Being a Road Scholar by @DougDowen

I invited Doug Dowen to write a guest post for TellingTales after he asked me to do the same for his Common Voice blog. I've never met Doug in person -- we know each other via Twitter. I'm fascinated that he manages to blog each day. Here, he explains how he got started and shares his views.

What does it take to be a "Road Scholar"? There are no real qualifications, actually.

Late last year I was contemplating making some sort of entrance into the blogosphere. I tossed an idea out via Twitter... just to see what kind of feedback I could garner.

I actually didn't know what to expect, but, surprisingly, a couple of my mutual follows on Twitter called me to the challenge to blog every day for a year. That may seem like nothing exciting, or even remotely interesting, but since I drive a truck throughout the U.S. I thought there may be some good stories on occasion.

 The term "Road Scholar" - as is obvious to see - is a play on the term "Rhodes Scholar." I've never gone to college, but there is a lot one can learn driving a truck (I've learned more about geography as a driver than as a high school student).

 However, "The Road Scholar" series is more than just a blog of a truck driver... at least I hope it is. Hearing about bad experiences at a grocery warehouse generates little, if any, interest.

 But to get a basic understanding of the different cultures, from small towns to metropolitan cities (not to mention the different attitudes as well), and the periodic snapshot of picturesque scenery than many may not have the opportunity to see otherwise... now THAT would make for good reading material.

I do go on a rant from time to time, whether it's to point out the erratic behavior (and complete disregard for others - and that includes OTHER truck drivers), or venting my frustration of self-serving protests (the "Occupy" movement) or irresponsible leadership (our own government)... well, that can also make for good reading.

 I've always tried to present a neutral point of view when opining on social/political subjects. Basically, "The Road Scholar" is about one man's perspective of the country that he drives through on a daily basis, and presenting it to others - with photographs, whenever possible - whom either would not see it any other way, or take such panoramic views for granted.

There's a long road ahead - I hope you'll come along.

Doug spent eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Now he drives a truck. He's been happily married for 18 years and has four sons.