Gone Walkabout

Australians have a great term for ‘a short period of wandering bush life engaged in by an Aborigine as an occasional interruption of regular work’; they call it a “walkbout”. It seems to fit where I’m at in life at the moment, which feels lost, without focus.

If this were feudal Japan someone in my position might have been called a ronin, or a Bushi carrying the shame of life with no master. That also seems to fit well.

Here in the U.S. we might simply label it mid-life crisis, and that term is dangerously close too. You see, I’ve always had a focus in life, always been very driven and until recently that gave me purpose, pride and direction. But slowly, that direction became more unclear. Alan Watts hits the nail on the head here:


Whatever you call it, I’ve set out on a quest to find a new mission. The adventure here probably won’t involve a lot of mud, water crossings or harrowing tales. (see here or even better here if you’re looking for that sort of thing). I have no destination, no expected return date and no real plan. It’s just another story of old fat guy on a GS (perfect, eh?) trying to figure out what he wants to do when he grows up.
Back in 2008, my wife and I decided to do things a little differently and did a little ride (here).
<iframe src="" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" width="500"></iframe> Exploring North America from Howling Mad on Vimeo.

Since then we’ve enjoyed time off with more travel, renovating a humble home and working fun, low stress jobs. Sounds perfect, right? It was, but I’m not ready for retirement yet. Although I'm still struggling to separate my sense of self from my occupation, I have come to realize that I need a challenge. That's what leads me here. I need a job, but I keep getting sucked back into the same circles of technology and financial services. I liked what I did, but the learning curve leveled off and now I'd like to move on and learn new things. The problem seems to be exposure. hoping that this little journey will help me figure out my next challenged maybe even introduce me to someone with a problem that I can fix. More on this later

Please consider a few things before going any further. I’m a fairly private guy and so I may decide to pull the plug on this experiment at any time. Also, I'’ve invited family and friends to follow me here, so I’d ask that you keep it kid friendly.

So, with many mixed emotions, let’s go.

Here are the videos from the trip in order. Please note that I'm still spitting them out so check back for more.

Great Roads of the South


Cimarron Grasslands


This is my Church - Southeast Utah


Great Roads of Colorado


Engineer Pass - Colorado


Death Valley





Searching for Old Route 66

First day - 535 miles

That may not be much for some of you, but for me and a bike shaped like a kids lunchbox, it was a long day. I wanted to make some time so I broke one of my trip rules; no interstates.

Afraid this was the highlight of my day; trail mix (that expired 2 years ago)


Rolled into a what was probably a great campsite at 9pm somewhere in Virginia. Other than lots of deer and suicidal bunny rabbits, I couldn't appreciate the campsite.

(currently in Elizabethton, TN headed west towards Knoxville.)

Slept under the stars last night and woke to a heavy dew blanketing everything. Up at 5:30 but still way to dark and cold to travel, finally departed at 6:30. Sun won't be up for at least another 30 minutes.



Something really nice about being up before everyone else. I arrived at the start of the Skyline drive long before the gates open, but I figure those cones are just a suggestion, so on I go to enjoy the Skyline Drive all to myself.



What a great place to see the sun rise.

Stayed off the interstate today and enjoyed some local roads, I'm starting to enjoy the journey a bit. Yesterday it felt more like a silly, pointless quest based on selfishness and immaturity. I can live with the immature part.

After at least an hour searching for a campsite, I finally reached very nice woman from the National Recreation Area who pointed me to a great little campsite. I had the entire place to myself.



Finally had a chance to catch up on a few details last night. I like stopping while it's still daylight, I'll have to make this a goal.

Just checking in that reply/responses work (after having to register for an account, signing away 2 kids, and getting the glove treatment).

It is often said that the end of one journey is the start of the next. So then it stands to reason, the start of a journey is the end of a previous. Good luck finding the find.

- Hobbes

Well well, look my boy all growd up! Be safe, be smart, and enjoy the ride. The rest of the crazy world will be here when you get back.

Phone a friend tech support is on 24/7...............

Peace,

A bit behind in my updates, but anxious to cut up some of the footage of some really great roads down here. Not sure why RT 129 gets all the press, there are so many curvy roads to play on, most of which are empty.

Stumbled upon this well traveled bike yesterday but couldn't find the pilot.


Plates were from Alberta. Nice to see someone more lost than me.

Oh, and thanks for the support amigos.

Nice to meet you out in Nashville. Ride safe and hopefully you get a bit more clarity for your life out on the road.

