I think not... How many books and songs have there been written about a young man's journey across or around the country discovering simultaneously things about his country and himself? Not to discredit their validity... no doubt I've taken some inspiration from such stories, but I feel no need to publish my stories in that form. It's been done. I have another take.
This last weekend I protested at the Inauguration of (I can't help but cringe while I type this) President Trump. In order to gain access to the side of Pennsylvania Avenue and boo and harangue the procession of idiots, protesters (and supporters alike) were forced to wait side by side in lines behind security checkpoints with suited secret service and metal detectors. I got there at 7am and waited for two and a half hours, while others waited for nearly five. In that amount of time, it was impossible for the opposite sides to ignore each other. Various conversations sprung up around me and as I listened, it became apparent to myself how I couldn't possibly wrap my head around their ideology, let alone engage in civil discussion. I thought about it throughout the day as our group chanted things that I thoroughly believed, and wondered what the red hats around us must think, and how these two groups could ever compromise. I realized I could not fault them for their ignorance, though they certainly are guilty of it, but I must also realize that if I cannot understand their conception of the world and themselves, there is no hope of solution.
So I need not discover America. I know my route, what it likely looks like there. I could google street view the whole thing if I wanted to. Instead, I'm discovering Americans. Who are these people that swayed the election? What is life like outside my bubbles of liberal Seattle and liberal arts college campus? I just hope that I find in them some recognizable sign of humanity, and that I'm not ruined forever from ever engaging with rural folk again. They might pick up a thing or two from me if I'm lucky.
Route Map
This is pretty much the route, just imagine starting a little bit south of Ticonderoga and going a bit South after Anacortes. Thanks to the good people at the Adventure Cycling Association, they know what they're doing.
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