About Mike
Hello Friends,
My name is Mike Bukach; I’m a native Clevelander, a former-New Yorker, and current resident of Columbus, Ohio – where I’m the Senior Writer for an awesome Health Tech company. I edit, write copy, and create content whilst dabbling in freelance work.
This website is a culmination of travel stories melded with beer soaked ramblings – some of which have been published.
Majority of these adventuring tales are centered domestically, having visited all fifty United States by the ripe age of thirty; an accomplishment I am quite proud of, and will hopefully have the opportunity convert into a Lifetime TV Movie where I’m played by Sean Connery circa 1973. Yesh.
Thanks for stopping by,
-Mike
My best used-car salesman impression
Materials found within this blog are copyright under Roam About Mike, and are not to be used without permission from author. If you do so, you shall suffer unmentionable medieval indignities, and a much skinnier wallet.
Blog looks great Mike! I’m now a loyal follower! Can’t wait to see Sean play you on life time, I wonder if David Fincher will direct…and use his Benjamin Button youthing machine on Sean to get that classic 73′ feel. If you have any pull on the film I would also like to see a cameo where you and Michael Keaton do a little fly fishing in Montana…circa Batman Returns, kinda like River Runs Through It father son moment. Just a thought. Keep up the incredible work!
Thanks, Nate! Sean has been spotted in the city of Petra again, scouring the landscape for the immortality energy drink that brought him back at the end of Last Crusade.
As long as your movie consists of majority of David Bowie songs also… it will be a hit soundtrack! This looks awesome bro, love the look of everything and cannot wait to read all that you post. You have so much to share and I know others will be captured by your passion for travel as well as your sense of humor. Great stuff
I like Mike.
Great site Mike! I’m a fan.
Thanks, Carole!
You are hilarious! I found your blog on the WP “fresh pressed” blogs and I just spent over an hour reading through your blog and it felt like ten minutes.
Thanks, Lucy. I’ll try to have more soon!
Hey Mike – You seem to like coffee and travel (Italy?). http://italyin30seconds.wordpress.com welcomes your caffeinated comments.
Very cool. Love the idea! Keep it up.
My daughter seems to run on the same fuel! One doesn’t dare talk to her until the first cup of caffeine. Enjoyed your blog — very funny.We write a daily blog together based on our experience of living together (Boomer and Boomerang) as adults…fun times for all. I think your sense of humor is just dark enough to appreciate us! heymaimhome.wordpress.com
Thanks Laurie, as soon as the Freshly Pressed moniker dies down a bit, I’ll do my best to take a look.
Hi Mike, I have nominated you for the Illuminating Blogger Award (http://foodstoriesblogcom/food-stories-award on the blog http://foodstoriesblog.com/illuminating-blogger-award. You have a great blog.
Thanks so much for the nomination, Sil! Not sure why, just got your comment, for some reason it went to spam, so I had to save it from being erased.
Thanks again!
You’re crazy and EXTREMELY funny! Looking forward to reading more craziness
.
PS: You are the first “blogstar” I follow haha and I’m quite impressed by your witty posts and how you manage to reply to every comment! Actually that’s why I’m following.
Why, thank you very much, Erika.
Thanks for reading, hope you stick around
Very very far from being a blogstar, but that’s very nice of you.
Thanks for following Mike…I thought about your description of New Orleans heat last week while sitting on the tarmac at McCarran International in a plane with a malfunctioning A/C…
No problem, Rob…liking the goods on your blog. Hahaha, it’s never good when my words ring synonymous with misery.
All 50 states before age 30? I’m jealous…and motivated. Thank you.
Excellent (the motivation part). Are you close to knocking them out?
I’ll have to revisit my tally but I think I’m only a third of the way. I have a lot I want to do in the next few years but making this (50 states) happen is certainly possible.
Definitely – go for it! I did 18 states in 2 years on consecutive cross-country road trips. If I can do it, you definitely can too.
