The days run away with themselves... and so a quick overview of the joys of the Bay Area and how they have distracted me from this electronic world of journaling:
- The Seaward-
I met Captain Emerson on suggestion of a good friend. He captains the 82' schooner The Seaward out of Sausalito. They run educational programs on the ship (they being his crazy crew) as well as chartered cruises around the bay. What an incredible way to check out the area from the water. He took me out all day and I was able to get the most amazing views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and all of the surrounding city areas:)
- Yoga To The People -
I found myself the most amazing yoga studio. They are located right downtown Berkeley, are donation based, and offer killer classes. It is always packed and sweaty but all the people there create a warm, inviting community to practice in.
- Red Obsession -
Daniel, Jacqueline and I painted the entire kitchen bright "obsession" red. It was a gloriously messy night of color.
- Capoeira -
Another new "friend of a friend" here, Scott, convinced me (wasn't that difficult, trust me) to try taking a Capoeira (Brazilian dance/martial art) class here. It was so much fun. The music is lively and pulses through you and the moves, so far, are very intuitive. Looks like I've been hooked... watch out!
- Brownies From Scratch -
Did you know those are locations? Apparently, they are... we wanted to make brownies (the dessert) from scratch. So I texted google (its like having the internet on your phone for free!) "Brownies from scratch" and this was the response:
Directions:
Distance: 121 mi (about 2 hours 45 mins) 25 steps.
Sorry, the requested route is too long. You may want to get it online at http://maps.google.com
So, if you are curious the steps to making brownies from scratch, apparently it requires some travel. Good luck.
The world continues to surprise and amuse me - and it's great to realize that one doesn't always have to travel far to find those lovely moments that make places special.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Berkeley, CA - Park(ing) Day!
The Bay Area is doing all it can to keep me completely and totally enamored. And it is most definitely succeeding. I met up with a good friend Rachel on the University of California, Berkeley campus and together we bussed over to San Francisco to cruise Chinatown:) After becoming all but overwhelmed by the amount of energy and general stuff available, we needed a break. Poof! Free tea tasting! Perfectly timed, we sat down and filled up on various lovely, hot, fragrant tea before heading back to Berkeley.
After parting ways, I thought I would just be heading home to sit in for a quiet evening. Silly me;) As I wandered down Shattuck Ave a man gestured to me from a park bench. I smiled. He waved and said, "Come on now, you can't just walk on by. You need to take a moment to sit and enjoy the evening." (All of you cynics out there are holding your breath right now, I know. Just trust me for a moment, people are so fabulous.) So I joined this man, Olvan, and had a lovely conversation about his travels through life, what he does now, how we both happen to love being where we are right now... then a group of people came and performed a movement/dance piece to the sound of the city streets, right in front of us... enormous white flowers wafted in the breeze... small children smiled, giggled, teased one another... a woman handed out packets of wildflower seeds...
Park(ing) Day.
Basically, once a year, people gather together and "rent out" a section of metered parking spots. They then build a park there for the day. September 18th happened to be Park(ing) Day. The park I had stumbled upon had enormous flowers created from old plastic bags. It is an effort to remind people that we should cherish the beauty of parks, whether permanent or transient:)
And the fun doesn't end there! Life is made of "old friends I still gotta meet" (ahem, if you don't know that quote, go listen to some Rachael Davis... she's good for the soul) and I met one of them this evening back in San Francisco. Emerson is a charismatic captain. Literally (more on that later, I promise). We downed some yummy local beer and I, yet again, showed how terrible I am at playing pool. The fun's in playing, not winning... says the loser...
After parting ways, I thought I would just be heading home to sit in for a quiet evening. Silly me;) As I wandered down Shattuck Ave a man gestured to me from a park bench. I smiled. He waved and said, "Come on now, you can't just walk on by. You need to take a moment to sit and enjoy the evening." (All of you cynics out there are holding your breath right now, I know. Just trust me for a moment, people are so fabulous.) So I joined this man, Olvan, and had a lovely conversation about his travels through life, what he does now, how we both happen to love being where we are right now... then a group of people came and performed a movement/dance piece to the sound of the city streets, right in front of us... enormous white flowers wafted in the breeze... small children smiled, giggled, teased one another... a woman handed out packets of wildflower seeds...
Park(ing) Day.
Basically, once a year, people gather together and "rent out" a section of metered parking spots. They then build a park there for the day. September 18th happened to be Park(ing) Day. The park I had stumbled upon had enormous flowers created from old plastic bags. It is an effort to remind people that we should cherish the beauty of parks, whether permanent or transient:)
And the fun doesn't end there! Life is made of "old friends I still gotta meet" (ahem, if you don't know that quote, go listen to some Rachael Davis... she's good for the soul) and I met one of them this evening back in San Francisco. Emerson is a charismatic captain. Literally (more on that later, I promise). We downed some yummy local beer and I, yet again, showed how terrible I am at playing pool. The fun's in playing, not winning... says the loser...
Berkeley, CA - Red Carpet Welcome
I am now the lone rider once again - I have returned the beast! The drive down to Portola Valley was relatively quick and the last car adventure to make. It took me into San Francisco briefly. What a beautiful city - the buildings are all cream, yellow, shell pink - so full of light and seashore personality. Karen and I had a nice catch up conversation in their (gorgeous!) home before heading back into the city. Time to really get to know the housemate... what better way than meeting up for beers and garlic naan at PUB (Yes, Pub. Not A pub. Just a bar called Pub...)!
Not even ten hours later...
My first real stroll through the streets of Berkeley welcomed me in a gracious fashion, by quite literally rolling out the red carpet. As I entered the downtown area, already loving the vibe, I noticed a large crowd of people around the public transportation-station (The Bay Area Rapid Transit - BART! Haha, it has a person name. Oh I love this place.) so I wandered over to find out what the excitement was all about. This group of rowdy hooligans had placed red carpet at the entrance/exit to the station and were applauding/whistling/cheering every time a person came or went. How hilariously fantastic. The look on the unsuspectingly famous "randoms" was priceless. This to be followed by yet another bonding evening: new friend Liz, Jacqueline, and I made dinner and spent an entire evening in gossipy, giggly girl bliss. (To be immediately followed by introductions to THE SPIDER. There is basically a mouse with eight legs living on the lightbulb directly outside the apartment door. We have yet to make friends. Really anticipating this one to not end well for either of us).
Not even ten hours later...
My first real stroll through the streets of Berkeley welcomed me in a gracious fashion, by quite literally rolling out the red carpet. As I entered the downtown area, already loving the vibe, I noticed a large crowd of people around the public transportation-station (The Bay Area Rapid Transit - BART! Haha, it has a person name. Oh I love this place.) so I wandered over to find out what the excitement was all about. This group of rowdy hooligans had placed red carpet at the entrance/exit to the station and were applauding/whistling/cheering every time a person came or went. How hilariously fantastic. The look on the unsuspectingly famous "randoms" was priceless. This to be followed by yet another bonding evening: new friend Liz, Jacqueline, and I made dinner and spent an entire evening in gossipy, giggly girl bliss. (To be immediately followed by introductions to THE SPIDER. There is basically a mouse with eight legs living on the lightbulb directly outside the apartment door. We have yet to make friends. Really anticipating this one to not end well for either of us).
Monday, September 21, 2009
Redwood National Park, CA to Berkeley, CA
The "final" trek to Berkeley had more than its share of moments highlighting Maggie's inability to stick to any sort of schedule, or implement any kind of logical awareness of time and location. But produced more fantastic memories and stories! So I got that going for me...
Donna woke me up to invite me to the mouth of the Klamath River to watch the salmon run. We were joined by Paul, from the Philippines by way of southern California, and Boris, from Germany. Let me take a moment to set the stage for this mornings antics: Boris met us at 8:00am with a Budweiser in his hand because it was his last and he figured he should use it up soon. Oh Boris. At the beach, we encountered dozens of sea otters, hundreds of beach birds, and several barking sea lions. Between the barking "Aaaarpp!" of the sea lions, Boris's heavy metal lyrics (and constant response to any question with "YOP!") I laughed pretty solidly for most of the day. However, salmon remained elusive. So we got food and then returned at low tide to find the river mouth lined with fishermen. And THEN we saw some fish. Salmon are enormous. Trust me, I picked one up (ohhhh the slime!). Finally, we were fished out and headed back to the hostel. My intention had been to head south by 12:30. It was now 3:45. Oh well, I guess I can roll with the... fishing rods?
Leaving at 4:30 meant that I did not get in any quality time with the prehistoric mammoth tree-beasts in the Park. But its strange, the feeling even driving through those things urges silence and has a palpable feeling of awe. The air is thick, the ferns are from a different time. A time when cameras did not exist, I am willing to bet, based on the fact that photographing one is OUT of the question. I tried. They are too much for the camera. And I don't think it is just their size, its more than that. It is the fact that you cannot capture the feeling. Yet another unexplainable experience - those trees are more alive than any other tree I have ever come across; and they demand your attention, command your respect. And I willingly gave it. So much so that I didn't take the time to consider the fact that I am in California now, where the fog rolls in right around evening and coats EVERYTHING. So I decided that driving down Hwy 1 would be great way to see the sunset along the coast. HAH. Good joke, right? Let me describe the following hours going to Berkeley:
The road is like a snake, weaving back and forth unendingly. In order to not careen off the road on each curve, my speed never tops 20mph. This means that a "quick" 25 mile drive to the coast does not get you there by sunset. On the contrary, it assures that you are driving in thick darkness, with even thicker fog, and mammoth trees. I SINCERELY believed I would see a dinosaur around each and every corner. And though I did not see any, I probably didn't give it a fair shot. Three hours of driving 15-20mph sent me scuttling back to US 101 in order to reach my host Jacqueline at least by 1:00am. Aye.
Moment of reverence for my new housemate:
Jacqueline is a woman of fantastic energy. Beautiful, quick-witted, and unbelievably kind; she welcomed me graciously with open arms and we giggled our way into a quick friendship. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Donna woke me up to invite me to the mouth of the Klamath River to watch the salmon run. We were joined by Paul, from the Philippines by way of southern California, and Boris, from Germany. Let me take a moment to set the stage for this mornings antics: Boris met us at 8:00am with a Budweiser in his hand because it was his last and he figured he should use it up soon. Oh Boris. At the beach, we encountered dozens of sea otters, hundreds of beach birds, and several barking sea lions. Between the barking "Aaaarpp!" of the sea lions, Boris's heavy metal lyrics (and constant response to any question with "YOP!") I laughed pretty solidly for most of the day. However, salmon remained elusive. So we got food and then returned at low tide to find the river mouth lined with fishermen. And THEN we saw some fish. Salmon are enormous. Trust me, I picked one up (ohhhh the slime!). Finally, we were fished out and headed back to the hostel. My intention had been to head south by 12:30. It was now 3:45. Oh well, I guess I can roll with the... fishing rods?
Leaving at 4:30 meant that I did not get in any quality time with the prehistoric mammoth tree-beasts in the Park. But its strange, the feeling even driving through those things urges silence and has a palpable feeling of awe. The air is thick, the ferns are from a different time. A time when cameras did not exist, I am willing to bet, based on the fact that photographing one is OUT of the question. I tried. They are too much for the camera. And I don't think it is just their size, its more than that. It is the fact that you cannot capture the feeling. Yet another unexplainable experience - those trees are more alive than any other tree I have ever come across; and they demand your attention, command your respect. And I willingly gave it. So much so that I didn't take the time to consider the fact that I am in California now, where the fog rolls in right around evening and coats EVERYTHING. So I decided that driving down Hwy 1 would be great way to see the sunset along the coast. HAH. Good joke, right? Let me describe the following hours going to Berkeley:
The road is like a snake, weaving back and forth unendingly. In order to not careen off the road on each curve, my speed never tops 20mph. This means that a "quick" 25 mile drive to the coast does not get you there by sunset. On the contrary, it assures that you are driving in thick darkness, with even thicker fog, and mammoth trees. I SINCERELY believed I would see a dinosaur around each and every corner. And though I did not see any, I probably didn't give it a fair shot. Three hours of driving 15-20mph sent me scuttling back to US 101 in order to reach my host Jacqueline at least by 1:00am. Aye.
Moment of reverence for my new housemate:
Jacqueline is a woman of fantastic energy. Beautiful, quick-witted, and unbelievably kind; she welcomed me graciously with open arms and we giggled our way into a quick friendship. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Eugene, OR to Redwood National Park, CA
I made it to California! And the most entertaining way to do so, in my opinion, is by way of a good ole "produce check" at the state border. Especially when it is a thorough investigation. Let me demonstrate just how in depth the experience was:
Produce Checker: "Hello ma'am, how are you?"
Me: "Great thanks! You?"
PC: "Good. Have any produce with you?"
Me: "Nope."
PC: "Okay, have a nice day."
Certified produce-free me meandered into the state and then the trees just began to grow. And grow. I made it to the Redwoods Youth Hostel in a relatively uneventful manner and figured my evening would simply consist of a little uke jam on the beach (oh, the soft sand out here is amazing) to sing the sun to sleep. And while some of that happened... my evening was far from uneventful;)
I met a woman who has been biking for about six months, started in South Carolina, and was staying at the hostel (albeit in a little more acceptable way - I am nearing the "no money" section of this trip so for me staying in the hostel is more like sleeping in the hostel parking lot). She was fascinating to talk to and luckily I found out she has a blog (crazyguyonabike.com search for Reclaiming Blue America by Beth Kodluboy). I say luckily because while I adore listening to other people's adventures, I understand the process of having to answer the same questions over and over. So I sucked up as much conversation with her as I felt was fair and then gave her some beach time to herself. Not moments later, I met Jerome - crazy hippie boy from Colorado - who was headed down the beach with his mom Donna to check out a dead sea lion. Count me in! Jerome issued a quick warning, "So.... hope it doesn't freak you out. My mom is bringing some knives and might try to take some of the hide or teeth...." And while the stench of the massive dead animal was oh so less-than-pleasant, Donna snagged herself a prize lion tooth;) Not to be outdone, the livelier animals in the area decided to try for some attention (not necessarily Dental attention, more like photographic appreciation). As the sun sank, a troupe of feisty, ambling sea otters danced across the shoreline.
Back at the hostel, another woman biking down the coast pulled out a guitar and played around for a while. Turns out this hostel has a whole nice collection of instruments. Including the winner of all instruments: a driftwood didgeridoo!! It was ENORMOUS but undaunted, I tried to play it... pseudo-successfully. Apparently some people give massages with didges. And who doesn't love a good massage? So a few of us tried it out. Next time someone offers you an opportunity to receive a didgeridoo massage, please accept. It is hilariously awesome. Massaged into exhaustion, I headed to the outdoors for some sleep.
Produce Checker: "Hello ma'am, how are you?"
Me: "Great thanks! You?"
PC: "Good. Have any produce with you?"
Me: "Nope."
PC: "Okay, have a nice day."
Certified produce-free me meandered into the state and then the trees just began to grow. And grow. I made it to the Redwoods Youth Hostel in a relatively uneventful manner and figured my evening would simply consist of a little uke jam on the beach (oh, the soft sand out here is amazing) to sing the sun to sleep. And while some of that happened... my evening was far from uneventful;)
I met a woman who has been biking for about six months, started in South Carolina, and was staying at the hostel (albeit in a little more acceptable way - I am nearing the "no money" section of this trip so for me staying in the hostel is more like sleeping in the hostel parking lot). She was fascinating to talk to and luckily I found out she has a blog (crazyguyonabike.com search for Reclaiming Blue America by Beth Kodluboy). I say luckily because while I adore listening to other people's adventures, I understand the process of having to answer the same questions over and over. So I sucked up as much conversation with her as I felt was fair and then gave her some beach time to herself. Not moments later, I met Jerome - crazy hippie boy from Colorado - who was headed down the beach with his mom Donna to check out a dead sea lion. Count me in! Jerome issued a quick warning, "So.... hope it doesn't freak you out. My mom is bringing some knives and might try to take some of the hide or teeth...." And while the stench of the massive dead animal was oh so less-than-pleasant, Donna snagged herself a prize lion tooth;) Not to be outdone, the livelier animals in the area decided to try for some attention (not necessarily Dental attention, more like photographic appreciation). As the sun sank, a troupe of feisty, ambling sea otters danced across the shoreline.
