Dean Runs Away – Week Two
Santa Cruz, Ca
Day 8
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
The day began great with a nice chat with a stranger over coffee. Afterwards, I had some issues with my bike, so decided to hit a few breweries. I had some nice beers, but no meaningful conversations or connections happened the rest of the day. On top of that, no couch surfing hosts came through, I did search for some camping spots, but to no avail. I ended up spending another night in the car.
Check-Ins
Day 8 – May 30, 2018 ∙ 9:51am
Saying goodbye to my couch surfing host, Ernest!
Day 8 – May 30, 2018 ∙ 10:53am
Had a nice conversation with a stranger about life and relationships while planning my 1-day brewery invasion tour of Santa Cruz.
Day 8 – May 30, 2018 ∙ 12:00pm
Little did I know at the time, but not unlike this photo, the rest of my day was on tracks inching closer towards a brief tunnel of darkness.
Day 8 – May 30, 2018 ∙ 2:07pm
Lunch and brews! Plus, the Body Glove Mavericks surfing competition is on the TV at the bar! Dude, I think I’m in Santa Cruz. 😆
Drinking: Ten Million Flowers Kölsch by Discretion Brewing.
Day 8 – May 30, 2018 ∙ 3:40pm
My suspension fork lockout lever forked off somewhere down the line. Unfortunately, they didn't have any in-stock here. Guess I’ll have to ride forking naked.
Day 8 – May 30, 2018 ∙ 4:12pm
Brewery #1! Sticking to tasters for today. Especially since I'm not sure where I'm sleeping tonight. 😮😜
Drinking: Playita Lager, Wave Storm Trooper Double IPA, Double Wetsuit Dreams Double IPA, Cut & Run IPA.
Day 8 – May 30, 2018 ∙ 5:25pm
My first barleywine of the trip. This is for you Tim! Cheers.
Drinking: Heater Graveyard Barleywine.
Day 8 – May 30, 2018 ∙ 7:50pm
I arrived right before closing time and there were no other patrons. They were nice enough to pour me one as they closed up.
Day 8 – May 30, 2018 ∙ 10:41pm
This soulless cathedral with wall-spouts of poison lies practically deserted, not unlike the streets that led me here. The cheerful bartender on permanent vacation, unneeded, yet desperately missed. I sit alone at a large table meant for a crowd, the only conversation to be had was with myself at the bottom of a pint glass.
Day 8 – May 30, 2018 ∙ 11:00pm
I sip the beer that I poured myself from a wall. The place was a ghost town until two men eventually sat down within earshot. As I eavesdropped, I reflected on this thing called loneliness.
Check-Ins
Day 8 – May 30, 2018 ∙ 9:51am
Saying goodbye to my couch surfing host, Ernest!
Day 8 – May 30, 2018 ∙ 10:53am
Had a nice conversation with a stranger about life and relationships while planning my 1-day brewery invasion tour of Santa Cruz.
Day 8 – May 30, 2018 ∙ 12:00pm
Little did I know at the time, but not unlike this photo, the rest of my day was on tracks inching closer towards a brief tunnel of darkness.
Day 8 – May 30, 2018 ∙ 2:07pm
Lunch and brews! Plus, the Body Glove Mavericks surfing competition is on the TV at the bar! Dude, I think I’m in Santa Cruz. 😆
Drinking: Ten Million Flowers Kölsch by Discretion Brewing.
Day 8 – May 30, 2018 ∙ 3:40pm
My suspension fork lockout lever forked off somewhere down the line. Unfortunately, they didn't have any in-stock here. Guess I’ll have to ride forking naked.
Day 8 – May 30, 2018 ∙ 4:12pm
Brewery #1! Sticking to tasters for today. Especially since I'm not sure where I'm sleeping tonight. 😮😜
Drinking: Playita Lager, Wave Storm Trooper Double IPA, Double Wetsuit Dreams Double IPA, Cut & Run IPA.
Day 8 – May 30, 2018 ∙ 5:25pm
My first barleywine of the trip. This is for you Tim! Cheers.
Drinking: Heater Graveyard Barleywine.
Day 8 – May 30, 2018 ∙ 7:50pm
I arrived right before closing time and there were no other patrons. They were nice enough to pour me one as they closed up.
Day 8 – May 30, 2018 ∙ 10:41pm
This soulless cathedral with wall-spouts of poison lies practically deserted, not unlike the streets that led me here. The cheerful bartender on permanent vacation, unneeded, yet desperately missed. I sit alone at a large table meant for a crowd, the only conversation to be had was with myself at the bottom of a pint glass.
Day 8 – May 30, 2018 ∙ 11:00pm
I sip the beer that I poured myself from a wall. The place was a ghost town until two men eventually sat down within earshot. As I eavesdropped, I reflected on this thing called loneliness.
Davenport, Ca
Day 9
Thursday, May 31, 2018
I popped up early from my cubby hole in the back of my car and hit the gym! Last night made me realize how much I am missing my friends, and a soft surface to sleep on. But there is a lot to see and do between Santa Cruz and Berkeley! On my way up, I took some time to check out some of our amazing coastlines. As well as go on an impromptu, epic mountain bike adventure for most of the afternoon. It all worked out perfectly as I rolled into the Bay area right as my friends were heading to the infamous Pub.
Check-Ins
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 8:44am
Life can't be all play. Plus, free shower. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 11:38am
Hey look, a dragon!
