In Cody, WY I scoped out a bank sign that displayed the temperature- 60 degrees. What a relief. I was thinking that this far north we were lookin at 40 at best. It made me think that either way, we would have to deal with it.
3 am mountain time, Only 40 miles out of yellowstone. Don't worry marla, jane, jean marie,sherry, and grizel. we appointed the narcoleptic to finish the last leg of the late night drives.
Dw, you ever think you'd fancy an 89 winne?
Stay tuned, we have seen the waste products of grizzlies.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
GREEN
What do you get when you mix blue and yellow? Boulder, Colorado. From dreadlocks to post-recycled materials to free-range eggs and fair-trade coffee, Boulder is at the forefront of the Green movement, blazing the trail with no harm to the trees, of course.
The house we parked in front of separated waste into 8 different recepticles. Ironically, the rover we are driving in gets 8 miles to the gallon. It's good to know someone is doing their part; we promise to trade winne in for the next biofuel driven 'bago we come across.
Green is what you make it. Our contribution consisted of making the most of toilet water in the rv by both brushing our teeth and washing our faces before urination. Greenness presented itself in all forms from being forced to listen to a river roll while walking home at 3 am or being reminded that we weren't in new jersey anymore due to dreds. All in all the scenery of boulder was spectacular and its residents equally majestic.
To garner a true appreciation for the ways of the west one must take an afternoon hike through the Flatiron Mountains of Boulder,Colorado. Wade through frosty streams, scale rocky cliff faces, and pause to take a family photo at the summit with blue skies and the setting sun at your back. An experience like that will open one's eyes to what it means to go green.
Going green is freeing your mind, body, and soul to the rhythmic flows of boulder street bongos--it is allowing your scenic surroundings to bring all senses to a harmonic halt--flowing with the currents of exhilirating rapids--making dates with random hobos to share an experience of learning the secret to the harmonica--green is living in the moment and trusting the beauty of people you encounter through your days.
This avant-garde outlook features prominently in Boulder. So much that the citizens of this green-haven are mobilizing a grassroots effort to bring green to Capitol Hill. The concept: replacing our sliding dollar as currency with carbon credits, establishing a central carbon-trading regulatory entity, Gaia, charged with maintaining carbon-credit price stability and emissions caps.
These activists are modeling the way right at the heart of this vocal movement,scenic Boulder, CO. We just hope the rest of the country heeds their message.
Ride on,
L,D,G,Aj,Al
The house we parked in front of separated waste into 8 different recepticles. Ironically, the rover we are driving in gets 8 miles to the gallon. It's good to know someone is doing their part; we promise to trade winne in for the next biofuel driven 'bago we come across.
Green is what you make it. Our contribution consisted of making the most of toilet water in the rv by both brushing our teeth and washing our faces before urination. Greenness presented itself in all forms from being forced to listen to a river roll while walking home at 3 am or being reminded that we weren't in new jersey anymore due to dreds. All in all the scenery of boulder was spectacular and its residents equally majestic.
To garner a true appreciation for the ways of the west one must take an afternoon hike through the Flatiron Mountains of Boulder,Colorado. Wade through frosty streams, scale rocky cliff faces, and pause to take a family photo at the summit with blue skies and the setting sun at your back. An experience like that will open one's eyes to what it means to go green.
Going green is freeing your mind, body, and soul to the rhythmic flows of boulder street bongos--it is allowing your scenic surroundings to bring all senses to a harmonic halt--flowing with the currents of exhilirating rapids--making dates with random hobos to share an experience of learning the secret to the harmonica--green is living in the moment and trusting the beauty of people you encounter through your days.
This avant-garde outlook features prominently in Boulder. So much that the citizens of this green-haven are mobilizing a grassroots effort to bring green to Capitol Hill. The concept: replacing our sliding dollar as currency with carbon credits, establishing a central carbon-trading regulatory entity, Gaia, charged with maintaining carbon-credit price stability and emissions caps.
These activists are modeling the way right at the heart of this vocal movement,scenic Boulder, CO. We just hope the rest of the country heeds their message.
