A cross-country automobile-propelled journey in search of America's colorful landmarks and characters has inspired generations.
Canton resident Glenn Scanlan and his son Bill are in the midst of such a journey — one that can be followed on their word press blog at https://xcroadtrip.wordpress.com/.
The idea started at the end of January when Glenn Scanlan was laid off after 26 years with Aetna. But Scanlan left with a package that gave him a little time. At 52, he realized he spent half his life with the company.
It took a little time but Scanlan quickly learned to take advantage of the situation.
"It's been kind of a gift that I have the time and finances to take my time," he said.
As it turned out one of three children, Bill, who lives in Portland, Maine had the flexibility to join him.
"If we didn't do it now, when would we do such a thing?" Glenn Scanlan said.
So far the trip has been great, he said. Leaving the East coast has been an eye opener.
"We've met some lovely people," he said. "The pace changes, attitudes are different — a shirt-off-your back mentality."
The duo left on May 6 in a rented car, headed from Canton to Las Vegas.
There they will meet Bill's sister Emma an her boyfriend Nic, go to Los Angeles and drive up the coast to San Francisco and Sonoma before flying home on Memorial Day.
The two have already been to places such as Minnesota, the home of U.S. Grant in Galena, Illinois where we visited the home of U.S. Grant., the Badlands, Mount Rushmore and others.
Bill Scanlan said the two are great traveling partners.
"Our neurosis overlap," he said. "We're a good pair."
One of those phobias, "nasty bathrooms," will likely be cured by the time they return home.
Follow the journey in words and original photographs at https://xcroadtrip.wordpress.com/
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