It's now time for just the terror with Nick Guerra.

Long car rides. I've always loved long car rides. Even as a child I was thrilled at the notion of

relaxing in my seat while the outside world whizzed by me. This enjoyment

didn't decrease through my adolescence.

In fact, it only grew.

By the time I had received my driver's license,

I was embarking on small road trips every few months.

They were simple explorations, a nearby campground, a friend's house.

I just enjoyed the feeling of getting in my car and going somewhere.

On the longer trips, I had always simply slept in my car. I didn't find it necessary

to spend my money on some crummy overpriced motel. Besides, at that time, I barely could afford rent.

I'd become decently skilled at sleeping in my car, spotting places to sleep, creating

makeshift tables and beds, properly insulating my car in the winter months, all became second nature to me.

I never felt unsettled sleeping in my hand-me-down 2003 Chevrolet and Paula while the night sky turned to dawn. I found it serene, waking up to whatever

picturesque landscape surrounded me. But my opinions have greatly changed.

For one trip I decided to pay my parents a long away visit.

We were very close in my childhood, but we had grown apart when I moved three states away

for college. I called them and arranged to see

them for a weekend. I would be traveling from my apartment in Washington to their lovely three-story

house in California. I planned to sleep in my car around the halfway

mark then arrive at their home that afternoon. I began this trip in the

early morning. I spent most of that car ride jamming out to my rock collection, also investing myself in audio books and podcasts.

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