I’m twenty-six years old. At my age, many of my friends are married, have a kid or two, a full-time job, mortgage – all that jazz. For whatever reason, that hasn’t been in the cards for me. I would like it to be – it would give my life meaning to have someone to share it with, to have tiny versions of myself to raise in my image. Maybe someday. But for now, I just have myself. And because I have no children, I’m treated like one. Because I haven’t a wife or serious girlfriend, I have nowhere to direct my devotion. So for now, I have to find my own kind of meaning. I’ll just have to sit here and nod my head to those who want me to stay safe. I’m prepared to listen, but I’m not about to be lectured. I want to be the one lecturing. I want to say, “Don’t be afraid of life.” I could tell you, “Don’t get in a car – you’ll crash and die, don’t go to the bar – you’ll be raped, don’t go fishing – you’ll drown, don’t go to college – it’s a waste of money, don’t fall in love – your heart will break…” But I think you all know better, right?
To address James’ question: I’m sure people go missing in these scenarios from time to time. I’m going to take my chances just like any other day. I see society continually stretching farther beyond its natural order (technology, chemistry, medication, gadgets, government), which ultimately is distancing us from our humanity. We’re losing touch with ourselves by degrees. There’s a definite “wheel out of kilter” here, if you’ve taken the time to see it.
Still, although there's no way to reverse that process, I think we need to learn to get back to some of the basics - especially with a possible depression bearing down. We can’t keep up the frills while the economy’s going under. But we can’t do everything. We can’t abandon every crutch we’ve adapted. That’s why I’m not going to drop off the grid without a map or phone or watch – I’m not going to be Christopher McCandless from “Into the Wild.” He missed his mark – he abandoned humanity. I aim to embrace it.
I don’t expect some people to accept this. I hope that they get it, but I can’t count on it. This is for me – I’ve wanted to do something like this all my life, and I’ve denied it to appease others. I can’t keep it up forever. So if I go out there and don’t return, everyone opposed to this from the beginning can feel free to lose faith in the probabilities of trust with humankind. I’ve spent a lot of time without faith in humanity myself – I hated pretty much everyone for various issues of immorality. But that’s no way to live. It’s a waste.
Still not convinced? If so, that’s fine. I’m just asking for a little trust here. I’m twenty-six years old and I haven’t accomplished anything. Life has been a complete joke that I’ve coasted through just so I wouldn’t have to be hassled about what I’m “doing with my life.” This isn’t a desperate reach for meaning – it’s a conscious, honest quest for life. I feel more optimistic about this than anything I’ve ever wanted to do for myself. These last few weeks, as my plans have begun to materialize, I’ve been at the top of the world. So you can worry, you can pray, you can lose sleep – just please, try to live by quality, not quantity.
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one
4.17.2009
4.15.2009
To all those curious, confused, or terrified...
AN EXPLANATION
I understand that a lot of family and friends are worried that if I hitchhike across the country, I will turn up on the news, found rotting in the desert somewhere. Then again, we could all be die or be murdered or raped in almost every circumstance. This is just one thing that gets a lot of media attention.
In James MacLaren’s book The Hitchhiker’s Handbook, he argues that the evidence of danger is overestimated:
From Jeffrey Perso’s “The Lost Highway”:
‘MacLaren takes the line that, counter to popular perception and media myth, hitchhiking is relatively safe. “If you look at a statistical abstract,” he says, “the risk- assessment factors for hitchhiking are so vanishingly remote that information on hitchhiking is almost impossible to get, but statistics are there for falling off a roof.”
‘… “What's different from 1965," MacLaren says, “is that there are not as many hitchhikers out there with you, and that is directly related to the increased number of assholes on television who have sufficiently terrified everyone into believing that you have to hide in the house. The media has done a wonderful job of frightening the populace.” ’ (http://www.metroactive.com/papers/cruz/05.01.97/hitchhike-9718.html)
Next I would like to point out the masses of current hitchhikers. See Digihitch (http://www.digihitch.com/). This is a very useful website designed as a hitchhiking network. There are thousands of members here, with stories and advice about hitching. Also go here (http://www.hitch-hiking.org/faq.htm) for a variety of questions and answers.
