we found a place to stay with jenn and sara and they are super nice.. its nice to sleep on a couch. the tent is nice, but a home is nicer. nashville was great to me. Plus im hanging out with craig stewart. he's pretty much the greatest person on the earth... pretty much. stay tuned and dont forget to follow our twitters and facebook. at twttier.com/adamamerica or twitter.com/andrewamerica
facebook at Facebook.com and then search Across America!
this is everything that i wanted it to be, this is living.
signed,
adam
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Nashville with the Piranhas Night 1-2
Last night, we talked to a pretty girl in a Starbucks and she told us that her brother, if he were to be there, would talk our ears off about a place called Red River Gorge. So, we got severely lost on the way to the camp grounds there, asking several people along the way but Aaron and Adam couldn't understand the locals in Kentucky. We finally showed up around seven, found our way to a friendly man that told us we'd need to buy a permit to camp that night (which was thirty minutes back the way we came) and who helped us decide what we'd do. After all that, we set up camp, started a small fire that burned until the night got plenty dark as we played Monopoly on Adam's iTouch.
We talked in the tent until we fell asleep, and though I was sleeping in a way-too-hot sleeping bag in a muggy tent with no matt, I slept better than I had in months. Maybe it had something to do with the lack of sleep the previous nights, but I tend to think that it was simply that I was finally ready to fall asleep. I woke up a couple times in the night, but that's noting nothing new.
In the morning, we packed up camp and took a small hike through the woods. There was a group of Nova Scotians climbing a rock wall in the middle of the woods. This is nothing to remember, not really.
We left Red River Gorge and Adam ran through a tunnel carved out of a mountain overpass. There were two men standing around a white car outside of the tunnel with the hood up. I asked them i they needed help, but they told me they didn't. I didn't think there was much of anything I could do if they did need help, but it just didn't seem right not to pass them without saying anything.
After the gorge we drove to Wild Turkey Distillery. We met some incredibly nice women there, working in the gift shop. Peggy had worked at the distillery for forty-five years, only after they moved operations did she take up a job working as a tour guide. She took us around and told us a bit about herself and her life. The real story is, though, that after the tour we met Jimmy Russell, the master brewer for Wild Turkey. He signed a shot glass I bought for my sister-in-law that I had him sign, and then we spent the rest of the time there talking to a woman named Sherwine who, despite her age, was an absolute southern belle.
I've fallen in love these past three places, but I haven't gotten to the last one yet.
She told us about Nashville, told us about some crazy stories, and we listened with our ears wide open. We drank peach tea and ate bourbon mixed with cookies 'n cream. We left for Nashville right from there. We stopped along the way at Abe Lincoln's childhood home, poked our head in, and left. We didn't stop at dinosaur land though, mainly because we appear to be idiots.
We made it to Nashville and met Adam's friend Craig and his friends. We, Aaron, Adam, Craig, Jen, Sara, and I shot the shit in their apartment's parking lot for thirty minutes before they headed off to frisbee practice. We then went to downtown Nashville, walked near a pond, and listened to some live music at Centennial Park. After that, we drove downtown, and walked around for a while. We found pitas to eat, then headed around till we found a place called Piranhas Bar and Grill. The waitress took care of us, she was a miracle from L.A. that talked to us the whole time we were there. After ten, the beers stopped being one buck a draft and she kept giving us beers for two dollars a pop. We watched Conan O'Brien on the tonight show and watched people get severely hurt doing stupid things.After that we headed to a place called Paradise Park where they had two for one six dollar pitchers of PBR. We fell in love for the second time in Nashville. We headed back to the Piranha Bar after finishing our beer and I bought the singer of the band at the show a shot of J.D. We said buy to the beauty at Piranhas and came back to Craig friend's place.
So now, we are watching Independence Day at Jen and Sara's, and I am updating this blog, and I am tired, but we have more to come. I can't wait for the shower I'll take tomorrow.
Until the next time, take care everyone.
Signed,
Andrew
We talked in the tent until we fell asleep, and though I was sleeping in a way-too-hot sleeping bag in a muggy tent with no matt, I slept better than I had in months. Maybe it had something to do with the lack of sleep the previous nights, but I tend to think that it was simply that I was finally ready to fall asleep. I woke up a couple times in the night, but that's noting nothing new.
In the morning, we packed up camp and took a small hike through the woods. There was a group of Nova Scotians climbing a rock wall in the middle of the woods. This is nothing to remember, not really.
