The Batlord

Yes! I wanna read about how you sucked dick for bus fare.

__________________

Trollheart

Very interested. Not so much in trucker dick, but in your story.

__________________
Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

The Batlord

I don't know why, but this made me laugh.

__________________

Mondo Bungle

Ight let's see what I can do here

July 12

After falling into a state of microsleep, dozens of times, the sun was nearing full force and brightness. I was still very tired, but gathered my things to start another day of travel (at least I had hoped). I left the park and walked to a public library I had seen yesterday. Closed today. So I walked more, back the way I came into town, towards the area where I was dropped off. The heat rose as time passed. My overly heavy packing job always taking it's toll, live and learn though I guess, none of it I wanted to part with. When I made it back to where I had started, I followed some signs I'd seen leading the way to a community college. I walked maybe fifteen minutes but didn’t find it, instead I made my way to another park. A church picnic was being held, food cooking and boring religious music playing over the sound system they’d set up. I set my stuff down on a table, out of the way of the gathering. I sat here, what else to do? Got up and walked around the park when one of the picnickers called to me. “Won’t you come over and have some food?” Bewildered, I looked behind me to see no one, pointed at myself for a “Who, me?” signal. “Yes, come on over, lunch is almost ready.” Why not, I guess.

I walked over to join the gathering. The woman who’d called me explained the church they were part of, and offered me some of the lunch that was being prepared. “Sure, I’ll stay. Don’t really have any other things to do.” She smiled.

“Why don’t you get to know some of the people here?” I nodded, although I didn’t really plan on following through with that. Ever so shy, I am, could never start conversations on my own, especially with strangers. Maybe that could change on this journey. I stumbled around like a silly mime, not saying anything, surely not fitting in. This is when people would begin introducing themselves to me. Along came a young man with a thick accent. “Hey, where are you coming from?” He said.

“Um… where?” I replied, confused. He said he’d seen me walk in with my bags. “Oh yeah, right now I’m just coming from Lovelock.”

“What’s your destination?”

“I’m not sure right now.”

“Oh I see, well have you been traveling long?”

I shook my head. “Not really, I left Reno like three days ago, something like that. Only just starting.” He told me he was born in Australia and had done much traveling back there. I asked how it was as that’d always been a point of interest for me.

“Hot. Dry.” He laughed, I grinned. “It’s a lot of the same for long stretches, but it’s still quite nice. Hey, why don’t you sit over here with some of my friends?” He led me to a circle of more young men and we all exchanged introductions. More heavy accents, though all different, not just Australian. They talked about this and that, I mostly remained silent.

I stood up now. “I’m gonna get myself some of that watermelon.” I said to the man I’d met first (names will escape me). I couldn’t refuse a good slice of watermelon. After eating some, the woman who’d invited me came over with her husband to introduce to me. He had a raw face, and wounded nose.

“This is Loren, he just got into Elko yesterday. He’s traveling around right now, he says.” Said wife to husband. He extended his hand for a shake, it was limp, awkward.

“So, you’re a vagrant are ya?”

“I guess.”

“Where are headed?”

“Don’t know. Came from California which is about as west as you can get, guess I’ll go east.”

“So you don’t have a plan?” It was hard to decide if the man’s tone was pro or con, in regards to myself, my trek.

“Uh, not right now.” I said.

“It’s pretty stupid heading out into uncharted territory with no idea of what you’re doing.”

I shrugged, “Yep, I guess it is.”

He turned around now, but kept an odd expression directed at me. “Food’s ready everyone. Come get a plate!” I heard from behind. So I’d fix myself a plate, but I waited for everyone else who was eating to go before me. Once I had my chance, I gathered a hamburger, some baked beans, potato salad, more watermelon, some pasta salad, and a small paper cup of lemonade. Looking around for a place to sit, I chose an unoccupied table in a gazebo. Unoccupied for a second, at least. The wife and husband came to accompany me, this time bringing their daughter.

We conversed, I spoke scarcely. Mostly listening to the husband and what he had to say about stuff like what I’m doing. The usual, “It’s not as easy as it used to be… Be careful about the law… Have a good judge of character…” I could never pick up on this guy’s… “whole thing”. He was polite and informative enough, but rubbed me ever so slightly the wrong way, nothing to give me a negative opinion. Maybe it was just his face. Whether smile or scowl, pleasant or indifferent, it had a same look to it. not that he was expressionless, just an underlying demeanor that seemed unchanged. I didn’t like his face.

“Where are you going after this?” The wife said.

“Well I was actually trying to find a college, I followed some signs and ended up here. Do you know where it is?”

“Oh yeah, it’s not far. We can drive you there after lunch.”