Ride on,
L,D,G,Aj,Al
boulder part 2 woahh
Ryan, my friend since kindergarten hosted us during our stay in Boulder. We parked the rover down the street from his house, and luckily the friendly residents didn't mind our 34ft beast outside their homes.
We took full advantage of the outdoor activities Boulder has to offer, as we hiked in the Flatiron mountains and swam in the stream.The water was FREEZING but we couldn't resist the tempation of a rope swing. Unlike the Mississippi, this time we didn't have our soap and shampoo with us, so we were unable to wash ourselves. Next time we come prepared.
In other news, we picked up two new passangers.AJ, our roommate met us in Denver (this we'd planned), and Ali, Ryan's neighbor...random I know. Gav and I met her two nights ago asking for directions downtown. She ended up hanging out with us all day yesterday and as we were saying our goodbyes to Boulder she decided on a whim to join us. She's riding to Vegas then flying back to Boulder on Tuesday for class.
Now we cruise to Yellowstone with our new passengers in tow, the magestic Rocky mountains to the west, and endless plains to the east.
RV vs. Grizzly bear... Look out for it on pay per view
We took full advantage of the outdoor activities Boulder has to offer, as we hiked in the Flatiron mountains and swam in the stream.The water was FREEZING but we couldn't resist the tempation of a rope swing. Unlike the Mississippi, this time we didn't have our soap and shampoo with us, so we were unable to wash ourselves. Next time we come prepared.
In other news, we picked up two new passangers.AJ, our roommate met us in Denver (this we'd planned), and Ali, Ryan's neighbor...random I know. Gav and I met her two nights ago asking for directions downtown. She ended up hanging out with us all day yesterday and as we were saying our goodbyes to Boulder she decided on a whim to join us. She's riding to Vegas then flying back to Boulder on Tuesday for class.
Now we cruise to Yellowstone with our new passengers in tow, the magestic Rocky mountains to the west, and endless plains to the east.
RV vs. Grizzly bear... Look out for it on pay per view
Thursday, May 28, 2009
boulder, co
Set in between the base of two mountains, D and C set to climb a verticle hill that overlooked the city of Boulder. The rover is parked along side boulder creek as our heros ascend the mountian. Cacti obstruct a clean asent but the view from the top is beautiful. The flat iron mountians set the scene. At over 6000 feet, we look down upon the college. The original architechture isolates the campus and helps us to differentiate the range from the city from the school.
Hoping for goats, we only see grasshoppers and one baby fox.
Another day in boulder is a must
Hoping for goats, we only see grasshoppers and one baby fox.
Another day in boulder is a must
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
stand up straight
10:22 Mountain Time, 100 miles from the Colorado border-the plains will soon morph into mountain side. The change in altitude will have many effects on our heroic traveler's bodies. For example, changes in climate will necessitate layered clothing.More importantly, the thin air could have a detrimental effect on the already poor posture of the men.when scanning the rover all the passengers suffer from "chronic slouching", a crippling disease stemming from laziness. to prevent this, the crew will begin a rigorous training regimen of both sitting and standing up straight. We expect a complete metamorphosis from Gargoyles to british watchmen by the time we reach LA.
The first exercise of the regimen takes place in a Boulder Walmart parking lot just after sunrise at the foot of the Rockies.
The first exercise of the regimen takes place in a Boulder Walmart parking lot just after sunrise at the foot of the Rockies.
interview
The sport of RV driving has always had trouble attracting crowds, but a recent crop of eccentric drivers have brought new crowds and investment to America's highways. We sat down with Dan Levitt, one of the sports exciting new faces to discuss his dreams, his peers, and what it's like to get behind the wheel.
You've just completed your rookie drive, arriving at Wichita from Dallas in under 5 hours. What was that experience like?
D: well, I'm from around D.C., and I'd say it was a lot like the beltway...just without the buildings, cars, and people. I guess you could see a lot more blue cloudy sky and grassy farm land.
Some have compared you to Sean "whiskers" Youngberg, one of the sports all-time greats. What do you make of that? And how do you compare to your peers on the tour?
