Myself and the Millennium Phalcon both left Marthaís Vineyard on the 9:30am Islander ferry. Upon our arrival to the mainland on this rainy day we headed northward to the historic site of Plymouth Rock. I snapped off 3 rolls of film capturing the Rock, Mayflower II, and historic township. Made secret return to island that evening to tie off loose ends.

Ran around the island making sure that my place and Old Blue were put to bed properly for the season. Completed first part of the final Vital Light. Caught an afternoon ferry, and drove into Cambridge and Harvard Square for the evening. Met up with some newfound friends at Shayís-Jean, Alix, and some other gals. Shot 3 rolls of film all day.

Beautiful day in Boston. Friday 9/24/99. Crisp fall conditions, tourists with Ryder Cup passes all over the streets and subways. Stepped around the Freedom Trail, and met up with Benjamin Franklin outside Fanuel Hall. He is alive and well. Mid-afternoon the Phalcon and I headed northwest into Vermont. Went to my old school Green Mountain College in Poultney, VT. Stayed in the Phalcon for the first time in the front loop of the school. I had a very comfortable experience in the Phalcon Lounge. She and I will do fine together in nowhere places. 3 rolls of film.

Woke up to another fantastic day. Walked around campus, showered in my old dorm, and photographed the beauty of the Green Mountain Region. Late afternoon I headed up into Burlington. Arriving around 9:45pm, the moon was full, and the city life was vibrant. Revisited the old familiar spots, and caught some live music at Nectarís Lounge. A neat band called mid-life Chrysler. Stayed at my friends Ann & Charlieís place. 3 rolls all day.

Gave myself a much-needed rest, sleeping in past noon. Woke up to yet another picture perfect day. Foliage had not quite begun. Lake Champlain and mountains in the distance made for a great soul-searching Sunday. Spent the evening once again with my friends. They were more than generous and hospitable. 3 rolls all day.

Received word from my Uncle Gus that the Herald News wanted to do a feature on the project. Cruised down from Vermont through New Hampshire and into the old Mill City of Fall River in southeastern, Mass. Had a fantastic interview with Sean Flynn. Gus gave me a tour of the city, including an insiders look at Lizzie Bordenís House. Site of historic 19th Century murder. Like OJ, she got away with murder. Sunset in Narragansett, RI. 4 rolls all day

This was definitely the day of extremes. I wake up in LittleCompton, RI and discover that they put my story on the front page with a great big color photograph. Hours later while in route for CT & NY, tragedy struck. While minding my own business in the high speed lane on route I-95 at approximately 1300 hrs, a ford Taurus wagon is tossed into my lane by a reckless 18-wheeler. With heavy traffic to my right, and the Jersey barrier to my left. I am forced to wail on my brakes. The anti-locking brake system was put to an extreme test. Brake-Release-Brake-Release-as this strange sensation is occurring the other driver and I are having eye to eye popping contact. The Phalcon managed to slow down to speeds of 50-60mph at the point of impact. I thought we were both dead guys. Upon the impact I watched two white balloons fill the windshield as I launched the late model Ford a good 2000 feet into the highway along the wall. The Phalcon came to a screeching standstill, and Iím thinking I just killed a guy. Luckily I see him get out of the car. Quick to the draw I grab the video camera and capture the immediate moments after the crash. The Phalcon suffered Heavy Front-end damage. But miraculously she started right up. Her front bumper, in pieces, was bent into the turning radius of the tires. Luckily, I had my toolbox aboard. I then unfastened the bumper and left its remains along the highway. The Phalcon drove away from the scene, however damage was more than significant. As I drove back northward to my cousinís place in RI, my brain started shucking and jiving. "What now? The Phalcon has been beat up. Iím not supposed to be heading backwards. How long with this delay us?" Reminding myself that I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought, I convince myself that I am just plain lucky to be alive. Upon my return I unload everything from the Phalcon. I phone the dealership and they are all excited about the front-page story from the morning. Then I throw them the curve ball; "the Phalconís in bad shape, Iím coming up to the dealership". It took about an hour to get back to Tom Flurkey Chevrolet in Falmouth. They were very sensitive to my random accident. Everyone from the body shop to the sales floor greeted me with open arms. Since I was the third party involved I discovered that I will be more than taken care of. The damage was roughly assessed, and I was told it would be at least 3-4 weeks before she was up and running again. Without hesitation they hooked me up with a brand new ë99 Chevy Blazer, same color and everything. They gave me the Millennium Phoenix for my tour. Our temporary ship is more than luxurious, and the Phalcon will be at the finish line. 2 rolls of film were burned on the accident scene.

