Castle in the Sky, 1986
For the next few weeks I’ll be watching all the Hayao Miyazaki films. Some again, some for the first time.
Castle in the Sky, 1986 — [subtitled]
This is probably the best first Miyazaki film for any newcomer.
I’m sad I didn’t see this when I was a kid. Because I utterly adore this film now. I can’t imagine what a splash of nostalgia would have done. It very well may have ended up my favorite film of all time.
Resurrected robots, giant airships, levitation stones, magical caves, flying islands, train chases, dastardly pirates, a ton of explosions, and a brilliant relationship between two fantastic characters. This film is an absolute must-see, a delightfully magical and wondrous film, perfectly paced from beginning to end, vast in imagination and splendor.
I fell in love with Pazu and Sheeta. Their pureness, innocence, of friendship makes any viewer ache with envy. They are the movie. And so is the wonderful cinematography, brilliant direction, and utterly fantastic animation; the film is simply gorgeous and truly a visual pleasure to watch.
One thing that really got me, what touched me, was the guardian robot, covered in moss, after 700 years, still lays flowers at the graves of great tree in honor of its creators. Not to mention, that it is now the caretaker/friend of a group of fox-squirrel (same as Teto from Nausicaä.)
The theme of ‘power and greed are bad’ is blunt and simplified. The main villain, Muska, embodies this, especially in contrast to Sheeta. Another theme is that any civilization can fall no matter how pure and wonderous. We don’t know why Laputa was abandon, there are hints to an ‘isolation from nature/earth being problematic’ but it’s never really explored. But I’m not sure it matters. The biggest theme here is friendship. We see an amazing friendship grow from our two leads. And we see villains become friends in the pirates. It’s heartwarming and uplifting. An utter joy to watch.
So, sit back, relax, and enjoy being transported.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, 1984
For the next few weeks I’ll be watching all the Hayao Miyazaki films. Some again, some for the first time.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, 1984 — [subtitled]
This film is fantastic. A deeply complex, imaginative tale of nature, war, compassion, and the struggle of a brilliant heroine destined to save humanity from itself.
There is a scene where a fox-squirrel, called Teto, bites Nausicaä’s finger and she patiently lets her finger be bit until Teto’s frenzy fades and it proceeds to licks her wound. She comments, “It wasn’t angry, it was terrified.” Here begins our understanding of her beautiful empathy for all creatures, her understanding and challenging all the common conceptions. I cannot help but think, in our current climate, Nausicaä could teach us all a thing or two.
The Shark
Dean
This guy just looked so happy I had to take my 2018 sketch and see if I could capture some of the original’s personality.
Most of my early artist life was spent chasing the photorealism dragon. I had felt that was the ultimate test of an artist’s skills. I think that is only one part of being an artist. A specific type of artist.The rule stands true, learn the rules so you break them. Otherwise you’re just making a mess. A huge thanks to my friend Jenny who prodded me back into painting and prompted me to break some rules. I’m still playing around and this one veered away from my first experiment that felt more sketch-like and into a more comfortable realistic style.
The Elephant
Dean
In the first of many one-on-one art days, I met with my new partner in art, Jenny. She loved to paint animals and had a bunch of photo references. So, I grabbed a nice one of an elephant and began my first painting in many, many years.
Together with her infamous bloody marys, we painting, laughed, and critiqued each other’s work, occasionally by working on one another’s canvases. In the end, for an exercise in style, I created a work that I was really proud of. I’m excited to continue these exercises until I get comfortable painting again and hone in on this new style.
Dean Runs Away – Week Seven
Portland, Or
Day 43
Wednesday, July 04, 2018
I wake to my mom curious as to when I’m coming home. As I said goodbye to Izzy, I made the decision. This is a perfect end to an utterly fantastic 42-day adventure. It’s time to go home.
So, I grab a pizza and on this American anniversary, I head back into the clutches of nationalism. I get to Portland at the perfect time, Curtis and Rene’s familiar faces and welcoming arms dissolve any regret that might have lingered. As the fireworks began, I was reminded that connections are what I am all about. I don’t believe I was in the right headspace to spend a grip of days in the Great White North all alone, especially with the last half of my trip being friendless.
Check-Ins
Day 43 – July 4, 2018 ∙ 2:34pm
Hey look, a Brooklyn pizza join in Vancouver! As I sat here and ate some pizza, I contemplated all I had seen, all those people I met, all the calories I drank, and I smiled. Then, I grabbed the rest of the pizza for the road. It was time to go home. What I didn’t realize was that pizza would literally be my treasured driving companion for the next couple of days.
Day 43 – July 4, 2018 ∙ 8:30pm
After five hours on the road, I was super glad to be greeted by these fine folks!
Day 43 – July 4, 2018 ∙ 9:01pm
As if it didn’t have enough to bomb, the US decided to continue to wage its annual one-day assault on the night sky. So, there were a lot of bada-booms for American pride. We had a great view from the rooftop of Curtis and Rene’s building.
Check-Ins
Day 43 – July 4, 2018 ∙ 2:34pm
Hey look, a Brooklyn pizza join in Vancouver! As I sat here and ate some pizza, I contemplated all I had seen, all those people I met, all the calories I drank, and I smiled. Then, I grabbed the rest of the pizza for the road. It was time to go home. What I didn’t realize was that pizza would literally be my treasured driving companion for the next couple of days.
Day 43 – July 4, 2018 ∙ 8:30pm
After five hours on the road, I was super glad to be greeted by these fine folks!
Day 43 – July 4, 2018 ∙ 9:01pm
As if it didn’t have enough to bomb, the US decided to continue to wage its annual one-day assault on the night sky. So, there were a lot of bada-booms for American pride. We had a great view from the rooftop of Curtis and Rene’s building.
Placerville, CA
Day 44
Thursday, July 5, 2018
Saying goodbye to great friends and to the Pacific Northwest. I drive.
And I drive.
Hey look, a mountain!
And I keep driving.
All day I drive.
Hey look, friends!
Check-Ins
Day 44 – July 5, 2018 ∙ 1:30pm
A day sailing the asphalt seas. Hey look, pizza.
Day 44 – July 5, 2018 ∙ 5:28pm
After my longest stretch on the road for the entire trip, silly me was so exhausted and excited to see this amazing couple that I forgot to take a photo with them. So, here is an image stolen from their Facebook.
Check-Ins
Day 44 – July 5, 2018 ∙ 1:30pm
A day sailing the asphalt seas. Hey look, pizza.
Day 44 – July 5, 2018 ∙ 5:28pm
After my longest stretch on the road for the entire trip, silly me was so exhausted and excited to see this amazing couple that I forgot to take a photo with them. So, here is an image stolen from their Facebook.
Brea, Ca
Day 45
Friday, July 6, 2018
Saying goodbye to great friends and to Northern California. I drive.
And I drive.
And I keep driving.
All day driving.
Hey look, Home!
Check-Ins
Day 45 – July 6, 2018 ∙ 5:14pm
45 days and 4,225 miles traveled. Perfect weather every single day of my trip. And what does home have? The most intense 115°F heat you could imagine. My face feels like it is going to melt off. I could have been hiking in the snow-covered mountain of British Columbia today. An uncomfortable return to a comfortable living. Life is funny sometimes.
Day 45 – July 6, 2018 ∙ 8:00pm
Financial Breakdown
Gas
$568.93 (4225 miles - 12.7¢/mile)
Biggest single expense
$83.68 (AirBnB w/Aquarium pass)
Most expensive meal
$41.87 (Lyasare Berkeley)
Estimated Bar Tab (68 stops)
$725.65 ($10.67/stop)
Total Lodging (includes camping fees)
$113.68
Tolls/Mass Transit/Ferries
$32
Parking tickets & Fees/Moving Violations
$0
Total Cost of the Trip
$2262.13
Stay breakdown
Friends/Friends of Friends: 29
Couchsurfing: 11
Camping: 2
Car: 2
Airbnb: 1
Check-Ins
Day 45 – July 6, 2018 ∙ 5:14pm
45 days and 4,225 miles traveled. Perfect weather every single day of my trip. And what does home have? The most intense 115°F heat you could imagine. My face feels like it is going to melt off. I could have been hiking in the snow-covered mountain of British Columbia today. An uncomfortable return to a comfortable living. Life is funny sometimes.
Day 45 – July 6, 2018 ∙ 8:00pm
Financial Breakdown
Gas
$568.93 (4225 miles - 12.7¢/mile)
Biggest single expense
$83.68 (AirBnB w/Aquarium pass)
Most expensive meal
$41.87 (Lyasare Berkeley)
Estimated Bar Tab (68 stops)
$725.65 ($10.67/stop)
Total Lodging (includes camping fees)
$113.68
Tolls/Mass Transit/Ferries
$32
Parking tickets & Fees/Moving Violations
$0
Total Cost of the Trip
$2262.13
Stay breakdown
Friends/Friends of Friends: 29
Couchsurfing: 11
Camping: 2
Car: 2
Airbnb: 1
Saturday, July 7, 2018
I sit here at Home. One night after I have returned.
I ran away these past 45-days. Away from a place I’ve called home most of my life. And while I didn’t explore as far as I had planned, my days were dense with profound experiences. Many times on this journey I felt grateful and guilty, wishing everyone could have these adventures. I said before, I love other people, different perspectives, and introspective conversations. That I want to learn and grow from others and to share myself, as open and honestly as I know-how. With this, I believe I succeeded tenfold.
And now, back safe in this comfortable space I have constructed, I sit with a different perspective, and I look to the future. My future. And a seed of thought has germinated in the lush soil of my trip. As I thought it might. After years of cultivating this home, it’s time for a new chapter. These new cities and new people have shown me contrasts and opportunities. And I’m invigorated and terrified to take the first steps to move on from this sleepy little north Orange county town and my beautiful home I’ve made here.
But it seems like it’s time to run away, permanently. And really see how it all gets rebuilt.
Dean Runs Away – Week Six
Astoria, Or
Day 36
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Backtracking a bit to Oregon, I find myself in the quaint little town of Astoria. Although, a few years late to visit my friends, Jeff & Sonja, who have transplanted themselves over to Europe. However, I was lucky enough to find an amazing host who was kind enough to take a chance on me. In waiting to meet up with her, I explored some of the towns not-so-famous haunts.
Check-Ins
Day 36 – June 27, 2018 ∙ 12:31pm
Renewed and reinvigorated, I venture forward! And travel back the way I came veering off towards Astoria! First stop, I mean it’s a brewery, you shouldn’t be surprised by now.
Day 36 – June 27, 2018 ∙ 12:24pm
A sampling of your finest, barkeep! I came here to socialize, drink da beers, and not be in pain! And I’m all out of painkillers!
Day 36 – June 27, 2018 ∙ 5:48pm
I found a host for tonight! She wants me to meet her down the street in a bit for trivia night! Sounds familiar. Let me kill some time with this cocktail.
Day 36 – June 27, 2018 ∙ 6:56pm
So, I meet my lovely host, play a little trivia, and then the most bizarro thing happens. I hear a voice, “Dean?” A little context, I rent the spare bedrooms in my house to strangers on the internet. Well, in doing so I chat with many that don’t eventually come to live with me for various reasons. So back to the questioning voice, it’s totally someone who was going to join me in my humble abode in Southern California but ended up not. She had instead moved to Astoria, where we found ourselves in the same bar, at the same time, and she recognized me!
Day 36 – June 27, 2018 ∙ 10:46pm
Chelsea introduced me to her pup and we chatted about art, couch surfing, life, and living in this sea shanty of a town.
Check-Ins
Day 36 – June 27, 2018 ∙ 12:31pm
Renewed and reinvigorated, I venture forward! And travel back the way I came veering off towards Astoria! First stop, I mean it’s a brewery, you shouldn’t be surprised by now.
Day 36 – June 27, 2018 ∙ 12:24pm
A sampling of your finest, barkeep! I came here to socialize, drink da beers, and not be in pain! And I’m all out of painkillers!
Day 36 – June 27, 2018 ∙ 5:48pm
I found a host for tonight! She wants me to meet her down the street in a bit for trivia night! Sounds familiar. Let me kill some time with this cocktail.