We left Red River Gorge and Adam ran through a tunnel carved out of a mountain overpass. There were two men standing around a white car outside of the tunnel with the hood up. I asked them i they needed help, but they told me they didn't. I didn't think there was much of anything I could do if they did need help, but it just didn't seem right not to pass them without saying anything.
After the gorge we drove to Wild Turkey Distillery. We met some incredibly nice women there, working in the gift shop. Peggy had worked at the distillery for forty-five years, only after they moved operations did she take up a job working as a tour guide. She took us around and told us a bit about herself and her life. The real story is, though, that after the tour we met Jimmy Russell, the master brewer for Wild Turkey. He signed a shot glass I bought for my sister-in-law that I had him sign, and then we spent the rest of the time there talking to a woman named Sherwine who, despite her age, was an absolute southern belle.
I've fallen in love these past three places, but I haven't gotten to the last one yet.
She told us about Nashville, told us about some crazy stories, and we listened with our ears wide open. We drank peach tea and ate bourbon mixed with cookies 'n cream. We left for Nashville right from there. We stopped along the way at Abe Lincoln's childhood home, poked our head in, and left. We didn't stop at dinosaur land though, mainly because we appear to be idiots.
We made it to Nashville and met Adam's friend Craig and his friends. We, Aaron, Adam, Craig, Jen, Sara, and I shot the shit in their apartment's parking lot for thirty minutes before they headed off to frisbee practice. We then went to downtown Nashville, walked near a pond, and listened to some live music at Centennial Park. After that, we drove downtown, and walked around for a while. We found pitas to eat, then headed around till we found a place called Piranhas Bar and Grill. The waitress took care of us, she was a miracle from L.A. that talked to us the whole time we were there. After ten, the beers stopped being one buck a draft and she kept giving us beers for two dollars a pop. We watched Conan O'Brien on the tonight show and watched people get severely hurt doing stupid things.After that we headed to a place called Paradise Park where they had two for one six dollar pitchers of PBR. We fell in love for the second time in Nashville. We headed back to the Piranha Bar after finishing our beer and I bought the singer of the band at the show a shot of J.D. We said buy to the beauty at Piranhas and came back to Craig friend's place.
So now, we are watching Independence Day at Jen and Sara's, and I am updating this blog, and I am tired, but we have more to come. I can't wait for the shower I'll take tomorrow.
Until the next time, take care everyone.
Signed,
Andrew
Monday, June 1, 2009
Kentucky Sunburnt
First day on the road, and we made it to Lexington, Kentucky in under twelve hours. Before, finding a place to sleep we stopped at a Bible Themed Mini Golf course.
Equal parts majestically and hysterical.
There we met the jolly owner of the course, sort of a sun burnt Santa Claus. He told us a story about when he was younger him and his friends would drive straight through to Algunquin N.P. in Canada with a roof rack. Whoever wanted to sleep climbed into the roof rack which was filled with matress pads and blankets and napped for the ride. "Sometimes we would let them out when we would stop." The guy was great and as par for the south extremely nice. Later we met up with a nice girl working at a Starbucks who told us of a place to stay. The Red River Gorge, with no plans, or goals in mind, that is where we will sleep tonight. Now to find some food. Sorry about the shortness of the blogs, not much time on the road. Keep up with the twitter accounts, and soon their will be pictures on everything.
Signed,
Adam
Equal parts majestically and hysterical.
There we met the jolly owner of the course, sort of a sun burnt Santa Claus. He told us a story about when he was younger him and his friends would drive straight through to Algunquin N.P. in Canada with a roof rack. Whoever wanted to sleep climbed into the roof rack which was filled with matress pads and blankets and napped for the ride. "Sometimes we would let them out when we would stop." The guy was great and as par for the south extremely nice. Later we met up with a nice girl working at a Starbucks who told us of a place to stay. The Red River Gorge, with no plans, or goals in mind, that is where we will sleep tonight. Now to find some food. Sorry about the shortness of the blogs, not much time on the road. Keep up with the twitter accounts, and soon their will be pictures on everything. 
