8. Reality
I am in Greensboro, NC. And this - I’m afraid to say - is a very very real video.
This was recorded by Katie on my crappy backup second camcorder video camera this morning, and hence the poor quality, apologies. Note: There is some strong language.
They took my main kick-arse video editing PC. My Sony HVR-A1U DV video camera. My Nikon D200 stills camera. About $6000 of technology, taken, stolen, gone, kaput. And without it, I don’t know if I can carry on.
They also got the TomTom GPS, my iPod (and with my PC gone, all my music that I’ve built up over the last five years, and if you know me you’ll know how much that hurts), and Katie’s iPod & work cell phone. Gone gone gone.
I did bring my laptop in, so I’ve got that, and my cell phone, and my crappy camcorder video camera. Otherwise you wouldn’t be reading and seeing this right now.
Yes I should have brought it all in over night. I know. Don’t tell me that. I know.
The road trip was meant to be the answer to the “So what now?” question with regards to my life, and now it’s fucked, totally fucked.
I don’t think I deserved this. Maybe you think different. Maybe I should just give up and go home. I don’t know, I just don’t know.
What do I do?
After living in London for the first 33 years of my life and working for the 
So for ten weeks in June, July and August 2009, I drove 20,000 miles around the the lower 48 contiguous states of the USA visiting towns and places that shared the same name as places on The London
June 29th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
I am so sorry, Geoff. Maybe we should all band together and get you back on track. That really, really sucks. I think I’m safe to say that we all have been enjoying following your journey. I’d be sad to see it end like this, making you hate the US forever.
June 29th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
S**t.
Sorry, man.
Tried filing a crime report, and seeing if there’s a claim on the insurance?
June 29th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Do it on the cheap, in the grand spirit of road trips?
How many subscribers do we have? 1000? We all chip in $5 each…
June 29th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
I guess you’re not insured? If you are.. you’re fine.
But. You have the back up camera. You have a laptop. You managed to post this video.
You’re alive. You weren’t shot. (Its America!)
Carry on! Yes, it sucks.. its sucks HUGELY, but do not let the twats win. Buy a cheap GPS system.. Carry on!
Fate. Take a deep breath, have a drink, try and trust in fate, and CARRY ON DRIVING!
June 29th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Aww, shit! You must be feeling so angry & low…
No, you & Katie didn’t deserve this…
I second almost witty, on both counts. Is there any way we can help, even if only monetarily??
June 29th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Damn.
Definitely file a report with the police. Get it on record. Do you have any type of insurance that would cover this? Cover any of this? What about the car’s owner? Their insurance my cover what was in the car.
Please don’t give up. I’d be willing to chip in a bit. You were meant to do this!
June 29th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
As I let you know, I’m pinging my network to see if some emergency tech rations can be cobbled together for you. You managed the iPod, and I think you can manage something a bit more radical…. let’s see what can be done!
June 29th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
oh honey. I’m so sorry. This made me cry too.
I so desperately want to give you a hug.
I wish any of us had the answers - if there’s anything at all we can do, as the
others have said, just shout. Can you call me? xx
June 29th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Did you report this to the police? Your location where this happened? Any description of the perps? If you need any help, my email is in the hidden metadata - please get in touch - we can likely get you some emergency assistance if you need that.
June 29th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
You got a paypal? You should totally get some donations…id be down to help get the word out!
June 29th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Dude, that really really sucks. Set up a pay-pal donation account, I’m serious. I’m giving you an hour before I do it for you.
June 29th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
I think I can understand how Geoff must feel right now, and how he wants to just quit. It shouldn’t make him hate the USA though, as this sort of shit unfortunately happens everywhere, and certainly in England too.
I know he is blaming himself right now for leaving stuff in the car overnight, but many of us have done the same thing; sometimes with similar consequences. I know I have.
What to do now? Soldier on with that equipment he has, or turn around, and perhaps do it again another time?
If I can be of any help0 whatsoever, shout out.
June 29th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
So sorry to hear about this. Don’t give up. L x
June 29th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
That sucks quite a lot. Sorry to hear about it.