Day 36 – June 27, 2018 ∙ 6:56pm
So, I meet my lovely host, play a little trivia, and then the most bizarro thing happens. I hear a voice, “Dean?” A little context, I rent the spare bedrooms in my house to strangers on the internet. Well, in doing so I chat with many that don’t eventually come to live with me for various reasons. So back to the questioning voice, it’s totally someone who was going to join me in my humble abode in Southern California but ended up not. She had instead moved to Astoria, where we found ourselves in the same bar, at the same time, and she recognized me!
Day 36 – June 27, 2018 ∙ 10:46pm
Chelsea introduced me to her pup and we chatted about art, couch surfing, life, and living in this sea shanty of a town.
Cannon Beach, Or
Day 37
Thursday, June 28, 2018
There is something about an almost shared universal experience that bonds people together. When I say, “Hey you guuuys!” or “He slimed me.” or “E.T. phone home.” And you were a child when these were first uttered, you’re part of a specific generation. But also a generation that is one of the last of its kind. Because soon after, we were easily able to relive past generation’s culture, and the internet has made that even easier. With bringing back past content and so much new content comparably, generational experiences have begun to blur, blend, and get muddled. That all said, it was a blast to visit a landmark from my generation. It is an amazingly beautiful area and cannot wait to return.
Check-Ins
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 10:57pm
It was a bit to find, but a great little shop right on the water. Spent some time catching up with work as I took in an amazing view.
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 2:24pm
Hey, you guys!
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 2:54pm
Sketching on the beach like some goonie.
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 2:54pm
It's good enough for me.
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 2:54pm
Out here, it’s our time.
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 3:16pm
Refueling. I wonder if they have a pigeon inspired ale?
FUN FACT: Cannon Beach has an out-of-control bunny rabbit infestation! Don’t feed the bunnies!
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 4:46pm
An amazing road.
FUN FACT: The area was originally named ‘Ecola Creek’ after Ehkoli, a Chinook word for “whale.” Then in 1846, a cannon from the USS Shark, a Navy schooner, mysteriously washed ashore. Then a short 76 years later in 1922, for some reason, that cannon inspired the town to change its name.
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 4:53pm
Taking a minute to soak in the majestical Indian Beach.
FUN FACT: Cannon Beach has the largest Tufted Puffin colony in the state. But none greeted me on this day. 😕
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 5:42pm
There seems to be a lot of boats sinking around these parts.
FUN FACT: The shipwreck of Peter Iredale was a four-masted steel barque sailing vessel that ran ashore in 1906. Aboard were two stowaways, who may or may not have been undercover pirates.
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 5:42pm
It’s not often we’re in the presence of something so visibly and slowly eroding away. It once again reminded me of the temporariness of life. That this used to be a brand-new ship, full of potential, opportunities, adventures. And now it stands in memorial and what little of this ship remains will one day be gone, as will all things.
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 6:24pm
Hey look, Washington State! It’s time to go camp!
Check-Ins
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 10:57pm
It was a bit to find, but a great little shop right on the water. Spent some time catching up with work as I took in an amazing view.
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 2:24pm
Hey, you guys!
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 2:54pm
Sketching on the beach like some goonie.
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 2:54pm
It's good enough for me.
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 2:54pm
Out here, it’s our time.
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 3:16pm
Refueling. I wonder if they have a pigeon inspired ale?
FUN FACT: Cannon Beach has an out-of-control bunny rabbit infestation! Don’t feed the bunnies!
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 4:46pm
An amazing road.
FUN FACT: The area was originally named ‘Ecola Creek’ after Ehkoli, a Chinook word for “whale.” Then in 1846, a cannon from the USS Shark, a Navy schooner, mysteriously washed ashore. Then a short 76 years later in 1922, for some reason, that cannon inspired the town to change its name.
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 4:53pm
Taking a minute to soak in the majestical Indian Beach.
FUN FACT: Cannon Beach has the largest Tufted Puffin colony in the state. But none greeted me on this day. 😕
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 5:42pm
There seems to be a lot of boats sinking around these parts.
FUN FACT: The shipwreck of Peter Iredale was a four-masted steel barque sailing vessel that ran ashore in 1906. Aboard were two stowaways, who may or may not have been undercover pirates.
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 5:42pm
It’s not often we’re in the presence of something so visibly and slowly eroding away. It once again reminded me of the temporariness of life. That this used to be a brand-new ship, full of potential, opportunities, adventures. And now it stands in memorial and what little of this ship remains will one day be gone, as will all things.
Day 37 – June 28, 2018 ∙ 6:24pm
Hey look, Washington State! It’s time to go camp!
Seattle, Wa
Day 38
Friday, June 29, 2018
I had made a tough decision to not spend the next few days exploring, hiking, and riding the gargantuan Olympia National Park. It wasn’t an easy choice, but I didn’t feel properly prepared and my back was still twitching. If I abandon this National Park, I could be in Canada by the end of the month and there are a few more National Parks on the back half of this journey.
So, after one day, Seattle seemed fine, maybe, I guess. I haven’t connected with it like other cities. And by the end of the day, I felt that same aloneness creeping back in that I experienced in Santa Cruz. Perhaps this thing call homesickness is rearing its ugly head. Time will tell.
Check-Ins
Day 38 – June 29, 2018 ∙ 9:42am
Camping under the stars. I woke to the ocean crashing. It's time to go meet Seattle.
FUN FACT: I drove through Aberdeen, hometown of Mr. Kurt Cobain. The welcome sign for the town said, “Come as You Are.” 😀
Day 38 – June 29, 2018 ∙ 1:28pm
Looking to connect with people, but ended up just sipping beers alone.
Day 38 – June 29, 2018 ∙ 3:31pm
Found myself in downtown and needed some grub and a nice cocktail before going on the Underground tour. Thanks for the rec, Dave!
Day 38 – June 29, 2018 ∙ 5:00pm
Photo is from underneath the sidewalks, light pouring through from the glass tiles in the pavement, unsuspecting pedestrians walking overhead.
Day 38 – June 29, 2018 ∙ 4:30pm
FUN FACT: The Seattle Underground is a network of underground passageways and basements that were at ground level when the city was built in the mid-19th century. Around the turn of the century, the streets were raised and the ground level became underground, mostly abandoned. Mostly. 😶
Day 38 – June 29, 2018 ∙ 4:15pm
FUN FACT: Back in the olden day, built at sea level, the septic systems backed up every day when the tide came in. Seattle became infamous for its “fountain toilets” that… well… didn’t just spew water.
Day 45 – June 29, 2018 ∙ 6:00pm
sonder.
n. the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own—populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines, pike place market photos, worries, and inherited craziness—an epic story that continues invisibly around you like an anthill sprawling deep underground, with elaborate passageways to thousands of other lives that you’ll never know existed, in which you might appear only once, as an extra sipping coffee in the background, as a blur of traffic passing on the highway, as a lighted window at dusk.
Day 38 – June 29, 2018 ∙ 6:24pm
I was armed with a strong sense of the history as I wandered alone around downtown and Waterfront Park. A home is someplace you are actively making history. Putting down roots, as they say. When I sat here watching the strangers go by, I felt a bit like an interloper. I am rootless here. A tourist. I wasn’t making history. I had a twinge of that feeling I had in Santa Cruz. Aloneness. And a slight tug towards home.
Check-Ins
Day 38 – June 29, 2018 ∙ 9:42am
Camping under the stars. I woke to the ocean crashing. It's time to go meet Seattle.
FUN FACT: I drove through Aberdeen, hometown of Mr. Kurt Cobain. The welcome sign for the town said, “Come as You Are.” 😀
Day 38 – June 29, 2018 ∙ 1:28pm
Looking to connect with people, but ended up just sipping beers alone.
Day 38 – June 29, 2018 ∙ 3:31pm
Found myself in downtown and needed some grub and a nice cocktail before going on the Underground tour. Thanks for the rec, Dave!
Day 38 – June 29, 2018 ∙ 5:00pm
Photo is from underneath the sidewalks, light pouring through from the glass tiles in the pavement, unsuspecting pedestrians walking overhead.
Day 38 – June 29, 2018 ∙ 4:30pm
FUN FACT: The Seattle Underground is a network of underground passageways and basements that were at ground level when the city was built in the mid-19th century. Around the turn of the century, the streets were raised and the ground level became underground, mostly abandoned. Mostly. 😶
Day 38 – June 29, 2018 ∙ 4:15pm
FUN FACT: Back in the olden day, built at sea level, the septic systems backed up every day when the tide came in. Seattle became infamous for its “fountain toilets” that… well… didn’t just spew water.
Day 38 – June 29, 2018 ∙ 6:24pm
I was armed with a strong sense of the history as I wandered alone around downtown and Waterfront Park. A home is someplace you are actively making history. Putting down roots, as they say. When I sat here watching the strangers go by, I felt a bit like an interloper. I am rootless here. A tourist. I wasn’t making history. I had a twinge of that feeling I had in Santa Cruz. Aloneness. And a slight tug towards home.
Seattle, Wa
Day 39
Saturday, June 30, 2018
I decided to move on to Canada tomorrow. So, one more day exploring this not-very-rainy, rainy city. It was a beautiful day and I rode my bike around the city, to a brewery, and to grab some food after. But there was something about my time here that felt off. It most definitely could be me, or just bad luck connecting with people. So, after dinner, I decided to hit up a super popular bar and it lived up to the hype. Everything about it was amazing, the ambiance, the cocktails, and I even managed to rope some rad strangers into great conversations.
Check-Ins
Day 39 – June 30, 2018 ∙ 2:15 pm
After a quick bite at Starbucks, I felt I needed to go out and be more social. So, of course, I sought out a nice brewery with people I could bug with conversation. And what better name for one than Optimism? Oh. Hey look, a Block Party Festival!
Drinking: One London Standard Ale, Daredevil Hoppy Red Ale.
Day 39 – June 30, 2018 ∙
624pm
Decided to treat myself to some amazing sushi.
FUN FACT: The word “sushi” actually refers to the rice that is used when preparing these dishes, which means that as long as there is vinegared rice, it does not have to contain fish for it to be considered genuine sushi. Sushi also started out as cheap street food for the dirty peasants.
Day 39 – June 30, 2018 ∙ 8:12pm
More than one local told me I had to have a drink here. And the enormous line attested to its popularity, but as a single, I was quickly let in and easily found a seat at the bar. Now, the super creative cocktails were not cheap, but 100% worth it. Canon rides that fine line of classic and kitschy. They have beautifully crafted cocktails, ones that are served in an NES Legend of Zelda cartridge, ones that are on fire and smoked infused right in front of you, ones that come in a large crystal skull, and so many more. It’s super fun. And had great conversations with the peeps around me. Highly recommended.
Check-Ins
Day 32 – June 23, 2018 ∙ 12:32pm
After a drive, it was nice to see one of my oldest friends who has agreed to let me occupy his couch for the next few nights. He also just happens to have converted his garage into an arcade-driven man cave with beers on tap. No other check-ins will be needed on this day.
Vancouver, BC
Day 40
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Goodbye USA, hello Canada! After a minor incident at the border, I was officially a Canadian! And wow! Look at all those Canadian flags. Canadians are way more patriotic than I would have thought. I began, like I do, at a brewery, time to make friends with these most friendliest neighbors! Well, the first place was a bust, but then! I met an amazing couple and bounced around with them all day! It was so great, especially after my funk of the last few days. They also explained to me that today, the 1st of July, is like their Independence Day, hence all the flags. They got a good laugh out of my ignorance.
Check-Ins
Day 40 – July 1, 2018 ∙ 11:47pm
One of the more delicious breakfasts I’ve had. I spent the morning attempting to find a host in Vancouver. No luck yet, but it should be fine.
Day 40 – July 1, 2018 ∙ 3:16pm
“Where are you staying in Canada!?” Yeah, I was questioned at length. And of course, I still had no idea who was hosting me, nor an address where I was staying. So, with that and the amount of supplies I had in the back of the Rav4, I seemed rather suspicious. “Do you have any weapons?” Nope. Totally forgetting about the 18-inch-long machete right under my seat and the pocket knife literally in my pocket. However, once we got around to me owning property in California, they relaxed. I was told they had an immigration problem, US residents were visiting and not leaving! They waved me through! Hello Canada!