“Oh that’d be great, thanks. Just trying to use a computer.”

As the picnic came to a close, everyone finishing up their meals, the man pointed to his car. “That’s it. Pack up whenever you’re ready.”

I refilled my empty water bottles while I was here, and made for the car. The man walked beside me at a distance, somewhat behind. The couple and daughter packed up the car now, and we got in. “Why do you want to use a computer?” The wife said.

“I dunno, keep in touch with people, organize a route, whatever.”

“So you’re parents know you’re out here?”

“Yeah,” I lied, “I talk to them every chance I get.

Once arriving at the library section of the college, we found it was closed. “Oh boy.” The couple sighed. Without to much hesitation, they offered for me to stay at their house tonight. “It’s already pretty late, you probably won’t have much luck leaving.”

“...Sure, that’d be fine, if it’s no trouble.” I said.

“None at all. Our little girls here has moved out and we are planning her wedding, which will be soon. There’s an extra room with a bed you can sleep in, and you can use our computer if you want.” I guess, I thought to myself. Wouldn’t want to lose too much time staying in a spot for more than a day… But then again, time? I’m not going anywhere. I don’t have plans. What am I losing?

The drive to their house was about twenty minutes, slightly out of Elko, a very “middle of nowhere” type place. When we arrived, I came into find a fairly large house, three levels, or two and a half or something? I dunno, there was a downstairs area with bedrooms but it didn’t seem like much of a drop.

“There’s our computer,” the wife pointed. “You know what to do right? Sometimes it can be an ordeal.”

“Yeah, I’ll figure it out.” So, I left my bags in the room I would stay. I low bed covered in stuffed animals, and quite comfortable. Went up to use the computer, the man on a couch in the living room, reading the paper, occasionally glancing at me. I began to type an entry for this journal, listening to music, adding stuff to my mp3 player, my normal computer things. Started checking out some maps on how to get to Boulder, CO.

“Planning your route?” The man said.

“Yeah. Have you ever been to Boulder?”

“Passed through it some time ago, didn’t stay long. It looked like a nice place,” He paused, “You can’t just give up on life and run away…”

Here we go again, I thought. Barely four towns down, but already many lectures.

“When I was your age, I worked every day. I could establish something real quick, real easy. I did something like you once, but I was prepared. What do you have in those bags anyway?”

“Um… clothes. Packed too many clothes. Other general stuff.”

“You’ll be in trouble if you find yourself stranded in some empty forest or desert. And out here, there’s endless desert. Stay away, you’ll be a dead man.”

“Yeah. I’ve always wanted to travel a desert, it’s my favorite ecosystem. It could be interesting, but dangerous. Wouldn’t want to be ill-prepared.”

“You know, our Lord sees what you’re doing. If you need something, ask him. You will get it.”

“Uh-huh.” I said apathetically.

“You’re not too smart right now, are you? Doing this. Leaving, leaving for nothing. You need experience, work, people, money, you need to be straightforward. You came out here with a romanticized view of the road.”

“Oh well.” I said. “Do my best.”

…

Eventually, a young man came to the house, speaking with a Scottish accent. A lot of foreign people around here today. This was the fiance of the couple’s daughter. He was here to help set up the back yard for the ceremony. Everyone besides myself went out back now, I stayed to finish my journal entry. Afterwards, I’d join them. The fiance was shoveling gravel to clear a path, while everyone else watched from the side. “Pull up a seat.” Husband said. We talked now, more casual than before. Still, something about this guy. Still don’t like his face. The fiance was a charming and funny man, and I enjoyed his company. The couple were nice enough, but this isn’t my speed. Inside, you can just see, feel the age. It was so stale here, I wanted to leave.

When dinner time rolled around, we had a small meal, just grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Store bought cherry pie for dessert. After, I would continue on the computer. “Do you think I could possibly take a shower?” I asked the wife.

“Of course you can, let me get you a towel.”

...

“We’ll take you wherever you need in the morning. Be up at 7.”

“Okay.” I said. The couple now retired to their room. I called it quits with the computer and when down into my temporary room for bed. This is an odd feeling, and an odd company. I felt strange being here, but I couldn’t tell you why. Now I shut off the lights. It was pitch black. Lied back on the bed and listened to a few songs on my mp3 player as I drifted into slumber.

I couldn’t put my finger on it. Why do I feel this way?

__________________

The Batlord

Because it's awkward staying in someone else's house. You don't feel at home, since you can't shake the feeling that you're imposing on them.