June 29th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Geoff,
Sorry about your misfortune. Please, don’t let this setback (as enormous as it may be) stop you in your Quest with Underground USA. What can “we” do to help you? Tell us what equipment you were using and ALL of us can scan Craigslist, Online ads etc. and/or perhaps know someone willing to let you borrow equipment we (they) may not be using at this time. I’m certainly willing to contribute to a fund to help you achieve your objective(s). In the meantime, I’ll see what I can find out from friends here in Charleston. Hang in there. If you can make it through this crisis then you will inspire the thousands of people following you on your Journey. I’ve been where you are now (and much much worse) and if I could survive along the way, then I know you can too! Cheers and Beers, Kerry
June 29th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
On the bus so not watched the video but that’s really crap, I’m so sorry
You’re in NC aren’t you? I reckon you head home for now, get some rest and formulate a plan.
You’ve done it before with the 50p thing, I’m sure there’s plenty of us here who would put in a little more than that this time.
June 29th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
My dad suggests that you call the local news stations and see if they’ll do a local interest story on you. It would get you some publicity and maybe would make it more likely that they find the thieves.
June 29th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Of course you didn’t deserve this. Duh. But this could be an exciting new chapter: social media communities can take action like nobody else. just sit tight and let the network fire up.
just read these comments: this is why new media is different and better.
June 29th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Geoff I am so terribly sorry.
That sucks it really really really sucks.
Let me know if I can be of any help.
I would say take a break, figure some stuff out, and continue on…it may not be the original plan…but it adds to the story line?(I may be going to hell for saying that) I would not fault you at all if you stopped the project, but I think it would bother you if you left it unfinished.
Again I am so sorry Geoff. That video was absolutely heart wrenching. Please let me know if I can be of any help.
-KRM
June 29th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
That blows, Geoff. I’ve been there before and know how much of a sucker punch that is. Get the serial numbers to the cops asap. Most local police agencies have arrangements with pawn shops to report stolen property based on SN.
June 29th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
call me if you are still in town.
336 378 2516
June 29th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Welcome to America indeed.
I’m with theEX. Contact the paper and get some exposure and hopefully your stuff back.
Keep going Geoff. Check out insurance. Set up a paypal account.
YOU CAN DO THIS!! Consider it part of the journey.
And fucking HELL this is very SHITTY. I’m sorry.
Now go set up that paypal account Geoff.
Amy in BC
June 29th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
This is some rank bullshit.
But you soldier on dude!
June 29th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Geoff, I am soo sorry. I know how you feel. I was robbed in London and lost all my money,passport, camera etc costing several thousand. Please, set up the pay pal! I will dontate . We can all paypal and get you better euipment. Please do it and dont give up!! We are with you.
June 29th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Also…what about the local pawn shops up there? match any serial numbers, etc?
Your first reaction is quite appropriate….don’t give up though.
As was said before, start the paypal account, press, etc…
I really hate to be the “optimist” here— this will lead to something bigger and better!?
Don’t let those bastards win.
June 29th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Don’t give up and don’t lose hope. We’ll help you get back on track. You’ve got so many people behind you who want to see you make it to the finish line.
P.S. - I still hate you, but a little less today.
June 29th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
http://greensboro.craigslist.org/pho/
Its worth a shot to see if its on there. Good luck.
June 29th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Nobody is quitting on my watch, damnit.
June 29th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Geoff:
I only discovered your blog about 30 mins ago, following a post on Diamond Geezer’s blog, because I do love a good project/odyssey that has a slight hint of madness.
I’m sorry for what those thieving bastards did. I know I would be devastated if somebody nicked my D200.
Your readers have posted some great ideas above. Best of luck, mate.
Walker (Melbourne, Australia)
June 29th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
I’m in… don’t give up now Geoff!
June 29th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Hey everyone - Pal Pay site is in the works. Stay tuned for more info. I’ll let you know here, on Facebook, twitter, etc.
June 29th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Geoff, I was hooked on your journey (picked it up from dg). Really sorry to hear about the mess.
Set up the paypal account and count me in.
