7/9/2010 ~ On July 11th we will depart for the Long Trail in Vermont . The Long Trail reaches the Canada border at its Northern Terminus and follows the mountain line down to the Massachusetts border at its Southern Terminus totaling at 273 miles. 

The group consisting of BJ, Joe, Emily, and Vince plan to take a full month to complete the trek.  The experience being nearly identical to that of the Appalachian Trail and in fact shares the same path for much of the Southern portion.  This time around will deal with more heat, dehydration, black flies, snakes and bears...tis the season. 

BJ will be attempting this hike completely barefoot, bringing his Vibram Four Finger Shoes for road walking, river crossings, in town travel, and for emergency use on the trail.  To ease the minds of those that worry, and satisfy the interest of those who wonder:

BJ- This has been done before, and I have been preparing.  I had originally stumbled upon some accounts of barefoot hiking a few months back and was immediately curious.  Other hikers said it was like having a new sense, "knocking the water out of ears so that everything is louder" Could being barefoot give me a greater appreciation, a greater understanding to the trail, bring me closer?  I dug deeper to find that barefoot travel can be physically beneficial as well.  The idea is that it is returning to a more natural state that develops and strengthen your feet and legs can prevent or correct problems from your knees to your back also improving posture and balance!

This is all wonderful, but what is the real driving force? I want to continually challenge myself, its that simple really.  I want to do something new, and honestly some muddy toes sound like fun!  So here it goes, I'm excited, we all are!  So I hope this may have explained a little more and I hope maybe it may compel you to donate to the hikefor charity under Emily or BJ's name.  I promise some awesome blistery foot pics for those who do :)

2/17/2009 ~ Italian Traffic Violations
      Well, I just found out that four months ago while driving in Italy, I set off some traffic cameras in Florence and Bologna.  Europcar sent me an invoice for 8 traffic violations, one in Florence, and the other 7 in Bologna.  The 7 in Bologna happened within 33 mins of each other.  I am still trying to figure out what type of violations all of these were because the streets are so hectic inside those cities that I could have done a number of different things.  I wouldn't doubt that all 7 of those in Bologna came from the same camera.  We search all over the historical center for over 45 mins to find the parking garage.  One violation is something to laugh about, but 8 violations?  That's not funny, especially when the rental car company can charge your credit card for them.  After the exchange rate and fees, 8 unknown camera violations runs about $370 US dollars.  Ouch, right? 
     I am trying to get Europcar to figure out what the violations were, but there is no hope in not being charged that money.  I'll keep you posted. 

2/3/2009 ~ Winter Games
     OK, well the holidays have come and gone and the days have been getting longer for a while now, but everyone is feeling the cabin fever and can't wait till they can jump in their cars and put back the sunroof, roll down the windows, and crank up the tunes.  Well, it will be here before you know it. 
    I know times are tough for everyone, but I hope everyone is planning some kind
adventure for the upcoming summer even if it something small or close to home.  During these tough times it is probably more important than ever to break a way for a little while and forget about the traffic reports and economic issues.  Be sure to make time to turn off that talk radio and put on your life's greatest hits cd.  You can't wait until the stock market recovers to celebrate life again.   Its time to kick off the shoes and dance around the house in your socks.
    Winter is for indoor rock climbing and game nights with friends and family!
    I've a new journal to the site, be sure to check it out!
    
     Welcome!  My name is Joe White and this is my website that I have been daydreaming of putting together as I have traveled around the country.  I want this to be a place that I can share with everyone my experiences, stories, photographs, and maybe some other things.  I have been told that people really enjoy hearing about my travels and seeing my pictures, but it is so hard to find the time to really sit down with everyone and share it all.  I spend a lot of time away from home, and when I am home I am trying to stay busy so I can travel some more.  I think you understand what I am getting at.  Hopefully, when I see you next, you will have heard my stories and you can tell me yours.
      I also want this website to be a place that inspires and encourages people to travel in whatever form it maybe.  As the website grows and gains direction, it should be filled with adventures of not only my own, but of friends, family, and some complete strangers.  It should be filled with anything and everything that would spark the urge to venture outside the realm of daily life.  Be spontaneous and while you are out on your next big adventure, I want you to keep in mind that whatever path you choose, enjoy the freedom of the moment and go at your own pace.