Road Trips and Risk Taking by Mr. Twenty Twenty

Hey mate,

Are you dying from boredom?

Ready for a road trip?

Years ago when I decided to get my life back together after being a real life hostage in the Camp Hill Prison Riots, and to also have a Life Worth Living, I took a vow to make a difference and “keep it interesting”. So every year, Carol and I go on some interesting misadventures, and take the occasional Road Trip.

So Carol and I just got home last night, from our Christmas 2008 road trip.  It all started with a late night phone call from two of our dearest and best friends. They simply needed a car driven down from Connellsville, Pennsylvania to Tampa, Florida.   Of course, since Carol had NEVER driven to Florida, and it had been a little time since our last adventure, we quickly volunteered.

Over the course of 5 days, we drove over 1,200 miles, explored tiny towns off the beaten path, Carol sold fudge at a major chain store, we took a mini cruise 9 miles out into the Gulf of Mexico, smoked odd and unusual cigars with interesting people, and we even tried selling some diamonds and gold at a pawn shop for giggles.

We drove all those miles, went all those interesting places, and had fun with so many unusual people, taking just a few tiny risks… when suddenly….

The day after we got back to Pennsylvania, we decided to go out for breakfast and feed the ducks, when our SUV got t-boned.   A local fella pulled out from a stop sign and cranked us pretty good.

Amazing isn’t it?  We drove over 1,200 miles on major interstates, country backroads, for almost 10 hours a day, then spent a few days in a strange and very busy city in Florida, and then got in a vehicle accident just over a mile from our home on Christmas Eve.

Which brings me to a quick thought of the day, TAKE RISKS.

When it comes down to it, make sure you have a life worth living and take risks.  Because most people would NEVER voluntarily drive the eastern United States right before Christmas like we did. Most people are afraid of getting in an accident, especially driving someone else’s car.

Since we decided to take the chance, have the adventure, and take the road less traveled, you’ll be reading about our adventures here over the next few weeks. And we will have memories that will last our entire lifetime!

Since we decided to take the risks to have a life worth living, we got to spend a few days with people we love, exploring new places, doing new things, and making a difference in the lives of a few strangers.

Here’s the secret:  You really don’t know when “stuff will happen”.  I know most accidents happen close to home, but that’s probably because most people do most of their driving close to home.   I also know that there are adventures to be lived, if you choose to step out and explore.

Want some homework?

Take a few moments and explore during this holiday season.   Spend a few minutes asking your elders about stuff that you never asked about before.   I remember asking an elderly man many years ago about what he used to do when he was a kid, and him sharing with me stories about skinny dipping, skipping school, and riding the trains with hobo’s. He literally GLOWED while he shared with me stuff that nobody ever asked him about.

Why not go on an adventure? Drive down a side street, both literally and metaphorically. Take the time to go a little bit further than you usually do.  And let me know what you discover.

Right now, I’m exploring how to get me and Carol to Grandma’s house this evening for Christmas Eve dinner…

I’m not used to asking for rides…   so I’m off on a new adventure here.

Your turn, Merry Christmas!

Your friend,

Mr. Twenty Twenty

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