, take my cell number with you and call me night or day if you have any problems on the road and need help. I will call the nearest HAMB person in the HAMB Helper Pages for you or give you their number. Have a GREAT time. We're all looking forward to hearing about the adventure when you return.734-673-6930

 

I was fortunate enough to be able to take a couple major trips with my dad & mom when I was a kid... when I would've otherwise been in school. I can honestly say that I learned more on those trips than I would've if I'd have stayed in the cl***room. I'm sure it will be the same for your lad.

It looks like I'll be taking "Little Slide" (5yo) with me to the Roundup... will be the first "Just-Dad-and-Lad" trip for us... I'm really looking forward to it!

 

Have fun. He'll remember it forever. My grandfather and I went on a road trip to pick up my 67 ss chevelle in 84 or so that I bought sight unseen for $150.00. One of the most memorable trips of my life. Albeit a one day trip. Fun times. Enjoy the trip.

Tim

 

When you p*** that turn to the school house you WILL advance to the head of the cl***. You will be the #1 Dad, as stated on all those key chains and coffee mugs. Have a good trip. I got something in my eye, Looking for the story and pics of the trip. Later!

 

Way cool.

 

Way to go!! As a dad myself, i can see what a cool move that really is. Mine are still to young but I got my daughter pointing out Hot Rods and cool flame paint jobs at 2.5yrs old.

He's going to flip!!

Have a safe trip!

Any quick pics of the "burb" for a newbie??????

B-Frz

 

Way to go!! As a dad myself, i can see what a cool move that really is. Mine are still to young but I got my daughter pointing out Hot Rods and cool flame paint jobs at 2.5yrs old.

He's going to flip!!

Have a safe trip!

Any quick pics of the "burb" for a newbie??????

B-Frz

 

You and your son will be recalling this trip when he's got a son (or daughter) of his own some day. Be sure to let know how the trip went when you get back.

Frank

 

You and your son will be recalling this adventure years from now when he has a son or daughter of his own. Be sure to let us know how the trip went when you get back.

Frank

 

good luck Brad and good call on taking him....
....only a few years ago i remember that same thing with my dad heading to vegas to pick up my 31.... 28 years old and loved every minute on a road trip with my dad!
so how many years till you have to make the road trip with him for HIS CAR????

 

Awesome..... Good luck....

 

That is an awesome trip. I'm jealous. Have a safe trip.

 

good on ya, seeing the country is something not enough people do with their kids (here or in the US) be sure to stop at some cool places for the boy and it will be worth much more to him then a week in school.

 

As a father of three myself and also one who likes to throw nice surprises in their path... you are a great dad. And yes, he will remember this forever.

 

Good on ya! My dad and I took a couple roadtrips like that in my early years. The best one was when we went after my HenryJ when I was 14........never forget it, I doubt your son does either!

 

What a good pops! I have a 5 y/o son who loves "working" on our car as much as I do.....well, if you consider putting my important nuts & bolts in the trash "working" on the car. He really thinks he is helping though. Great kid. If only my father were half the man you are........