Greetings from the California coast. A lot has happened since our last blog. We lost our phone for a while, eventually gutted the van, then found it next to the laptop. Now we have internet again, though we're using the internet at the campsite where we stayed last night. I'll see if I can recap what we've been through since the last post.
Dang, I don't think I mentioned the Grand Canyon yet, and that seems like we were there weeks ago. Very beautiful. Not much more to say. I have many pictures, and I intend to organize those soon and get them posted to Picasa so y'all can see them. I climbed to some pretty crazy places, took the dogs on no-dog-trails, and watched the sun set while talking to a nice ranger fella.
We then decided to head up to Utah as was our original plan. After checking out some of the really cool rock stuff there, we turned around and headed for Vegas. I almost got Bethany to gamble on a slot machine at the pitstop we made, but she held firm. We then bought a milkshake and hit the road for California.
We wiggled (and all you can do on most of California roads is wiggle at about 30 mph) to Sequoia National Park. Very scary on the roads, but very beautiful. The pugs had fun claiming some of the largest trees in the world. Bethany napped while I went up to some very scary perches. The pictures are neato.
To wrap up, we then spent two HOT days at a recreation (read: boating) park where I got sunburned and we found the phone after reorganizing the van. Yesterday we then went to Yosemite, gave a lift to two pretty cool older hikers back to the car then left for a 3 day hike, then went to a place south of San Francisco. We slept amongst trees that are thousands of years old. Very cool. Literally. Bethany has been freaking out now that we are out of the heat (in a good way). We then basically gave San Francisco the finger by only visiting for an hour. Long enough for Phillip to pee on it and me to get a burger from McDonalds (though Bethany did get some sourdough bread which is apparently San Fran's thing). That brings us up to date!
I will be back with more details and pictures in short order. Until then: toodles!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Report from Mobile Fluffy Cave
The pugs are in pug heaven. They are constantly smiling as they nap in a traveling, air-conditioned, and blanketed van filled with our 5 water bottles (which I greedily fill at any and all water sources) and dine on Spam as we have recently run out of dog food. By the way, I like my traveling man cave a lot, especially now that we have a power inverter to power the laptop. Phillip has even decided to poop downtown first in Cincinnati, then New Orleans, and today Albuquerque. Albuquerque deserved it.
A picture of happy Phillip and one of Henry napping any way he can.
This is because Albuquerque has no Hispanic restaurants in its downtown area. I have been eating ramen/rice topped with canned meat for most meals except for important "must-eats". These include but are not limited to: sweet tea, barbecue, fried okra, corn bread, jambalaya, beignets, and JUST A LITTLE MEXICAN FOOD IN, OH, I DON'T KNOW, NEW MEXICO!
Hehe. We asked around and found a great place in old Albuquerque. Much worth the look. I had beans.
By the way, we just passed into Arizona and the song "Ocean Front Property" (in Arizona) started playing. Also, we can see the reason why the park we were going to use this evening is closed. Forest fire. Someone forgot to put all his coals out. He's getting a misdemeanor. We thought the smoke was a cloud from a distance.
Also, Bethany is a little punchy. She just said, "WALMART! HEEEEEEY, WALMART!" She also awoke from a nap to say, "They have ice cream at lake Jacob!" (Where we are staying tonight - Grand Canyon is 30 miles away: will see sunrise and sunset there tomorrow).
What else? We passed through Texas in a sprint last night. Phillip pooped in New Orleans yesterday and Albuquerque today. I replaced the oil in the van the night before yesterday. We are going to replace it again in about 30 minutes.
Texas looks a lot like Pennsylvania. I have been getting wary of people saying, "Oh, you'll really like Oregon, it looks a lot like Pennsylvania." That can be said of Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Thanks to New Mexico and Arizona for being deserts. Also, they are actually cooler than all the previous states. The pugs went for a walk and didn't end up panting. That is a nice surprise. Also, not as many bugs.
That brings us up to speed. I think I'll do pictures for the next post. We have a good few.
A picture of happy Phillip and one of Henry napping any way he can.
