Hello!

My name is Daryl Lang. I'm a Canadian professional, blogger, and accidental disability activist. In the fall of 2018, I'm planning a 3-week trip from my home province of Alberta, Canada, to travel solo (with my guide dog) through Montana, with a few other stops along the way. My goal on this trip is to meet people, learn from them, enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and rediscover some lost pieces of myself... away from the comforts and familiarity of home.

I started planning this trip in the fall of 2017, booking train and bus tickets and AirBNBs as my budget afforded. Unfortunately, since then, several of my bus routes have been canceled altogether, and others have been changed to overnight routes whose arrival times may make it impossible to utilize the accommodations that I've booked. While I want to explore new places and meet new people, wandering around several unfamiliar cities in the middle of the night with nowhere to stay sounds a little more "adventurous" than prudent.

Why am I Asking for Your Help?

I decided to create this page as a way for friends, family, blog readers and community to support a really cool trip in a tangible way. Over the past several years, I've blogged several vacation journeys, and this trip will be no exception. In addition to posterity, I plan on blogging about this trip so supporters can see just how much their generosity can do. Even small donations go a long way toward transportation, food, and lodging. I'm a fairly thrifty traveler, but recent developments have completely shot my trip budget.

Where Will the Money Go?

- Transportation: I've booked one of my two flights and a train ticket, but almost all of my bus tickets are up in the air. If things don't change, I will be forced to choose between overnight bus trips and more expensive travel options (Uber, inter-city transport) which could run hundreds of dollars per trip. In addition, I will likely need to access taxis or ride-sharing options in some locations or at times where public transportation isn't available.

- Accommodations: I have attempted to book several AirBNBs, which meant disclosing the presence of my guide dog. Several hosts have declined my requests to stay in their home. Ultimately, most of the places I can afford are turning me away, and pet-friendly ones are exponentially more expensive. Location also matters, because - I don't drive - I need to be able to access shops and services and/or buses, and that determines the rates hosts are charging.

- Food: I'm thrifty, and plan on cooking or preparing my own food as much as I can, but that may not always be possible, especially on long travel days.

- Health insurance. I am a Canadian traveling to the US. While I don't wish to live in fear of accident, illness or injury, I want to also prepare for that possibility. The cost of a short-term insurance policy is much less than the cost of a doctor's visit or hospital stay.

- Extras: IF I can swing it, with your generosity, I'd love to take a day hike through Yellowstone National Park, take a tour of Seattle's coffee district, and enjoy a Colorado Avalanche preseason game (schedule depending).

What you can Do

- Support this Intrepid Journey! I will update as things come together, and of course blog while I'm on the road.

- Share this campaign with your friends, family, and networks - even shares can help contribute!

Every little bit helps!

Thanks in advance for your generosity!

Daryl

blindbeader.wordpress.com