For those not convinced, try to find some statistics, or even the prevalence of actual cases of hitchhiker murders. Ask around to see if anyone you know has ever actually hitchhiked – you might be surprised at how common and safe they report it to be. Let me know what you find.
OKAY, BUT WHY?
What I’m getting at is that fear is increasingly forcing us into distrust. I set out to live the opposite. Though it may seem idealistic, I believe it is necessary. I want to put myself in a situation that I have to rely on trust and live without luxuries. It may or may not be dangerous, but I think it’s worth it. I just don’t think I could go through the rest of my life regretting not doing something like this. In the years to come my life could dramatically change, but this experience can stay with me forever, if I only decide to do it.
I know I can’t explain to a lot of you why I feel so compelled to take this potentially “dangerous” trip. Please just keep in mind that there is something guiding me that I feel is necessary. This is just something I have to do before I’m settled down and living a life where this is no longer possible. The clichéd thing to say is that I’m going out to find myself. I wouldn’t say that I’m lost and this is going to lead to a huge revelation, but it could definitely give me a chance to put some thoughts into perspective.
I’m setting out in search of the human spirit – I believe something’s out there, and I am going to search, not necessarily find. I want to learn all I can along the way about travel and humanity. I'm definitely going to write about this, and take a lot of pictures, but I don't want to feel bound to achieving a certain goal, if that makes sense.
It may be impossible to explain my reasoning if you don’t get it right away. The fact that I have to explain why implies vast differences in philosophy that boggle my mind as much as yours. Listen to my playlist, especially Eddie Vedder’s “Society.” Read or watch Into the Wild (keep in mind that I’m not going to his extremes), or pick up some Kerouac. Read the endless profiles and stories on CouchSurfing (www.couchsurfing.org), or Digihitch (www.digihitch.com).
METHOD
Although I believe it cheapens the experience, new technology makes it much easier to get by on the road (see links below). I am planning on having a mobile with Internet access (to find places to stay, rides to share, other helpful information), as well as a way of consistently keeping my family and friends up-to-date on my travels.
I’m going to set up connections through a website called CouchSurfing, which easily and safely puts travelers in touch with places to stay or people to meet. I’m putting a lot of research into this – networking on websites (see below), talking to hitchhikers, picking up hitchhikers (all very nice and interesting people), reading up on the laws (http://www.digihitch.com/usa428.html), setting up contacts, talking to hikers/travelers about supplies and survival, gathering supplies, etc.
WARNING: I may be “off the grid” in various regions – no cell phone service, conserving energy – maybe a few days or a week – not sure yet. Try not to be too concerned – I’m preparing for self-sufficiency if need be.
I’m going to look for rides on non-Interstate routes, Interstate ramps, gas stations, and rest stops. If I can’t find a host I’ll have to find a place to camp out. I’m only going to travel during the day. I expect to put in about 150-200 miles each traveling day. This should account for about three hours of actual time in a vehicle daily – leaving the rest for finding rides, etc. I am therefore looking for hosts for roughly every 150 miles, to minimize the risk of prolonged isolation.
TENTATIVE ROUTE:
Columbus – Indianapolis – Champaigne, IL – St Louis – Kansas City – Omaha / Lincoln / Grand Island OR Topeka / Salina – Denver – Grand Junction – Salt Lake City – Jackson, WY (Yellowstone) – Salt Lake City – Reno – San Francisco – LA – San Diego – Back home!
* Also, if anyone knows someone living on this route that might be willing to put me up for a night or two, let me know!