This is because Albuquerque has no Hispanic restaurants in its downtown area. I have been eating ramen/rice topped with canned meat for most meals except for important "must-eats". These include but are not limited to: sweet tea, barbecue, fried okra, corn bread, jambalaya, beignets, and JUST A LITTLE MEXICAN FOOD IN, OH, I DON'T KNOW, NEW MEXICO!
Hehe. We asked around and found a great place in old Albuquerque. Much worth the look. I had beans.
By the way, we just passed into Arizona and the song "Ocean Front Property" (in Arizona) started playing. Also, we can see the reason why the park we were going to use this evening is closed. Forest fire. Someone forgot to put all his coals out. He's getting a misdemeanor. We thought the smoke was a cloud from a distance.
Also, Bethany is a little punchy. She just said, "WALMART! HEEEEEEY, WALMART!" She also awoke from a nap to say, "They have ice cream at lake Jacob!" (Where we are staying tonight - Grand Canyon is 30 miles away: will see sunrise and sunset there tomorrow).
What else? We passed through Texas in a sprint last night. Phillip pooped in New Orleans yesterday and Albuquerque today. I replaced the oil in the van the night before yesterday. We are going to replace it again in about 30 minutes.
Texas looks a lot like Pennsylvania. I have been getting wary of people saying, "Oh, you'll really like Oregon, it looks a lot like Pennsylvania." That can be said of Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Thanks to New Mexico and Arizona for being deserts. Also, they are actually cooler than all the previous states. The pugs went for a walk and didn't end up panting. That is a nice surprise. Also, not as many bugs.
That brings us up to speed. I think I'll do pictures for the next post. We have a good few.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Recommendation and Acclaimation
Best book to have on your mind while traveling through Lousiana: Charlainne Harris's Dead Until Dark. Yay, Sookie Stackhous
Cleanliness
Hello, my name is Bethany, and it's been 6 days since my last shower...
Since we've stumbled across lakes or public fountains every day since our departure, we've been (relatively) clean. But there comes a bursting point where lake water just don't get you clean no more.
We are currently (as I 'after the fact' write) in Lake Lurleen State Park, outside Birmingham, Alabama (Bama Nation!). It's the morning after and enough is enough. I wind my way to the bathhouse, which is suprisingly clean and modern and took my first real shower in almost a week. It was glorious!
The one downside: My tan, my lovely, gloriously glowing tan that had developed in just the last week--turns out, it wasn't really a tan. It was dirt.
Leaving the bathhouse--I was sweating inside the building because my one shower (though only an environmentally friendl-ish 10 minutes) had made the poorly ventilated bathhouse steamy and overly-heated. I left the bathhouse quickly but almost instantly wanted to retreat back inside because outside was even worse than in--and it was only 9 am!
Current music for visiting Alabama: (which I actually heard on the radio coming here!) Home Sweet Alabama by the Charlie Daniels Band...anybody know if there's an apostrophe in the name?
Since we've stumbled across lakes or public fountains every day since our departure, we've been (relatively) clean. But there comes a bursting point where lake water just don't get you clean no more.
We are currently (as I 'after the fact' write) in Lake Lurleen State Park, outside Birmingham, Alabama (Bama Nation!). It's the morning after and enough is enough. I wind my way to the bathhouse, which is suprisingly clean and modern and took my first real shower in almost a week. It was glorious!
The one downside: My tan, my lovely, gloriously glowing tan that had developed in just the last week--turns out, it wasn't really a tan. It was dirt.
Leaving the bathhouse--I was sweating inside the building because my one shower (though only an environmentally friendl-ish 10 minutes) had made the poorly ventilated bathhouse steamy and overly-heated. I left the bathhouse quickly but almost instantly wanted to retreat back inside because outside was even worse than in--and it was only 9 am!
Current music for visiting Alabama: (which I actually heard on the radio coming here!) Home Sweet Alabama by the Charlie Daniels Band...anybody know if there's an apostrophe in the name?
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Morning Wake-Up Call
Lake Nolin State Park, Saturday Morning
Loud, whining bark from a small dog--because he's tied up...
Woman to her child (in calm, Southern accent): Can I have your hat?
Woman to her child: Can I have your hat?
Child: My hat?
Woman: Give me your hat, baby.
Child: Why?
Woman: Give me your hat. I need to beat my dawg. (To dog:) You know better!
