So I confess that a great part of our trip still remains to be told. In the fog of getting married and moving away from the US I had trouble remembering important things like writing. Well now I'm finally finding my head.
Before moving forward though Idaho must have its time in the spotlight one more time.
Idaho.
There. The spotlight has been shown.
Our time there felt like a freeze-frame after frenzied montages . Good rest and conversation after racing past the coastline and the far edge of our trip. Now we were heading back. Heading back towards the end. Once we left Idaho the sad feeling started sinking in that we were no longer heading west. We tried to brush the feelings off by living even more rugged and harshly then before. Planning to spend more time camping and breathing in the big country of Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Colorado on our return path.
I guess I'll tell you the part about our time in Montana and then leave the rest for another time (which will come, I promise). As I said, leaving Idaho was tough. I started to feel a little tired of being on the road and I was starting to worry more about the wedding coming up, but we were determined to live this last part the best we could. The legends are true about the sky feeling bigger and bluer in Montana. I remember looking out the window to see green plains and mountains run on forever past the finite lines of the interstate.
Our goal was to race towards Yellowstone, before night I guess, but we started looking for somewhere to camp a couple hours outside the park. Wide open roads and beautiful views all around us. We drove about 15 minutes from the main highway off on a dirt road to a really simple but great remote campground (Jake will have to include the name if we still have it). Setup camp, gather fire wood and then of course climb the nearby hill (mountain by Alabama standards) for sunset. I decided I needed to carry my video camera all the way up. Sadly this was one of those inclines that never ends - we climbed for a long time, I kept setting tops of the crests as my goal thinking I couldn't climb any farther only to find out there was another crest beyond that. It must of happened 4 or 5 times, thinking the top was just right there only to find out there was still another 25 yards up and then the more. Jake finally parked at a nice place and we paused to admire the stars and fading light. Trying to catch my breathe, knowing this time will end soon. Climb to the top, enjoy the beauty just long enough to rest my burning legs and then stumble and falter all the way back down the mountain. Rest was meaningful after that.
We talked around the fire and enjoyed the natural isolation. The setting of plans, goals and hopes. Less than two weeks left. I hadn't really been counting time too much before now.
One of the most refreshing things spiritually happened the next morning as we packed up and drove back to an Episcopal church we'd pasted on our way to our campground. Just a small building in a little town along the highway, but people gladly welcomed us. I had that feeling of sameness, like singing along to an old song in a new place, once the worship service started. The liturgy was a wonderful bridge for the two of us with a congregation of people we'd never known, but we shared the connection of Christ's Church. That was beautiful.
After the service ended we were offered tasty homemade snacks and all sorts of great advice on how to spend our time in Yellowstone. Everyone said we needed more time to see everything properly, but we just smiled and tried to explain our rush was an attempt to see more and inspire a return visit. Yellowstone National Park was of course one of the many places I'd never been to before our trip but now that spark has been set in me to return. But I guess I'm getting ahead of myself because that would put our story past the Montana border and that's as far as I said I'd take you.
Thanks to everyone who's kept up with us on this trip. We're still sifting through all our adventures trying to remember and understand what took place. We'll finish out our story before too long. I have more pictures and videos to share, so come back around sometime and check for them.
"I'm a sucker for a kind word. I just run until I find one."
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Monday, September 3, 2007
Settled in the South (the kind-of South)
Wow, it really has been awhile since we last posted, and I guess it has been a long while since we have been out west. Ben of course is married now, and like a good man he has combated the urge to nest and has kept traveling; he and his wife calling Washington, Mexico, and soon, Northern Ireland way points on their journey toward a white picket fence. Or knowing them, there might not be a fence, but just a border booth. Actually Ben will have a fence, but it will be a double-layered fence that only covers 3/16th of his yard.
I am in Siloam Springs again. I work at John Brown as an administrative assistant for the director of a leadership program. I also moonlight at Wal-mart-I am a vendor who stocks the CD's and DVD's. And I work with the Cathedral Choir. This includes taking notes, learning music, reading books, philosophizing with Mr Smith, and leading the Alto sectional on Wednesday nights at 7pm.
Ben and I both have real bills to pay now, and any wandering or wondering we have done has the danger of being replaced by work. Now, I haven't talked to Ben about this, so maybe he doesn't feel that, but I bet he does.
A little quote I'd like to share with you all. I know it is kind of lame or even cheesy, but I got this quote on a birthday card from my distant and lovely sister Katie Funk. Please read solemnly:
"No one can possibly know what is about to happen. It is happening each time, for the first time, for the only time." This quote is by a fellow named James Baldwin.
This is true for me now; because I have no idea what is going on, and this quote gives me a little comfort. It also makes me feel all right about living in ignorance.
