Mark D Jones

In Search of the Meaning of Life (An Autobiography) Mark D Jones

The idea of going on adventures captured my imagination ever since the sixth grade when my friend Dan first introduced me to J. R. R. Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy set in the fictional world of Middle-earth. I dreamed of going off on an adventure like Bilbo and Frodo Baggins through the Shire and beyond, but how does one take an adventure in the here-and-now of the real world? I didn't know how it might be possible, but understood it was up to me to figure out a way to turn my dreams into my reality. Adventure was never an offered class in my curriculum or coursework in school while growing up, but I was convinced there must be a way to go on great adventures in life. I figured that I'd just have to make it up on my own along the way - and when I wasn't accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University during Winter Term 1976, I realized this was my opportunity to follow my dreams and leave MSU. I finally settled on the idea of a great bicycle adventure around the United States and despite being broke, I set out to plan how to accomplish such a journey. Finally, after saving money and buying equipment, Bruce and I set out to begin 'The Great Adventure' on the sunny morning of Wednesday, September 22, 1976. This is the story of Part One of 'The Great Adventure' from southwest of Flint, MI, to our arrival at my aunt and uncle's house in Tallahassee, Florida - a journey around the U. S. in 1976-1977 of over 8,000 miles that eventually finished in Seattle, WA - enjoy!