Great meeting you guys today. Good luck on your epic adventure and congratulations on your book!

If you see Sarah and David (? Sorry, been a long day), be sure to stop and invite them in. You'll get some really great stories and it will only cost you a pint or two.

I spent so long at McDonalds that they started bring me coffee at my table. I was there for over two hours getting caught up on email and writing down all this crap.

While I was there making blog posts I noticed several fire trucks and police cars and a dump truck in the middle of the intersection. A few minutes later an employee came out to the middle of McDonalds and announced that it had been exactly a week since 4 year old Joshua was hit by that truck and asked the patrons for moment of silence.

I can't ever remember watching a fast food restaurant cease all motion for a full minute. It was touching and a nice reminder that small town America still cares.

And I think you will find that people here care too. Sounds like you're off to a great start. You don't have to have a reason to go on a walkabout, but I like yours. It hits home. Take care out there.

Thanks for the support, some days you really need it.

Spent the day wrestling with feelings over the pointlessness of the trip. Guilt of leaving my wife to manage the homestead and finding my own purpose stays with me each mile. The weather seems to effect my moods more than usual, perhaps because I'm part of it with nowhere to hide from it. The temperature seems to be 10 degrees colder than home consistently, perhaps I should have gone north. Yesterday hovered in the high 40's most of the day. I'm trying to appreciate this gift and privilege, but some days are harder than others.



I had two great conversations with my sister and wife that made me feel much better about my trip. It helped me have a whole new attitude about being on the road when I saw others taking some enjoyment from these little scribblings. It's nice to know that someone else is actually reading this thing too.

I'll just leave this here..


$3.07 for gas? Good thing too, I'm getting really terrible fuel economy.

Cotton fields everywhere. It was nice to take a break from riding into the wind.


Strange how wet the land is here. Everywhere off pavement and the kickstand sinks into the mud.

Currently in Hardy, Arkansas, btw.

Must be a sign. Well it is a sign, but maybe it's for me.

<a href="http://s525.photobucket.com/albums/cc331/howlingmadadventure/2012-10%20Walkabout/?action=view&amp;current=P1120104.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc331/howlingmadadventure/2012-10%20Walkabout/P1120104.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Walked into McDonalds for coffee this morning (see a pattern yet?) and found an older woman sitting by herself at a long table. I asked her if she'd look after my laptop and atlas while I got rid of my first cup of coffee. When I returned the table was almost full of older folks enjoying breakfast and each others company. Each and every one of the 5 people gave me a warm smile and invited me to join them. It was tempting to sit a quiet table with a good view of my bike and much needed time to catch up with internet time, but it was hard to resist the warm welcome.
<a href="http://s525.photobucket.com/albums/cc331/howlingmadadventure/2012-10%20Walkabout/?action=view&amp;current=FAC02731-3567-4CC1-9E7A-CA17B6881D19-1634-00000158119B3912.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc331/howlingmadadventure/2012-10%20Walkabout/FAC02731-3567-4CC1-9E7A-CA17B6881D19-1634-00000158119B3912.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Barb and Bud ride a Goldwing and were quite interested in my unplanned quest. They introduced me to Sam, Joe and another one they called the "Old Senile One". Bud was a truck driver so he had lots of wisdom on great roads, local and otherwise. They knew everyone in the restaurant and introduced me and my journey to each new face.

Not sure how long I've been here now, but I now feel like one of Bud and Barbs kids. We exchanged information and they urged me to call if I needed anything at all.

Maybe that sign was for me. The trip gods have given me a little magic this morning. I found a tiny little piece of what I was looking for outside of Hardy, Arkansas.

Yeah, we're reading. Where is your "Never give up" sign this trip?

I have no idea where you are each post. If it is quick and simple, can you add town and state? [EDIT - I see that you have in the last few posts - thanks]

Be well!

Hey HowlingMad,

I've been following along and enjoying your ride report. Thanks for posting.

Saw where you are in Hardy, AR. You my friend, are on the verge of some absolutely great bike riding. I'm envious. Do you know about Butler Maps? They have released a riders map of the Ozarks ......... If I were you, it would be a priority of mine to find one of those maps and start riding some of those highly rated roads. There are some great little towns up that way also.

Watch out for all the Arkies heading to and from church tomorrow morning. Many of them will be hungover, or still drunk, from Saturday night. Woo Pig Soooie!

Have fun and breathe it all in. Ride safe.

Rob