The Journey. In Four Years I go, and you are Invited.

Hello everyone.
For a long while now I've expressed interest in joining a commune, or starting a travelling one, or just dropping off the grid in general.

Yet through it all I've been dragged down by all the chains that bind us to our culture and lives, all the things that keep us on the grid and in the system. All the things that keep us from our dreams.

So, in about four years time I'm doing it. Soon I'll have exact dates, times, even the location I'll be leaving from. Details aside, in five years I let it all go and just fall into this world of ours.
I don't know how long it will be for. I don't know if I'll plan on returning. I don't know what I'll bring, how I'll get where I'm going, or even where it is I'll be headed.
All I know is that I've spoken to so many people who just let go of all the hell that this life hands us...and they are the happiest, most fulfilled folks I know. Those who know me know I'm a gypsy...know I've always sought that one adventure. Well, this is that adventure...that cure to my gypsy 'wanderlust'.

The rest of this is a series of questions most have asked me about it, and my answers to them.

If anyone has any other questions, please drop me a line....I'll answer them asap. If you are interested in the Journey for any reason, contact me. You can do it however you like, my contact info is in my profile and I'll put it after this message as well.

What is the Journey?
This is the most important question, I suppose.
The Journey is a dream. It's a cutting of the ties that bind us into what has become a broken society and culture. The Journey is about leaving our addictions, our wage-slave status, our anchors, and our vicious circles behind. It's about finding true dreams again, and actually chasing them. It's about seeing this world from the inside. It's about being ourselves.
In Five years, on the first warm days of Spring, 2012(Yes, the 'Harmonic Convergence'...make of it what you will), I am going. I'm dropping it all, and just going.
That's what the Journey is, and I have literally invited anyone who word of it reaches to join me..literally or figuratively...in this voyage.


Where are you going?
There is no ultimate destination in mind. My dream has always been to travel and see all of this world, so I personally am not planning on ending the journey any specific place.
However, this isn't to say that I won't find some spot I truly feel I need to stay in. If that happens, I suppose that is where my Journey ends. The same goes for anyone who comes along with me. I anticipate that as we travel, there will be plenty of times where someone with us decides they want to stay at some spot we're passing through, and that's their right to do.


How long will it take?
I don't know.
I do know I don't have an 'end' of it planned, nor am I planning for anything beyond this Journey. I am confident it will shape the future of my life, whatever that may be. For someone coming along, it can be as long as they want it to be, as people are quite free to come along or part ways at any time.


Where are you leaving from?
Well, currently I reside in the Lehigh Valley, PA. If I still do in five years, I suppose it'll be from somewhere near here.
I'm going to try to find a big, outdoor park of some sort to be the official 'launching' spot. Hell, the ocean is only a couple hours from here...maybe I'll have it officially start there.


Is this just going to be in the U.S. or is it going to be global?
Well, it's almost certain that it will start in the US. As far as where it ends up, I can't say. I would love to pass through other countries, though it presents varying difficulties you can probably imagine. So we'll just have to see.


Are you going to stop at special events?
Absolutely. If we're passing through an area and we catch wind there is going to be some sort of concert, festival, etc nearby...I don't see why those who are interested in going wouldn't make it a point to show up.


Who can come?
I've invited the world, so we'll see.
Obviously if you're under 18 when we leave and not 'emancipated', there may be trouble due to various 'laws'. If you are somehow handicapped and have trouble walking/covering long distances, I unfortunately cannot guarantee we will always have vehicular transportation, but we'll do our best to accomodate anyone.
Also, this journey is about leaving addictions behind, and it also does not need to be hindered by local authorities...which means we will not be indulging in any underage drinking as a group. If you're 20, with us, and need a beer...by all means go grab one, just in a way that won't bring the whole thing down if you get caught.
The same goes for drugs. I know most of those coming support most forms of drugs, and hell, so do I. However, we don't need this whole thing being shut down a month in because someone was carrying something 'illegal'.
So, if you're travelling with us, don't carry. If we get to a town and you need whatever your particular favorite is, by all means go get some and enjoy...but as I said before, don't let it have anything to do with the Journey. If you get busted for doing something you knew might get you busted, I'm not going to sacrifice the entire thing for your sake.


Are you walking, driving, or what?
Not sure yet. If I end up going alone, I'll be walking. Depending on who joins me, how much in advance I know they're joining me, and various other things, we may end up with vehicles.


How are we paying for this?
By learning to live free, which is part of why I set the launch for five years from now. That's half a decade of learning to live free and cheap.
I'll still be saving as much as I can until then, and I recommend anyone who plans on going does the same. Part of this is about escaping from being slaves to silly pieces of worthless paper, but now and then they may still come in handy.


Why are you doing this?
Because there comes a time when someone has to decide what they want from this life, and choose if they are going to hope it happens to them, or if they are going to go get it.
Anyone reading this probably knows I stand for a lot of things, and I believe very strongly in a lot of things. This Journey is everything I believe in, all my ideals, all my hopes for myself and this world, wrapped up as one.