Back at the hostel, another woman biking down the coast pulled out a guitar and played around for a while. Turns out this hostel has a whole nice collection of instruments. Including the winner of all instruments: a driftwood didgeridoo!! It was ENORMOUS but undaunted, I tried to play it... pseudo-successfully. Apparently some people give massages with didges. And who doesn't love a good massage? So a few of us tried it out. Next time someone offers you an opportunity to receive a didgeridoo massage, please accept. It is hilariously awesome. Massaged into exhaustion, I headed to the outdoors for some sleep.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Eugene, OR - Weekend Adventures
Who knew coastal Oregon and western Montana would have such similarities? They do - in the way they suck you in and keep you there longer than you told your gracious hosts. And when I write "you" I obviously do not mean that I would ever stay several extra days in a city, mooching off the generosity of good friends and a comfy bed;) Friday was another casual day. Met up with buddy Dan and he gave me a little tour of the nearby Hendricks (?) Park and its spectacular views of some of the surrounding buttes and city area. A crowd of us went over to California Research Institute for dinner - really funky pizza place with delicious, crazy pizzas and FOOSBALL! Talk about a walk down memory lane, playing Foosball with old friends:)
The weather in Eugene is hot. So lovely:) And so hot in fact, that on Saturday, that same crowd decided to drive over to Florence to spend the day at the ocean. Unfortunately, that kind of heat does not stick around at the edge of the Pacific. So it was much chillier (ie: sweatshirt/jeans/hat) but absolutely still worth it. The beaches in Oregon are ruggedly beautiful. Grey mist rolling in on the horizon and wind whipping through the dunes. But rugged as they are, the beaches are no competition for the ruggedness of the group that came to conquer! We stripped down and plunged into the FRIGID waters. The kind of cold that makes you gasp, makes your skin turn red, and makes the boys hold onto... well, the boys, for dear life. But exhilarating nonetheless;) We even spent enough time numbing our skin to see a seal mock us in our blubber-less state. Enough of being rugged. Time for hot coffee and showers:) And then... I became a duck. I really did. Decked out in yellow and green, I hiked on over to the University of Oregon football game with Dan. However, with no cell service, we just got a good look at the outside of the stadium and never could get a hold of the man with the tickets. So instead we watched it from a friend's place (U of O won, FYI) and then to celebrate we went to MacMenamins for beers and a game of pool:)
Not to be outdone by Bozeman's elongated stay, Eugene also sucked me in for all of Sunday. I was invited to go rafting with Dan, Kathy, Dave, and Mike:) If those four ever invite you anywhere - accept, regardless of the situation. This is a group of fantastic, hilarious, sweet individuals:) We rafted down the McKenzie River for a few hours. This is no ordinary river. It is a temperature to rival the ocean I was in the previous day (AKA: ICY) and crystal clear. So clear you think you could touch the bottom when it is in fact more like 15 or 20 feet down. Which makes it froth ice-blue and white in the rapids. One of the most beautiful rivers I have ever seen, I would not hesitate to say. Once again, thoroughly chilled, we heated back up with dinner and laughs and then a game of Settler's of Catan with Dan & friends:) But after all that generosity from everyone, I decided the kindest thing I could do was to really get out of their hair and tangle myself into the biggest trees I could find...
The weather in Eugene is hot. So lovely:) And so hot in fact, that on Saturday, that same crowd decided to drive over to Florence to spend the day at the ocean. Unfortunately, that kind of heat does not stick around at the edge of the Pacific. So it was much chillier (ie: sweatshirt/jeans/hat) but absolutely still worth it. The beaches in Oregon are ruggedly beautiful. Grey mist rolling in on the horizon and wind whipping through the dunes. But rugged as they are, the beaches are no competition for the ruggedness of the group that came to conquer! We stripped down and plunged into the FRIGID waters. The kind of cold that makes you gasp, makes your skin turn red, and makes the boys hold onto... well, the boys, for dear life. But exhilarating nonetheless;) We even spent enough time numbing our skin to see a seal mock us in our blubber-less state. Enough of being rugged. Time for hot coffee and showers:) And then... I became a duck. I really did. Decked out in yellow and green, I hiked on over to the University of Oregon football game with Dan. However, with no cell service, we just got a good look at the outside of the stadium and never could get a hold of the man with the tickets. So instead we watched it from a friend's place (U of O won, FYI) and then to celebrate we went to MacMenamins for beers and a game of pool:)
Not to be outdone by Bozeman's elongated stay, Eugene also sucked me in for all of Sunday. I was invited to go rafting with Dan, Kathy, Dave, and Mike:) If those four ever invite you anywhere - accept, regardless of the situation. This is a group of fantastic, hilarious, sweet individuals:) We rafted down the McKenzie River for a few hours. This is no ordinary river. It is a temperature to rival the ocean I was in the previous day (AKA: ICY) and crystal clear. So clear you think you could touch the bottom when it is in fact more like 15 or 20 feet down. Which makes it froth ice-blue and white in the rapids. One of the most beautiful rivers I have ever seen, I would not hesitate to say. Once again, thoroughly chilled, we heated back up with dinner and laughs and then a game of Settler's of Catan with Dan & friends:) But after all that generosity from everyone, I decided the kindest thing I could do was to really get out of their hair and tangle myself into the biggest trees I could find...
Friday, September 11, 2009
Lake Oswego, OR to Eugene, OR
Made my way to Eugene, Oregon. It's interesting - I am started to really feel the drag of being in a car. Two hours was more than enough time behind the wheel for me! Luckily, two hours was all I had to be in there and I was greeted with the warm hugs of childhood friends Hayes and Andrew. Soon to be joined by Lindsey. It was a domestic, chill afternoon and evening filled with back-to-school shopping (I love nature but boy do organizational office supplies hold a special place in my heart) and tofu kabobs on the outdoor fire pit! Nothing shoo's away the woes of driving like good conversation. Well, perhaps chocolate stout, sweet potatoes, rice, and veggies/tofu marinated in Hayes's homemade sauce. Not to mention the heaven of a chocolate dessert...
Perhaps after all this divine food treatment (and the lack of physical activity from driving) I will actually have to start reading my web address differently: no longer "Musings Of a Traveling Musician" but perhaps: "Musing, O Fat Raveling Musician!" or once I am really laden down with food: "Musing SOFA Traveling Musician!" Take your pick;)
Perhaps after all this divine food treatment (and the lack of physical activity from driving) I will actually have to start reading my web address differently: no longer "Musings Of a Traveling Musician" but perhaps: "Musing, O Fat Raveling Musician!" or once I am really laden down with food: "Musing SOFA Traveling Musician!" Take your pick;)
Portland, OR - Tea Party!?
Alexis, Ian, and Taylor put me up for two days and it was SO good to catch up with old friends. Ian, Taylor, and Julie gave me a little taste of Portland by bike. We pedaled our way to Powell's Books. Overwhelming. I could have lived in there and never been able to get enough. Someday I think I will attach some extra shelving to my bike and have a rolling library. Fueled back up on local beer and food and then hit the Rose Garden. Rows and rows of varying shapes, colors, sizes, smells. All beautiful. It had just started to make me feel like I was in Alice in Wonderland when I went even further down the rabbit hole... Julie and I came across a tea party! Three people (Nicole, Shane, and Alison) had set up a little spot for tea and were inviting any and everyone to join them and chat about what stresses (or de-stresses) them in life. So of course we had a cup of tea. Nicole and Shane are driving around the country having these tea parties! (Soon to be in San Francisco - keep your eyes open for the moving tea pot!) How fabulous. We all got back in the saddle after a nice break among the roses and made our way to a little Cafe on the East Side that shows films... tonight's: "Man On Wire" Ah, psych. I knew something was up when the film started out as slapstick humor in Italian. But the change in plans was very welcome. We ended up watch "Life is Beautiful;" a film about an Italian Jew doing all he can during the holocaust to keep his child and wife happy. Go see it. Please:) I ended my day reading an article in Michigan Blue by Jerry Dennis and I really loved this description:
"A moment is a hard thing to capture. It's elusive and stubborn and impossible to predict. Just when you think you've got one nailed down it blends into other moments, and instead of a memory as crisply defined as a jewel's facet, you have nothing but a vague recollection. But [THAT] moment... was finely etched. It was magical and absolutely unexpected, vivid as a dream, so memorable that it might come back, unbidden 30 or 40 years from now, when I'm in bed, almost asleep, and have long forgotten that I ever witnessed such a scene."
"A moment is a hard thing to capture. It's elusive and stubborn and impossible to predict. Just when you think you've got one nailed down it blends into other moments, and instead of a memory as crisply defined as a jewel's facet, you have nothing but a vague recollection. But [THAT] moment... was finely etched. It was magical and absolutely unexpected, vivid as a dream, so memorable that it might come back, unbidden 30 or 40 years from now, when I'm in bed, almost asleep, and have long forgotten that I ever witnessed such a scene."
Olympic National Park, WA to Lake Oswego, OR
My 15 minutes of morning chores at the hostel were spent filling in sign post holes with Dave. It was a great 15 minutes of conversation about his experiences hiking all over the United States.
Headed to the Hoh Rainforest. If you have to have a ton of rain - getting to wander through a rain forest is the best way to enjoy it. I walked the "Hall of Mosses" which is a short trail though trees just laden with spongy brown-green moss. Like the mountain stream water I could not accurately describe, the colors in the rain forest are almost impossible to capture in anything other than your senses, in that very moment you are experiencing them. The best I can do will not help most people - the colors are the colors of my sister's eyes. Greens of all shades. A little bit of brown and some golden light flickering through. And, it goes without saying, gorgeous. I couldn't get enough of walking through that place. So I went on the Ranger led hike down the "Spruce Trail." (Shout out to Adam B: "OH, RANGER!") Ranger Mike explained everything about the progression from river bed to rainforest and back again. It is amazing how nature just works itself out in the most organized fashion... each animal or plant plays its part. Even the destruction is ultimately just leading back to growth (or vice versa, I guess... chicken, egg... whatever...).
Eventually, I was able to pull myself from that magical seclusion of moss and green filtered light... and forty five minutes down the road I was able to pull myself back into reality by remembering that my sleeping bag was still cozily curled up in the hostel. In situations like those there is really nothing more to do but turn around and laugh. So laugh and turn around I did. At least it was a gorgeous stretch of road... I don't know if it was gorgeous enough to drive three times in a row but... such is life. Drove the rest of the way without any major mishaps and was greeted by another night city-scape. This time - Portland! My destination for the evening was however, the next little town Lake Oswego with good childhood friends.
Headed to the Hoh Rainforest. If you have to have a ton of rain - getting to wander through a rain forest is the best way to enjoy it. I walked the "Hall of Mosses" which is a short trail though trees just laden with spongy brown-green moss. Like the mountain stream water I could not accurately describe, the colors in the rain forest are almost impossible to capture in anything other than your senses, in that very moment you are experiencing them. The best I can do will not help most people - the colors are the colors of my sister's eyes. Greens of all shades. A little bit of brown and some golden light flickering through. And, it goes without saying, gorgeous. I couldn't get enough of walking through that place. So I went on the Ranger led hike down the "Spruce Trail." (Shout out to Adam B: "OH, RANGER!") Ranger Mike explained everything about the progression from river bed to rainforest and back again. It is amazing how nature just works itself out in the most organized fashion... each animal or plant plays its part. Even the destruction is ultimately just leading back to growth (or vice versa, I guess... chicken, egg... whatever...).
Eventually, I was able to pull myself from that magical seclusion of moss and green filtered light... and forty five minutes down the road I was able to pull myself back into reality by remembering that my sleeping bag was still cozily curled up in the hostel. In situations like those there is really nothing more to do but turn around and laugh. So laugh and turn around I did. At least it was a gorgeous stretch of road... I don't know if it was gorgeous enough to drive three times in a row but... such is life. Drove the rest of the way without any major mishaps and was greeted by another night city-scape. This time - Portland! My destination for the evening was however, the next little town Lake Oswego with good childhood friends.
Seattle, WA - Olympic National Park, WA
After a second day spent in Seattle (wandering through the Arboretum, learning about the plant life of the area) and a morning of lovely tea, I ventured up to the Edwards-Kingston Ferry. There is something about being on a huge floating vessel - one big enough to carry TONS of boats - that makes you feel like a small child. I ran all around the ferry the entire time it was churning it's way across the water. And then proceeded to drive THROUGH water. The positive side to all the rain here is that the vehicle I am driving can be temporarily relieved of the excess weight it has been carrying in bug death. Rain or shine, I decided to go up to Hurricane Ridge once I arrived at the Olympic National Park. On a "shine" day you get incredible views of all the mountains. I've never been one to want the traditional experience though, I guess, so I got to see it on a rain day. Which means literally driving into clouds. Not the spectacular view that would have been nice but a really incredible experience in itself. Every once in a while a segment of bright blue sky would peek out of a hole in the white and startle me into realizing how far I could see from those heights. But there really is only so much you can see in the floating water droplets, so I moved on...
Drove US 101 down to Ruby Beach just in time for the sunset! I have technically been TO THE WEST COAST on this trip! I plunged my toes into the frigid evening tide waters and watched the sun slide, pastel and perfect, into the Pacific Ocean. The beach was amazing - huge dead trees lay scattered in various natural sculptures. The sand is dark and the rock formations all along the coast are like enormous drip castles. But not wanting to get caught sleeping on the beach (toooo coooold!) I drove to the Rain Forest Hostel I had passed on the way down. $10 a night plus 15min of morning chores. Not a bad deal at all! Dave checked me in - a traveler by his own right - and Jim, the house parent, explained how he started the hostel. It was a nice place to lay my head down for the night...
Drove US 101 down to Ruby Beach just in time for the sunset! I have technically been TO THE WEST COAST on this trip! I plunged my toes into the frigid evening tide waters and watched the sun slide, pastel and perfect, into the Pacific Ocean. The beach was amazing - huge dead trees lay scattered in various natural sculptures. The sand is dark and the rock formations all along the coast are like enormous drip castles. But not wanting to get caught sleeping on the beach (toooo coooold!) I drove to the Rain Forest Hostel I had passed on the way down. $10 a night plus 15min of morning chores. Not a bad deal at all! Dave checked me in - a traveler by his own right - and Jim, the house parent, explained how he started the hostel. It was a nice place to lay my head down for the night...
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Seattle, WA - Bumbershoot!
Not wanting to disappoint, Seattle lived up to its stereotype and poured all morning. But that worked out fairly well because it gave me a chance to attack the jungle that is the back of my vehicle. For some reason the less space I have, the less mess I make. Going from a bicycle to an SUV just made the few things I do have EXPLODE and take up the entire back of the car. So after some serious wrestling (a country's worth of maps can really put up a good fight!) I managed to put my life back into a pannier or two;) As if on cue, the rain cleared and sunshine streamed in the windows, beckoning me to explore downtown.
This weekend is Bumbershoot. Bumbershoot is:
A) an English term for umbrella
B) a large music/arts festival in Seattle
C) cause for massive amounts of people on public transportation
How about we go with D) ALL OF THE ABOVE! I clambered onto the bus to downtown Seattle and was immediately thrown into memories of my days in Boston's public transportation:) When I was able to have control of my own limbs and fresh air again I decided I wasn't done yet - more mobs of people! - and threw myself into the throng headed into Pike's Place Market. It really is a Market to shame all other markets. Flowers, veggies, artwork, fresh seafood, fruits, knickknacks, etc, etc, etc. It just goes on and on and all the while there are musicians along the street playing their hearts out (or as one group, the Tall Boys, stated it: "we're turning calories to music"). Yes Please! Needing a little moment of calm, I found myself in Vital T Leaf for a free tea tasting. Nothing chills you out like trying dozens of flavors of steeped yumminess. Refreshed, I walked back into the sunshine and into the gallery of Billy King - took in my surroundings of really intriguing artwork, had great conversation about Mexico, and learned that I have a very long lifeline on my palm. Nice! The evening found me prancing my way through the outdoor sculpture garden, catching up with old friends, and then heading back across the bridge to be greeted with tacos and a glass of wine!
An evening of keyboard & ukulele music and I think this day has provided a rather positive view of the Emerald City!
This weekend is Bumbershoot. Bumbershoot is:
A) an English term for umbrella
B) a large music/arts festival in Seattle
C) cause for massive amounts of people on public transportation
How about we go with D) ALL OF THE ABOVE! I clambered onto the bus to downtown Seattle and was immediately thrown into memories of my days in Boston's public transportation:) When I was able to have control of my own limbs and fresh air again I decided I wasn't done yet - more mobs of people! - and threw myself into the throng headed into Pike's Place Market. It really is a Market to shame all other markets. Flowers, veggies, artwork, fresh seafood, fruits, knickknacks, etc, etc, etc. It just goes on and on and all the while there are musicians along the street playing their hearts out (or as one group, the Tall Boys, stated it: "we're turning calories to music"). Yes Please! Needing a little moment of calm, I found myself in Vital T Leaf for a free tea tasting. Nothing chills you out like trying dozens of flavors of steeped yumminess. Refreshed, I walked back into the sunshine and into the gallery of Billy King - took in my surroundings of really intriguing artwork, had great conversation about Mexico, and learned that I have a very long lifeline on my palm. Nice! The evening found me prancing my way through the outdoor sculpture garden, catching up with old friends, and then heading back across the bridge to be greeted with tacos and a glass of wine!
An evening of keyboard & ukulele music and I think this day has provided a rather positive view of the Emerald City!
Missoula, MT to Seattle, WA
I covered a lot, geographically speaking. The morning was spent wandering around downtown Missoula and meeting up with new friend Scott at the Old Post for nourishment (oh yummy food!). Missoula is home to a huge range of people; it has everyone from-business suit-clad, fast walkers to tattooed, hawked chain-smokers to guitar-playing, vagabond hippies. And another other combination. The real highlight of my day was the following seven hours of watching the landscape unfold and change in front of me.
