Why?
Why would anyone want to sit in a car for long periods continuously and drive 8+ hours a day for about three weeks? My lovely wife says that these are symptoms of MLC (mid life crisis). Especially when viewed with the fact that I pushed the brakes on a career that evidently was going very smoothly. My answer is much simple - you have to do things that are unique, challenging and exhilarating - to yourself. You see, there is no point in constantly comparing and competing with others. I love running just for that reason - you compete with yourself. And driving all 48 contiguous states is a unique challenge. People climb mountains because they are there. I am driving through all states because they are there - and America is a beautiful country that makes it possible to have wild dreams and live them.
When I took time off from work, I decided that this will be something that I most certainly enjoy. While I call it a trip to "Discover America", I hope to be able to discover few things about myself in the process. Let's see. My only misgiving is that Jaya will not be able to join me in this trip. We make a fantastic pair when we drive together. But her commitments to her reasonably new job, the girls' school made it pretty nigh impossible for her to jump in. So, I asked Apollo if he would come with me. From how vigorously he wagged his tail, I figured, he would, so long as it is with me. So, my traveling companion will be my dear dog, Apollo!
After iterating several times, I came up with an itinerary that touches all 48 states with stops at all three places in the east where we have family. I will publish the itinerary in a day or two. I am still debating if I should swing by the Canadian side of Niagara falls or not. Otherwise, it is all set.
I am going to rely on my old faithful Saab 9-3 Viggen on this trip. She has done 92k miles already. It will be cool to cross 100k in that car. I guess if Apollo is ok, I will put the top down as much as I can in this ~9.5k miles trip. We are leaving on Wednesday, Oct 5th. And are intending to be back in less than 3 weeks. I will write once more with the actual itinerary before we leave.
