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Father Daughter Road Trips

"When we're driving, heart to heart talks don't feel so pressured."

By Sophie Simon-Ortiz

"Dad, I have something to tell you…" That's how talks in the car with my father usually begin. We've had our best conversations and bonding times within the doors of cars. We have always had a pretty good relationship, but both of us lead incredibly busy lives and getting time to just hang out is rare.

When we are at home, I'm doing my homework, he's on the phone. The amount of time we have to talk about anything but basic housework and plans is really limited.

But on the road, it's a different story.

Besides a great adventure, the trips have always provided space for my dad and me to spend time together away from our busy lives. Being in such a secluded environment where there aren't distractions makes it easy to talk about a lot of things most daughters and fathers can't face discussing openly. When we're driving, since there's something else to focus on — like the road and the scenery — heart to heart talks don't feel so pressured. We've covered everything from drugs, dating, family relations, politics, and music.

Drugs and relationships seem to be the main topics that come up. Instead of getting drilled on what not to do, it's more of an equal discussion. In fact, when it comes to dating, I sometimes end up giving him more advice than he gives me.

These father-daughter trips started five years ago with a canoe-camping adventure in Eastern Oregon. We drove all around the state without any kind of idea what would happen next. Now these trips are a tradition. Last time it was a cross-country, two-week adventure with nothing but a huge U-Haul van, two bags of clothes, and a small selection of our favorite music. Before that, we took a vacation to the Yucatan Peninsula that included a short trip across the peninsula from Cancun.

This summer we're off to western Canada.

— Sophie Simon Ortiz attends Berkeley High School.