Sunday October 11th
We woke up and went to Huntington dog beach with Annie, Sarge and Sprout. We didn't know until we arrived that there was an event happening. There were all kinds of tents set up with different types of doggie activities and accessories. But the coolest thing we saw were surfing dogs-whoa.
After some time at the beach playing with the dozens and dozens of dogs we went down main street to check out the scene and visit Ian at work. He took lunch and we all went to El Pollo Loco for lunch-ah the crazy chicken. Then we went back to the house, hopped on bikes and rode to the local goodwill. When we got back we got ready to go over to Ian's parents' house to make homemade pizza for dinner. Ian's parents were very nice and they had such a lovely home. From there we rode bikes all around and went down to the Newport beach pier.Monday October 12th
I decided I wanted to cook a big meal for everyone. First thing in the morning I looked all through Annie's kitchen and formulated a plan. We all went to the grocery store and I picked up a few things. Annie went to work, Joey went out on a bike exploration, Ian stayed home to study and I started cooking. I ended up marinating tofu that I put with sauteed vegetables and making a crazy three bean, pepper, mango, sweet and white potato casserole with pumpkin butter, cilantro and lots of other stuff, o yeah and guacamole and no bake oatmeal chocolate peanut butter cookies. So when everyone got home we ate. Then we went to see Inglorious Basterds, good movie. MMM sleep.
Tuesday October 13thWe had a slow morning and when Ian got home from school we went back to Huntington dog beach to surf. The conditions were awful, it was 2-3 foot but the water quality was bad from the rain and it was super choppy from some pretty harsh winds. Needless to say the surfing didn't go so well. Annie met us at the beach with Sarge when she was done with work. We headed back to the house and showered up to get back on the road south. From Costa Mesa it was a short drive down Highway 1 to Dana Point where I used to work. We stopped in at Stella's and said hello. There were still quite a few people from my day working there. Back in the car we drove to San Clemente. We stopped by what would be our temporary home base, the Headrick residence, for dinner. Laurie made good food as always (lentils, kale, onions, and rice). Joey and I then made the rounds. We went to my old house, 150 Miramar, and saw Brandy and Harlan, then to the Pier and to Greg and Kristen's. Faith was asleep so we didn't get to meet her. Back to Gary and Laurie's to sleep.
Wednesday October 14th
We woke up to another spoiled morning. Just like Annie, Laurie had gone out and bought a bunch of vegan groceries for Joey and I-so sweet. Like I said-so spoiled. We had quinoa for breakfast and coffee with soy creamer-yes! My good friend Shannon was on her way down from San Bernardino. It was looking like a cloudy day so we decided to save San Onofre for the next day and to run around town instead. First we drove up to Laguna Beach and ate at Taco Loco. They have awesome vegan Mexican and American cuisine, they also cater to the non vegan/vegetarian crowd. Even though Taco Loco is the best spot in Laguna we decided to explore. We went into the downtown area and walked around. Went into an old candy shop and stocked up. On our way back south we stopped in Dana Point at one of my all time favorite spots, The Lavender Lounge. They have a huge selection of teas, however, this is not what makes it great. The coconut meat that they put in the tea, like little chewy bites of sweetness, is what sets this tea apart. With our tea we ventured into Revo, a bicycle shop/espresso bar and into a neat little thrift store. We went back to S.C. and I got to see Isabella (Nate's niece, Gary and Laurie's granddaughter). She has gotten so big and is an absolutely beautiful and joyful child. Back from our adventures we showered and headed to Greg and Kristen's to meet little Faith and make dinner.
Ryan came over for a bit, we all cooked and drank together. And again I got to play with an adorable little one. (Don't worry I don't want one of my own, I just like playing with them and making them laugh-it kinda warms my heart). A few of my old work friends organized a little party at a condo in Laguna so Joey, Shannon and I went there next. I got to see Michele, Michaela, Kiko and Gill and that was nice. We didn't stay there very long, just long enough for some good stories to come out and to catch up. The three of us retreated to Greg and Kristen's for the night.Thursday October 15th
We woke up and headed back to the Headrick house to grab boards and head to San O!!! The conditions were great, 3-5 foot and glassy, the beach wasn't very crowded either. Joey took out his kayak for a while and then attempted his first real day of surfing while Shannon and I caught up on the beach.