Signed,
Adam
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Excerpts from my first trip across America:
(Written exactly as was in my original travel journal)
11/23/96
Said "Good Bye to Irvine, CA" at 9:30am. We only got 88 miles to the first pit stop. We Drove through the mountains and the Mojave Desert. Then I started to feel queasy, but only a little. When we stopped in Needles. My Uncle pulled into a gas station. My mom and I walked to Carl's Jr. When my mom and I got back we found out we had a flat tire. It took only 20 mins to fix. After that Needles was needless no more. Then we saw the Purple Mountains Majesty. I took a picture. I hope it comes out. we drove on the famous route 66. I saw the Grand Canyon. We drove 545 miles to Winslow, AZ. We stayed at Days Inn. We sunck Sheena in. She peed on the carpet. I also made a huge snowball. Uncle Bill made one too and tried to hit me with it, but I jumped out of the way and I hit him with mine. Before we stopped in Winslow we pasted Devil Dog Road, Uncle Bill tood us a hard to believe but true stupid story. About Boy Scouts.
11/24/96
Started out at 7:30. arrived at Wall Mart 8:02for a hot tamale run. We pasted Petrified forest, but we saw no trees so we kept going. There was no sine of inntelligen life through Arizona, New Mexico, or texas. We saw a snow storm, or a power plant. it turned out to be a power plant. We listened to a football game on he radio. We ate dinner at W.H. and at 8:00pm thay still said Good Morning. We drove 450 miles.
No Date*
We left Clinton, OK at 8:30. We got off of 40 and on route 44 with only 1/4 tank. Someone said there would be a gas station but there was nothing for 20 miles. ** We were on 1 last oz of gas when we saw a gas station. We were saved. Little did we know what was ahead. **(there was an arrow connecting this next sentence to the ** above) Uncle Bill had to call Emergency *55. It was a really, really, really big storm. There was rain, snow, & ice. We saw 25 accidents. But of the woresed accidents was a car fliped over in a ditch. The other was a truck on its side.
Signed,
Adam
(Written exactly as was in my original travel journal)
11/23/96
Said "Good Bye to Irvine, CA" at 9:30am. We only got 88 miles to the first pit stop. We Drove through the mountains and the Mojave Desert. Then I started to feel queasy, but only a little. When we stopped in Needles. My Uncle pulled into a gas station. My mom and I walked to Carl's Jr. When my mom and I got back we found out we had a flat tire. It took only 20 mins to fix. After that Needles was needless no more. Then we saw the Purple Mountains Majesty. I took a picture. I hope it comes out. we drove on the famous route 66. I saw the Grand Canyon. We drove 545 miles to Winslow, AZ. We stayed at Days Inn. We sunck Sheena in. She peed on the carpet. I also made a huge snowball. Uncle Bill made one too and tried to hit me with it, but I jumped out of the way and I hit him with mine. Before we stopped in Winslow we pasted Devil Dog Road, Uncle Bill tood us a hard to believe but true stupid story. About Boy Scouts.
11/24/96
Started out at 7:30. arrived at Wall Mart 8:02for a hot tamale run. We pasted Petrified forest, but we saw no trees so we kept going. There was no sine of inntelligen life through Arizona, New Mexico, or texas. We saw a snow storm, or a power plant. it turned out to be a power plant. We listened to a football game on he radio. We ate dinner at W.H. and at 8:00pm thay still said Good Morning. We drove 450 miles.
No Date*
We left Clinton, OK at 8:30. We got off of 40 and on route 44 with only 1/4 tank. Someone said there would be a gas station but there was nothing for 20 miles. ** We were on 1 last oz of gas when we saw a gas station. We were saved. Little did we know what was ahead. **(there was an arrow connecting this next sentence to the ** above) Uncle Bill had to call Emergency *55. It was a really, really, really big storm. There was rain, snow, & ice. We saw 25 accidents. But of the woresed accidents was a car fliped over in a ditch. The other was a truck on its side.
Signed,
Adam
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
All These Things To Come
So it's around three thirty in the morning and I'm tired of ripping apart poems I liked before I had to write about why I liked them. It's the thirteenth now, and that means there's eight days till my birthday, but more importantly to anyone following this blog, that means eighteen days till we start our trip.
I've been sleeping even less as of late. My bed seems like a good idea, like a good song that I could never really get into. Maybe like one of those really long Russian novels that you know are good, you just know it because the book can sit on your shelf and stare you into submission with it's title alone, and maybe you envision the long-bearded man who wrote it at some fancy event eating a leg of some Siberian animal and discussing the finer points of their genius. But then you probably don't, but I do, and that's probably why I'm trying to distract myself long enough to make me remember that I love poetry but hate writing about it. I'm no academic.
