First step

I have taken the first step towards my goal of traveling the world: I quit my job. This isn't a decision I came to lightly. I had actually debated it for a little over a year. In 2012 I went with my family over to Ireland and was absolutely astounded by the trip. The sights, the smells, the wind and rain. I wanted more.

There was just one problem. A month before my trip, I purchased a new car and drained my checkbook on the down payment. It would take me a while before I could afford any other trip. After another year at work, I have saved up enough for a good, long trip.

While on my trip, I will be experimenting with ways to replace my income. So far my ideas are doing freelance work or trying to start my own business. Crazy? Somewhat. Ambitious? Yep. Possible? I will have to find out. The worst I can do is fail. At best I can continue to travel indefinitely. I think this is a risk worth taking.

Since this is my first long duration trip, I decided to stick to the United States. I have lived in this country for nearly 25 years and I have seen not one iota of it. I will be doing a lot of camping, which I haven't been able to do since my Boy Scout days. I will also be visiting friends along the way, assuming they won't slam the door on my slightly stinky woodland butt.

I will be leaving the Detroit area at the end of August, 2013. I am still compiling a list of places that I would consider visiting. There are already too many for one trip, but I am willing to take more suggestions.

I wish my coworkers the best and continued success. It has been a hell of a ride, and it is about to get a whole lot crazier.