Sometimes you hit a wall. Life, with all its chaos and expectations, just feels like a never-ending loop of “WTF am I even doing?” That is me these days. Burnt out, stretched thin, and craving some kind of sign from the universe and trying to find my true self.
So, I said “f*ck it” and packed my bags. Just me, a few too many snacks, and a vague plan to drive until I felt something again. Spoiler alert: I found a hell of a lot more than I expected.
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First Stop: Blooming Bus Farm – Where the Universe Actually Greeted Me
I rolled into Blooming Bus Farm campground like a hot mess with too much on my mind and tired from the drive. And the first thing I saw when I arrived?
A “Stressie” sign.
I laughed so hard I almost cried. That quirky little welcome felt like the universe giving me a middle finger and a hug at the same time. That’s exactly the energy I needed.
The campground was standard with a fire pit, a table and a bench. The owners who lived in a farmhouse next to the campgrounds allowed me to visit alpacas who stared at me with deep, judgmental wisdom—like they knew I was there on some Eat-Pray-F*cking-Scream quest. Took a bit to get the Alpacas to trust me but when they did I got to feed them. Made me process thoughts like “Do I need an Alpaca?”
Indiana Dinosaur Museum – Because Why Not Wander with Extinct Beasts?
I headed into Indiana and stumbled into the Dinosaur Museum. It was fun, weird, and absolutely perfect. There’s something wildly comforting about walking among giant bones and fossilized fangs, realizing how little your bullshit matters in the grand scheme of millions of years.
Also, I swear a T-Rex gave me side-eye like, “Girl, you’ve got this” as I asked a stranger to take a picture of me next to the T-Rex.
Fernwood Botanical Gardens & The Magical River Walk and Trains
And then…Fernwood Botanical Gardens. Holy shit, if peace could be bottled Fernwood would be the source.
The River Walk was everything—lush, calming, and perfect for nature Photography. On the way back to the botanical gardens…. suddenly, BAM! A gigantic toy train village. Like a childhood dream exploded right there in the woods. Chugging trains, bridges and tunnels… It was oddly emotional and reminded me of my oldest sons childhood train. And then… I stood there, watching a little red engine loop around a track, and thought, Maybe it’s not about figuring everything out. Maybe it’s about watching the damn train and letting yourself feel joy again.
Binder Park Zoo – Giraffes, Nostalgia and Grandpa
Binder Park Zoo was my final planned stop. This one was personal. My Grandpa used to work there, and walking those paths hit hard.
I didn’t expect there to be a dinosaur section – what are the odds that I experience dinosaurs in two places on a random solo trip?? But my favorite part? Feeding the Giraffes!! I wish Grandpa could have walked with me. I whispered a few swear-filled stories into the wind and hoped he was listening.
So…Did I Find My True Self?
Not exactly. But I found pieces of her.
I found the version of me that laughs at Stressie signs and cries over toy trains and talks to alpacas like they’re therapists. I remembered I’m allowed to just be—not always performing, fixing, hustling.
Solo trips aren’t a magic cure. But f*ck, they help.
If you’re lost, burnt out, or wondering what’s next, go. Just go. Drive. Camp. Talk to strangers and skeletons of dinosaurs. Hug your memories and cry if you need to.
And always—ALWAYS—follow the f*cking weird signs.
Sometimes you don’t need a plan. You just need a tank of gas, a backpack, and a willingness to say “fck it, let’s see what happens.”*
And sometimes, you find yourself.
Right there, somewhere between an alpaca and a T-Rex.
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I am a spirited blogger from Chelsea, MI who thrives on adventure, creativity and exploring the world through the lens of my camera (even if it’s my phone). When I’m not chasing sunsets and amazing views, I spend time with my heart dog Maizie. If travel, creativity and a dash of blunt honesty (with the occasional F-bomb) sparks your curiosity, you are in the right place. ~ Stressie Flavis