Then she and I went out and had a great session. It was so fun and what little I do know about surfing came right back. Yay San Onofre! After beach time we went back to the Headrick's for family dinner. Laurie made chilli and Mardie, Rob, Naomi, Isabella, Gary, Joey, Shannon, Laurie and I all sat around the table and ate together. Sadly I didn't get to see Eric or Jeff, they were both feeling a little under the weather. We all had a good time together just talking and keeping one another company around the fire.
Friday October 16th
Since the surf was so good the day before and it was just getting better we decided to postpone leaving S.C. until the afternoon and get in one more day at the beach. It was great, super sunny, perfect conditions and I got to see Ryan and Olivia. From the beach we went back, showered up, packed up and said goodbye. Just before we left Gary picked up Mateo. He was on a job in San Clemente so I got to see him too. Thanks so much to Laurie and Gary for giving us a great place to stay and taking such good care of us. Thanks to Greg and Kristen for being such great friends to me. And thanks to Shannon for being awesome, plain and simple, awesome. We got a late start on the road and hit some traffic. Around the San Bernardino area Jolene decided she needed a little bit of love. Joey and I stopped and called Andy for some pointers. We tried a few things and decided we needed a mechanic. Shannon found us a place to stay with her friends mom Sue. YAY SUE! We stopped there for the night and took refuge in the home of a kind and gracious stranger. The type of person who helps one to remember that good does exist in every nook and cranny of this crazy world, you just have to find it.
Saturday October 17th
We had a sort of hellish morning trying to find a mechanic open on a Saturday who would work on a carburetor. Finally, we found Eddie's-great shop, great guy. They figured out what we needed, fixed it cheap and quick and sent us on our way. With Jolene purring like a kitten we headed North past Las Vegas to Zion National Park. A close friend of mine Barry was on his way back to San Clemente from Vegas so we stopped on the 15N in a little blip on the map, Baker, to eat together. We ate at the Mad Greek, and to our surprise it was awesome. Barry enjoyed telling Joey all of my embarrassing stories before we got back on the road to southern Utah. We enjoyed the pretty drive through the land of the Joshua Tree. It was nice to be back in the car just the two of us. I consider myself blessed to have a partner who is a such a wonderful friend, someone I can talk to, someone to confide in, someone who understands me. We all need someone like that. If you have someone like that make sure they know you love and appreciate them. That night we slept at a pull off just outside Zion.
Friday October 16th
Since the surf was so good the day before and it was just getting better we decided to postpone leaving S.C. until the afternoon and get in one more day at the beach. It was great, super sunny, perfect conditions and I got to see Ryan and Olivia. From the beach we went back, showered up, packed up and said goodbye. Just before we left Gary picked up Mateo. He was on a job in San Clemente so I got to see him too. Thanks so much to Laurie and Gary for giving us a great place to stay and taking such good care of us. Thanks to Greg and Kristen for being such great friends to me. And thanks to Shannon for being awesome, plain and simple, awesome. We got a late start on the road and hit some traffic. Around the San Bernardino area Jolene decided she needed a little bit of love. Joey and I stopped and called Andy for some pointers. We tried a few things and decided we needed a mechanic. Shannon found us a place to stay with her friends mom Sue. YAY SUE! We stopped there for the night and took refuge in the home of a kind and gracious stranger. The type of person who helps one to remember that good does exist in every nook and cranny of this crazy world, you just have to find it.
Saturday October 17th
We had a sort of hellish morning trying to find a mechanic open on a Saturday who would work on a carburetor. Finally, we found Eddie's-great shop, great guy. They figured out what we needed, fixed it cheap and quick and sent us on our way. With Jolene purring like a kitten we headed North past Las Vegas to Zion National Park. A close friend of mine Barry was on his way back to San Clemente from Vegas so we stopped on the 15N in a little blip on the map, Baker, to eat together. We ate at the Mad Greek, and to our surprise it was awesome. Barry enjoyed telling Joey all of my embarrassing stories before we got back on the road to southern Utah. We enjoyed the pretty drive through the land of the Joshua Tree. It was nice to be back in the car just the two of us. I consider myself blessed to have a partner who is a such a wonderful friend, someone I can talk to, someone to confide in, someone who understands me. We all need someone like that. If you have someone like that make sure they know you love and appreciate them. That night we slept at a pull off just outside Zion.
