Local Couple Makes Best Of Pandemic With Thousands Of Miles Of Memories

A Green Country couple says reminiscing about a trip of a lifetime is making the pandemic bearable. They spent 69 days on a road trip along the perimeter of the United States.

Our memories can take on a life of their own. When you’re stuck in quarantine during a global pandemic, memories become lifelines, escape routes to a different time- at least that is true for Steve Houdyshell and his wife Terri.

“We did it for 69 days,” said Terri.

When Steve retired, the two packed up their car and went road tripping.

“16,652.1 miles,” said Terri. “We visited 35 states. 7 of them we did twice."

Their goal was to circle the perimeter of the United States.

"Something big. Something worth spending 45 years stuck in a cubicle," said Steve.

It took about two years of planning to figure out the logistics.

"As much as we drove, as far as we went, I never got tired of it," said Steve.

The couple said it was well worth it.

"Getting to do this and all of the different terrain that we drove through- the mountains and the desert, the oceans," said Terri.

They made it the whole way in the same car together, no radio, no audiobooks, just talking and taking in the scenery.

“I think I just want to focus on what is going on instead of being halfway distracted," said Terri.

The leaves in Maine are something Terri will always remember.

"We saw more color up there than we have seen in years in Oklahoma," said Terri.

For Steve, it was driving out of the Redwood National Forest and seeing the Pacific Ocean open up in front of them.

"It was just endless, going both ways," said Steve.

These days sitting at home during the pandemic don't feel as isolating for Steve and Terri, especially when they have memories like these to reminisce about.

"I feel really lucky that we did it when we did it and we were able to complete it," said Steve, "Who would've ever thought 2019 would be the good ole days."