D: when I'm done with this sport, they'll ask "sean who?".I used to watch a lot of these growing up, including Gav, Lars, and C. I used to revere these guys. Now I got them asking me for tips and autographs, so I guess you could say I've made it.
You've accomplished a lot in your young career. What's next?
D: one word: domination.
You've just completed your rookie drive, arriving at Wichita from Dallas in under 5 hours. What was that experience like?
D: well, I'm from around D.C., and I'd say it was a lot like the beltway...just without the buildings, cars, and people. I guess you could see a lot more blue cloudy sky and grassy farm land.
Some have compared you to Sean "whiskers" Youngberg, one of the sports all-time greats. What do you make of that? And how do you compare to your peers on the tour?
D: when I'm done with this sport, they'll ask "sean who?".I used to watch a lot of these growing up, including Gav, Lars, and C. I used to revere these guys. Now I got them asking me for tips and autographs, so I guess you could say I've made it.
You've accomplished a lot in your young career. What's next?
D: one word: domination.
one last post about texas
Saturday night D's cousins had some of our crew over for dinner. Rob, Linda, Michael, Ariel, Kelsey, and some friends were waiting for us with steaks on the grill. It was a welcome break from the microwaveable mac n' cheese. We wish we could've seen Amanda as well. We had a great time...its nice to know that despite our distance traveled, family is just a GPS entry away. Thanks again for having us over!
recounting the last day in lewisville texas
Good to see old friends. We spent sunday and monday with harris and brent. Two former jmu-ers. They showed us everything that the dallas suburbs had to offer.
Their condo complex was quaint. The street infront of their 839 was our single serving home. We wasted hours at the pool, then headed to brent's fathers house for some rover maintainance.
We reattached a dangling hose,checked fluids, and changed the mega air filter. Done with the days work, harris took us to an open field around the corner and taught us to ride a dirtbike. Only G actually got out of first gear but riding in circles was stellar.
The night concluded with our first Whattaburger experiance. Like wendys but with some service. I ordered 4 chicken strips, fries, and a burger-also known as "the heartattack in a bag". I hardly moved the rest of the night.
10 am we said our goodbyes. Colorado bound. New rover passanger to be added in denver on thursday.
Their condo complex was quaint. The street infront of their 839 was our single serving home. We wasted hours at the pool, then headed to brent's fathers house for some rover maintainance.
We reattached a dangling hose,checked fluids, and changed the mega air filter. Done with the days work, harris took us to an open field around the corner and taught us to ride a dirtbike. Only G actually got out of first gear but riding in circles was stellar.
The night concluded with our first Whattaburger experiance. Like wendys but with some service. I ordered 4 chicken strips, fries, and a burger-also known as "the heartattack in a bag". I hardly moved the rest of the night.
10 am we said our goodbyes. Colorado bound. New rover passanger to be added in denver on thursday.
Dallas TX to Boulder, CO
As we travel from Dallas to Denver, rolling Oklahoma hills and plains remind us of time past and days gone by.
We reminesce of memories of college. From the day C and I first met on freshman move-in to the craziness of 1167, we realize how quikly time has passed as we zoom across the American countryside. It's crazy how every day becomes an inreasingly smaller percentage of your life-- maybe time actually does speed up.
Regardless, we ride on, passing through Oklahoma to the Oklahoma border into the open plains of Kansas.
More to come,
L.
We reminesce of memories of college. From the day C and I first met on freshman move-in to the craziness of 1167, we realize how quikly time has passed as we zoom across the American countryside. It's crazy how every day becomes an inreasingly smaller percentage of your life-- maybe time actually does speed up.
Regardless, we ride on, passing through Oklahoma to the Oklahoma border into the open plains of Kansas.
More to come,
L.
repent
Bless us followers for we have sinned. It has been three states since our last blog and these are our thoughts:
Sex is leveraged to sell most things in texas. There are countless hooters-like establishments, even a barbershop called knockouts where scantily clad women serve you beer and give you a fresh cut.