Rick (UK)
June 29th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
[...] roadtrip across the U.S. And on the morning of June 29th he awoke in Greensboro, NC, to find that roughly $6,ooo of computer, video and photography equipment had been stolen from his car while he [...]
June 29th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Shit. That absolutely sucks, it really does. I’m genuinely really gutted for you. Like most of the others have said, don’t give up - soldier on and better things will come off the shit that’s happened (sounds really cliched I know…).
And set up that paypal account - if there are 1000 people following you on this trip then that’s only $6 each to get you sorted again. As for your iPod collection - how much of it was bought online, and how much ripped from CDs? If mostly bought online, then maybe Apple might have records of everything you’ve bought online. Either way, to lose absolutely everything on your main PC is a nightmare - the laptop can be replaced, but the data can’t.
But yeah - let us all know when this paypal account’s up and running.
June 29th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
My heart is breaking for you! What the he’ll is wrong with people??!!!!!!!
June 29th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
DO NOT GIVE UP, GEOFF.
Carry on!
Set up the fund. I will give you at least 50p to carry on.
Seriously, though, this will be a legendary recovery.
Also, you could keep all your most valuable valuables in some sort of backpack and keep that with you whenever it’s sensible to do so.
You must not give up. The fun has just begun.
June 29th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Please don’t stop! If you stop then you’ve let the thieves win.
Noli nothis permittere te terere!! (Don’t let the bastards wear you down!!)
June 29th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Hey buddy.
Yeah, it’s shitty, but don’t give up. Take a day or two to vent and do what needs to be done, but keep at it. You’ll only kick yourself later on if you give up now.
Don’t let the bastards win.
June 29th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Geoff, that totally, totally sucks. I’m so sorry.
If there’s anything we can do, please let us know. I’d be happy to send a few bucks your way via PayPal.
June 29th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
this is really terrible news. but this is Geoff. and this is a Geoff situation. something happens - and he moves on, gets over it and does something even better than ever expected!
you can get over this - and you will. If you want to and can, take a couple of days to think it through. Then see how you feel about going on.
Stuff is stuff. Lifechanging experiences are lifechanging experiences.
take care and best wishes to Katie!
xx
June 29th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Geoff, this may suck I am sorry that you have had this happen, but as everyone here says… carry on dude… we are all living through you (vicariously) this summer! Count me in as far as paypal is concerned…. I have followed your blog for a few years now and your journey CANNOT END LIKE THIS!!! Everyday I fight some mini madness/battle here, where I live (Pakistan) so, your journey underground USA is really precious to me too) please carry on as we are all enjoying your trip with the rest of your “online” community
June 29th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
I’m so sorry. Don’t give up hope. And no, you didn’t deserve this.
June 29th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
50 pence, or even a £1, I am willing to donate that! As for the music, sorry to that dude!
Who is with me?!
June 29th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Geoff, Just reading this today-what a bummer. I’m in to help replace the stuff you need to continue-so send me a PayPal request and let me make a donation. I am enjoying your irreverent jaunts too much to see it end on such an awful note! Chin up guy, you still look perfectly handsome and healthy although the bare feet in the glass does make me wonder about the ale!
June 29th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Hey Geoff
That’s so shite… big hugs.
You’ve gotta keep going though hun. It’s just stuff that they’ve taken… life is about the experiences… don’t let them take those away from you too!
x
June 29th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Keep going Geoff - this is bad, but I think the other commentators have the right idea. You can try crowdsourcing funding if you need it, but you’ve got the camcorder, and that’s surely all you need?
You can’t give up now!
June 29th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Geoff my lovely - I’m so, so sorry. I know how much all this means to you. And on a selfish level, I was really enjoying all that high quality video stuff!!
However, I really do think that you need to carry on, and as Leigh (?) said, local news is the way forward. The American people will not want to think of this as your lasting impression of the USA and will want to do something about it.
I know that the loss of the hardware is not what’s important, it’s what’s on it. That’s what I hated when I had my bag stolen. They didn’t want my bag or its personal contents, just the money and the cards, but I still ended up losing all the rest.