As soon as you hit far western Montana the mountains are just thick with dark green trees. The fullness of it is a cushion. And then you enter Idaho. Nothing prepared me for the genuine-ness of Idaho. This is probably the most difficult thing to explain because I didn't even really stop or meet anyone IN Idaho but for some reason that state has left the most pleasant, warm-fuzzy in my heart. As soon as I passed the "Welcome to Idaho" sign I was able to just put the car in neutral and coast down a slide of scenically diminishing mountains. They slowly decrescendoed into what look sort of like huge potato hills (I know - the spuds are only subconsciously there because I reallllly wanted to see some). But the mountains there do have a crumbly, chunkier feel to them. Even the Coeur D'Alene lake and river are friendly. And the bike trail running across the state, beside I-90... *sigh* that is one I will definitely be coming back to bike someday. It was asphalt as smooth as glass, gliding down the mountains.
Fun observation: In Montana all the signs along the highway read "Wildlife Crossing" but in Idaho they read "Game Crossing."
I slid right out of Idaho as sweetly as I came in. Washington. Beautiful, golden Washington. The fields are all soft and light. Even the clouds seem to be lit with gold from within. Even when you get to the central, agricultural belt of the state it doesn't seem harsh at all. On the contrary - from the second I entered Washington, still hundreds of miles from the coast, I could feel the pull of the Pacific. It was another strange sensation that doesn't seem to make sense until you have been there. It is like you expect to see a sea-torn coast in front of you after every little rise in the road. Then. THEN you see the mountains again. But these mountains are regal. They are like the old grizzly bear of all mountains. I felt like I was driving at a wall of gray-blue clouds only to realize it was rock rising out of the horizon. Although I was trying to get to Seattle in a timely manner, I did stop along the Colombia River to gaze at the setting sun stretching out over what could surely have been the setting for many a wind-swept love story.
I finally pulled into Seattle in the dark. A sea of lights met me. Quite the overwhelming sight after being in the wilderness of Montana for such a large chunk of time! My hosts here are fantastic, as usual:) Tie and Chris opened their gorgeous home to me and now my only job is to check out the city and make friends with Linus (pooch) and Duke (kitty). Not too rough;)
As soon as you hit far western Montana the mountains are just thick with dark green trees. The fullness of it is a cushion. And then you enter Idaho. Nothing prepared me for the genuine-ness of Idaho. This is probably the most difficult thing to explain because I didn't even really stop or meet anyone IN Idaho but for some reason that state has left the most pleasant, warm-fuzzy in my heart. As soon as I passed the "Welcome to Idaho" sign I was able to just put the car in neutral and coast down a slide of scenically diminishing mountains. They slowly decrescendoed into what look sort of like huge potato hills (I know - the spuds are only subconsciously there because I reallllly wanted to see some). But the mountains there do have a crumbly, chunkier feel to them. Even the Coeur D'Alene lake and river are friendly. And the bike trail running across the state, beside I-90... *sigh* that is one I will definitely be coming back to bike someday. It was asphalt as smooth as glass, gliding down the mountains.
Fun observation: In Montana all the signs along the highway read "Wildlife Crossing" but in Idaho they read "Game Crossing."
I slid right out of Idaho as sweetly as I came in. Washington. Beautiful, golden Washington. The fields are all soft and light. Even the clouds seem to be lit with gold from within. Even when you get to the central, agricultural belt of the state it doesn't seem harsh at all. On the contrary - from the second I entered Washington, still hundreds of miles from the coast, I could feel the pull of the Pacific. It was another strange sensation that doesn't seem to make sense until you have been there. It is like you expect to see a sea-torn coast in front of you after every little rise in the road. Then. THEN you see the mountains again. But these mountains are regal. They are like the old grizzly bear of all mountains. I felt like I was driving at a wall of gray-blue clouds only to realize it was rock rising out of the horizon. Although I was trying to get to Seattle in a timely manner, I did stop along the Colombia River to gaze at the setting sun stretching out over what could surely have been the setting for many a wind-swept love story.
I finally pulled into Seattle in the dark. A sea of lights met me. Quite the overwhelming sight after being in the wilderness of Montana for such a large chunk of time! My hosts here are fantastic, as usual:) Tie and Chris opened their gorgeous home to me and now my only job is to check out the city and make friends with Linus (pooch) and Duke (kitty). Not too rough;)
Friday, September 4, 2009
Glacier National Park, MT to Missoula, MT
A little bit of a backtrack for sure, but I decided to head back to Missoula late after a day in the Park for a shower and real bed before heading back on the road for a while.
My morning was as picturesque as any imaginable. The sunrise lit up the treeline with purple and pink, beckoning me awake as softly as possible. Air in the mountains is chilly and although it made me snuggle into my sleeping bag even more, it also invigorated my excitement for another hike. So after breaking down camp and a small hike around the lakes I headed back to the other side of the park again (yes, a little bit too much back and forth but completely worth it). There, I hopped the shuttle that takes you all the way across the park on the Going To The Sun road. Even though that road gets big attention - it delivers. As soon as the side drops away to valleys and the other side is a wall of rock, there is the thrill of danger, even safely tucked into a bus seat. My intention was to do a shorter day and then head back to Missoula. Hah. Intentions. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, or so they say;) And if changing your plans constantly is hell... well then, I am paving myself a solid gold road there. I got out to hike at Sun Point and my quick walk turned into a lengthier photo tour as I reached the lake, and streams, and gorge. Something about mountain streams is unreal. And I would say indescribable but I will attempt: the water doesn't just flow, it skips and teases its way along rocks whose colors defy explanation. Green rocks aren't just green, they are fresh with water and hints of blue. Red stones have the alien quality of something untouched, something unearthed from eons before humans. Mesmerizing waters.
Therefore, it was already afternoon when I reached Logan Pass. And yet again, my attempts to stop in and stop out were thwarted. Though an easy 1.5 mile walkway leads to the overlook there, the beauty of everything takes any notions of time and snatches them away. Moments turn to minutes turn to ... a missed shuttle bus... and leaving the park well into the evening. But oh so worth it - mountain goats and bighorn sheep littered the hills near the overlook. I cannot get enough of Glacier. Even the people here are exciting - all filled with the same enthusiasm for the beauty of their surroundings.
My treat for finally pulling myself from the Park was a glorious drive through Swan Lake and a moon that literally caused me to gasp out loud. Full and throwing its light over everything in that magical way that only the borrowed light cast from the moon creates. Back in Missoula, I didn't have to tug to hard to convince Jeff that we needed to go hike up the hill and lay out under the huge, white orb in the sky. Ah, Montana, you have stolen my heart...
My morning was as picturesque as any imaginable. The sunrise lit up the treeline with purple and pink, beckoning me awake as softly as possible. Air in the mountains is chilly and although it made me snuggle into my sleeping bag even more, it also invigorated my excitement for another hike. So after breaking down camp and a small hike around the lakes I headed back to the other side of the park again (yes, a little bit too much back and forth but completely worth it). There, I hopped the shuttle that takes you all the way across the park on the Going To The Sun road. Even though that road gets big attention - it delivers. As soon as the side drops away to valleys and the other side is a wall of rock, there is the thrill of danger, even safely tucked into a bus seat. My intention was to do a shorter day and then head back to Missoula. Hah. Intentions. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, or so they say;) And if changing your plans constantly is hell... well then, I am paving myself a solid gold road there. I got out to hike at Sun Point and my quick walk turned into a lengthier photo tour as I reached the lake, and streams, and gorge. Something about mountain streams is unreal. And I would say indescribable but I will attempt: the water doesn't just flow, it skips and teases its way along rocks whose colors defy explanation. Green rocks aren't just green, they are fresh with water and hints of blue. Red stones have the alien quality of something untouched, something unearthed from eons before humans. Mesmerizing waters.
Therefore, it was already afternoon when I reached Logan Pass. And yet again, my attempts to stop in and stop out were thwarted. Though an easy 1.5 mile walkway leads to the overlook there, the beauty of everything takes any notions of time and snatches them away. Moments turn to minutes turn to ... a missed shuttle bus... and leaving the park well into the evening. But oh so worth it - mountain goats and bighorn sheep littered the hills near the overlook. I cannot get enough of Glacier. Even the people here are exciting - all filled with the same enthusiasm for the beauty of their surroundings.
My treat for finally pulling myself from the Park was a glorious drive through Swan Lake and a moon that literally caused me to gasp out loud. Full and throwing its light over everything in that magical way that only the borrowed light cast from the moon creates. Back in Missoula, I didn't have to tug to hard to convince Jeff that we needed to go hike up the hill and lay out under the huge, white orb in the sky. Ah, Montana, you have stolen my heart...
Glacier - Exploration!
What a perfect day to explore. The sun woke me up early, so I drove to Two Medicine (East Glacier entrance) and headed to the Scenic Point Trailhead for a ranger led hike. No Ranger. So I grabbed my trusty harmonica and set out into the trail anyways, hoping to catch up with some fellow hikers. After about a half hour of puffing on the little metal music maker I spotted some folks a little ways ahead, so I just made sure to keep within eye sight of them. The trail was lovely - a comfortable hike through woods, along a stream/waterfall, and then popping out onto the side of the mountain. I was surrounded by rock and the skeleton of brittle white trees. And the entire time, another mountain was behind; red and looming. A good three hours later the trail peaks to tundra and rock - and the most spectacular view of the range of mountains dropping off into Eastern Montana, which appears completely flat by comparison. Breathtaking. For the hike down I made friends with Ray and Amy, Seattle natives, who offered a break from the harmonica;) A much quicker jaunt down the trail and I was just in time to head over to dip in the lake, set up my tent, make some dinner, and go listen to some Native Blackfoot stories at the Two Medicine Amphitheater (if you want some fun stories, ask a Blackfoot about dogs....). Back in my tent, I was lulled to sleep by the fading light, outline of trees and mountains, and the sound of ice cold mountain water lapping against rock.
Missoula, MT to Glacier National Park, MT
Woke up early and went for a nice hike near Jeff's house. Found a spot under a bridge, next to a stream and played ukulele for a good hour or so. The acoustics were fantastic down there and I could have stayed all day. My stomach, however, did not agree. It doesn't appreciate music unless it is the music of food being consumed. So I fed myself, refilled my growing pile of waterbottles, and drove north. The drive was, of course, beautiful. Every turn you take in the mountains seems like the most incredible sight you have seen - each time. Haha. Makes for a lot of picture-stops;) When I finally did manage to make it to Glacier, I really wasn't prepared for the wild glory of it. Those mountains really do suck you in. Unfortunately evening was quickly approaching so my excursions were short hikes and a little bit of a shuttle ride with driver Barney-from-Idaho-now-Montana. Since park camping costs money, and sleeping in my vehicle is FREE - I drove just outside the park limits and crashed in the good ole SUV for the night.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Bozeman, MT to Missoula, MT
The rain aided my "escape" from the sneaky clutches of Bozeman. I drove in it all morning and then popped out into a sea of sunshine and mountains. The drive up 90 West is beautiful on its own but I decided to take a cruise on an even more scenic route, taking the exit to Anaconda. As soon as I was back into rural areas I passed two fantastic town signs: "Opportunity" quickly followed by "Wisdom." A good sign, eh? (pun intended... hardee har har) Now that I am back on my own, I need to pass time by myself in the car and I found just the thing - those handy harmonicas! Perhaps there is a CARmonica album in the making;)
Made it in to Missoula with more than enough time to walk around and get a look-see at the downtown. It's a lot bigger than Bozeman, so tomorrow I will have to put in some time before heading to Glacier, in order to really check it out. My Montana connection in Traverse City is really hooking me up out here: I had yet another hot shower and warm bed awaiting me in Missoula. And I knew it would be a good place to stay because when I reached into my thrift store sweatshirt pocket just before I met up with my next host, I pulled out a random fortune cookie fortune: "Soon, a visitor shall delight you." Jeff (a TC native!) did indeed delight me. Local beers, local people, and the bar down the street followed by some late night dancing under the stars and watchful eye of the mountains.
Made it in to Missoula with more than enough time to walk around and get a look-see at the downtown. It's a lot bigger than Bozeman, so tomorrow I will have to put in some time before heading to Glacier, in order to really check it out. My Montana connection in Traverse City is really hooking me up out here: I had yet another hot shower and warm bed awaiting me in Missoula. And I knew it would be a good place to stay because when I reached into my thrift store sweatshirt pocket just before I met up with my next host, I pulled out a random fortune cookie fortune: "Soon, a visitor shall delight you." Jeff (a TC native!) did indeed delight me. Local beers, local people, and the bar down the street followed by some late night dancing under the stars and watchful eye of the mountains.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Bozeman, MT - sucked in
A friend of mine who was originally from Bozeman had warned me several times on this trip: "Be careful when you get to Bozeman. You might just end up staying there." Naturally, I laughed at the cute-sy joke. Hmmm, perhaps I should learn my lesson and heed all advice by good friends. I stayed yet another day here. Dun dun DUNNNN!
After a late night of barn parties, midnight walks, and existential conversation I had falled asleep last night (this morning?) knowing that I would head out in the morning. It was a nice effort on my part. However, when I woke up, new buddy Dennis decided it would be a great idea to get some tea and hike up to the big "M" on the side of one of the mountains. The view was spectacular - the entire city layed out amidst the haze of the surrounding rock goliaths. And when I returned with him to Milton's place - Milt and I decided that the best possible solution to a gorgeous afternoon would be to play hairdresser (I'll let you all guess the status of my locks...) and then go float for several hours down the ridiculously scenic Madison River with "the crew." Popped tube, shivers, and several dirty jokes and beers later we all decided that a run to Norris Hot Springs was in order. Don't get me wrong: the float was awesome and only began to go really downhill for the last half hour of desperate tube fixing;) But the hot springs were a great way to relax from that obviously stressful afternoon of floating mindlessly through the mountain beauty;) Nighttime already!? I guess just one more night in Bozeman won't hurt...
... heed the words of caution! Tomorrow I'll see if I can keep these gypsy feet a-movin'.
After a late night of barn parties, midnight walks, and existential conversation I had falled asleep last night (this morning?) knowing that I would head out in the morning. It was a nice effort on my part. However, when I woke up, new buddy Dennis decided it would be a great idea to get some tea and hike up to the big "M" on the side of one of the mountains. The view was spectacular - the entire city layed out amidst the haze of the surrounding rock goliaths. And when I returned with him to Milton's place - Milt and I decided that the best possible solution to a gorgeous afternoon would be to play hairdresser (I'll let you all guess the status of my locks...) and then go float for several hours down the ridiculously scenic Madison River with "the crew." Popped tube, shivers, and several dirty jokes and beers later we all decided that a run to Norris Hot Springs was in order. Don't get me wrong: the float was awesome and only began to go really downhill for the last half hour of desperate tube fixing;) But the hot springs were a great way to relax from that obviously stressful afternoon of floating mindlessly through the mountain beauty;) Nighttime already!? I guess just one more night in Bozeman won't hurt...
... heed the words of caution! Tomorrow I'll see if I can keep these gypsy feet a-movin'.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Bozeman, MT - extended
Changes, changes... that's all we have in the world, so it is good to become comfortable with them. Adam and I spent the day exploring downtown Bozeman - saw some fantastic art in Altitude Gallery (www.altitudegallerybozeman.com). Possibly some of the most original, contemporary art I have seen yet on this trip. (Especially Dennis Kirkland's photography!) Sometimes just walking through the streets of a city popping into stores here and there, talking with random folks, etc is the best way to pick up the vibe and get a feel for what kind of lifestyle it holds. Bozeman seems to be full of open people, many of which are transients like me, who have a zeal for life and a knack for adventure. Later in the afternoon, we headed on over to find the Hyalite Resevoir... gorgeous lake set in those fabulous mountains. There were people swimming and fishing so we thought we would just take a quick dip and perhaps go for a hike or read. The people up here must be 3/4 polar bear. Zooot! Man, was that water COLD! No such "dipping" was happening for this sunshine lover. Instead we checked out the surrounding area, read in the evening sun, and made yet another big change to the agenda of this trip. Alas, short lived as it was, the days of a traveling duo are coming to a close. Adam has decided that perhaps he better head back down to Sioux Falls and go back to school this semester. So, we'll just hang here for one more day and he will be catching the Greyhound back around nightfall. C'est la vie, eh?
Friday, August 28, 2009
Emigrant, MT to Bozeman, MT
I love being woken up to the light of sunrise bouncing off mountains:) The wild beauty out here just kind of sucks away your soul, bounces it around on its knee, and then hands it back with a laugh. You cannot help but be filled up with wonder and an enormous grin. Addicting.