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 11:40am
All alone on this beautiful coast. My thoughts roll to the partner not at my side. The freedom on this trip is paradoxical, freeing and imprisoning. I knew this going in and I oscillate between the two. So far, my choices have been whimsical, planning to a minimum, just enjoying the breeziness of living. But it’s times like this, on this beach, that the heaviness catches up. I alone must make every single choice, I have no help, no guidance, no other to bounce ideas off, no other ideas given. And not only that, my collective experiences, these memories, are shared by no one but me. I look forward to a future trip, one that is shared in all the ways.
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 11:38am
Hey look, stone graffiti!
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 12:07pm
Vegan red curry!! Thanks for the rec, Jessica!
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 2:45pm
FUN FACT: This is a real, giant, fossilized, prehistoric megalodon shark fin! So says an ancient myth.
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 2:49pm
Hiking down to the beach. I think I found the subject of my drawing for today.
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 2:54pm
I followed this cave into the mines of Moria perhaps a little too far considering the pitch darkness. It’s not for the faint of heart.
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 3:49pm
Stopped for some food and drink. The bartender told me there is some awesome mountain biking to be had a few miles back!
Drinking: Road Trip Mosaic Pale Ale.
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 4:21pm
A few miles back and gearing up to ride into this beauty!
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 5:08pm
Hey look, my face! This ride is utterly fantastic! A highlight of the trip for sure!
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 4:38pm
This was my scenery as I mountain bike to some waterfalls. It was ridiculous.
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 5:43pm
🥰 Water jumping off cliffs is my favorite.
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 11:40pm
With friends!!! Crazy what difference a day makes. :)
Check-Ins
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 8:44am
Life can't be all play. Plus, free shower. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 11:38am
Hey look, a dragon!
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 11:40am
All alone on this beautiful coast. My thoughts roll to the partner not at my side. The freedom on this trip is paradoxical, freeing and imprisoning. I knew this going in and I oscillate between the two. So far, my choices have been whimsical, planning to a minimum, just enjoying the breeziness of living. But it’s times like this, on this beach, that the heaviness catches up. I alone must make every single choice, I have no help, no guidance, no other to bounce ideas off, no other ideas given. And not only that, my collective experiences, these memories, are shared by no one but me. I look forward to a future trip, one that is shared in all the ways.
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 11:38am
Hey look, stone graffiti!
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 12:07pm
Vegan red curry!! Thanks for the rec, Jessica!
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 2:45pm
FUN FACT: This is a real, giant, fossilized, prehistoric megalodon shark fin! So says an ancient myth.
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 2:49pm
Hiking down to the beach. I think I found the subject of my drawing for today.
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 2:54pm
I followed this cave into the mines of Moria perhaps a little too far considering the pitch darkness. It’s not for the faint of heart.
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 3:49pm
Stopped for some food and drink. The bartender told me there is some awesome mountain biking to be had a few miles back!
Drinking: Road Trip Mosaic Pale Ale.
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 4:21pm
A few miles back and gearing up to ride into this beauty!
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 5:08pm
Hey look, my face! This ride is utterly fantastic! A highlight of the trip for sure!
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 4:38pm
This was my scenery as I mountain bike to some waterfalls. It was ridiculous.
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 5:43pm
🥰 Water jumping off cliffs is my favorite.
Day 9 – May 31, 2018 ∙ 11:40pm
With friends!!! Crazy what difference a day makes. :)
Moraga, Ca
Day 10
Friday, June 1, 2018
I took a day. After nine days on the road, it was nice to be around friends, in a familiar place, and not have to plan out my day. I spent the day reflecting on my trip so far and relaxing at my friend’s beautiful home.
Check-Ins
Day 10 – June 1, 2018 ∙ 2:51pm
Among Friends.
Day 10 – June 1, 2018 ∙ 2:54pm
Rope swing!!! Time to hurt myself!
Day 10 – June 1, 2018 ∙ 2:59pm
A backyard stream! This Moraga place feels like a hidden gem of a city.
Day 10 – June 1, 2018 ∙ 10:13pm
More friends! They seem to like this place.
Check-Ins
Day 10 – June 1, 2018 ∙ 2:51pm
Among Friends.
Day 10 – June 1, 2018 ∙ 2:54pm
Rope swing!!! Time to hurt myself!
Day 10 – June 1, 2018 ∙ 2:59pm
A backyard stream! This Moraga place feels like a hidden gem of a city.
Day 10 – June 1, 2018 ∙ 10:13pm
More friends! They seem to like this place.
Berkeley, Ca
Day 11
Saturday, June 2, 2018
My friend Scott, a local to these parts, took me out and about to show me some places that he digs. I arrived back at Moraga in late afternoon to meet up with another friend and her kids who utterly schooled me in the art of throwing a frisbee at a chained-up bucket.
Check-Ins
Day 11 – June 2, 2018 ∙ 2:58pm
Nice to share a beer and grub with someone I didn’t just meet two minutes ago.
Drinking: Pale Ale by Faction Brewing.
Day 11 – June 2, 2018 ∙ 3:44pm
Scott took me to grab a latte from the first Pete’s Coffee shop EVER TO EXIST. It tasted very caffeinated.
Day 11 – June 2, 2018 ∙ 4:01pm
Wine pumping into every home should definitely be a public utility.
Day 11 – June 2, 2018 ∙ 4:17pm
FUN FACT: According to the City of Berkeley this is the finest rose garden in northern California.
Day 11 – June 2, 2018 ∙ 4:59pm
FUN FACT: This is the same view many grizzly bears had while debating the pros and cons of socialism. Most of the grizzlies were shooed away with guns and death in the late 1800s. The socialism stuck around though.
