It's not often that people drop their job and sell their houseto go explore and witness the splendor of another country. ButBritish native Robert Hudson is doing just that, with his two-yearjourney to explore U. S. rivers and waterways.
"I decided to explore the rivers of the United States viahovercraft about three years ago," said Hodson, who began his tripin the spring. "I'm not much of a sailor or navigator, and sincethe hovercraft travels above the water, there's not too much worryabout having a smooth ride. It was probably about six years agothat I actually came up with the idea and the dream began this yearwhen I set out on April 7."
Hodson said he has held many interesting positions, includingstate management for the Saudi royal family.
"My main love is the outdoors though," he said. "I have been agardener and like to be involved in rivers, outdoor education andforestry."
Hodson made a stop in Memphis to make repairs on his hovercraftbefore moving on. Jim Hardin, University of Memphis adjunctprofessor of history and political science, offered Hodson a placeto stay and an opportunity to speak to a group of students in hisworld politics class.
"I met Mr. Hodson through a mutual friend who is helping himrepair his hovercraft," said Hardin. "I believe his project iswonderful. He is traveling the rivers and seeing a side of Americayou cannot see on American or British television. He has themakings of a great documentary or book with the stories he'scollected so far."
The statement rang true as Hodson recounted a few tales duringhis lecture to Hardin's students.
"I remember when I started out I was on the Savannah Riverasleep in my craft and awoke to the sounds of what I believe arecalled rednecks," Hodson said. "They were out hunting gators andhogs and such so yes, I've run into quite a few people. That's oneof the reasons for making this journey, to experience and interactwith the people on the rivers."
Mark Grizzard, junior mechanical engineering major, said he isintrigued at the method of travel Hodson is using to cross therivers.
"I am thinking of building a hovercraft in my spare time,"Grizzard said. "I think it's great he is using this mode oftransportation to get across the United States."
Hodson said books and magazines such as National Geographic arewhat got him interested in exploring in the first place.
"This thing really is a personal venture for me," Hardin said."I figured while I'm of age I should go out and do what I desire toinstead of waiting until I'm 60. I'm not trying to break anyrecords, and I may do some filming and writing by the end of it.Actually, the bottom line is I'm just enjoying myself."
Hardin said he feels Hodson's project is relevant today for acouple of reasons.
"First, it's unique in this day and age to explore the UnitedStates by river, which by all accounts is pretty well settled andexplored," Hardin said. "It has a Lewis and Clark feel to it andappeals to the human spirit of exploration. Second, with all thetalk you hear about how the English and Europeans dislikeAmericans, it is refreshing to see a man from England take aninterest in seeing America from the influence of media.
"If a documentary or book comes out of this project, it could bea wonderful bridge between the Atlantic and our cultures."