"Itís not how hard you fall, itís how you bounce." After dealing with police reports and insurance agents, Huffís Hundred-Day Haul was back in motion within 24 hrs. The Phoenix is very powerful, and will no doubt fill the wheels of the Phalcon. Uncle Gus is willing to bring the Phalcon to me on the road when it is ready. I drove through Mystic Seaport, and stopped at Yale for a few photogs. I watched the sunset in the Catskills with the colors of autumn wonder. Then I stopped in to stay with the Jim James Band in Oneonta, NY. 3 rolls all day.

Fantastic foliage allowed for a great photo shoot in this historic Baseball town. I had been there as a kid, but had forgotten how quaint and how beautiful it was. I shot 4 rolls easily, and then headed home to Buffalo.

Upon my arrival home, I woke up to a phone call from a reporter from the Buffalo News. We had a great interview. I spent the day down on the waterfront taking pictures of battleships and skyscrapers.

Dropped into the town of my birth on day 90. Ironically, I am a graduate of Brighton Hight School, Class of ë90. The Democrat & Chronicle, a newspaper that I use to deliver, in the neighborhood of Home Acres, granted me my third interview in six days. I spent the rest of the day with Sally, Ben, & Jen. Went back to Buffalo to the equinox party with Mike. Last Call 4am Brunners.

Woke up on a cot in Mikeís Living Room to Mikeís voice as he read my article aloud in the Buffalo News. Took pictures of Mikeís Outback(perhaps one of the most magical places in Amherst). Went to Wegmans grabbed the D&C, made the front page of the local section. Grabbed a plate for brunch at Samuelís. Drove over to Niagara Falls and burned a few rolls.

Headed southward after seeing the Weinsteins and my grandmother Grace Finnegan. Drove east on 90 and then headed south through the finger lakes. Stopped in Waterloo, and then Hobart.

Woke up to a flat tire at Kurtís friendís place. Enterprise came to the rescue. Spent the day around Penn & Franklin Field. Dinner at Lindsayís. Drew donated a tri-pod. Kurt & Jeff took me downtown after dark.

Met this cat Kevin at Camden Yards, got a private tour of the Ballpark. The weather was beautiful. Kurt & I went to the top of the world on the inner harbor. Meatball subs at Jeffís place for dinner.

Stumbled into the biggest sailboat show on the eastcoast.

Met up with Dan the man. He took me to a crab feast at Buddyís, and then we finished it off with some live Groovalisuis at the Clipper.

Dan and I met up with this cool gal named Emily. The day was fantastic. We went to the boat show and checked out the Navyís marching band and football team. The cool thing was seeing all the masts in the distance beyond the football practice field.

Bouncing up and down the east coast like a yo-yo I had to make it back to New Yorkís capital district for the final 2 shows Phishís fall tour. I displayed Christopherís Candids booth on the corner of Hudson & Green, a block away from the Pepsi Arena. The scene was awesome. I met up with all sorts of old pals. Steve, Sam, Derek, Ed, Steve, Erika, Jeff, Brad & the Jim James Band, Yates, and whole bunch of others. People were into the Haul. The cops forced me to breakdown my display. They told me I needed a license for vending. I was "Too Professional". I could not talk my way out of it. I was pleased by their complaint. I managed to stay on display all day before the mounted police officers gave me any flack. The music was fantastic, and I had great seats thanks to the band. I also met Mr. Mike Gordon outside the first night. My millennium countdown clock impressed him. He even posed for a picture.

Strung out from the road, I set up camp with the Jim James Band. Scott & I walked the trails through both campuses and snapped off a whole mess of fall foliage. That night the Red Sox beat the Indians to advance to the American League playoffs!

My brother Brad and I went on a photo shoot together for the family archives. Train tracks and off road foliage shots were the focus.

While getting caught in Yankees Stadium playoff traffic, I began to listen and become obsessed with the game. By the time I reached the Jersey shore I just wanted to watch the game. I checked into the first hotel room on the Haul. After my three-week anniversary I felt like I was entitled to a nice room on the beach, Long beach to be exact. There were no other people around. Off-season feeling similar to Marthaís Vineyard. Since it was dark when I arrived, I had no idea what to expect. But I knew it must be nice. The Red Sox managed to lose in the tenth, great game. When I woke up, I was in awe at the serene beauty of the beach. Nice Spot.

