2008 USA Tour

Article

After a year and a half away from the USA, I’m finally returning for a visit. I’m quite excited about it! I think the things I miss most about the USA are family, friends, and the great American wilderness…followed shortly thereafter by granola and soy milk. :)

Changes Changes

For my Yemeni visitors, the above map gives an idea of the vastness of the American countryside as a scale comparison with Yemen. Driving to all these places would be over 8000 miles—the equivalent to 12,900 kilometers…or roughly a drive from Sana'a, Yemen to Madrid, Spain…AND BACK!

You wouldn’t believe how much time I’ve spent planning this trip. Originally, I was trying to bring a Yemeni friend with me, and we were going to drive close to 8000 miles! However, that fell through, and I decided not to travel so far by car. Sadly, I won’t be camping in Yosemite and seeing friends in California as initially planned. But there is good news! I was astonished to find that flights are actually quite cheap. I was quite surprised to realize this after hearing about the increase in gas prices. So I'm now pretty sure this is the final plan. I can finally update the website.

Let’s hook up

So for those of you that live in USA, I would love to see you! Take a look at the itinerary and let me know if we can hook up. I must say that I’m going to be quite busy in some areas, but still let me know.

Rides needed

Initially this section was an offer to take you for a ride or deliver a parcel for you. However, since I’m now flying I’m now asking for rides. :) Rides needed:

• Moab, UT — Denver, CO
  I think I might have a ride to Moab, UT, but a return to Denver between July 6—13 would be nice. Covered, I think.
• Seattle, WA — Spokane, WA
  After climbing Rainier I’ll need a ride to Spokane the evening of July 20. Covered, I think.
• Spokane, WA — Polebridge, MT
  This might be covered, but possibly not. Will need a ride to Polebridge on July 24 and a return to Spokane on July 27. Covered, I think.
• Spokane, WA — Seattle, WA
  Need a ride back to the airport in Seattle either July 28 or by noon on July 29. Covered, I think.
• Chicago Midway — Berrien Springs, MI
  Needed July 30. I can meet you anywhere in Chicago area but will be arriving in Midway. Covered, I think.
• Berrien Springs, MI — Chicago
  Needed sometime after July 3. Anywhere in Chicago is fine. Covered, I think.
• Atlanta, GA — Roanoke/VA Tech, VA
I’m not sure if this will be necessary, but it would be nice to leave and return to Atlanta between Aug. 13 and the beginning of September.

What’s the plan?

Since I have family and friends scattered all over the country, most of these stops are required. I’ll also be in a friend’s wedding and meeting with clients along the way. The following are the outdoor activities I’ll be doing:

• Hiking near Boulder, CO
• Hiking/Biking/Climbing in Moab, Utah
• Climbing Mount Rainier in Washington
• Camping beside Glacier National Park, Montana
• Camping in Appalachia

Itinerary

The following is a rough itinerary. Letters coincide with markers in the map above, also available in a larger version.

[NOTE: THIS IS LIKELY TO CHANGE, SO YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK BACK HERE.]

• A) [June 19] Drive from Atlanta, GA to New Orleans, LA
• B) [June 23] Fly from New Orleans, LA to Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX
• C) [June 26] Fly from DFW, TX to Denver, CO
• D) [July 3] Drive from Denver, CO to Moab, UT
• E) [July 6—13] Return from Moab, UT to Denver, CO
  
• D) [July 14] Fly from Denver, CO for Seattle, WA
• F) [July 17—20] Climb Mount Rainier
• F) [July 20] Drive from Rainier area to Spokane, WA
• G) [July 24] Drive from Spokane, WA to Glacier, MT
• H) [July 27] Drive from Glacier, MT to Spokane, WA
• G) [July 28—29] Drive from Spokane, WA to Seattle, WA
• F) [July 29] Return flight from Seattle, WA to Denver, CO
  
• D) [July 30] Fly from Denver, CO to Chicago Midway Airport
• I) [July 30] Drive from Chicago, IL to Berrien Springs, MI
• J) [Aug 3—4] Leave Berrien Springs, MI for Chicago, IL
• J) [Aug 10—12] Fly from Chicago, IL to Atlanta, GA
• K & L) [Aug 14—Sept 4] Visit Chattanooga and VA if possible at some point
• A) [Aug 14—Sept 4] Go camping in Appalachia at some point

Looking forward to it!