On June 2, 2025, I packed up my car, coffee gear, and a sense of adventure and hit the road from Michigan. What followed was one of the most memorable journeys of my life: an 8,624-mile cross-country road trip that spanned 35 days, three time zones, and dozens of cities. From driving 10 hours a day and sleeping in the car, to celebrating Eid in California and watching fireworks in Florida, this trip showed me how vast, diverse, and beautiful America is — and how much connection means along the way.
From the Midwest to the Mountains
I started with a familiar drive to Chicago, then headed northwest to Fargo, North Dakota. The route continued through open plains and into Red Lodge, Montana, where the scenery shifted dramatically. One of the highlights: staying at 11,000 ft on Beartooth Highway right at the Montana-Wyoming border. By the time I reached Lovelock, Nevada, I was in full road trip mode — driving 10-hour stretches, doing dhikr, listening to Qur’an, audiobooks, and podcasts. In my WhatsApp group, I even hosted Spotify Jams so friends and family could listen along, and encouraged calls to keep me company. Every stop, whether for gas, views, or prayer, was a chance to stretch and reflect.
This leg was more than just clocking miles; it was a meditative space to think, plan, and prepare for a special moment: reaching Oakland, California, just in time for Eid prayer. I pulled in as the prayer started, only to hear, “Can the owner of a Blue Ford Escape please move their car?” No way, not yet — I moved it after the prayer and caught the khutbah.
California: Eid, Ocean Vibes, Fajr & Coffee
Arriving in the Bay for Eid after a long drive felt spiritual. I celebrated with friends and family, longboarded at Ocean Beach, and even enjoyed an Eid nap on a hammock. A few days later, I hosted my signature Fajr & Coffee gathering at Chrissy Field, with the Golden Gate Bridge as the backdrop. It was serene, scenic, and soulful — we hiked, talked about our community, and grabbed breakfast together.
I do not take coffee lightly. I always travel with a manual grinder and pour-over setup. After Fajr, great coffee is a must, and this tradition continued down the coast to Los Angeles, where I hosted another Fajr & Coffee at Santa Monica Pier. Sunrise, waves, and coffee with friends — hard to beat.
I made a detour to Palm Springs to spend quality time with a mentor. These check-ins always ground me, and this pause was just what I needed.
From the Rockies to Real Life
After California, I flew to Denver and Salt Lake City for a mix of conference and family time. I changed my first diaper (a real milestone), and held another Fajr & Coffee on Lookout Mountain, 30 minutes outside Denver. The crisp mountain air, meaningful conversation, and morning prayer brought clarity. I did lose my drone to the strong Colorado winds — so somewhere out there in the Rockies, it’s waiting for me.
Denver was the only time I stayed in a hotel or Airbnb. Everywhere else, it was friends, family, or my car. This was not a luxury trip — it was intentional, budget-friendly, and full of generosity and simplicity. I even changed my oil in San Francisco with my cousin’s kid — a real DIY road trip moment.
From Desert Trails to Southern Hospitality
The return journey took me back through LA, Phoenix, El Paso, and to White Sands National Park — one of the most otherworldly places I’ve visited. Between sand dunes and state lines, I was taking business meetings on the road, proving that remote work and road life really can mix.
In Dallas, I presented at Valley Ranch Islamic Center and the Islamic Society of Sachse, joining community dinners at Kafi BBQ and Andalous Buffet. These moments reminded me why I love this work — sharing ideas, stories, and visions with passionate people.
The Final Stretch: Reflection and Rest
Before returning to Florida, I stopped in Austin to unwind and met friends in New Orleans — always a soul-stirring city. July 4th weekend found me in Panama City Beach: Jumah at Bay County Islamic Society, swimming with dolphins, and watching fireworks from a boat. It was the perfect end to a whirlwind journey.
On July 6, exactly 35 days after starting, I rolled back into Tampa with more memories than I could have imagined and a deep appreciation for the people and places that made this trip unforgettable.
Final Thoughts on a Cross-Country Road Trip
This trip was not just about covering miles. It was about deepening relationships, making spontaneous memories, and exploring faith and joy on the road. From Fajr & Coffee under the stars to desert sunrises, Eid hugs, and car naps, every mile mattered.
If you ever get the chance to hit the road for an epic journey like this — take it. You never know what you’ll find along the way.
I now know I can take the road less traveled and create adventure any time. It’s already convinced me to fly less and drive more. From July 28 to August 15, I’ll be on the road again — Florida to Texas to New York and back. Join the WhatsApp group or follow along at @Built2Escape on Instagram.