Can I bring Children?
Last time I said that we simply couldn't bring anyone under 18, thanks to the backward legal systems of the world. However, that needs some clarifying.
If you are a parent with a child, and you wish to come, and think it best to bring the child...by all means do so. I would caution you that we may not at all times be near the sorts of facilities and areas that make child-raising easy, but it is your decision, not ours.


Can I bring pets?
This is a tough one...our pets are family to us, truly attached. Hell, I know several animals I'd prefer over most people I meet. However, some people have fears or issues with certain animals...or allergies of varying severity.
Also, an animal on the way may make things difficult. Depending on the variety, lodging may be denied far and wide to us. The upkeep would be difficult depending on how and where we were travelling, and we'd likely not always be near a vet in the case of something going wrong.
But then again, I know firsthand that one of the truest loves there can be is between a boy and his dog, so to speak. Who am I to step on the bond between a pet and it's owner?
I would, therefore, suggest slightly against bringing a pet...but if you must, no one will stop you.
And if you do bring one, I must request that you respect any allergies, phobias, or simple preferences of those others along with us.
If your pet has a tendency toward violence, I sincerely ask you not to bring it. Presuming someone brings a child, and your pet attacks it in some way, the entire Journey, and all of us, are pretty much done for.
Also, your pets' transporation, upkeep, and health are your responsibility alone. It will at times likely require a good deal of extra work or hardship, but if those on the Journey decide at large to grab a hotel room or two for the night and said hotel is not animal-friendly, you'll have to figure something out...
All that said, I still cannot simply bar anyone from bringing animals. Just please keep all this in mind.


How much online activity will we have?
I personally would like to keep an online presence for the Journey, and update it as often as possible with pictures, stories, and lists of where we hope/plan to be going.
To that end I planned on stopping at internet cafes, libraries, college campuses, and so forth to make updates. I suppose it's possible a laptop or two will be along with wi-fi compatibility... and if so, that much the better.

Is this going to be some sort of "what's mine is yours" commune deal?
No. I'm planning on bringing some underwear, and I don't intend on letting it giftwrap any packages but my own. The same goes for anything anyone brings...
We're fighting to escape materialistic overconsumption, sure, and by means of that likely bringing necessities of ours. That means it is all the more vital that we are respectful of one another's things.
If someone says something is meant to be shared, go for it...but once we go, do not assume anything is meant to be shared unless whomever brought it tells you so.
I would suggest we try to share what we can, pool our resources, and so forth, and I'm sure we will...but we must still respect one another's personal boundaries and belongings.

Will our money be pooled?
No...at least not entirely. I'm saving a bit for this, and that'll all be in an account somewhere that only I can access.
Which, by the way, brings up the next point: Don't bring several thousand in cash, people. I've invited the world, and I sincerely hope and believe we'll have only good people with us...but that's no guarantee...nor is it a safeguard against accidents or forgetfullness. Don't bring a hard wad of cash with you. Just find a large bank, evil as they are, and open up a free savings account you can access through any ATM.
Anyway, back to the group's money as a whole.
Maybe time and again it will work out that we'll all throw in for something or other, but this will not be the common practice. Whatever money each of us chooses to bring remains each of our money unless we choose to share it.


What happens to the Journey if you quit/stop/etc?
Let's say we find some little town somewhere and I decide it's where I need to stay. The Journey doesn't need to end.
I'm not the leader, and so I don't need to be there to lead it. If I stop, but there are others along who want to continue...then the Journey continues.


The world doesn't look so good right now...what happens if there's some sort of World War/ Draft/ etc?
All the more reason to take this Journey. If it is the case that there is a draft, war, or anything of the like happening when we go - then this Journey is so much more important.

Are there any -definite- places you are planning to hit?
Nothing is certain.
But I very much would like to visit the western coastline, from southern tip all the way up to the Canadian border. I'd like to see the aztec ruins far in the south, and with 2012 being rather signifigant in such a place, perhaps the timing is right. I'd like to stop in the major cities, but also explore the smaller towns...and everything in between. There are too many places I want to reach to list...many of which not on this continent...so I won't even try.

Is there any chance the Journey will be postponed?
Barring severe, extreme emergency - no.

Is there any chance the Journey will be cancelled?
Absolutely not.

Is there any chance the Journey will happen sooner than in five years?
Yes. Not probable, but definately possible.


That's all I have for now.
Perhaps we'll have a glorious Hippy Convoy roaming across the land...or perhaps I'll just be a lone gypsy pacing the road. Whatever the case, it's a little over four years away...and I hope to see some of you there.


Mail - GrimDream@gmail.com
IM - Avernaith
MSN - TheGrimDreamer@hotmail.com

-peace

 

Also, if anyone has any suggestions or ideas, I would love to hear them.