We ate at a Bonedaddys and we weren't dissapointed.The Beef brisket was unmatched. Nachos and queso were on point.
Detour to the bass proshop-massive and fully armed with shotguns and camo. Trucks with automatic weapon mounts for sale. Full display of fishing boats and angler gear.
Since there has always been doubt regarding the effectiveness of camo gear(in my suburban eyes at least), I decided to put it to the test in the thick vegitation of the pants rack. With a mossy oak jacket and camo hat, I climbed underneath the display and patiently awaited my unsuspecting target. D and G walked by the clothing rack like gazelle that were soon to be lunchmeat. I sprang from my perch. Camo is very effective.
Sex is leveraged to sell most things in texas. There are countless hooters-like establishments, even a barbershop called knockouts where scantily clad women serve you beer and give you a fresh cut.
We ate at a Bonedaddys and we weren't dissapointed.The Beef brisket was unmatched. Nachos and queso were on point.
Detour to the bass proshop-massive and fully armed with shotguns and camo. Trucks with automatic weapon mounts for sale. Full display of fishing boats and angler gear.
Since there has always been doubt regarding the effectiveness of camo gear(in my suburban eyes at least), I decided to put it to the test in the thick vegitation of the pants rack. With a mossy oak jacket and camo hat, I climbed underneath the display and patiently awaited my unsuspecting target. D and G walked by the clothing rack like gazelle that were soon to be lunchmeat. I sprang from my perch. Camo is very effective.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Marlboro Reds, Bud Heavys, and Bald Eagles
No joke, everything is bigger in Texas. Taking advantage of tax free incentives, you find churches that are bigger than Wal-Mart supercenters. It isn't enough to have one Hooters in a city but there must be two. And not across town either. These two family establishments lie right across the street from one another.
What is the biggest in Texas? The American spirit.
What is the biggest in Texas? The American spirit.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Arkansas
Jill, does anyone pay their taxes in Arkansas? If you were in the minority that did pay state taxes, I can tell you where they are not hard at work- on the highway system.
We left Memphis around 6pm after some incredible BBQ. Short shot to the Arkansas boarder where endless tire blow out remains and potholes that could have housed Jame's Giant Peach plauge our travels.
At a TA center we stopped to refuel. $4.50 in failed attempts to snatch a camo canteen from an arcade crane left our spirits shattered. With our heads hanging low, I caught a glimpse of trouble from beneath the rover. A hose disconnected.
After further investigation, it appeared that it was AC related. In true McGyver form, I fashioned a hose clamp from a trailer identification tag. So long as the front passanger wheel would resist the urge to irritate the hose, we would make it to Dallas with all of our parts. It was after 1am and we still had over 200 miles to go. We ride on.
Most of the crew nods off as L approaches Lewisville, Texas to join some old friends. I stir from my upright slumber as we pass through Dallas. Sprawling cityscapes entertain and bring the crew to life. We arrive safely just after 5am central time. We crash outside of our companions condo and awake to his familiar voice around 11.
He informs us that once again, the troubling hose fails to cooperate.
We left Memphis around 6pm after some incredible BBQ. Short shot to the Arkansas boarder where endless tire blow out remains and potholes that could have housed Jame's Giant Peach plauge our travels.
At a TA center we stopped to refuel. $4.50 in failed attempts to snatch a camo canteen from an arcade crane left our spirits shattered. With our heads hanging low, I caught a glimpse of trouble from beneath the rover. A hose disconnected.
After further investigation, it appeared that it was AC related. In true McGyver form, I fashioned a hose clamp from a trailer identification tag. So long as the front passanger wheel would resist the urge to irritate the hose, we would make it to Dallas with all of our parts. It was after 1am and we still had over 200 miles to go. We ride on.
Most of the crew nods off as L approaches Lewisville, Texas to join some old friends. I stir from my upright slumber as we pass through Dallas. Sprawling cityscapes entertain and bring the crew to life. We arrive safely just after 5am central time. We crash outside of our companions condo and awake to his familiar voice around 11.
