Help Visiting All 48 States....

[IrishAddiction]

Hey guys, I have recently graduated college, I am planning a trip this fall that will take me all around the good ol US of A. I will travel by bus (greyhound has a pass, gets you almost anywhere) and go around the country for 60 days.

I am taking a backpack and a tent for lodging because I am definitely in debt now that I am out of college. My trip will take me to many of the major US cities, and I have friends and family in a few where they will let me stay. For the others, I am looking for a simple yard to set up a tent in, and possibly a shower to use. That is honestly all I can ask for.

My trip will start from Findlay, Ohio and take me to South Bend to take in my first ND tailgating experience. I am very very excited to do this. From there I will travel through Chicago, Up to Milwaukee and St.Paul, Out west to Seattle, Down Through Oregon, Utah, Arizona, across Texas to the Big N.O. and so on.

Here is a list of the places I want to see in order(subject to change of course)

1. South Bend** (Thanks Jason and Adam! Have both your numbers!)
2. Chicago**
3. Milwaukee**
4. St.Paul and Minneapolis (arriving and leaving same day)
5. Fargo, ND----changed to Rapid City to see Rushmore and Crazyhorse
6. Billings, MT and through Butte, MT---heading through to seattle.
7. Possibly Cody, WY to see Yellowstone NP--- heading straight to Eugene d/t time constrants.
8. Seattle, WA (day trip)
9. Eugene, OR** (stop by Newport to swim in the pacific)
10. Provo UT**
11. Through Las Vegas to Flagstaff (Hopefully see the Grand Canyon)--- Hostel
12. Phoenix, AR (heading through)
13. Dallas/Fort Worth**
14. Bossier City, LA**
15. New Orleans (hostel)
16. Biloxi, MS (1/2 day trip)
17. Panama City (going thru), Pensacola (Hostel), and Tallahassee (thru)
18. Birmingham, AL (thanks BGIF!)
19. Memphis, TN(day trip)
20. St. Louis**
21. Through Indy and home (NW Ohio) for a day of rest before heading out again.
22. Boston (hostel)
23. New York City**
24. Phily, PA
25. Baltimore, MD---skipping to richmond
26. Richmond, VA**
27. Raleigh, NC**
28. Savannah, GA (changed to Wellford, SC to stay with 2nd cousins)
29. Down Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach**, Florida Keys if time permits
30. If not, taking the first bus home through the ATL (thanks Patrick!) and Nashville to NW Ohio.

NOTE-- ** Indicates a city where I have family or friends to stay with.

I am very excited to take this trip. I figure that I better do it now, because if I wait I will probably get locked down with a job or set up roots with a family and never have the opportunity again. I know it doesn’t cover all 48, but it sure takes out a big chunk of it and visiting all 50 is a bucket list goal of mine.

This trip is based on distance and some site seeing, but I really do not plan on staying in one city for more than a day. If you would be willing to lend me a yard to pitch my tent in and possibly a shower in any of the cities without asterisks, I would appreciate it more than I can put into words. Please send me a personal message on here, and we can exchange contact info however you want to.

Thanks so much, Billy (AKA IrishAddiction)

 

[BGIF]

Help Visiting All 48 States....

Good morning America how are you?
Don't you know me I'm your native son,
I'm the train they call The City of New Orleans,
I'll be gone five hundred miles when the day is done.

A fitting theme song for you trip with props to Steve Goodman.


Don't know how set you are in your plans (check your PMs, I might be able to help with a stop or two) but you might check out Amtrak trains to/from New Orleans. The City of New Orleans runs from Chitown to Nawlins and points in between. The Crescent goes from NYC to Nawlins and visits a bunch of your stops. The Sunset Limited runs from Orlando to LA. No idea of the price these days but you can walk around while you're covering ground.

Take an Amtrak Train to New Orleans


When I saw your title "... Visiting All 48 States ..." I figured this was an Obama joke, "... all 58 states".

I've been to 47 so far (Dakotas and Wyoming some day)!

Check your PMs I might be able to help 2 of your locations.

 

[IrishAddiction]

Thanks for the help BGIF! I have heard Wyoming is amazing beautiful, so I hope you see them all someday as well!

