Well here I am cruising across highway 2 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula listening to China Cat Sunflower by the Grateful Dead. The pinewood forest permeates the air, and I can see hints of orange and red as trees peek out of the morning fog from Lake Michigan. I know you are probably wondering what happened to the cross country, circumnavigation cycle trip…well, let’s just say that didn’t work out. I’m still waiting to see my proctologist to have the bicycle seat removed from my ass. Although, I do have a new respect for cycling and bicycle touring and will continue to pursue it as a hobby and for short expeditions, but it wasn’t what I wanted out of the experience. Though the scenery was great and I love camping, I just didn’t feel like I had the freedom to explore the world around me. I was too tired to do anything and felt rushed to get everything done. Now, don’t think I mind getting my hands dirty, but that was a bit much. And now, I am on a road trip to nowhere. After all, my website wouldn’t be called Plight to Freedom if there wasn’t much plight, right?
Now, maybe you’re wondering how are we traveling; planes, trains, automobiles, are we staying at hotels, campgrounds, rest areas, Walmart’s or guerrilla camping? Well, the answer is probably yes to it all (we will see about the hotels or motels, tight budget). Last night, I slept in the back of Sean’s RAV 4 SUV curled up next to a Mancino pizza box while he slept in the front passenger seat at a rest area on the northern tip of the Mackinaw Bridge. The night before we stayed at a KOA and hammock camped, which is my preferred method of camping. Hammock camping that is, not KOAs. They are nice and convenient, but it doesn’t feel like camping. So, I guess we are rubber tramping across the great USA, going wherever the wind blows us, searching for a new beginning.
With this new endeavor I will be able to focus more of my attention to filming the landscapes, wildlife, and attractions America has to offer and with luck meet and interview people with amazing stories to tell. One of the main goals to my quest has been to seek out a new beginning or a fresh start. I am looking for a place in the United States for my wife and I to relocate, so call it a scouting expedition. We have dreamed about starting our own off grid self-sufficient homestead and stepping out of the rat race, if you will, as we unfortunately realized we are humans not rats. Sorry, ain’t going to work for Maggie’s farm no more (Bob Dylan reference). Because of our goal of homesteading and off grid living, I would like to visit others who have already been there and done that so I can learn from them how to accomplish this goal. It also connects with my brother and my plan to start our own community-campground-learning-center-type-thing (it’s a long story for another day). Self-sufficiency is the path to freedom. Now all I need to do is find a place, start a business, buy land, and a million other things to comply with whatever and whomever I need so I can have the perception of true freedom. Easy right?! We shall see.
If you all have any suggestions on places to visit please let me know, and yes, Taos, New Mexico is on our list of destinations. Thanks for your support and I think I’m going to chow down on some cold pizza.
So proud of you guys! What a learning experience. You are more brave than most of the people I know. You are searching for the true American Dream. I applaud you both. I hope to live vicariously through you, without needing to see a proctologist! Keep the posts coming!
This is your best post yet – I love it because it is inspiring for others to read how even when something doesn’t go as initially planned, you can still switch directions and accomplish what you set out to do. I miss you, and I love you with all of my heart. Keep up the great blogging work – I can’t wait to see what is next. XO