SUPPLIES
Rucksack, small Tent, Sleeping bag, Daypack – knapsack?, Towel, Zip-lock bags / trash bags for waterproofing, Bungee cords, crank flashlight/radio, Pocket knife, Mace, First Aid Kit (heat blanket; various ointments, painkillers, bandages, etc), Bug spray, Sunscreen, Compass, Whistle, Water bottle, Water purification tablets, Cooking pot, Magnesium sticks, Vitamins, Road food (granola, rice, peanut butter, etc), Utensils, New map, List of contacts, other important info, Notebook, pens, Paperboard (signs), paper, Sharpies / bold felt pen, scotch tape, duct tape, Books, Toilet paper / paper towel, Disposable razors / shaving cream(?), Toothbrush, toothpaste, body spray, comb(?), biodegradable camp soap, Debit Card, Wallet – ID, cash, Rubik’s Cube, Steve – my imaginary travel buddy, New phone – Internet / wall and car charger, Ipod(?) + charger, Camera + charger + extra memory(?), Tape recorder + AAA batteries + extra memory, Portable charger, Sunglasses, Hat (straw(?) and wool), Walking shoes, Rain jacket , Gloves, Socks!, Jacket, Cargo shorts, Rope (Charles Bronson always uses it, right?)
LINKS
Digihitch - a very useful website designed for hitchhiking networking. There are thousands of members here, with stories and advice about hitching. http://www.digihitch.com/
CouchSurfing – networking travelers looking for/offering a place to stay/show around town. www.couchsurfing.org
My page: http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/saylorellis/
E-Ride Share – this website is networking for finding rides and offering rides throughout the country. http://www.erideshare.com/
Megabus – Cheap bus rides through Columbus, Indianapolis, Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City. http://megabus.com/us/index.php
Hitchhiking – This site is mostly for Europe, but the concepts are similar. http://www.hitch-hiking.org/
Hitchhiking laws. http://www.digihitch.com/usa428.html
I understand that a lot of family and friends are worried that if I hitchhike across the country, I will turn up on the news, found rotting in the desert somewhere. Then again, we could all be die or be murdered or raped in almost every circumstance. This is just one thing that gets a lot of media attention.
In James MacLaren’s book The Hitchhiker’s Handbook, he argues that the evidence of danger is overestimated:
From Jeffrey Perso’s “The Lost Highway”:
‘MacLaren takes the line that, counter to popular perception and media myth, hitchhiking is relatively safe. “If you look at a statistical abstract,” he says, “the risk- assessment factors for hitchhiking are so vanishingly remote that information on hitchhiking is almost impossible to get, but statistics are there for falling off a roof.”
‘… “What's different from 1965," MacLaren says, “is that there are not as many hitchhikers out there with you, and that is directly related to the increased number of assholes on television who have sufficiently terrified everyone into believing that you have to hide in the house. The media has done a wonderful job of frightening the populace.” ’ (http://www.metroactive.com/papers/cruz/05.01.97/hitchhike-9718.html)
Next I would like to point out the masses of current hitchhikers. See Digihitch (http://www.digihitch.com/). This is a very useful website designed as a hitchhiking network. There are thousands of members here, with stories and advice about hitching. Also go here (http://www.hitch-hiking.org/faq.htm) for a variety of questions and answers.
For those not convinced, try to find some statistics, or even the prevalence of actual cases of hitchhiker murders. Ask around to see if anyone you know has ever actually hitchhiked – you might be surprised at how common and safe they report it to be. Let me know what you find.
OKAY, BUT WHY?
What I’m getting at is that fear is increasingly forcing us into distrust. I set out to live the opposite. Though it may seem idealistic, I believe it is necessary. I want to put myself in a situation that I have to rely on trust and live without luxuries. It may or may not be dangerous, but I think it’s worth it. I just don’t think I could go through the rest of my life regretting not doing something like this. In the years to come my life could dramatically change, but this experience can stay with me forever, if I only decide to do it.
I know I can’t explain to a lot of you why I feel so compelled to take this potentially “dangerous” trip. Please just keep in mind that there is something guiding me that I feel is necessary. This is just something I have to do before I’m settled down and living a life where this is no longer possible. The clichéd thing to say is that I’m going out to find myself. I wouldn’t say that I’m lost and this is going to lead to a huge revelation, but it could definitely give me a chance to put some thoughts into perspective.
I’m setting out in search of the human spirit – I believe something’s out there, and I am going to search, not necessarily find. I want to learn all I can along the way about travel and humanity. I'm definitely going to write about this, and take a lot of pictures, but I don't want to feel bound to achieving a certain goal, if that makes sense.
