Bowling Across America

If I could do one thing in all 50 states, I think it would be to get a massage.

Or eat chocolate.

Or eat chocolate while getting a massage.

Mike Walsh, on the other hand, wanted to bowl in all 50 states. And he did it, too. He accomplished his goal.

His bowling adventures are detailed in his recently-published book called -- what else? -- Bowling Across America: 50 States in Rented Shoes.

I read it and it got me thinking about the difference between aimless travel and a travel quest.

I've done both, and each has its rewards.

While I tend to be a proponent of the "aimless" brand of travel, I cannot in good faith say that most of my trips are itinerary-free.

On the other hand, there is something to be said for having a travel plan, for setting yourself on a course and sticking to it. There is a certain amount of satisfaction felt when you reach your final destination.

But I wondered what Mike Walsh thought. His bowling quest lasted 6 months and put 25,000 miles on his car. That's a long way to go to fulfill a dream.

I sent him an email to see if he thought the bowling quest had been worth it. Check back tomorrow to see what he had to say.