Day 11 – June 2, 2018 ∙ 8:00pm
Learning to play a little disc golf with some amazing kids.
Day 11 – June 2, 2018 ∙ 8:00pm
Amazing food and even more amazing company!
Check-Ins
Day 11 – June 2, 2018 ∙ 2:58pm
Nice to share a beer and grub with someone I didn’t just meet two minutes ago.
Drinking: Pale Ale by Faction Brewing.
Day 11 – June 2, 2018 ∙ 3:44pm
Scott took me to grab a latte from the first Pete’s Coffee shop EVER TO EXIST. It tasted very caffeinated.
Day 11 – June 2, 2018 ∙ 4:01pm
Wine pumping into every home should definitely be a public utility.
Day 11 – June 2, 2018 ∙ 4:17pm
FUN FACT: According to the City of Berkeley this is the finest rose garden in northern California.
Day 11 – June 2, 2018 ∙ 4:59pm
FUN FACT: This is the same view many grizzly bears had while debating the pros and cons of socialism. Most of the grizzlies were shooed away with guns and death in the late 1800s. The socialism stuck around though.
Day 11 – June 2, 2018 ∙ 8:00pm
Learning to play a little disc golf with some amazing kids.
Day 11 – June 2, 2018 ∙ 8:00pm
Amazing food and even more amazing company!
Moraga, Ca + Berkeley, Ca
Day 12
Sunday, June 3, 2018
Another relaxing beginning of the day started with taking care of some quails and chickens. I later escaped to do some brewery hopping. There was some margaritas, pizza, rooftop shenanigans, and some sort of basketball game that happened somewhere in there too.
Check-Ins
Day 12 – June 3, 2018 ∙ 11:37am
Hey look, carrots!
Day 12 – June 3, 2018 ∙ 11:37am
Hey look, carrots!
Day 12 – June 3, 2018 ∙ 12:00pm
Feeding some baby dinosaurs.
Day 12 – June 3, 2018 ∙ 12:10pm
Meet Bartleby the quail. He's looking for other quail who love having fun, laughing, and enjoy trying new things.
Day 12 – June 3, 2018 ∙ 12:15pm
Babysitting quail.
FUN FACT: The call of the California quail is “chi CA go! chi Ca go!” but is rarely heard because they only call when it’s really windy.
Day 12 – June 3, 2018 ∙ 2:49pm
Chillin and Sippin with the commoners.
Drinking: Hoi Polloi Pale Ale.
FUN FACT: Hoi polloi means ‘The People’ or “Masses” or “Riffraff” in Greek. Also, Oi Polloi is a Scottish anarcho-punk group.
Day 12 – June 3, 2018 ∙ 3:28pm
Sourness-ness overload. Would drink again.
Day 12 – June 3, 2018 ∙ 4:45pm
Books and Brews. A delightful combination.
Day 12 – June 3, 2018 ∙ 9:05pm
This place is my favorite so far. The beers are excellent!
Day 12 – June 3, 2018 ∙ 11:00pm
Seriously, this is like their temple.
Check-Ins
Day 12 – June 3, 2018 ∙ 11:37am
Hey look, carrots!
Day 12 – June 3, 2018 ∙ 11:37am
Hey look, carrots!
Day 12 – June 3, 2018 ∙ 12:00pm
Feeding some baby dinosaurs.
Day 12 – June 3, 2018 ∙ 12:10pm
Meet Bartleby the quail. He's looking for other quail who love having fun, laughing, and enjoy trying new things.
Day 12 – June 3, 2018 ∙ 12:15pm
Babysitting quail.
FUN FACT: The call of the California quail is “chi CA go! chi Ca go!” but is rarely heard because they only call when it’s really windy.
Day 12 – June 3, 2018 ∙ 2:49pm
Chillin and Sippin with the commoners.
Drinking: Hoi Polloi Pale Ale.
FUN FACT: Hoi polloi means ‘The People’ or “Masses” or “Riffraff” in Greek. Also, Oi Polloi is a Scottish anarcho-punk group.
Day 12 – June 3, 2018 ∙ 3:28pm
Sourness-ness overload. Would drink again.
Day 12 – June 3, 2018 ∙ 4:45pm
Books and Brews. A delightful combination.
Day 12 – June 3, 2018 ∙ 9:05pm
This place is my favorite so far. The beers are excellent!
Day 12 – June 3, 2018 ∙ 11:00pm
Seriously, this is like their temple.
San Francisco, Ca
Day 13
Monday, June 4, 2018
Finally, I felt it was time to tackle the City! I biked on to the ferry, met Scott for lunch, explored, drank, met new friends, and new friends bought me way too many drinks. I somehow found my way back to the mainland and ended my night in a familiar setting, surrounded by some of the greatest people I have ever met. It was a good day.
Check-Ins
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 11:50am
Finally on my way into the City!
FUN FACT: These cranes inspired the AT-ATs from Empire Strikes…wait what? Debunked? Umm…okay, FUN FACT REDUX: These cranes are made to move big, heavy things, and inspired no one ever.
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 11:52am
Preparing to explore this new land and tame any primitives who may dwell within!
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 12:15pm
Meeting Scott for lunch!
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 12:45pm
Cigars for lunch! Okay, fine, I had just a sandwich. A super delicious sandwich!!!
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 2:30pm
Walk. Walk. Walky. 😮 What is this amazingness?
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 2:33pm
Stumbling upon this magnificent place has been one of the highlights of the week!
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 2:36pm
FUN FACT: Doctor Strange creators, Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, based him on Hollywood actor Vincent Price, but with less magical powers.