Loud, whining bark from a small dog--because he's tied up...
Woman to her child (in calm, Southern accent): Can I have your hat?
Woman to her child: Can I have your hat?
Child: My hat?
Woman: Give me your hat, baby.
Child: Why?
Woman: Give me your hat. I need to beat my dawg. (To dog:) You know better!
Enjoying Art
Lois-ville?
Louie-ville?
Loua-ville?
Nope, it's Loua-vull.
Here's Michael playing in either a work of art or cool pool that stretch about a city block along the Louisville water front. Despite the sign that said, "High levels of hydrogen: do not swim," he did.
The snake's belly is full 'cause he's just eaten--and so's Michael's!
National Parks are Deceiving
A few nights ago (I guess it was Thursday) we tried stopping in a park in Ohio. I checked the TomTom and Google maps (which is how we wing it most of the time) and saw a nice large national park not too far from Columbus, Ohio. We even called to confirm there were sites available and that they were dog friendly. The lady assured Bethany that there were plenty of spots and the check-in was easy. No need for directions was indicated.
TomTom took us to the "entrance" which was actually a very nice empty building with a nice large empty parking lot and no camping sites. After I lost my mind (Bad directions is my biggest pet peeve) we backtracked 30 minutes to a state park we passed on the way. It was a nice park, we got a chance to practice our fire building, tent setup, and we unloaded a few more things from the van. In the morning we took our time making breakfast, set our course for Columbus for lunch (Skyline Chili!), then started driving around 11 or so.
In all this time, I think we were in one of the branches of the national park. The thing I didn't realize was: national park just means "hillbillies welcome." It felt like Deliverance, and I have only heard of the movie. Lots of shacks and ghost towns with the random gas station attendant hogging all the town's five teeth to himself. Just kidding, these people are very nice! Everyone says hello and doesn't mind that I don't shower.
My friend from college, Honker, heard I was heading toward Cincinnati so we met up at his parent's house. He will be in Portland in August, so we'll be seeing a bit of each other this summer! Bethany and I felt bad for the dogs so we cozied up in the van for the night. Pretty comfortable, though a little cramped. I'm getting used to it though.
I'll tell you about yesterday and today later. Just got internet through my phone, so we'll be able to update this blog more frequently. Feel free to e-mail!
Mike
TomTom took us to the "entrance" which was actually a very nice empty building with a nice large empty parking lot and no camping sites. After I lost my mind (Bad directions is my biggest pet peeve) we backtracked 30 minutes to a state park we passed on the way. It was a nice park, we got a chance to practice our fire building, tent setup, and we unloaded a few more things from the van. In the morning we took our time making breakfast, set our course for Columbus for lunch (Skyline Chili!), then started driving around 11 or so.
In all this time, I think we were in one of the branches of the national park. The thing I didn't realize was: national park just means "hillbillies welcome." It felt like Deliverance, and I have only heard of the movie. Lots of shacks and ghost towns with the random gas station attendant hogging all the town's five teeth to himself. Just kidding, these people are very nice! Everyone says hello and doesn't mind that I don't shower.
My friend from college, Honker, heard I was heading toward Cincinnati so we met up at his parent's house. He will be in Portland in August, so we'll be seeing a bit of each other this summer! Bethany and I felt bad for the dogs so we cozied up in the van for the night. Pretty comfortable, though a little cramped. I'm getting used to it though.
I'll tell you about yesterday and today later. Just got internet through my phone, so we'll be able to update this blog more frequently. Feel free to e-mail!
Mike
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
You've got a one (sound)track mind
Yesterday was my last day of the school year, possibly my last day teaching. Ever. For months--years, even, I've imagined what this Grand Escape would feel like.
On the radio that afternoon, Tom Petty's "Freefalling" played. I was just amazed at how well this song connected. The speaker has something wonderful that he's leaving behind, and he knows that he should feel guilty or at least remorseful--but he is so captured by the intensity of being free.
Another song that resonated with my resolution was Jordin Sparks, "One Step at a Time." I know that I should bring attention to this teeny-bobber, feel-good junk...but one does feel good listening to it, as though a tiny bubble of joy has broken through. The line, "It's gonna happen when it's suppossed to happen, and there ain't no reason why, Just one step at a time" seemed tailored fit to my journey, the many moments of waiting and hoping for this last car ride on Route 222.