And I will add this too, as it has been an encouragement to me. It is from Psalm 16. Verses 7-11.
My body rests in safety.
10 For you will not leave my soul among the dead
or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
11 You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Ben and I haven't talked on the phone much, so I can't give you any updates on him. So Ben, if you read this, I'm calling you out to write something.
Here are few pictures of me at our new house. My house-mates are Ryan Ransdell and David Burney. They are very helpful. Katie Funk got me a cook book and some bread mix for my birthday, and these pictures are me utilizing those gifts. Sarah Kientz was a great help.
I am in Siloam Springs again. I work at John Brown as an administrative assistant for the director of a leadership program. I also moonlight at Wal-mart-I am a vendor who stocks the CD's and DVD's. And I work with the Cathedral Choir. This includes taking notes, learning music, reading books, philosophizing with Mr Smith, and leading the Alto sectional on Wednesday nights at 7pm.
Ben and I both have real bills to pay now, and any wandering or wondering we have done has the danger of being replaced by work. Now, I haven't talked to Ben about this, so maybe he doesn't feel that, but I bet he does.
A little quote I'd like to share with you all. I know it is kind of lame or even cheesy, but I got this quote on a birthday card from my distant and lovely sister Katie Funk. Please read solemnly:
"No one can possibly know what is about to happen. It is happening each time, for the first time, for the only time." This quote is by a fellow named James Baldwin.
This is true for me now; because I have no idea what is going on, and this quote gives me a little comfort. It also makes me feel all right about living in ignorance.
And I will add this too, as it has been an encouragement to me. It is from Psalm 16. Verses 7-11.
7 I will bless the Lord who guides me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
My body rests in safety.
10 For you will not leave my soul among the dead
or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
11 You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Ben and I haven't talked on the phone much, so I can't give you any updates on him. So Ben, if you read this, I'm calling you out to write something.
Here are few pictures of me at our new house. My house-mates are Ryan Ransdell and David Burney. They are very helpful. Katie Funk got me a cook book and some bread mix for my birthday, and these pictures are me utilizing those gifts. Sarah Kientz was a great help.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Idaho: Day Three
I know what you are thinking. You're all like, "They let those gypsy's stay three days with them?" and I'm all like, "Yeah, deal wit it." Not only that, but we didn't even leave until the next morning, so that's even longer. Anyway, it was Friday, June 15th, and it would be our last day in paradise.
Ben woke up. Jake woke up. They went upstairs in search of coffee. It should be mentioned that Mary Ann put out big bowls of fruit every morning for Jake and Ben because she was worried they would get scurvy on the road. So they got some fruit too. They checked out the papers and were reassured that the status of the world had not changed: Everyone is dying and the world is quickly coming to an end. This morning/afternoon the two gypsy's were wanting to see the softer side of Lewiston, so Scott took them on a tour. First was the post office. Then we toured where Scott influences young minds to fall head over heels for Kansas. Scott teaches at the highschool and specializes in History. His room is a fortress of logic with passion as its moat. While in the room, Scott taught both Jake and Ben how to juggle.
The road tour continued and we saw the cool downtown district and where the boys go to school. When we got home, something happened that Ben does not want me to tell you about. Ben and I played some one on one basketball. We hadn't done any real physical activity for about 4 weeks, so anyone who was watching probably wouldn't have been able to tell we were even playing basketball. Oh, and we were shirtless. And yes, the boy from Kansas won this match. I don't say this for my own benefit, I say it to encourage all the young ones on the farms in Kansas, so that they know that they can achieve greatness.
Then the rest of the gang came out. We played an awesome game of hide-and-go-seek tag. It really was intense. Even Uncle Scott played and made me bleed and he made Ben bleed which is a huge accomplishment because Ben neither bleeds nor crys. Just as we were planning on ordering some pizza, we got a call that Henry was late for his baseball game. The schedule had changed without us knowing, so he rushed off to the game. The rest of us joined him and cheered him on. He started out at first and made some great plays. Then his team made a grave mistake and put him in the outfield. The thing is, Henry is a great outfielder, but his long reach at first had really been an asset and the guy who replaced him was wanting. Henry also dazzled us with a base hit. And I think he impressed some of the ladies in the stands. Ok, so the ladies were his mom and his cousin, but I know if there had been any girls his age there they all would have been wearing Henry Funk t-shirts for the next week. So the game was sweet, and so was the food that came after.
We ordered the pizza and let me tell you something: someone is a genius in Lewiston. They have sauerkraut pizza in Lewiston Idaho. That's just one more thing to put on the list of things that make Idaho a lot like the Garden of Eden. After eating the best pizza ever, we watched a few episodes of the Office. Actually, we were only going to watch one episode, but once the ball got rolling, we couldn't stop. We watched three episodes.
