Create Our World

“The sum of the whole is this: walk and be happy; walk and be healthy. The best way to lengthen out our days is to walk steadily and with a purpose.” – Charles Dickens

Some of my favorite moments of my journey have been when I have woken up early and walked around a town.  In Ypsilanti, I took some photographs on my early morning walk.  

Create Our World,

Ben.

“Two roads diverged in a wood and I–
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”

- Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken

My friend, Brad, came up with the title.  Referring to the comfort of Christmas morning and the bond of family;… I think.

***

5 rides, 4 hours, and 90 miles

Leaving Owosso and the Train Festival, I am headed to Canton, Michigan to meet up with my old roommates from Michigan State University.  But, I am concerned.  Canton is 90 miles are there are about 5 different ways I could go and I have to switch different highways a lot:  could be trouble.

BUT, Michiganders (the name of someone who lives in Michigan) are awesome!!!

I was there in less than 4 hours and catch 5 different rides.  

Plus, while waiting, a lot of the folks driving by would either wave, smile, or just look like they felt bad.  It was like they wanted to pick me up, but were apprehensive.

Ty picked me up first.  He proved me wrong!  I could feel him coming a mile away.  

“Take the hood back!” (*music*)

“I think I have the loudest stereo in the country.”  It was awesome.  I am sold on getting a big stereo.

Al, a carpet layer, took me to Flint, where I was then picked up by Stanley.  Stanley is about to retire from GM in a week and once hitchhiked to Oklahoma with his future wife.  Then, came Rob.  He is a civil engineer that is currently laid off and is going back to school to get his bachelor’s degree.  He is heading back from the golf course.  He has been doing a lot of golfing in his free time.  

Fernando took me the last 10 miles and dropped me off a block from my friend, Matt’s house in Canton, Michigan.  Fernando saw me and doubled back to get me.  He is from Guatemala and has lived here for the past 14 years.  He met his wife in Guatemala when she was a Peace Corps worker.  He is a quiet and content man.  His two kids are visiting their grandmother in Philadelphia for a month.  They do that once a summer.

Today, I caught more rides per hour than ever before.  To the people of Michigan, I salute you!

***

Alex's Diner in Canton, MI

I am in the process of making a short documentary about the trip so far, which will be posting soon.  Plus, I am putting the final touches on the website and creating another film for Create Our World’s debut!!!  I am going to be asking for help on the film so stay posted.

Thank you to everyone who has shared stories with me or comment on the articles.  I learn something from each one.  Please keep me posted on how you are doing at Create Our World’s Facebook page, in the comments section, or at my email address, 2createourworld@gmail.com.

Create Our World,

Ben.

“Little men with little minds and little imaginations go through life in little ruts, smugly resisting all changes which would jar their little worlds.” – Zig Ziglar

“The thing about trains… it doesn’t matter where they are going.  What matters is deciding to get on.”  - Polar Express

The Train Festival in Owosso with my new friend, Erin.

Owosso, Michigan is home to the no. 1225 Pere Marquette.  A large, black steam engine train that was used as the model for the movie, The Polar Express,  The classic children’s book about a train traveling to the North Pole on Christmas.

“They rigged it with all sorts of sound equipment and recorded it for the movie.”  A man at the local copy shop explains to Erin and myself.  ”That’s pretty cool if you are from here.”

The Train Festival was the talk of the town; heck, even other towns.  Not only was there a number of older steam engine trains that were still working, but also a smaller version that went around a little track and where the riders sit on top of the small cars.  Similar to Ricky Schroeder’s train, in the television show, Silver Spoons.

Admission was 15$, though!!!

My guide was Erin, a local photographer, artisan, and couchsurfer.  We decided against going into the festival and instead, walked around the outside taking in the scene.

Many people though had come from all over to see the trains.  

I was enjoying walking around with a fellow photographer.

Tommorrow, I am off to Canton, Michigan to visit my old roommates from Michigan State University.

Create Our World,

Ben.

“There is no greater gift than Friendship.” - Santa Claus in the Polar Express