One brave soul.
Living only off Groupons.

Paul and I arrived in Washington, DC in the wee hours of the morning. After catching a couple hours of sleep, we set off towards the Rally. What we found…

The Metro was so utterly packed, that the trains were bursting at the seems with people from the moment they left the first stop.

People were riding the trains going away from the Rally, just to have a shot at getting on where each particular line began. We decided our only hope of getting there on time would be to walk the 6ish miles from Arlington, VA to the National Mall. About half way there, fortune smiled upon us and we managed to flag down the only taxi in DC without a fare.

When I started planning to head to New England one last time before heading south for the winter, my buddy Paul threatened to kidnap me and drag me to the Comedy Central Rally in DC. That alone was enough to set a plan into motion. Upon arriving in Providence, Paul mentioned that the coming weekend he was volunteering at a wine tasting event in Boston. Within a day he had managed to hook me up with complementary ticket and got a buddy of his to trade me for a round trip train ticket.

Upon arrival, Paul introduced me to the event organizers…

Greeted by Wine Riot Hosts @Morgan1st (right) & @TylerB (center)

With the Hotel Providence completely booked, I once again had about 12 hours to find a place to stay for the night and again my friend Paul came through with a solution. He had me get ahold of his friend JJ who offered me a place to stay for a couple days. When I arrived that evening at the Bryant University campus, I had to receive a guest pass before proceeding to the upperclassmen apartments. By apartments, I really mean dorm suites…

Complete with beer bushes.

When I walked into my temporary pad, JJ apologized for the impromptu party taking place where my air mattress was intended to be laid. I assured him it wasn’t a problem as I chuckled at the line dance taking place while others passed a tray of jello shots.

Back in July, I found myself trying to get from Nashville to Louisville. After posting on Facebook, I went to breakfast hoping that upon returning, I’d have a couple leads. Instead, my wall was flooded with messages offering to help.

Kerrie from New England came to may aid by trading me for a much needed bus ticket.

While the majority of the people that help me from day to day are those I meet in person, there have been a few instances, such as this, where my benefactor remains a stranger. Four months later, upon arriving in Providence, I was finally able to meet Kerrie (and her boyfriend Gary). We had dinner at Aspire restaurant, located in the luxurious Hotel Providence.

The day begins with an incredible Helicopter Tour of Newport.

I am reunited with Paul & Nicole...it's been 4 months since our day of Segways & Sailing in Boston

Our pilot points out The Newport Vineyards from the air. We stop by for a tour and tasting.

My friends Paul & Nicole spent the day with me in Newport. First stop, Newport State Airport, for an aerial mansion helicopter tour from Bird’s Eye View Helicopters. This Robinson R44 was incredibly maneuverable and the huge bubble-like front window provides a sensation I’ve only ever experienced before in an IMAX theater.

Highlights from our flight…here we go!

I woke up this morning in Hartford, CT with nowhere lined up to stay for the night. Naturally this issue supersedes any other plans for the day so I started by making inquiries via Facebook and email. Within a few hours I managed to line up a place to stay in Providence, a couple hours away. This was relieving but opened up a new can of logistical worms…how exactly do I get from Hartford to Providence on such short notice?

After another couple hours I arrived at a tentative plan that seemed good to go. I’d return my Zipcar to the Trinity College campus where I would be picked up by my friend Kate. Kate and I would drive up to the Old Sturbridge Village and spend some time at “one of the country’s largest living history museums”. My friend Paul then graciously offered to pick me up from OSV and deliver me to Providence. All of the timing was still up in the air but at least some semblance of a plan had been formed.

With that, the gears were set into motion…

Quick travel update…

I am currently in Providence, RI.

On 10/29 I am hitching a ride with my friends Paul & Nicole from Boston to Washington, DC.