HeyMike! Nice meeting your at randy and amber’s wedding
Hey! You too, thanks for stopping by this crazy blog.
http://thefanaticblogger.wordpress.com
You seem exactly like the sort of individual I would like to follow – in a non creepy, but strictly cyber space way. Will be reading about your US travel!
Haha follow away, thanks for curbing the creepery. And thanks for reading!
hey mike, any chance you’d like to write for ‘canadica’? there’s a post about it on my blog. been meaning to ask you. all i’d need is your email. and it’s very little work – one post every 6-8 months or so. let me know what you think. and hope all is well. much love, sm
Hells yeah! I’m on the road but will email you when I get back tonight
sounds great!
I emailed your @mac account.
cool. sent you a bunch of stuff today. sm
I found you through Recommended Bloggers. I have to ask, where’s your Colorado category?
Hey, Susie!
So, I absolutely love Colorado – it’s my favorite state by far, I just haven’t written a blog piece on it because I’m shopping a short story for publication. If it doesn’t get picked up soon, I’ll put it up.
Thanks for stopping by!
Excuses, excuses! Hahaha! What a concept. I post all of my adventures. I figure I would want to rewrite them anyway.
Love your blog!
I know, I know…I’ve also held back because I want to spend a week hiking in CO, so, we’ll see.
Thanks!
You may have to trade in your hiking boots for a board or skis. You are running out of daylight my new friend. The ski areas will be opening around the 9th of November!
I’ve recently blogged about a few mountain hikes. This has been the most beautiful autumn. Stop by and take a virtual hike!
Skis please. I look like a newborn fawn snowboarding. Heading to your site over now
Purveyor of awesome? Don’t toy with my emotions. *Follow*
I humbly try to purvey awesome. And I certainly wont (toy). Thanks so much for the follow!
I just tagged you in my latest post. I hope it doesn’t offend you. I just really enjoy your blog and wanted to give you some ‘love’. I also hope you play along. I would love to hear what you have to say!
Not offended at all – In fact, I owe you a thank you – so, thank you very much for the award!
You are welcome of course. Maybe one day this lil ol blog will reach your status.
Take care.
Aww you make a grown man blush.
Mike, I just saw that you’re from Columbus! I grew up there and moved to Gahanna before moving to Tennessee.
Wow, awesome! Small world. I’ve lived in Clintonville for the last four years, and work downtown near the Arena District.
What moved you to Tennessee? Do you venture back to C-bus often?
It really is! I was actually in Clintonville last weekend! Went to Gordon Biersh for a friend’s birthday and then Big Bang. I try and come back at least four times a year! It’s a great area, but I prefer the mountain and warmer climate of Tennessee.
Ok, that’s pretty weird – we’re walking the same Columbus path!
I hear the warmer weather – not a fan of Ohio winters at all. And, well, there are obviously no mountains.
Hi Mike,
I just discovered your blog via your comment on my Twelve Days of Le Clown, my original compilation for the clown who has everything. I see you’ve been Freshly Pressed. That is awesome. Interested in writing a guest post for FreshlyDePressed.com? Yeah, it’s a real blog. Check out my post here: http://freshlydepressed.com/2012/11/26/blog-bling-prevents-erectile-dysfunction/ and if you’re interested, take a look at the home page for submission info. See ya ’round.
Hello Honie Briggs,
Yes – for some reason WordPress pressed me – freshly.
Yes – very interested – I’m headed over now barring (and this is a regular occurrence) a miscommunication in my internet power.
Cool. Let me know what you think, posts are updated weekly…THANKS
Will do. Thanks so much for the recommendation.
Love this! Cannot believe you have been to EVERY state! Could you please have a look at my blog. I’m new to this and any tips and advice you have would be greatly appreciated. Pleaseee
Thank you, Chlobeana!
Blog looks good. Some advice: change some of the generic WordPress language on your homepage, make it more personal, and just make the blog yours.
Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks for being so cool, Mike!
It takes some of the burden off me….
Hahaha, thanks, Hook.
I used to be a bellman – birds of a feather.
