Introduction

On its face the 2009 Aubele Family Vacation seems as American as apple pie and baseball ~ a road trip.

But based upon the reaction I received from family and friends when telling them about our journey ("the kids are going to be in the car with you?"), further consideration of the personalities involved, and the sheer audacity of our plan (thirty-three days away from home, over 4,000 miles of driving in my Toyota Corolla) it has become plain to see that our trip is a very American thing ~ but it seems more related to the America of Sarah Palin and unfettered gun ownership than anything wholesome.

Beginning on the evening of July 7 (at about the same time that the BBC produced show "The Great American Roadtrip" debuts) we will embark on a journey that will take us throughout the American West ~ the Grand Canyon, through Colorado, into the Dakotas, Wyoming, Montana, Washington, Oregon, and back into California. With the kids getting older, and the parents getting more set in our ways, it seems likely that this is our last, best chance to pull off our own Great American Roadtrip.

Four of us will leave together, and the question in all our minds is how many will survive until the end? This will be my digital travel diary ~ and your opportunity to ride along.