And that's how the night pretty much ended. Ben and I went to sleep.
It was Saturday when we woke up. We got some coffee and Uncle Scott drove back to school to pick us up some Lewiston High Juggling Club t-shirts. It was hard to leave, because honestly it really felt like being at home with the Idaho Funks. And I know Ben is missing talking politics with Uncle Scott. Thank you Idaho Funks, you made our trip as great as it possibly could have been. Cheers.
Ben woke up. Jake woke up. They went upstairs in search of coffee. It should be mentioned that Mary Ann put out big bowls of fruit every morning for Jake and Ben because she was worried they would get scurvy on the road. So they got some fruit too. They checked out the papers and were reassured that the status of the world had not changed: Everyone is dying and the world is quickly coming to an end. This morning/afternoon the two gypsy's were wanting to see the softer side of Lewiston, so Scott took them on a tour. First was the post office. Then we toured where Scott influences young minds to fall head over heels for Kansas. Scott teaches at the highschool and specializes in History. His room is a fortress of logic with passion as its moat. While in the room, Scott taught both Jake and Ben how to juggle.
The road tour continued and we saw the cool downtown district and where the boys go to school. When we got home, something happened that Ben does not want me to tell you about. Ben and I played some one on one basketball. We hadn't done any real physical activity for about 4 weeks, so anyone who was watching probably wouldn't have been able to tell we were even playing basketball. Oh, and we were shirtless. And yes, the boy from Kansas won this match. I don't say this for my own benefit, I say it to encourage all the young ones on the farms in Kansas, so that they know that they can achieve greatness.
Then the rest of the gang came out. We played an awesome game of hide-and-go-seek tag. It really was intense. Even Uncle Scott played and made me bleed and he made Ben bleed which is a huge accomplishment because Ben neither bleeds nor crys. Just as we were planning on ordering some pizza, we got a call that Henry was late for his baseball game. The schedule had changed without us knowing, so he rushed off to the game. The rest of us joined him and cheered him on. He started out at first and made some great plays. Then his team made a grave mistake and put him in the outfield. The thing is, Henry is a great outfielder, but his long reach at first had really been an asset and the guy who replaced him was wanting. Henry also dazzled us with a base hit. And I think he impressed some of the ladies in the stands. Ok, so the ladies were his mom and his cousin, but I know if there had been any girls his age there they all would have been wearing Henry Funk t-shirts for the next week. So the game was sweet, and so was the food that came after.
We ordered the pizza and let me tell you something: someone is a genius in Lewiston. They have sauerkraut pizza in Lewiston Idaho. That's just one more thing to put on the list of things that make Idaho a lot like the Garden of Eden. After eating the best pizza ever, we watched a few episodes of the Office. Actually, we were only going to watch one episode, but once the ball got rolling, we couldn't stop. We watched three episodes.
And that's how the night pretty much ended. Ben and I went to sleep.
It was Saturday when we woke up. We got some coffee and Uncle Scott drove back to school to pick us up some Lewiston High Juggling Club t-shirts. It was hard to leave, because honestly it really felt like being at home with the Idaho Funks. And I know Ben is missing talking politics with Uncle Scott. Thank you Idaho Funks, you made our trip as great as it possibly could have been. Cheers.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Idaho: Day Two
June 14th is day Ben and I made a new friend, ate raw pork, and got wet in the Canyon of Hell.
We woke up early because we had to get to Clarkston in time to catch the jet boat that would take us on a 10 hour trek up and down Hell's Canyon. You see, when I say the Idaho Funk's treated us like royalty, I ain't exaggerating. Uncle Scott and Aunt Mary Ann had purchased Ben and I each a seat on the massive jet boat. We got there just after a bus load of 60-somethings. Good news for us, because that meant we got the two back seats on the boat, meaning of course that we had the best view. It also meant that we got soaked every time we hit the rapids (this is a good thing) and we got to sit by a mustached man named Brad. Brad is a nebula of wisdom, and he was the co-captain of our journey. Everyone is a dying star, and usually when a star dies it gives birth to new stars. Brad is a nebula that will most likely beget world peace or an arm wrestling championship. All that to say that Brad illuminated our jet boat ride like a double moon-bow in an ancient Redwood forest. He told us things the other passengers weren't getting to hear. And he told us what kind of rig he has.
The boat ride really was amazing. We saw rock taking the form of pliable metal rods in the shape of J's and horns.
We saw 12-16 wild Big Horn Sheep.
We saw ancient petroglyphs that the captain claimed were Native American but Brad told there was a good chance they were Extra-terrestrial. In contrast to the brittle bare basalt, we saw mound after mound of fuzzy canyon wall.