Hey Mike! I see you are a fellow Ohioan! I grew up in Canton and went to school at Kent State. What part of Cleveland did you grow up in? I recently visited a friend out in Lakewood. Fun city! Anyway, your blog is awesome and your accomplishment of 50 states before 30 is even more so! I just started my blog a few days ago so if you check it out and have any tips, I’d be very open to hearing them. Thanks, Mike! -Best, Emily
Hey Emily,
Awesome! I used to party at Kent State while I skipped classes at Akron.
Grew up in Twinsburg, South Burbs. Lakewood is a great spot.
Thanks for saying so, will definitely check it out when i get a chance.
Beer soaked ramblings? I’m in.
Excellent. Welcome aboard, shelblynn!
Hello. I have nominated you for the Best Moments Award. I invite you to stop by my blog and see what’s it’s all about. Have a fantastic day
~ Olivia
Olivia Wolfe,
Thank you very much for the award. I will stop by, and same to you.
-Mike
You are very welcome :’)
The most shocking part of your About page, is the fact that you are over 30! Whoa!
Striding hard towards 35
Well, keep those knees up!
Hey, I nominated you for a Versatile Blogger Award. Find more info here -> http://myblogexactly.wordpress.com/2013/04/02/im-a-versatile-blogger/
Awesome! Thanks, kerilady
I like beer and I like traveling – count me in! Since my son was born 4 months early, we spend all of our time helping him grow (which he is doing!) and *not* traveling…so I will live vicariously through you until the wee little one is big enough for his first road trip!
~Andrea @ anearlystart.wordpress.com
Welcome, Jax Mully. I’ll do my best to keep things lively. Wow – 4 months early, huh? That’s crazy
Hello! I saw that someone besides myself takes pride in the places they’ve traveled. I am 26, and have visited 27 of the states in the U.S. I, too, and proud of my travels, gained knowledge, and the people I have met and enlightened. Thanks for this blog; this contribution
Absolutely – any plans/aspirations to visit all 50 states? thank you for stopping in and commenting, bphillips.
I had promised myself at the beginning that, yes, I would visit the entirety of the United States before venturing overseas to other countries. I, also, do not want to gyp myself of a thorough experience by travelling without knowledge, first. I want to experience the rest of the world when I have a better understanding of it. It’s so vast.
Sounds like you have the correct plan. Indeed it is! Thanks, bphillips!
Hmmm, I don’t know if I trust that you’ve been to Missouri. Show Me, as we like to say!
Haha, fair enough, donofalltrades. I’ll have to dig around the old vault to pull up some photographic proof.
But, I’ve been to St. Louis a few times. Roam About Dad lived in Creve Coeur for a year, visited here and there.
Went to a dance club in East St. Louis, almost got shot (this was in my earlier, more rambunctious days).
Driven through MO to Lawrence, Kansas, twice – camped at Lake Ozarks. Loved it!
Where are you in MO?
Lol, well that’s proof enough for me! We’re in STL.
Ok good, because I have no idea where my StL pictures are.
I’m not a huge hockey/NHL fan, but do you think you could let the Blue Jackets win tonight? They play the Blues this fine evening.
Dear Roam About Mike, I kind of love your blog so I nominated you for The Versatile Blogger Award. A nice way to give a shout out to other blogs you love. http://survivinginitaly.wordpress.com/2013/04/12/this-nomination-is-just-the-beginning-of-world-domination-p-s-thank-you/
Dearest M.E. Evans,
Thank you very much for bequeathing this fine award upon my blog. I shall hang it lovingly on my refrigerator.
In your bio, it says you loved the movie ‘The Last Unicorn’ as a child. Please explain how ‘Fern Gully’ was not your favorite childhood movie.
Thanks,
-Mike
To be honest, After looking at your blog, my head was like, ‘Woah. That’s sth new and just mindblowing!’ I really enjoyed every bit of your blogs I’ve read so far!
Keep going? because you are moreover, an inspiration for me now! Thanks for that.
That’s very nice of you, pixiee.
An inspiration? Wow. I might use your words to get a raise at work. haha!
Thanks for reading.
So I am new to this whole blog community and stumbled across your blog and I am now a loyal follower and very entertained by your stories and writing style. Thanks for the laughs and insight.