Llele got some action today! It was a hot morning and we said goodbye to Sue after she helped us drop off the car at the Pine Creek Trailhead (our morning bike's destination). The ride really wasn't long but almost entire last mile or two (of a gorgeous ten) were a strenuous climb. Something about climbing in such distinct elevation changes makes it pretty rough. Sweaty and proud, we recieved a breathtaking view of the valley though; that alone makes it all worthwhile. From there we took a nice mile hike up to the Pine Creek Falls. Since it's bear season, it is really important to make noise while you are hiking - and this is where I can honestly tell Papa: every item you gave me for this trip is for safety, thank you. We played harmonica for almost the entire hike up to the falls - making music and warding of those great big, fuzzy, intruiging teddy, err, grizzly bears. The view from the top of the falls outshone even the treat at the top of our bike ride. Powerful mountains tilt your neck upwards, sky bigger than anywhere else pulls at your peripheral vision, and the gush of ice cold mountain water churning downward tugs your heartstrings. I think I might be falling in love with this wild landscape;)
Love affair continuing, we arrived in Bozeman just in time to catch some of Sue's artwork at her gallery there. She creates beatiful pottery. For the rest of the evening we wandered through town, grabbed food at the enormously fantastic Co-op, and settled down to read. At the recommendation of a previous Bozeman local, we met up with Milton (Milton Menasco - check out his music!) and his partner, Amanda. These two individuals offered us truly stimulating conversation and music for the rest of the evening. They have continued the tradition of this trip: open doors, warm hugs, and generosity to rival the skies of the Big Sky State.
Llele got some action today! It was a hot morning and we said goodbye to Sue after she helped us drop off the car at the Pine Creek Trailhead (our morning bike's destination). The ride really wasn't long but almost entire last mile or two (of a gorgeous ten) were a strenuous climb. Something about climbing in such distinct elevation changes makes it pretty rough. Sweaty and proud, we recieved a breathtaking view of the valley though; that alone makes it all worthwhile. From there we took a nice mile hike up to the Pine Creek Falls. Since it's bear season, it is really important to make noise while you are hiking - and this is where I can honestly tell Papa: every item you gave me for this trip is for safety, thank you. We played harmonica for almost the entire hike up to the falls - making music and warding of those great big, fuzzy, intruiging teddy, err, grizzly bears. The view from the top of the falls outshone even the treat at the top of our bike ride. Powerful mountains tilt your neck upwards, sky bigger than anywhere else pulls at your peripheral vision, and the gush of ice cold mountain water churning downward tugs your heartstrings. I think I might be falling in love with this wild landscape;)
Love affair continuing, we arrived in Bozeman just in time to catch some of Sue's artwork at her gallery there. She creates beatiful pottery. For the rest of the evening we wandered through town, grabbed food at the enormously fantastic Co-op, and settled down to read. At the recommendation of a previous Bozeman local, we met up with Milton (Milton Menasco - check out his music!) and his partner, Amanda. These two individuals offered us truly stimulating conversation and music for the rest of the evening. They have continued the tradition of this trip: open doors, warm hugs, and generosity to rival the skies of the Big Sky State.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Gardiner, MT to Emigrant, MT
Though we didn't technically travel very far today, we got to see so much more of the park and surrounding area. We had driven back in to the Mammoth Hot Springs area, and went for the walk all through the terraced springs. It's strange how they look cold because it is all white and ice-like but really its steaming hot. We felt like physical warriors because just before heading up on the boardwalk leading through the springs we had heard a woman exclaim, "You can't drive through it! No. There is no way I am walking all through there. It takes TWO HOURS to walk it!? I think NOT!" Way to go us. Haha. I had to laugh. And we did see her later, in her car, at the top of the lookout checking out the springs from above, so I guess we all win.
A bike ride was in store today - finally! - and I was more than pumped to get back on Llele for a little bit. Alas, silly us, the trail marked for biking in the park was a Mountain Bike trail. Booo. So after a much shorter bike than my legs were hoping for, we went for a hike instead. And then, on the advice of a good friend, we searched out a reward we didn't think existed in the park: swimming in hot springs. If you hike to where the Gardiner River and the Boiling River meet, there is a spot for soaking in the jets of cold and hot water. It was exquisite. And just enough off the main road that not too many people go there. We were greeted by a 5+ foot long snake. I think it scared Adam more than me;) A little jolt of adrenaline was eased away with a solid amount of time in the hot water, though.
As if we didn't have enough soak time, we met up with my aunt's buddy from Peace Corps, Craig and partner Sue in the evening for another soak - this time in the Chico Hot Springs. Totally different look at hot springs. Chico is a walled in pool that literally fills to the brim every day with hot water from the springs and then is emptied each night. Luxury. Luxury completed with lovely company, a mouth-watering meal, fun pictures/stories from Craig's Peace Corps experience, and the kicker: a real bed to sleep in:)
A bike ride was in store today - finally! - and I was more than pumped to get back on Llele for a little bit. Alas, silly us, the trail marked for biking in the park was a Mountain Bike trail. Booo. So after a much shorter bike than my legs were hoping for, we went for a hike instead. And then, on the advice of a good friend, we searched out a reward we didn't think existed in the park: swimming in hot springs. If you hike to where the Gardiner River and the Boiling River meet, there is a spot for soaking in the jets of cold and hot water. It was exquisite. And just enough off the main road that not too many people go there. We were greeted by a 5+ foot long snake. I think it scared Adam more than me;) A little jolt of adrenaline was eased away with a solid amount of time in the hot water, though.
As if we didn't have enough soak time, we met up with my aunt's buddy from Peace Corps, Craig and partner Sue in the evening for another soak - this time in the Chico Hot Springs. Totally different look at hot springs. Chico is a walled in pool that literally fills to the brim every day with hot water from the springs and then is emptied each night. Luxury. Luxury completed with lovely company, a mouth-watering meal, fun pictures/stories from Craig's Peace Corps experience, and the kicker: a real bed to sleep in:)
Buffalo, WY to (Yellowstone) Gardiner, MT
Woke up to the sun, grabbed us some coffee, and we headed out. Wyoming is yet another wide open, luxuriously beautiful state. More rock, less grass, becoming more untamed feeling than any place yet (besides, perhaps the Badlands). It's the kind of wild openness that gives me the butterflies stomach ache. I love it. We pulled in to Yellowstone National Park in the early day and headed right for Old Faithful. As Adam tried to convince one of his friends that "yes, I really did just head out to the west coast with some girl..." we prepared for the geyser. It shot upward with a spray and was greeted with the crowds murmurs of approval:) We drove all through the park and finally decided we should stop taking multiple mini hikes all over and actually go find a place to camp. Well, common sense isn't always my forte. Neither is thinking ahead. Alas, everywhere in the park was FULL. So we made a few more pit stops - checking out bubbling, sulphur springs and a petrified redwood tree. And then drove right on out of the park into Gardiner, MT. After a quick meal and some local beer (Moose Drool Porter... not as bad as it might sound) we parked with a great view of the park mountains and slept off the long drive.
Rapid City, SD to Buffalo, WY
Driving vs. Biking
We cover so much ground by driving that its unbelievable how much other time you have to check out new places. However, I do miss seeing the ridiculous amount of banana peels on the side of the road (I wish I kept a tally when I was biking - there are more than enough for some slap-stick humor).
We took today to check out several sights. The first big one was Crazy Horse Monument. It was a much more interesting stop than I had anticipated. The project is family run and they have refused any government funding for it. I applaud that because the integrity in the process of building such an immense monument is awesome. From their we headed onto 16 and rounded our way through the Black Hills. Easily the most beautiful road I have ever been on, thus far in my life. It just snakes around, forcing me to emit little squeaks of elation at each new sight. Poor Adam will be sick of hearing "I am so excited! This is amazing!" by the end of the trip, I have no doubt. We were stopped by a herd of buffalo along the road at one point. Really huge. Really wild looking. And Really not fans of motorcycles. They were charging a few of the guys riding them... eeks! Eventually however, we got a move on and rode through tunnels that place you right in view of Mt. Rushmore. WAY better way to see that monument than paying to ride up to the base of it. But the day doesn't end there!
We made our third big touristy stop of the day by going to the Reptile Gardens. It was absolutely worth it. We danced with a parrot, learned about snakes, and cuddled giant, OLD, hissing tortoises. By evening, we got to see a different kind of attraction: Deadwood. Home of casinos encased in Wild West decor. Such a crazy place, it overstimulates and yet has a little bit of wild charm. After much needed nourishment, we raced to get to Devil's Tower by sunset. And although the sunset was a splendid streak of vivid color along the foothills and grasslands, it was already dusk by the time we hit our destination. Undaunted, we hiked our way up to the alien, mammoth, rock formation. Armed with a light and my big knife we crawled up along the rocks to the base and took one picture (that didn't turn out in the dark, and then the battery ran out) and noticed the signs all around us: Hiking above the trailhead without preregistering is a FEDERAL OFFENSE. Oh snap. Perhaaaaaaps we should head back down....
My record remains clean. Phew. Putting in a few more hours, we finally succumbed to sleep in a hotel parking lot in Buffalo, WY, amidst the glow of street lights and orange construction cones.
We cover so much ground by driving that its unbelievable how much other time you have to check out new places. However, I do miss seeing the ridiculous amount of banana peels on the side of the road (I wish I kept a tally when I was biking - there are more than enough for some slap-stick humor).
We took today to check out several sights. The first big one was Crazy Horse Monument. It was a much more interesting stop than I had anticipated. The project is family run and they have refused any government funding for it. I applaud that because the integrity in the process of building such an immense monument is awesome. From their we headed onto 16 and rounded our way through the Black Hills. Easily the most beautiful road I have ever been on, thus far in my life. It just snakes around, forcing me to emit little squeaks of elation at each new sight. Poor Adam will be sick of hearing "I am so excited! This is amazing!" by the end of the trip, I have no doubt. We were stopped by a herd of buffalo along the road at one point. Really huge. Really wild looking. And Really not fans of motorcycles. They were charging a few of the guys riding them... eeks! Eventually however, we got a move on and rode through tunnels that place you right in view of Mt. Rushmore. WAY better way to see that monument than paying to ride up to the base of it. But the day doesn't end there!
We made our third big touristy stop of the day by going to the Reptile Gardens. It was absolutely worth it. We danced with a parrot, learned about snakes, and cuddled giant, OLD, hissing tortoises. By evening, we got to see a different kind of attraction: Deadwood. Home of casinos encased in Wild West decor. Such a crazy place, it overstimulates and yet has a little bit of wild charm. After much needed nourishment, we raced to get to Devil's Tower by sunset. And although the sunset was a splendid streak of vivid color along the foothills and grasslands, it was already dusk by the time we hit our destination. Undaunted, we hiked our way up to the alien, mammoth, rock formation. Armed with a light and my big knife we crawled up along the rocks to the base and took one picture (that didn't turn out in the dark, and then the battery ran out) and noticed the signs all around us: Hiking above the trailhead without preregistering is a FEDERAL OFFENSE. Oh snap. Perhaaaaaaps we should head back down....
My record remains clean. Phew. Putting in a few more hours, we finally succumbed to sleep in a hotel parking lot in Buffalo, WY, amidst the glow of street lights and orange construction cones.
Sioux Falls, SD to Rapid City, SD
It has indeed been dynamic, the course this journey has taken so far. After wandering my way downtown to see some of the Centinal(?) Bicycle Race - crazy how fast those spandex clad biker men go - I called up Adam. He was still game for an adventure to the coast. One thing left to do: meet the big M-O-M.
Penny and Mike are great parents, thoroughly concerned with their son's impromtu decision to join a strange girl on her quest in search of America but also loving enough to understand that it was indeed a fantastic opportunity for both me and Adam. After the whole family issued out fresh fruit, laughs, and hugs Adam and I grabbed his bike, loaded up the SUV and barreled onward through South Dakota. We took the route down 44 and I have to say, the beauty of this area is so poetic. The grasshills and lakes and rock outcroppings all merging into one another are the stuff to inspire art.
We stopped at the Badlands. Unreal. Strange. Beautiful. It's hard to really get the words but just an intensely unusual land to walk through. Rough and beautiful and alien. Next, on the other end of the strange spectrum, was Wall Drug. We weren't going to stop there but a friend of mine convinced me that if I did not at least try to "bond" with a cowboy hat there, I would regret it. I will live my life without regrets. And with my new cowboy hat;)
Finally, Rapid City! We pulled in late that night, winding our way higher and higher over the city to family friends Jim and Jane. Their home rises above the rest of the area and was firmly held in the grips of a windstorm when we arrived. Even at night, the views are breathtaking. And they are a welcome stay: sweet hosts with an avalanche of information about the history and geography of the surrounding area.
Penny and Mike are great parents, thoroughly concerned with their son's impromtu decision to join a strange girl on her quest in search of America but also loving enough to understand that it was indeed a fantastic opportunity for both me and Adam. After the whole family issued out fresh fruit, laughs, and hugs Adam and I grabbed his bike, loaded up the SUV and barreled onward through South Dakota. We took the route down 44 and I have to say, the beauty of this area is so poetic. The grasshills and lakes and rock outcroppings all merging into one another are the stuff to inspire art.
We stopped at the Badlands. Unreal. Strange. Beautiful. It's hard to really get the words but just an intensely unusual land to walk through. Rough and beautiful and alien. Next, on the other end of the strange spectrum, was Wall Drug. We weren't going to stop there but a friend of mine convinced me that if I did not at least try to "bond" with a cowboy hat there, I would regret it. I will live my life without regrets. And with my new cowboy hat;)
Finally, Rapid City! We pulled in late that night, winding our way higher and higher over the city to family friends Jim and Jane. Their home rises above the rest of the area and was firmly held in the grips of a windstorm when we arrived. Even at night, the views are breathtaking. And they are a welcome stay: sweet hosts with an avalanche of information about the history and geography of the surrounding area.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Sioux Falls, SD - yet another change!
I spent the entirety of Saturday wandering throughout the gorgeous city of Sioux Falls. Found the falls themselves - unbelievably intriguing. The stone is bright orange, and smoothed over time, the water running full power throughout. I could have stayed all day there (and almost did) but the other side of town beckoned. Wandering all the way to Terrace Garden I found the Japanese Gardens and also realized that yet another camera of mine is failing. Perhaps the world is trying to teach me something about just enjoying the moment? Fair Enough. My memory snatched up as much of the beauty in Sioux Falls as humanly possible.
Evening: great food and art at Michelle's (teeny cafe with live music outside on the street, right downtown) and onward toward Nutty's North, to see the promised Ringo Starchild perform. The club had a pretty chill atmosphere and I hung out, watching the opener bands. Before long, Adam came into the picture. He was a really sweet guy, keeping me company with good conversation during the performances. His buddies/housemates play for The Sewer Rats and they seemed like a really interesting group of guys. After watching the "famed" Ringo Starchild, I ended up heading back over to Adam's place with some of his friends (you rock: Tom, Wyatt, Dan, Mike-Fancy). And from there the plan was hatched... albeit slightly inebriated, Adam thought it would be a fantastic time to join me on my adventure. We'll see what the morning decides....
Evening: great food and art at Michelle's (teeny cafe with live music outside on the street, right downtown) and onward toward Nutty's North, to see the promised Ringo Starchild perform. The club had a pretty chill atmosphere and I hung out, watching the opener bands. Before long, Adam came into the picture. He was a really sweet guy, keeping me company with good conversation during the performances. His buddies/housemates play for The Sewer Rats and they seemed like a really interesting group of guys. After watching the "famed" Ringo Starchild, I ended up heading back over to Adam's place with some of his friends (you rock: Tom, Wyatt, Dan, Mike-Fancy). And from there the plan was hatched... albeit slightly inebriated, Adam thought it would be a fantastic time to join me on my adventure. We'll see what the morning decides....
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Fairmont, MN to Sioux Falls, SD
State Numero Cinco!
Although things have taken a new spin, this trip is still going great and I continue to meet/see/do amazing people/sights/adventures. After a warm goodbye to my new adopted family in Fairmont, I loaded everything up in the HUGE suburban and drove away - driving feels so much faster when you have been biking everywhere. Zipping away (and getting in some serious Harry-Potter-books-on-tape time) I landed in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It is one of the most unexpectedly cool cities I have ever been to. I started my visit out with a yoga class at the Darma Room on Phillips Ave. And then wandered my way around visiting all the sculptures and PIANOS(!) in the area. They have these gorgeous, funkily painted pianos all over the city with signs on them that say "play me." So, play I did.
Music fix aside, I went to meet up with my single contact in South Dakota - FUMI! Fumi owns Sushi Masa Japanese Restaurant in Sioux Falls and he fed me so much amazing food and sake:) I ate until I could eat no more and then, he sent me to his friend's bar - Stogeez - down the street where I drank until I could drink no more. After some good conversation, he drove me back to his home (sidenote on the family: sweetest wife ever, and the most adorable children) where I crashed for a solid night of sleep. Now, I have been convinced to stay in Sioux Falls another night to go see the band Ringo Starchild play. (One of the members, Chris, works at Sushi Masa and tempted me to stay another day with the promise of musica!)
Although things have taken a new spin, this trip is still going great and I continue to meet/see/do amazing people/sights/adventures. After a warm goodbye to my new adopted family in Fairmont, I loaded everything up in the HUGE suburban and drove away - driving feels so much faster when you have been biking everywhere. Zipping away (and getting in some serious Harry-Potter-books-on-tape time) I landed in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It is one of the most unexpectedly cool cities I have ever been to. I started my visit out with a yoga class at the Darma Room on Phillips Ave. And then wandered my way around visiting all the sculptures and PIANOS(!) in the area. They have these gorgeous, funkily painted pianos all over the city with signs on them that say "play me." So, play I did.