Sunday October 18th
Wake up, coffee mission. Since the majority of the next week would be spent in National Parks Joey broke down and bought the Golden Eagle Pass, good for all the National Parks for an entire year. At $25.00/day per park it's totally worth it. We got in to Zion and rode the shuttle up to Weeping Rock. We got off there and hiked Hidden Canyon and Observation Point. The names are pretty self explanatory. Both hikes were super physical and after about 10 miles of hiking I was pretty tired. We rode down and made dinner in the park. Baked beans with vegan links and instant mashed potatoes=best dinner ever. Leaving town we stopped at the local rental/outfitter shop and they gave us directions to a free campsite. The campsite was very secluded. The sky was so clear, we could clearly see the milky way and the Big Dipper (or it could've been part of Pegasus) We sat underneath the endless sky and watched for shooting stars. (I know it sounds cheesy but we really did see several shooting stars.) Our brains unfolded further and further and allowed the release of our thoughts as we drank more and more warm Evan Williams and Coke (yuck).
Wake up, coffee mission. Since the majority of the next week would be spent in National Parks Joey broke down and bought the Golden Eagle Pass, good for all the National Parks for an entire year. At $25.00/day per park it's totally worth it. We got in to Zion and rode the shuttle up to Weeping Rock. We got off there and hiked Hidden Canyon and Observation Point. The names are pretty self explanatory. Both hikes were super physical and after about 10 miles of hiking I was pretty tired. We rode down and made dinner in the park. Baked beans with vegan links and instant mashed potatoes=best dinner ever. Leaving town we stopped at the local rental/outfitter shop and they gave us directions to a free campsite. The campsite was very secluded. The sky was so clear, we could clearly see the milky way and the Big Dipper (or it could've been part of Pegasus) We sat underneath the endless sky and watched for shooting stars. (I know it sounds cheesy but we really did see several shooting stars.) Our brains unfolded further and further and allowed the release of our thoughts as we drank more and more warm Evan Williams and Coke (yuck).
Monday October 19th
We woke up at our awesome campsite and headed into town for our habitual morning mission-coffee. From there we headed back into Zion and hopped on the shuttle. We rode the shuttle all the way to the Temple of Sinawava (then due to false advertising back down to get water and then back up again) where we got off and headed to the Virgin Narrows. This super classic hike was totally rad. The first mile is paved and runs alongside the river, then it just stops. From there the hike just gets better and better. You walk upstream (up river) through the cold water (~50degrees) in the river bed. The canyon is beautiful and extreme. Another scene impossible to capture on film. We walked upstream for a few hours in awe all the while. After getting down we hopped back on the shuttle to dry out and head back to the truck. We made dinner in the park again. This time leftover vegan links with pasta and marinara was the evening cuisine. After dinner we went to yet another outfitter store in search of some fitting shoes-none to be had, then to a cafe, then back to our awesome campsite.
Tuesday October 20th
We woke up at our awesome campsite and headed into town for our habitual morning mission-coffee. From there we headed back into Zion and hopped on the shuttle. We rode the shuttle all the way to the Temple of Sinawava (then due to false advertising back down to get water and then back up again) where we got off and headed to the Virgin Narrows. This super classic hike was totally rad. The first mile is paved and runs alongside the river, then it just stops. From there the hike just gets better and better. You walk upstream (up river) through the cold water (~50degrees) in the river bed. The canyon is beautiful and extreme. Another scene impossible to capture on film. We walked upstream for a few hours in awe all the while. After getting down we hopped back on the shuttle to dry out and head back to the truck. We made dinner in the park again. This time leftover vegan links with pasta and marinara was the evening cuisine. After dinner we went to yet another outfitter store in search of some fitting shoes-none to be had, then to a cafe, then back to our awesome campsite.