Thanks for the follow, lorenaharper.
Very much appreciated, and I’ll try to keep the laughs the coming!
Hey Mike,
I’ve followed your blog a little while now (a whole entire month is a lot, come on) and as a fellow Ohioan, saw that small fact and immediately decided the follow was necessary. Your travels are inspiring as my brother and I both set out from Ohio to travel the states as artists turned backpackers. I appreciate the comedy and look forward to more laughs in my inbox as we continue on the road. Recently got a nomination and wanted to pass it on to you and your blog as well, for the Liebster Award. Take it as a sign of appreciation for your work. Thanks again buddy and look forward to future posts. Hold down the Ohio fort for us while we’re out and be well. The link to the post on my blog is here: http://ajourneyofsorts.wordpress.com/2013/05/08/liebster-award-a-bloggers-sign-of-thanks/
Take care,
A
Hey Alexander,
Thanks, man. I really, really appreciate your kind words. Hearing from awesome followers like yourself keeps ME inspired, motivated, and serves as a reminder to why I started this whole thing.
Where in Ohio are you from?
Good luck to you and your bro on your adventures. I’ll tune in to your blog, keep track of what you’re up to. Let me know if you need some recommendations. While i’m not a pro, I’ve been around this old America; she’s a kind lady.
Thanks for the liebster award! I’m not worthy!
-Mike
Hey no problem. Glad to hear it. I’m from Toledo and the surrounding area.
Thanks for the luck, always comes in handy. Definitely keep an eye on our location. We’re out in Denver at the moment waiting out the week to do some camping in UT, then hoping to obtain a camper or larger vehicle of some sort to roll around and camp in, instead of the hitching we’ve been doing. Any choice spots in Oregon? We’re talking of going up there next.
Talk with you soon buddy.
Alex
Cool. My brother-in-law is from Toledo, and my lady is from Port Clinton, so I know the area a bit.
Excellent. I assume you’ve been to Boulder (my favorite city in the US)?
Man, you’re going to love Oregon. Whether you’re hitching or not, try to make it to the 101, ride up the coast and find Hug Point State Park. THe ride is awesome, and Hug Point is a great spot to just hang out/explore the nature.
Aside from that, Portland’s great, Mt. Hood is a great, the wine is great, and if you want to do some hiking, Silver Falls State Park (near Salem) was my favorite.
Oh excellent. Both great towns. I don’t know Port Clinton too well aside from going up there to take the Jet Express ferry over to Put-In-Bay island. A wild and unique place where older crowds go to let loose like it’s the late sixties all over again.
Boulder is an excellent town. Yeah I’ve been out there a couple of times. Very good day hikes. I want to get some climbing shoes and go bouldering out there. Why’s it your favorite?
Yeah I can’t wait for Oregon because we have heard so many good things. I’m going to note those parks, and will make a point to hit the coast no matter what out there. Know anything about Bend?
Talk soon and thanks,
A
Haha That’s the best description of Put-In-Bay I’ve ever read.
Port Clinton is kind of empty, but still has a small, water-town charm without the ubiquitous Starbucks.
Awesome – not sure why, just feel connected to the town. Was actually looking to go to grad school there before I bought a house in Cbus. Loved the blending of the nature.
DIdn’t make it that far south in Oregon, but it’s very close to Crater Lake, which is another spot on my domestic top 10. When are heading farther West?
Ha thanks man. It’s definitely a different place. Ah definitely a true story with Port Clinton. And about Boulder, the blending of nature is the best way to describe how I feel about it too. The setting is really what does it for me there. Not so much the people who stroll the town with noses in the air and reek of too much money. Great spot for school though, my buddy I’m staying with in Denver now is startin gup grad school there in the fall. So I’ll definitely be back there soon.
I’ll make a note of the Crater Lake. Heard good things about it. We’ll hopefully be heading west soon. Doing some camping in Utah this coming week then hopefully my brother and I have enough money to try and make it back towards the west. Keep an eye on the new photography and writings though to see where we are at.
Talk soon.