I woke up the next morning with destination DC in mind. I would drive down and take the Cape May ferry, and then go on into DC. Having made contact with Rosita, I thought that I would spend an evening with her. Well, it never happened. The Cape May ferry was closed due to high winds. Instead I was forced to drive around the Delaware Bay. Miraculous sunset on the Delaware bridge. I am convinced that the detour was intended for this beautiful spectacle.

I arrived in Cary, NC after midnight. Weller & Geo were my hosts for the evening. They were very hospitable and awake with me during the early hours of the morning. I woke up to a phone call from Toby Hinkle, an old friend who had become architect. We had a great lunch together. On my way out of town, I stopped into the beautiful campus of Chapel Hill for some photogs.

As promised, I arrived in Atlanta on day 77

Saturday night in Atlanta was a fun time. Jimmy Mac, Jenny, & myself went to several parties. Notre Dame had one of their greatest comebacks, and the Red Sox beat the Yankees at Fenway. They rocked the Rocket, and Pedro tore emí up on at the Plate.

Sunday night at Planet smoothie. Remodeling was going on, so I decided to put it in the archives. It seems as though many business are remodeling and preparing for the new age just 75 days away.

Went to Stone Mountain at Sunset. Took the tram to the top, and then hiked it down. There were all sorts of serious young people hiking up and down for fitness purposes. The hike was impressive. I kept thinking I was on the slopes. Itís real wide open with glades here and there. Unfortunately snow is not a possibility. In the evening, I went to Jeffís place and defined this website.

Drove over to the hip southern college town of Athens. Spent the whole day snapping rolls of Campus and the town. Can you name which three bands were born in Athens? I left Athens and returned to Atlanta. I was going to Game 6 of the NLCS, so I made sure to head back by 3:00pm. By the time I made it to Atlanta, I discovered the worst traffic jam I head ever experienced. I would remain in gridlock for 6 frustrating hours listening to the Braves/Mets at Turner Field. Finally I made it hoem and watched the braves clinch the pennant at Taco Mac in Buckhead. We lit fireworks in honor of the ball club. Great Game.

Prepared for a photo opening at 331 Peachtree. All sorts of my Atlanta friends showed up and bought my work. I even raised $200- in just plain "Sponsor Huff For A Day" donations from Tom & Nicole Lillis, and Hollis Kosco. While the gig was going the "Vital Light Web Site", thanks to Jeff Miller, was released live on the internet and to the world at large!

Went to a classic joint full of character, a neon vibe, and Pabst Blue Ribbon. Neat little spot in the Highlands of Atlanta. I had gone their quite a bit last winter when I lived in Atlanta at 331 with T-Bird & Jimmy Mac. Always a great time to be had.

Flew up to Boston in the AM thanks to McIntyre Travel. This would be the anticipated weekend in which my best friend Joshua Hiller would marry the lovely Andrea Cook. I am very fortunate to have such a deep core of high school friends. There are about ten of us that still get together a few times s year since we all graduated from high school nearly a decade ago. The wedding was first class. They were married at the Chapel at Bowdoin College, the reception was at the Haraseeket Inn. We all had a great time together. It was great to meet Andreaís side of the family, and the people in Joshís . Great people. Vital Lights.

Having spent the whole day traveling, we arrived at Turner Field as the sun fail from the sky. The spirit in the air was euphoric. I was at the World Series, I kept repeating that to myself. I snapped off so many rolls of film that I ran out. So I was forced to pay $12- a roll in the ninth inning. That Turner field is something else. Seeing the All Century team in person was magnificent, Pete Rose in person was too much of a treat. The Braves lost unfortunately, but they still managed to have this awesome post game party at the 755 Club.

Spent the day doing laundry and other utility tasks. Miller & I continued to define the web-site into the early hours of the morning. The photo shoot was down at Piedmont Park, a place where I use to go with Johnny Mac last winter.

This being my last day in the great city of Atlanta I found myself cleaning, packing, and taking care of the Millennium Phoenix (í99 Blazer). I phoned the folks at Tom Flurkey Chevrolet, The Phalcon is awaiting my arrival. Now since I am all the way in the south, and still headiní south. There is just no way that I can pick up the Phalcon at this time. So, theyíre holding it until I return northward up the Blues Trail along the Mississippi River. A Mr. John McIntyre is willing to relay the Phalcon for me. More on that later. At any rate, those were the types of things that I was dealing with. I also had to service this site. It will continue to get better as time evolves. The photogs were shot around midnight at Tom & Nicoleís place. They had a very generous donation for me from Tomís parents. They have a great perspective of the great city of Atlanta in Vinings. We watched the Braves lose. On my way home I stopped into Taco Mac to say goodbye to the regulars. They drowned in the loss.