I finished a play yesterday, cut it down from forty three pages to twelve, and I turned it in for a class. People laughed while we read it, and for the right reasons, I think. Or at least, they laughed with fine timing.
I'm sorry, this doesn't have anything to do with the road trip. But you see, it's three thirty in the morning and I'm tired and I think I just want to talk with someone, but there's no one really to talk to.
I've basically got the idea for blackout curtains for the car. I just need to do a bit of stitching and some tactical placement of material and the car should be able to act as an incredibly cramp but private bed.
I cannot wait this long to see the road. It seems like a crime.
Signed,
Andrew
I've been sleeping even less as of late. My bed seems like a good idea, like a good song that I could never really get into. Maybe like one of those really long Russian novels that you know are good, you just know it because the book can sit on your shelf and stare you into submission with it's title alone, and maybe you envision the long-bearded man who wrote it at some fancy event eating a leg of some Siberian animal and discussing the finer points of their genius. But then you probably don't, but I do, and that's probably why I'm trying to distract myself long enough to make me remember that I love poetry but hate writing about it. I'm no academic.
I finished a play yesterday, cut it down from forty three pages to twelve, and I turned it in for a class. People laughed while we read it, and for the right reasons, I think. Or at least, they laughed with fine timing.
I'm sorry, this doesn't have anything to do with the road trip. But you see, it's three thirty in the morning and I'm tired and I think I just want to talk with someone, but there's no one really to talk to.
I've basically got the idea for blackout curtains for the car. I just need to do a bit of stitching and some tactical placement of material and the car should be able to act as an incredibly cramp but private bed.
I cannot wait this long to see the road. It seems like a crime.
Signed,
Andrew
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Just One of Those Things
Today I woke up and ate old, cold Chinese food and watched the end of House Arrest, and it was the saddest movie I had ever seen. The movie is about this group of kids who kidnap all of their parents in basement because they want their parents to love each other again. Granted it is a children's movie, but as a 22 year old I was captivated by the movie and felt (probably more then I should have) for all of the characters involved. It is a sad world where things do not work out for the best all the time, but if it wasn’t sad sometimes we’d never get the chance to realize how great everything really is. It’s officially 26 days until we depart on our trip across America and a lot has changed. We have put up a Facebook group entitled “Across America!” which has quickly developed over 575 members. I won’t spend too much time talking about the group as the page describes its own purpose. Also, we have all become rapid fans of twitter, our accounts are up and running. I’m sure once the trip starts our posts will all become much more exciting. Maybe I’ll write haiku’s from the road…maybe not, we’ll see.
I should be talking about myself, I always forget that. Tonight is Senior Thesis Night for all the film students here at Fairleigh Dickinson, myself included. I was asked if I was nervous. I am not. Everything in my life has dulled because my excitement for the trip has taken my periphery. I am definitely searching for something on this trip, but what it is I still do not know. I know great things will come of it, and I can not wait to be living it. Yes, I cherish everyday and very much do not wish to be forced into the future, but come on, I’m going on a road trip across the country with three of my best friends! Who wouldn’t be excited.
I am definitely enjoying my final days as a senior in college. I would say I spend more days then not living the lines of the song “I Love College”. This world is a big crazy place and crazy things happen in it, you just have to hold on, smile through it all, and enjoy the ride. I do enjoy my parties and formal get togethers. My goal for the end of the year and for the rest of my life is to not miss out on anything. Try to do as much as I can. When the day comes I’ll be able to say, “Yeah I did it all. I lived my life to the fullest.” Some of this sounds a bit clichéd or maybe that’s not the world but I am still not sure what kinds of things people talk about in the Blogosphere. This is what I talk about. Next time, I’ll tell a story. For now I will sit and wonder, how will I change the world? What will my contribution be? Do I just come for a visit or do I leave something behind?
Signed,
Adam
I should be talking about myself, I always forget that. Tonight is Senior Thesis Night for all the film students here at Fairleigh Dickinson, myself included. I was asked if I was nervous. I am not. Everything in my life has dulled because my excitement for the trip has taken my periphery. I am definitely searching for something on this trip, but what it is I still do not know. I know great things will come of it, and I can not wait to be living it. Yes, I cherish everyday and very much do not wish to be forced into the future, but come on, I’m going on a road trip across the country with three of my best friends! Who wouldn’t be excited.
