Washington, Iowa.

It was Greeley or Soule or someone who said, "Go West, young man. Go West." I'm taking that advice and heading out on Tuesday morning to Eugene, Oregon. Some people move to new places because of jobs or other conveniences, but I'm taking a little different approach. I'm going to pick a good place first, and work everything else around that location. Yuka and I, after much deliberation, have chosen Eugene as that place.

So as of last Sunday, July 31, I became temporarily unemployed and homeless to pursue this great experiment. We're planning on camping out on our way out there, and perhaps staying in a campground in Eugene until we find suitable apartments. I also have to find a job. I'm doing this on about $500, maybe a little more; it depends on how much I get back from my old apartment's security deposit.

It's truly beautiful out there in western Oregon--one hour from the Pacific Ocean and one hour from the Cascade Mountains. From what I've heard there are spectacular summers, great outdoor activities, good restaurants, good local food & wine.

On this journey, we will be stopping in Sioux City, Iowa; the Black Hills of South Dakota; Sheridan, Wyoming; Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Park; somewhere in Idaho; somewhere in eastern Oregon; and finally, Eugene. We should be arriving in Eugene on 17 August. It is my intention to document this voyage.

This move is important to my personal growth. In today's society, being formally educated is not enough. There are more and more people graduating with bachelor's (and even higher) degrees than ever before. The market is diluted. In today's globalized society it is also important to be mobile. If I can make it in Oregon, starting from nothing (or near nothing), I can make it other places too. Not so many people are willing to do this. If necessary, I can then take this project worldwide. This is a start.