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It wasn’t what I had expected. Leaving the town where I'd spent almost two thirds of my life, memories and emotions were taking a back seat to ‘Did I forget something in that kitchen cabinet I never used?’ and ‘How many miles to Grand Rapids?’ and ‘I’m hungry!’ I had just quit my job, moved out of my apartment, and had given away or sold most everything I owned (I stored my bicycle, guitar, and a suit). The motorcycle was packed with camping gear and some clothes - a summer of riding was right around the corner.

The route starts at Lake Itasca State Park in Minnesota (the headwaters of the Mississippi River) and follows the Great River Road through ten states, ending at the Gulf of Mexico near the southern tip of Louisiana. Across Texas to Austin, and north to Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. Through Utah and Arizona on the way to San Diego. Up the Pacific Coast Highway to Oregon and Washington, then through British Columbia to the Alaska Highway. Bellingham, Washington where the Alaska Marine Highway connects to Valdez, Alaska North to Fairbanks and up the Dalton Highway to Deadhorse and the Arctic Ocean. the Arctic Circle Then across Canada to St. John's Nova Scotia and finally down the East Coast to Key West, Florida. And after that?