Renting a car was my first choice that i looked into, but the price was outrageous b/c im still not 25 years old (23 right now). I looked into taking a train, by far the safest and most scenic version of travel i would think for the distance covered, but it was a little more limiting in terms of travel and more expensive.

Amtrak - Deals - Rail Passes - USA Rail Passes

Greyhound may be a bit more of a danger for theft according to my research, but it by far offers the most destinations to travel at the lowest rate ($539 unlimited travel to over 3600 locations in the US). Plus, im currently taking measures to avoid theft with my luggage and Im in good enough shape to take care of myself.

My mother is worried as could be about this, but I couldnt be more excited. Its something I have wanted to do for along time now, and Im going to do it.

Also, Jet Blue is currently offering an all you can jet 30 day pass for $599, but you really need to have a set in stone itinerary to do that it seems. You can visit the caribbean islands with it though!

Jet Blue Brings Back 'All You Can Jet' Passes

 

[BGIF]

I reread your first post and see the trip is this Fall.

First thing first how are you going to work out the travel and ND football games (see the PMs, I made some suggestions). Do you have a smart phone with lots of gigs? Ipad with 3G? Laptop? I don't think the Greyhounds drivers update the scores.

You may want to rent a wet suit if you're going swimming in Oregon then. I stuck my foot in the water at Stinson Beach north of San Francisco. Everbody watching laughed, I hadn't noticed that no one was IN the water. They were sunning. I though I had frostbite.

The Gulf Coast will be warm enough and the Prez sez "there's no oil".

The car does give you more mobility but you can't put your head back and close your eyes unless you have another driver. I've done 2 weeks of driving with another driver and it's still a grind. I did the bus once about 15 years ago and found out ... well I'll PM you about that part.

The train may be feasible for long parts of the trip. If you were going across Texas (I've lived in El Paso and Houston) I wouldn't drive or bus if I had a choice. West of San Antonio/ Austin/Dallas (I-35 corridor) and El Paso it all looks the same for too long. Sorry Texans.

 

[dshans]

Kudos to you for undertaking the trip. And kudos to BGIF for correctly crediting Steve Goodman, not Arlo Guthrie.

Your planned adventure sounds wonderful. I am envious. It's reminiscent of a trip an ND classmate (and good friend) took in 1977 after he'd completed work for his Master's. He spent a few days with me in Orlando after time spent in New Orleans. He then hopped a Greyhound to Pennsylvania, New York and then many stops between there and California.

I'm in Minneapolis and have a back yard, tree house and spare bedroom. Hell, you might even find floor/couch space with my 23 year old recent-college-graduate son in St. Paul – assuming he and his college classmate (a product of South Bend) find a place they can afford.

I, like BGIF, might be of some help in some of your other stops.

 

[NDOM]

Hey guys, I have recently graduated college, I am planning a trip this fall that will take me all around the good ol US of A. I will travel by bus (greyhound has a pass, gets you almost anywhere) and go around the country for 60 days.

I am taking a backpack and a tent for lodging because I am definitely in debt now that I am out of college. My trip will take me to many of the major US cities, and I have friends and family in a few where they will let me stay. For the others, I am looking for a simple yard to set up a tent in, and possibly a shower to use. That is honestly all I can ask for.

My trip will start from Findlay, Ohio and take me to South Bend to take in my first ND tailgating experience. I am very very excited to do this. From there I will travel through Chicago, Up to Milwaukee and St.Paul, Out west to Seattle, Down Through Oregon, Utah, Arizona, across Texas to the Big N.O. and so on.

Here is a list of the places I want to see in order(subject to change of course)

1. South Bend
2. Chicago**
3. Milwaukee
4. St.Paul and Minneapolis
5. Fargo, ND
6. Billings, MT and through Butte, MT
7. Possibly Cody, WY to see Yellowstone NP
8. Seattle, WA
9. Eugene, OR** (stop by Newport to swim in the pacific)
10. Provo UT**
11. Through Las Vegas to Flagstaff (Hopefully see the Grand Canyon)
12. Phoenix, AR
13. Dallas/Fort Worth**
14. Bossier City, LA**
15. New Orleans
16. Biloxi, MS
17. Panama City, Pensacola, and Tallahassee
18. Birmingham, AL
19. Memphis, TN
20. St. Louis**
21. Through Indy and home (NW Ohio) for a day of rest before heading out again.
22. Boston
23. New York City
24. Phily, PA
25. Baltimore, MD
26. Richmond, VA
27. Raleigh, NC**
28. Savannah, GA
29. Down Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach**, Florida Keys if time permits
30. If not, taking the first bus home through the ATL and Nashville to NW Ohio.