Music fix aside, I went to meet up with my single contact in South Dakota - FUMI! Fumi owns Sushi Masa Japanese Restaurant in Sioux Falls and he fed me so much amazing food and sake:) I ate until I could eat no more and then, he sent me to his friend's bar - Stogeez - down the street where I drank until I could drink no more. After some good conversation, he drove me back to his home (sidenote on the family: sweetest wife ever, and the most adorable children) where I crashed for a solid night of sleep. Now, I have been convinced to stay in Sioux Falls another night to go see the band Ringo Starchild play. (One of the members, Chris, works at Sushi Masa and tempted me to stay another day with the promise of musica!)
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Fairmont, MN - new direction
Leaving yourself open, with no expectations, is surely the best way to allow the world to fall into place. It's like losing your wallet: you will not be able to find it until you stop searching. As soon as I surrender myself to the flow of life, life places incredible opportunities in front of me. This trip has been one large continuation of that and last night was no different.
After mulling over possible places to camp for the night in Fairmont I decided that, even though there would be a thunderstorm a-brewing, I was just going to not worry about it. Half a mushroom pizza and a stroll downtown later, I met Stacy. She had a rolled up yoga mat under one arm and was clad in spandex. BINGO! I introduced/followed her to the studio where I immediately went into my schpeal when I met the instructor: "Hi, my name is Maggie and I am biking to the West Coast. I would like to take your class and then ... I know this might sound strange but... do you think I could sleep in the studio this evening?" No, I may not sleep in the studio - I may take a fabulous TWO yoga classes (ahhh, I forgot the beauty of yoga) and then not only stay in her home but meet her fantastic relatives.
Diane and Bob graciously gave me a space to drop my gear and then we walked over to meet Karen, Andy, Kristy, and Joe. And their three huge, slobbering, puppy-eyed, mellow New Foundlands:) After a glass of wine and some great conversation about all of our various travels and adventures (and mutual friends from the East Coast!) an opportunity presented itself that mutually benefitted Karen/Andy and I. They need someone to drive their Suburban to San Francisco and I am worried I won't make it over the mountains in time to beat cold weather. TA-DA! Everyone is a winner!
Disclaimer: the biking from now until San Francisco will be sans the gear (weeee!) and only day trips when I get to certain destinations sporting fun bike trails. The rest will be via car (sorry - you can only keep the rubber down so much! Peter, forgive me!) I will still be blogging as I go though, and once I get to San Francisco, much more biking!
After mulling over possible places to camp for the night in Fairmont I decided that, even though there would be a thunderstorm a-brewing, I was just going to not worry about it. Half a mushroom pizza and a stroll downtown later, I met Stacy. She had a rolled up yoga mat under one arm and was clad in spandex. BINGO! I introduced/followed her to the studio where I immediately went into my schpeal when I met the instructor: "Hi, my name is Maggie and I am biking to the West Coast. I would like to take your class and then ... I know this might sound strange but... do you think I could sleep in the studio this evening?" No, I may not sleep in the studio - I may take a fabulous TWO yoga classes (ahhh, I forgot the beauty of yoga) and then not only stay in her home but meet her fantastic relatives.
Diane and Bob graciously gave me a space to drop my gear and then we walked over to meet Karen, Andy, Kristy, and Joe. And their three huge, slobbering, puppy-eyed, mellow New Foundlands:) After a glass of wine and some great conversation about all of our various travels and adventures (and mutual friends from the East Coast!) an opportunity presented itself that mutually benefitted Karen/Andy and I. They need someone to drive their Suburban to San Francisco and I am worried I won't make it over the mountains in time to beat cold weather. TA-DA! Everyone is a winner!
Disclaimer: the biking from now until San Francisco will be sans the gear (weeee!) and only day trips when I get to certain destinations sporting fun bike trails. The rest will be via car (sorry - you can only keep the rubber down so much! Peter, forgive me!) I will still be blogging as I go though, and once I get to San Francisco, much more biking!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
New Richland, MN to Fairmont, MN - 25mi
Oh fickle, fickle Minnesota weather. This morning I was well-rested after my unexpected motel stay and a lovely breakfast with Pastor Andee at the local breakfast place Blondee's. That, plus a solid tailwind, sent me sailing out on the (PINK!) roads of New Richland towards the west. I planned to stop for a little bit in Mapleton - didn't realize exactly what that meant! By 10:30am (woohoo! I was flyyyyyyying!) I pulled into the tiny town - in the rain. Perfect timing, just a little bit soaked. So I hunkered down in the public library to read and check the weather. Finally, I decided it would be beneficial to dry the clothes I was wearing. A venture across the street turned up a laundromat and a place for me to readjust my plans. By 1:00pm I was not only dry but antsy to continue my ride! Geared up properly for the now abiding (haha, oh Minnesota, you tease, you) rain I plunged onward towards the next town. And about a quarter of a mile down the way my chain slipped and the rain just delivered all it had... buckets upon buckets of cold rain. But wouldn't you know it, the world just always seems to work out:
Enter Daisy. I lugged my bike up the street to a home that looked like it had someone in it. She popped out and said I was welcome to fix my chain in her garage but she was headed in to the fair at Fairmont. (That was today's casual destination.) She gave me a ride all the way, wet gear and all, in to Fairmont. Now I am in yet another public library after sorting my stuff into some semblance of order. Not quite sure what the afternoon/evening has in store for me but I think this will be as far as I go today... in two days I could even hit state number FIVE!
Enter Daisy. I lugged my bike up the street to a home that looked like it had someone in it. She popped out and said I was welcome to fix my chain in her garage but she was headed in to the fair at Fairmont. (That was today's casual destination.) She gave me a ride all the way, wet gear and all, in to Fairmont. Now I am in yet another public library after sorting my stuff into some semblance of order. Not quite sure what the afternoon/evening has in store for me but I think this will be as far as I go today... in two days I could even hit state number FIVE!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Rochester, MN to New Richland, MN - 53mi
In with a kiss, out with a kick in the behind! Minnesota didn't treat me quite as well today - biking wise, that is. Introductions were in store this morning: "Headwinds, meet Maggie. Maggie, meet headwinds." We are not going to be friends, I can already tell. Sanity stops are much closer in miles when you feel like an invisible hand is in your face the entire time you are biking. I made several - for food, for reading in the sunshine, for more bum-cream. By the time I was about 30 miles in I resorted to a newly learned trick. Double the bike shorts, Double the fun! Two layers of bike shorts is lovely... no more chaffing. And extra padding which came just in time for Highway 30 between Ellensdale and New Richland. Pretty much every five feet there is a HUGE crack in the pavement. Not ideal. Two other firsts for this trip happened today as well: I was chased by a dog... while going uphill at about 5mph. I ended up going about 15;) Also, someone honked and swore at me because apparently I was not going fast enough up the hill and wasn't knee deep in weeds on the side of the road so that they could have more than enough space. I'm not bitter about it. I promise.
Change in attitude.
I was losing it a little bit when an Adopt a Highway sign read "Namaste Chi Therapy." Ahhh, a reminder to breathe. Immediately cleared my head. And things looked up from there. I rolled into New Richland to see if the library had internet... of course it's not open, but how about the local farmer's market instead?? I loaded up on some veggies and baked goods for the night and started to think about where to camp when I met Pastor Paul Andee. Yet another saint in disguise. First, he got the night cop on duty to let me camp in the park in town. Then took me out to dinner with his angel of a wife. THEN proceeded to drive me to a motel in the next little town so that I would have a safe, comfortable evening. Unbelievable. I don't think I will EVER doubt the beauty of people again. If given the right opportunity, I think humans want to be good to each other. Thanks for re-affirming that Pastor Andee. Tomorrow I will be refreshed and perhaps the headwinds and I can work something out...
Change in attitude.
I was losing it a little bit when an Adopt a Highway sign read "Namaste Chi Therapy." Ahhh, a reminder to breathe. Immediately cleared my head. And things looked up from there. I rolled into New Richland to see if the library had internet... of course it's not open, but how about the local farmer's market instead?? I loaded up on some veggies and baked goods for the night and started to think about where to camp when I met Pastor Paul Andee. Yet another saint in disguise. First, he got the night cop on duty to let me camp in the park in town. Then took me out to dinner with his angel of a wife. THEN proceeded to drive me to a motel in the next little town so that I would have a safe, comfortable evening. Unbelievable. I don't think I will EVER doubt the beauty of people again. If given the right opportunity, I think humans want to be good to each other. Thanks for re-affirming that Pastor Andee. Tomorrow I will be refreshed and perhaps the headwinds and I can work something out...
Holmen, WI to Rochester, MN - 65mi
Minnesota brought me in with a kiss on the forehead, apologizing for the less than perfect day spent in the Wisconsin rain. I began the day in La Crosse, WI literally on the big blue bridge crossing the Mississippi River. With just a few big hills I cruised twenty miles over to the Root River Trail. That trail alone might have just given Madison a run for it's money. Easily, the most gorgeous biking I have had so far. The trail is smoooooooooth asphalt, winding along the Root River, cushioning you between goldenrods, daisies, sunflowers, and black eyed susans - follow the yellow brick, err, flower road! I made a stop for some pie, on suggestion from Amy, at the "World Famous Pies" shop and then carried on into Lanesboro. Lanesboro has a pretty good rep, or so I hear;) Voted top 20 cities to live - perhaps in the future I'll come back and give it a thorough look-see. At the end of the trail (sadface, I wanted to ride it all the way to the coast!) in Fountain, a good friend of the family met me to drive me the rest of the way to their home outside Rochester. There, I not only recieved another fantastic hot shower, great dinner, and comfy bed but some great catch up with old friends:) Thank you SO MUCH Dan and Stacy! (And Matt, Nick, and Nolan!)
If you're keeping up on state roadkill counts: Land of 10,000 Lakes = Land of 10,000 unfortunate turtles:(
If you're keeping up on state roadkill counts: Land of 10,000 Lakes = Land of 10,000 unfortunate turtles:(
Sunday, August 16, 2009
North Freedom, WI to Holmen, WI - 80mi
80 miles and a little, much needed, generously given car ride;) After delish french toast thanks to Tone, I headed out... into the rain... so much rain... oh my goodness rain. I biked for a good chunk of time being poured on. And then it finally let up as I entered the "400" bike trail in Reedsburg. To have clear weather got me pumped, so I started biking much harder than is advisable on slick trails. And my poor left side got torn up. Again. To add to the frustration, the second I began to collect myself, my gear, and my bike it began to rain - torrential rain. On the up side, it cleaned the blood off my leg almost as fast as it was coming out. On the downside it reallllly peeved me. Regardless, I kept going. It finally let up as I hit the Elroy-Sparta trailhead. From there I had a fairly uneventful ride in terms of disasters. But I was more skittish than I would like to admit, so it was a pretty slow ride too. Cool thing about that trail: TUNNELS! There are three tunnels you have to walk through, the last one being about a mile long. It's a little bit creepy to go into them and not see the end. After FINALLY hitting the La Crosse River Trail in the later evening I was hungry and definitely hitting the wall. Hard. Luckily, my host for the evening is an angel in disguise. Amy offered to drive to the next town on my trail and pick me up so I could make it to her home before dark. Just in time. And then she proceeded to feed me a yummy meal, clean my clothing, and fill me in on all the amazing, extreme, interesting things she does with her life. Now I fear I am keeping her awake, as well as myself... I get to see the Mississippi River tomorrow!
Madison, WI to North Freedom, WI - 50mi
A much shorter day than I had originally planned but nonetheless eventful! Rebecca made lovely breakfast and then I was rolled out of town with a posse of four fantastic females: Marti, Ann-o, Mary-Bennet, and Kaylene (forgive me for any misspellings, ladies!). They are an awesome troupe - super supportive, really sweet, tough women. It's admittedly a little sad to say goodbye to Madison and its great vibe. But my focus was quickly rerouted as I kicked my law-abiding self aside to climb under the orange "Road Closed, DO NOT ENTER" fence keeping me from the road towards the Merrimac Ferry. Alas, the maneuver did me little good as Wisconsin likes to do construction on as many roads as possible during the prime biking months.... luckily frustration turned friendship in the form of Johnathon and his little car:) Headed in the same direction, we smushed all my gear into the trunk and backseat and I made it just in time to see the Ferry pull up.
It was a social day: on the other side of the lake, in the itty bitty town of Merrimac, five women wanted to hear about my journey... and then wanted to know what I had for protection... and then decided that they would "sleep SO MUCH BETTER at night" if I would take their pepper spray with me. I insisted that it was not necessary, I could buy my own. No avail. So, Papa (and all other concerned family/friends): I HAVE PEPPER SPRAY AND A BIG KNIFE! BE WARNED ALL YE SCARY PEOPLE!
Biking with random people is great as a change from headphones. I fell in with a few different groups on the way towards Devil's Lake State Park. Received some good advice about previously mentioned spray: It takes a VERY long time for dog's to clear it from their eyes, so use it as a last resort on them. The state park is gorgeous. Wisconsin is gorgeous. It was a great afternoon ride. When I pulled in to North Freedom I thought I was just going to grab a quick bite to eat and continue on but fate stepped in in a barrage of coincidences. I met Kim and Will, who grew up in the same towns as my parents; their house-mate Tone who has family in the town near me. So we got to chatting and they offered me a shower, a bed, and live music at the local fundraiser event downtown. Sold;) Thank you Kim, Will, Tone, and Hannah - it was a fabulous stay!
It was a social day: on the other side of the lake, in the itty bitty town of Merrimac, five women wanted to hear about my journey... and then wanted to know what I had for protection... and then decided that they would "sleep SO MUCH BETTER at night" if I would take their pepper spray with me. I insisted that it was not necessary, I could buy my own. No avail. So, Papa (and all other concerned family/friends): I HAVE PEPPER SPRAY AND A BIG KNIFE! BE WARNED ALL YE SCARY PEOPLE!
Biking with random people is great as a change from headphones. I fell in with a few different groups on the way towards Devil's Lake State Park. Received some good advice about previously mentioned spray: It takes a VERY long time for dog's to clear it from their eyes, so use it as a last resort on them. The state park is gorgeous. Wisconsin is gorgeous. It was a great afternoon ride. When I pulled in to North Freedom I thought I was just going to grab a quick bite to eat and continue on but fate stepped in in a barrage of coincidences. I met Kim and Will, who grew up in the same towns as my parents; their house-mate Tone who has family in the town near me. So we got to chatting and they offered me a shower, a bed, and live music at the local fundraiser event downtown. Sold;) Thank you Kim, Will, Tone, and Hannah - it was a fabulous stay!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Madison, WI - exploration
After the initial "extra day" I took in Madison, I woke up on Friday and decided... maybe just one more;) It's a really great city with a fantastic, inviting vibe. So I whipped out the Ukulele and noodled around in the morning sunshine on the rooftop of Retreat Doris (Rebecca and Marti's home). Later on provided a luxurious exploration of State Street (State Street Gallery - a must see! and check out www.nomadicproject.com - so cool!) and a little check in at Machinery Row bike shop to make sure everything on Llele was still tip top. Still later I had time to sit down with a good book over by the Tenney Locks for a while. Pretty great day in a pretty great place.
I want to say to everyone who has commented, emailed, texted, called, etc: thank you so much for your sweet words of encouragement! I love to hear from you all and it means a lot that you are enjoying hearing about this journey as much as I do because it really is about connecting with people - not just the new faces but the old as well! I do not need a thing from anyone other than that fun contact... if for some reason you want to get in touch you can always email me: maggieracich@gmail.com or send snail mail to my parents (email me for the addy). But in terms of what you should do to "help me out" - simply do what everyone has done for me and offer a couch, a shower, a word of encouragement to anyone you should come across out on a journey. Which really boils down to being considerate to everyone because, we are all on a journey...
I want to say to everyone who has commented, emailed, texted, called, etc: thank you so much for your sweet words of encouragement! I love to hear from you all and it means a lot that you are enjoying hearing about this journey as much as I do because it really is about connecting with people - not just the new faces but the old as well! I do not need a thing from anyone other than that fun contact... if for some reason you want to get in touch you can always email me: maggieracich@gmail.com or send snail mail to my parents (email me for the addy). But in terms of what you should do to "help me out" - simply do what everyone has done for me and offer a couch, a shower, a word of encouragement to anyone you should come across out on a journey. Which really boils down to being considerate to everyone because, we are all on a journey...
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Orangeville, IL to Madison, WI - 63mi
It was a cool morning heading towards the Illinois/Wisconsin border. I got a good laugh when I went to take a picture of the "Welcome to Wisconsin" sign on the Badger State Trail and looked up to see a whole field of mooing cows. Welcome to Wisconsin, indeed!