But what are your songs? What song would you want to listen to as you make your Grand Escape? What it be peppy or mournful, Taylor Swift or AC/DC?
I've got--I say 3 days, Michael says 14--to get to Oregon...what should be the soundtrack for this trip?
On the radio that afternoon, Tom Petty's "Freefalling" played. I was just amazed at how well this song connected. The speaker has something wonderful that he's leaving behind, and he knows that he should feel guilty or at least remorseful--but he is so captured by the intensity of being free.
Another song that resonated with my resolution was Jordin Sparks, "One Step at a Time." I know that I should bring attention to this teeny-bobber, feel-good junk...but one does feel good listening to it, as though a tiny bubble of joy has broken through. The line, "It's gonna happen when it's suppossed to happen, and there ain't no reason why, Just one step at a time" seemed tailored fit to my journey, the many moments of waiting and hoping for this last car ride on Route 222.
But what are your songs? What song would you want to listen to as you make your Grand Escape? What it be peppy or mournful, Taylor Swift or AC/DC?
I've got--I say 3 days, Michael says 14--to get to Oregon...what should be the soundtrack for this trip?
Last Day in PA
I have moved before. Once, I helped my brother Matt pack up a truck, drive to a storage unit, unpack, repack, then drive to Pittsburgh, then almost help unpack IN THE SAME DAY. Somehow, the packing involved in this trip has been even more hectic. I was worked to the bone making donation/recycling/storage trips while cleaning, watching the dogs, and making the calls necessary to get rid of furniture Water Street (in the form of Tom Paschke :) ) would not take. So, I was rewarded for my efforts when we left yesterday.
Monday, June 14, 2010
And then there was one...one more day left
We have condensed our 4-bedroom house to 10 boxes, 2 hike packs, and 2 puggies. I would like to thank the intense humidity and heat, the nasty mouse droppings at the back of too many cabinets, and the lack of boxes/bags/carrying devices for this very difficult honor.
I am glory-ing in the feeling of leaving the house for the last time tomorrow and just being on the open road. Will it feel more real then? I can feel this intense bubble of excitement and anticipation about to burst in my chest at the thought.
We had a fun bonfire last night and got to see friends one last time. I think last night--leaving hit me more fully than before. Leaving means no longer quick get together's or calling up and hanging out. Instead, it means quick catch-ups and brief how's it goings. The real work in staying close and involved will start.
I hope that--with wherever we "land"--we can find a community of friends and supporters, people who get (and, even more, enjoy!) our humor, who will just sit around a bonfire with us and ask for no more entertainment then shooting the crap out of a mildly innocent neck pumpkin.
Lancaster has been wonderful. Oregon, you have a lot to live up to.
--Bethany
I am glory-ing in the feeling of leaving the house for the last time tomorrow and just being on the open road. Will it feel more real then? I can feel this intense bubble of excitement and anticipation about to burst in my chest at the thought.
We had a fun bonfire last night and got to see friends one last time. I think last night--leaving hit me more fully than before. Leaving means no longer quick get together's or calling up and hanging out. Instead, it means quick catch-ups and brief how's it goings. The real work in staying close and involved will start.
I hope that--with wherever we "land"--we can find a community of friends and supporters, people who get (and, even more, enjoy!) our humor, who will just sit around a bonfire with us and ask for no more entertainment then shooting the crap out of a mildly innocent neck pumpkin.
Lancaster has been wonderful. Oregon, you have a lot to live up to.
--Bethany
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Bye, bye Garden
And here's my garden. The new renters have already planted their tomatoes (in my garden!) The rabbits have also moved in on my rutabagas, the slugs on my lettuce--and the rain has pulled down my peas. Slowly, slowly I'm being pushed out.
Weeds and Other Deeds
Check out the picture. Can you figure out what that is?
It's my to do list: before we leave there are, of course, lots of things that are not mended/cleaned/polished up. But this is the back field...a friend said that if we called it the meadow, then we didn't have to worry about mowing it. Fair enough. If only the landlords felt so too. My excuse has been, I love bugs and wildflowers--and (she mutters under her breath) hate mowing.