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 2:42pm
😲
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 2:42pm
I almost ripped it off the wall and ran. #WhatWouldCalvinDo?
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 4:00pm
Grabbing some food and a beer after a long day of walking and biking the streets of San Francisco. I wonder if any cool people are drinking at 4pm on a Monday at the bar?
Drinking: The Admiral's Blend Lager.
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 5:36pm
Met these two lovely humans who just happened to be drinking at 4pm on a Monday at the bar at ThirstyBear. Afterward, they invited me to join them at the White Horse. These connections are what my trip is all about. Many high fives were had. High fives were drinks. I'm not sober now. Thanks Gary and Heather!
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 6:45pm
Not sober Dean had to visit 21st. One last brewery before leaving the City. Promise.
Drinking: Blood Orange Brew Free! or Die IPA.
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 7:38pm
Going to take the underwater tunnels to escape the City! But can drunk Dean figure out how to navigate the complex system of tubes? Will he escape? Stay tuned!
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 10:13pm
Dean escaped. And this place might be growing on me, just wish it wasn’t so smoky.
Check-Ins
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 11:50am
Finally on my way into the City!
FUN FACT: These cranes inspired the AT-ATs from Empire Strikes…wait what? Debunked? Umm…okay, FUN FACT REDUX: These cranes are made to move big, heavy things, and inspired no one ever.
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 11:52am
Preparing to explore this new land and tame any primitives who may dwell within!
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 12:15pm
Meeting Scott for lunch!
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 12:45pm
Cigars for lunch! Okay, fine, I had just a sandwich. A super delicious sandwich!!!
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 2:30pm
Walk. Walk. Walky. 😮 What is this amazingness?
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 2:33pm
Stumbling upon this magnificent place has been one of the highlights of the week!
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 2:36pm
FUN FACT: Doctor Strange creators, Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, based him on Hollywood actor Vincent Price, but with less magical powers.
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 2:42pm
😲
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 2:42pm
I almost ripped it off the wall and ran. #WhatWouldCalvinDo?
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 4:00pm
Grabbing some food and a beer after a long day of walking and biking the streets of San Francisco. I wonder if any cool people are drinking at 4pm on a Monday at the bar?
Drinking: The Admiral's Blend Lager.
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 5:36pm
Met these two lovely humans who just happened to be drinking at 4pm on a Monday at the bar at ThirstyBear. Afterward, they invited me to join them at the White Horse. These connections are what my trip is all about. Many high fives were had. High fives were drinks. I'm not sober now. Thanks Gary and Heather!
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 6:45pm
Not sober Dean had to visit 21st. One last brewery before leaving the City. Promise.
Drinking: Blood Orange Brew Free! or Die IPA.
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 7:38pm
Going to take the underwater tunnels to escape the City! But can drunk Dean figure out how to navigate the complex system of tubes? Will he escape? Stay tuned!
Day 13 – June 4, 2018 ∙ 10:13pm
Dean escaped. And this place might be growing on me, just wish it wasn’t so smoky.
Berkeley Hills, Ca
Day 14
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
I had planned to return to the City today. But I woke to this pup demanding adventures. So, I put off the City to go explore what lurks in the forest that lay yonder in the Berkeley Hills.
Check-Ins
Day 14 – June 5, 2018 ∙ 12:14pm
No human alive could deny these puppy dog eyes.
FUN FACT: Science shows dogs evolved a muscle responsible for raising the inner eyebrow intensely, which casts a magical spell to make the observer’s willpower fall to zero. No saving throws.
Day 14 – June 5, 2018 ∙ 2:41pm
Exploring the yonder! The City can wait until tomorrow.
Check-Ins
Day 14 – June 5, 2018 ∙ 12:14pm
No human alive could deny these puppy dog eyes.
FUN FACT: Science shows dogs evolved a muscle responsible for raising the inner eyebrow intensely, which casts a magical spell to make the observer’s willpower fall to zero. No saving throws.
Day 14 – June 5, 2018 ∙ 2:41pm
Exploring the yonder! The City can wait until tomorrow.
Next Week on Dean Runs Away!
Loneliness attacked and beaten! For now. With one successful exploration of The City, will Dean get cocky? What adventures await him in round two? Speaking of adventure, will Dean accidentally knock down a priceless Dinosaur exhibit and become a fugitive from justice?!
Continue the adventure into Week Three to find out!
Dean Runs Away – Week One
Soon, I will jump in my car and drive off. Alone. Starting from my home here in Southern California, I will be exploring cities up the west coast, all the way to Canada, peaking at the wondrous city of Banff. I will be coming back down through Montana, Idaho, Utah, and the like. I will be camping, couch surfing, mountain biking, hiking, National Park-ing, sightseeing, visiting friends, and a whole lot more. I have no idea how long I will be gone, as the trip will take as long as it takes.
Part of this trip is to explore this wonderful world we have. I want to experience as much of this fantastic planet as possible! Another big part of it is that I am attempting to couch surf a good bunch of it; I have come to realize through my travels that it is the connections with others that truly matter to me. I love other people; I love different perspectives and introspective conversations. I am rather addicted to them. This is why I couch surf and host couch surfers, I want to know all about you and your stories. Selfishly, I want to learn and grow from you and to share myself, as openly and honestly as I know how to.
I am going to loosely be documenting my travels, but writing about it and taking photos are not the priority, the experiences are.
Brea, Ca
Day 0
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
I sit here at Home. One last night before I leave.