#blaineisapain
Day 40 – July 1, 2018 ∙ 4:17pm
Well, this was disappointing. I think this might be the most sterile coffee shop version of a brewery I’ve ever been to. Moving on.
Day 40 – July 1, 2018 ∙ 5:15pm
Walked over here, sat down at the bar, and my whole night changed. I started chatting up this rad young couple. They were in the city on…a brewery tour! We talked some more and they eventually told me I should join them at the next stop.
Drinking: That’s the Way Rustic Farmhouse Ale, Curveball Sour.
Day 40 – July 1, 2018 ∙ 6:45pm
The next stop was RAD. The most creative brewery yet! It was wacky, partly 1980s video game-themed, and the decor was utterly fantastic. And by far, the most unique beers thus far.
Drinking:
Frosty Mugs Brown Ale: If a root beer and black licorice had a mutant baby and it was liquified and carbonated.
Aloha Amigo Pineapple Juice Radler: If a pineapple had seduced a pale ale and gave birth to a supermodel.
Dig Dug Beet Juice Ale: If beet juice had transported itself but there was a bit of earthy yeast in there with him. And the resulting mixed DNA creature that emerged was a complete idiot.
Day 40 – July 1, 2018 ∙ 9:04pm
This place…was okay. Super crowded. We had a beer and split.
Day 40 – July 1, 2018 ∙ 9:43pm
Ah, I found it. The Yardhouse of Canada. Over 100 beers on tap with none of the personality. Good thing I was in such good company and without a care in the world.
Day 40 – July 1, 2018 ∙ 11:43pm
Crap. Where am I sleeping tonight? I checked my messages: Luis, a couch surfing host, messaged saying he lives Downtown, but would not be back until almost 1am. I was saved. My new Canadian friends and I wandered around with me until I left to meet him. At one point we came across this odd sculpture.
Jerry Pethick “Time Top” Bronze Art Sculpture. 2006
It’s like a 1940s-style spaceship had crashed in the ocean and decades later washed up on the shore.
Check-Ins
Day 40 – July 1, 2018 ∙ 11:47pm
One of the more delicious breakfasts I’ve had. I spent the morning attempting to find a host in Vancouver. No luck yet, but it should be fine.
Day 40 – July 1, 2018 ∙ 3:16pm
“Where are you staying in Canada!?” Yeah, I was questioned at length. And of course, I still had no idea who was hosting me, nor an address where I was staying. So, with that and the amount of supplies I had in the back of the Rav4, I seemed rather suspicious. “Do you have any weapons?” Nope. Totally forgetting about the 18-inch-long machete right under my seat and the pocket knife literally in my pocket. However, once we got around to me owning property in California, they relaxed. I was told they had an immigration problem, US residents were visiting and not leaving! They waved me through! Hello Canada!
#blaineisapain
Day 40 – July 1, 2018 ∙ 4:17pm
Well, this was disappointing. I think this might be the most sterile coffee shop version of a brewery I’ve ever been to. Moving on.
Day 40 – July 1, 2018 ∙ 5:15pm
Walked over here, sat down at the bar, and my whole night changed. I started chatting up this rad young couple. They were in the city on…a brewery tour! We talked some more and they eventually told me I should join them at the next stop.
Drinking: That’s the Way Rustic Farmhouse Ale, Curveball Sour.
Day 40 – July 1, 2018 ∙ 6:45pm
The next stop was RAD. The most creative brewery yet! It was wacky, partly 1980s video game-themed, and the decor was utterly fantastic. And by far, the most unique beers thus far.
Drinking:
Frosty Mugs Brown Ale: If a root beer and black licorice had a mutant baby and it was liquified and carbonated.
Aloha Amigo Pineapple Juice Radler: If a pineapple had seduced a pale ale and gave birth to a supermodel.
Dig Dug Beet Juice Ale: If beet juice had transported itself but there was a bit of earthy yeast in there with him. And the resulting mixed DNA creature that emerged was a complete idiot.
Day 40 – July 1, 2018 ∙ 9:04pm
This place…was okay. Super crowded. We had a beer and split.
Day 40 – July 1, 2018 ∙ 9:43pm
Ah, I found it. The Yardhouse of Canada. Over 100 beers on tap with none of the personality. Good thing I was in such good company and without a care in the world.
Day 40 – July 1, 2018 ∙ 11:43pm
Crap. Where am I sleeping tonight? I checked my messages: Luis, a couch surfing host, messaged saying he lives Downtown, but would not be back until almost 1am. I was saved. My new Canadian friends and I wandered around with me until I left to meet him. At one point we came across this odd sculpture.
Jerry Pethick “Time Top” Bronze Art Sculpture. 2006
It’s like a 1940s-style spaceship had crashed in the ocean and decades later washed up on the shore.
Vancouver, BC
Day 41
Monday, July 2, 2018
Time to explore some Canadian nature! But first, I had to wander through downtown to reclaim my vehicle. I then grabbed some breakfast and headed to the large patch of green on my map. I biked and hiked all of the greenery, unfortunately, it was pretty crowded, but a ton of fun nonetheless. Then, I capped off my day with sushi and a beach walk with my new Canadian host Izzy, who is in fact, German!
Check-Ins
Day 41 – July 2, 2018 ∙ 9:40am
A little sleep-deprived, slightly hungover, I wander the streets of Downtown Vancouver until I find my way to my car that I parked in front of 33 Acres. Starving, I find the nearest place that had decent food ratings. It was a bar. The food was decent.
Day 41 – July 2, 2018 ∙ 11:55am
Full of decent food, it was nature time! I hiked some trails, traversed suspension bridges, marveled at waterfalls, and met some wonderful peepazoids. One of them that I had a great conversation with was
Jonathan Paine, a 3D Character Artist for Pixar, DreamWorks, and others. Rad guy.
Day 41 – July 2, 2018 ∙ 12:15pm
There was a contingent of peeps stacking rocks using their magical powers to make them unnaturally stick together.
FUN FACT: The stability of a rock structure depends on the location of each rock's center of mass in relation to its support points while also affected by the friction between rocks which add forces, due to weight that plays a pivotal role. Also, many believe these stacks disturb the natural look and feel of nature. And that it affects the beloved creatures in a place that should be left alone without the markings of man corrupting the beauty of nature.
Day 41 – July 2, 2018 ∙ 1:30pm
Wandering off-trail through streams and wilderness. Trying to avoid the dangerous creatures that lurk about, like black bears, bobcats, cougars, and tourists.
Day 41 – July 2, 2018 ∙ 7:30pm
Meeting Izzy, my couch surfing host for the next couple days.
Day 41 – July 2, 2018 ∙ 9:00pm
Izzy and I getting to know each other while walking the lovely beaches of east Vancouver.
Check-Ins
Day 41 – July 2, 2018 ∙ 9:40am
A little sleep-deprived, slightly hungover, I wander the streets of Downtown Vancouver until I find my way to my car that I parked in front of 33 Acres. Starving, I find the nearest place that had decent food ratings. It was a bar. The food was decent.
Day 41 – July 2, 2018 ∙ 11:55am
Full of decent food, it was nature time! I hiked some trails, traversed suspension bridges, marveled at waterfalls, and met some wonderful peepazoids. One of them that I had a great conversation with was
Jonathan Paine, a 3D Character Artist for Pixar, DreamWorks, and others. Rad guy.
Day 41 – July 2, 2018 ∙ 12:15pm
There was a contingent of peeps stacking rocks using their magical powers to make them unnaturally stick together.
FUN FACT: The stability of a rock structure depends on the location of each rock's center of mass in relation to its support points while also affected by the friction between rocks which add forces, due to weight that plays a pivotal role. Also, many believe these stacks disturb the natural look and feel of nature. And that it affects the beloved creatures in a place that should be left alone without the markings of man corrupting the beauty of nature.
Day 41 – July 2, 2018 ∙ 1:30pm
Wandering off-trail through streams and wilderness. Trying to avoid the dangerous creatures that lurk about, like black bears, bobcats, cougars, and tourists.
Day 41 – July 2, 2018 ∙ 7:30pm
Meeting Izzy, my couch surfing host for the next couple days.
Day 41 – July 2, 2018 ∙ 9:00pm
Izzy and I getting to know each other while walking the lovely beaches of east Vancouver.
Vancouver, BC
Day 42
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
After a nice breakfast, I biked and hiked all afternoon, exploring all Stanley Park has to offer. Totem poles, an eerie lily pond (lake), second and third beaches, a dude who turned into a rock, a small 3500-rose rose garden, unknown creatures rustling in the bushes, and a nice bar and grill. Ending the day hanging out with Izzy again, this time at a beautiful spot on the water north of Vancouver.
The next leg of my trip is huge. An almost 9-hour drive to Jasper, then to Banff. Perhaps split into multiple days. Probably a lot of camping in between. Something about it nags at me.
Check-Ins
Day 42 – July 3, 2018 ∙ 12:00pm
I stood in line for a very long time to consume some pretty good Brioche French toast. 🤔
Day 42 – July 3, 2018 ∙ 1:30pm
Hey look, it’s me biking around Stanley Park.
FUN FACT: There is a 12-pound muzzle-loaded naval cannon in the park that, since 1898, fires every night at 9pm.
Day 42 – July 3, 2018 ∙ 1:30pm
Siwash Rock, rumor has it a spirit transformed a dude into this 60-foot-tall stone with a tree on it as a reward for his unselfishness. Not sure I’m really grasping the lesson here.
Day 42 – July 3, 2018 ∙ 2:30pm
Everything was great. Then I came upon this giant, tranquil lily pond (Beaver Lake). For some reason, it freaked me out. I mean what creatures lurk in these still, dark waters?
FUN FACTS: Beavers lurk in the still, dark waters of Beaver Lake. Also, Stanley Park is bigger than New York’s Central Park! Suck it America!
Day 42 – July 3, 2018 ∙ 3:30pm
I stumbled upon this restaurant in the middle of the park. I sat on the patio on one of the most beautiful days sipping a nice Blackberry Bourbon Ale. The whole experience was amazingly tranquil. I didn’t explore enough of this place, I definitely will be back. I highly recommend visiting and spending a day or more here. Cheers to a great day and to a fantastic park!
Day 42 – July 3, 2018 ∙ 4:43pm
On my way back I stopped in to make some new friends and a drink. Talked to a few people which really got me reflecting on my trip and where I’m going from here.
Day 42 – July 3, 2018 ∙ 9:27pm
Izzy is magical. She was the perfect host. During our time together we had some deep and meaningful talks. On her suggestion, we traveled north to the small, yet amazing Whytecliff Park. As the sun set on the day, I felt the sun setting on a part of my journey. I have no friends on the back half of this trip. And there was a lot of alone time ahead of me. As I sat pondering on a precipice, I looked out over the water. To the north lay unknown, open waters, the other half of my trip begging to be explored. And the south, a small island, and many miles away, home.
Check-Ins
Day 42 – July 3, 2018 ∙ 12:00pm
I stood in line for a very long time to consume some pretty good Brioche French toast. 🤔
Day 42 – July 3, 2018 ∙ 1:30pm
Hey look, it’s me biking around Stanley Park.
FUN FACT: There is a 12-pound muzzle-loaded naval cannon in the park that, since 1898, fires every night at 9pm.
Day 42 – July 3, 2018 ∙ 1:30pm
Siwash Rock, rumor has it a spirit transformed a dude into this 60-foot-tall stone with a tree on it as a reward for his unselfishness. Not sure I’m really grasping the lesson here.
Day 42 – July 3, 2018 ∙ 2:30pm
Everything was great. Then I came upon this giant, tranquil lily pond (Beaver Lake). For some reason, it freaked me out. I mean what creatures lurk in these still, dark waters?
FUN FACTS: Beavers lurk in the still, dark waters of Beaver Lake. Also, Stanley Park is bigger than New York’s Central Park! Suck it America!
Day 42 – July 3, 2018 ∙ 3:30pm
I stumbled upon this restaurant in the middle of the park. I sat on the patio on one of the most beautiful days sipping a nice Blackberry Bourbon Ale. The whole experience was amazingly tranquil. I didn’t explore enough of this place, I definitely will be back. I highly recommend visiting and spending a day or more here. Cheers to a great day and to a fantastic park!
