Transportation

One of the biggest things we take for granted in the 'civilized' world is the ability to get from place to place. We've becomed so accustomed to just getting in our steel boxes and driving from here to there that we don't even think twice about it. Forgot to get milk from the store? No problem, just pop in the steel box and drive for a few minutes to get what we need and get back home. Want to eat out or go shopping? Want to see a movie, take a walk around the city park (which of course we drive to) or maybe visit some friends? No worries... just pop in the box o' steel and drive there.

On the trail, granted, we use our feet for locomotion. For some crazy reason, this is by choice. When you're on the trail and you want to hit a restaurant...no problem. In about 3 days, you'll be walking near one, after you hitch-hike a few miles into town from the nearest road crossing. Of course, it won't be a restaurant you've ever heard of, more like "Bubba's Country Vittles and Pig Fat" which closes promptly at 3pm, so you better get walking quickly...they are closed this weekend because Bubba's helping the neighbor duct tape the rat holes in his double-wide.

Even when you are in town, the lack of wheels is a challenge and you are dependant upon the hostel/inn folks to shuttle you around if they even offer that service. This requires you to be ready on their schedule and if you forget something, like to pick up your mail drop at the post office while you were in town, you may have to stay an extra day or pay for a taxi to get you to the places you need to go.

The upshot, is that you become much better about planning your town stays and making sure you get your business taken care of when you are in town. This makes your use of discretionary time more efficient and ultimately, helps you to save money. I think I figured out that staying in town costs you about $1-$2 per hour including your stay and meals. That can add up very quickly.

When I came home this week and actually had my Jeep to drive again, it was strange sitting in the driver's seat. Well first, it was strange, because it was the first time that I sat in a driver's seat in almost three months. But it was also strange because as I was sitting there, I realized that I could drive anywhere in town I wanted to...whenever I wanted to. This was a strange feeling but was one that I liked. But also one that I learned not to get too comfortable with because I was to be heading back to the trail in a day or two.

I will be taking a Greyhound bus back to Bristol Tennessee and then getting a shuttle back to Damascus...on their schedule of course. And then, once back on the trail, it will be another four days before I reach "Bubba's Country Vittles and Pig Fat" restaurant. Well, that's if I can get a hitch into town, that is.

MuddyShoes