I departed the great city of Atlanta mid-afternoon arriving in the beautiful southern town of Savannah just as the sun fell from the sky. I mailed 15 random postcards, took a whole mess of pictures and then jumped in the Phoenix and cruised at high speeds to Orlando. As fate would have it, I ran into my old local friends. The Yankees won the World Series with the Rocket on the mound, and I was on Church Street with these guys who I had not seen since the night the Florida Marlins won the fall classic back in 97. Was this a coincidence? I think not. It was intended.

Back in the early winter days of í97, I had found myself living on my brotherís couch working at the Orlando Ale House for the off-season. This would be just months before I came up with the early concepts of this journey that you are experiencing now. I learned about life in my mid 20ís that winter with the wild staff and patrons. I gave them total availability, and they put me on the roster. It was my life all night long for three straight months that easily were years. We were a dysfunctional family that had a lot of laughs. The building is still there and the business has increased. Whenever Iím in town I try to stop in. Dave & Melissa are still behind the bar, and Big Daddy is still running the show only at a higher level. I spent the afternoon hanging out with the old familiars. At sunset, Scott, Alex, & myself went to the top of a parking garage in downtown Orlando. We shot live video of Church Street Station. Scott showed me the famous window where Charles Barkley shattered with someone who annoyed him.

Myself, Bravo, Alex, & Keith drove up to Flagler beach to eat lunch at Mike & Nancyís place, Caribbean Sin. I had a fantastic steak sandwich, and took a whole mess of pictures on the beach and from the roof of the restaurant. Turns out Mike & Nancy were headed south to Fantasy Fest for Halloween in the Keys. This would be the folks that Iíd tag along with the next day.

Throughout the nearly ten thousand miles that I have driven thus far, it would be safe to say that I have sat in traffic totaling, easily, more than ten hours. This is inevitable, but thereís nothing more frustrating than getting stuck in traffic after having gotten lost. I will admit that I do get lost on a weekly basis, and it always seems to happen when I have to actually be somewhere at a certain time. On this particular day I was already running late in meeting up with Mike & friends, (imagine that) and then I made some wrong turn somewhere and found myself in Miami gridlock. I was very upset. I was dropping down into Key West for Fantasy Fest. Somehow as usual the travel karma placed me there as the anxious crew was fixing to leave. I had seconds to gather all of my equipment and change instant realities as I jumped into the 1988RV, known to me as the Allegro Deathstar, with the diversity of ten other souls ranging from age to ethnicity. I had snapped into Halloween weekend on the Haul. The events that occurred the rest of the evening were extremely offensive, and also amazing. Having dropped into the Big Easy for the final Mardi Gras of the 90ís, way back in February with one John McIntyre. Having done that, I was prepared for anything, and anything was everywhere. The drive down together in the RV was nice for me who had been behind the wheel all day. By the time we got to Key West it was dark. We had to take a shuttle down to Duval St. We all went in together, but I decided to get lost and see what kind of mischief I could find. More about that laterÖThe Parade began and the wicked weirdest people danced in the crowded streets of this southernmost town in America.

The events expiring the evening were rather cloudy. Morning came with confusion. The unknown owner of the van in which I had slept suddenly awakened me. Yes, I slept in the wrong place. It was not my fault. It was dark. The day began slowly. By the time we all were ready to head into Key Weird for Halloween, it was early afternoon. Party Marty, a 58-year-old photographer, was already drowned in spirits. I had him ride shotgun with me, as the other folks went in the RV. Of course we got separated, but I was with Marty, and it was some great material. I had the video live throughout the entire ride. By the time we got to town, Marty was feeling too good. We went to Sloppy Joes and the rest of the crew arrived minutes later. The rest of the day was spent having a good time bounciní around Duval St. Sunset came at Mallory Square. Now for those of you who have never experienced this strange ritual you must at some point in your lifetime. Itís not only about the sunset. Dozens of artisans set up their wares, and fire-eating escape artists perform as the sun falls from the sky. As I was witnessing this spectacle I decided to set up a booth unbeknownst to any officials. I was prepared to leave, but I decided to make money until someone said something. After 45 minutes I was approached. I convinced the dude to let me stay, and I brought in a much needed $54- by selling 18 of my greeting cards.

