Winner, Winner, Wine for Dinner

Voting is now closed and once again, you’ve chosen to think outside the box by choosing the “other” category and going with a write-in candidate. I knew I liked you! So, where will we be traveling? We’re heading to (insert proverbial drum-roll) the Willamette River in Oregon!

It’s a bit strange that, with all of the unique and exotic options I’ll be staying in my own country for this trip. Then again, with readers from all over the world, Oregon may seem exotic to some (FYI – it won with 38% of the vote). Perhaps this is a great way to show that you don’t have to go far to have adventure. Doing a trip without planning can make for some amazing adventures. Oh, and they make wine there so there will definitely be some adventure in that.

Just to explain to the new virtual travel buddies how this works; in most cases I leave for the trip within two weeks of the voting cut-off. I’ll find fun and interesting things to do, places to stay, people to talk to and more. I’ll tell you stories from the places that you decided to send me, give you links to the activities, accommodations, restaurants and, in the last article of the series, provide you with an expense report. No, I don’t expect that you’ll reimburse me (although I wouldn’t turn it down), but this will help you have some idea of a budget should you decide to do a similar trip.

Another important aspect is the volunteer part. Once I arrive at the location, I’ll find a deserving organization or project with which to spend a day, or part of a day, volunteering. I’ll tell you the stories from my experience and, on my philanthropic site www.Rebel-With-A-Cause.org, I’ll tell you more about the organization or project, who they help, and how you can get involved.

Lastly, due to the overwhelming interest and support of the Drop Me Anywhere project, I’ve decided to write a book. Watch for, “Drop Me Anywhere – A Travel Memoir with a Twist” in 2015. It will be a memoir of the year of doing this project and will include many of the stories from the blog written in memoir format and the joys and hardships of making this project happen. It will also include the stories from Rebel-With-A-Cause, as well as the untold stories from the road. “What?” you ask. “I thought we had an honest relationship and shared everything!” Well, you thought wrong. I’ve saved some of the stories which I hope will entice you to buy the book (see how I did that?). Remember, in a previous entry I mentioned that men always ask if I’m going to write about them? Well, the book will be the place. If you’re a publisher or agent, yup, we should talk. If you’re a man I’ve been romantically involved with during this project, you’ll be famous!

So, now all I have to do is figure out how I’m going to get to the Willamette River. From there, we’ll play it by ear. Don’t forget to subscribe by clicking that little box on the left which allows you to be a Virtual Travel Buddy. You can also follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr and Google+ (dear God that’s a lot of communicating). You’ll also get to see the Daily Travel Quote in order to inspire you to get outside your comfort zone and travel. Please feel free to contact me through the website or social media to ask questions, make comments or book me for speaking engagements.