A Wedding, a Road Trip, and One Hell of an Adventure - June - July, 2023 

In late June of 2023, my niece was getting married, and she asked me to play at her wedding. That’s the kind of honor you don’t take lightly. Of course, I said yes. The wedding was in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania—a solid 1,000-mile trek from home.

Here’s the thing: I don’t take my guitars on airplanes. I’ve seen too many musician friends watch their beloved instruments come off a flight in pieces, and I wasn’t about to let that happen to mine. So, I did what any reasonable, slightly stubborn musician would do—I decided to drive the whole way.

And then the real question hit me: How do I make this more than just a long haul on the interstate?

A simple road trip to a wedding quickly turned into one of the most incredible adventures I’ve had—4,500 miles, 10 states, and a lifetime of stories.

02/06/2025

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"Engage"

The Journey Begins

The first stop? The Future Birthplace of James T. Kirk in Riverside, Iowa. Because if you’re going to take a long road trip, why not kick it off with a little sci-fi history?

"Love when you can, cry when you have to, be who you must its a part of the plan"

I made my way to Peoria, Illinois, to visit the Dan Fogelberg Memorial—a tribute to an artist whose music, much like my own, tells stories of life’s twists and turns. DId I mention Dan is my favorite artist of all time? 

Resist the temptation

Money can't buy happiness, but money can buy guitars and it's the same thing.... lol

A Musician’s Pilgrimage

Since this whole journey started because of music, it only made sense to stop at the Martin Guitar Factory in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. If you’ve ever played a Martin, you know the magic they hold. Walking through the factory, seeing how these legendary instruments are crafted, was something special. I may not let my guitars fly, but I sure as hell respect the craftsmanship that goes into making them.

Then, finally, the reason for it all—Katie’s wedding in Breinigsville. Seeing family, celebrating love, and playing for my niece on her big day made every mile worth it.

I'm just an old Hippie at heart

The Road Calls Again

But I wasn’t done yet. With the open road ahead, I set my sights on Bethel, New York—the site of Woodstock 1969. Standing there, thinking about the music, the chaos, the history… let’s just say, you could feel the energy in the air.

Sitting on a rock, and just taking the peace and beauty in.

Yeah. this did not suck!

From there, I craved some natural beauty, so I made my way to the White Mountains in Lincoln, New Hampshire for 5 fantastic days of hiking. Crisp air, towering peaks, and a little time sitting on a rock, soaking in the solitude—it was exactly what I needed before heading south.

Family, History, and Hidden Wonders

Next up, Washington, D.C., but this time, it wasn’t just about seeing the sights—it was about seeing Chad. Visiting my son in the heart of the nation’s capital made this stop even more meaningful. We caught up, talked music, life, and everything in between. No matter how many miles I travel, those moments with family always mean the most.

 

After some time with Chad, I continued on, heading toward Blackwater Falls in West Virginia, where I found one of the most stunning waterfalls I’ve ever seen. Nature always has a way of putting things in perspective.

What lies below

Then came Carter Caves in Kentucky—a hidden gem filled with underground wonder. Walking through those caverns, you’re reminded just how much there is beneath the surface—literally and figuratively.