He informs us that once again, the troubling hose fails to cooperate.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Memphis, TN
After our refreshing swim/bath in the Mississippi, we trucked into Memphis in search of legendary barbeque and Elvis Presley. We found Elvis first, and proceeded to park in Graceland's RV lot. We were soon disappointed at the King's now over-commercialized home.
Just as Via Dollorosa-- the road that Jesus was made to walk as he carried the cross en route to his crucifiction-- is now overpopulated with merchants peddling rosaries, bibles, pocket-sized crucifixes, and other trivial souveniers to passing tourists, Graceland is nothing but an endless array of elvis statuettes, bobbleheads, posters, and T-shirts. For a modest $35, a visitor can tour Elvis' home. For $48, one not only tours the house, but gets access to Elvis' custom plane, Lisa Marie. $69 buys you the premium package: tours of the ranch, planes, viewing of an Elvis movie of your choice, and entry to the exclusive "Elvis VIP tour".
I wonder if when Jesus was making miracles and Elvis was making music either man could have imagined his legacy as the commercial juggernaut it is today...
Our next stop was Central BBQ. We arrived hungry and left happy- the Memphis BBQ truly lives up to its reputation.
Arkansas here we come
Just as Via Dollorosa-- the road that Jesus was made to walk as he carried the cross en route to his crucifiction-- is now overpopulated with merchants peddling rosaries, bibles, pocket-sized crucifixes, and other trivial souveniers to passing tourists, Graceland is nothing but an endless array of elvis statuettes, bobbleheads, posters, and T-shirts. For a modest $35, a visitor can tour Elvis' home. For $48, one not only tours the house, but gets access to Elvis' custom plane, Lisa Marie. $69 buys you the premium package: tours of the ranch, planes, viewing of an Elvis movie of your choice, and entry to the exclusive "Elvis VIP tour".
I wonder if when Jesus was making miracles and Elvis was making music either man could have imagined his legacy as the commercial juggernaut it is today...
Our next stop was Central BBQ. We arrived hungry and left happy- the Memphis BBQ truly lives up to its reputation.
Arkansas here we come
if you're willing to go that far...
After seeing countless signs for lakes we decided to commit to a body of water. It has been two days in the 80's and none of us have showered. Just outside of memphis, we took a small road off of rt. 40 toward shelby forest. The smell of flora was refreshing as we treked 9 miles down a windy mountian. It lead us to the edge of the mississippi. With little hesitation, we dove in-bars of soap in hand.I can recall a time at bear mt st park in new york when I would pass judgement on the city folk bathing in the lake- the tables had turned.
Could you believe the soap didn't float?
Could you believe the soap didn't float?
Friday, May 22, 2009
downtown nashville
The stage to dueling pianos. Next door to a familiar place with a beaten car, a low stage and an excellent cover band. Headed to the wild beaver where smitty once raged.
The live band was uncharacteristicly absent but we were entertained by the lovely kindra and meaghan(pete too!). We also met a mr mathews who affirmed our beliefs that where we were staying was not only a sketchy place, but a dangerous one. A homocide recently solved in that location and commited by a trucker-unwelcomed surprise.
We head to the rover- full crew. New drivers in the am.
The live band was uncharacteristicly absent but we were entertained by the lovely kindra and meaghan(pete too!). We also met a mr mathews who affirmed our beliefs that where we were staying was not only a sketchy place, but a dangerous one. A homocide recently solved in that location and commited by a trucker-unwelcomed surprise.
We head to the rover- full crew. New drivers in the am.
evening, nashville
We pulled into the traveler america center truck stop 4:30 central time. Outdoor parkinglot team troubador stretch-of-the-legs and off to downtown nashville for dinner.
Rippy's bbq rib joint hosted our crew. Pulled pork sandwiches all around with a house sauce that had a firey bite. Relaxing on the rooftop overlooking CMT headquarters, assorted skyscrapers and the honky tonk bars below.
Our night in the first city of our trip begins.
Rippy's bbq rib joint hosted our crew. Pulled pork sandwiches all around with a house sauce that had a firey bite. Relaxing on the rooftop overlooking CMT headquarters, assorted skyscrapers and the honky tonk bars below.
