Thanks for stopping in. I appreciate all of your interest in the things I like to talk about. Hope that many of you will find the information and stories I provide helpful in whatever ways you can think of. Whether it be for motivational reasons, technical help in planning your own trip, or an attempt to cure a bit of boredom; It’s all up to you!
I started this blog around February 2012 in anticipation of documenting and sharing the first large trip of my life on a bicycle.
The plan was to cycle, with no prior touring experience, from Montreal, QC- Halifax, NS with a friend. When my friend was not able to join, I was a bit frustrated and lost at first. How was I going to do this sort of thing by alone?
When I discover http://www.couchsurfing.org, the idea of going alone seemed plausible. The final destination I wanted to arrive at increased in distance to Gros Morne, Newfoundland. If anyone were to come along to Halifax, they were definitely out with the extended route!
If you go to some of my first postings a few pages back you will see that I documented the preperation process and accumulation of neccassary funds via WordPress and video. The entire trip is now documented on this blog.
Eventually, I will compile and edit footage from the tour to create a small documentary about my experience. The documentary will cover my experience but more importantly, the harsh realization I was presented with toward the end of the trip.
The Purpose of this Blog:
I want to share my experiences with as many people as possible, gather my own thoughts, and use the page as a tool to interact with others interested in these sorts of activities.
I’ve become aware of so many new oppurtunities and have been put in contact with all sorts from around the world. A case that would otherwise be impossible without such a tool.
You can expect detailed writings about my experiences on the road along with ever improving photography of my travels.
About Me:
Age: 21 from Toronto, ON. 4th year studying Operations Management in Montreal, QC
I am constantly and ever increasingly fascinated with people. I believe we are all connected in some way or another.
Taking calculated risks have offered me great rewards but of course, quite the opposite too. My current situation, my world-view and my physical body are testaments to some of the risky choices I have made.
I do not regret anything so far but have calmed down quite a bit since the mid-teen years.
I collect beer caps, enjoy cycling, seeing new places, taking pictures/footage ,meeting others, drinking/brewing beer, painting, and being outdoors.
From this past trip to Newfoundland and my efforts in filming the experience, I have become even more interested in this sort of hobby and want to continue documenting future travel experiences. It would be awesome to turn (what I think is a talent) into a satisfactory source of income.
One of my biggest dreams is to own and operate a self-reliant micro brewery in Canada.
See you on the road.
* All photos on this website are property of mackhops. Please do not use them without permission from myself. In most cases, I would be more than happy to have you use them with proper credit.
Did I mention that I LOVE your tagline? Live outside the box. Is there really any other way to live?
“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” —Oscar Wilde
I should have added “think outside the box” as well. I’ll send you some interesting lectures by a man named Alan Watts. I think you’ll enjoy them.
Sounds awesome!
On the socialization process, western culture, money, illusion, living now vs. continuously preparing for the future, seperate events VS. One continuous event, interrelatedness etc…
and this one is interesting too. There are hundreds more videos/lectures. Really interesting stuff
“I am constantly and ever increasingly fascinated with people. I believe we are all connected in some way or another.”
I feel the same way. It took moving to Asia for me to realize how strongly I believed this. Your trip looks amazing. I have a road bike and love to ride. My bike was the only thing I missed while in Asia. (Next time I’m bringing it with me.)
Thanks for stopping by site. I’m looking forward to checking out more of your posts about your journey. Truly impressive. And your pictures of Newfoundland look amazing. Definitely on my list of “to-sees.”
Jessica,
But I look forward to the summer where I plan to post up in Rio, Brazil for 5-6 months. From there, I’ll venture into the surrounding areas hopefully while documenting beer,food,culture sort of thing in select villages. Kind of like an Anthony Bourdain thing but with more emphasis on beer/alchol culture!
It’s too bad not everyone thinks the same way. Actually, scratch that thought. It’s fine because it’s the diversity within and outside a culture that is interesting. How boring would it be if everyone thought the same way? You should definitley bring the bike along. You can cover alot of ground, get into places you can’t with a car, and it’s better for you and the environment. The trip is complete but the journey is always ongoing
If you have any specific questions about Eastern Canada or Newfoundland, feel free to ask. I’ll try to help out best I can.
Thanks for stopping by and nice to meet you
Mac
Nice to meet you, too! And Brazil sounds like an amazing trip! Documenting the local food/alcohol culture? An excellent plan. I’m officially jealous.
Yes I have no clue what to expect! Never been to South America. I think it will be interesting to see Rio before and after the FIFA and Olympics next summer!
Happy Blog-aversary, Mac! Wonderful to make your acquaintance; I’m enjoying your photos and adventures!
Hey Victoria! Thank you. I really appreciate the thought and interest in the blog. Glad you like the photos. There are many more to come. All the best,
Mac
A boundary tester, eh? Warning! Warning! No… good on you. An edge type of person. Great photo too
Hey Mack – I grew up by a train track and nearly sixty decades later can still recall the rolling thunder of excitement that would cascade through me as a freight train rolled by. It will never leave me.
Be encouraged!
Stephen- I can toally believe that. I don’t think people give trains enough credit. If you ever ride on in a container car; that same feeling is amplified by 100000X
Thanks for stopping by,
Mac
Great experiences!!!! Keep it up…
(crazy things like getting hit by cars, and having broken bones, and being arrested
)
Well those I never intended. When you put yourself out there so often your are bound to get unlucky here and there. In these cases though, I feel i was lucky. I am not dead!
Anyways, I have learned from these situations and many others and they are most likely going to be avoided in the future. “failing is a big part of growing into something better” ahha
love your about me! i feel i can relate, to some of it…not to the crazy things youve done. do you love doing things to get your adrenaline going specifically?
Thanks for the comment. Well yes and no. I like doing things that make me feel alive and test my physical boundaries. Even more so, I like to accomplish things. This is the most important to me because it gives me self-satisfaction. I like pushing others to their limits as well
.
Thanks for following, there’s going to be some very interesting stuff up here soon!
Mac
Love your blog as well! We are a lot alike!
Thanks for checking it out! Comments and likes go a long way. I just started this blogging biz.
Thanks Sherry.. I wish i could give you an award for being the first commenter on the about page! hehe
Hi Mac…I love your bio. You sound like such a fun person! Just continue being you and the world is your oyster! A little corny, but true! ~Sherry~