6.19.2008
My ALC 7 Highlight Reel featuring Junior Senior
These are some of my photo highlights from ALC 7. Unfortunately, no photos from Red Dress Day since I spent it in the Emergency Room. *sigh*
Enjoy!
6.16.2008
The Road Trip Reel featuring Josh Ritter
Here are some memories of friends, family and fun from my road trip - from my Going Away party to Los Angeles. This doesn't include AIDS LifeCycle, but look for another "movie" for that wild week soon!
Enjoy! Peace!
This sums up...
This is my fortune from lunch at Pei Wei today and it sums up the last two months of my travels from the East Coast to the Southwest...
6.14.2008
THE ALC 7 Diaries... DAY TWO
SANTA CRUZ TO KING CITY
Day Two was a BIG one... 105 miles, which, if completed, would be my very first century. I was overwhelmed by the thought of riding so far only a day after having done about 80 miles, but was optimistic I would finish.
We set out after breakfast, riding through downtown Santa Cruz on the way out. There were quite a few people out and about in town to wish us well as we departed. At one stop light, we spoke briefly to Joe Solmonese - head of the Human Rights Campaign - who was riding with some other folks from DC and New York behind us.
Day Two was to take us inland a bit, but we had an early glimpse of the Pacific Ocean at Rest Stop 1. The day started with heavy cloud cover, giving us all a little anxiety that we might get some rain despite the weather forecast given the night before.
Scott and me along the Pacific Ocean at Rest Stop 1
As we crossed inland, we came upon miles and miles of agricultural fields - artichoke, strawberries (someone commented that The Beatles just must have had this in mind when they wrote Strawberry Fields Forever), herbs, brocolli, leeks. It was quite a sight. And much to my surprise, even the farm workers, hard at work tending to and picking crops, stopped to wave and say hello as we passed. The roads were pretty beat up around the fields from the constant flow of farm machinery and trucks in and out.
As we turned back toward the coast, Scott pointed out seal lions on the rocks in the bay... I had wondered what the stench and horrible sounds were all about. His observation answered my question.
A lot of people had stopped at an artichoke stand, but not wanting to waste any time and not being much a fan of artichokes, I continued - stopping only momentarily to take a photo with Ginger Brewlay in an outfit that appears to have been inspired by the foil-wrapped artichokes...
Stopping for a photo with Ginger... I didn't even get off the bike!
We continued on - had lunch in Salinas and took a moment to rest and kept going. Sometime between lunch and Rest Stop 3 - around Mile 61, things took a turn for the worse for Scott. Scott had moved a short distance ahead of me and I stopped to take some photos (see below) of the countryside, hills, and tilled fields. I clipped back in and went no more than a mile or so down the road when I noticed someone had crashed and was now lying in the ditch surrounded by people. I slowed a bit, not intending to become the next casualty, and as I passed looked down into the ditch. I was shocked to see Scott face up and filthy - in the ditch. I put on the brakes and pulled over to rush to see what had happened. Thankfully, Scott was mostly coherent, talking to a driver who had stopped while several people who had called 911 tried to explain to dispatchers where we were located. After awhile, Scott noticed I was there, the ambulance came and checked him out - all fine except that he couldn't lift his right arm. He made the choice to have ALC's Medical Transport take him to the hospital for x-rays rather than take the ambulance. As they took him away I told him I would finish the day for him - but ONLY if he stopped taking naps in ditches.
A spot along the route near where Scott creamed out
The accident happened - allegedly, since Scott's memory of it was cloudy - when Scott turned to look over his left shoulder to see if I was behind him. When he turned, he squeezed the brakes for reasons unknown and was thrown over the handlebars - still partly clipped in - and landed on his right shoulder. When he came to, he realized he should roll off the road and out of the way of other cyclists and cars, which is how he found himself in the ditch. Either way it happened, it meant he was off the ride at least for the day and likely for the rest of the week.
I spent about an hour at the site of the accident, so needed to move along to make up time. I stopped at Rest Stop 3 at a vineyard (damn it, no wine!) and moved along to the next stop, which could not be missed... The Otter Pop Stop.
The Otter Pop Stop is an official water stop on Day Two... But if you thought all you were getting was water and portapotties, you would be in for a shock. Roadies at the stop - most of them anyway - were dressed in Western attire... With the exception of a handful of whimsical Bears found dancing about in tutus with ribbons and flags and handing out Otter Pops. It was worth the stop for a smile and the sight of it all... Look below. I sweat this doesn't do it justice, but it's a glimpse.