Our night in the first city of our trip begins.
time travel
What do time and space have in common? They both wilt in the face of the winnebego. Our clocks currently read an hour fast, and the only explanation is that we have traveled through time. The future is much like the past, except cars fly now and pagers are making a comeback. We're considering trading in Winnie for a DeLorean.
C just finished the first leg, and his performance was inspiring. Driving for 7 hours, he brought us within 100 miles of Nashville. L has taken the helm now, and so far he has been LeBron to C's Kobe.
2:15 winne central time. 68 miles outside of nashville.
C just finished the first leg, and his performance was inspiring. Driving for 7 hours, he brought us within 100 miles of Nashville. L has taken the helm now, and so far he has been LeBron to C's Kobe.
2:15 winne central time. 68 miles outside of nashville.
departure
"Sir, we're picking something up on radar... It's a winnebago"
6 am eastern standard time - Groggy and bleary-eyed, we pull up the anchor and leave port, albeit with the screen door swinging open...DT is kind enough to ride up on bicycle and shut the hatch.
Bicycles, we have one aboard. Strapped to the roof.curbside pick up.great addition. Purple and rusted it will trace the grounds of the grand canyon in all its glory.
We started 6 hours later than expected. Blame nissan pavillion. L had a miserable time leaving the coldplay concert so he and G didn't arrive in harrisonburg till 4:30 am.
Setbacks are expected and with little fuss and help from a blackberry alarm clock we jumped on 81 at approx. 7am.
Mid 70s, two sleepy passengers in tow, captian and copilot head for nashville with caffine buzzing through the bloodstream.
6 am eastern standard time - Groggy and bleary-eyed, we pull up the anchor and leave port, albeit with the screen door swinging open...DT is kind enough to ride up on bicycle and shut the hatch.
Bicycles, we have one aboard. Strapped to the roof.curbside pick up.great addition. Purple and rusted it will trace the grounds of the grand canyon in all its glory.
We started 6 hours later than expected. Blame nissan pavillion. L had a miserable time leaving the coldplay concert so he and G didn't arrive in harrisonburg till 4:30 am.
Setbacks are expected and with little fuss and help from a blackberry alarm clock we jumped on 81 at approx. 7am.
Mid 70s, two sleepy passengers in tow, captian and copilot head for nashville with caffine buzzing through the bloodstream.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
preface: the shortest distance between two points
It was somewhere inbetween my infatuation with craigslist and an itch to move to the west coast that I arrived at the third greatest idea of my short life; purchase a 1989 winnebago-naturally, via craigslist.
Virginia to California. Four young men. Four individual pursuits. 5817 miles of groud to cover.One way.. One way? Yes.
It would be the road trip equivent of child abuse do america with any less. We are nurturing parents and the RV will see it all:
Harrisonburg va to nashville,
Nashville to memphis,
Memphis to dallas,
Dallas to denver (plus a few notable colorado stops... Later to be noted),
Denver to jackson hole, wy
Wy to the redwoods of california,
Down to san fran,
East to vegas,
South to lake mead and the grand canyon,
Flagstaff and southern arizona down the stretch,
Back west to san diego and finally, the greater los angeles area.
The shortest distance between two points is the most borning distance between two points.
Etd: 12;15 am may 22nd 2009.
Virginia to California. Four young men. Four individual pursuits. 5817 miles of groud to cover.One way.. One way? Yes.
It would be the road trip equivent of child abuse do america with any less. We are nurturing parents and the RV will see it all:
Harrisonburg va to nashville,
Nashville to memphis,
Memphis to dallas,
Dallas to denver (plus a few notable colorado stops... Later to be noted),
Denver to jackson hole, wy
Wy to the redwoods of california,
Down to san fran,
East to vegas,
South to lake mead and the grand canyon,
Flagstaff and southern arizona down the stretch,
Back west to san diego and finally, the greater los angeles area.
The shortest distance between two points is the most borning distance between two points.
Etd: 12;15 am may 22nd 2009.
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