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!