Two festive Bears dance around the Otter Pop Stop
A view of the Otter Pop tent
The next big attraction after the Otter Pop Stop was the famed Cookie Lady. I didn't get the WHOLE story (if anyone knows it, let me know), but the Cookie Lady prepares THOUSANDS of cookies from scratch each year to hand out to cyclists on AIDS LifeCycle... These weren't Betty Crocker! I had an Oatmeal Raisin cookie and it was awesome. Rumor has it Cookie Lady starts baking after Christmas each year to have her goods ready for June. And she was so enthusiastic, wishing everyone "A SUNSHINY DAY!" as they set off through the strong cross winds toward Rest Stop 4.
Cookie Lady and me... Delicious!
Cookie Lady led on to Rest Stop 4, followed by the final 14 miles of Day Two. I arrived at Rest Stop 4 with less than 15 minutes to spare before the Sag Bus and Caboose arrived, so I didn't take photos... However, Rest Stop 4 featured the Miss ALC tournament and such beauties as Miss Guantanamo Bay and Miss-ed My Period - my favorite.
I left the Rest Stop and didn't get more than a block away when I observed I was losing pressure in my rear tire. I checked things out and found a very slow leak. Taking time to change a tire meant that I might be picked up by the caboose and miss my chance to finish my century ride - so I pumped the tire back up and went on. Halfway to camp was a gradual, but slightly challenging hill. On the way up I stopped to take this photo - and to pump my tire back up for the remaining few miles into camp.
A line of cyclists rides uphill toward King City
On the way up the hill stood a fellow rider, bike held high above his head. And as I rode past he shouted, "CONGRATULATIONS MAN! YOU JUST RODE A CENTURY!" I felt a swelling of pride within - and while it didn't matter if I completed the rest of the day for having achieved a real challenge in my first century, I pressed on. As my rear tire slowly deflated I pedaled and pedaled to the finish line, met by cheers, bells and whistles as I crossed. My first task was to change my tire - using ALC's notoriously bad pumps. I popped the first tube and needed a second, but had used the spare I had on hand. It was then that I made a new friend - as is true so many times a day on AIDS LifeCycle. A Positive Pedaler saw me - probably looking a little discouraged - and asked if he could help. I explained my predicament and he offered me one of his spares and a place to park my bike - right up front with the Pos Peds. As I pumped up my new tube and repaired my bike, we had a chat. He introduced himself as Tripp and we discovered we were both from Washington, DC. Tripp and I became good friends throughout the week and I'm so happy to have met him. It's a typical ALC story - people helping each other out and making new friends.
That night I was too late to catch a shower, was too late getting my tent up to allow it to dry of the dew deposited the night before, but ate and slept well nonetheless. Before turning in for the night, I went to visit Scott in the Medical Tent. He had news that he had a broken scapula (shoulder blade) and was off the ride for the week. Time to make lots of new friends or I might be riding solo!
YOU CAN VIEW A VIDEO SUMMARY OF DAY TWO from ALC 7 on YouTube!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OFFICIAL ALC PHOTOS FROM THE RIDE, SORTED BY DAY!
NEXT! DAY THREE: KING CITY TO PASO ROBLES!
Day Two was a BIG one... 105 miles, which, if completed, would be my very first century. I was overwhelmed by the thought of riding so far only a day after having done about 80 miles, but was optimistic I would finish.
We set out after breakfast, riding through downtown Santa Cruz on the way out. There were quite a few people out and about in town to wish us well as we departed. At one stop light, we spoke briefly to Joe Solmonese - head of the Human Rights Campaign - who was riding with some other folks from DC and New York behind us.
Day Two was to take us inland a bit, but we had an early glimpse of the Pacific Ocean at Rest Stop 1. The day started with heavy cloud cover, giving us all a little anxiety that we might get some rain despite the weather forecast given the night before.
As we crossed inland, we came upon miles and miles of agricultural fields - artichoke, strawberries (someone commented that The Beatles just must have had this in mind when they wrote Strawberry Fields Forever), herbs, brocolli, leeks. It was quite a sight. And much to my surprise, even the farm workers, hard at work tending to and picking crops, stopped to wave and say hello as we passed. The roads were pretty beat up around the fields from the constant flow of farm machinery and trucks in and out.
