Monday, August 9, 2010

The Journey Begins Wednesday August 11

20 years ago, I went off to college with little money and no car.  I was madly in love with my high school girlfriend, Emily.  We were determined to stay together, despite the fact that she was attending Wake Forest and I was going to the University of Kentucky.  We would see each other on weekends.  We would talk on the phone.  The odds were against us, but we didn't care.
Unable to stand the separation, with the help of Kelli Phillips and Crisanne Lawson, my friends from high school that went to UK with me, a plan was hatched.  Over a six pack of Milwaukee's Best, we came up with the idea of going door to door in the girls' dormitory and asking for the spare change off their dressers.  The goal was to raise enough money for me to buy a Greyhound Bus ticket that would take me to North Carolina.  The thought was that these girls would be so taken by this story of love and devotion that they would gladly fund this voyage.
We raised about $80, which got pretty close to the cost of the ticket.  I left Lexington at 5 pm on Thursday and arrived in Winston Salem at noon on Friday.  A seven hour car ride turned into a 19 hour trip from hell.  The bus was stinky.  There were drunkards and wandering souls, all heading somewhere.  They were my traveling companions. 
About a month later, I got the dreaded phone call: "I've been doing a lot of thinking.  We're in college now and I just feel like we need to see other people..."
The sting of the breakup lasted through Christmas.  But, the memory of that bus ride has stuck with me over the years.  I felt alive.  I was on an adventure.  I had no regrets.
But now, 20 years later, life has changed.  I've married the most amazing woman, Erica Stone.  I have two great boys, Russ and Mitch.  But, sometimes, I still wonder about the bus.  When I see a Greyhound barrelling down the interstate, I imagine who's inside.  Where are they going?  What are their stories?  The only way to find out, is to ride.  And ride I will.
This Wednesday, I'm starting a 30 day journey across America.  I'm buying a "Discover America" pass that will allow me to take the bus anywhere my heart desires. 
The question before me is this: Why has this 19 hour bus trip from 20 years ago stayed so fresh in my mind?  Is it an era of my life that I miss?  Am I just trying to recapture that feeling of being young and foolish, setting out on a journey?  Or, was it because of the people that I met?  Are they still out there?  Does America even know about the passengers of the Greyhound Bus? 
I'll find out, starting this Wednesday.  My first leg will take me from Nashville to New York.  I'm hoping to barge into the office of a literary agent, tell them my tale, and suddenly be represented as an author.  We shall see.
Stay tuned...

18 comments:

  1. Lord, you were born a Ramblin' Man, rollin' down Highway 41. Have a great ramble, my friend!

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  2. do you need a valet? someone to freshen up your suit for that agent meeting? Have a blast. I know you won't miss a single
    detail. You're doing something that most people only dream about.
    rock on. Paul

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  3. True grit, Mike, just like you've always been. What a great notion!
    (I once rode from Columbus to Minneapolis on a Greyhound...................same soggy memories)
    Jack Kerouac on the road

    Phil

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  4. What an incredible journey, Mike! I tweeted and reposted your blog link to my social media connections. I hope you gain some incredible insights. I look forward to going along for the ride vicariously!

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  5. For some reason I just started singing "King of the Road" to myself....

    I'm looking forward to following you on this journey...

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  6. Mike, if there is anyone in this world I can see doing this journey, it's you. And having fun along the way! I can't wait come along for the ride. Best wishes and safe travels. Krista B

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  7. You have got to be kidding me?! Props to your wife and kids for being good sports! Can't wait to hear about the adventure.

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  8. Jack Kerouac gets back on the bus 60 years later. Dude, after being your roomie during that era I know not to feel shocked. Nashville to NYC to where ever...wow...yeah, you'll meet some interesting people 'riding the pooch'.

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  9. Shades of Charles Kuralt!! What a great adventure for you and all the people you will meet. Count on me riding with you all the way. Looking forward to your daily blogs. Godspeed!

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  10. Can't wait to see how your trip unfolds. Safe travels! I have memories of bus rides all over the northeast as a college student. Not sure I would do it now, though.

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  11. That's a great idea Mike. If you write a book about this adventure I would definitely read it and maybe even consider buying it...Stay safe and be sure to read my blog in the future about hitchhiking across the US...just kidding...looking forward to your blog. (Jim Mild)

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  12. Be safe dear friend!!! I am looking forward to reading your daily blogs. And I am soo excited to be spending the weekend with you right after your journey!!

    xo :)

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  13. WOW! What an awesome adventure! Kenan and I both are SO jealous! Have fun and be safe! We look forward to reading all about your adventures! Love ya, friend!

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  14. Oscar and I will be following your adventures. Stay safe.

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  15. Only you, Mike. How fun! Can't wait to read about your adventures. Safe travels!

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  16. Wow. I'm so glad I saw this, because I rarely get on Facebook. You are a trip, Mike! Go for it with gusto for all of us who wish they would, too, and don't!! Jim and I will follow your trip with great interest....
    Brenda

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  17. Might I suggest that you take video, too, maybe Flip. You could do daily, weekly, or occasional posts. Might actually help sell a book, and you might get some coverage from TV or content for a short documentary. You wouldn't want to make this like work, of course, but because you seem to be thinking along these lines anyway, I thought I'd suggest it. Also, I just returned from a great time at Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks in Montana and Wyoming. Don't miss at least one of those mountain states. It will enrich your journey, I'm sure.

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