The Budget

Friday, July 20, 2010

Today before boarding the boat for the tour of the Pictured Rocks, I sat on a bench overlooking Lake Superior and did my calculating - and whoa - I really have to be thrifty this time around! I have $46 per day - all inclusive - meaning everything - food, gas, toiletries, lodging, recreation. I'll incur miscellaneous travel expenses as well - toll fees, parking fees, oil changes and other standard vehicle maintenance, etc.

The cheapest lodging out there - whether camping or hosteling - costs at least $20 bare minimum. Gas can cost me anywhere from $15-30 every day, depending on how much ground I cover. Nutritious, ready-to-go food costs at least $5.50 a day (I can make a foot long from Subway last me all day). So now I've already maxed out my daily budget, with no money for recreation. I'm going to have to choose.  lodging or recreation. [insert Jeopardy theme music here]

I don't want to restrict myself to driving through the scenery. This is a once in a lifetime adventure. I want to stop and experience things. Guess that means I'll be making myself comfortable in my car - I wonder how far down the seat-backs go. I'll find out soon, lol. I have a camping reservation already in place for tonight; but come tomorrow I'll be sleeping in my car. No problem. I'm so busy during the day anyway, all I need is a safe place to get some shut-eye at night. It doesn't make sense throwing $20-50 away on lodging when all I'm doing is sleeping for 8 hours. Not worth it. Before I initially set out on this journey I researched car-sleeping/nomad life, so I feel prepared with a few tricks up my sleeve. And I'll learn as I go. This is exciting! =)