As we turned back toward the coast, Scott pointed out seal lions on the rocks in the bay... I had wondered what the stench and horrible sounds were all about. His observation answered my question.
A lot of people had stopped at an artichoke stand, but not wanting to waste any time and not being much a fan of artichokes, I continued - stopping only momentarily to take a photo with Ginger Brewlay in an outfit that appears to have been inspired by the foil-wrapped artichokes...
We continued on - had lunch in Salinas and took a moment to rest and kept going. Sometime between lunch and Rest Stop 3 - around Mile 61, things took a turn for the worse for Scott. Scott had moved a short distance ahead of me and I stopped to take some photos (see below) of the countryside, hills, and tilled fields. I clipped back in and went no more than a mile or so down the road when I noticed someone had crashed and was now lying in the ditch surrounded by people. I slowed a bit, not intending to become the next casualty, and as I passed looked down into the ditch. I was shocked to see Scott face up and filthy - in the ditch. I put on the brakes and pulled over to rush to see what had happened. Thankfully, Scott was mostly coherent, talking to a driver who had stopped while several people who had called 911 tried to explain to dispatchers where we were located. After awhile, Scott noticed I was there, the ambulance came and checked him out - all fine except that he couldn't lift his right arm. He made the choice to have ALC's Medical Transport take him to the hospital for x-rays rather than take the ambulance. As they took him away I told him I would finish the day for him - but ONLY if he stopped taking naps in ditches.
The accident happened - allegedly, since Scott's memory of it was cloudy - when Scott turned to look over his left shoulder to see if I was behind him. When he turned, he squeezed the brakes for reasons unknown and was thrown over the handlebars - still partly clipped in - and landed on his right shoulder. When he came to, he realized he should roll off the road and out of the way of other cyclists and cars, which is how he found himself in the ditch. Either way it happened, it meant he was off the ride at least for the day and likely for the rest of the week.
I spent about an hour at the site of the accident, so needed to move along to make up time. I stopped at Rest Stop 3 at a vineyard (damn it, no wine!) and moved along to the next stop, which could not be missed... The Otter Pop Stop.
The Otter Pop Stop is an official water stop on Day Two... But if you thought all you were getting was water and portapotties, you would be in for a shock. Roadies at the stop - most of them anyway - were dressed in Western attire... With the exception of a handful of whimsical Bears found dancing about in tutus with ribbons and flags and handing out Otter Pops. It was worth the stop for a smile and the sight of it all... Look below. I sweat this doesn't do it justice, but it's a glimpse.
The next big attraction after the Otter Pop Stop was the famed Cookie Lady. I didn't get the WHOLE story (if anyone knows it, let me know), but the Cookie Lady prepares THOUSANDS of cookies from scratch each year to hand out to cyclists on AIDS LifeCycle... These weren't Betty Crocker! I had an Oatmeal Raisin cookie and it was awesome. Rumor has it Cookie Lady starts baking after Christmas each year to have her goods ready for June. And she was so enthusiastic, wishing everyone "A SUNSHINY DAY!" as they set off through the strong cross winds toward Rest Stop 4.
Cookie Lady led on to Rest Stop 4, followed by the final 14 miles of Day Two. I arrived at Rest Stop 4 with less than 15 minutes to spare before the Sag Bus and Caboose arrived, so I didn't take photos... However, Rest Stop 4 featured the Miss ALC tournament and such beauties as Miss Guantanamo Bay and Miss-ed My Period - my favorite.
I left the Rest Stop and didn't get more than a block away when I observed I was losing pressure in my rear tire. I checked things out and found a very slow leak. Taking time to change a tire meant that I might be picked up by the caboose and miss my chance to finish my century ride - so I pumped the tire back up and went on. Halfway to camp was a gradual, but slightly challenging hill. On the way up I stopped to take this photo - and to pump my tire back up for the remaining few miles into camp.
On the way up the hill stood a fellow rider, bike held high above his head. And as I rode past he shouted, "CONGRATULATIONS MAN! YOU JUST RODE A CENTURY!" I felt a swelling of pride within - and while it didn't matter if I completed the rest of the day for having achieved a real challenge in my first century, I pressed on. As my rear tire slowly deflated I pedaled and pedaled to the finish line, met by cheers, bells and whistles as I crossed. My first task was to change my tire - using ALC's notoriously bad pumps. I popped the first tube and needed a second, but had used the spare I had on hand. It was then that I made a new friend - as is true so many times a day on AIDS LifeCycle. A Positive Pedaler saw me - probably looking a little discouraged - and asked if he could help. I explained my predicament and he offered me one of his spares and a place to park my bike - right up front with the Pos Peds. As I pumped up my new tube and repaired my bike, we had a chat. He introduced himself as Tripp and we discovered we were both from Washington, DC. Tripp and I became good friends throughout the week and I'm so happy to have met him. It's a typical ALC story - people helping each other out and making new friends.