And don't forget, this is Hell's Canyon, so we kept our eyes out for its Prince, but he never came.
After getting off of the boat, we got a picture with Brad, and headed back to Lewiston. We pulled to see me cousins playing outside. Again, I don't know why they weren't inside playing video games like kids are supposed to. Ben and I went inside to find some red wine set out and some pork that was to be dipped in hot mustard and sesame seeds. Delicious. After a tasty dinner, tons of people came over and we just sat and talked into darker hours. The kids once again played outside. Oh, and Ben serenaded us with some Josh Ritter tunes. I played a little harmonica.
It was a really full day, and we saw a lot of what makes Idaho a great state. Thanks for the boat ride Idaho Funks.
More to come.
Oh, this is us and Brad.
We woke up early because we had to get to Clarkston in time to catch the jet boat that would take us on a 10 hour trek up and down Hell's Canyon. You see, when I say the Idaho Funk's treated us like royalty, I ain't exaggerating. Uncle Scott and Aunt Mary Ann had purchased Ben and I each a seat on the massive jet boat. We got there just after a bus load of 60-somethings. Good news for us, because that meant we got the two back seats on the boat, meaning of course that we had the best view. It also meant that we got soaked every time we hit the rapids (this is a good thing) and we got to sit by a mustached man named Brad. Brad is a nebula of wisdom, and he was the co-captain of our journey. Everyone is a dying star, and usually when a star dies it gives birth to new stars. Brad is a nebula that will most likely beget world peace or an arm wrestling championship. All that to say that Brad illuminated our jet boat ride like a double moon-bow in an ancient Redwood forest. He told us things the other passengers weren't getting to hear. And he told us what kind of rig he has.
The boat ride really was amazing. We saw rock taking the form of pliable metal rods in the shape of J's and horns.
We saw 12-16 wild Big Horn Sheep.
We saw ancient petroglyphs that the captain claimed were Native American but Brad told there was a good chance they were Extra-terrestrial. In contrast to the brittle bare basalt, we saw mound after mound of fuzzy canyon wall.
And don't forget, this is Hell's Canyon, so we kept our eyes out for its Prince, but he never came.
After getting off of the boat, we got a picture with Brad, and headed back to Lewiston. We pulled to see me cousins playing outside. Again, I don't know why they weren't inside playing video games like kids are supposed to. Ben and I went inside to find some red wine set out and some pork that was to be dipped in hot mustard and sesame seeds. Delicious. After a tasty dinner, tons of people came over and we just sat and talked into darker hours. The kids once again played outside. Oh, and Ben serenaded us with some Josh Ritter tunes. I played a little harmonica.
It was a really full day, and we saw a lot of what makes Idaho a great state. Thanks for the boat ride Idaho Funks.
More to come.
Oh, this is us and Brad.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Idaho: Day One
Ben and Jake woke up late on June 13th, 2007. It was a Wednesday, and the coffee was on. Emma was showing off on a video game in which the gamer is a mountain biker and is going way too fast down some ridiculous mountain. She was good at it, but Ben quickly caught on and game her some good competition. One of Ben's spiritual gifts is video gaming. Mary Ann and Scott made everyone some sandwiches and they all ate in anticipation of what was to come in the afternoon: and hiking extravaganza with Mongo and his crew (family).
Mongo came over and some of got in his rig and the rest jumped in Scott's rig. In Idaho, you call every kind of vehicle a rig. Doesn't matter if it's a 3-cylinder Metro or a Monster Truck: they're all rigs. We drove the beautiful country side to Elk River, where we hiked for a good couple of miles.
One of the things Mongo was very excited about was drinking some Hamm's beer in front of a certain waterfall. Ben and I were eager to comply. There are some pictures of us enjoying Hamm's in the most picturesque way possible.
After the hike, we went to a very small town that used to be a big logging community. The name of the town is Elk River. We saw a nice little restaurant named the Elk River Cafe and decided to give it a try. This small restaurant was like the quintessential mountain dive, and it had awesome burgers. It was a husband and wife running it the night we were there-he was the cook and she was the server. It was all very laid back and in one corner there was a mini general store. It was just some shelves filled with the most random wares one could imagine. At one point, two men walked in, one might have been barefoot, and they picked up a 12 pack of Mountain Dew and told the lady to put it on his Mom's tab. 'Nuff said.
After dinner, the crew jumped back into the rigs and cruised to Moscow, Idaho. This is the town were Josh Ritter is from, and so of course Ben wanted to stop there. I have since become a fan of Josh Ritter, thanks to Ben and Jolynn Goertz, and I am very glad we stopped there.