Tuesday October 20th
TODAY! This morning we woke up, made grits and cowboy coffee, and hit the road.
We arrived in Bryce National Park before noon and went for a hike. We did a couple of short loop hikes and saw some amazing sites. Bryce is equally as impressive as Zion but in a way all its own.
The jagged Hoodoo (towers) are quite unique. Amazing color contrasts of white, yellow, orange, red, tan and brown surround you there. The view is spectacular, on a clear day you can see over 100miles into the distance. Near the middle of our hike we heard thunder and it started to sleet. That's right I almost got a sunburn yesterday and it is sleeting today-go Utah. We went back to Jolene and headed for the visitor center. We enjoyed the neat little museum they had there and hopped in the car to press onward toward Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument. Now we're sitting in a little cafe/outfitter store having the Polygamy Porter-yum.
Oh and here is a picture of Jolene that I have been meaning to add.
We enjoyed bagels and coffee, an awesome local thrift store (complete with the best shirt sweater I've ever seen featuring a pastel multimedia lighthouse scene), neat bike shop and REI. From Eugene we drove West on 126 to 101. We followed the beautiful coastal highway to Coos Bay where we broke off of 101 and went to Sunset Bay. We had an amazing stove cooked dinner there consisting of baked beans and ramen noodles. We ate dinner and watched an amazing sunset. After dinner we ventured down the road and stumbled upon Simpson Reef. It was getting pretty dark at that point so we couldn't see much but we could hear an orchestra of sea lions. Impressed we wanted to stay for the night so we could see it in the morning.
Tuesday October 6th
We headed to Delores park next and then on to the Castro. We got to see Harvey Milk Plaza, very cool. Then we hunted for vegan food. We were all jazzed up to go to this place called Weird Fish that was supposed to have killer vegan food. We walked around looking for it for literally thirty minutes and when we finally found it it was definatley closed on Tuesday. So we headed back to this Chinese vegetarian place we saw in pursuit of Weird Fish. Guess what-closed. We were kinda getting grouchy since we hadn't eaten all day and we had been biking and walking like fools. So we headed to the Haight and found a sweet little place called Cafe' International where we feasted. We left and began to explore the Haight. We pretty much hated that part of town (ha) with the exception of another eclectic taxidermy shop (best classic lace and silk dress I've ever seen), a cool vintage spot (where I made my first unnecessary purchase of the trip-suspenders) and one of the worlds coolest bike shops. American Cyclery, though hard to find, is rare gem. Established in 1941 it was full of neat old bikes and bike paraphernalia along with lots of super tight new bikes. So at this point in the San Fran adventure I felt like I had seen lots and my feet were absolutely killing me. (I had lost my socks a few days before so instead of wearing my chucks with no socks sometimes like usual I was wearing them with no socks all the time and I had some blisters from them. Since I already had blisters from my chacos I decided to wear the only other pair of shoes I brought with me-black flats. The blisters I developed that day I think were record breaking. The theme of this trip very well may be Inadequate shoes and the ever tiring task of finding shoes that are both affordable and adequate, aka the impossible feat.) We met up with Mary to catch the Bart back to Oakland. (Where I hastily changed shoes.) We waited on John to get home and in the meantime I gathered up our laundry. The four of us rode bikes down to the laundromat and had a couple of drinks while we waited to change the laundry over to the dryer. The bar we were in was a total dive but somehow it is there that I had the best PBR of my life. From there we went to a little pizza joint down the road. We had calzones with a tofu based cheese substitute and a pitcher of beer. Retrieved the laundry, rode home, folded it, slept. Big day.
We went back through Berkeley to Oakland and stopped yet again at Berkeley Bowl on the way home. We got ingredients to make dinner for John and Mary. I had so much fun making soup. Joey went to pick up the truck and such while I chopped tons of veggies and boiled potatoes for creamy vegan potato vegetable soup. Joey made his awesome biscuits and I made whipped topping to put with some berries for dessert. We all ate together and just sat around sharing funny stories until we mozied off to bed. O and I must not forget Mary gave me socks!!!!!!!!!!
