Driving and taking photos is probably not a good idea.

Two things I know about Arkansas…Walmart is one of them.

The excitement of beginning a major road trip starts to wane pretty quickly. By the end of day 1, I was asking myself,  “How am I going to occupy 40 hours in the car?”   Sure, reminiscing with my sister is fun. We did that, in about 60 minutes time. Now what?

What makes the trip radically different than 8 years ago (when I last travelled across the United States) is technology. And by that I mean Bluetooth, satellite and the good old free market system. Last time around, it was stocking up on CDs to play in the car: some “mix” CDs with our favorite songs, several Broadway show tunes and local radio. This time around, we designed a road trip perfectly tailored to the unique desires of this traveler and her companions. Following, my recommendations for a wonderful 12 hours in the car (4 times over)

Sirius XM Radio

I’m not an avid listener of talk radio nor do I follow sports but I do enjoy a rousing afternoon of caller’s problems to Dr. Laura Schleisinger. Part self-help and part in your face shock radio, Dr. Laura always says something I disagree with, and that’s most of the fun. While I think she’s a bit harsh, I’m convinced people who call in know exactly how they’re going to be treated. “Now, go do the right thing.”

Another fun station on Sirius this week is Road Trip Radio. A collection of the best travel songs from all genres. It’s like someone went to the trouble to make me a set of mix CDs for the trip. Eagles, Journey, Katrina and Waves, Beach Boys…And of course, Willie Nelson’s On The Road Again.

Podcasts

Time to get out of the podcast rut…Lindsey gave me a list of new ones to check out.

My favorites so far…

Love + Radio, The Living Room

Radio Lab, Sight Unseen

Death, Sex and Money, This Senator Saved My Love Life

You Must Remember This, a collection of stories about the Golden Age of Hollywood.

The most beautiful welcome sign on the trip: Texas!

Lilly figures out how to pass the time in her own way…drawing on the tiny hotel note pads