Relaxing in small town Maine

Asheville, NC -> Washington D.C. -> Portland, ME

I’ve made it up to Portland, Maine. I’m skipping NYC because I just don’t want the hassle right now. Sleeping through the night on Greyhound has been a semi-acceptable way to cut down on costs finding places to sleep. It gives me the maximum amount of time to spend during the day in each city. Also I lose a day of sleep since I don’t really sleep on the bus and I go straight into the next day.

The biggest surprise so far is that I haven’t really had to carry my big 30 lb. backpack everywhere. I’ve got a Timbuktu 2 messenger bag for the essentials when I’m in town. I usually park the big bag in lockers at the bus/train station I’m at. I’ve also found the two hotels I’ve stayed at to be amenable to letting me stow it with them whether I’m staying there that day or not. Those are the nicest as they are free. I just don’t have the security of knowing it’s locked away.

The bus stations have generally been located near where I wanted to be. I don’t think I’ve had more than a mile and a half walk to get any place I’ve wanted to be. If I wanted to go somewhere far I’ve always had public transportation handy.

Important navigational tip: 1st and K Street NE in Washington D.C. is not at all the same as 1st and K Street NW. One is in a run down neighborhood with lots of boarded up buildings, overgrown yards and a curious absence of people. The other is near the bustling metropolis of Washington D.C. and it’s many, many free attractions.

Haven’t had much time to reflect on anything at this point. I hustle from place to place. I have started to wonder if I’d like a life like that. A life where every moment is full and even simple things like eating involve many more decisions. My gut reaction is not at all, and that it’s easier to live with the regret of wasting time than to be this engaged all the time.