Driving out of Moscow was a pretty impacting drive for Ben and I. We both agree that the stretch from Moscow to Lewiston on Highway 95 is some of the most beautiful scenery we saw on our 10,000 mile Odyssey. It also helped us understand the song "Idaho" by Josh Ritter. Before driving back into Lewiston, we stopped at an overlook of the city. Pretty amazing, pictures included.
That night we played frisbee with the young ones and just talked with the old ones. Ben and I didn't know it yet, but we needed our sleep for what was in store for us on the next day.
Lyrics to Josh Ritter's "Idaho"
All that love all those mistakes What else can a poor man make? So I gave up a life of crime I gave it to a friend of mine Something else was on my mind The only ghost I'm haunted by I hear her howling down below Idaho oh Idaho
Wolves oh wolves oh can't you see? Ain't no wolf can sing like me And if it could then I suppose He belongs in Idaho Packs of dogs and cigarettes For those who ain't done packing yet My clothes are packed and I want to go Idaho oh Idaho
Out at sea for seven years I got your letter in Tangier Thought that I'd been on a boat 'Til that single word you wrote That single word it landlocked me Turned the masts to cedar trees And the winds to gravel roads Idaho oh Idaho
Mongo came over and some of got in his rig and the rest jumped in Scott's rig. In Idaho, you call every kind of vehicle a rig. Doesn't matter if it's a 3-cylinder Metro or a Monster Truck: they're all rigs. We drove the beautiful country side to Elk River, where we hiked for a good couple of miles.
One of the things Mongo was very excited about was drinking some Hamm's beer in front of a certain waterfall. Ben and I were eager to comply. There are some pictures of us enjoying Hamm's in the most picturesque way possible.
After the hike, we went to a very small town that used to be a big logging community. The name of the town is Elk River. We saw a nice little restaurant named the Elk River Cafe and decided to give it a try. This small restaurant was like the quintessential mountain dive, and it had awesome burgers. It was a husband and wife running it the night we were there-he was the cook and she was the server. It was all very laid back and in one corner there was a mini general store. It was just some shelves filled with the most random wares one could imagine. At one point, two men walked in, one might have been barefoot, and they picked up a 12 pack of Mountain Dew and told the lady to put it on his Mom's tab. 'Nuff said.
After dinner, the crew jumped back into the rigs and cruised to Moscow, Idaho. This is the town were Josh Ritter is from, and so of course Ben wanted to stop there. I have since become a fan of Josh Ritter, thanks to Ben and Jolynn Goertz, and I am very glad we stopped there.
Driving out of Moscow was a pretty impacting drive for Ben and I. We both agree that the stretch from Moscow to Lewiston on Highway 95 is some of the most beautiful scenery we saw on our 10,000 mile Odyssey. It also helped us understand the song "Idaho" by Josh Ritter. Before driving back into Lewiston, we stopped at an overlook of the city. Pretty amazing, pictures included.
That night we played frisbee with the young ones and just talked with the old ones. Ben and I didn't know it yet, but we needed our sleep for what was in store for us on the next day.
Lyrics to Josh Ritter's "Idaho"
All that love all those mistakes What else can a poor man make? So I gave up a life of crime I gave it to a friend of mine Something else was on my mind The only ghost I'm haunted by I hear her howling down below Idaho oh Idaho
Wolves oh wolves oh can't you see? Ain't no wolf can sing like me And if it could then I suppose He belongs in Idaho Packs of dogs and cigarettes For those who ain't done packing yet My clothes are packed and I want to go Idaho oh Idaho
Out at sea for seven years I got your letter in Tangier Thought that I'd been on a boat 'Til that single word you wrote That single word it landlocked me Turned the masts to cedar trees And the winds to gravel roads Idaho oh Idaho
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Idaho Chronicle: Intro
Ben and I arrived at the Funk Compound in Lewiston, Idaho pretty late on Tuesday, June 12th, 2007. We were greeted by the whole crew: Scott, Mary Ann, Henry, Sam, Emma, and the precious dog. After the hugs we completed, I decided it would be a good idea to introduce Ben, since he had just been standing there the whole time like a creepy bearded person. After Henry had showed Ben and Jake to their room, the two weary travelers met the elders of the Funk crew on the back veranda for drinks and conversation. Jake and Ben kept Scott and his lovely wife way past their bedtimes, and then retired to the comforts of their room. This first night was indicative of how Ben and Jake were continually treated while at the Funk Compound: even though they were truly vagabonds, the Funks insisted on treating them as Kings. This is just the preview of the Idaho Chronicles. Ben and Jake arrived on the 12th, and didn’t leave until the morning of the 16th. More to come later. AND PICTURES, TOO! Here’s one to tide you over. It’s the young Funks showing off all of the land they donated to Kansas.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Another milestone
9000 miles just over the South Dakota border. Deadwood is the next stop. Then onward.
