Less concerning actual places and events...

Hello again dear readers! First allow me to apologize for the general lack of regular updates to the blog, especially coming from the tapping of my little fingers on a keyboard. The regular lack of a consistent internet combined with the superior posting skills of my companions has left little room for my own writing to sneak it's way onto the page. That said they've all given me a fair amount of shit about it, so I'd better put down something good...

As has been mentioned numerous times already, one of our spiritual companions on this trek has been one Mr. John Steinbeck. I have found myself on this trip constantly putting our journey next to his and marking both the great similarities and differences. However there is one thing in particular that stands out to me that which makes our journey so vastly different.

In his travels to discover (or rather re-discover) America Steinbeck chooses to go the road alone, to sleep in strange places and to interact with people with whom he has had no previous contact. Our journey stands in complete opposition to this. It began with visiting our most immediate families and has continued with us staying with friends and family alike. The entire trip has been designed around who we have wanted to see, the order in which we will be able to see them, and how much time we are able to give over to certain individuals. Hell, we even convinced at least one person to commemorate the occasion permanently on their body! If it seems as though I'm complaining be assured that I am not, this trip so far has been a blessing.

In it's own way really it has been a journey of discovery (as well as re-discovery) as I had not previously imagined that it would be. To be certain the physical sites and landscape are beyond anything that I had previously remembered or could have even imagined. Just seeing where people live I feel as though I have a much better idea about the mindset of the many who reside in these parts of the world. The land and sky are compelling to say the very least. But more importantly this journey has provided at least myself (if not also the rest of this motley crew) the opportunity to rediscover relationships strained by time and distance.

Leaving the East Coast was difficult mostly because it meant leaving people behind. We do not have the luxury of a round trip, and while our one-way move is not something we can in no way reverse, we still will not be returning to the same homes when all is said and done. Each stop however has had the benefit of refreshing us on both body and spirit and realigning us in ways not anticipated.

In Ithaca is where I could feel this process begun most noticeably in myself. Being in a place where I'd met so many of the people we'll be seeing was the first indication of what was to come. Staying with Kelly and CJ was a treat, and I am grateful to both of them for their love and company. I had never really gotten the opportunity to spend time with just them without other family around and I feel a much greater personal connection to both now.

On the shores of Lake Erie, for the one evening that we were there, Molly had the opportunity to see old family photographs and document a part of her own history that I was unfamiliar with, and it seemed that she was more than happy to connect with. After pouring over old family albums and her grandparents baby books she had a look of great contentment and wonder all at once.

The last time I visited Jeff and Cindy in Ohio was under strangely similar circumstances, towing a U-Haul behind my car traveling to the West Coast, which made the whole situation a little uncanny, but in no way less enjoyable. We were given such unforgettable hospitality, and by two people we know entirely through being the parents of a great friend. But through that relationship their generousness alone that it feels to me now that I am a member of that family. Their home is one of those places were I would feel no hesitation walking through the door unannounced, saying "hello" and sitting down without sense of awkwardness or unwelcomeness. I would expect Jeff to pass me a beer and to give Cindy one of those big hugs I know she loves so well.

By the same token I feel now like a member of the Bumgarner clan. Rarely have a come across an entire group of people so generous to the world at large and so concerned for one another all at the same time. Sure they may have their share of troublemakers *coughKevincough* and they may be as they say, just a bunch of hillbillies, but as far as I'm concerned they're fantastic people and I felt honored to be in their home.

So much thus far has been espoused about Amanda Boone there is little that I could add that would make any difference. Amanda knows how much I love her and that should be all that need be said.

It's been reuniting and rediscovering these friends and family, as well as where we fit into the crazy worlds they all inhabit that has thus far been the most rewarding part of this journey. Already our little wagon train has been plotting to capture our friends and family away from their current homes and times zones to transport them closer to us when our travels are finally over. I hope one day we'll succeed in bringing most, if not all, of these folks to within easy reach. That includes everyone we've seen so far, apologies if you haven't been mentioned by name, but there are just so many of you...

As for now there is little else for me to say, so until next time dear readers, Smithy out.