Strictly speaking, my mind is not aimless when I walk so much at night. It is the walking itself that is aimless. That is, I don't go anywhere in particular. Often I go to unfamiliar places, without any intent to arrive at an actual destination.

When I walk I generally let my mind wander, but while doing so often come up with really good ideas.

Not long ago I was questioned by a couple Portland Police Bureau officers. I expect they thought I'd just scored some drugs, in the end I was able to satisfy them that I just liked to walk around at night.

"You know, you shouldn't be walking around Crack Central at three in the morning with that computer. Someone is going to stick a knife in you and take it."

"Thank you officer, but no one ever messes with me because I look just like a Hell's Angel."