Home. A safe, comfortable space. Can one be too safe? Insulate themselves too much? Unknowingly, suffocating themselves so incredibly slowly, that even the most introspect cannot sense they are in pain, slowly dying?
I wonder. What happens if we burn the home down and embrace the uncomfortable? The unknown? I have lived one extreme for too long, it is time to light the match. Run away. And see how it all gets rebuilt.
Santa Barbara, Ca
Day 1
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
…aaand I am away. First stop Santa Barbara! Spent the day driving and getting to know my first host, Steve!
Check-Ins
Day 1 – May 23, 2018 ∙ 2:00pm
All packed and ready to go! Time to Run Away!
Day 1 – May 23, 2018 ∙ 6:07pm
First beer of the trip! I feel there might be more to come. Drinking: Davy Brown Ale.
Day 1 – May 23, 2018 ∙ 7:04pm
Meeting my couch surfing host, Steve, as he talks about his trip to Malta.
Santa Barbara, Ca
Day 2
Thursday, May 24, 2018
A day full of wandering the streets of Santa Barbara on foot, ending with a final nightcap at a sleepy bar. Little did I know that last stop would turn my world upside-down.
Check-Ins
Day 2 – May 24, 2018 ∙ 1:13pm
Perhaps one of the most beautiful government buildings with amazingly gorgeous landscaping.
FUN FACT: Completed in 1929, the courthouse has Roman, Gothic, and Spanish-Moorish architectural influences.
Day 2 – May 24, 2018 ∙ 1:52pm
I made it to the top of the clock tower!
FUN FACT: The Clock Tower houses one of the last remaining working tower clocks made by the Seth Thomas Clock Company. Installed in 1929, the clock still functions and keeps time for the community on its four tower faces.
Day 2 – May 24, 2018 ∙ 4:06pm
Making friends! This is Petros, a retired Greek pelican on vacation.
FUN FACT: Sometimes pelicans eat pigeons. Wait, what?
Day 2 – May 24, 2018 ∙ 4:26pm
Wine obviously! Okay, no…I had a beer.
Day 2 – May 24, 2018 ∙ 5:12pm
This flight of booze was magical. Thanks for the recommendation, Dan!
Day 2 – May 24, 2018 ∙ 6:06pm
And I'm back with 200% more puppies!
Drinking: Goldilocks Blonde, Boont Amber Ale, Berry Patch Gose, Painted Cave IPA.
Day 2 – May 24, 2018 ∙ 6:48pm
I stopped in here for some food. It was okay. Not very memorable.
Day 2 – May 24, 2018 ∙ 9:22pm
This sleepy little bar was dead but looked friendly and welcoming. The night was winding down. And I thought, one last drink.
“This place turns into a club at night”, the bartender commented. I looked over at literally the only other dude at the end of the bar and thought, surely not tonight. And then, within the space of a half-hour, as if by some magical prophecy, the place exploded with people. I was a little tipsy and very confused.
Day 2 – May 24, 2018 ∙ 11:21pm
These two fuzzy gentlemen, after hearing about my trip, both bought me drinks.
I found myself talking to all kinds of people, some were buying me shots, pretty sure there was dancing involved...it was...crazy. I stumbled back to my host's place somehow at around 1am.
San Luis Obispo, Ca
Day 3
Friday, May 25, 2018
Slightly hungover and exhausted, the day did not start as planned. My eyes were dry and burned like the fires of hell. Apparently, I did not remove my contacts before plopping into bed. Even worse, in attempting to extract them from behind my eyeballs, I surprisingly managed to scratch my cornea. The pain escalated, doctors were seen, antibiotic drops were applied, and after a drive to a new city, drinks were drunk. It was a day.
Check-Ins
Day 3 – May 25, 2018 ∙ 11:00am
Saying goodbye to Steve, my amazing couch surfing host.
FUN FACT: The face I'm making, this is the face of pain.
Day 3 – May 25, 2018 ∙ 11:33am
Some advice: do not sleep in your contacts. Sometimes they can travel behind your eyes and lodge themselves in the parietal lobe of your brain. Once there they can explode into many hot needles, skewing the backside of the eyeball.
Day 3 – May 25, 2018 ∙ 5:13pm
Goodbye Santa Barbara. Hello San Luis Obispo. Cheers!
Drinking: Guava Farmhouse Ale - Saison
Day 3 – May 25, 2018 ∙ 6:00pm
This place is big, clean, and devoid of any personality or intimacy. Exactly what you’d expect a place calling itself “Brew Rock” would be. The phrase "soulless cookie-cutter brewery" comes to mind.
Day 3 – May 25, 2018 ∙ 7:11pm
Loved this place. Intimate, great service, awesome beers. So great that I forgot to take a photo. So, here is a stolen one from the internet.
Drinking: Barrelhouse Ipanero IPA: F'n delicious!
Day 3 – May 25, 2018 ∙ 9:10pm
Sipping a delicious Kentucky Monk before meeting my couch surfing host.
San Luis Obispo, Ca
Day 4
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Time to explore some nature! Spent the afternoon mountain biking a gigantic park. Then I grabbed some delicious foods while wandering around downtown. I ended the day with a night of fantastic conversation getting to know my amazing host, Kim!
Check-Ins
Day 4 – May 26, 2018 ∙ 12:59pm
Finally got to mountain bike! Rode around this beautiful park all afternoon.
Day 4 – May 26, 2018 ∙ 4:27pm
Lunch next to a creek after a fun afternoon of riding and exploring the city.
Day 4 – May 26, 2018 ∙ 7:00pm
Hanging out and sharing stories with my amazing host and his menagerie of animals!
