Vicariously

That's funny that that was your topic today, as I was actually just thinking this weekend that I do envy you. If I didn't have to go to run off to school that's probably what I would have brought up talking to you this morning! I envy the fact that you have no obligations except to enjoy yourself and keep the rest of the country updated (Not to trivialize the task of maintaining a website, I know how much work that is, seeing as I do it for a living!) The fact that you don't have an everyday 'to-do' list, that your responsibilities are so simple, I think that's what people envy. At least, that's how I feel. If you take the web and car aspect out of it, you're really just down to the bare human necessities: food, shelter, and other human company. In a country that thrives on anything but bare necessity, it's very refreshing. It's nice to see that you realize how amazing that is. I do feel that I'm living vicariously through you; I always get excited talking to others about your trip. (My co-workers ask about my "celebrity friend") ;) I can't help but smile when I read about all your new-found groupies, and dream-come-true experiences. I think I speak for a lot of people when I say we feel like we have a stake in this project; it's our puppy too! Checking this site has become as regular a routine as checking e-mail. On behalf of all of us stuck at the 'Old grind-stone', thanks for the daily distraction! :)

a very dear friend of mine [she wrote me as follows:- "This is my neighbor's son. (The guy that found my tub full of bird feeders that the bear took)...He is going cross country in one year...what an incredible opportunity this young man has.....it's unreal! You can sign up for emails from the site. What a story!"] and I couldn't stop myself from visiting your site/blog. I am impressed - for many reasons. I dont know what is your prime motive behind this cross country tour (as I havent yet gone through your entire site/blog), but its a commendable effort. And if it has been undertaken with noble purposes in mind (like spreading universal peace, brotherhood, etc.), then you are doing an even greater job, transcending/rising above the 'self', which is not so easy, especially in this materialistic world. May god bless you and the sun always shine upon you!

Hi, We were checking your site, like every other day, now we check every day. We are hooked. :) The two folks above state very well how we feel. Bugsy, I got the goose bumps when I read the comments. Thanks again, safe travels and hugs from L'Anse across the bay from Baraga and your home. B and L

“I’m envious.” of you too. Do it now when your young. Then do it again when your old. I had just finished reading the 40+ year old John Steinbeck book “Travels with Charley in Search of America” when I read the story about you in the Milwaukee newspaper. Steinbeck was 60 when he started his trip back in 1960. That was just 8 years before he died. I'm 55 years old. Kids are gone now. Wife doesn't like to travel. So I want to follow in your footsteps (Well maybe not all the partying though.) I check your site ever other day. I have purchased my pickup, so now I just need a small camper for the back of it. Like Steinbeck had. After having heart surgery 2 years ago it makes things like what your doing seem so much more important. Enjoy it Justin. You may never get a chance to do it again. Greg