NOTE-- ** Indicates a city where I have family or friends to stay with.

I am very excited to take this trip. I figure that I better do it now, because if I wait I will probably get locked down with a job or set up roots with a family and never have the opportunity again. I know it doesn’t cover all 48, but it sure takes out a big chunk of it and visiting all 50 is a bucket list goal of mine.

This trip is based on distance and some site seeing, but I really do not plan on staying in one city for more than a day. If you would be willing to lend me a yard to pitch my tent in and possibly a shower in any of the cities without asterisks, I would appreciate it more than I can put into words. Please send me a personal message on here, and we can exchange contact info however you want to.

Thanks so much, Billy (AKA IrishAddiction)

Damn. You lucky bastard. I wish I could travel that much. That would be a blast. You're more than welcome to crash at my house if you do ever stop around Grand Rapids Michigan. But, did'nt see it on your list.

 

[adsnorri]

What game are u coming to south bend for? I would love to do a lil tailgating with you. I also live in south bend, so depending on what game your coming for, maybe you could crash at my spot? Let me know

 

[NDFANnSouthWest]

Very nice trip planned....I did the same thing (however went to Europe/Israel) with a BackPack and a good pair of shoes. I have lived in Portland Oregon- so please take rain gear...also have lived in CA and now in NM. So let me know if you need any information on those states... some advise- rain gear, first aid kit, sunscreen, and some warm clothes...also a good backpack with a waistbelt/harness backpack for backpacking...at REI.com I know you are young however that backpack can get heavy over time. Be safe...

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

Exciting stuff good friend. But how the heck did you skip SoCal on your itinerary? I think half the posters on this site would put up with you, I mean, put you up for a bit. Los Angeles is at least worth a visit (if you bring your asthma inhaler) and San Diego is peachy.

You HAVE to do the Las Vegas Lake Mead Grand Canyon thing. I think parts of the original Planet of the Apes was filmed somewhat kinda more or less (maybe in Utah) in that area... From Flagstaff, take the southern route through Arizona and Western New Mexico. Or just go straight across the top of Arizona and Northern New Mexico. Fascinating geography. Somewhat near Flagstaff is the huge meteor hole that was featured in the movie "StarMan" (1984) with Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen.

Be safe and carry a big stick.

 

[bigedefense]

Awesome trip. Sounds like a trip we all are envious of. I am in Northeast Mississippi and although your trip doesn't come through here, if your route changes, I have a room for you. Make it a Saturday and we will catch the game together. Would be nice to watch the game with a fellow Irish fan instead s.e.c. fans. Let me know if I can help. I am about an hour and a half from Memphis, so if you need something while you stop over there, I will come up and help out. Good luck and have a BLAST my friend!

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

...

The train may be feasible for long parts of the trip. If you were going across Texas (I've lived in El Paso and Houston) I wouldn't drive or bus if I had a choice. West of San Antonio/ Austin/Dallas (I-35 corridor) and El Paso it all looks the same for too long. Sorry Texans.

You are right about the left of San Antonio thing. All flat and boring until you finally hit the tail end of the Rockies in El Paso. Then more flat stuff til you hit some actually gorgeous desert via I-10 (yep, the desert can be amazing...) in Arizona.

 

[Jason Pham]

I can probably take you in in South Bend. When are you thinking you'll be in the area ?