Oh well. 15 minutes a day of weedwacking and then 15 minutes a day mowing the wacked weeds.
7 days left!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Plans
Michael here. My final days in Lancaster are coming to a close. If I had known that I would live amongst the Amish 6 years ago, I would have laughed. Now I already feel a loss when I think about the place I spent my young adult years. I have dated, engaged, and married Bethany, graduated and unsuccessfully used my college diploma, then determined to leave - only to discover the thing that might really keep me here: the learning center at water street.
Those who know me might also know that I become very shy at times, and very outgoing at others. I enjoy myself a lot when I am outgoing, and I think I finally isolated what makes me outgoing: working with adults in a Christian learning atmosphere. I sensed this when I worked as a camp counselor, and a little as a tutor, but never so strongly and consistently as when I volunteered at water street. I know I will miss the mission, but at least I have ascertained what makes me tick. I count myself lucky: I don't think many people know what will make them happy. Now, I know.
This summer will be an enjoyable experience for many reasons. The hiking and camping will be a fun way to get in touch with my manly side (I write that a little tongue-in-cheek, but not entirely). The change of pace will be nice for my relationship with Bethany. Exploring the outdoors will be a wonderful way for me to recharge. However, I cannot help but see this as a retreat in the negative sense as well.
I have developed many relationships in Lancaster. Bethany has (until recently) enjoyed a wonderful job. Friends have started springing up. My volunteer time has been widening in scope. To leave now sends (inadvertently) the message that we do not care. It tells friends and colleagues that they are not as important as our wanderlust. It has already confused and hurt some, though all have been kind in their reception of the news.
Like a teenager who first pops-off to college, then to overseas mission work, then an advanced degree or military career, I feel like I am addicted to the moratoriums of western life. Here I am jetting off to Oregon when I could be starting my life's work in Pennsylvania. Why does my spirit still point west when I dislike the messages I send? Am I whipped? Apathetic? I would like to think not.
Man plans and God laughs. I learned that lesson when I tried to get through college then ended up on the wrong side of a lawsuit. Now, I find myself yearning for the lack of a plan, yet planning none-the-less. I want to zip out to Oregon, but now I have another purpose besides running away. I desire a future where I can 'volunteer' at missions for the rest of my life. If there is a way to do that, I want it to happen. Oregon seems to be the place where this search will start.
I have heard of the learning center in Portland and the work done throughout the state. I think I should start there. My short-term plan is to enjoy what Oregon can offer me. My long-term plan (which might even - gasp - involve more school) is to make a career out of what I have done the last 3 months in water street. I am excited, because no matter how far below my goal I fall, I know I will be joyful with my profession for the rest of my life. God willing.
Mike
Those who know me might also know that I become very shy at times, and very outgoing at others. I enjoy myself a lot when I am outgoing, and I think I finally isolated what makes me outgoing: working with adults in a Christian learning atmosphere. I sensed this when I worked as a camp counselor, and a little as a tutor, but never so strongly and consistently as when I volunteered at water street. I know I will miss the mission, but at least I have ascertained what makes me tick. I count myself lucky: I don't think many people know what will make them happy. Now, I know.
This summer will be an enjoyable experience for many reasons. The hiking and camping will be a fun way to get in touch with my manly side (I write that a little tongue-in-cheek, but not entirely). The change of pace will be nice for my relationship with Bethany. Exploring the outdoors will be a wonderful way for me to recharge. However, I cannot help but see this as a retreat in the negative sense as well.
I have developed many relationships in Lancaster. Bethany has (until recently) enjoyed a wonderful job. Friends have started springing up. My volunteer time has been widening in scope. To leave now sends (inadvertently) the message that we do not care. It tells friends and colleagues that they are not as important as our wanderlust. It has already confused and hurt some, though all have been kind in their reception of the news.
Like a teenager who first pops-off to college, then to overseas mission work, then an advanced degree or military career, I feel like I am addicted to the moratoriums of western life. Here I am jetting off to Oregon when I could be starting my life's work in Pennsylvania. Why does my spirit still point west when I dislike the messages I send? Am I whipped? Apathetic? I would like to think not.