Day 42 – July 3, 2018 ∙ 4:43pm
On my way back I stopped in to make some new friends and a drink. Talked to a few people which really got me reflecting on my trip and where I’m going from here.
Day 42 – July 3, 2018 ∙ 9:27pm
Izzy is magical. She was the perfect host. During our time together we had some deep and meaningful talks. On her suggestion, we traveled north to the small, yet amazing Whytecliff Park. As the sun set on the day, I felt the sun setting on a part of my journey. I have no friends on the back half of this trip. And there was a lot of alone time ahead of me. As I sat pondering on a precipice, I looked out over the water. To the north lay unknown, open waters, the other half of my trip begging to be explored. And the south, a small island, and many miles away, home.
Next Week on Dean Runs Away!
At a crossroads! An isolating next week looms in the Great White North! While comfort and familiarity beckon him back home! What will Dean do!? Where will he go? A decision that will impact his life for years to come. But more importantly, what will be the fate of this pizza?!
Continue the adventure into Week Seven to find out!
Dean Runs Away – Week Five
Portland, Or
Day 29
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
The week began with work. I really haven’t mentioned that I am still working on this trip. The beautiful thing about freelance designing is that I can be anywhere in the world with an internet connection and get my work done. Sometimes with a friend by my side, sometimes with a cocktail. And sometimes, both.
Check-Ins
Day 29 – June 20, 2018 ∙ 12:00pm
Wednesday, work, and whiskey.
Day 29 – June 20, 2018 ∙ 9:52pm
A well-earned drink. I’m sure there was some food as well.
FUN QUOTE: "If you look on the ground in search of a sixpence, you don't look up, and so miss the moon." —W. Somerset Maugham
Check-Ins
Day 29 – June 20, 2018 ∙ 12:00pm
Wednesday, work, and whiskey.
Day 29 – June 20, 2018 ∙ 9:52pm
A well-earned drink. I’m sure there was some food as well.
FUN QUOTE: "If you look on the ground in search of a sixpence, you don't look up, and so miss the moon." —W. Somerset Maugham
Portland, Or
Day 30
Thursday, June 21, 2018
It is strange, this connecting with people. When you met as many people as I have with the specific purpose of connection, you begin to notice the gulf between the ease and difficulty of it all. I feel it comes down to expectations, desires, and intentions on both sides. But most importantly, understanding—being able to communicate all of them clearly and well.
On this night, with an interesting and intriguing person sitting across from me, I failed. Whether that was my poor communication or my intentions not aligning with internal desires, or perhaps both, I do not know. I am trying not to beat myself up over it. But it is difficult.
Check-Ins
Day 30 – June 21, 2018 ∙ 5:38pm
I jump on my bike to explore some breweries and bug patrons with deep and meaningful conversations!
Drinking: Phaedrus IPA.
Day 30 – June 21, 2018 ∙ 6:39pm
Beers were super yum, but when the bar top is full, it’s tough to find randos to make small talk. At the bar, people fall victim to my proximity, and assaulting them with my small talk is a painless affair. Deprived of this, I haven’t yet the unabashed audacity to ask strangers if I could invade their presence.
Drinking: Danny’s Special Belgian Blonde, New Wave Amber Amber, 5th Anniversary Blended Olde Stock Ale, Nomadic Blood Orange Brett DIPA, S'more Stout.
Day 30 – June 21, 2018 ∙ 7:31pm
Striking out again with randos, the goddess of serendipity intervenes. Observatory overseas lady texts that she’d like to meet up!
Day 30 – June 21, 2018 ∙ 10:40pm
We come together and she utterly destroys me at every game we play. I have become convinced she was abandoned at a Chuck-E-Cheese as a child and raised by animatronic, andromorphic animals to dominate at these games.
Day 30 – June 21, 2018 ∙ 11:49pm
We ended our night with great conversations, cocktails, and some awkward flirting. As it drew to a close, we said our final goodbyes, and Tim the Uber driver escorted her home as I was still bike-bound. We never saw each other again after that night. 😞
Check-Ins
Day 30 – June 21, 2018 ∙ 5:38pm
I jump on my bike to explore some breweries and bug patrons with deep and meaningful conversations!
Drinking: Phaedrus IPA.
Day 30 – June 21, 2018 ∙ 6:39pm
Beers were super yum, but when the bar top is full, it’s tough to find randos to make small talk. At the bar, people fall victim to my proximity, and assaulting them with my small talk is a painless affair. Deprived of this, I haven’t yet the unabashed audacity to ask strangers if I could invade their presence.
Drinking: Danny’s Special Belgian Blonde, New Wave Amber Amber, 5th Anniversary Blended Olde Stock Ale, Nomadic Blood Orange Brett DIPA, S'more Stout.
Day 30 – June 21, 2018 ∙ 7:31pm
Striking out again with randos, the goddess of serendipity intervenes. Observatory overseas lady texts that she’d like to meet up!
Day 30 – June 21, 2018 ∙ 10:40pm
We come together and she utterly destroys me at every game we play. I have become convinced she was abandoned at a Chuck-E-Cheese as a child and raised by animatronic, andromorphic animals to dominate at these games.
Day 30 – June 21, 2018 ∙ 11:49pm
We ended our night with great conversations, cocktails, and some awkward flirting. As it drew to a close, we said our final goodbyes, and Tim the Uber driver escorted her home as I was still bike-bound. We never saw each other again after that night. 😞
Portland, Or
Day 31
Friday, June 22, 2018
I think a week of imposing on my friend’s couch is long enough. It was a great reprieve from being on the road, and not have to plan every day, to catch my breath as I prepare to move ever northward. After a month of travel, I am beginning to see this trip is either going to be quite a bit longer than envisioned or I am not going to stick exactly to my proposed route. Oh, the beauty of flying by the seat of your pants!
Check-Ins
Day 31 – June 22, 2018 ∙ 9:00am
Paying strangers to forcefully touch my mostly naked body is nice.
FUN FACT: Massages don’t increase circulation in any meaningful way, they don’t remove any ‘toxins’ or ‘detoxify’, don’t reduce inflammation, nor give you an endorphin rush, and a big no to reducing cortisol. Also, muscles being tight or loose have no correlation with pain or stiffness.
Day 31 – June 22, 2018 ∙ 10:27am
Definitely not the most memorable or yummy dining experience. But there was a pink Cadillac parked in the corner. So, there was that.
Day 31 – June 22, 2018 ∙ 9:34pm
A final dinner before heading out tomorrow!
Day 31 – June 22, 2018 ∙ 10:43pm
It's been an amazing trip so far and I owe it to all my friends, old and new. Curtis and Rene, you elevated my trip to new heights. Thank you for everything.
Check-Ins
Day 31 – June 22, 2018 ∙ 9:00am
Paying strangers to forcefully touch my mostly naked body is nice.
FUN FACT: Massages don’t increase circulation in any meaningful way, they don’t remove any ‘toxins’ or ‘detoxify’, don’t reduce inflammation, nor give you an endorphin rush, and a big no to reducing cortisol. Also, muscles being tight or loose have no correlation with pain or stiffness.
Day 31 – June 22, 2018 ∙ 10:27am
Definitely not the most memorable or yummy dining experience. But there was a pink Cadillac parked in the corner. So, there was that.
Day 31 – June 22, 2018 ∙ 9:34pm
A final dinner before heading out tomorrow!
Day 31 – June 22, 2018 ∙ 10:43pm
It's been an amazing trip so far and I owe it to all my friends, old and new. Curtis and Rene, you elevated my trip to new heights. Thank you for everything.
Lacey, Wa
Day 32
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Even as I say goodbye to one, my plan involves greeting another childhood friend who has moved away. There is something about not giving up what made us happy as a child. Nostalgia is a powerful force and adulting is a difficult endeavor. Jeff definitely has retained some of his child-like jubilance and it is on quite the display in his arcade-inspired garage. The night was spent drinking beers from his beer fridge, playing darts, arcade games, reminiscing on being stupidly reckless kids, and catching up on these adult people that we both turned into.
Check-Ins
Day 32 – June 23, 2018 ∙ 12:32pm
After a drive, it was nice to see one of my oldest friends who has agreed to let me occupy his couch for the next few nights. He also just happens to have converted his garage into an arcade-driven man cave with beers on tap. No other check-ins will be needed on this day.
Check-Ins
Day 32 – June 23, 2018 ∙ 12:32pm
After a drive, it was nice to see one of my oldest friends who has agreed to let me occupy his couch for the next few nights. He also just happens to have converted his garage into an arcade-driven man cave with beers on tap. No other check-ins will be needed on this day.
Tumwater, Wa
Day 33
Sunday, June 24, 2018
When I was young, I had a babysitter. It was called Ragging Waters. Ragging Waters was a water theme park in San Dimas and all summer long, my mom would drop me and a friend off there, then pick us up at the end of the day. One of the rides there was the Lazy River. But when you could do things like fall 40 miles per hour down a seven-story slide, floating down a river on a tube at a slow pace was not high on our to-do list. A few decades later, substitute in a real, actual river, some rapids, and beers, it becomes one of the greatest days of my trip thus far. Sorry for the lack of photos, wasn’t really a priority.
Check-Ins
Day 33 – June 24, 2018 ∙ 2:00pm
This whole trip has just been all about perfect timing. Today Jeff, along with his family and friends, had planned to grab some tubes, drinks, and float down the Deschutes river! I eagerly joined them. And we only lost one little human to the man-eating piranhas. It was a perfect day.
Check-Ins
Day 33 – June 24, 2018 ∙ 2:00pm
This whole trip has just been all about perfect timing. Today Jeff, along with his family and friends, had planned to grab some tubes, drinks, and float down the Deschutes river! I eagerly joined them. And we only lost one little human to the man-eating piranhas. It was a perfect day.
Olympia, Wa
Day 34
Monday, June 25, 2018
Exploring my first state capitol, hello Olympia! Unfortunately, a Monday afternoon wasn’t the most hip-hopping of times, i.e. the town was pretty dead. Then, out of nowhere, someone shot me in the back! Well, okay, while it might have felt like that, it seems my back just gave up due to the not-so-light backpack I have been hauling around for over a month. The rest of the day was me finding the tastiest of medications.
Check-Ins
Day 34 – June 25, 2018 ∙ 1:01pm
Biking to the Capitol!
FUN FACT: There is a war wagging over the artificial lake created in 1951! It’s been closed to swimming and boating for decades because of poor water quality. Some people, and experts, think it’s unnatural, unsafe, hurting the ecology, and causing major water quality issues in the area. They want the dam removed and have it returned back into an estuary. Nostalgic others want their pretty lake.
Day 34 – June 25, 2018 ∙ 1:46pm
Hey look, Washington’s Face! No More Kings!
FUN FACT: No More Kings, besides being Washington’s battle cry, is a fantastic musical band that sings about The Karate Kid, Knight Rider, Short Circuit, and Dungeons and Dragons. You should check them out.
Day 34 – June 25, 2018 ∙ 1:55pm
The interior designer has done wonders with this space. I wonder if they have an Instagram.
Day 34 – June 25, 2018 ∙ 3:42pm
After hauling my DSLR, 15-inch laptop, sketchbook, water, snacks, and a large cinder block on my back every time I explore a new city, my back finally said, “Fuck you, I’m out.” Time to medicate. This 7.1% hazy IPA should help.
Day 34 – June 25, 2018 ∙ 4:31pm
Strange that the bars are empty on a Monday afternoon, it’s like everyone has something better to do.
Day 34 – June 25, 2018 ∙ 5:17pm
Finally, Jeff and friends came out to join me. We drank and spoke of times past.
Check-Ins
Day 34 – June 25, 2018 ∙ 1:01pm
Biking to the Capitol!
FUN FACT: There is a war wagging over the artificial lake created in 1951! It’s been closed to swimming and boating for decades because of poor water quality. Some people, and experts, think it’s unnatural, unsafe, hurting the ecology, and causing major water quality issues in the area. They want the dam removed and have it returned back into an estuary. Nostalgic others want their pretty lake.
