Michigan - June 11, 1988
The big day of my 'Drive Around America' would finally begin on this day. The night before it was pretty hard to sleep, I'd taken everything out to my multi-colored pickup truck, and loaded it up. I had my army cot, a few baskets of clothing, my electric guitar (no amp, but that was okay), and a few other personal belongings. All of my music was in the front seat with me. Early in the morning, I bid farewell to my parents, and hit out on the open road.
The early departure was kind of sad. I didn't know what I'd run into and who I'd meet or what I would do. On top of this I was very thankful I made a little graduation money for gas and souvineers until I'd find my way to wherever I might find. The first selection was an old casette tape of Jim Groce's Greatest Hits. Nothing made me more want to explore America than the music of Jim Groce with exotic names like "Alabama Rain" and Big Bad LeRoy Brown (from the eastside of Chicago), Mississippi Derby, and all the rest of his characters within the lyrics.
The first most shocking sight I'd seen not too far from my own house. As I was driving down the road with everything I now owned with me, I saw a hitchhiker woman on the road. She stuck out her thumb and lifted up her shirt exposing something which wasn't covered with a bra..! I was pretty shocked.. but of course.. being 17-year-old (almost, but not yet 18) and having everything I owned with me.. I didn't want to stop.. but passing it by.. I couldn't help but think that that is what stories are made of. Anyhow, I passed her by, and barroweled on down the road.
My trip brought me from Michigan, down to Ohio, and then onwards towards Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I drove around Pittsburgh awestruck at my first views of actual mountains. Coming from the flatlands of midwest Michigan, I was pretty amazed to see mountainside. Oddly, upon arrival, I strolled up and down the mountainside of Pittsburgh, anxious to see the different views of the scenery from different angles.
When evening time rolled around, I found a campground to park my own vehicle. It was kind of a lonely feeling that night, first night on the road, and not knowing anyone. I was sweating very badly in the heat of the truck as well. No air-conditioning, and not much ventilation at all. I hadn't really anticipated on that aspect of these travels. I did meet a few older people in the campground, but them being significantly older, and myself being significantly younger, I didn't feel so comfortable sharing my story out of safety purposes. It was going to take me awhile to feel this whole journey out.
Wow, Pennsylvania!
June 12, 1988
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