 

[IrishAddiction]

BGIF... Dont have the best phone b/c i refuse to upgrade, even though i could have over a year ago. This one has held up like a champ and never given me problems. On gamedays, I will be in a town somewhere to watch the game. And swimming in oregon might be nippy, but my cousin lives in eugene so i will just jump in and out polar bear style then go take a hot shower at his place.

dshans- i would love to take you up on the minneapolis offer if it would be alright with you. i will PM you to get some email contacts and such.

adsnorri and J Pham... I will be in south bend on the 4th when it will be packed im sure. just going to stay the night then heading out in the AM for Chicago to stay with an old football buddy. If i could crash at either of your places, i would really appreciate it. Ill send you both PMs so we can exchange emails.

Neutered and NDOM... skipping out on michigan and southern california for this one. I have seen both of them, obviously not the whole state, but i have family in michigan and some friends in california that i flew out to see a few years back. Definately have a priority on my list to visit the grand canyon though Neutered. My dad says its a must see.

NDFANnSouthWest... i really want to visit all throughout Europe and Isreal someday as well. Im taking a rain coat, small umbrella, and getting a highly rated and reviewed backpack (kelty 3100) with a rain cover to take with me. The only place i will be through in NM is Las Cruzes i think...

BigDefense... dont think i will be stopping for too long while in memphis since its on my first path hojme....or out the mississippi way much farther north than biloxi, but i appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Thanks again so much for all the help everybody! I will be on this again later tonight. The ND family is definately the biggest family I have the honor of being a part of!

 

[ACamp1900]

if you are going to go to fargo ND after visiting Milwaukee and such you might as well hit up Rapid City South Dakota... much more to do there than Fargo... you have the Black Hills, Deadwood, and Mount Rushmore all right there...

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

Reading about your trip got me to thinking about two of my favorite books that would be perfect for your journey:

"Blue Highways" by William Least Heat-Moon
"The Kindness of Strangers" by Mike McIntyre

Oh to be back out on the open road again. I wish I was taking this trip!

 

[IrishAddiction]

if you are going to go to fargo ND after visiting Milwaukee and such you might as well hit up Rapid City South Dakota... much more to do there than Fargo... you have the Black Hills, Deadwood, and Mount Rushmore all right there...

I was just thinking because Fargo to billings travels along distance and is a direct shot, not really a site seeing area. But now that you mention mount rushmore..... i might make a little change to my schedule to see that. Hadnt even thought about it.... thanks for the info.

 

[IrishAddiction]

Change of schedule for SB unless I can hitch a ride with someone I know heading there for gameday on saturday :-/ Greyhound SB station is only closed on saturdays, meaning i would have to probably show up on friday adsnorri and Jason Pham. Hope that would be alright with you guys.

 

[ACamp1900]

I was just thinking because Fargo to billings travels along distance and is a direct shot, not really a site seeing area. But now that you mention mount rushmore..... i might make a little change to my schedule to see that. Hadnt even thought about it.... thanks for the info.

Deadwood and Black Hills are worth seeing too, the Black hills are just surreal and have many different film locations for Dances with Wolves to see,... the giant Crazy Horse mountain scuplture is supposed to be done now also... I was there in 93 and they were just starting it... MASSIVELY big... much more so than Mount Rushmore... and they are only like 45 minutes or so away from each other (Mount R and Crazy Horse) if memory serves... Deadwood is an old west town still intact and made into tiny Indian Casinos... it's also were Wild Bill Hickok was shot in the back playing poker while holdin his dead man's hand... the chair he was sitting in and the famous hand he was holding are still there...

If you want to see America I would suggest all three... each are very unique experiences...

 

[IrishAddiction]

Deadwood and Black Hills are worth seeing too, the Black hills are just surreal and have many different film locations for Dances with Wolves to see,... the giant Crazy Horse mountain scuplture is supposed to be done now also... I was there in 93 and they were just starting it... MASSIVELY big... much more so than Mount Rushmore... and they are only like 45 minutes or so away from each other (Mount R and Crazy Horse) if memory serves... Deadwood is an old west town still intact and made into tiny Indian Casinos... it's also were Wild Bill Hickok was shot in the back playing poker while holdin his dead man's hand... the chair he was sitting in and the famous hand he was holding are still there...

If you want to see America I would suggest all three... each are very unique experiences...

Im definately heading that way now... looked into some tours, and think im going to go with the greyline one. About 63 bucks and they take you to see Mt.Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, the black hills national forest, custer state park and sylvan lake... plus admission to the park and lunch.