That night I was too late to catch a shower, was too late getting my tent up to allow it to dry of the dew deposited the night before, but ate and slept well nonetheless. Before turning in for the night, I went to visit Scott in the Medical Tent. He had news that he had a broken scapula (shoulder blade) and was off the ride for the week. Time to make lots of new friends or I might be riding solo!
YOU CAN VIEW A VIDEO SUMMARY OF DAY TWO from ALC 7 on YouTube!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OFFICIAL ALC PHOTOS FROM THE RIDE, SORTED BY DAY!
NEXT! DAY THREE: KING CITY TO PASO ROBLES!
6.12.2008
THE ALC 7 Diaries... DAY ONE
SAN FRANCISCO TO SANTA CRUZ
Day One started at The Cow Palace in Daly City, just outside the San Francisco city limits. The Cow Palace had also served as the Orientation site the day before. Early Sunday morning - beginning around 5:00 am - we all assembled for Opening Ceremonies and to begin the ride out to Santa Cruz. Scott and I went straight to our bicycles upon arrival to attach some equipment and make sure we were ready to go. I have enough trouble finding my car in a parking lot, let alone my bicycle in a room full of 2,500 bicycles of roughly the same size and many of the same type and color. The photo below shows you just a tiny piece of the madness that was bike parking...
Bike parking at The Cow Palace
After grabbing some fruit and banana bread, we headed into Opening Ceremonies in the Cow Palace arena - an area generally used to parade prized bulls and livestock - where we were promptly instructed in a stretching session set to a techno/house beat. Once we were all loosened up, the ceremonies got underway. Each day either started or ended with messages from the heads of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the LA Gay and Lesbian Center. These opening ceremonies also included a procession of memorial banners that would be filled in by participants throughout the week to come, as well as a riderless bicycle and helmet symbolizing all of the men and women who have died from HIV and AIDS. The entire procession became a very emotional event for everyone in the arena.
The riderless bicycle, symbolizing all who have died from HIV and AIDS, is led into the Opening Ceremonies
Once the ceremonies were over, it was all hands on deck - off to bike parking and out onto the road, where a large crowd of supporters had already gathered to see us off. As unorganized as 2,500 people trying to leave one place at one time on their bicycles can be, I think it went off pretty well. We were off on a route that would take us about 79 miles to Santa Cruz. The route Day One included some pretty large hills up Highway 92 toward Skyline Drive, past San Francisco International Airport, and along the Pacific Coast. We saw a brief glimpse of the scene that would dominate the next couple days as well, the lush agricultural fields of Northern and Central California.
One highlight in the day came as we rounded a corner to full view of the Pacific. On the horizon floated tens of colorful kites tethered to people surfing below. The image evoked memories of people flying kites at the Washington Monument in DC. I stopped for photographs here to share the sight.
Stopping along the Pacific Ocean to marvel at the sight of tens of kite surfers
All along the route - EVERY DAY - we were assisted by teams of volunteers who were responsible for hauling our gear, cooking our food, taking care of our medical needs, sweeping the route, and operating each of four daily rest stops (plus water stops and lunch). Among the most memorable groups each day were the boys of Rest Stop 4 - each day presenting a different theme.
The boys of Rest Stop 4 - Today as the Bakersfield Badminton Club
Day One, the boys hosted us at the Bakersfield Badminton Club. It was quite a sight - all these guys running around posing for photos in little country club-style shorts, striped socks, polos and cardigans. I was only just beginning to witness what made Rest Stop 4 something to look forward to each day.
We made it to camp in the middle of the afternoon. Camp was located in a park on the outskirts of Santa Cruz. A hot shower and dinner were a wonderful way to start the evening. Scott and I went to dinner and ended up making some friends that would reemerge from time to time throughout the rest of the week - notably Dennis, David and Raul.
I didn't waste much time getting to sleep after the nightly ALC news. The next day was to be 105 miles to King City. I needed to rest up!