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The Catch-Up
Basically, we are so far behind, it hurts to think about. So here is a really quick overview.
When Ben and I got to Washington, we went to Jolynn's house and were treated like Kings.
Then I flew to Tulsa and drove to Wichita to sing at a lovely wedding.
I saw Luke Hayes and he helped me buy Mayan Gold.
I flew back to Washington.
Then we left for Idaho.
Ok, now you are caught up.
When Ben and I got to Washington, we went to Jolynn's house and were treated like Kings.
Then I flew to Tulsa and drove to Wichita to sing at a lovely wedding.
I saw Luke Hayes and he helped me buy Mayan Gold.
I flew back to Washington.
Then we left for Idaho.
Ok, now you are caught up.
Status Update
Well its late here in Gillette, WY (we're staying with a friend for the night) but I thought we should let everyone know what we've been up to.
We left Yellowstone early this morning. Roamed through the Grand Teton National Park and on outward through Wyoming. Beautiful of course and we'll have photos and videos later on.
Tomorrow we plan to have a big day hitting up Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park and ultimately Denver, CO.
We're going to try and update more but right now we're enjoying civilization and a warm bed.
We left Yellowstone early this morning. Roamed through the Grand Teton National Park and on outward through Wyoming. Beautiful of course and we'll have photos and videos later on.
Tomorrow we plan to have a big day hitting up Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park and ultimately Denver, CO.
We're going to try and update more but right now we're enjoying civilization and a warm bed.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
From the road in MT
8000 miles and the race goes on thru Montana.
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Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Planet Earth: Garden of the God's?
A strange delicate land we have been longing to share with the world. Please enjoy this latest installment.
Backlog: You can eat Doritos at a Wine tasting
On Monday morning, the Fourth of June, Two Men set out in search of Doom
They started at Eight, to a surfer's shop
to break a fast, then to a cliff side top.
They watched the surfers for Twenty minutes, said goodbye to Danielle and her Witches Broom.
Up the coast to San Fran, to find the hearts, their own, which they had left there.
However, the clouds hid their hearts there, and now they're hollow in the middle, which gave them little remorse for the small island in the bay with the barbed-wire fence.
On ward to greener pastures, or rather, vineyards.
Like the kind you see in movies.
The two Men cornered a winery and demanded a tasting.
Their knowledge of swirling and smelling was only a potentiality before that day, and when they had found the wine of their bliss,
They went on Their Way.
To the coast of Northern California, where trees outlive dinosaurs
and Elk will cry where they eat.
Two Men hiked a path, they started as college grads, and while taking their first steps they were transformed into dwarfs and conquistadors, both and.
And on that feight-full hike, a promised was made:
If Theodore were attacked by wolves, Travis would carry him out:
Defending him with his arm, and protecting his face.
Then through a foggy creep, and black Mamba of asphalt.
The Men could not see but a few feet ahead.
And just as quickly as the fog fell like the sighs of a million locusts
It Lifted, leaving the Men asleep in a parking lot,
till their adventures would begin anew.
They started at Eight, to a surfer's shop
to break a fast, then to a cliff side top.
They watched the surfers for Twenty minutes, said goodbye to Danielle and her Witches Broom.
Up the coast to San Fran, to find the hearts, their own, which they had left there.
However, the clouds hid their hearts there, and now they're hollow in the middle, which gave them little remorse for the small island in the bay with the barbed-wire fence.
On ward to greener pastures, or rather, vineyards.
Like the kind you see in movies.
The two Men cornered a winery and demanded a tasting.
Their knowledge of swirling and smelling was only a potentiality before that day, and when they had found the wine of their bliss,
They went on Their Way.
To the coast of Northern California, where trees outlive dinosaurs
and Elk will cry where they eat.
Two Men hiked a path, they started as college grads, and while taking their first steps they were transformed into dwarfs and conquistadors, both and.
And on that feight-full hike, a promised was made:
If Theodore were attacked by wolves, Travis would carry him out:
Defending him with his arm, and protecting his face.
Then through a foggy creep, and black Mamba of asphalt.
The Men could not see but a few feet ahead.
And just as quickly as the fog fell like the sighs of a million locusts
It Lifted, leaving the Men asleep in a parking lot,
till their adventures would begin anew.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Backlog: Use the Force
After we had arrived in Modesto on Friday, June 1st, and after we had showered and got some shut-eye, we spent the next day at a Star Wars convention. I guess it was more a celebration of George Lucas. He had attended Modesto Junior College, so they put together an event complete with speakers, talk back sessions, trivia competition, Darth Vader, and the showing of some of George Lucas' films. Our friend Danielle Vogus, who has a nickname I refuse to use because of its vulgarity, was instrumental in putting the Star Wars event together. She also got us VIP name tags and was our host for our three days in the Modesto/Santa Cruz area. Thanks Danielle.
