When I was a young, unmarried guy, I used to take day or weekend trips on my Motorcycle. I was always looking for somewhere cooler in the summer months. I carried a small pack and a backpacker’s tent, that’s about it. It was a real joy to head up the mountains or over to the Central Coast for a day or two. If you packed light and camped short, there were plenty of cheap (or free) spots to sleep the night.

It was a cheap way to get out of the heat and see the sights, but after awhile, I wanted to try something different.

I then started riding the Greyhound Bus and taking the Train. These were cheap forms of transportation that were still novel to me. I wasn’t really worried about how fast I would “Get There” because I didn’t really have a destination. I was just bumming around and seeing the sights.

The Bus was great, because it stopped at every little town and I could get off whenever I got a wild hair. Getting back on when the next bus stopped was usually cheap and easy too. I’ve seen a lot of corner Drug Stores in a lot of small towns, traveling this way.

I also liked the train because I could get up inside and move around a little. I was also able to see sights other than the Interstate System. The Train used to stop at a lot of small towns also, but it cost more than the Bus if I wanted to get back on tomorrow.

One of the greatest parts of Train and Bus travel was that I was able to meet a lot of people, from a lot of places. It’s easy to get to know someone while riding and conversing for a few hours. There are a lot of really nice people around. I’ve gained a load of insight into the way the average American thinks. I’m here to tell you all that the “Average Joe” isn’t stupid. They just have a different set of experiences in life, to compare current events to. Ain’t variety Grand?

These days, there a lot more people riding motorcycles on long trips. They bring everything but the Kitchen sink with them. Have you ever seen those little trailers that some of them tow behind? That would completely kill the experience for me. Every time I got off of my Putt, I’d be worried about someone stealing my stuff.

I think more people need to try travel on a Bus or Train, for the shear adventure. Pick a direction and buy a ticket. It’s that easy. It’s extremely carefree when you have no particular place to be, and you don’t have to drive or follow a set course. The Train and Bus are cool inside and if you head the right direction, it’ll be cooler when you get off.