However, I do remember a friend having her car broken into in France and they found the bag and non-valuable contents in a field a few weeks later. If that happens to your memory cards etc then there’s still hope for some of it.
I would stay put for a few days - see if any of the stolen kit turns up.
Then - onwards and upwards. Your friends and all those people that you don’t even know, all want this journey of yours to continue and will be more than happy to help where they can.
You are made of much sterner stuff than these opportunistic bastards can have a hope of grinding down.
xx
June 29th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Eventually we’ll have a full site up, but in the meantime if you’d like to help, head here http://thedigitel.com/helpgeoff or just donate at http://tipjoy.com/joy/265465/
June 29th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
I would encourage anyone else to make a contribution to Geoff when they get the chance. I want to see his faith restored and his quest continue. Without, dare I say it ‘eccentric’, people like Geoff the world would be a lesser place and this quest should not end on that note.
Also I can post some film SLRs if needed, I have dozens in storage but all relics, but I am sure you can do better than that.
Bob
June 29th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Hopefully it goes without saying that anyone reading this would happily contribute to a fund to replace the kit and/or cover your expenses for you to continue. My hunch is that if you packed it in now you’d regret that decision in the weeks or months ahead. Perhaps an alternative would be to downsize a bit in scope - Just zone 1? Just the circle line? etc etc.
I completely understand how devastating the loss of the music will be. Would you like to borrow my old 80gb videopod, filled up with tunes. I could get it to you within a week and could manage without it till the autumn. It’s a bit light on PSBs and similar synth-pop but it might tide you over. This is a genuine offer - I’d just need to know where to send it.
Keep your chin up… Love from all in Tooting. And on the brighter side, Torchwood starts next week
June 29th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Geoff, your sister just phoned me and told me the news. I am absolutey devastated, and shed a tear or two with you. Anything Jon I can do for you we will do. We will check out the ‘Save Geoff’ site. and see what’s happening. Thank God you are both alright tho. I agree with ex’s Dad, get on to the local T.V., radio and press, maybe the thieves will think it’s not worth keeping the stuff if it’s ‘hot’.
We are all with you. XXX
June 29th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Website set up by Charleston online community to help Geoff. You can follow @helpGeoff.
If we all pitch in, we can help him get equipmnet he needs to continue journey …
And mebbe have some left over to get the mental help he needs (love you, darling!!!) xoxoxox
June 29th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Oh sorry forgot the
June 29th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
here is address for blog: http://helpgeoff.wordpress.com/
June 29th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Geoff, some of the best artistic work comes from despair. Don’t give up and use what you have to make it that much better. You will probably get more attention to your project (which in advertising dollars will outweigh your financial loss of equipment) due to the kindness of your friends and the community. You can turn this thing around.
June 29th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
First off don’t quit, if you do you let the bastards win, and no you did not deserve this. I have been reading your blog for some time now, and this idea of the London underground in the USA, was just inspired.
Sent up a paypal account and let us help.
June 29th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Geoff!
DO NOT GIVE UP!!! At least keep on going until Chicago!
I am in for a heck of lot more than a few bucks. You can use a $10 Road Atlas available at any Walmart–that’s how we did it back in the dark ages. I don’t know about video, but you managed to post this one.
What is the bare minimum you need?
Please tell us!
June 29th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Very sorry about the crime. I am from NC and agree that you should immediately contact the newspapers and TV stations and get some publicicy.
Someone will narc out the perps for the reward money and you should be able to get some of your stuff back.
I will give $20 to a fund if you have one.
June 29th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
I’ve watched and re-watched your video about 3 times so far - I feel numb! I haven’t a clue what to say - how can we help you Geoff?
But I agree with the others, carry on, you can’t let these people win! Besides, what will I do for the rest of July and August now?!
Take care mate, chin up!
June 29th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
OK, people. Here’s a link to a number of ways you can make a donation to get Geoff back on the road…
http://thedigitel.com/helpgeoff
June 29th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Donation done! (PayPal)
June 29th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
I gave $20.
June 29th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Don’t let the idiots get you down Geoff. Be sure that the one thing that feels worse than being robbed is being a robber.
