I was born under a wandering star. The excitement of travel has always been a part of my being.

I left college after my second year; I was bored. I had this unrelenting urge. I kept wondering what was over that hill and beyond that river. I wanted to meet and talk with people from unfamiliar places, to appreciate other people's way of life, and to visit far-away cities and towns.

Now that we are retired, something about the unknown still captivates me and my wife, Diane. The excitement and opportunity to be in wondrous places, to taste and enjoy new foods, and to develop new friendships became a fascinating fixation. We wanted to realize the grandeur and saga of North America with its varied and distinct cultures and history.

The story of Boston is far removed from that of San Antonio or New Orleans. The Yankees of the North are different from the Good Ol' Boys in the South. We speak the same language, but it's the dialect, food and social environment that makes us somewhat different.

For example, a New York City native goes to the theater and night-clubbing off Broadway, while in Columbia, South Carolina, a respectable native would rather have a neighborly barbecue and go bass fishing on the Santee.

The idea of traveling throughout North America unrestricted and without an agenda or schedule was overwhelming. Diane and I knew unexpected hurdles and challenges would come our way where at times we would need to deviate from our lifestyle of the past, but we began to make plans to tour the back roads of America.

We wanted to get off the beaten path and ride highways that were less traveled by tourists. We desired to take roadways winding through the hillside to quaint villages and towns with charming gazebos in public parks.

We looked forward to country roads that passed picturesque shops, mom-and-pop cafes and rustic taverns where we could stop to enjoy the cuisine and the chatter of local folks. We sought out forest maps with roads that would lead to meadows laden with colorful wildflowers, forests of green and gold and flowing streams with babbling brooks.

The time finally came to announce to the family and close friends our intentions and the steps already in place. A decision of this magnitude affects others in the family. We wanted them to know we were planning for a lifestyle change and extended travel would be in our future. Appreciatively, they were understanding and supportive.

Nevertheless we can recall several who were dazed and surprised when told:

• You're going to do what?
• Where will you live?
• When will you be leaving?
• How long will you be gone?

And the one comment heard most often: "I always wanted to do that, but ..."

Another topic that concerned many people was how we would get our mail. In our case, we didn't expect many bills. We planned to pay as we go, and for those few annoying monthly bills we would pay electronically. We decided on a mail forwarding company as a government address and for other correspondences and junk mail.

Everything was set. Our plan was beginning to unfold. A decision had been made, and we looked forward to our new chapter in life.