Epilogue

This blog was created in the hope to do some good. I told people I'm doing this roadtrip for charity, but the truth is I was going to take this journey anyway. I approached Engineers Without Borders Australia because I thought I might be able to raise some funds for them and the truly brilliant work that they do. In reality, there's no real reason for anyone to donate money. If you've enjoyed reading about the trip or looking at the photos, or if it's inspired you to dream, then please consider donating $20. It can be your good deed for the week. At the time of writing, we've raised about 25% of the target I plucked out of the air.

I have to say a big thank you to Mum, Dad, Grandee, Eric, and Stephen, who all contributed financially and bailed me out more times than a grown man should need to be bailed out. Throughout my life, Mum has always liked to remind me that money/things does not equal love (generally as she's handing over money/things). I know that money and things don't replace love, but it's hard not to feel loved when you're given money to do things you love to do, with no direct benefit to the people that gave it to you. I hope I got as much mileage and as much fun and as much adventure out of each dollar as you hoped. I think I did.

This trip couldn't have happened without Josh Hanger in Michigan. Besides buying my car on my behalf and organising all the insurance I needed, he's also done so much behind-the-scenes work that included lots of little things and lots of big things. Without him, I would have been catching the fucking Amtrak everywhere. He was my Man-On-The-Ground and I owe him huge.

In no small part, I was able to relax and enjoy myself on this trip because I knew Eric Dewhirst in Ontario had my back. He put me on his CAA coverage (think AAA or RACV) which I used three times in five weeks. Twice to tow the F150, and once to put fuel in an empty Tahoe. He checked up on me and was ready to fly where-ever if I needed him to. He opened his doors and welcomed me into his home and taught me a lot. He's an incredibly generous and selfless person.

There are a bunch of people throughout the trip that helped me in various ways, whether it was showing me around town, taking me out, or giving me a couch to sleep on. I also have to thank everyone who donated -- I truly appreciate your generosity.

Thank you also to you for reading my humble and indulgent blog.


Peace,

Ben Zachariah