Day 34 – June 25, 2018 ∙ 1:46pm
Hey look, Washington’s Face! No More Kings!
FUN FACT: No More Kings, besides being Washington’s battle cry, is a fantastic musical band that sings about The Karate Kid, Knight Rider, Short Circuit, and Dungeons and Dragons. You should check them out.
Day 34 – June 25, 2018 ∙ 1:55pm
The interior designer has done wonders with this space. I wonder if they have an Instagram.
Day 34 – June 25, 2018 ∙ 3:42pm
After hauling my DSLR, 15-inch laptop, sketchbook, water, snacks, and a large cinder block on my back every time I explore a new city, my back finally said, “Fuck you, I’m out.” Time to medicate. This 7.1% hazy IPA should help.
Day 34 – June 25, 2018 ∙ 4:31pm
Strange that the bars are empty on a Monday afternoon, it’s like everyone has something better to do.
Day 34 – June 25, 2018 ∙ 5:17pm
Finally, Jeff and friends came out to join me. We drank and spoke of times past.
Lacey, Wa
Day 35
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
For the first time in 35 days, I did not go anywhere. I am no stranger to injury. So, I knew my back was not going to heal in a day. It needed to rest. Tomorrow, I leave for Astoria, after that, camping in the gigantic Olympic National Park. However, due to my back, I am thinking I might skip the camping and all that biking and hiking. Plus, it is always a good idea to be in peak health when running away from bears.
Check-Ins
Day 35 – June 26, 2018 ∙ 12:00pm
Comment
Caught up on work and rested my back all day while I enjoyed this magical medication dispenser.
Check-Ins
Day 35 – June 26, 2018 ∙ 12:00pm
Comment
Caught up on work and rested my back all day while I enjoyed this magical medication dispenser.
Next Week on Dean Runs Away!
Even more battered, and kind of broken, Dean managed to take the state capitol and dominate the rivers of Washington! But this next week might be his most precarious yet! Difficult decisions await, as do shipwrecks, underground cities, haunted ponds, and zealous immigration officers! Will Dean be eaten by a very polite Canadian Bear?! Will he be abducted by a 1940-style spaceship!!! Or will he join a group of young misfits and set out on an adventure to find a legendary pirate’s long-lost treasure?!
Continue the adventure into Week Six to find out!
Dean Runs Away – Week Four
Bend, Or
Day 22
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
One of the seeds of this trip was this idea to explore different cities. What really made one city different than the next? As someone who has lived in one area most of their lives, what do I desire from a place I call home? One day in Bend is all I needed to know that it is a place I would enjoy living. From the friendly people to the river raging through the middle of town. There was something special about this place. So, maybe not soon, but I have a feeling I will be back here one day, perhaps to stay.
Check-Ins
Day 22 – June 13, 2018 ∙ 11:12am
Meet Cinder. I stole him from my host and we went exploring in the city…that has a freaking, raging river rushing through it. 😲
Day 22 – June 13, 2018 ∙ 12:22pm
This is a river!
Day 22 – June 13, 2018 ∙ 12:34pm
Rivers are water that decides to move in the same direction.
Day 22 – June 13, 2018 ∙ 12:55pm
Here is a photo of water having fun, splashing around and over rocks!
Day 22 – June 13, 2018 ∙ 3:34pm
The beer here is made from river water that decided it wanted sacrifice itself for humanly pleasure. Camera shy: Yummy NACHOS!
Day 22 – June 13, 2018 ∙ 5:26pm
Bend’s river beers come in different flavors. They were all super delicious.
Drinking: Humm Zinger Kombucha Radler, Deschutes Riverbank Bock, Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Fresh Squeezed IPA, Origin Story Milk Stout.
Check-Ins
Day 22 – June 13, 2018 ∙ 11:12am
Meet Cinder. I stole him from my host and we went exploring in the city…that has a freaking, raging river rushing through it. 😲
Day 22 – June 13, 2018 ∙ 12:22pm
This is a river!
Day 22 – June 13, 2018 ∙ 12:34pm
Rivers are water that decides to move in the same direction.
Day 22 – June 13, 2018 ∙ 12:55pm
Here is a photo of water having fun, splashing around and over rocks!
Day 22 – June 13, 2018 ∙ 3:34pm
The beer here is made from river water that decided it wanted sacrifice itself for humanly pleasure. Camera shy: Yummy NACHOS!
Day 22 – June 13, 2018 ∙ 5:26pm
Bend’s river beers come in different flavors. They were all super delicious.
Drinking: Humm Zinger Kombucha Radler, Deschutes Riverbank Bock, Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Fresh Squeezed IPA, Origin Story Milk Stout.
Bend, Or
Day 23
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Spent the day out playing in nature. I chatted it up with some of the local wildlife and mountain biked some amazingly fun trails.
Check-Ins
Day 23 – June 14, 2018 ∙ 11:30am
This backward microscope is AMAZING! Unfortunately, we didn’t get to play with it during my stay.
Day 23 – June 14, 2018 ∙ 1:17pm
Scrumptious fuel for the riding to come!
Day 23 – June 14, 2018 ∙ 2:55pm
This is my face. Time to mountain bike aimlessly and attempt to find Phil!
Day 23 – June 14, 2018 ∙ 4:12pm
There were many of these cute and fuzzy creatures running around. This is Fred, he has a master’s degree in nut gathering. Fred identifies as a ground squirrel.
Day 23 – June 14, 2018 ∙ 5:25pm
Not a cute and fuzzy creature, per se, but super cool nonetheless! Meet Palmer, he's just commuting to work to devastate all the nearby pine trees in preparation for the great infestation!
FUN FACT: The Pandora Pine Caterpillar, like Palmer here, is a tasty treat to the northern Paiute native people.
Day 23 – June 14, 2018 ∙ 10:18pm
After conquering some of the best trails I’ve ever ridden and making some new woodland friends, I needed some late-night munchies. And a beer of course.
Check-Ins
Day 23 – June 14, 2018 ∙ 11:30am
This backward microscope is AMAZING! Unfortunately, we didn’t get to play with it during my stay.
Day 23 – June 14, 2018 ∙ 1:17pm
Scrumptious fuel for the riding to come!
Day 23 – June 14, 2018 ∙ 2:55pm
This is my face. Time to mountain bike aimlessly and attempt to find Phil!
Day 23 – June 14, 2018 ∙ 4:12pm
There were many of these cute and fuzzy creatures running around. This is Fred, he has a master’s degree in nut gathering. Fred identifies as a ground squirrel.
Day 23 – June 14, 2018 ∙ 5:25pm
Not a cute and fuzzy creature, per se, but super cool nonetheless! Meet Palmer, he's just commuting to work to devastate all the nearby pine trees in preparation for the great infestation!
FUN FACT: The Pandora Pine Caterpillar, like Palmer here, is a tasty treat to the northern Paiute native people.
Day 23 – June 14, 2018 ∙ 10:18pm
After conquering some of the best trails I’ve ever ridden and making some new woodland friends, I needed some late-night munchies. And a beer of course.
McKenzie Bridge, Or
Day 24
Friday, June 15, 2018
The internets told me of a great waterfall and a giant blue pool that was about an hour’s drive away. I probably should have saved it for my way to Portland, as it was along the way. But the day demanded something special. And so while my bike and I did almost slide into a frigid, raging river, my leg torn up and a bloody mess, I count the day as a complete success.
Check-Ins
Day 24 – June 15, 2018 ∙ 10:27am
I decided to order a simple Bloody Mary with breakfast. 😮
Day 24 – June 15, 2018 ∙ 12:51pm
My trail companions. It was only about a 20-minute ride to the falls, but with almost no flat, smooth terrain. My shocks and triceps definitely got a workout.
Day 24 – June 15, 2018 ∙ 1:04pm
What a magnificent place. I went above the falls to the McKenzie River feeding it. The water was quite the frigid 37 Fahrenheit (2.8 C), so I decided not to take a dip.
Day 24 – June 15, 2018 ∙ 2:02pm
The pool was like rippled glass and the bottom was easily seen. Its blue cast was fantastic. A random forest animal passing by told me that a lava flow 1,600 years ago buried a stretch of the McKenzie river. It resurfaces at the Tamolitch pool seeping up through the porous lava, creating a pristine turquoise blue-colored pool. The falls are dry the majority of the time, so this was a real treat. 😊
Day 24 – June 15, 2018 ∙ 2:12pm
Took a second to sketch the falls.
Day 24 – June 15, 2018 ∙ 3:02pm
Climbed down to a semi-precarious cliff edge where a nice human-person offered to forever immortalize my spirit in an image.
Day 24 – June 15, 2018 ∙ 3:12pm
Some of the most technical mountain biking I've ever attempted. And I nailed it. But once on a flat, safe part of the trail, I stop and pause to catch my breath, and as I put my foot down...it slips, I fall, and I go tumbling down a hill, sliding, pinned upside-down under the bike, leg cut, bleeding, and bruised. A few feet further would have dropped me off a cliff, a significant number of feet down into the quickly moving, ice-cold raging river. 😖
Day 24 – June 15, 2018 ∙ 4:35pm
Hey look, Mount Washington, the first president of mountains!
FUN FACT: The mountain is notorious for its erratic weather. At the summit, a recorded wind speed of 231 miles per hour (372 km/h) holds the record of highest measured wind speed not associated with a tornado or tropical cyclone!
Day 24 – June 15, 2018 ∙ 6:22pm
The damage.
FUN FACT: Special receptors called nociceptors send a signal to the brain when we hurt our bodies. There is the first phase of pain, known as fast pain, then the second phase of pain, causing a person to experience an intense, burning, aching, sometimes overly debilitating pain that persists, sometimes long after, the stimulus has stopped. 🤕 😣
Check-Ins
Day 24 – June 15, 2018 ∙ 10:27am
I decided to order a simple Bloody Mary with breakfast. 😮
Day 24 – June 15, 2018 ∙ 12:51pm
My trail companions. It was only about a 20-minute ride to the falls, but with almost no flat, smooth terrain. My shocks and triceps definitely got a workout.
Day 24 – June 15, 2018 ∙ 1:04pm
What a magnificent place. I went above the falls to the McKenzie River feeding it. The water was quite the frigid 37 Fahrenheit (2.8 C), so I decided not to take a dip.
Day 24 – June 15, 2018 ∙ 2:02pm
The pool was like rippled glass and the bottom was easily seen. Its blue cast was fantastic. A random forest animal passing by told me that a lava flow 1,600 years ago buried a stretch of the McKenzie river. It resurfaces at the Tamolitch pool seeping up through the porous lava, creating a pristine turquoise blue-colored pool. The falls are dry the majority of the time, so this was a real treat. 😊
Day 24 – June 15, 2018 ∙ 2:12pm
Took a second to sketch the falls.
Day 24 – June 15, 2018 ∙ 3:02pm
Climbed down to a semi-precarious cliff edge where a nice human-person offered to forever immortalize my spirit in an image.
Day 24 – June 15, 2018 ∙ 3:12pm
Some of the most technical mountain biking I've ever attempted. And I nailed it. But once on a flat, safe part of the trail, I stop and pause to catch my breath, and as I put my foot down...it slips, I fall, and I go tumbling down a hill, sliding, pinned upside-down under the bike, leg cut, bleeding, and bruised. A few feet further would have dropped me off a cliff, a significant number of feet down into the quickly moving, ice-cold raging river. 😖
Day 24 – June 15, 2018 ∙ 4:35pm
Hey look, Mount Washington, the first president of mountains!
FUN FACT: The mountain is notorious for its erratic weather. At the summit, a recorded wind speed of 231 miles per hour (372 km/h) holds the record of highest measured wind speed not associated with a tornado or tropical cyclone!
Day 24 – June 15, 2018 ∙ 6:22pm
The damage.
FUN FACT: Special receptors called nociceptors send a signal to the brain when we hurt our bodies. There is the first phase of pain, known as fast pain, then the second phase of pain, causing a person to experience an intense, burning, aching, sometimes overly debilitating pain that persists, sometimes long after, the stimulus has stopped. 🤕 😣
Portland, Or
Day 25
Saturday, June 16, 2018
A goodbye to Bend, and while circumstances did not allow much time with my friend Lorealle while there, it was nice to see her nonetheless.
