One summer. The long way around.

What this is

For one summer I am driving a 1996 Ford F-250 with a pop-up camper on a long loop around the United States. Minneapolis east through the north woods, down the seam of the Appalachians, across Texas to watch a rocket, through the desert to the Pacific, and back. Lakes, county fairs, gas stations, courthouses, launch pads, parking lots.

I write essays about what I see. Shorter notes and photographs go up between them. Everything ends up on this site, and the essays also go out by email.

The name

A law student buying a thirty-year-old truck to go look for America is a costume, and I know it. The name says so out loud. The truck is real and the miles will be too.

The rig

A fourth-generation F-250, extended cab, bought used in Minneapolis. The camper is a Bethany — a pop-up that rides in the bed and sleeps one. She's older than the truck and holding up better.

Say hello

If the route goes through your town and you know where I should eat, what I should see, or who I should talk to, email me. Or leave a note in the guestbook.