Our Story

Ever since I was a boy I was filled with a desire to see new places and build something for myself with nothing more than the will to make it happen. As I've grown older I found that this spirit of adventure not only was drowned out by the media, friends, and family but it wasn't even entering the thought process of people around me. I spent a long time trying to figure out how to inspire myself and others to reignite this spirit of adventure and pioneering. I finally settled on the fact that the defining factor in any pioneering adventure was risk.

People who first settled this country took a great risk in doing so. As did those brave folks who traveled west and settled there. It was dangerous, unknown, and exciting, at least by the standards we hold today. But in modern society that risk is so diminished that it's almost non-existent. We're disconnected from the source of our food, our clothes, even other people. The risk is squashed beneath video screens, plastic wrap, and blind acceptance. This has to change.

My goal and my story is a simple one. I wish to travel across this great country, a pilgrimage to rediscover the roots and branches of our fading pioneer spirit. I want to meet people and write their stories and in turn share them with the rest of the world. I want to walk, ride a bus or train, hitchhike, or whatever other way I can that lets me find the people of this country and give them a chance to reconnect with others. The end goal of this project is to produce a book full of these experiences and perhaps inspire others to undertake a similar trek.

The Impact

This project needs to go forward, as a country we need to find a way to become inspired again. Not by petty fighting, religious ideology, or political bickering but by finding that which drives us to seek the answer to mysteries, that which sends us searching just beyond the mountains, that which sends us hurtling into space. Without projects like this one, I strongly believe that this pioneer spirit will fade until it's no longer there. We need to find a way to keep it strong and I think this project is one such way.

What We Need & What You Get

This project needs funding for a few simple but vital things:

* Travel expenses which would cover bus/train fare, food, shelter, proper travel gear (backpack, camping supplies, etc.), and emergency funds for unexpected situations.

* Writing/Photography supplies which would include notebooks, writing utensils, camera, memory cards, some sort of electronic writing device as a backup, and various other miscellaneous items.

* Publishing the book so that a variety of people will be able to access it. This can include print, electronic copies, or other forms of media distribution.

As contributors you would receive mention in the book itself, depending on your location an addition to the itinerary to be interviewed and photographed, and a copy of the book. You'll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you're helping to support the American spirit and the drive to continue reaching for greater and greater heights. Also Money that isn't used after the expedition is over will be donated to charity to continue the cycle of giving.

Other Ways You Can Help

If you don't have money to donate then please spread the word to those who might have the means to support this project. It is vital that people everywhere get up and embrace the pioneer spirit that built this country. If you can't contribute consider making a pilgrimage of your own and discovering something new about yourself and your country.