Mt Rushmore sightseeing tours from Rapid City

 

[IrishAddiction]

Trip planning has been a hassle, but I think I am all set to go on this adventure. Thanks to all those who helped out. Will be staying in hostels in some of the towns, which I dont mind I believe it will actually be a unique experience.

Very excited to see South Bend on Gameday! Its coming up very fast and I cant wait for it!

Updated some the towns I have places to crash at on the itinerary with **, as well as the itinerary itself.

Keep me in your prayers guys, Im hoping this thing goes through without any major problems along the way! GO IRISH!

IrishAddiction (Billy)

 

[BGIF]

I look forward to meeting you next month. Have a safe journey!

Post an update here when you get a chance. Kinda of a "Where in the USA is IrishAddiction today?".

 

[IrishAddiction]

Hey guys, just updating this to let you know how my trip is going. It obviously started off amazing, taking in opening gameday weekend in southbend. The campus is absolutely beautiful, more than can ever be described with pictures or words. It is truly something every notre dame fan needs to see first hand to understand.

Jason and his roommates were all awesome, he lives very close to Touchdown Jesus (the library) which is just an inspiring building in itself. The grotto, the dome, everything was amazing. I took in the pep rally and drum circle on friday night, watched the players walk into the stadium, but couldnt find tickets being scalped for less than a hundred bucks....

I wish I would have bought those ones now, but after seeing it, I know that I will return and will get tickets in advance when I do. Seen Brian Kelly talk at the pep rally, and he is just such a motivating guy. We landed the right guy to take us back to the top, now Im sure of it. Thanks again to Jason, Tom, Kevin, and Ryan for all letting me crash at their place.

Right now, I am in Chicago. The city is crazy huge, and my good friend lives in an apartment right next to the Navy Pier. We checked it out last night, went to a few bars and had a heck of a night out on the town.

We just got back from eating in Chinatown this afternoon, and are going to go eat at the John Hancock building tonight, and go see the Sears (willis now) tower later. Not paying to go up in it though, evidently John Hancock is a better time, view, and experience, just 6 stories shorter.

Heading to Milwaukee in the morning to stay with a cousin. Hope everything is going good for the IrishEnvy community! It shouldnt be going bad seeing as how we are currently 1-0. When Im near a computer I will keep you guys updated.

GO IRISH

Billy (irishaddiction)

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

Fantastic buddy. Stay safe and enjoy. Keep us posted. What a great journey.

 

[NDFANnSouthWest]

Great to hear Billy....

 

[ACamp1900]

nice...

 

[IrishAddiction]

hey guys, just thought i would update here again.

since i last updated, i took in milwaukee and rapid city. milwaukee is an awesome town, took in the miller brewery. awesome tour, and you cant beat the price of free. also came with free beer, and a pretty darn good looking tour guide.... kinda makes you think they picked her for a reason. Also, wandered around Marquette University, where my cousin is a professor. Its a pretty nice campus, but I still told my cousin ND wins in that category. Very nice town overall, pretty under the radar.

From Milwaukee I took a day long bus ride to Rapid City. Took in Mount Rushmore, crazy horse (still not finished, but is going to be huge when done 50 years from now), and the black hills. Its an absolutely beautiful area, sure beats the heck out of flat for miles and miles NW Ohio.

Left Rapid City last saturday.... the last thing I seen on TV was a Dane Crist pass thrown way over the endzone.... watched it in a bar accross from the bus station....to say the least, it made for quite a pissed off bus ride to Newport Oregon and some crappy text messages from some UM fans.

Arrived in Newport on Sunday. Got there very late, but had an excellent couple who ran a hotel got me a room for very cheap. They even showed me around town the next day. Swam in the pacific, and BGIF warned me previously, but Im stubborn and I will tell.... yes it is freezing cold. Made the couple taking my picture laugh though, and I can say I swam in the pacific, so it was worth it.

Currently Im in Utah with a friend at BYU. Evidently we are going to hike up the mountain to the Y later.... its a pretty long ways up the mountain. guess its something I have to do while here though, but all this walking and 24-30 hour bus rides are going to wear out soon I think, but Im still having a blast.

