I’ve had a lot of people ask me why I’m doing this. While I can’t even begin to quantify the intangible urges and inspirations behind this journey, I’ll make an attempt.
Because, like so many others, I feel like I’ve entered into a pre-determined path in life. Work hard in highschool to get into a good college. Work hard in college to get a nice internship, which will net me a nice job right out of school. From there, the cycle simply repeats: Work to earn money, use money to buy food, use food to survive another day to work. Each year I’ll have two weeks of vacation time to travel, but is that really enough? Where’s the time for Adventure and Excitement?
Because I look out the window and wonder what else is out there. I look down desolate roads and wonder where they lead. I look at pictures of places I’ve never been and wonder what else is there. It’s easy to sit around, telling myself I’ll explore these places someday… far tougher, however, to act on these notions.
Because I enjoy driving on the open road. I don’t mind long days of solitary driving… I enjoy and cherish every mile. Long solitary drives are amazing opportunities for rational introspection. Free of outside influence and exposure, we’re free to examine ourselves. I enjoy this.
Because I want to walk through the ancient ruins of Mesa Verde. I want to explore the deepest canyons of Zion. I want to walk across rock arches, climb desolate peaks, and crawl through caves. I want to see bison. I want to connect with old friends, and make a few new ones along the way.