I know Wisconsin is supposed to be known for its cows and cheese but after the first few hours of my morning, I've decided it should really be known for rabbits. There were at least 13 or 14 rabbits along the bike path. Not to mention the three woodchucks, and tons of yellow party birds. In Monroe, WI I stopped over at the Monroe Hospital Pharmacy to fill up my water bottle and say hey to Carrie (from the previous town). Her co-workers were great - very interested to hear about my trip and to give me fresh produce (greatest gift ever: HUGE CUCUMBER!). The rest of the day was comfortable riding on the limestone trail... until I hit a patch of loose gravel thrown in to cover a wash-out. First epic fall of the trip. I must have been going around 12mph or so, which doesn't seem like a ton until you see the ground coming up at you. Nice little war wound on my left leg now though. My poor left pannier is just getting beat up. Good thing its durable. From there though, it just sort of wound down to a frustrating afternoon: the trail ended sort of abruptly, my rear tire starting showing signs of a flat, my chain popped off as I was shifting downhill, and to top it off when I was close to meeting up with my arrival party Marti, the road was closed for construction. We decided to be adventurous though and just walk our bikes through the construction and see if we could meet up in the middle. That's where the afternoon began to look up...
The bike into Madison was gorgeous on the Capitol City Bike Trail and it was great to get to ride WITH someone for a change. We stopped at the Next Generation Consulting workspace (super cool) and then rode onward to their home. Let me just take a moment to say it is the coolest home I think I may have ever seen. Very modern. I feel like I am staying in a little retreat:) To sum up the evening: went out for beer and live jazz (SO GOOOOOD) on State Street with Marti and Ann-o, and then caught the Breeders playing at the Majestic. Welcome to Wisconsin. I think I'll stay an extra day;)
I know Wisconsin is supposed to be known for its cows and cheese but after the first few hours of my morning, I've decided it should really be known for rabbits. There were at least 13 or 14 rabbits along the bike path. Not to mention the three woodchucks, and tons of yellow party birds. In Monroe, WI I stopped over at the Monroe Hospital Pharmacy to fill up my water bottle and say hey to Carrie (from the previous town). Her co-workers were great - very interested to hear about my trip and to give me fresh produce (greatest gift ever: HUGE CUCUMBER!). The rest of the day was comfortable riding on the limestone trail... until I hit a patch of loose gravel thrown in to cover a wash-out. First epic fall of the trip. I must have been going around 12mph or so, which doesn't seem like a ton until you see the ground coming up at you. Nice little war wound on my left leg now though. My poor left pannier is just getting beat up. Good thing its durable. From there though, it just sort of wound down to a frustrating afternoon: the trail ended sort of abruptly, my rear tire starting showing signs of a flat, my chain popped off as I was shifting downhill, and to top it off when I was close to meeting up with my arrival party Marti, the road was closed for construction. We decided to be adventurous though and just walk our bikes through the construction and see if we could meet up in the middle. That's where the afternoon began to look up...
The bike into Madison was gorgeous on the Capitol City Bike Trail and it was great to get to ride WITH someone for a change. We stopped at the Next Generation Consulting workspace (super cool) and then rode onward to their home. Let me just take a moment to say it is the coolest home I think I may have ever seen. Very modern. I feel like I am staying in a little retreat:) To sum up the evening: went out for beer and live jazz (SO GOOOOOD) on State Street with Marti and Ann-o, and then caught the Breeders playing at the Majestic. Welcome to Wisconsin. I think I'll stay an extra day;)
Oregon, IL to Orangeville, IL - 50mi
I've noticed a difference between the types of roadkill in Michigan and Illinois (you notice these sorts of things when you can't just whiz past the stench of a dead animal...). Michigan had lots of larger animals: porcupine, possum, squirrel, raccoon. Thankfully, Illinois boasts toads, frogs, and birds. I had a handful of people stop in their cars today to ask where I was headed and if I needed anything (a gatorade, money, a ride). Which is super nice, except when you are halfway up a hill in the midday sun... don't pull over to chat with a biker until they are at the top....
In Freeport, 10 miles out from my final destination, I spotted a Happy Joe's restaurant. My parents MET working at a Happy Joe's together so I figured that was a good sign. When I walked up to the counter and asked if they had any special deals or leftover pizza from missed orders, the manager gave me free access to the buffet. Sweeeeeet! Several fantastic slices of pizza later, I filled my water bottles, thanked them and sailed effortlessly down into the town of Orangeville, population 800. It was only about 4:30 in the afternoon but I decided to go in to grab something to drink at the only place open in town: the bar. Free beer from the locals though:) After some conversation at the bar with Dale, I had a place to stay for the night, dinner, and a clean shower to use. Here's the Orangetown shout-out: Thank you Dale for the company and place to sleep. And also to Rodney, Carrie, Destiny, and T-Bone (who doesn't love a 180lb rotweiler eh?) for dinner!
Quote of the trip, so far: "It's her world, we're just all living in it..." - Dale
In Freeport, 10 miles out from my final destination, I spotted a Happy Joe's restaurant. My parents MET working at a Happy Joe's together so I figured that was a good sign. When I walked up to the counter and asked if they had any special deals or leftover pizza from missed orders, the manager gave me free access to the buffet. Sweeeeeet! Several fantastic slices of pizza later, I filled my water bottles, thanked them and sailed effortlessly down into the town of Orangeville, population 800. It was only about 4:30 in the afternoon but I decided to go in to grab something to drink at the only place open in town: the bar. Free beer from the locals though:) After some conversation at the bar with Dale, I had a place to stay for the night, dinner, and a clean shower to use. Here's the Orangetown shout-out: Thank you Dale for the company and place to sleep. And also to Rodney, Carrie, Destiny, and T-Bone (who doesn't love a 180lb rotweiler eh?) for dinner!
Quote of the trip, so far: "It's her world, we're just all living in it..." - Dale
Shorewood, IL to Oregon, IL - 90mi
Sunday night was catch up night with Nonnie and Papa - who decided that, since they couldn't keep me from this crazy adventure, the next best thing was to give me four very important items for travel: a harmonica in the key of G, a harmonica in the key of E, a mini thermometer/compass, and a large knife. Fair enough - music and safety:)
Monday morning threatened thunderstorms but since the skies were clear, I judged I could out-bike any foul weather thrown my way! Luckily, I judged correctly. It was interesting to note, as soon as I got out into the fields upon fields of corn, all of it has signs and markers with the seed suppliers' names. Interesting. Didn't see any "organic" cornfields. The day was a pretty hot one but I felt good biking after the weekend of laziness... until about 65 miles into the bike that is. At that point I definitely had a food mood breakdown - barely able to pedal over 7mph. Quick, energy bar! That was enough to help me push through to the last of the 90 miles I put in. I pulled into the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center in Oregon, IL at around 8:30pm as it was getting dark. (It was where my dad used to camp when he was little!) The counselors at the camp were fantastic though and hooked me up with trail mix, cold water, camp space, and A SHOWER! 90 miles was do-able but I could barely get my self clean and my tent up before I passed out.
Monday morning threatened thunderstorms but since the skies were clear, I judged I could out-bike any foul weather thrown my way! Luckily, I judged correctly. It was interesting to note, as soon as I got out into the fields upon fields of corn, all of it has signs and markers with the seed suppliers' names. Interesting. Didn't see any "organic" cornfields. The day was a pretty hot one but I felt good biking after the weekend of laziness... until about 65 miles into the bike that is. At that point I definitely had a food mood breakdown - barely able to pedal over 7mph. Quick, energy bar! That was enough to help me push through to the last of the 90 miles I put in. I pulled into the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center in Oregon, IL at around 8:30pm as it was getting dark. (It was where my dad used to camp when he was little!) The counselors at the camp were fantastic though and hooked me up with trail mix, cold water, camp space, and A SHOWER! 90 miles was do-able but I could barely get my self clean and my tent up before I passed out.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Michigan City, IN and Joliet, IL - By Car
I have been spending time with family and friends. I rode with my parents (crammed into the back of a VW Bug with my bike, gear, and golf clubs - funny sight for sure!) after a day at Silver Lake with my cousins, down to Michigan City, IN. Good friends awaited us with not only hugs and smiles but also fantastic biking advice. Anne and Cary convinced me to turn to the efficient world that is BIKE SHOES. And the comfort world that is ASS CREME. And the safety world that is EXCHANGABLE LENS SUNGLASSES. Important things... that were made possible by the generousity (and lovingly supressed worry) of my Grandma. *THANK YOU* We drove down to Shorewood, IL on Saturday to spend some time seeing family. And learning to clip in, clip out, clip in, clip out, clip in, clip out of my bike pedals. Quality mapping time, blogging time, eating and drinking, sleeping, re-packing... Monday begins the real deal. For Real.
Manistee, MI to Rothbury, MI - 62mi
I awoke to the sound of two dogs that's combined weights were less than my left pannier. 6:30am. Good enough of an alarm as any so I packed up my bike and just as I was about to head out, the woman whose yard I was invading came out to greet me. Not only greet me but invite me in, get me breakfast, find the best directions to Ludington, and give me her cell number in case I get lost.
*SHOUT OUT TO JULIE FROM MANISTEE*
Julie is the sweetest woman you can imagine, with a house full of great kids and a heart of even more love.
After that kind of send off, my ride was perfect. Until I hit US 10. The "sidewalk" next to it is fine but each driveway is bookmarked by a tall curb. After about a half hour of this I had already popped my left pannier off three times. Time for a change. So I got directions from the next autoshop. On towards Hart, MI - start of the Hart-Montague Bike Trail! Woops. There went Hart. Time for ONSTAR DADDY! Nothing makes you feel a little more like a ten year old running away from home than calling your dad on day three of a cross country bike trip to say "where am I?" Luckily, Shelby was the next connection to the trail and literally minutes from me:) So I sailed into the teeny town and grabbed pizza before dropping in on my cousins for the evening. Where I was convinced to turn my evening into a luxurious stay at Camp Winterstein;) Icecream, popcorn, Top Chef, and Jeopardy with family, after a hot shower. Not too shabby;)
*SHOUT OUT TO JULIE FROM MANISTEE*
Julie is the sweetest woman you can imagine, with a house full of great kids and a heart of even more love.
After that kind of send off, my ride was perfect. Until I hit US 10. The "sidewalk" next to it is fine but each driveway is bookmarked by a tall curb. After about a half hour of this I had already popped my left pannier off three times. Time for a change. So I got directions from the next autoshop. On towards Hart, MI - start of the Hart-Montague Bike Trail! Woops. There went Hart. Time for ONSTAR DADDY! Nothing makes you feel a little more like a ten year old running away from home than calling your dad on day three of a cross country bike trip to say "where am I?" Luckily, Shelby was the next connection to the trail and literally minutes from me:) So I sailed into the teeny town and grabbed pizza before dropping in on my cousins for the evening. Where I was convinced to turn my evening into a luxurious stay at Camp Winterstein;) Icecream, popcorn, Top Chef, and Jeopardy with family, after a hot shower. Not too shabby;)
Traverse City, MI to Manistee, MI - 78mi
After a later start than planned, I left Traverse City on day two and headed over towards the coast of Lake Michigan. I hit my first bigger hill and was given a look at how much my leg muscles have to look forward to;) The weather was gorgeous and the day was fairly uneventful until I found myself on US 31 near Beulah, MI... going 4mph uphill on US 31 with NO shoulder. Yikes. I pulled over in Beulah and asked for the easiest way to AVOID US 31. The man in the Bait and Tackle Fishing Store pointed me to the Betsie Valley Trail. A beautiful stretch of bike path curving around Crystal Lake and next to the Betsie River. After finally making it out to M-22 and towards Arcadia I fought my way up the huge hill taking me into the rewarding scenic turn-off:) Breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. (or breath-giving, after a crazy haul uphill!) Soared 35mph down into Arcadia and pushed onward to Manistee. 10 miles from Manistee the world just began to slope up. and up. and up. Gradual but not nice when you are starving... I succumbed to the pull of the energy gel packs my mother laughingly bought me. Gel food tastes like heaven when you are out of water and energy.
Once in day two's destination city Manistee I ate dinner and asked a family near the train tracks if I could camp out in their yard. I took barely enough time to set up tent and write in my journal before passing out...
Once in day two's destination city Manistee I ate dinner and asked a family near the train tracks if I could camp out in their yard. I took barely enough time to set up tent and write in my journal before passing out...
Northport, MI to Traverse City, MI - 38mi
The preparation for this trip has been both extensive and nearly nonexistant. I probably biked too little, packed too much, and was just the right amount excited:)
My first day I rode from my home in Northport, MI (set off by exit commitee Kristen and John) to Traverse City (via Leland... not exactly on the way). Right off the bat, my plans were changed from camping in Glen Arbor to staying with good friends Jenny and Ben in Traverse City. It made for a nice first day... a comfortable cruise down on the Tart Trail and a last goodbye view of the bay. Getting used to the weight of a fully loaded bike was tricky but a quick learning process.
My first day I rode from my home in Northport, MI (set off by exit commitee Kristen and John) to Traverse City (via Leland... not exactly on the way). Right off the bat, my plans were changed from camping in Glen Arbor to staying with good friends Jenny and Ben in Traverse City. It made for a nice first day... a comfortable cruise down on the Tart Trail and a last goodbye view of the bay. Getting used to the weight of a fully loaded bike was tricky but a quick learning process.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
CROSS COUNTRY BIKE TRIP
My adventuring after Florida moved considerably higher up the latitudes... I was home in northern Michigan for a few months working as a farmhand for the Nine Bean Rows/Blackstar Farms C.S.A. as well as in the tasting room at Tandem Ciders. Now however, I am out and away again...
I want to see more of this huge country I live in. I don't want to own or drive a car. I want the opportunity to meet people along the way and take my time. I love self-sufficiency. Best way to travel? By BICYCLE!! With the mental nudge from my sister, I have committed to buying a fantastic bike (Trek Pilot 2.1 WSD) and all the gear I need to live on it for a good while. My father has helped me casually route my way through the upper tier of the United States and with the help of a large selection of people (who will recieve shout-outs soon, I promise) I am now pedaling my way into this wide world. As much as I can I will keep this blog updated about crazy happenings, interesting people, woes and adventures; as well as information about routes I take and gear I decided on, etc.
Happy Cycling!
I want to see more of this huge country I live in. I don't want to own or drive a car. I want the opportunity to meet people along the way and take my time. I love self-sufficiency. Best way to travel? By BICYCLE!! With the mental nudge from my sister, I have committed to buying a fantastic bike (Trek Pilot 2.1 WSD) and all the gear I need to live on it for a good while. My father has helped me casually route my way through the upper tier of the United States and with the help of a large selection of people (who will recieve shout-outs soon, I promise) I am now pedaling my way into this wide world. As much as I can I will keep this blog updated about crazy happenings, interesting people, woes and adventures; as well as information about routes I take and gear I decided on, etc.
Happy Cycling!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
LAST DAY IN BONIFAY
Friday was my official last day working at Twin Oaks:( We managed to finish the last twelve foot coop and move all the girls to new pasture again but on Thursday Mistigris was hurt by something (maybe another cat?) and his paw got all swollen. He didn't make it. So Friday we buried him... RIP Mistigris.
Aside from that we had a good farewell - gorgeous, sunny skies and moving all the baby ducks outside! They are hilarious in the grass... so busy! Now I am spending the week exploring Gainesville, FL - hiking, meeting cool people, making music, reading.
WWOOF #1 Complete. Now on to new adventures...
Aside from that we had a good farewell - gorgeous, sunny skies and moving all the baby ducks outside! They are hilarious in the grass... so busy! Now I am spending the week exploring Gainesville, FL - hiking, meeting cool people, making music, reading.
WWOOF #1 Complete. Now on to new adventures...
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
TINY OMELET ANYONE?
Yesterday when I went out for the usual egg collection mid-morning I discovered the TINIEST chicken egg ever. Literally, I thought it might be a poop in the laying box... but it was, in fact, an egg. It only weighs about .5oz and it is brown speckled (Keep in mind: typical egg = 1.5oz, Josephine's eggs = 3.75oz). Then this morning when I was collecting eggs I noticed one of the red chickens was in the process of laying (that is normal - most of the time you see a few laying eggs in the boxes) but instead of facing out, she was facing in the box - basically sticking her butt out of it. I figured it would be really interesting to see her phsyically laying the egg so I watched her for a minute. The egg started to emerge and then...... bloop! TINY EGG!!! Haha. I found the culprit of the tiny eggs! So now there are TWO teenie tiny eggs here. Tomorrow I am going to take some pictures when we get a third one (IF we get a third) and I will post them... then we are going to make some teenie tiny omelets. YAY!
Tomorrow the ducklings get moved to the great outdoors! They are starting to really look like ducks now... with oversized feet and bills:) And they have been getting out of the pool very frequently now so, its time for them to be grown up ducks!
Tomorrow the ducklings get moved to the great outdoors! They are starting to really look like ducks now... with oversized feet and bills:) And they have been getting out of the pool very frequently now so, its time for them to be grown up ducks!