June 29th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
[...] there’s been a huge snag. last night, pretty much all his stuff was stolen from his car. $6k in electronics, [...]
June 29th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Gutted for you, Geoff, completely gutted.
I’ll be contributing asap and I really hope you decide to carry on. Whilst some of us may not communicate as often as others, the level of support you’ve received so far clearly shows that an awful lot of people are routing for you. You provide all of us with so much through your blog, in different ways depending of who’s reading, and it’s the least we can do to help you out this time around.
I look forward to hearing how your journey progresses once things have settled down.
Take care and good luck.
June 29th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
Geoff, DO NOT QUIT. Don’t let the Bar*****s win. I’ve been done three times in two years times in sunny England and it hurts but you CANNOT let them win. I’ve followed your blog from the 50p ipod times and this roadtrip with ever increasing interest. I’m always up for anything out of the ordinary and your blog certainly fits that category usually. Carry on, even with just blog updates we’d still follow, but at the end of the day the trip is still for you to work out what you want to do not us, but we’ll stick our noses in if you let us…..
June 29th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Don’t give up Geoff - you’ll regret it later. Being robbed is a thoroughly shitty experience that shakes you up - perhaps you could pause for a few days and resume once you feel up to it.
June 29th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
I donated $50 to ya Geoff- now please tell me that Khawkins is legit!
June 29th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
I gave ya some bucks and I posted the link to helpgeoff on my Facebook page with a brief explanation. Hey–you better get beack on the road–you’re going to have a lot more followers now. My peeps are pathetic old people like me who need to live vicariously through you. Don’t let us down!
You can do it. We got your back!
June 30th, 2009 at 12:08 am
Geoff - Absolutely gutted to hear your news
For the rest of you followers out there … (I have also posted this on the Help Geoff blog site, but thought someone might read this here and be able to take up the following challenge).
My first reaction was can we get in touch with a head office type persons in Apple, Nikon, Sony, Tom Tom in the US and get them to either “give” him replacement gear, or at least do him a deal at cost. Geoff has been an avid supporter and user of these companies kit over the years, so I would hope they would have a heart!
I would try to make this happen from NZ, but it would be quicker if someone could take on the challenge from the US.
We will then all have to take it upon ourselves to spread the word about any companies that DO come to the party!
So anyone got time to make some calls???
June 30th, 2009 at 12:10 am
Dont give up. I know it must be hard for you
If the people who stole your stuff are aware of your trip and this site, and you give up, then they’ve one. They’ve ruined you.
But if you carry on, you show them that they didnt get you down and that you are stronger than them. They realise that what they did didnt ruin your plans and that you are still happy and determined to finish what you started
Cheer up
Things will improve.
June 30th, 2009 at 12:15 am
10$ safely paypaled (is that a word?) over
June 30th, 2009 at 12:26 am
Getting in touch with Metro, londonpaper and London Lite to try to rustle up a bit more support. Chin-up mate, stiff upper-lip and all that bollocks. Get back on the road and carry on for us all. Don’t let the fuckers beat you, but enjoy the vodka in the meantime.
June 30th, 2009 at 12:59 am
Hang in there Geoff; there are many friends (and people you don’t even know) who are devastated that this has happened to you.
I have followed your blog for approx 3 years and, along with others, shared your excitement & enthusiasm for your “Underground USA” trip. We have silently wished/hoped that as well as the experience of the trip, it would provide the answers to your dilemma about where to be in the next stage of your life.
Take some timeout to get over the trauma, settle your thought processes and regroup your stamina,enthusiasm and (as I’ve noted over the 3 years)determination. You already know that you CAN get over this & will find your way forward to the future crossroads of your life.
Please know that sincere wishes & support are being sent your way from this random stranger; I feel privileged to join your family & friends posting here for you! (((hugs)))
June 30th, 2009 at 1:09 am
As someone who just stumbled upon you and your antics on Facebook and who really admires your spirit and ingenuity and downright determination to Get Things Done, I’d be more than willing to chip in to get you back on track. Please let us all know if you would consider this because even if we all made a small donation, with enough people involved, I reckon you could be back on track in no time. Maybe that’s what this trip was meant to show you? How much you’re loved by the people who know you and even admired and respected by the people who don’t. What an amazing gift to know how much you’ve touched people’s lives - strangers and friends alike. Do it man. Tell us how to give you cash.
