Here’s a tiny tidbit from the book in progress:
Once I explained what I was doing, the same three or four questions would be asked by nearly everyone. Without a doubt, the most common was “Why?”
I would always draw a blank at this one. Not because I couldn’t think of an answer, but because too many would rush to mind. There were so many reasons why I wanted to walk across America, to pick one single reason as an explanation seemed impossible.
Instead of trying to pick one from the confusion of ideas that would spring forth in my mind, I’d usually answer with a simple “why not?”
Which would mostly just confuse people more often than satisfy any curiosity.
The open roads of Nebraska. (Definitely not flat.)
Well that was quite a tease – can’t wait to read more!!
I did say it was a tiny! ;)
I didn’t get that question while driving across America. Mostly people would look at me and my little van with envy and longing. Apparently the ‘why’ was fully understood since I never had to explain that. I guess taking the trip on foot as you did was just way over the top for most people to handle – it wasn’t the trip that confused them, it was how you got there that was in their minds. Which is quite beyond what the journey is all about, of course.
I wanted to walk across America also when I was your age. Now I wish I had done it but I’m glad I was able to make it just driving. I had some great conversations with folks as I drove but I’ll bet yours were even better. Folks have a hard time coping with…’whatever.’ No purpose, no goal, no reason for doing this trip? Ack!!! They have yet to understand that the journey is the reason.
I look forward to reading your book and listening to the conversations you had with folks along the way. So good of you to share it with us!