LAUNCHING!!!! The road trip begins.

I’m packed up and on my way out of Boston. Leaving nothing behind gives a sad finality to this departure, but I know the people will bring me back here before I know it. This final departure is spurred on by the coming of winter. Yesterday’s snowflakes and today’s 19F temperatures help reassure me that I’m happy with my decision to “fly south”!

The weathered ’97 Astro van is filled and ready for the journey. This vehicle is a real champ: it’s was the only brand new car my family has ever purchased when I was a child and it’s still kicking. Resuscitated with a new starter motor last spring, the van’s 316k miles (and counting!) odometer reading makes most of its quirks forgivable. A friend lovingly dubbed the van “Shrek” for its green color and the fact that it’s a bit rough around the edges. I originally disliked the name, but now that I have a trailer too “Shrek and Donkey” is too good to pass up.

Donkey is a 4×6′ enclosed utility trailer. When I left Boston for the first time in April 2019, I was lucky enough to leave a few things in friends’ basements instead of forking over the rent of a storage unit. Donkey now holds most of those things that I decided to hold on to: a foam mattress, some good clothes, select books, climbing gear, and other useful odds and ends.

My first waypoint will be Philadelphia! Adam, Damon, and Brent’s startup ASYLON is based there.

(Shout-outs to: my friend Kim for inspiring me to “just do it” and make this first post; Aria, Emily, and Eric, for letting me use their basement and driveway; Laura and Eitan for letting me use their basement and then attic; and to Susan and Steve for use of their driveway!)