June 30th, 2009 at 1:14 am
@Lisa–see the link under number 60. It was set up by Geoff’s former employer. I’m having trouble actually paying on the Tip, so maybe just go through Paypal.
and you’re right–this is to show Geoff that we are behind him.
Geoff, we want you to keep going! What else can we do?
Call me at 803 467 7586 if you need practical or logistical support or just want someone older who’s on this continent to talk to. I have connections, too.
June 30th, 2009 at 2:09 am
http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/06/29/article/theft_a_setback_in_bloggers_trip_across_america
Nice artical in Greensboro paper. Push on Geoff! Seize the opportunity.
June 30th, 2009 at 2:24 am
There’s a big hug being sent telepathically from me to you. I can’t imagine how devastating this has been for you. It’s not just about the equipment, it’s about all the personal data (music, photo’s, documents, spreadhsheets, emails etc) that have gone as well; and it’s about the violation of your own personal rights.
Continue on, don’t give up, don’t go home. Nobody said the trip was going to be easy; even you knew it was going to be tough, and now it’s going to be even tougher, but when you get to the end, the elation you will experience will be phenomenal and the memories of the trip will live with you forever.
I know how important music and its relationship to past and present experiences mean to you, so there’s an itunes gift card on it’s way to you (you just need to let me know where to send it); and a HelpGeoff donation has been made.
Take care my friend, breathe deep and keep going!
June 30th, 2009 at 2:31 am
have given to the fund!
of course we all want to see you continue if you can!
June 30th, 2009 at 3:11 am
Can someone tell me how many different funds we have going and where we can see the tally?Me, being the suspcious cop I am, want us to be careful. By the time Geoff sobers up it will hopefully look good for him.
June 30th, 2009 at 3:45 am
Get that police report and start scouring the pawnshops around where you are. Chances are that it was a crackhead and your gear will very quickly show up inn a pawnshop (read polite wording for a fence…..). Your PW and stuff on the computer as well as files will quickly ID it for you.
June 30th, 2009 at 4:19 am
Hang in there, buddy. Help’s on the way. Now’s the time to tap into that classic British stoicism. Nobody can steal a man’s spirit.
June 30th, 2009 at 4:24 am
Oh, man. What a nightmare. I know you were scheduled to come to Hampstead soon and you have a place to stay here in Wilmington if it’s still on. I’ll help you any way I can here. Where there’s a will there’s a way, and you’ve got a helluva lot of friends Geoff. Keep at it!
June 30th, 2009 at 4:35 am
Hope our donation helps you get back on track. You are a great guy and appreciate all you have done for me .
Your Pal……..Mike
June 30th, 2009 at 6:23 am
I’ll be sending you some $ tomorrow, assuming everything goes well. I read the newspaper article. I think it will help you out immensely. I’ve had my car broken into three times, and been pickpocketed twice, so I know how shit it can be. Chin up, and I hope to meet you in August if you’re still thinking about coming through Austin.
June 30th, 2009 at 7:57 am
Sorry to hear what happened Geoff.
June 30th, 2009 at 8:33 am
What a right royal bugger - But Geoff, don’t give up, have been enjoying your write ups. Don’t let the bastards force you to quit.
June 30th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Hi Geoff,
You don’t know me. But a mate of mine put me onto your adventure and I’ve been following it the best I can. I’m a bit busy preparing for a huge roadtrip of my own you see. I and two mates are taking a crap Malaysian car to Mongolia in 3 weeks time.
I can’t imagine how shit you’re feeling at the mo, but if I know if the same sort of thing happens to us on the road, we’re not going to let it stop us cracking on and finishing the damn thing.
It’s a shit thing to happen, but it’s all part of the story, the adventure. It’s this sort of thing that makes the trip in the end.
Chin up mate. Take a couple of days off, get properly pissed & get it out of your system. Then get going again.
Look forward to reading the rest of the blog etc when I get back in August!