Tomorrow heading to Vegas and then Flagstaff to see the grand canyon.

Hope all is well around here. Will be in touch when I get the chance. GO IRISH!!!

Billy (IA)

 

[GEORGIA DOMER]

Living the dream(lucky) be safe!

 

[IrishAddiction]

Hey Guys!

Sad last two Saturdays for ND fans, no doubt. I couldnt dislike the state of Michigan more than I have these last two weeks, but I guess life goes on... for some of us anyways.

Figured I would update this to let everybody know where I have been at. Since I last updated in Provo, I have been to Vegas, Flagstaff, and KC.

Vegas was amazing, stayed in a really cheap place right along the strip. Walked in to see a live band, women handing out drinks, and elmo dancing around for tips.... After seeing that I pretty much had to stay there for the night. Walked the whole strip and back, which seemed to take the whole night. Took in the Fremont street experience, which was like a mini vegas strip on crack.. just an amazing experience. Played blackjack at the sahara.... counting cards is a fool proof system. I won a dollar!!!

From vegas, headed to flagstaff to see the Grand Canyon. If you have never seen it, add it to your bucket list, its a must see. Makes you feel small and truly shows you that God is an artist of infinite beauty. I am not a very easily impressed individual, and I was just amazing at the massiveness of the whole thing. If massiveness is a word anyway.

Stayed at a hostel while there, and met more interesting people in two days than I have in the last 6 months in NW Ohio. Toured with 8 people, and I was the only american... It was great to met these people and somewhat see the world from a different perspective.

From Flagstaff, I headed to see my aunt and uncle in KC. Sadly didnt get to see Coach Weis while here, but did get to eat some tasty BBQ.

Tomorrow heading to New Orleans, then to Florida, and up to Bama after that. I will keep you all updated when I can. Hopefully I dont get to out of touch, seems the only ND updates I get are when I sit down and watch on gamedays.... its like Im going into withdrawals between gamedays.

Pray all is going well for the IE community! I know it hasnt been the best two weeks, but we got Tuitt from GA that should help a little I hope. We will be back on top soon, I believe that with all my heart. Keep the faith! GO IRISH!

Sincerely, Billy (AKA IrishAddiction)

 

[jason_h537]

Sounds awesome. Stay safe and have fun.

 

[IrishAddiction]

Home sweet home

Home sweet home

Hey fellas!

Just got home a few days ago from NYC and finally ended my little cross country trip. Havent been near a computer with enough time to update since I last updated from Kansas City when I stayed with my aunt and uncle. So I will give you all a synopsis of the rest of my trip.

From KC, I headed down to Nawlins to check out the Big Easy. Wasnt the prettiest of towns, still pretty beat up from Katrina to be honest. The touristy spots were all very well taken care of though, found a place where I actually liked the coffee called Cafe de Monde, it also had the most amazing donuts. Kept me up the whole first night just consuming that alone. Also tried gator and gumbo while I was there. Gumbo was good, gator not so much for me. Got hit on by some gay dude while there... odd coming from the country and having that happen, definately caught me off guard, but oh well. Overall New Orleans was alright, but not my favorite of all the towns.

After New Orleans I headed to Birmingham, Alabama to stay with Jack (BGIF) and his wife. They are super nice people and showed me all around Birmingham. That town has so much history in its city limits its insane. Ran the bases at the oldest baseball park in America (rickwood field) and seen the statue of Vulcan and its museum.

Birmingham has amazing food, think I tried more different foods in two days than I could in a year in Ohio. Had a beer at the best bar in Birmingham, the Garage. The owner of it, Kenny, was an awesome guy. Birmingham was such an awesome town, it really has that low key feel with southern hospitality thats second to none that I seen while traveling... Jack and his wife certainly are two prime examples. We have truly lost a great poster and friend of Notre Dame in losing his services to this site. He is one of the most intelligent men I have ever met. The whole thing that caused it was blown out of proportion on here, and its just sad to see. People lost their cool during one of the biggest rivalry games in college football... Idk, it just sucks. Thanks again to BGIF and his wife for their hospitality and kindness along my journey.