I am definitely enjoying my final days as a senior in college. I would say I spend more days then not living the lines of the song “I Love College”. This world is a big crazy place and crazy things happen in it, you just have to hold on, smile through it all, and enjoy the ride. I do enjoy my parties and formal get togethers. My goal for the end of the year and for the rest of my life is to not miss out on anything. Try to do as much as I can. When the day comes I’ll be able to say, “Yeah I did it all. I lived my life to the fullest.” Some of this sounds a bit clichéd or maybe that’s not the world but I am still not sure what kinds of things people talk about in the Blogosphere. This is what I talk about. Next time, I’ll tell a story. For now I will sit and wonder, how will I change the world? What will my contribution be? Do I just come for a visit or do I leave something behind?
Signed,
Adam
Monday, April 6, 2009
E-mail to family Across America
Glad to be part of this trip! Here is an e-mail sent to my family expressing some of my thoughts.
"Dear Family,
In 42 days I will be stepping out into this world of ours. What an exciting time for me! Even though the past four years have been filled with such wonderful, strengthening,difficult, and fun experiences, which I have no regrets for; I still believe there is so much more. So many opportunities, so many experiences, so many different people with different walks in life, so much more to see, so much to learn, and most importantly, so much more room to grow as an individual.
Therefore, with all other logic aside I have chosen to ignore the conformities and what is called "noise" that Universities put on you. I'm putting it all on hold for an adventure of a lifetime. I'm traveling across America!!
Two friends and I have planned a 60+ day excursion across our beautiful country. We have purchased a National Park Pass and plan on exploring and camping on every piece of land. We also plan on diving head first into all the possible sub-cultures in the nation. Most importantly, I want to connect with all family and friends that I have not been able to in the past 4 years.
For those on facebook, search "Across America" and you will find our official group dedicated to this trip. Join and comment if you can! We have had quite a surprising response of people opening their homes and sharing with us their knowledge about their hometown. We will be utilizing all the social networking tools we can to make this trip easier financially, and to share our experiences with everyone we can! We will be on twitter, youtube, blogspot, and facebook!
Additionally, we want to meet new people in all walks of life and have short and meaningful conversations with them. Similar to what is seen on roadtripnation.com! Also, we are learning and practicing sustainable living across the way. I am using this trip to not only explore the heartbeat of our beautiful country, but to explore, find, and dig deep into my own passions.
For those on the West coast I hope to spend at least one day with you!
The scary part is coming back broke, jobless, and in debt; but for some reason this fear and worry gets easier to deal with everyday. I ask for your prayers, support, advice, and any particular guidance along the way.
That is all for now but I am continuously thankful for the people I am surrounded with in my life!
To the Open Road!
With much Love,
Brian"
"Dear Family,
In 42 days I will be stepping out into this world of ours. What an exciting time for me! Even though the past four years have been filled with such wonderful, strengthening,difficult, and fun experiences, which I have no regrets for; I still believe there is so much more. So many opportunities, so many experiences, so many different people with different walks in life, so much more to see, so much to learn, and most importantly, so much more room to grow as an individual.
Therefore, with all other logic aside I have chosen to ignore the conformities and what is called "noise" that Universities put on you. I'm putting it all on hold for an adventure of a lifetime. I'm traveling across America!!
Two friends and I have planned a 60+ day excursion across our beautiful country. We have purchased a National Park Pass and plan on exploring and camping on every piece of land. We also plan on diving head first into all the possible sub-cultures in the nation. Most importantly, I want to connect with all family and friends that I have not been able to in the past 4 years.
For those on facebook, search "Across America" and you will find our official group dedicated to this trip. Join and comment if you can! We have had quite a surprising response of people opening their homes and sharing with us their knowledge about their hometown. We will be utilizing all the social networking tools we can to make this trip easier financially, and to share our experiences with everyone we can! We will be on twitter, youtube, blogspot, and facebook!
Additionally, we want to meet new people in all walks of life and have short and meaningful conversations with them. Similar to what is seen on roadtripnation.com! Also, we are learning and practicing sustainable living across the way. I am using this trip to not only explore the heartbeat of our beautiful country, but to explore, find, and dig deep into my own passions.
For those on the West coast I hope to spend at least one day with you!
The scary part is coming back broke, jobless, and in debt; but for some reason this fear and worry gets easier to deal with everyday. I ask for your prayers, support, advice, and any particular guidance along the way.
That is all for now but I am continuously thankful for the people I am surrounded with in my life!
To the Open Road!
With much Love,
Brian"
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