Check-Ins
Day 4 – May 26, 2018 ∙ 12:59pm
Finally got to mountain bike! Rode around this beautiful park all afternoon.
Day 4 – May 26, 2018 ∙ 4:27pm
Lunch next to a creek after a fun afternoon of riding and exploring the city.
Day 4 – May 26, 2018 ∙ 7:00pm
Hanging out and sharing stories with my amazing host and his menagerie of animals!
Morro Bay, CA + Paso Robles, CA
Day 5
Sunday, May 27, 2018
It was a day of two cities. First, I moved on to the foggy coast of Morro Bay, where I aimlessly wandered into some art and science.
Then, I traveled inland to El Paso de Robles or “The Pass of the Oaks.” It was there, in the land famous for its wineries and vineyards, I enjoyed some local beers. Later, I met up with a friend for some fantastic conversation.
Check-Ins
Day 5 – May 27, 2018 ∙ 10:00am
Human fuel station. I splurged for the java octane boost. Photo kidnapped from the webs.
Day 5 – May 27, 2018 ∙ 10:45am
Before the caffeine kicked in, I stumbled upon an Art Fair.
Day 5 – May 27, 2018 ∙ 11:20am
Hiking the foggy coast.
FUN FACT: The first settlers of the local area were the Chumash Native American peoples and lived along the southern California coast for over 12,000 years. It took less than 200 years to almost completely wipe them out.
Day 5 – May 27, 2018 ∙ 11:30am
The effects from the caffeine have obviously kicked in!!! Stare into the face of exuberance!
Day 5 – May 27, 2018 ∙ 11:45am
Whale, whale, whale, what do we have here? A fun and tiny museum! You otter go visit!
Day 5 – May 27, 2018 ∙ 2:02pm
First stop after the drive in from the bay. The beer flight was just okay. But I met and chatted up some great people!
Drinking: C-Hops Pale Ale, Galaxy Pale Ale, UnderCurrants American Wild Ale.
Day 5 – May 27, 2018 ∙ 4:06pm
Holy gigantic tasters! These more than satisfied my snobby palate. Luckily, it's right next to the downtown, time to get some grub.
Day 5 – May 27, 2018 ∙ 7:00pm
It was a great burrito, but I was so hungry, I forgot to take a photo. Image permanently borrowed from the interwebs.
Day 5 – May 27, 2018 ∙ 10:00pm
An old pal and I got together for hours of stimulating conversation. Thanks Jeremy!
Check-Ins
Day 5 – May 27, 2018 ∙ 10:00am
Human fuel station. I splurged for the java octane boost. Photo kidnapped from the webs.
Day 5 – May 27, 2018 ∙ 10:45am
Before the caffeine kicked in, I stumbled upon an Art Fair.
Day 5 – May 27, 2018 ∙ 11:20am
Hiking the foggy coast.
FUN FACT: The first settlers of the local area were the Chumash Native American peoples and lived along the southern California coast for over 12,000 years. It took less than 200 years to almost completely wipe them out.
Day 5 – May 27, 2018 ∙ 11:30am
The effects from the caffeine have obviously kicked in!!! Stare into the face of exuberance!
Day 5 – May 27, 2018 ∙ 11:45am
Whale, whale, whale, what do we have here? A fun and tiny museum! You otter go visit!
Day 5 – May 27, 2018 ∙ 2:02pm
First stop after the drive in from the bay. The beer flight was just okay. But I met and chatted up some great people!
Drinking: C-Hops Pale Ale, Galaxy Pale Ale, UnderCurrants American Wild Ale.
Day 5 – May 27, 2018 ∙ 4:06pm
Holy gigantic tasters! These more than satisfied my snobby palate. Luckily, it's right next to the downtown, time to get some grub.
Day 5 – May 27, 2018 ∙ 7:00pm
It was a great burrito, but I was so hungry, I forgot to take a photo. Image permanently borrowed from the interwebs.
Day 5 – May 27, 2018 ∙ 10:00pm
An old pal and I got together for hours of stimulating conversation. Thanks Jeremy!
Monterey, CA
Day 6
Monday, May 28, 2018
My Paso couch surfing host fell through, so I decided to sleep in the car last night. And after a long drive to Monterey, I was ready to have a nice relaxing day at the beach. And the day delivered.
The weather could not have been better. I wandered the coast, and afterward, I treated myself to some scrumptious sushi. I had lined up a couch surfing host, but they weren’t available until tomorrow night. So, I splurged; I booked an Airbnb. It was a shared home, thus I joined, and got to know, some other beautiful travelers from around the world.
Check-Ins
Day 6 – May 28, 2018 ∙ 2:00pm
Father and daughter. I introduced myself after this shot and emailed them this photo.
Day 6 – May 28, 2018 ∙ 2:24pm
Looked everywhere, I didn't find my lover. 😕 I give it 1-star.
Day 6 – May 28, 2018 ∙ 3:33pm
Wandering the coast of Monterey.
FUN FACT: The Mark V diving helmet, immortalized here, was created in 1905 and used by the ghost of Captain Cutler. Even though he was covered in glowing seaweed, Cutler was later revealed to not be a ghost by Scooby and the gang.
Day 6 – May 28, 2018 ∙ 6:18pm
$1 sushi? I'm in trouble.
Day 6 – May 28, 2018 ∙ 8:00pm
My last-minute couch surfing attempts failed for a 2nd night. So, I found a sweet Airbnb, it's a single room in a house, I got to mingle with the other house guests: an awesome couple from Germany whom I gave LA sightseeing advice to and another couple who just spent a week at Lightning in a Bottle.