I'd also like to speak with anyone else involved with any communes or travelling caravans or anything of the sort. Maybe we could meet up at some time, or at least share ideas.

 

I think its a great idea. I would definetly be interested in joining for at least some amount of time when it gets started.

BTW- is that a new jersey beach in your sig? the water looks very familiar

 

I think this is a wonderful idea. I'm very interested. I turn 18 in less than a month, so I'm down. I just need to get a few things settled in my life right now, but I'm sure within 5 years time, that all will be settled.
Keep me updated though, this is exactly what I've been looking for.

 

Yes, it's the water just south of Wildwood - where I like to often take vacations to sort my mind and life.

And thanks for the support. I'll be keeping everyone updated as it grows closer.

Well, as I've said, drop me a line through a messenger or email, so I can add you to the list of people I try to talk with about it frequently, and confer with whenever I have a decision to make about it.

 

Sound like a well thought out and very beautiful idea! If I'm able to come to the States around that time I'd like to travel for at least a piece of the journey with you fur sure . We'll see!

 

you're inspiring, dude. within five years i'll be done with college and i'll be 24. if I have no reason to stay in Europe and you're still in the back of my mind, i'll show up somehow.
lots of 'ifs', i know but its the clearest I can get, because no one knows what the futur brings, right?

 

Well, even if those of you who aren't in the Americas can't get here, I would very much like to take things abroad. I have travelled once to Europe, and it only gave me a small taste - but enough of one to know I want desperately to return and truly roam and wander. I'd also like to manage Asia, and anywhere else.

But again, nothing is certain just yet.

 

Do you know what date you are departing? Thats the year I will turn from 17 to 18, so it matters.

 

Yo Grim: That's just inspiring to hear that you are going to act upon what your spirit is whispering... I myself have been doing much the same as you suggest, since '93.... Getting off the grid is not actually as hard as most would assume. I sold a fully furnished 2brm house for $2,500 USD, gave away a 320-I Beemer, and began my vagabonding with sixty dollars in my jeans... I found that one of the most startling adjustments to make, was to give up the reliance on "instant transportation" (cars,motorcycles).. Took me about two years to adjust to that aspect... Now, that it has been roughly 15 yrs since I became a wanderer, I have found that I am much more in tune with the inner resonance that seeks to guide me... Surely, there have been hellish times: (try getting the shit beat outta you as two young thugs try beating your ass to get your bicycle)... The internet is easily attained at any public library, so staying connected to "da peeps" is a cinch.... I truly envy you the liberation that I know awaits you!!!!! Do keep in touch..... Wonderful thread BTW!!!!!!

 

tis good to see a young man heading down the right path!
good luck,and don't wuss!

i was a drifter for a number of years,not near as many as squidpuppy mind you,only,5,but enough to call myself a supertramp...lol. loved it! you'll soon get the feeling you go where you were ment to go! dude get a book on edible plants,there's tons of plants you can eat,with little(wash off) or no preperation,you can wander around all day and munch! it's a good habit to get into, make you healthy as a horse!...lol

 

Nope. It will be sometime in the first warm days of 2012, so likely April or May of that year. However nothing is set in stone yet, and if waiting a week or two is the difference between someone being able to join us or not - then waiting is certainly no problem.

Thanks much, man. It's inspiring to hear a success story of someone who has gone ahead of me, and I'm looking forward to joining up with you some day out there.
Grab my contact info and hit me up anytime. I'd love to ask you a few questions about how you've managed along the way.

Hah, thanks...and I'll damn sure not be backing out. Good tips - I was planning on picking up a few guides to plants and overall survivalism.

 

i have alot of stuff that i would like leave behind and this just might be my chance to do it. wanderlust runs in me and im extreamly interested in doing this. especialy witha group of like minded ppl. ill be 21 by the time you set out and by then ill either be set on one path or destined for another.

 

Well, I'll be glad to walk with anyone who takes the same road...and if you take another, I hope to at least cross paths once or twice along the way.

 

You KNOW I'm down!

 

i'd definatly go if i got the chance. i'll be 20-21 though, and i still haven't decided if i want to go to college. but hopefully in 5 years time everyone here can still remain connected through this site, and everything should be going as you planned.

 

It sounds like a great thing to do, I will most likely not be attending. I hope things work out successfully and I hope you see many things during your travels.

 

I'm in. I actually will be pre-gaming at the start of 08. I am in NC and will be making my way to CA. This time I will have a vehicle, but I would very much like to share my experiences by that time with the group.

 

Glad to hear it.
This is happening, and happening in just four years...so start making plans, start contacting me.

Even if you can't leave with us, we're going to be snowballing as we go. Picking up and dropping off everywhere we go, spreading our message across the planet.

 

I'd love to wander with you. The Gypsy blood in me has been calling for a good long wander. I'm willing to leave behind the cell phone, ipod, computer just to get back to the basics. I think that's something we all need these days. How will you be moving from place to place? I have this vision of a huge caravan roving the land, haha.