September 25th continued
This spot is most famous for its awesome mud flats at low tide. Amber and Brad then took me to a secret paradise. It the never-never land we all dream of as a child. A fort with wood and trash art, a refuge for friends, I felt like peter pan-wonderful! This place had something spiritual about it. Something so great it brings out childlike wonder in all that venture there. We left and met up with Joey on the main drag in town, then rode back to Laura's and dropped off her bike so we could head back to the super cute cabin (only with Joey this time). Joey was also greeted by an energetic Oser. We got dropped off the bikes, got ready and headed back down to Laura and Justin's. All of Brad and Amber's Bellingham friends got together with us there and we feasted. Joey and I made guacamole:) Laura is an amazing cook and made a few dishes including vegan chocolate covered eclairs and vegan coconut cupcakes. I don't typically like wither but somehow both were amazing. Thanks Laura and Friends!! We left stuffed and tired and retreated to the cabin for sleep.
We hiked up past Heliotrope ridge all the way to the glaciers at which point we were literally using our hands with almost every step. Since I neglected to bring boots I enjoyed the hike in my chacos. Ha. The view was amazing and totally exhilarating. Quite a different view, the one of me slip sliding down was...hilarious. Once we got down Heliotrope Ridge we drove up to Artist Point and saw the sunset over the mountains. Again, gorgeous. Thanks to my dad and his generosity I got to have Joey teach me how to use my grandfather's old camera. Super neat. On the drive home we stopped for Thai Food and again retreated to the cabin in the woods.
With an extremely limited budget we decided that we should stop and check out the brewery and then head to our temporary refuge in the woods to make dinner. And so we did, we got a beer sampler and discovered that the cream ale, lager, IPA and English pale ale were all pretty much unremarkable. I crashed on the ride home. I had been suffering from a sore throat and with that on top of the events from the day prior I was wiped out. When we got back I napped more while Joey the wonderful made Chana Masala for Brad, Amber and I. Then sleep.
September 30th.JPG)
I responded “yea but it cost fifteen bucks right?” He pleasantly surprised us by saying “yea but no one is there to collect money anymore.” We literally ran down the mountain and hopped in the car to go up to Hurricane Ridge. 
And yet again, I saw one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Four deer came directly into our path, super cool. Freezing and totally pleased that we got to see both the lake and Hurricane Ridge we headed down to find a place to camp. We started down coasting. Then Joey went to turn the truck on and because it was already engaged that was a bad idea-super loud pop-ouch! Freaked out, we stopped to discover that we literally blew up the muffler. We decided that the best thing would be to stop and camp and work on Jolene (the truck) in the morning. We slept on the side of route 112 somewhere.
First stop, Bristol. Joey and I took off Friday September 18th around 1:00 pm. Straight from the job site, excuse me, the former job site.We arrived in Bristol TN/VA just in time for volunteer check-in. Perfect place for Joey and I. Truly the closest thing to us both being in out native states. So close in fact that we could walk down the street holding hands while in ourrespective states-awwww how adorable? What a goat show? It was nuts, we got assigned to ticket sales right by the main stage. Met Justin Townes Earle. Listened to lots of good music, escaped the volunteer booth and started dancin'. First night on the road we slept in Leonardo (my blue Subaru wagon).
Wednesday September 23rd. Rode with Jesse to the Gorge and hiked Angels' Rest Trail. Beautiful. We also saw Horsetail falls and Multnomah falls. Came back and relaxed, got ready and met up with Ross for Ethiopian food, yum!
We went to Powell's-largest independent bookstore in the world (awesome rare books room with books printed in the early 1700s and some priced over $10,000), then to a cool elephant statue, music shop to get me a new harmonica at Old Towne Music!, and Portland's famous food carts for felafel. Then we rode on the trail called Springwater Corridor Trail, it goes all around the city limits down by the water-gorgeous. By then it was happy hour so we went to Kelly's Olympian and got $5.00 black and blues (Double shot of Jack and tallboy PBR) X2. From there we (Joey, Ross, Lauren and Clayton) rode back to Jesse and Lauren's and got ready to go out to last Thursdays. SO fun, awesome music, art, food, street performers etc.
