America Road Trip 2016
In 2016 I embarked on a road trip to the US. I was invited by the band Mohawk Radio, who I am eternally grateful to for giving me the opportunity for such an experience.
The trip became the inspiration for my second novel, ‘Lost in Manchester, Tourin’ America’. A lot of fiction was added to the book, but the journey itself and the route taken was pretty much true.
While I was on the trip I wrote a series of blogs, documenting the trip. The absolutely truth around what actually happened on this monumental trip can be read via the posts below.
Mohawk Radio US Tour Pt1 – The Build Up
So here I am, sat inside Manchester Airport about to take the most important journey of my life to date. The time is 6.15 on a typically rainy Manchester morning. Still, that doesn’t stop me from ordering a pint of Fosters. It’s a holiday, it’s the rule. And it also calms my nerves for what is going to be a ten hour flight.
Mohawk Radio US Tour Pt2 – We Arrive in Vegas
So here I am, sat inside Manchester Airport about to take the most important journey of my life to date. The time is 6.15 on a typically rainy Manchester morning. Still, that doesn’t stop me from ordering a pint of Fosters. It’s a holiday, it’s the rule. And it also calms my nerves for what is going to be a ten hour flight.
Mohawk Radio US Tour Pt 3 – The Road Trip Begins!
Jet lag seemed to be setting in already as me and Sue were wide awake at about 6am. We got ready and packed, commenting on how the constant packing on this trip was going to be a ball ache. Well with all those shoes and cosmetics I have to put in my case it would be! We definitely brought too much stuff.
Mohawk Radio US Tour Pt 4 – Mohawk Radio in Tucson!
The trip so far is testing from a writer’s point of view. Not that I’m short of material, far from it, but I’m too busy to update. I’m having a blast and I don’t want it to end, that’s the important thing! Every day is different!
Mohawk Radio US Tour Pt 5 – Mickey & Noomie!
I’ve only really glossed over talking about our hosts in Tucson so far, and there’s a purpose to that. I wanted to dedicate a full post to them. On day five I got that opportunity. Today was all about Mickey & Noomie, possibly the nicest, most interesting and down to earth people I’ve ever met in my life.
Mohawk Radio US Tour Pt 6 – Sedona!
With Mohawk Radio having an early flight the following day, it was decided beforehand to drive up to Phoenix for the night so they could be closer to the airport for when they move onto Texas.
Mohawk Radio US Tour Pt 7 – Grand Canyon!
Today’s my birthday! Happy Birthday to me! I get the chance to go to The Grand Canyon, arguably the most impressive natural wonder site in the world. Once again, thanks to Sue for this amazing present! It really doesn’t feel like my birthday at all because I’m out here.
Mohawk Radio US Tour Pt 8 – Palm Springs!
Big driving day ahead today as we have another six hour onslaught to blast through. If I had to do this in the UK I’d be pulling my face dreading it, but it’s a different kettle of fish here. I’m relishing it, knowing that there’s going to be some sights to take in on the way.
Mohawk Radio US Tour Pt 9 – Los Angeles Pt 1!
Palm Springs has been a golden nugget found in a field of treasure, even if we’d only spent about fifteen hours or so there...but what a fifteen hours they were. We were back on the road bright and early, properly falling into the groove of travelling now, roaming from town to town, leaving a trial of memories in our wake across the land we explored.
Mohawk Radio US Tour Pt 10 – Los Angeles Pt 2!
We woke up on a bright and smoggy morning in Los Angeles realising that we’d not eaten for twenty four hours ever since we stopped at Desert Springs. Our hunger became more evident as the morning wore on so it was a necessity to get some food.
Mohawk Radio US Tour Pt 11 – Los Angeles Pt 3! On The Doors Trail
You can’t come to LA with the obsession I have about The Doors and Jim Morrison and not go on a little orienteering expedition to find key places in their history. The first part of the day is exactly how that was spent. Actually, I think a little bit of the whole day had some sort of reference to The Doors about it.
Mohawk Radio US Tour Pt 12 – Los Angeles – Guns n Roaches & Eviction Notices!
Late last night Mohawk Radio arrived, so the plan was to get down to Venice Beach, where they had their own Airbnb near the beach front, and spend the whole day and night with them on our final day in LA.
Mohawk Radio US Tour Pt 13 – Las Vegas: The Final Showdown
The last day on this epic journey has arrived. This is no time for quiet reflection on the past two weeks. There’s a lot of life left in this trip, and also a lot of mileage to cover on what promises to be one of the more exciting drives we’re about to take.
Mohawk Radio US Tour Pt 14 – A Reflection
I believe travel to be an essential part of life’s mystic journey, and it’s something I’ve always felt a deep connection and passion for in whatever form it takes. Before this particular journey began I had no idea what to expect on such a trip.