Now, it was on to Portland where some of my oldest friends showed me around town. And I finally was able to explore the mind-blowing, one-city block cathedral that is, Powell’s Books.
Check-Ins
Day 25 – June 16, 2018 ∙ 8:50am
Goodbye Bend! Big thank yous to my amazing friend Lorealle for making me unhomeless these past days. Wish we could have hung out more; I’ll definitely be visiting again!
Day 25 – June 16, 2018 ∙ 2:23pm
Portland with CURTIS and RENE! All set to explore the city, our first stop was this fantastic Cuban restaurant for some yummy comfort food. I didn’t order the chicken though; I inquired and the chicken’s papers claimed it only had a tiny 2-acres to roam free on. It was local though. #blameportlandia
Day 25 – June 16, 2018 ∙ 3:55pm
Faith47. “Capax Infiniti” 2014. Art Mural.
Here is the beautiful art mural, “Capax Infinit" made by South African artist, Faith47. It's painted on the side of the Carlyle Building downtown. Hey look, Washington Street!
Day 25 – June 16, 2018 ∙ 3:55pm
This was discovered in Powell’s ‘rare books’ section. I was very close to purchasing it.
FUN FACT: A pulp author, Fredric Brown’s stories were adapted into a film by Guillermo del Toro, into episodes of Star Trek and Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and even comic books. He was acclaimed by the likes of Philip K. Dick, Robert Heinlein, and Stephen King.
Day 25 – June 16, 2018 ∙ 5:20pm
A beer and bites at a ho-hum bar. Not impressed Curtis! Try harder!
Day 25 – June 16, 2018 ∙ 5:56pm
Okay, this place is more like it. In the depths of the Flatiron Building lies an excellent speakeasy-esk, ‘craft cocktail’ bar. Much sipping of delicious poisons was done here.
Day 25 – June 16, 2018 ∙ 9:01pm
The food here was so amazing, rumor has it they named a province in China after it. Also, I forgot to take any photos! So, here is one of the sign that is on perpetual loan from the world wide web.
Day 25 – June 16, 2018 ∙ 10:14pm
This is a terrible photo of the chalkboard beer menu of the local haunt of my hosts Curtis and Rene! Make sense as it’s literally a few minutes’ walk from their front door!
Check-Ins
Day 25 – June 16, 2018 ∙ 8:50am
Goodbye Bend! Big thank yous to my amazing friend Lorealle for making me unhomeless these past days. Wish we could have hung out more; I’ll definitely be visiting again!
Day 25 – June 16, 2018 ∙ 2:23pm
Portland with CURTIS and RENE! All set to explore the city, our first stop was this fantastic Cuban restaurant for some yummy comfort food. I didn’t order the chicken though; I inquired and the chicken’s papers claimed it only had a tiny 2-acres to roam free on. It was local though. #blameportlandia
Day 25 – June 16, 2018 ∙ 3:55pm
Faith47. “Capax Infiniti” 2014. Art Mural.
Here is the beautiful art mural, “Capax Infinit" made by South African artist, Faith47. It's painted on the side of the Carlyle Building downtown. Hey look, Washington Street!
Day 25 – June 16, 2018 ∙ 3:55pm
This was discovered in Powell’s ‘rare books’ section. I was very close to purchasing it.
FUN FACT: A pulp author, Fredric Brown’s stories were adapted into a film by Guillermo del Toro, into episodes of Star Trek and Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and even comic books. He was acclaimed by the likes of Philip K. Dick, Robert Heinlein, and Stephen King.
Day 25 – June 16, 2018 ∙ 5:20pm
A beer and bites at a ho-hum bar. Not impressed Curtis! Try harder!
Day 25 – June 16, 2018 ∙ 5:56pm
Okay, this place is more like it. In the depths of the Flatiron Building lies an excellent speakeasy-esk, ‘craft cocktail’ bar. Much sipping of delicious poisons was done here.
Day 25 – June 16, 2018 ∙ 9:01pm
The food here was so amazing, rumor has it they named a province in China after it. Also, I forgot to take any photos! So, here is one of the sign that is on perpetual loan from the world wide web.
Day 25 – June 16, 2018 ∙ 10:14pm
This is a terrible photo of the chalkboard beer menu of the local haunt of my hosts Curtis and Rene! Make sense as it’s literally a few minutes’ walk from their front door!
Portland, Or
Day 26
Sunday, June 17, 2018
A relaxing Sunday spent taking the rail around town, and nerding out at an enormous gaming store. Portland is definitely battling it out for amazing places that I would love to eventually explore on a more permanent basis.
Check-Ins
Day 26 – June 17, 2018 ∙ 11:50am
Mellow mornings with freshly baked pastries.
FUN FACT: The Great Pastry War of 1838 broke out between France and Mexico over an unpaid debt to a French pastry chef. True story.
Day 26 – June 17, 2018 ∙ 1:40pm
Curtis introduces me to his other haunt. Jaw, meet floor. Also, we took the train here. Super cool. Super cheap.
Day 26 – June 17, 2018 ∙ 2:00pm
We hung out, drank beers, and played games. In a world normalizing my ‘nerd’ roots, it was nice to feel properly ‘non-mainstream’ again. I wonder how long that’ll last.
Day 26 – June 17, 2018 ∙
715pm
I appropriated this photo from cyberspace because my photos were dark, grainy, and blurry, like some amateur drunk took them in a dark, poorly lit bar. 😐
Check-Ins
Day 26 – June 17, 2018 ∙ 11:50am
Mellow mornings with freshly baked pastries.
FUN FACT: The Great Pastry War of 1838 broke out between France and Mexico over an unpaid debt to a French pastry chef. True story.
Day 26 – June 17, 2018 ∙ 1:40pm
Curtis introduces me to his other haunt. Jaw, meet floor. Also, we took the train here. Super cool. Super cheap.
Day 26 – June 17, 2018 ∙ 2:00pm
We hung out, drank beers, and played games. In a world normalizing my ‘nerd’ roots, it was nice to feel properly ‘non-mainstream’ again. I wonder how long that’ll last.
Day 26 – June 17, 2018 ∙
715pm
I appropriated this photo from cyberspace because my photos were dark, grainy, and blurry, like some amateur drunk took them in a dark, poorly lit bar. 😐
Portland, Or
Day 27
Monday, June 18, 2018
There was something wonderful about my childhood, every one of my friends was close by, easily accessible. Eventually, we grow up and have that one asshole who moves away. Then another, and more and more as we all grow in different directions. Proximity will always be a factor when it comes to connections, but sometimes we can overcome that. If we want we can keep those connections alive and thriving. I am happy to count Curtis and Rene as two of my good friends who do not happen to live close by. For now.
Check-Ins
Day 27 – June 18, 2018 ∙ 8:30pm
After working all day, we went for a nice walk and ended up at the beautiful Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden.
FUN FACT: Beverly Cleary wrote Ralph S. Mouse, the first book lil Dean remembers reading on his own.
Day 27 – June 18, 2018 ∙ 9:31pm
Ravenous, I scarfed down my pizza before immortalizing it forever. It shall live forever in my dreams. Here is the aftermath.
FUN FACT: Americans consume approximately 350 slices of pizza per second.
Check-Ins
Day 27 – June 18, 2018 ∙ 8:30pm
After working all day, we went for a nice walk and ended up at the beautiful Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden.
FUN FACT: Beverly Cleary wrote Ralph S. Mouse, the first book lil Dean remembers reading on his own.
Day 27 – June 18, 2018 ∙ 9:31pm
Ravenous, I scarfed down my pizza before immortalizing it forever. It shall live forever in my dreams. Here is the aftermath.
FUN FACT: Americans consume approximately 350 slices of pizza per second.
Portland, Or
Day 28
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
A long time ago, my grandmother created a character so lil’ Dean would have someone to play Dungeons and Dragons with. These days, and for the past few years, I have been lucky enough to play DnD with a close group of friends. Life can be a desperately lonely experience, and I have learned to never take for granted the power of good company and shared experiences. Thus, I was thrilled when Curtis invited me to partake in some might and magic with his (other) friends and their DnD adventures.
Check-Ins
Day 28 – June 19, 2018 ∙ 2:46pm
Via internet magic, I connect with a lady just returning from overseas and staying with a friend for a bit in Portland! She was an international school counselor that was living in China, lived in Myanmar before that, and is getting ready to move to Bangladesh. We decided to meet, drink, and be merry together!
Day 28 – June 19, 2018 ∙ 7:00pm
Wandering the agentless streets of Hollywood and stumble upon the amazing Hollywood Theater that was built back in 1926. Here is a photo of the sign.
Day 28 – June 19, 2018 ∙ 9:34pm
Curtis plopped me down as a character in his ongoing DnD campaign. Much laughter was had. Many tater-tots were consumed.
FUN FACT: Tater-Tot is trademarked. These palatable potato pellets go by many names around the world, like potato gems, potato royals, pom-poms, hash bites, oven crunchies. And my personal favorites, tasti taters and spud puppies. Thank you, Canada.
Check-Ins
Day 28 – June 19, 2018 ∙ 2:46pm
Via internet magic, I connect with a lady just returning from overseas and staying with a friend for a bit in Portland! She was an international school counselor that was living in China, lived in Myanmar before that, and is getting ready to move to Bangladesh. We decided to meet, drink, and be merry together!
Day 28 – June 19, 2018 ∙ 7:00pm
Wandering the agentless streets of Hollywood and stumble upon the amazing Hollywood Theater that was built back in 1926. Here is a photo of the sign.
Day 28 – June 19, 2018 ∙ 9:34pm
Curtis plopped me down as a character in his ongoing DnD campaign. Much laughter was had. Many tater-tots were consumed.
FUN FACT: Tater-Tot is trademarked. These palatable potato pellets go by many names around the world, like potato gems, potato royals, pom-poms, hash bites, oven crunchies. And my personal favorites, tasti taters and spud puppies. Thank you, Canada.
Next Week on Dean Runs Away!
Battered, but not broken, Dean entered Portland for some good ol’ fashioned rest and relaxation, but rumors of midget river pirates are in the air. How long will Dean lallygag around in Oregon before heeding the call?
Continue the adventure into Week Five to find out!
Dean Runs Away – Week Three
Berkeley, Ca
Day 15
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Did you know there is a full-size T-Rex skeleton at the University? 😶 Any plans I had changed the moment I heard this. I grabbed some lunch with a dear friend, headed over to UC Berkeley, and marveled for a few hours at the Museum of Paleontology. Later, I partook in some food and drinks, met up with my friend’s son, and eventually found myself back at the Pub.
Check-Ins
Day 15 – June 6, 2018 ∙ 12:56pm
Holy ramen! Perhaps the BEST ramen I’ve ever slurped. Kelly, thanks for housing me and introducing me to this delight.
Day 15 – June 6, 2018 ∙ 2:48pm
Ahhh! Dinos attack!
FUN FACT: The Museum of Paleontology is the primary locality for storing fossils collected statewide. Unfortunately, they haven’t collected any Dino DNA. Yet.
Day 15 – June 6, 2018 ∙ 2:55pm
This beauty was kind enough to sit still as I drew her portrait.
Day 15 – June 6, 2018 ∙ 4:56pm
FUN FACT: This is a replica of the infamous “Big Mike” and is one of the best specimens found to date at 90% complete. The actual “Big Mike” is hanging around the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History terrorizing and fascinating small children in Washington DC.
Day 15 – June 6, 2018 ∙ 5:10pm
Popped in to meet Nick!
Day 15 – June 6, 2018 ∙ 5:20pm
Stayed for the cocktails and pizza!
Day 15 – June 6, 2018 ∙ 6:30pm
Had a perfect old fashioned while admiring an amazingly designed menu by the incomparable
Dave Stolte.
Day 15 – June 6, 2018 ∙ 9:48pm
A final visit. I have lots of friends here. I have a strong suspicion I’ll return one day.
Check-Ins
Day 15 – June 6, 2018 ∙ 12:56pm
Holy ramen! Perhaps the BEST ramen I’ve ever slurped. Kelly, thanks for housing me and introducing me to this delight.
Day 15 – June 6, 2018 ∙ 2:48pm
Ahhh! Dinos attack!