June 30th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Why not set up a “donate!” page on one of those “giving” websites. I can spare a few dollars as I’m sure many others can and would like to, to help you at this time of neeed? Keep us posted, won’t you?
June 30th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
I’m absolutely gutted for you mate and will definitely donate to keep you going.
June 30th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Ken (my boss the website in Charleston that I work for) has put this page up here:
http://thedigitel.com/helpgeoff
From there, there is a big shiny yellow ‘Donate’ button which will take you thru to paypal.
Apparantly, the TipJoy paged f’d up yesterday, so if you clicked through on that link, then you will have to cancel the transation here, and then go down the paypal route from that page instead.
still humbled.
June 30th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Geoff , that really sucks. Don’t give up. You know you will regret it if you quit now.
June 30th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Geoff, email and dollars sent yesterday, somewhere in your overflowing inbox!
@Dan - post 88 - thought you might be following!
June 30th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
I’m so sorry Geoff. That is such a bummer. Maybe we can get a fundraiser going? Let me know if you need some help!
June 30th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Not much I can say here that hasn’t already been said. There are some pretty shitty people in the world, but some great ones too. All these people here know you can carry on, and I’m sure, once you get over the shock, fury, and demoralizing feelings, you’ll be able to carry on!
I’m sure you’ve talked to Dan as I’ve seen Janet’s post here, so I’ll let them tell me if there’s anything I can do from here in NC.
Keep your chin up, that Brit backbone in place, and repeat after Catherine Tate, “I’m not bothered!”
June 30th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
As several have said or hinted at, you go out to see the world and you get the world - mostly populated with lovely people who are inspired by your ambition and honoured to share in your achievements. And a few arseholes. Luckily only a few, and it’s just sheer bad luck to have brushed up against one. 95 supportive comments versus one arsehole. I think the balance is in favour of those who support you!
It’s only things that you’ve lost. Almost everything in human life is more valuable than things.
Earth: Mostly harmless
June 30th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Hello it’s me again, more messages from England for you. Marion sends her love, and Val from Kent sends best wishes too. Re:lost music, I have a CD you gave me of some of your fav songs, I can send it to you if you like for when you get a new iPod. Do you have any backups of anything, or is that a silly question?
June 30th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Geoff, that’s really shitty news. Glad you’re ok though. I’ve added $10 to your total. Would love to give more but I’m poor at the moment.
Mark
June 30th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Geoff,
So glad you’ve decided to carry on with the trip - a good decision I think (albeit from my perspective several thousand miles away!)
As promised last night, my donation has been made and 50 bucks should be on their way to you, courtesy of me and the wife. (First 50p, now $50. Where will it end, Geoff?)
Once again, good luck and I look forward to those new updates in due course.
Tugs
July 1st, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Geoff,
Don’t give up. Sent $5 your way…I wish I could send more. I heard what happened and it must have been a real punch in the gut. But don’t allow the loss of material things to stop you from pursuing such an amazing journey, one that so many people dream of having the opportunity to take. The loss of your video journals is truly discouraging, but as a hopeless roadtrip junkie, I can tell you that the beauty is in the taking, not the pictures you take along the way. Keep going!
-Leslie (at the Business Journal)
July 1st, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Geoff,
I am really sorry to hear about what happened.I have donated and hope it helps you get to the end of your trip.
Hang in there as you are tough lad from Saff Ldn.
Keep the stiff upper lip going and use the good memories so far to finish this trip.
Kwad
July 4th, 2009 at 3:36 am
I dumped 25 bux, hope it helps!
July 7th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Hi Geoff! I’m Guilford County Register of Deeds and live in Greensboro. We really do have a nice town and sorry some non-resident in our great city took your equipment.
Someone stole a camera lens of mine in London once. I understand. No grudges. Dropped $20 for your cause.
July 7th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Hey Geoff. In France right now doing my own pilgrimage so cannot hear sound on video but can see how upset you look! Back in the states in a week so I will send money then, but keep going! You can do this; you have dealt with worse and you are a strong and determined person. All the best and I will do whatever I can to help as soon as I get back.