From Birmingham, I headed to stay with my cousin in Dallas. Just so turned out to be the weekend of the Texas-OU matchup, so the town was packed. Got to go see some High school football on Friday, seen where JFK was shot, took in the Texas State fair, went to a promise keepers conference, andwon fifty bucks at the horse track on a 2 dollar bet... it was a good weekend to say the least. Most importantly, I got to spend time with a cousin who I rarely get to see and him and his family are all awesome people.

From Dallas I headed to Daytona Beach to see the Atlantic ocean. Got a nice hotel for $30 just a few blocks from the beach and close to the bus station. Walked along the beach the first day, even helped a baby turtle make it to the ocean. Im such a humanitarian... it would make my Dad so proud. Tried to walk to the Daytona Speedway later in the afternoon, which on my little cartoon map looked like about a mile away from the hotel. Long story short, cartoons lie and I found out it was about 8 miles away.... I was whipped after about 3 miles so I decided to hitchhike back to my hotel, some hippy guy picked me up and took me back to my hotel. Florida weather was great though, lots of sun and lots of beach, loved that.

After Daytona I headed up to Philadelphia, PA. Stayed in a great hostel there, met alot of really cool people. The history in that town, it just has an old fashioned feel to it. All brick roads and buildings, great people, great sports.... the town was awesome. The crocidile, a bar right around the corner, had 50 cent beers on thursdays, and with every beer you bought, you got a free personal pan pizza. The group I met from the hostel and myself pretty much spent the whole night there, had a heck of a time. Did all the touristy stuff while there as well, Ben Franklins grave, Liberty Bell, Independance Hall, the Rocky Stairs.... it was all the best. I absolutely fell in love with Phily, I am seriously considering moving there someday now. I had moving plans and business ideas racing through my head from the moment I left. But that will take a little time, for now I am home and happy to see my family and friends again.

From Phily, I went to Washington DC. All of the big east coast cities are really close together, only about a two hour drive from Phily, which surely beat the 20-30 hour rides I was becoming accustomed to. My hostel wasnt supposed to be very far away, but I used my great Sayre sense of direction to end up on the other side of town. Pretty much made me whipped for the first night. The next day though, I seen all the major sites. While at the white house, I seen the 1st dog getting walked. It took what looked like two secret service agents to do it... glad to see our taxpayer dollars going to good use. Seen the washington monument, Capital building, lincoln memorial, all the war memorials, the pentagon (took a picture.... almost got my phone taken away), Arlington Cemetery (huge... just huge is the only way to describe it). Even took in the two Major Smithsonain Museums, which could have taken my whole day up in themselves. Very interesting to see though. Got blessed by an indian shaman, attended a local political protest (found out I didnt support it pretty fast), among other things. Very fun town to visit, but not a place I would want to live.

From DC, I headed up to NYC. Arrived at the biggest bus terminal in the biggest city I seen the whole trip. Was hard even finding my way out of that place, but was glad I did. Walked only 5 blocks to my hostel, which was only a half a block from Times Square. There was so much to see in NYC, I was in a hurry to get it all in. Took in Macys (7 stories of it) and Central Park the first night. Woke up early on day 2 to get on Good Morning America, which I made it on the 1st part of it right behind Matt Lauer and Al Rocure (SP?). Went and seen the WTC site, which is right now just a huge construction site, and walked down and got my picture taken on the wall street bull. Seen the Statue of Liberty from a distance. Little China town was cool, Little Italy was tasty (ate at Americas oldest pizza place, Lombardis). Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State building all rounded out my day. Almost got to sit in on the Jimmel Phallen show, but was 2 people away. Went out that night with my new German friends, and then headed back to Ohio the following day. Wanted to see Boston, but money and resources were starting to dwindle, and to be honest, I was truly missing my own bed at home. Had one hell of a time though, dont regret a minute of it. Glad to be home.

Wow. Could that be the record for longest post ever on IE? Haha, well anyways, thank you to all those who helped out and volunteered to help me out on this trip. Notre Dame is really a family, and they have shown me that so much over this past month and half. Ill be posting alot more often now that I have free internet right at my disposal.

As always, GO IRISH!!!

Billy aka IrishAddiction