FUN FACT: The Museum of Paleontology is the primary locality for storing fossils collected statewide. Unfortunately, they haven’t collected any Dino DNA. Yet.
Day 15 – June 6, 2018 ∙ 2:55pm
This beauty was kind enough to sit still as I drew her portrait.
Day 15 – June 6, 2018 ∙ 4:56pm
FUN FACT: This is a replica of the infamous “Big Mike” and is one of the best specimens found to date at 90% complete. The actual “Big Mike” is hanging around the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History terrorizing and fascinating small children in Washington DC.
Day 15 – June 6, 2018 ∙ 5:10pm
Popped in to meet Nick!
Day 15 – June 6, 2018 ∙ 5:20pm
Stayed for the cocktails and pizza!
Day 15 – June 6, 2018 ∙ 6:30pm
Had a perfect old fashioned while admiring an amazingly designed menu by the incomparable
Dave Stolte.
Day 15 – June 6, 2018 ∙ 9:48pm
A final visit. I have lots of friends here. I have a strong suspicion I’ll return one day.
San Francisco, Ca
Day 16
Thursday, June 7, 2018
This was my final day in the Bay area and my plan was to storm the City and take in its collections of art and science! However, I could not doddle, as I also had a long drive ahead of me blowing through the likes of Petaluma, Santa Rosa, and Anderson Valley to get to my next host’s home by the sea.
Check-Ins
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 1:01pm
Must gain food powers before exploring museums!
FUN FACT: Thai culture treats eating alone as a bad luck gesture. Well, crap.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 1:41pm
FUN FACT: The Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most biologically diverse and interactive aquariums on Earth. Home to nearly 40,000 live animals, representing more than 900 unique species! They are also very adamant about patrons not joining them.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 2:00pm
🤯 To say the Morrison Planetarium was mind-blowing is to insult exploding minds everywhere. Holy crapola, this was fantastic! A super-highlight of my trip thus far! The video projected on the humongous 75-foot dome transported me to our ocean depths, faraway galaxies, and made me feel very small and insignificant. It was great! If you come visit, do not miss this!
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 3:34pm
Claude is an albino alligator. He doesn’t move much.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 2:34pm
😮 Osher Rainforest 90-foot-diameter glass dome is not to be confused with Rainforest Café. More than 1,600 live animals reside inside, including 250 free-flying birds and butterflies, and close to 100 exotic reptiles and amphibians. Oh, not to mention the 100,000-gallon Amazonian aquarium you walk underneath. As well as hundreds of tropical floras. No purple sticky punch though.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 3:40pm
You can't have a science museum without a dinosaur skeleton, right?
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 4:29pm
Auguste Rodin. “The Thinker” ca. 1881, cast ca. 1904. Bronze cast.
FUN FACT: Both “The Thinker” & “The Kiss” were first in Rodin’s portal sculpture “The Gates of Hell” that depicts a scene from Dante’s Inferno. The Thinker was originally meant to be Dante in front of the Gates of Hell, pondering his great poem. Thus, the sculpture was named “The Poet” before being renamed.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 4:37pm
Coffin and Mummy of Irethorrou. ca. 500. Egypt
FUN FACT: Irethorrou was a wardrobe-priest of Min who specialized in funerary rituals and who once briefly battled Brendan Fraser.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 4:42pm
Unknown. ca. 500. Egypt.
FUN FACT: Dean forgot to take notes, so he has no idea what this is. But it looks neat.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 4:44pm
Scarab. ca. 500. Egypt.
FUN FACT: Scarabs are representations of the dung beetle which roll shit into balls larger than themselves.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 4:50pm
Hawk-Headed Lion. ca 100 BC. Egypt, Basalt.
FUN FACT: A hawk-headed sphinx, also called a gryphon, also called a hieracosphinx, is often shown as a representation of the king treading on his enemies. They are also a large, magical beasts with about 60-hit points.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 5:00pm
Auguste Rodin. “Bust of Victor Hugo” ca 1917. Marble.
FUN FACT: Conceived on a mountainside 3,000-feet above sea level, Victor was a French poet, novelist, and womanizer who wrote in the nude and penned the novels Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 5:02pm
Auguste Rodin. “The Kiss” ca 1884, cast unknown. Bronze cast.
FUN FACT: The Kiss depicts a noblewoman who falls in love with her husband’s younger brother. The couple are discovered and killed by her husband. The lovers' lips do not actually touch in the sculpture, suggesting that they were interrupted and met their demise before actually kissing. You’re welcome. 😙
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 5:08pm
Framing up Sir Joshua Reynolds’ “Anne, Viscountess Townsend.” 1773.
FUN FACT: During the 1760s, a portrait by Sir Joshua Reynolds became something of a status symbol among England’s elite. Wealthy women, in particular, competed to commission society’s most admired painter.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 5:11pm
John Anster Fitzgerald. “Fairies in a Bird's Nest” ca. 1860. Oil on canvas.
FUN FACT: The frame of this fun and disturbing painting was made by the artist and is constructed out of twigs painted gold.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 5:16pm
Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux. “Le Chinois” ca 1872, cast unknown. Bronze.
FUN FACT: This is one of Carpeaux’s most celebrated sculptures. He also used it as part of his Fontaine de l'Observatoire in Paris representing ‘Asia’ along with four other full sculptures of women representing ‘Africa’, ‘America’, & ‘Europe’ holding a celestial sphere over their heads.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 5:14pm
Claude Monet. “Water Lilies” ca. 1914–1917. Oil on canvas.
FUN FACT: Monet painted approximately 250 oil paintings of water lilies. 😐 They were the main focus of his artistic production during the last THIRTY years of his life. This guy really, really liked his flower garden.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 5:30pm
George Segal. “The Holocaust” 1984. Bronze painted white.
FUN FACT: The memorial has been vandalized with swastikas and the use of splashes of red paint many times. Segal does not mind. He views these acts as an important reminder that prejudice is still rampant in our country, and antisemitism didn't end with the war. 😟
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 5:38pm
I'll be driving over this in the next hour. To everyone that helped make my stay here utterly amazing, thanks doesn't seem enough. I love you all. I'll see some of you soon. The playa awaits. For now. Onward north.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 7:46pm
It's world famous! Had to stop. So, right before finding this place, I stopped to get gas and what do I happen upon? Bear Republic Brewery! That closed at 5pm. 😐
Check-Ins
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 1:01pm
Must gain food powers before exploring museums!
FUN FACT: Thai culture treats eating alone as a bad luck gesture. Well, crap.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 1:41pm
FUN FACT: The Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most biologically diverse and interactive aquariums on Earth. Home to nearly 40,000 live animals, representing more than 900 unique species! They are also very adamant about patrons not joining them.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 2:00pm
🤯 To say the Morrison Planetarium was mind-blowing is to insult exploding minds everywhere. Holy crapola, this was fantastic! A super-highlight of my trip thus far! The video projected on the humongous 75-foot dome transported me to our ocean depths, faraway galaxies, and made me feel very small and insignificant. It was great! If you come visit, do not miss this!
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 3:34pm
Claude is an albino alligator. He doesn’t move much.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 2:34pm
😮 Osher Rainforest 90-foot-diameter glass dome is not to be confused with Rainforest Café. More than 1,600 live animals reside inside, including 250 free-flying birds and butterflies, and close to 100 exotic reptiles and amphibians. Oh, not to mention the 100,000-gallon Amazonian aquarium you walk underneath. As well as hundreds of tropical floras. No purple sticky punch though.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 3:40pm
You can't have a science museum without a dinosaur skeleton, right?
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 4:29pm
Auguste Rodin. “The Thinker” ca. 1881, cast ca. 1904. Bronze cast.
FUN FACT: Both “The Thinker” & “The Kiss” were first in Rodin’s portal sculpture “The Gates of Hell” that depicts a scene from Dante’s Inferno. The Thinker was originally meant to be Dante in front of the Gates of Hell, pondering his great poem. Thus, the sculpture was named “The Poet” before being renamed.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 4:37pm
Coffin and Mummy of Irethorrou. ca. 500. Egypt
FUN FACT: Irethorrou was a wardrobe-priest of Min who specialized in funerary rituals and who once briefly battled Brendan Fraser.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 4:42pm
Unknown. ca. 500. Egypt.
FUN FACT: Dean forgot to take notes, so he has no idea what this is. But it looks neat.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 4:44pm
Scarab. ca. 500. Egypt.
FUN FACT: Scarabs are representations of the dung beetle which roll shit into balls larger than themselves.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 4:50pm
Hawk-Headed Lion. ca 100 BC. Egypt, Basalt.
FUN FACT: A hawk-headed sphinx, also called a gryphon, also called a hieracosphinx, is often shown as a representation of the king treading on his enemies. They are also a large, magical beasts with about 60-hit points.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 5:00pm
Auguste Rodin. “Bust of Victor Hugo” ca 1917. Marble.
FUN FACT: Conceived on a mountainside 3,000-feet above sea level, Victor was a French poet, novelist, and womanizer who wrote in the nude and penned the novels Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 5:02pm
Auguste Rodin. “The Kiss” ca 1884, cast unknown. Bronze cast.
FUN FACT: The Kiss depicts a noblewoman who falls in love with her husband’s younger brother. The couple are discovered and killed by her husband. The lovers' lips do not actually touch in the sculpture, suggesting that they were interrupted and met their demise before actually kissing. You’re welcome. 😙
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 5:08pm
Framing up Sir Joshua Reynolds’ “Anne, Viscountess Townsend.” 1773.
FUN FACT: During the 1760s, a portrait by Sir Joshua Reynolds became something of a status symbol among England’s elite. Wealthy women, in particular, competed to commission society’s most admired painter.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 5:11pm
John Anster Fitzgerald. “Fairies in a Bird's Nest” ca. 1860. Oil on canvas.
FUN FACT: The frame of this fun and disturbing painting was made by the artist and is constructed out of twigs painted gold.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 5:16pm
Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux. “Le Chinois” ca 1872, cast unknown. Bronze.
FUN FACT: This is one of Carpeaux’s most celebrated sculptures. He also used it as part of his Fontaine de l'Observatoire in Paris representing ‘Asia’ along with four other full sculptures of women representing ‘Africa’, ‘America’, & ‘Europe’ holding a celestial sphere over their heads.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 5:14pm
Claude Monet. “Water Lilies” ca. 1914–1917. Oil on canvas.
FUN FACT: Monet painted approximately 250 oil paintings of water lilies. 😐 They were the main focus of his artistic production during the last THIRTY years of his life. This guy really, really liked his flower garden.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 5:30pm
George Segal. “The Holocaust” 1984. Bronze painted white.
FUN FACT: The memorial has been vandalized with swastikas and the use of splashes of red paint many times. Segal does not mind. He views these acts as an important reminder that prejudice is still rampant in our country, and antisemitism didn't end with the war. 😟
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 5:38pm
I'll be driving over this in the next hour. To everyone that helped make my stay here utterly amazing, thanks doesn't seem enough. I love you all. I'll see some of you soon. The playa awaits. For now. Onward north.
Day 16 – June 7, 2018 ∙ 7:46pm
It's world famous! Had to stop. So, right before finding this place, I stopped to get gas and what do I happen upon? Bear Republic Brewery! That closed at 5pm. 😐
Elk, Ca
Day 17
Friday, June 8, 2018
I thought it would be a pit stop. I did not expect this. It is beyond beautiful here. The coast has some sort of resonance, a calming effect that crashes over you. Also, it does not hurt to be hosted by two of the most wonderful humans. I spent the day getting to know them, as well as down at a small beach.
Check-Ins
Day 17 – June 8, 2018 ∙ 9:30am
After driving well into the dark of night, I woke up to quite the surprise view.
Day 17 – June 8, 2018 ∙ 10:00am
This beautiful creature was just hanging out while I scarfed down my breakfast.
Day 17 – June 8, 2018 ∙ 2:32pm
Alone on a small beach, just soaking in the sheer power of nature.
Day 17 – June 8, 2018 ∙ 3:01pm
Decided to build my home here. I think it’s come along nicely. (I didn’t really build this, but moved in and it’s mine now. #squatersrights)
Day 17 – June 8, 2018 ∙ 3:40pm
I see an elephant! The view from my new front porch! Okay, now to dig the wine cellar.