Monday, April 13, 2009
SUR LE PLAGE
This weekend was a luxurious one. After the Seaside Farmer's Market on Saturday morning I went to stay with Renee's friend Michael in Panama City Beach. He has a condo right on the beach so I just layed around in the sand and waves for two days. Fantastic. As a result of this vacation I saw a few really beautiful things... I went for a walk this morning at the beach and brought my guitar. As I started playing and singing on the water's edge and entire pod(?) of dolphins swam along the shore right in front of me. Absolutely breathtaking. Further along my walk I came upon a purple and blue sea urchan. And anytime I was at the water's edge I got to watch the little mussels get washed onto the shore, only to upturn themselves and burrow deep into the wet sand again.
After some thorough relaxation, I returned to Bonifay - only to be greeted by: RAIN! I think I am attracting the rain here or something because it just poured all day long. But some good things: we finished all the hoop coops last Friday, so no more cleaning out nasty, wet coops! Hooray! In the two days I was away, the ducklings became enormous:) One of them even jumped out of the little pool they are in (only to panic when he couldn't see any of the others anymore.... pathetically adorable). And finally, we found a name for the third member of the lesbian hen triangle: Sue-Ellen (we tried to choose something as Deep-South sounding as we could...) As soon as we finish another 12' long coop (hopefully tomorrow) we are moving the ducklings OUTSIDE! That should be an adventure... photos to come soon;)
After some thorough relaxation, I returned to Bonifay - only to be greeted by: RAIN! I think I am attracting the rain here or something because it just poured all day long. But some good things: we finished all the hoop coops last Friday, so no more cleaning out nasty, wet coops! Hooray! In the two days I was away, the ducklings became enormous:) One of them even jumped out of the little pool they are in (only to panic when he couldn't see any of the others anymore.... pathetically adorable). And finally, we found a name for the third member of the lesbian hen triangle: Sue-Ellen (we tried to choose something as Deep-South sounding as we could...) As soon as we finish another 12' long coop (hopefully tomorrow) we are moving the ducklings OUTSIDE! That should be an adventure... photos to come soon;)
Friday, April 10, 2009
MENAGE A TROIS
Germaine and Josephine have adopted a third member into their little love nest... "to-be-named" has spent the last three nights in their coop. **OOWWWW, Mistigris just attempted to climb me like a tree. His claws are sharp** Anyways, the three of them roam around together all day now... you have to love this sexually friendly farm;)
Renee and I finished two coops this week (YAY!) and now all our darlings are living in hoop coops - protected from wind, rain, floor poop, and predators. And they look pretty darn cute. We also attended a Shiitake Mushroom cultivating workshop on Monday night, which was very interested... we left with two large inoculted logs (logs stuffed with Shiitake spores). In six months we will have tons of mushrooms! In the past few weeks, we have hung out alot with Jean-Claude and Linda (They are the two in the photos with the chickens, Renee, and I) who are really interesting, sweet people. So we have managed to get out of the house a little bit...
I have come to the conclusion that eggs are specific to each hen. Even though the egg count has increased a ton lately, I have noticed that there are always several eggs each day that look the same as the day before: one is long and skinny, one is fat and round, one is perfectly oval, one is VERY dark brown, two are super light brown, and there have been two eggs that are WRINKLED! Haha! The white egg I posted pictures of is the one that is wrinkly that I first found. I thought it was soft when I saw it in the laying box but oddly enough, it is as hard as any other egg! As if it was wrinkled inside the hen, while it was hardening. It absolutely cracks me up. And then we found a brown one today like that. SO COOL! Another funny egg thing: a few of the leghorns have been hanging out daily under the oak trees near the pasture. Just the other day, Renee and I realized that perhaps we should look there for eggs and BINGO! Eggs. I found six white eggs under the oaks. Chickens are so funny about where and how and what shape they lay their eggs.
I wish everyone could see and experience how much laughter happens on this farm. We (All members of Twin Oaks) are constantly being ridiculous, or finding something else hilarious... I love it:)
Duck update: they are getting SO BIG. And we have had 100% survival rate for one week, yay!
Market update: second Seaside Farmer's Market tomorrow morning. We are getting up at 5:00am. And we are bringing tons of eggs and preserves, as usual.
Weekend update: I am staying the weekend in Panama City Beach, at our friend Michael's apartment. Life is rough, I know... beach, books, sunshine... this weekend will be a tough one but hopefully I can make it through...
Renee and I finished two coops this week (YAY!) and now all our darlings are living in hoop coops - protected from wind, rain, floor poop, and predators. And they look pretty darn cute. We also attended a Shiitake Mushroom cultivating workshop on Monday night, which was very interested... we left with two large inoculted logs (logs stuffed with Shiitake spores). In six months we will have tons of mushrooms! In the past few weeks, we have hung out alot with Jean-Claude and Linda (They are the two in the photos with the chickens, Renee, and I) who are really interesting, sweet people. So we have managed to get out of the house a little bit...
I have come to the conclusion that eggs are specific to each hen. Even though the egg count has increased a ton lately, I have noticed that there are always several eggs each day that look the same as the day before: one is long and skinny, one is fat and round, one is perfectly oval, one is VERY dark brown, two are super light brown, and there have been two eggs that are WRINKLED! Haha! The white egg I posted pictures of is the one that is wrinkly that I first found. I thought it was soft when I saw it in the laying box but oddly enough, it is as hard as any other egg! As if it was wrinkled inside the hen, while it was hardening. It absolutely cracks me up. And then we found a brown one today like that. SO COOL! Another funny egg thing: a few of the leghorns have been hanging out daily under the oak trees near the pasture. Just the other day, Renee and I realized that perhaps we should look there for eggs and BINGO! Eggs. I found six white eggs under the oaks. Chickens are so funny about where and how and what shape they lay their eggs.
I wish everyone could see and experience how much laughter happens on this farm. We (All members of Twin Oaks) are constantly being ridiculous, or finding something else hilarious... I love it:)
Duck update: they are getting SO BIG. And we have had 100% survival rate for one week, yay!
Market update: second Seaside Farmer's Market tomorrow morning. We are getting up at 5:00am. And we are bringing tons of eggs and preserves, as usual.
Weekend update: I am staying the weekend in Panama City Beach, at our friend Michael's apartment. Life is rough, I know... beach, books, sunshine... this weekend will be a tough one but hopefully I can make it through...
Sunday, April 5, 2009
I SMELL, I SMELL... DUCKY! (you smell me!?)
(For those of you who need it: the reference is to Land Before Time, or as a child I used to babysit named it, the "Time Ago's.")
The days just keep getting crazier and busier and longer and as a result, the blog visiting and updating gets more limited. Sorrie! However, I am now here to recount the experience of getting a new edition to the family:) The ducklings were a day late, a result of which can mean disaster for their survival rate because they basically won't have eaten or drank anything for the first three days of their lives. Thursday morning at 6:00am the Post Office called to let us know that the ducklings just arrived. So we jumped in the car and when we walked into the P.O. we could already hear the "chirp, chirp!" from the back room. When ducklings are shipped (or chicks or other tiny birds) they come in batches of 25 to keep warm. Ours was a batch of fifty Khaki Campbells and they came in a box 2 feet long, 1 foot deep, and 6 inches high, with tiny holes all over it.
As soon as we got back to Twin Oaks we had to take them out one at a time, check them to make sure they were healthy, and then dunk their bills into water to make sure they drink something. Then, once they are all safely in the pool we grabbed a bunch of them to put their bills in food so they learn to eat. UNBELIEVABLY CUTE! They don't weigh a thing at all, they beep constantly, and they are super fluffy. It is hilarious to watch them drink and run around because they also happen to be super clumbsy and hyper. Basically they were all drenched with water within seconds, running and tripping over one another.
Now several days later we have had a 100% survival rate, so Renee is ecstatic. Although, the fear now is the number of girls and boys in the bunch. You cannot get ducks "sexed out" (seperated by sex) so its a mix of boys and girls and you just have to wait until they get older to tell. Ideally, we recieved 50/50... but their is one big black one in the bunch (the rest are light khaki colored) and Renee is scared that we either have 49 girls or 49 boys. Haha. I have posted some pictures of them so enjoy... and know that even though they are SO ADORABLE in the pictures - they are at least 50 times cuter in person;)
The days just keep getting crazier and busier and longer and as a result, the blog visiting and updating gets more limited. Sorrie! However, I am now here to recount the experience of getting a new edition to the family:) The ducklings were a day late, a result of which can mean disaster for their survival rate because they basically won't have eaten or drank anything for the first three days of their lives. Thursday morning at 6:00am the Post Office called to let us know that the ducklings just arrived. So we jumped in the car and when we walked into the P.O. we could already hear the "chirp, chirp!" from the back room. When ducklings are shipped (or chicks or other tiny birds) they come in batches of 25 to keep warm. Ours was a batch of fifty Khaki Campbells and they came in a box 2 feet long, 1 foot deep, and 6 inches high, with tiny holes all over it.
As soon as we got back to Twin Oaks we had to take them out one at a time, check them to make sure they were healthy, and then dunk their bills into water to make sure they drink something. Then, once they are all safely in the pool we grabbed a bunch of them to put their bills in food so they learn to eat. UNBELIEVABLY CUTE! They don't weigh a thing at all, they beep constantly, and they are super fluffy. It is hilarious to watch them drink and run around because they also happen to be super clumbsy and hyper. Basically they were all drenched with water within seconds, running and tripping over one another.
Now several days later we have had a 100% survival rate, so Renee is ecstatic. Although, the fear now is the number of girls and boys in the bunch. You cannot get ducks "sexed out" (seperated by sex) so its a mix of boys and girls and you just have to wait until they get older to tell. Ideally, we recieved 50/50... but their is one big black one in the bunch (the rest are light khaki colored) and Renee is scared that we either have 49 girls or 49 boys. Haha. I have posted some pictures of them so enjoy... and know that even though they are SO ADORABLE in the pictures - they are at least 50 times cuter in person;)
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
FIRSTS
For some reason, with the rain came A) more rain and B) more work... everytime I feel like perhaps I could get a move on the big projects we have I have to stop everything to clean out the coops. And then, it rains, so I can't work on any other outdoor projects... and then the coops are swamped again so the circle continues. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about the work itself, I just want to get other - much needed - things accomplished. However, this post is about the firsts happening this week!
1. Baby Ducklings Arrive Tomorrow! They were supposed to arrive at the post office this morning but sadly (for us and them... the rate at which they die increases DRAMATICALLY every day they spend in the mail) they didn't get here today. So bright and early tomorrow morning we will go pick them up:) We rushed around and worked so late LAST night to prepare their habitat, so at least that is all set for their welcome to Twin Oaks.
2. Solitary Egg Delivery! Renee has a bunch of office-work to do tomorrow and will have to be around to monitor the ducklings first day here so I get the honors of the Seaside egg delivery. A little intimidating but according to Renee, she gives "GREAT" directions... we shall see... along with my mother's genes, I also recieved her sense of direction;)
3. First Seaside Farmer's Market! Saturday morning is the first of this season's farmer's market at Seaside. We are going to have preserves, eggs, and homemade ice cream to sell. And since Saturday's are technically days off for me, I will be gracing the ocean with my presence for the first time since arriving in Florida!
Those are the big "firsts" for now... keep your fingers crossed for the ducklings this week!
1. Baby Ducklings Arrive Tomorrow! They were supposed to arrive at the post office this morning but sadly (for us and them... the rate at which they die increases DRAMATICALLY every day they spend in the mail) they didn't get here today. So bright and early tomorrow morning we will go pick them up:) We rushed around and worked so late LAST night to prepare their habitat, so at least that is all set for their welcome to Twin Oaks.
2. Solitary Egg Delivery! Renee has a bunch of office-work to do tomorrow and will have to be around to monitor the ducklings first day here so I get the honors of the Seaside egg delivery. A little intimidating but according to Renee, she gives "GREAT" directions... we shall see... along with my mother's genes, I also recieved her sense of direction;)
3. First Seaside Farmer's Market! Saturday morning is the first of this season's farmer's market at Seaside. We are going to have preserves, eggs, and homemade ice cream to sell. And since Saturday's are technically days off for me, I will be gracing the ocean with my presence for the first time since arriving in Florida!
Those are the big "firsts" for now... keep your fingers crossed for the ducklings this week!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
MOM'S GONE - PARTY!
Renee went down to Miami for the Fairchild Botanical Garden Festival (I think that's the festival name) this weekend. So I have the farm to myself from Thursday morning until tomorrow (Monday) afternoon. I invited a good friend up to come see the chickens and help me out for a few days over the weekend... so naturally, it rained. No, not rained, poured. No, not even poured, more like the ocean dumped itself on us. The poor chickens were a wet mess (they are sort of like sad, wet kittens when they get rained on... very pathetic looking) and since there was so much thunder and lightening we lost power a few times, the coops became soupy poop boxes, and this morning - the road and property behind the farm (past the coops) became a new lake. I'll be putting up photos of it later today. Seriously, some intense rain. My friend, John, had to leave this morning so unfortunately he never really got to hang on Sunny Twin Oaks. We had an afternoon of sunshine on Saturday which allowed for a short walk but between fire ants and the chickens it was indeed just a short one. Now I have the place to myself once again and it is sunny and hot. Great - aside from the major storm cleanup I am now faced with;)
A few goals to accomplish prior to Renee's return (yeah, so much for party when mom's away, haha):
- clean both box coops (really my least favorite job by far)
- label and top the remaining mango chutney
- move the hoop coops (not sure if this will actually happen, they are big and I don't weigh enough for the tractor to stay running)
- demo the old box coops and organize all reusable parts
- begin construction of three 12' hoop coops
- clean the house... its not looking sparkly, to say the least
- (and if I am really feeling ambitious) drive the HUGE van to Tractor Supply and pick up 9 4'x16' cattle panels
Obviously, I have gotten a great start, seeing as I have been able write out a list of things to do and update everyone on this weekends rain festivities. "Off to work we go... er... I go... do de do do dooo de dooo"
A few goals to accomplish prior to Renee's return (yeah, so much for party when mom's away, haha):
- clean both box coops (really my least favorite job by far)
- label and top the remaining mango chutney
- move the hoop coops (not sure if this will actually happen, they are big and I don't weigh enough for the tractor to stay running)
- demo the old box coops and organize all reusable parts
- begin construction of three 12' hoop coops
- clean the house... its not looking sparkly, to say the least
- (and if I am really feeling ambitious) drive the HUGE van to Tractor Supply and pick up 9 4'x16' cattle panels
Obviously, I have gotten a great start, seeing as I have been able write out a list of things to do and update everyone on this weekends rain festivities. "Off to work we go... er... I go... do de do do dooo de dooo"
Thursday, March 26, 2009
NEW PHOTOS
I just uploaded a bunch of new photos. I am going to try to explain a few...
- Two chicks in the sunset on the porch: Germaine and Josephine
- All the chickens running up to the wheelbarrow or Renee: DINNERTIME!
- Germaine and Josephine in the kitchen to help make preserves;)
- The fried eggs in a pan: TWO were double yolks, and a huge yolk
- The lizard was upstairs inside the window by all the plants, so cool but the photos are poor quality unfortunately
- Red chicken outside the coop in the dark: THE PUNK! (the one who NEVER goes in when we try to close them up at night)
- Any of the HUGE eggs in photos are Josephine's - that girl works hard;)
Pretty sure the rest are self-explanatory but feel free to ask if you want to know who or what some of them are!
- Two chicks in the sunset on the porch: Germaine and Josephine
- All the chickens running up to the wheelbarrow or Renee: DINNERTIME!
- Germaine and Josephine in the kitchen to help make preserves;)
- The fried eggs in a pan: TWO were double yolks, and a huge yolk
- The lizard was upstairs inside the window by all the plants, so cool but the photos are poor quality unfortunately
- Red chicken outside the coop in the dark: THE PUNK! (the one who NEVER goes in when we try to close them up at night)
- Any of the HUGE eggs in photos are Josephine's - that girl works hard;)
Pretty sure the rest are self-explanatory but feel free to ask if you want to know who or what some of them are!
Monday, March 23, 2009
THOUGHTS FROM A FAR(M)
What I really wish I could do for this entry is just transcribe every single conversation Renee and I have here. Inevitably they all revolve around eating healthy foods, small farms, gardening, society, etc... chock full of information and experience. Having lived in the life of a small, organic farmer for the past two weeks I have begun to see how anti-small-farm the requirements and certifications are. Renee has had to literally call people and offices daily, print out entire books on requirements, and fight mindless inspector after mindless inspector to simply raise organic chickens and sell eggs and preserves to people who want quality food. I think it is good to have food safety regulations and inspections to make sure they are met. However, this is how ridiculous it has become:
Woman for Food Safety Labeling Regulations: "I'm sorry but your ingredients labels must be in a specific order: highest percentage ingredient to least."
Renee: "But my ingredients on the label ARE listed like that."
Woman: "You have FRUIT listed first in your preserves."
Renee: "Yes. My preserves are made with more fruit than anything else."
** Her ingredients list is as follows: fruit(whichever kind it may be), organic sugar.
In the few interactions I have listened to or seen first hand, it almost seems as if the people giving out organic certifications and selling licenses don't want her to be able to do anything. It is simply frusterating and financially exhausting to Renee. I can't imagine how many other farmers are going through the same thing. I really just wanted to write about it because it might not seem apparent but small farms have it really rough simply to operate and its sad to see it happening.