I'm ending the night finally sewing the tear in my backpack and listening to podcasts while sipping on some whiskey.
Oh, and the best part, the Airbnb comes with FREE passes to the Aquarium! I know what tomorrow’s plans are! Woot!
Check-Ins
Day 6 – May 28, 2018 ∙ 2:00pm
Father and daughter. I introduced myself after this shot and emailed them this photo.
Day 6 – May 28, 2018 ∙ 2:24pm
Looked everywhere, I didn't find my lover. 😕 I give it 1-star.
Day 6 – May 28, 2018 ∙ 3:33pm
Wandering the coast of Monterey.
FUN FACT: The Mark V diving helmet, immortalized here, was created in 1905 and used by the ghost of Captain Cutler. Even though he was covered in glowing seaweed, Cutler was later revealed to not be a ghost by Scooby and the gang.
Day 6 – May 28, 2018 ∙ 6:18pm
$1 sushi? I'm in trouble.
Day 6 – May 28, 2018 ∙ 8:00pm
My last-minute couch surfing attempts failed for a 2nd night. So, I found a sweet Airbnb, it's a single room in a house, I got to mingle with the other house guests: an awesome couple from Germany whom I gave LA sightseeing advice to and another couple who just spent a week at Lightning in a Bottle.
I'm ending the night finally sewing the tear in my backpack and listening to podcasts while sipping on some whiskey.
Oh, and the best part, the Airbnb comes with FREE passes to the Aquarium! I know what tomorrow’s plans are! Woot!
Monterey, CA
Day 7
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
A day at the aquarium! I absolutely love the ocean and its bizarre and beautiful creatures. I could have spent all day there, but I was to meet my new host. I found Ernest at his favorite haunt, where I joined him and his friends to play some trivia, drink, and be merry!
Check-Ins
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 11:41am
FUN FACT: At 320,000-US-gallon and nearly three stories high, the Kelp Forest is the first successful attempt to maintain a living kelp forest in an artificial setting. The tank has giant kelpfish, giant sea bass, rockfish, swell sharks, leopard sharks, sea anemones, anchovies, pacific sardine, warty sea cucumber, little Billy from Vermont, wolf-eels, crabs, red octopus, and more!
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 11:45am
FUN FACT: The nurse shark’s name may be derived from an archaic word, nusse, meaning cat shark. Nurse sharks also pretty much ignore humans and have been known to purposely knock things off sea cliffs.
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 12:39pm
FUN FACT: Jellyfish have no brain or heart, are found in every ocean, can be immortal, and are among the Earth’s deadliest creatures. Rethinking the “FUN” in FUN FACT.
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 1:21pm
UNFUN FACT: 90% of seabirds eat plastic rubbish, mistaking it for food.
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 1:17pm
FUN FACT: Artist Sayaka Gantz made these sculptures out of reclaimed materials that might have otherwise been polluting the ocean.
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 1:32pm
FUN FACTS: A tortoise is a turtle, but not all turtles are tortoises. The scales on the outer shell of a tortoise are made of the same keratin as human fingernails. And lighter colored shells indicate that a tortoise originally came from a warmer climate. Also, the tortoise/rabbit rivalry is real and they are currently in a land war in Asia.
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 2:02pm
Omar Rayyan. “Contessa with Squid” 2011. Oil on panel.
FUN FACT: This painting is historically accurate. And prints are available here!
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 2:11pm
Nemo Gould. Tentacles: The Octopus. 2014. Kinetic sculpture.
FUN FACT: Nemo’s got a website!
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 2:33pm
FUN FACT: Yellowtail rockfish likes butter, lemons, herbs, sesame-soy stir-fried greens, and…wait. Never mind, they eat sardines.
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 2:33pm
Sampled a few beers here. Best beer yet: Stone I'm Peach Double IPA. I also grabbed some yummy foodstuffs from the 'Tacos Don Beto' food truck.
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 6:15pm
Hey look, a farmer's market!
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 7:10pm
Another tasty beverage while I wait to meet my host.
Drinking: Palapa of Your Dreams IPA.
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 9:00pm
Trivia night with my amazing couch surfing host, Ernest, and his buddies!
Check-Ins
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 11:41am
FUN FACT: At 320,000-US-gallon and nearly three stories high, the Kelp Forest is the first successful attempt to maintain a living kelp forest in an artificial setting. The tank has giant kelpfish, giant sea bass, rockfish, swell sharks, leopard sharks, sea anemones, anchovies, pacific sardine, warty sea cucumber, little Billy from Vermont, wolf-eels, crabs, red octopus, and more!
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 11:45am
FUN FACT: The nurse shark’s name may be derived from an archaic word, nusse, meaning cat shark. Nurse sharks also pretty much ignore humans and have been known to purposely knock things off sea cliffs.
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 12:39pm
FUN FACT: Jellyfish have no brain or heart, are found in every ocean, can be immortal, and are among the Earth’s deadliest creatures. Rethinking the “FUN” in FUN FACT.
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 1:21pm
UNFUN FACT: 90% of seabirds eat plastic rubbish, mistaking it for food.
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 1:17pm
FUN FACT: Artist Sayaka Gantz made these sculptures out of reclaimed materials that might have otherwise been polluting the ocean.
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 1:32pm
FUN FACTS: A tortoise is a turtle, but not all turtles are tortoises. The scales on the outer shell of a tortoise are made of the same keratin as human fingernails. And lighter colored shells indicate that a tortoise originally came from a warmer climate. Also, the tortoise/rabbit rivalry is real and they are currently in a land war in Asia.