I enjoyed the Star Wars event because I got to see the movie and hear a guy give a good talk on the philosophy of Star Wars. Ben got to meet some people who were in the industry, and talked to people who were either making it, or trying to make it in the film industry. We didn't get a picture with Darth Vader.
After the event, we went to Danielle's friend's house. Her name is Mandy and she has a nice van and is a good cook. We had dinner by an outside fire, and Ben was in his prime, which put me in a good mood, and we succeeded at being very awkward the whole night.
We got some sleep that night, and the we actually went to Church!!!! Danielle introduced us to 17 hundred people, then we drove to Santa Cruz. Danielle took us to a cabin and Ben and I crashed on some couches. We were tired. Then Danielle woke us up and took us to some geo-political hotspots around Santa Cruz. Ice cream was first. Ben sniffed the wall. Then to the beach, where I lost Ben's frisbee to the Pacific Ocean. We left the water and went to a place called Pizza my Heart and got some pizza and t-shirts.
It was interesting walking around downtown. At least I think it was downtown. Anyway, like many American city centers, there were a lot of homeless people. And it puts one in an inner struggle, because at first you say to yourself, "It would be awesome to get in an organization that is helping these people," or then you tell yourself, "Man, I could just sit and hang out with these folks," but that doesn't work because these people actually scare you a little bit. It is obvious walking by them that they have serious addictions, and you have no idea what the manifestations of those addictions could be. So yeah, it is a little scary. So those were my thoughts walking down the street, and my ending thought was almost, "There is nothing I can do here." But I was not left with that thought. I saw a guy, dressed like we were, going down the street with a bag full of hamburgers wrapped in foil. He was about my age, and if I hadn't been looking closely, I wouldn't have noticed him asking these people I was scared of if they were hungry. When they said yes, he gave them a burger. He quickly passed us going the opposite direction, but as we continued walking, we saw foil wrapped burgers in the hands of all the homeless people we saw. The guy with the bag of hamburgers got over the fear that I had, probably wasn't in an organization, and actually helped the hungry. This left and impression on me and I know that Ben saw it too.
After downtown, we went back to the beach to see the sun go down. It was too cloudy, but we had fun anyway.
Then it was sleepy time.
Ben, can you pick up from here?
Oh, and the pictures below aren't in any order, or labeled, but you'll get the idea.
I enjoyed the Star Wars event because I got to see the movie and hear a guy give a good talk on the philosophy of Star Wars. Ben got to meet some people who were in the industry, and talked to people who were either making it, or trying to make it in the film industry. We didn't get a picture with Darth Vader.
After the event, we went to Danielle's friend's house. Her name is Mandy and she has a nice van and is a good cook. We had dinner by an outside fire, and Ben was in his prime, which put me in a good mood, and we succeeded at being very awkward the whole night.
We got some sleep that night, and the we actually went to Church!!!! Danielle introduced us to 17 hundred people, then we drove to Santa Cruz. Danielle took us to a cabin and Ben and I crashed on some couches. We were tired. Then Danielle woke us up and took us to some geo-political hotspots around Santa Cruz. Ice cream was first. Ben sniffed the wall. Then to the beach, where I lost Ben's frisbee to the Pacific Ocean. We left the water and went to a place called Pizza my Heart and got some pizza and t-shirts.
It was interesting walking around downtown. At least I think it was downtown. Anyway, like many American city centers, there were a lot of homeless people. And it puts one in an inner struggle, because at first you say to yourself, "It would be awesome to get in an organization that is helping these people," or then you tell yourself, "Man, I could just sit and hang out with these folks," but that doesn't work because these people actually scare you a little bit. It is obvious walking by them that they have serious addictions, and you have no idea what the manifestations of those addictions could be. So yeah, it is a little scary. So those were my thoughts walking down the street, and my ending thought was almost, "There is nothing I can do here." But I was not left with that thought. I saw a guy, dressed like we were, going down the street with a bag full of hamburgers wrapped in foil. He was about my age, and if I hadn't been looking closely, I wouldn't have noticed him asking these people I was scared of if they were hungry. When they said yes, he gave them a burger. He quickly passed us going the opposite direction, but as we continued walking, we saw foil wrapped burgers in the hands of all the homeless people we saw. The guy with the bag of hamburgers got over the fear that I had, probably wasn't in an organization, and actually helped the hungry. This left and impression on me and I know that Ben saw it too.