It may be impossible to explain my reasoning if you don’t get it right away. The fact that I have to explain why implies vast differences in philosophy that boggle my mind as much as yours. Listen to my playlist, especially Eddie Vedder’s “Society.” Read or watch Into the Wild (keep in mind that I’m not going to his extremes), or pick up some Kerouac. Read the endless profiles and stories on CouchSurfing (www.couchsurfing.org), or Digihitch (www.digihitch.com).
METHOD
Although I believe it cheapens the experience, new technology makes it much easier to get by on the road (see links below). I am planning on having a mobile with Internet access (to find places to stay, rides to share, other helpful information), as well as a way of consistently keeping my family and friends up-to-date on my travels.
I’m going to set up connections through a website called CouchSurfing, which easily and safely puts travelers in touch with places to stay or people to meet. I’m putting a lot of research into this – networking on websites (see below), talking to hitchhikers, picking up hitchhikers (all very nice and interesting people), reading up on the laws (http://www.digihitch.com/usa428.html), setting up contacts, talking to hikers/travelers about supplies and survival, gathering supplies, etc.
WARNING: I may be “off the grid” in various regions – no cell phone service, conserving energy – maybe a few days or a week – not sure yet. Try not to be too concerned – I’m preparing for self-sufficiency if need be.
I’m going to look for rides on non-Interstate routes, Interstate ramps, gas stations, and rest stops. If I can’t find a host I’ll have to find a place to camp out. I’m only going to travel during the day. I expect to put in about 150-200 miles each traveling day. This should account for about three hours of actual time in a vehicle daily – leaving the rest for finding rides, etc. I am therefore looking for hosts for roughly every 150 miles, to minimize the risk of prolonged isolation.
TENTATIVE ROUTE:
Columbus – Indianapolis – Champaigne, IL – St Louis – Kansas City – Omaha / Lincoln / Grand Island OR Topeka / Salina – Denver – Grand Junction – Salt Lake City – Jackson, WY (Yellowstone) – Salt Lake City – Reno – San Francisco – LA – San Diego – Back home!
* Also, if anyone knows someone living on this route that might be willing to put me up for a night or two, let me know!
SUPPLIES
Rucksack, small Tent, Sleeping bag, Daypack – knapsack?, Towel, Zip-lock bags / trash bags for waterproofing, Bungee cords, crank flashlight/radio, Pocket knife, Mace, First Aid Kit (heat blanket; various ointments, painkillers, bandages, etc), Bug spray, Sunscreen, Compass, Whistle, Water bottle, Water purification tablets, Cooking pot, Magnesium sticks, Vitamins, Road food (granola, rice, peanut butter, etc), Utensils, New map, List of contacts, other important info, Notebook, pens, Paperboard (signs), paper, Sharpies / bold felt pen, scotch tape, duct tape, Books, Toilet paper / paper towel, Disposable razors / shaving cream(?), Toothbrush, toothpaste, body spray, comb(?), biodegradable camp soap, Debit Card, Wallet – ID, cash, Rubik’s Cube, Steve – my imaginary travel buddy, New phone – Internet / wall and car charger, Ipod(?) + charger, Camera + charger + extra memory(?), Tape recorder + AAA batteries + extra memory, Portable charger, Sunglasses, Hat (straw(?) and wool), Walking shoes, Rain jacket , Gloves, Socks!, Jacket, Cargo shorts, Rope (Charles Bronson always uses it, right?)
LINKS
Digihitch - a very useful website designed for hitchhiking networking. There are thousands of members here, with stories and advice about hitching. http://www.digihitch.com/
CouchSurfing – networking travelers looking for/offering a place to stay/show around town. www.couchsurfing.org
My page: http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/saylorellis/
E-Ride Share – this website is networking for finding rides and offering rides throughout the country. http://www.erideshare.com/
Megabus – Cheap bus rides through Columbus, Indianapolis, Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City. http://megabus.com/us/index.php
Hitchhiking – This site is mostly for Europe, but the concepts are similar. http://www.hitch-hiking.org/
Hitchhiking laws. http://www.digihitch.com/usa428.html
4.12.2009
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