On the positive side, the farm is coming along fabulously. The egg count is going up daily, baby strawberries are emerging, compost bins are ... composting, and the buzz from pollinating insects is deafening. We started to transplant seedlings today and I met at least over 7 different kinds of spiders. (Didn't make friends with any of them but hey, its one step at a time) And the most fascinating event of the day: MistiGris. We are fairly certain he came across some catnip or something in his adventures in the woods because he was pupil-dialated hyper. Running back and forth like a demon, fighting with bags on the floor, trying to climb the cabinets... absolutely hilarious. I tried to get some of it on camera so if all goes well, I will get a video or two up for your amusement;)
Woman for Food Safety Labeling Regulations: "I'm sorry but your ingredients labels must be in a specific order: highest percentage ingredient to least."
Renee: "But my ingredients on the label ARE listed like that."
Woman: "You have FRUIT listed first in your preserves."
Renee: "Yes. My preserves are made with more fruit than anything else."
** Her ingredients list is as follows: fruit(whichever kind it may be), organic sugar.
In the few interactions I have listened to or seen first hand, it almost seems as if the people giving out organic certifications and selling licenses don't want her to be able to do anything. It is simply frusterating and financially exhausting to Renee. I can't imagine how many other farmers are going through the same thing. I really just wanted to write about it because it might not seem apparent but small farms have it really rough simply to operate and its sad to see it happening.
On the positive side, the farm is coming along fabulously. The egg count is going up daily, baby strawberries are emerging, compost bins are ... composting, and the buzz from pollinating insects is deafening. We started to transplant seedlings today and I met at least over 7 different kinds of spiders. (Didn't make friends with any of them but hey, its one step at a time) And the most fascinating event of the day: MistiGris. We are fairly certain he came across some catnip or something in his adventures in the woods because he was pupil-dialated hyper. Running back and forth like a demon, fighting with bags on the floor, trying to climb the cabinets... absolutely hilarious. I tried to get some of it on camera so if all goes well, I will get a video or two up for your amusement;)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
"PRESERVE" THE GNOMES!
I spent the day making fruit preserves, which I will go into detail about in a minute, but first I want to discuss the coolest group I have EVER heard about. EVER.
MOUVEMENT DE LIBERATION DU NAIN DE JARDIN
The movement for the liberation of garden gnomes... a group of society of people who go out at night and take gnomes from peoples homes, place them in open fields and such, then leave a note for the owner letting them know where their gnome was freed. There have been thousands of gnomes freed. I reallllllly want to join. It is hilarious and fabulous.
Also, something that has a similar guerrilla tactic that my sister recently informed me about is Guerilla Gardening - people in cities that go at night to abandoned lots and replant them to be beautiful or to make community gardens. Anyone interested??
Preserves. Okay... today was a long day. We started by boiling between 8 and 12 lbs of fruit (of the following: blueberries, mangoes, apricots, and figs) with almost an equivalent amount of evaporated cane sugar. The kitchen was HOT and smelled FABULOUS. Between making sure the pots didn't stick or boil over, I sterilized jars and once the fruit was cooked, Renee filled them. She literally just uses fruit and sugar, boils the jars to seal them and then it lasts for a few years, unopened (trust me, I have some on toast every morning and they are all delish!) After doing that all day we were tired so we had dinner and drank a few glasses of wine..... and then realized we had to go put in the single chicken that wouldn't go in her coop before dinner. So, guided just by Renee's headlamp we headed into the dark and proceeded to make tipsy fools of ourselves running and diving after this darn hen. We eventually managed to pin her down and giggled ourselves back to the house. Now I am tired and we start bright and early again tomorrow by moving all the coops to a new pasture...
MOUVEMENT DE LIBERATION DU NAIN DE JARDIN
The movement for the liberation of garden gnomes... a group of society of people who go out at night and take gnomes from peoples homes, place them in open fields and such, then leave a note for the owner letting them know where their gnome was freed. There have been thousands of gnomes freed. I reallllllly want to join. It is hilarious and fabulous.
Also, something that has a similar guerrilla tactic that my sister recently informed me about is Guerilla Gardening - people in cities that go at night to abandoned lots and replant them to be beautiful or to make community gardens. Anyone interested??
Preserves. Okay... today was a long day. We started by boiling between 8 and 12 lbs of fruit (of the following: blueberries, mangoes, apricots, and figs) with almost an equivalent amount of evaporated cane sugar. The kitchen was HOT and smelled FABULOUS. Between making sure the pots didn't stick or boil over, I sterilized jars and once the fruit was cooked, Renee filled them. She literally just uses fruit and sugar, boils the jars to seal them and then it lasts for a few years, unopened (trust me, I have some on toast every morning and they are all delish!) After doing that all day we were tired so we had dinner and drank a few glasses of wine..... and then realized we had to go put in the single chicken that wouldn't go in her coop before dinner. So, guided just by Renee's headlamp we headed into the dark and proceeded to make tipsy fools of ourselves running and diving after this darn hen. We eventually managed to pin her down and giggled ourselves back to the house. Now I am tired and we start bright and early again tomorrow by moving all the coops to a new pasture...
GOD, GUNS, AND GUTS
... I saw a sign on the way down to deliver eggs in Seaside on Wednesday that said: "God, Guns, and Guts made America Free! We support our troops." ... just thought I would share that...
Annnnyways, Wednesday Renee and I drove down through Grayton Beach (where my family used to vacation) to Seaside to deliver 19 dozen - gorgeous - eggs. The whole time we drove by the ocean I wanted SO badly to dive in. The first stop was basically like a drug deal: we pulled over on the side of the road at an intersection and another car pulled over, we handed two cartons of eggs, she handed us some cash, and then we left. HAHA. The woman was actually super cool though and gave us some fresh arugula and red peppers too:) Then we delivered a cooler full of eggs to the restaurant Fish Out Of Water, then to the woman Kristin who owns a little juice bar. She is VERY COOL... she started a chapter of Local Wars here in the area. (they support local foods, volunteer, etc) Then we made several other deliveries, including one to a man who eats 8 eggs PER DAY! The sunset on the drive home was beautiful, as usual...
Annnnyways, Wednesday Renee and I drove down through Grayton Beach (where my family used to vacation) to Seaside to deliver 19 dozen - gorgeous - eggs. The whole time we drove by the ocean I wanted SO badly to dive in. The first stop was basically like a drug deal: we pulled over on the side of the road at an intersection and another car pulled over, we handed two cartons of eggs, she handed us some cash, and then we left. HAHA. The woman was actually super cool though and gave us some fresh arugula and red peppers too:) Then we delivered a cooler full of eggs to the restaurant Fish Out Of Water, then to the woman Kristin who owns a little juice bar. She is VERY COOL... she started a chapter of Local Wars here in the area. (they support local foods, volunteer, etc) Then we made several other deliveries, including one to a man who eats 8 eggs PER DAY! The sunset on the drive home was beautiful, as usual...
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
POOP AND BEAUTY
Sunday night Lynn decided he needed to move on and do other things with his life, so we are down two hands... just in time to clean out the soggy coops yesterday. The first coops Renee built are not open on the bottom and therefore, when it rains, they become bogged down with wood mulch and tons of chicken poop. Let me assure you, you have never smelled such a horrific stench. Gag-worthy, to say the least. The two of us did manage to get them all scooped, sprayed down, and re-mulched though - just in time for the next rain. Haha. Today, with the help of Renee's friend Steve, we moved a new coop (open bottom, one of the ones I built) down to the pasture and so there is one less gross coop to clean.
That was the quick poop update portion of this post. The beauty part is a little more exciting to think about. Out here in the panhandle of Florida I am surrounded by so much beauty...(makes me think of the Weepies song with that name, "all this beauty, you might have to close your eyes, and slowly open wide...") The horses next door galloping, the incredible sunsets lighting up the fields and ponds of water, the green lizard I have made friends with upstairs, and the eggs. I am becoming more in awe everyday of how incredible the eggs are. First of all, the shells (brown from the Dominic and Rhode Island Reds and white from the Leghorns) are stunning. Some are spotted, some are light, some dark, the white ones are pristine. And then the intense red-orange of the yolks. Sometimes, even though I see first hand where they come from, I think they have been dyed. **Fun egg sidenote: our lesbians hens lay the BIGGEST eggs I have ever seen. They look like goose eggs... pictures coming soon.
Tomorrow I get to help Renee deliver a batch of eggs. That will be fun to see exactly where the eggs actually end up:) I'll be sure to let you all know how that adventure away from the farm goes...
That was the quick poop update portion of this post. The beauty part is a little more exciting to think about. Out here in the panhandle of Florida I am surrounded by so much beauty...(makes me think of the Weepies song with that name, "all this beauty, you might have to close your eyes, and slowly open wide...") The horses next door galloping, the incredible sunsets lighting up the fields and ponds of water, the green lizard I have made friends with upstairs, and the eggs. I am becoming more in awe everyday of how incredible the eggs are. First of all, the shells (brown from the Dominic and Rhode Island Reds and white from the Leghorns) are stunning. Some are spotted, some are light, some dark, the white ones are pristine. And then the intense red-orange of the yolks. Sometimes, even though I see first hand where they come from, I think they have been dyed. **Fun egg sidenote: our lesbians hens lay the BIGGEST eggs I have ever seen. They look like goose eggs... pictures coming soon.
Tomorrow I get to help Renee deliver a batch of eggs. That will be fun to see exactly where the eggs actually end up:) I'll be sure to let you all know how that adventure away from the farm goes...
Sunday, March 15, 2009
NATURAL FRIENDS
I have weekends off, which means I sleep in until around 8:00! On Saturday I decided to take a luxurious walk down to the barn towards the end of the property... where I promptly layed down in the grass and took an afternoon nap. That adventure was followed by a solid amount of reading a diddling around on Yammie. Rough life, eh? And then today I did pretty much the same thing - except we recieved a gorgeous torrential downpour so I stayed inside for more of the afternoon. As a result of such ample amounts of time and conversation with Renee, I have started to open my eyes to even more ways to introduce and implement natural "friends" into daily life. And I think I should share these, in the hopes that you too will be inspired:)
HERBS:
Namely, Rosemary and Thyme. Brewed as a tea, they are fabulous for getting rid of a cough for the evening. Added bonus, they smell and taste incredible.
BAKING SODA:
In the past several months I have started using baking soda for more and more. It is a great toothepaste, vegetable wash (just a sprinkle, when you wash your veggies will get rid of any little pests), makeshift scrubber/drain cleaner/peroxide (mix with vinegar and it bubbles!), and deoderizer (for spaces like the fridge, in your wash, or under arms, especially when doubled with a natural deoderant).
OLIVE OIL:
Already great in foods, I have found a tiny bit is fabulous as lotion. It might feel a little heavy or greasy in the beginning but it soaks in and is so much better for your skin than other chemical filled things. I even use it on my face every couple nights and it hasn't yet clogged my pores or irritated me.
VINEGAR:
This is the big winner so far. It is one of the most incredible, useful things to have in the house. Here are just a few of the vast amount of things to use it for: soothing sunburns, as a conditioner for hair, to clean countertops (and sinks, bathrooms, floors, etc), as a glass/mirror streak-free cleaner, as a fabric softener in the last rinse cycle (also, doing this removes the excess soap from clothes, as well as keeps colors fresher), to fight toenail fungus, mixed with baking soda to remove stains in carpet, for plants like hydrangia, splashed in boiling water for almost any cooking - keeps colors bright, mixed with honey and hot water for a cold remedy... I could go on and on. Basically, go buy some vinegar (there are so many kinds too!) and start to use it for everything. I am going to for sure.
I am on information overload here. It is fabulous. As I gain more knowledge about... well, anything... I will continue to share. Please, tell your friends! And perhaps, one drop in the bucket will turn into a bucket full of earth concious people!
HERBS:
Namely, Rosemary and Thyme. Brewed as a tea, they are fabulous for getting rid of a cough for the evening. Added bonus, they smell and taste incredible.
BAKING SODA:
In the past several months I have started using baking soda for more and more. It is a great toothepaste, vegetable wash (just a sprinkle, when you wash your veggies will get rid of any little pests), makeshift scrubber/drain cleaner/peroxide (mix with vinegar and it bubbles!), and deoderizer (for spaces like the fridge, in your wash, or under arms, especially when doubled with a natural deoderant).
OLIVE OIL:
Already great in foods, I have found a tiny bit is fabulous as lotion. It might feel a little heavy or greasy in the beginning but it soaks in and is so much better for your skin than other chemical filled things. I even use it on my face every couple nights and it hasn't yet clogged my pores or irritated me.
VINEGAR:
This is the big winner so far. It is one of the most incredible, useful things to have in the house. Here are just a few of the vast amount of things to use it for: soothing sunburns, as a conditioner for hair, to clean countertops (and sinks, bathrooms, floors, etc), as a glass/mirror streak-free cleaner, as a fabric softener in the last rinse cycle (also, doing this removes the excess soap from clothes, as well as keeps colors fresher), to fight toenail fungus, mixed with baking soda to remove stains in carpet, for plants like hydrangia, splashed in boiling water for almost any cooking - keeps colors bright, mixed with honey and hot water for a cold remedy... I could go on and on. Basically, go buy some vinegar (there are so many kinds too!) and start to use it for everything. I am going to for sure.
I am on information overload here. It is fabulous. As I gain more knowledge about... well, anything... I will continue to share. Please, tell your friends! And perhaps, one drop in the bucket will turn into a bucket full of earth concious people!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
PHOTOS
Sorrie, just realized it is going to take some time to get my photos up so... maybe tomorrow I will have them!
CHICKEN LADY OR EGG WOMAN?
... those were the nickname choices given to me by my father. I choose "silly sunburned farmer girl." Yup, two days into my farming experience and I have burned shoulders/neck/arms and a ferocious farmer's tan steadily developing on my thighs. Attractive, to say the least.
After about a 30 hour bus/truck ride from Boston to Bonifay, FL I was exhausted and greeted by Renee Savary (my wwoof host) who is a very warm, welcoming woman from Genoa, Switzerland and Lynn (short for Lyndell, my co-wwoofer) who is a really interesting, sweet man from Madison, Wisconsin. We ate a scrumptious meal together, talked passionately about organics and society and everything in between and around. Each morning I wake at about 6:30am to a fog covered farm and we eat breakfast together before going out to wake the chickens. She has about 200 birds - three different varieties (Dominics, Rhode Island Reds, and Leghorn Greys). We open each of the five coops, check for eggs in the laying hutches, fill their feed and water bins, and then head back up to the house for other projects. The first two days were mostly constructing a different, larger coop. (There are pictures in my slide show!). Today was a little abnormal in that we moved all the chickens (in their pens - aye yaye) to a new section field. It took a quite a while but eventually we got everyone situated. Chickens, I have learned, are hilarious creatures who have a whole lot of personality. They make funny sounds, move in silly ways, and are chock full of SASS! Looks like we are getting along fine so far;)
The other few friends I have made are MistiGris (the cat who comes in for meals and nap time), The Rooster (the lone rooster who lives all by his lonely self, fattening up for a meal soon), and Germaine & Josephine (the lesbian hen couple who have their own personal coop by the house because they don't like the other hens).
The weather is gorgeous, the days are long, but it is fun and interesting so far - I feel like I can't even keep in all the information that flies around all day. I will try to post more often and give some more specifics about my day to day activies but for now... I am ready for my pillow!
After about a 30 hour bus/truck ride from Boston to Bonifay, FL I was exhausted and greeted by Renee Savary (my wwoof host) who is a very warm, welcoming woman from Genoa, Switzerland and Lynn (short for Lyndell, my co-wwoofer) who is a really interesting, sweet man from Madison, Wisconsin. We ate a scrumptious meal together, talked passionately about organics and society and everything in between and around. Each morning I wake at about 6:30am to a fog covered farm and we eat breakfast together before going out to wake the chickens. She has about 200 birds - three different varieties (Dominics, Rhode Island Reds, and Leghorn Greys). We open each of the five coops, check for eggs in the laying hutches, fill their feed and water bins, and then head back up to the house for other projects. The first two days were mostly constructing a different, larger coop. (There are pictures in my slide show!). Today was a little abnormal in that we moved all the chickens (in their pens - aye yaye) to a new section field. It took a quite a while but eventually we got everyone situated. Chickens, I have learned, are hilarious creatures who have a whole lot of personality. They make funny sounds, move in silly ways, and are chock full of SASS! Looks like we are getting along fine so far;)
The other few friends I have made are MistiGris (the cat who comes in for meals and nap time), The Rooster (the lone rooster who lives all by his lonely self, fattening up for a meal soon), and Germaine & Josephine (the lesbian hen couple who have their own personal coop by the house because they don't like the other hens).
The weather is gorgeous, the days are long, but it is fun and interesting so far - I feel like I can't even keep in all the information that flies around all day. I will try to post more often and give some more specifics about my day to day activies but for now... I am ready for my pillow!
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