After downtown, we went back to the beach to see the sun go down. It was too cloudy, but we had fun anyway.
Then it was sleepy time.
Ben, can you pick up from here?
Oh, and the pictures below aren't in any order, or labeled, but you'll get the idea.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Backlog: Yosemite
So Jake got everything updated to the night we spent in Yosemite, so I'll finish off our day their in brief.
We spent the night in the White Wolf area campground on the north side of the valley and due to our looong day before we slept in late until 11am or so. It was great to slow down enough to sleep and enjoy the area a little bit. I think we managed to eat more peanut butter and jellys for breakfast - a treat for the hungry! We decided to spend the little time bit of time we had going around the south side of the valley to Glacier Point. It really surprised me how huge the valley really is because it took us a long time to get from the north side down and then back up the south side. The views from Glacier Point were really amazing though. I felt really touristy just pulling up into our little parking spot and walking a couple hundred yards to such a beautiful view. The valley floor opened up below our ledge and we could see several waterfalls and Half Dome.
All along this trip I keep thinking about how these beautiful places we're seeing deserve so much more than passing glances or postcards. It even seems like most of the stops people make, however long, are cheapened by how easily and quickly we can fly through something beautiful. Jake will laugh at this, but I keep imagining the wonder and awe that people must have felt when travel was so much slower and instead of racing through Death Valley in under a day they had to spend days. Hiking over the mountains around Yosemite valley and then finally peeking over the edge to see waterfalls flowing over beautiful mountains and Half Dome and Sentinel Dome and all the trees along the valley. That's a wonder and awe I don't know how to share today.
So all of these thoughts led us to go on a short hike. We hiked a little over a mile to Sentinel Dome which is a similar view as Glacier Point but well worth the effort. The hike was pretty easy, but the activity and talk were good for us. We found wildlife (squirrels) eager to meet us at the top and of course Jake tried to claim everything for Kansas. We paused long enough there to get a sense of how amazing the area really is.
I guess from there we loaded up and headed to Modesto, CA for the night to finally hit civilization again - AKA cell phone coverage and the Internets. We drove out 140 along a river which was really beautiful. There was a rock slide in that area a while before that covered the road, so we got to cross on a temporary bridge, which was cool enough to two guys. From there it was just open and pretty farm land rolling on into I-5 and then north to showers and beds. We might talk more sometime about who we stayed with and all the cool people we got to meet. But I'll leave that to Jake for now.
We spent the night in the White Wolf area campground on the north side of the valley and due to our looong day before we slept in late until 11am or so. It was great to slow down enough to sleep and enjoy the area a little bit. I think we managed to eat more peanut butter and jellys for breakfast - a treat for the hungry! We decided to spend the little time bit of time we had going around the south side of the valley to Glacier Point. It really surprised me how huge the valley really is because it took us a long time to get from the north side down and then back up the south side. The views from Glacier Point were really amazing though. I felt really touristy just pulling up into our little parking spot and walking a couple hundred yards to such a beautiful view. The valley floor opened up below our ledge and we could see several waterfalls and Half Dome.
All along this trip I keep thinking about how these beautiful places we're seeing deserve so much more than passing glances or postcards. It even seems like most of the stops people make, however long, are cheapened by how easily and quickly we can fly through something beautiful. Jake will laugh at this, but I keep imagining the wonder and awe that people must have felt when travel was so much slower and instead of racing through Death Valley in under a day they had to spend days. Hiking over the mountains around Yosemite valley and then finally peeking over the edge to see waterfalls flowing over beautiful mountains and Half Dome and Sentinel Dome and all the trees along the valley. That's a wonder and awe I don't know how to share today.
So all of these thoughts led us to go on a short hike. We hiked a little over a mile to Sentinel Dome which is a similar view as Glacier Point but well worth the effort. The hike was pretty easy, but the activity and talk were good for us. We found wildlife (squirrels) eager to meet us at the top and of course Jake tried to claim everything for Kansas. We paused long enough there to get a sense of how amazing the area really is.
I guess from there we loaded up and headed to Modesto, CA for the night to finally hit civilization again - AKA cell phone coverage and the Internets. We drove out 140 along a river which was really beautiful. There was a rock slide in that area a while before that covered the road, so we got to cross on a temporary bridge, which was cool enough to two guys. From there it was just open and pretty farm land rolling on into I-5 and then north to showers and beds. We might talk more sometime about who we stayed with and all the cool people we got to meet. But I'll leave that to Jake for now.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
The Secret Photos of Ben G.
A small shop along the road in OK
Sunrise in the valley in Utah
Our secret campground. Amazing.
Leaving the magic campground.
The glorious mountains on the way into Yosemite.
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