One hundred days. Two countries. Nineteen states. Thirty-six national parks. Fifteen national monuments. More than 18,500 miles driven. More than 400 miles hiked. And sleeping every night in her cramped, but cozy 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
This summer, Shannon Costella not only discovered America, she rediscovered who she is as a person and who we are as a people.
“I met so many genuinely nice, wonderfully incredible people throughout my trip,” said Costella, 44, who left in early May and returned earlier this month. “It’s amazing what a simple smile can do.”
Costella, who’s not married and has no children, was allowed a 16-week leave of absence from her job as a facility manager for Athletico Physical Therapy in Valparaiso. She planned the journey for more than two years, doing online research from people who routinely do such cross-country treks and post about them on YouTube.
“Our country has the most spectacular views, and I’m privileged to be one of the few to see so much of it,” Costella told me after she returned.
Nearly 20 years ago, Costella moved to Northwest Indiana from Pennsylvania, where her parents still live. They, like the rest of us who wondered about her daily whereabouts, kept track of her on Facebook. Instead of “Where’s Waldo?” we played “Where’s Shannon?”
“Arrived at Natural Bridges National Monument last night to rain and sleet,” she posted May 23. “Woke up to snow. Because of the ice and snow, sadly I couldn’t hike the trails safely, so had to settle on just a scenic drive.”
On June 12, she posted: “Death Valley part 2 … I survived. If it looks a lot like the set of some of the original ‘Star Wars’ movies, that’s because it is.”
On June 17: “I find myself loving San Bernardino National Forest! Morning paddle in the kayak, short hike followed by an afternoon laying and reading in the hammock by the water. Living my best life here at Big Bear Lake!”
After continuing north along the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway in California, Costella posted July 17: “Mt. Rainier finally made a brief appearance through the fog and clouds late in the afternoon. Ran into a family from Valpo today, too, when I noticed the sweatshirt with Valpo swimming or soccer on it. Small world!”
On July 28: “Drove … to the other side of Glacier National Park. Saw a bear today from the safe distance of my Jeep! So excited!”
Costella had a “healthy fear” of things that could have truly endangered her life – tall cliffs, ferocious wildlife, weather conditions, etc. – not irrational fears based on the nightly news – mass shootings, evildoers, political pitfalls, etc.
Costella was more leery of territorial bears than of terrorizing strangers. Her trusty companion was “Flat Stanley,” a paper cutout of a children’s book character, given to her by a young nephew, Asher. Costella laminated it to shoot photos of “his” travels.
“Flat Stanley got more likes on Facebook than I did,” she joked.
On July 10, she posted: “Had to set up the tent for the first time this trip. No car camping allowed here and it comes with a hefty fine. Guess I’ll sleep with the bears tonight.”
That month she shared a video tour of her “Jeep living … my home on wheels.” She expertly used every inch of vehicle space for her supplies, including a four-inch foam padding and self-inflating mattress.
“I slept the best I’ve ever did in my life,” she said.
She slept in national parks, in Death Valley, near historic sites and national monuments, overlooking breathtaking bluffs and rushing waters, as well as in a few Walmart parking lots. Her vehicle had screens over its windows and small fans inside. She used GPS and smartphone apps, such as Free Park Sites and RV Parking.
“I was able to find someplace to sleep every night,” Costella said.
She suffered a bad ankle sprain about four weeks into her trip, but otherwise no serious injuries besides a blister or three from almost daily hiking. She bought food supplies at grocery stores to cook meals at night or, every once in a while, treated herself to fast food or excursions for alcohol.
“Lunch with a view … and … I’m drunk,” she posted July 23 from somewhere in Canada. “I forgot how much stronger Canadian beers are.”
That same day, her concerned parents posted on her wall: “Check your email for a message about Canada before getting there. Love, Mom and Dad”
It was her grandmother who inspired Costella’s journey.
“She always had things she wanted to do when she retired, but by the time that came, her health was too poor to do them,” Costella said. “She would always tell me not to wait to do the things I wanted. Make it happen before it was too late.
“I have always loved to travel, but for all the things I want to see, a week or two was never enough. Now was my time to do it. I’ve always been independent and an introvert. I’m great company, I think,” she said with a chuckle.
Costella experienced firsthand why our country is aptly labeled America the Beautiful.
“I took all the photos and videos because I figured nobody would ever believe me,” she said.
After finally returning home, she posted online: “Memories – Infinite; Rejuvenation of Soul – Priceless.” Her entire trip cost $9,456.08.
When I finally caught up to her, the only thing left in her Jeep was memories.
“Although it was the trip of a lifetime, I was definitely ready to come home,” she said.