The weekend I had spent with the Van Club was very much a moving experience. Their kindness and generosity was to be matched by none other. There was Mike & Nancy, Andy, Marty, Billy, Mark, Gina & Q, and of course the lovely miss Lisa. She actually got behind the wheel of the Phoenix as I typed down my thoughts. On our way out of the keys we stopped into Cocomo for the beauty of it. Lisa and I went in the pool while Marty picked up Elizabeth. Poor Elizabeth. A lovely voluptuous 6 ft red head was so high, she had no idea where she was. She looked possessed. She had bruises on her body, and I felt sorry for her. She obviously needed help. Marty was not thinking clearly and offered her a ride. We had to convince him otherwise. After we left there we stopped off at Alabama Jackís, a redneck gin mill on the swamp. We split up just before I got to Orlando. I will carry their insight with me as I continue my journey. I arrived in Orlando just in time to see the last few sets of my brother Brian. He was playing live guitar at Jungle Jimís. I shot some footage.

This day being a Tuesday felt very much like Monday. I was strung out and needed to get my head together, and get organized. So I did all the necessary stuff like make phone calls and take care of vehicle maintenance. I unpacked the whole Phoenix outside Brianís apartment complex. I have a whole lot of stuff, and all of my camping gear was still wet from the weekend. It had rained periodically in the Keys, so I set it up to dry out. At any rate, try to imagine this fancy Melrosy Place, with all sorts of proper people, and then thereís me with my phishead ways of tailgatiní, spreading out all my stuff like a yard sale. I assembled the tents and took every single solitary item out of the Phoenix. One woman was so nosy that she told me that I was not aloud to camp. She actually thought I was going to camp thereÖ.duhÖ.

Now for those of you who are unaware of my 87-year-old grandmother, Rocky, I must tell you that she is a pistol. Two years ago she and I went on a mini version of the haul. I flew down to Florida, rescued her from the old folkís community, and flew her with me out to Seattle for a spontaneous road trip. Did you ever see Throw Momma from the Train? Seriously we had a fantastic time. I was 25, and she was 85. I made a documentary on the whole trip. At any rate, on this particular visit, Rocky rocked me. Breakfast (early). Luncheon with the Daughters of the American Revolution. Christopherís Candids presentation to the old folks in the community center immediately following lunch-(this was magnificently successful, when asked how he liked the show, an old man replied "Chris, this is the most fun Iíve had in weeks!.) Then dinner with two very nice other couples, and a trip to Radio Shack to get a battery for Rockyís cordless phoneÖ.Non-Stop excitement, but I tell you she wears me out.

As I left Rocky behind, I got on the road northward towards Gainesville. Something said stop in Gainesville. So I did, and I stumbled into the University of Floridaís homecoming parade. Was this a coincidence? I think not. It was intended. I got into town around 9am, and I could tell some thing was about to happen. Perhaps it was lawn chairs on the sides of the roads, or maybe the colorful floats in the stadium parking lot? All signs said parade. There was that spirit in the air that absorbed me. The weather was sunny and perfect. So I decided to pull over in this plaza where all sorts of Gators fans were tailgatiní as I pulled into the parking space I stared into the open door of a Laundromat. I had not done laundry since Atlanta, and I felt like I had no clean clothes. Whenever I clean my laundry it cleanses my soul as well. I usually do things like write letters or postcards, or pay bills. Today I was to write and send 38 postcards to random folks on the mailing list. I sat at the Java Lounge and interviewed Andy Gibb, he is alive and doing quite well. Andrew is a junior and invited me to the pep rally that evening, 85,000 amped up Gators Fans, Carrot Top was the headliner. I sadly declined. I had to make ground. So I set out into the westward sun of Alabama in the late afternoon after the colorful parade. I arrived in Daphne, Alabama and checked into the cheapest room I could find. (My finances are quickly depleting) It was a nice room for $29.95 a night. I would stay there all weekend and do all sorts of writing, screening video, and getting all the stuff in my truck organized once again. It was a very productive weekend full of rest and relaxation. The best part is that I saw no one. I had to meet myself on the gulf shores of Alabama, lost from America. No faces, places, or spaces, for 48 hours. I had to shut it down.