__________________

Mondo Bungle

July 13

A knock on the door woke me up early. "Are you up?" Someone called from behind. I wasn't, but I'd better get there. Got dressed quick, just put on the pants I'd taken off last night (I really only had two pairs and didn't want to dig for the other one), and kept on the clean shirt I put on last night after the shower, my first time changing it, and pretty much my last. Can't stress enough how much I screwed up with the packing. Left the room with all my stuff packed up and ready for travel.

"You want a bowl of cereal? It's pretty much all we have, some fruit over here." I was offered.

"Uh, no I'm fine. I'll have one of these bananas though." I declined the cereal. Unpeeled a banana for breakfast and got a glass of water.

"Suit yourself." Husband sits at the table eating a bowl, wife gathers herself and anything else for the day. She had herself a doctor's appointment this morning. I downed my water, tossed the peel, and now stood next to my bags as the couple prepared.

"Ready?" The man said as he slapped my shoulder. I looked at my stuff for a moment.

"Yeah." We all left the house into the cool morning air. The trunk was opened for me to put my bags. So we left this area. It was a community in itself, can't recall the name at the moment, but we passed a high school, and several long neighborhoods. "You can drop me off at the library in town." I said. I took note that it was open today while there yesterday. We drove to the hospital first as it was nearest.

"All right," wife said to me as she was leaving, "Be careful, be safe, have fun. See you." I waved as she got out and made her way to the building. The man drove off right away, I stayed in the back seat while the passenger was vacant. It was silent until we made it to the library. We both got out now and went to the trunk. I grabbed the bags and set them down.

"Here you are." He said, extending his hand for a farewell shake. "Whatever you're looking for, better find it and get back home. Make some realistic goals, settle down, and it will be easier." He said with a slight smile, half joking half serious.

"I'll think about it." I said while gripping his hand in mine, still limp. "Thanks for, everything, take it easy." He got back in the car and drove back the way we came. I stretched out my arm for a still wave as he drove away.

So, I went up to the library doors. It opened at nine, I imagine it was barely eight now. Guess I'll wait. First I walked to a store I'd seen a few blocks away. Bought a hot and ready breakfast bowl as I was hungry now. I wasn't at all earlier, even then, I don't really like eating so quickly after waking up. This plus a drink was about five dollars, I had a bunch. I walked back to the library and sat outside on a bench and ate. The walk probably killed twenty minutes. Other patrons began gathering around waiting for it to open. A scruffy man came and sat next to me. "Where are you headed?" He asked, assuming I was traveling with my bags.

"Not sure. As far as I can go." He nodded once, simply. He told me where there were shelters around here but I didn't pay much attention. I looked at my breakfast, mostly gone, and I was full. "Do you want the rest of this? There's like a few bites left."

"Sure, what the hell." He said. I handed it to him along with the included plastic spork. I got up and picked up my things, the library was getting ready to unlock the doors.

I was here for maybe two hours, wrote another entry for this journal, wasted the time I was allowed with a one day computer guest pass. When I was done, I bid farewell to anyone I was talking to online and set out again. Walked yet again to the place I'd been dropped off. It was about noon. I felt behind, having been here as long as I was. I don't know why. Like I said, I don't have a schedule, destination. I just wanted to keep going. I felt uncomfortable, anywhere I was. No matter where, I've always had a similar feeling. I never wanted to be anywhere, always wanted to be somewhere else.

I had full bottles of water and still an okay amount of food with me but I stopped at a supermarket and bought some carrots. Felt like I hadn't (and wouldn't) eaten many vegetables. Can't hurt right?

I stood now on the side of the highway heading east, near the beginning of town. I took about my notebook and scrawled "SLC" in sharpie on a page, for a general idea of where I was going. I was here for a while, in the baking sun. Cars drove by, sporting Utah license plates, passing me by whether they had room or not. I waited for some time, an hour I would guess, when a sedan stopped to the side a ways past me. I looked back and saw a figure wave me over, so I shuffled to the car with my things.

A man got out of the driver's seat and opened the trunk. "You're going to Salt Lake City?"

"Yeah."

"Well join us!" He said enthusiastically. "We're on our way there now." This was fantastic, I thought. The other day getting a four hour plus ride to Elko, and now here all the way to Salt Lake. What luck. The man told the backseat passengers to make room for me after I set my things in the trunk, keeping a water bottle and the notebook I was using as a sign. Two girls roughly my age at a glance made room for me on the far left. The man introduced himself and everyone else. A nice family, bilingual to some degree. Wife (I assume) in the passenger seat, speaking in Spanish, or accented English. The man was fluent in both, and did most of the talking. One of the girls back here was as well, one wasn't. We headed off now.

"We're on our way to a concert in Salt Lake City tonight." The man explained.

...