Day 17 – June 8, 2018 ∙ 5:53pm
On the road to the actual city of Elk! (As opposed to being 5 miles out of town, where I’m staying)
Day 17 – June 8, 2018 ∙ 6:43pm
Elk, population ~200. How does this city have some of the best food on my trip?! Just look at this amazing dessert! Vanilla bean ice cream with chocolate-butterscotch haystacks! *drool*
Day 17 – June 8, 2018 ∙ 8:51pm
This is exactly where I need to be right now. I cannot describe the aura of peace and tranquility that exudes from here. 🥰
Check-Ins
Day 17 – June 8, 2018 ∙ 9:30am
After driving well into the dark of night, I woke up to quite the surprise view.
Day 17 – June 8, 2018 ∙ 10:00am
This beautiful creature was just hanging out while I scarfed down my breakfast.
Day 17 – June 8, 2018 ∙ 2:32pm
Alone on a small beach, just soaking in the sheer power of nature.
Day 17 – June 8, 2018 ∙ 3:01pm
Decided to build my home here. I think it’s come along nicely. (I didn’t really build this, but moved in and it’s mine now. #squatersrights)
Day 17 – June 8, 2018 ∙ 3:40pm
I see an elephant! The view from my new front porch! Okay, now to dig the wine cellar.
Day 17 – June 8, 2018 ∙ 5:53pm
On the road to the actual city of Elk! (As opposed to being 5 miles out of town, where I’m staying)
Day 17 – June 8, 2018 ∙ 6:43pm
Elk, population ~200. How does this city have some of the best food on my trip?! Just look at this amazing dessert! Vanilla bean ice cream with chocolate-butterscotch haystacks! *drool*
Day 17 – June 8, 2018 ∙ 8:51pm
This is exactly where I need to be right now. I cannot describe the aura of peace and tranquility that exudes from here. 🥰
Elk, Ca
Day 18
Saturday, June 9, 2018
Part of this trip is about getting to know people. But also, places. I have learned a lot about the history of this small little corner of the world. And with that knowledge, I feel a little closer to all those who came before and those I will never meet.
Check-Ins
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 1:27pm
My hosts are helping a fundraiser to save this inn! So, I’m joining them, SAVE THE INN!
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 2:06pm
These guys were one of many musicians to play, I’m sorry I didn’t get a shot of the accordion/harmonica guy, he was something.
FUN FACT: Originally made mostly out of wood, and the first instrument played in space, the Harmonica is the best-selling instrument in all of history! #warwithguitars
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 2:48pm
Strange to think of all the past souls who stood here absorbing this same view.
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 3:30pm
FUN FACT: First built for sailors in 1860, the inn soon became a boarding house for single mill hands, then a stopping place for stagecoach travelers, and finally a fishing resort for travelers from all over the world. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard also spent part of their honeymoon here!
Check-Ins
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 1:27pm
My hosts are helping a fundraiser to save this inn! So, I’m joining them, SAVE THE INN!
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 2:06pm
These guys were one of many musicians to play, I’m sorry I didn’t get a shot of the accordion/harmonica guy, he was something.
FUN FACT: Originally made mostly out of wood, and the first instrument played in space, the Harmonica is the best-selling instrument in all of history! #warwithguitars
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 2:48pm
Strange to think of all the past souls who stood here absorbing this same view.
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 3:30pm
FUN FACT: First built for sailors in 1860, the inn soon became a boarding house for single mill hands, then a stopping place for stagecoach travelers, and finally a fishing resort for travelers from all over the world. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard also spent part of their honeymoon here!
Mendocino, Ca
Day 19
Sunday, June 10, 2018
I had planned to leave today. But connections changed my plans. I explored the coast north, as well as the small town of Mendocino. Then I returned and joined some new friends for a delightful BBQ.
Check-Ins
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 12:44pm
Just north of Navarro Beach is this mundane piece of coastline.
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 12:48pm
Rode my bike around a bit and then just sat back and enjoyed the beautiful sounds of erosion.
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 3:13pm
I drank a beer and ate a sandwich.
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 3:50pm
I decided to visit a nearby watering hole and learn the customs of the locals.
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 4:51pm
The estuary of the Navarro River.
FUN FACT: Deltas are when rivers deposit sediments into the ocean/lake. Estuaries are when the ocean/lake floods up into the river valley. It's slightly more complex than that, but this is a FUN FACT, not a term paper! Get off my back!
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 5:15pm
So, met some of Marilyn’s neighbors yesterday and they invited me to their Sunday BBQ! So, I stayed an extra day and whoa, look their house!
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 5:21pm
The piano might need a little more than a tune-up.
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 6:31pm
Just a random horse walking around and grazing as we eat.
FUN FACT: Horses and ponies are members of the same species, Equus caballus. The main difference between a horse and a pony is height. They are measured in units called 'hands', with one hand equaling 4 inches.
Check-Ins
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 12:44pm
Just north of Navarro Beach is this mundane piece of coastline.
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 12:48pm
Rode my bike around a bit and then just sat back and enjoyed the beautiful sounds of erosion.
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 3:13pm
I drank a beer and ate a sandwich.
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 3:50pm
I decided to visit a nearby watering hole and learn the customs of the locals.
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 4:51pm
The estuary of the Navarro River.
FUN FACT: Deltas are when rivers deposit sediments into the ocean/lake. Estuaries are when the ocean/lake floods up into the river valley. It's slightly more complex than that, but this is a FUN FACT, not a term paper! Get off my back!
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 5:15pm
So, met some of Marilyn’s neighbors yesterday and they invited me to their Sunday BBQ! So, I stayed an extra day and whoa, look their house!
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 5:21pm
The piano might need a little more than a tune-up.
Day 18 – June 9, 2018 ∙ 6:31pm
Just a random horse walking around and grazing as we eat.
FUN FACT: Horses and ponies are members of the same species, Equus caballus. The main difference between a horse and a pony is height. They are measured in units called 'hands', with one hand equaling 4 inches.
U.S. Route 101, Ca
Day 20
Monday, June 11, 2018
I cannot tell you why I thought a 6+ hour drive to get to my Oregon campsite was a good choice. Because in doing so, I had to blast through some of the most gorgeous woodlands in North America. Beautiful woodlands that definitely had camping opportunities. I think, even without an agenda, I felt this trip was taking a little longer than I had thought it would.
Check-Ins
Day 20 – June 11, 2018 ∙ 9:31am
Me and my strangely giant forehead saying goodbye to an amazing host.
Day 20 – June 11, 2018 ∙ 10:08pm
FUN FIBS: Home of Camp Bloodsport.
Day 20 – June 11, 2018 ∙ 12:40pm
Tree big. Car small.
Day 20 – June 11, 2018 ∙ 12:55pm
Tree tall.
FUN FACT: This is the world's largest remaining contiguous old-growth forest of coast redwoods, many of which grow to over 300 feet (91 m) in height.
Day 20 – June 11, 2018 ∙ 1:58pm
So, at this point, I needed to drive another four hours or so and set up camp at Grayback Creek, Oregon before dark. Looking back, I should have just camped here and spent the day exploring instead of rushing through. Still, I had a fun time playing in Endor. 😊
Day 20 – June 11, 2018 ∙ 2:56pm
A quick pit stop before pushing through into Oregon.
Drinking: Fogcutter Double IPA.
Day 20 – June 11, 2018 ∙ 7:17pm
Food and drink to get me through the night! Campground ETA 10:45pm!
Check-Ins
Day 20 – June 11, 2018 ∙ 9:31am
Me and my strangely giant forehead saying goodbye to an amazing host.
Day 20 – June 11, 2018 ∙ 10:08pm
FUN FIBS: Home of Camp Bloodsport.
Day 20 – June 11, 2018 ∙ 12:40pm
Tree big. Car small.
Day 20 – June 11, 2018 ∙ 12:55pm
Tree tall.
FUN FACT: This is the world's largest remaining contiguous old-growth forest of coast redwoods, many of which grow to over 300 feet (91 m) in height.
Day 20 – June 11, 2018 ∙ 1:58pm
So, at this point, I needed to drive another four hours or so and set up camp at Grayback Creek, Oregon before dark. Looking back, I should have just camped here and spent the day exploring instead of rushing through. Still, I had a fun time playing in Endor. 😊
Day 20 – June 11, 2018 ∙ 2:56pm
A quick pit stop before pushing through into Oregon.
Drinking: Fogcutter Double IPA.
Day 20 – June 11, 2018 ∙ 7:17pm
Food and drink to get me through the night! Campground ETA 10:45pm!
Cave Junction, Or
Day 21
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
As a child, my father lived on a farm in Grant’s Pass, they could not leave for very long on trips, as daily duties needed doing. He recalls visiting Crater Lake and the Oregon Caves as his big getaways. It is odd being here. Exploring his past, being in a location he once was, so long ago. Makes me reflect again on the temporariness of everything.
Check-Ins
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 9:28am
Camped solo for the first time last night! Like completely solo, there was literally no one at the campground. Also, I was not eaten by a bear or deranged mountain men. Solid win.
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 11:32am
My dad told me his parents brought him here when he was a kid when they lived in Grant’s Pass. I don’t have many connections like that with my parents, so this was super cool.
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 11:20pm
The entrance. Hope a Darth Vader with my face isn’t in there waiting for me.
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 11:55pm
Caves are strange.
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 12:10pm
FUN FACT: The offset of that line of dark rock is a fault line visualized.
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 12:19pm
Graffiti on an alien eggs sac. I mean limestone that has metamorphosed into marble. There are no aliens down here.
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 12:30pm
So, there are aliens down here. My guide just mentioned 4-inch cave crickets. 😶 Here is a beautiful piece of marble.
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 12:41pm
I escaped before being attacked by the subterranean, soul-sucking, potentially alien, 4-inch cave bugs. And this view above the caves is absolutely stunning. *rustles from behind me* 😲
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 12:42pm
This deer just walked up within a few feet of me, stared at me questioningly, and promptly turned away when I asked for their photograph.
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 2:40pm
Swung by my Dad’s childhood home in the 40s.
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 7:15pm
First stop after hours of driving. Met some more cool bar peeps, this time from Anaheim!? I’m beginning to love chatting up strangers at the bar.
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 9:31pm
Definitely digging the vibe of this place. Also, I chatted up a cute girl. 😁
Check-Ins
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 9:28am
Camped solo for the first time last night! Like completely solo, there was literally no one at the campground. Also, I was not eaten by a bear or deranged mountain men. Solid win.
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 11:32am
My dad told me his parents brought him here when he was a kid when they lived in Grant’s Pass. I don’t have many connections like that with my parents, so this was super cool.
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 11:20pm
The entrance. Hope a Darth Vader with my face isn’t in there waiting for me.
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 11:55pm
Caves are strange.
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 12:10pm
FUN FACT: The offset of that line of dark rock is a fault line visualized.
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 12:19pm
Graffiti on an alien eggs sac. I mean limestone that has metamorphosed into marble. There are no aliens down here.
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 12:30pm
So, there are aliens down here. My guide just mentioned 4-inch cave crickets. 😶 Here is a beautiful piece of marble.
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 12:41pm
I escaped before being attacked by the subterranean, soul-sucking, potentially alien, 4-inch cave bugs. And this view above the caves is absolutely stunning. *rustles from behind me* 😲
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 12:42pm
This deer just walked up within a few feet of me, stared at me questioningly, and promptly turned away when I asked for their photograph.
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 2:40pm
Swung by my Dad’s childhood home in the 40s.
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 7:15pm
First stop after hours of driving. Met some more cool bar peeps, this time from Anaheim!? I’m beginning to love chatting up strangers at the bar.
Day 21 – June 12, 2018 ∙ 9:31pm
Definitely digging the vibe of this place. Also, I chatted up a cute girl. 😁
Next Week on Dean Runs Away!
After some hard-core museum-ing, saving a historical landmark, and spelunking to the center of the earth, Dean now travels northward into the great unknown! Will he slip and slide down a hill and off the edge of a cliff, falling into a raging river…that ends in this waterfall?! Was that oddly specific?
Continue the adventure into Week Four to find out!
