Burlington, VT. It marks the 43rd state of the trip and I have waited a long time for this one. Vermont has been high on my list of states to visit and I’ve been anxious to get here, particularly in Burlington. Grated, I didn’t take an interest in this town until I found out years ago that Burton Snowboards was headquartered here. But we’ll talk about that some other time, what I say about them depends if I can get a tour at their place or not! …

The states are counting down fast, really fast! Since my thoughts lately have been surrounded by getting back to Michigan maybe it’s time to make a post about what I think would be the coolest stuff to do to wrap up my trip. Michigan is home. Michigan is by far one of the best states in the nation and everywhere I have been I’ve tried to encourage people to check out Michigan sometime. …

Today I took the Invasion Mobile on one of the most notorious drives in the country, up to the peak of Mount Washington here in the White Mountains. It’s an 8 mile drive up a winding mountainside road with no guard rails or shoulder. It costs $20 to make the drive to the top, but it’s very worthwhile. They even give you a CD to keep that guides your way up the mountain and tells you the history of the road. …

Every year we hear the president of the USA give “The State of the Union.” I’ve always wondered what it really is. It’s more of a tradition that the president just has to get up and make this speech that is overly careful on each choice of word where it’s to ensure the people that there is hope while trying not to make the president look bad. It never really speaks to me. …

Several days ago I called Parker on the phone to ask if he knew anyone in Northern New Hampshire to stay with. That’s what I also thought New Hampshire was about. I knew they had just a few miles of coastline, but to me that wasn’t New Hampshire. I was simply too fast to judge. The New Hampshire coastline is one of the coolest places on the East Coast and I’m going to miss it. …

There have been some stops on my trip where people take a particularly strong pride in their hometown, home state, and what have you. Well my hosts in New Hampshire were exactly that, especially Pete, the father. Pete said, “Most people who come to New Hampshire see either the coast or the mountains, but you’re going to see both.” I haven’t made it to the mountains yet, that’ll be tomorrow. But I can talk about the beach. …

What I do is simply incredible, at least that’s the only way I know how to express it. To be more specific is how incredible it is of all the people I hear from, the responses, and particularly what they say. I’m not sure if my thoughts on this make for a legitimate blog entry and if it’s something people would want to hear, but lately, especially tonight while enjoying the fire on the beach, it is all that’s been on my mind. …

Looking for a nice drive on the East Coast? Start in either Newburyport or Portsmouth by parking in town and wandering around downtown. Great little shops and food, good people watching, and quaint little downtown areas. Then hit up Route 1-A going either North or South. Truly, if you wanted to, you could make a full day of the short drive. Pack a picnic, stop at several of the beaches, gawk at the mansions, and roll down all the windows. …

In the entire state of New Hampshire there are only a few miles of shoreline that manage to squeeze between Massachusetts and Maine, and somehow that’s where I have found myself and it couldn’t be any better. Parker (23) was once again another person to find me through U.25 magazine. It’s astonishing to hear from all these peers across the country. Not only is it astonishing to hear from them, but to hear these great words they have to say about what I’m doing. …

The last time I went for this long of a drive for some sight-seeing was probably back when I took a trip to Crater Lake in Oregon. However, I was sad to find out that the park was closed when I was there due to snow. Bummer. Well this time on my way to Acadia it was a beautiful day with no closures. My cousin David (one removed) is probably upset with me for not visiting as many National Parks as I could or should have. …