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 2:02pm
Omar Rayyan. “Contessa with Squid” 2011. Oil on panel.
FUN FACT: This painting is historically accurate. And prints are available here!
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 2:11pm
Nemo Gould. Tentacles: The Octopus. 2014. Kinetic sculpture.
FUN FACT: Nemo’s got a website!
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 2:33pm
FUN FACT: Yellowtail rockfish likes butter, lemons, herbs, sesame-soy stir-fried greens, and…wait. Never mind, they eat sardines.
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 2:33pm
Sampled a few beers here. Best beer yet: Stone I'm Peach Double IPA. I also grabbed some yummy foodstuffs from the 'Tacos Don Beto' food truck.
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 6:15pm
Hey look, a farmer's market!
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 7:10pm
Another tasty beverage while I wait to meet my host.
Drinking: Palapa of Your Dreams IPA.
Day 7 – May 29, 2018 ∙ 9:00pm
Trivia night with my amazing couch surfing host, Ernest, and his buddies!
Next Week on Dean Runs Away!
He survived a week on the road, but what lies around the corner? Will Dean find more reliable couch surfing hosts? Will he make it to the Bay area before he gets eaten by a pelican? And speaking of birds, why is he squeezing the life out of this baby quail?!?
Continue the adventure into Week Two to find out!
elsewhere
There is nothing here that cannot be found elsewhere,
except the uniqueness that exudes from every place.
We seek in that uniqueness, an equilibrium of peace.
All our lives we have been
told,
taught,
programed,
to seek this harmony in myriad ways.
The lucky ones recognize this.
We find the strength
to break it all,
examine the pieces,
construct something new,
to discover our own way.
This leads to a garden of peace uniquely ours.
But we must not be statues; foliage spreads
around us,
within us,
trapping us,
to snare the idle mind and spirit.
Our garden of peace, our prison becomes.
Slowly we devolve,
blinded in numbness,
engulfed in paltry,
parading in mediocrity,
Unless we seek elsewhere.
01-14-18
I’ve talked to some friends about being 40 and this idea of mid-life crisis. Through our teenage years, we are learning how to live. Learning to be an adult. Then, magically, we are one. Or so we are labeled. Our 20s are for exploring what that means to us. And while we will be in flux till our last days, around 30 we begin to reflect and settle into a personality that doesn’t shift majorly from year to year. At 40 we have been somewhat the same person, doing essentially the same thing, usually feeling pretty confident in our so-called adulthood for a quarter of our life.
Lots of things can cause a mid-life crisis, but I think this is the big one. Not being happy, not being content, at where we’ve ended up. Reflecting on lost or abandon dreams, comparing ourselves to the optimistic, youthful us of decades past. Remembering a time before our bodies didn’t hurt or where it repaired itself in days instead of months. The crisis comes from having not reflected more often, or perhaps, at all, in the last decade or more. Suddenly, one realizes they have just been sleepwalking through their lives. And whether it be turning 40, or something else, they awaken with a bang.
I feel awake all the time, perhaps to my detriment. The whole reason I’m writing this is I feel a tug, now 41-years-old. It’s no crisis, but a...recalibration. I’m not the same as I was a decade ago. So, really looking at my priorities, adjusting goals, and making a change to be the best Dean I can be is imperative. The one thing I haven’t mentioned is death. Turning 40 is the beginning of the dissolution of immortality. Over the hill. Past one’s prime. Past the peak of one’s life. It’s where we realize some goals we might have once had, are either impossible or just something that’s beyond our desires. Giving up these goals is understanding we do not have what we once did. Every opportunity.
Karl the Candy Corn
Dean
I once worked on a video game as the Art Director, Art Producer, Brand Manager, Graphic Designer, UI/UX designer, and active Creative Director.
In the melee of that creative whirlwind, Karl was born. He is 100% based on my desire to have an adorable, charismatic, fun-loving, homicidal character help out our hero in a pinch. Unfortunately, I left the game before it was completed and Karl left with me.
Karl is the last Candy Corn of his kind, born of the original magical recipe that is now sadly lost, leaving behind only garbage imitations. Karl has devoted his life to hunting down and destroying every last piece of candy corn in the world, and whatever other evil lies in his path.
All proceeds from the sale of prints will be donated to Gloria’s caretakers, the Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue and Protection sanctuary.
The View-Master
Dean
I was asked to participate in a fundraiser for a friend to raise money for hospital bills. An art show at the Magoski gallery would feature works from 100s of local artists all painted on these small 5x5x2 inch blocks. I had two. I decided early on I wanted to pair them, painting and pallet. I chose my View-Master because childhood wonder is part of what keeps me invested in the future. And this device embodied that for me.
So, I had no problem showing this art and selling it, but I wanted to be the buyer. I own 99% of all the art I’ve ever created, and selfishly, I wanted this piece as well. I had not painted in years, I was proud of this. But I was told that even the artist could not reserve their painting. It was an open buy, a ‘first to get there’ situation. At that point, I handed over the painting but did not give them my pallet.
I was unable to attend the event because I was a groomsman in a friend’s wedding the same day. I had a legion of friends instructed to buy it in my stead, but alas, I was told it was gone in the first minutes of the opening. An unknown snagged it first. It’s my only lost work, wherein, I have no idea where or with who it resides. I’ve love to know where it is, or even better buy it back, mainly because I was not quite finished with it yet. No matter, I hope its owner is enjoying it, wherever it may hang.