Man plans and God laughs. I learned that lesson when I tried to get through college then ended up on the wrong side of a lawsuit. Now, I find myself yearning for the lack of a plan, yet planning none-the-less. I want to zip out to Oregon, but now I have another purpose besides running away. I desire a future where I can 'volunteer' at missions for the rest of my life. If there is a way to do that, I want it to happen. Oregon seems to be the place where this search will start.
I have heard of the learning center in Portland and the work done throughout the state. I think I should start there. My short-term plan is to enjoy what Oregon can offer me. My long-term plan (which might even - gasp - involve more school) is to make a career out of what I have done the last 3 months in water street. I am excited, because no matter how far below my goal I fall, I know I will be joyful with my profession for the rest of my life. God willing.
Mike
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
In Case of Bears...
Bill Bryson, how dare you?
Do you know how many times he mentions bears or bear attacks or (gasp!) bears eating my food? It's ridiculous! He should be ashamed of himself. Let me quoteth to you some of his facts/horrors as used in his book, A Walk in the Woods.
-"Black bears rarely attack. But here's the thing. Sometimes they do. All bears are agile, cunning, and immensely strong, and they are always hungry. If they want to kill you and eat you, they can, and pretty much whenever they want. That doesn't happen often, but--and here is the absolute salient point--once would be enough."
And of course...
"Up to that moment it had not occurred to me that bears might prowl in parties. What on earth would I do if four bears came into my camp? Why, I would die, of course. Literally [crap] myself lifeless. I would blow my sphincter out my backside like one of those unrolling paper streamers you get at a children's parties--I daresay it would even give a merry toot--and bleed to a messy death in my sleeping bag."
Merry toots are just not my thing.
I read this book at the beginning of my "research" into our (Michael and Bethany's) upcoming journey: we have sold off, packed up, and said goodbye to life in Lancaster and are headed to Oregon (somewhere there in). Our goal: hike and explore. Our goal after reading Walk? Not to become the bits that gets stuck in a bear's mouth.
Perhaps I'm overly concerned about something Mr. Bryson added for cheap thrills and chills; something small, something minor.
Perhaps. But then, if I didn't obsess over bears, then what else would I do with my free time? Pack, plan? Hardly.
Here's a funny clip from comedian Mike Birbiglia who says, (paraphrased) "There are so many bears in Alaska that they give you a pamphlet. The pamphlet says if you see a bear, play dead... That seems like a real gamble..." Watch the full bit at http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/514688>
Do you know how many times he mentions bears or bear attacks or (gasp!) bears eating my food? It's ridiculous! He should be ashamed of himself. Let me quoteth to you some of his facts/horrors as used in his book, A Walk in the Woods.
-"Black bears rarely attack. But here's the thing. Sometimes they do. All bears are agile, cunning, and immensely strong, and they are always hungry. If they want to kill you and eat you, they can, and pretty much whenever they want. That doesn't happen often, but--and here is the absolute salient point--once would be enough."
And of course...
"Up to that moment it had not occurred to me that bears might prowl in parties. What on earth would I do if four bears came into my camp? Why, I would die, of course. Literally [crap] myself lifeless. I would blow my sphincter out my backside like one of those unrolling paper streamers you get at a children's parties--I daresay it would even give a merry toot--and bleed to a messy death in my sleeping bag."
Merry toots are just not my thing.
I read this book at the beginning of my "research" into our (Michael and Bethany's) upcoming journey: we have sold off, packed up, and said goodbye to life in Lancaster and are headed to Oregon (somewhere there in). Our goal: hike and explore. Our goal after reading Walk? Not to become the bits that gets stuck in a bear's mouth.
Perhaps I'm overly concerned about something Mr. Bryson added for cheap thrills and chills; something small, something minor.
Perhaps. But then, if I didn't obsess over bears, then what else would I do with my free time? Pack, plan? Hardly.
Here's a funny clip from comedian Mike Birbiglia who says, (paraphrased) "There are so many bears in Alaska that they give you a pamphlet. The pamphlet says if you see a bear, play dead... That seems like a real gamble..." Watch the full bit at http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/514688>
.
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