As travel karma continues to amaze me, I walked right into Hudson & his friends as I was to find them at the Saints game at the Superdome with more than 80,000 NFL fans. I walked up to the dome and was told that I could not bring my video camera into the game. They shook me down. So I went back to the 7^th level of the parking garage where the Phoenix lay idle. Upon my return, Hudson, Christy, Drew, & SU-ZAHN, ran right into me. We went to Allegros, and then to Ruthís Chris Steakhouse. I had an amazing filet. The plate was so hot, when you slice the filet, you let it simmer even more on the piping hot plate. Late night was spent in the French Quarter. The place was not mellow, but a lot more breathable then back in February. Hudson showed me a great time all over Bourbon, including this amazing gentlemanís club called Richís. The following morning was very cloudy. Hudsonís place is right on St. Charles. Itís amazing. I spent the whole day writing and resting at these very comfortable accommodations. Hudson lives in the garden district of New Orleans. There is a unique fragrance in the air in the Big Easy. After I left Hudsonís place I went down into the French Quarter and shot all sorts of pictures of the Bourbon Street, Pirates Alley, and the French Market. It was very mellow compared to Mardi Gras. I liked it.

By the time I left New Orleans and got around to heading up the Mississippi River, it was close to 9 oíclock. I had spent the dinner hour waltzing around Bourbon capturing the easiness of the southern jazz capital. It was time to head northbound up the Mississippi River, and capture the blues. I drove as far as Jackson, checked into a room at the Red Roof Inn around midnight and woke up late in the morning and headed again northward to Memphis. The weather being unusually warm was very refreshing. I could smell the river when I got to Memphis. It was about 4:20, and the sun was setting. I drove through town and stopped off at the park on Riverside drive between the two bridges that cross over the Mississippi into Arkansas. I spent about an hour capturing the magnificent sunset. It was particularly nice due to the cloudy atmosphere. As dusk entered, I found another Red Roof Inn to crash at and post updates to this site. Vital Light Web-Site reaches 300 visitors.

I woke up in the morning and went to pay my respects to the king of rock ní roll. Thatís right Graceland. It was a fine, fine day. I opted get the most abridged version, a simple tour of the mansion. I like Elvis, but Iím not a freak about him like the other mourners who were assembled in fornt of his grave weeping as if he had just passed, when in actuality that event happened 22 years ago. The inside of Graceland is as it was back in í77. It is very 70ís looking and primitive by todayís standards. In the basement was where Elvis liked to hang out . He has 3 televisions, old school, on the wall in his entertainment room. It was said that he had 3 because Lyndon Johnson had 3 and he liked to tune into all 3 news networks at the news hour. Elvis liked to watched 3 football games. Moving on from the basement, I went upstairs beyond the kitchen into this living room area with all this gaudy wood carved furniture. One chair, Lisa Marieís chair, was so big that they had to remove a window to get it into the house. Outside on the 14acre estate was an area for horses, the trophy room, and the raquetball courts. Elvis by all means defined the word cheese. His clothing displayed all the flavors from muenster to cheddar. They were all displayed in the trophy building with all of his gold records and awards. Now that was impressive. After that I went outside to check out the grave sites of Elvis and his parents. All sorts of flowers and statues with colorful trinkets were on displayÖÖAfter that it was northbound to St. Louis. I went to Anhueiser-Busch for a tour, and I could not talk my way in. Tour hours had ended. So I sat and stared awestruck at the magnificent brewery. Then I B-lined eastward through Illinois & Indiana, entering at last the 24^th & 25^th states.

Back in the mid 90ís, myself & Bud Talbot taught together out on the Navajo Indian Reservation at a small school in the middle of the high Arizona desert called Rough Rock. After our assignment had concluded, it would be some 2485 days until we met up again on day 50. Bud had become an accomplished Physics teacher at Clay City High School, and as for me, well you know whatís going on. At any rate, on this particular day I joined Bud and his class, the class of 2000, a bunch of enthusiastic kids, and we got on a big yellow school bus and headed into Terre Haute, Indiana to Indiana State University. The event was The Tech Trek, a problem solving contest involving many local high schools. I was very impressed with the students. They were bright and charismatic. It was interesting to get their perspective on life. We discussed all sorts of issues from Y2K to school violence. They were understanding and compassionate individuals. At the end of the days events Budís class won first place in Digital Graphic Design. Budís parents provided and fantastic homecooked meal which is always the biggest treat on this journey. 50 days had passed and 50 more were aheadÖ.itís halftime kids and Iím headed to Chicago to spend the weekend with the entire McIntyre family, as Jack gives away his only daughter Ann and we celebrate her wedding at the stop of the Chicago LibraryÖÖÖ.keep tapping inÖthe best is yet to comeÖ..