It was a mostly silent ride, a long ride through the flat desert. Satellite radio played at a low volume.

After some time, we made our way into Utah. The girls in back and woman up front had been sleeping most of the way, but began to act more lively in the latter portion of the drive. We drove through the salt flats at a high speed, as the road was completely straight for miles. I observed the flats, quite an odd feature. Sparse dunes reflected on the ground. The endless white sea created this mirage effect, like we were driving on water. "Look, Lauren." The man said, pointing out to the wastes. Confused, I looked. He pointed more things out to a Lauren. The girl beside me replied.

"Is your name Loren too?" I asked her.

"Yeah." she said and chuckled. "Oh, we've got two Loren's in the car."

"We probably spell it different." I said. The girl on the far right began to be much more lively as well. The family conversed and laughed with each other as we continued into this state, new to me. The man played some Rush songs over the radio, to my enjoyment. "2112" entirely, was nice. I'd later learn this was the concert they were attending, although the girls would stay behind in a hotel room.

Many hours had passed before we entered the town of Salt Lake City. The way we came, I barely saw the Lake, but could still make a small portion of it out. We drove into the city limits. Under an overpass we passed a homeless man flying a sign, and we would stop soon after at a burger king. "Is this fine? I know you don't really have anywhere to go but we're on our way to our hotel now."

"This is fine." I said. "I'll figure it out." I smiled. We all got out and stretched our stiff muscles. I grabbed my things from the track to leave.

"We don't have much money," the man said.

"Oh you don't have to give me anything." I said.

"Come on now." He said, waving off my gesture. He dug around his pockets and in the center console for anything. "Let's see, three dollars and some change." He handed me. The woman now did the same, offering me a five. "Here, we have a lot of food we could spare." The man offered.

"I think I've reached maximum capacity." I said. "I have some food still too."

"Nonsense." He laughed. "Here, take something." He handed me two bottles of warm soda, a coke and a Dr. Pepper, and a can of Pringles.

"Well alright." I said, managing to stuff it away.

"Be safe youngster! Find your life!" He said in farewell as they drove away. The girls in the back waved.

Well, this is a pretty major checkpoint, I thought to myself. A large city. Let's see what I can do, it could go either way. I walked back to where I saw that homeless man. "Hey, do you want these?" I offered the chips and one of the sodas. Really had no room and didn't want to carry them in hand.

"Really?" He said in surprise.

"Yeah I'm fine giving them up."

"Hey thanks a lot man." He said. "Where are you coming from?"

"Elko."

"That's a far one. Got a lot of stuff there huh? Really livin it up. You might want to think about ditching it. Been homeless for twenty years and left everything behind. My life is right here." He motioned to a backpack.

"Yeah I know. It's a lot. Do you know where a library is?" I asked.

"Yeah.." He continued to give me directions to a train station and what to do from there. "You can't miss it, takes up a whole block. It's legal to fly signs here man. I made a lot just right here, going to another spot now. I've got a black habit, it's not a big one, but it is what it is."

"Yeah, hey thanks for the directions. Sorry the soda's warm."

"Hey, at least it's wet. Watch out around here with all that junk. There's creeps who'll jump on it first chance they get, take it all. Show no sign of anything of value." I walked in the direction of the station and while nodding.

"Thanks, see ya later." He said it was about four blocks down this street. I walked for five or so, turned around some, some more, couldn't find anything. I did find a snowcone shack that I was interested in. I walked slowly past while reading the menu, circled back to it after deliberation. Just two dollars for a large, I couldn't resist. Up to the counter I met a young lady.

"Thanks for stopping." She said.

"Can't go wrong with those prices." I ordered a blackberry.

"Are you traveling far? Where are you going, what are you doing here?" She asked, preparing the cone.

"Who knows." I said. "Just walking around."

"Oh. I hope you enjoy it here while you stay."

"Me too." She handed me a nice looking drink, I thanked her and paid. Before leaving, I inquired about the station.

"Oh the train? Yeah it's right on this side of the street three or four blocks down." Thanked her again and continued. The old man gave me some bunk directions. Right way, wrong distance. I was lost there for a second. Am I not lost anyway?

[this day will conclude next post]

__________________

grindy

I'd seriously buy a book of yours in that style.

__________________
A smell of petroleum prevails throughout.

Mondo Bungle

Huh?

__________________

The Batlord

He means that you are an engaging storyteller, while retaining a low-key and relatable writing style.

__________________

Lisnaholic

This is just to say that I´ve really enjoyed reading about your adventures, MB, and thought that your idea of selling poetry was particularly ingenious.

__________________
"Am I enjoying this moment? I know of it and perhaps that is enough." - Sybille Bedford, 1953