LFS: The Storyteller

©2013 Text & Photos by LeeZard Monday September 2 – Fredonia, NY-Meronci, MI For the first time in my journey, I have nothing to say about my drive from one location to another. With a few exceptions, such is freeway driving in the United States. Instead, I settle in to listen to an eBook, Infamous, a novel by Ace Atkins. It is a wry, gritty crime drama set in the 1930s featuring George “Machine Gun” Kelly. The time and the miles fly by. I actually didn’t know I was going to Meronci, MI. In fact, it doesn’t even appear on Google Maps unless you search for it – which I didn’t. It seems there isn’t much in Southern Michigan, except for Toledo, OH. Look at a map. When choosing a destination I look for a place within about 300 miles with nearby camping. My preference is a city, county, state or national park/recreation area, etc. The problem in Southern Michigan, at least according to Google Maps, is that the nearest campground to any town or city – other than Toled...

Friday August 30 – Cooperstown, NY-Fredonia, NY I wish I could stay in Cooperstown longer. My half-day at the Baseball Hall of Fame was merely a tease but there’s more to this place than just the HOF. First of all, it is simply a beautiful village in a magical forest setting. The people in this tourist town are very friendly and it seems more sincere than a plastic “buy my stuff” kind of friendly. Then there is the history. Judge William Cooper founded the village in 1786. His sixth child, James Fenimore Cooper, is generally considered America’s first great novelist. He is best known for the classic Last of the Mohicans. Finally, there is the Stagecoach Coffee House and Roastery. A small, family-run business, it is by far one of the best coffee houses I’ve visited in more than 6,000 miles (so far). Alas, I must leave to focus on my primary mission and so I hit the road for my next stop, Fredonia, NY. Before leaving Cooperstown, however, I drop a resume off at the Hal...