YOU CAN VIEW A SUMMARY OF DAY ONE from ALC 7 on YouTube!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OFFICIAL ALC PHOTOS FROM THE RIDE, SORTED BY DAY!
NEXT! DAY TWO: SANTA CRUZ TO KING CITY!
Day One started at The Cow Palace in Daly City, just outside the San Francisco city limits. The Cow Palace had also served as the Orientation site the day before. Early Sunday morning - beginning around 5:00 am - we all assembled for Opening Ceremonies and to begin the ride out to Santa Cruz. Scott and I went straight to our bicycles upon arrival to attach some equipment and make sure we were ready to go. I have enough trouble finding my car in a parking lot, let alone my bicycle in a room full of 2,500 bicycles of roughly the same size and many of the same type and color. The photo below shows you just a tiny piece of the madness that was bike parking...
After grabbing some fruit and banana bread, we headed into Opening Ceremonies in the Cow Palace arena - an area generally used to parade prized bulls and livestock - where we were promptly instructed in a stretching session set to a techno/house beat. Once we were all loosened up, the ceremonies got underway. Each day either started or ended with messages from the heads of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the LA Gay and Lesbian Center. These opening ceremonies also included a procession of memorial banners that would be filled in by participants throughout the week to come, as well as a riderless bicycle and helmet symbolizing all of the men and women who have died from HIV and AIDS. The entire procession became a very emotional event for everyone in the arena.
Once the ceremonies were over, it was all hands on deck - off to bike parking and out onto the road, where a large crowd of supporters had already gathered to see us off. As unorganized as 2,500 people trying to leave one place at one time on their bicycles can be, I think it went off pretty well. We were off on a route that would take us about 79 miles to Santa Cruz. The route Day One included some pretty large hills up Highway 92 toward Skyline Drive, past San Francisco International Airport, and along the Pacific Coast. We saw a brief glimpse of the scene that would dominate the next couple days as well, the lush agricultural fields of Northern and Central California.
One highlight in the day came as we rounded a corner to full view of the Pacific. On the horizon floated tens of colorful kites tethered to people surfing below. The image evoked memories of people flying kites at the Washington Monument in DC. I stopped for photographs here to share the sight.
All along the route - EVERY DAY - we were assisted by teams of volunteers who were responsible for hauling our gear, cooking our food, taking care of our medical needs, sweeping the route, and operating each of four daily rest stops (plus water stops and lunch). Among the most memorable groups each day were the boys of Rest Stop 4 - each day presenting a different theme.
Day One, the boys hosted us at the Bakersfield Badminton Club. It was quite a sight - all these guys running around posing for photos in little country club-style shorts, striped socks, polos and cardigans. I was only just beginning to witness what made Rest Stop 4 something to look forward to each day.
We made it to camp in the middle of the afternoon. Camp was located in a park on the outskirts of Santa Cruz. A hot shower and dinner were a wonderful way to start the evening. Scott and I went to dinner and ended up making some friends that would reemerge from time to time throughout the rest of the week - notably Dennis, David and Raul.
I didn't waste much time getting to sleep after the nightly ALC news. The next day was to be 105 miles to King City. I needed to rest up!
YOU CAN VIEW A SUMMARY OF DAY ONE from ALC 7 on YouTube!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OFFICIAL ALC PHOTOS FROM THE RIDE, SORTED BY DAY!
NEXT! DAY TWO: SANTA CRUZ TO KING CITY!
The ALC 7 Diaries... WELCOME TO SAN FRANCISCO!
Before setting out on the road for AIDS LifeCycle 7, I spent a couple days in San Francisco. Upon arrival, I quickly set out to do some exploring. I really had only planned to stay in the neighborhood - I was staying in Union Square - but ended up hiking all the way over to the Fisherman's Wharf! IN FLIP FLOPS! Just in case you've never been to San Fran (and I had not been), it's all hills. Steep, unforgiving hills. I had to be careful not to blister and trash my feet since 545 miles of cycling were in my future. I made it across town safely, stopped in some shops along the way and grabbed some fried jumbo shrimp and chips (and an Anchor Steam for good measure) at the Fisherman's Wharf and took the cable car back to my hotel - how San Fran!
Scott was arriving the next morning, so I ventured out around the Union Square area until he arrived at the Powell Street Station via the BART. We took his bike and gear up to the hotel and headed back down toward Powell and Market to look for something to eat and to do some shopping. Not seeing too many choices for lunch, we hit the Fatt Dog hot dog stand. I didn't expect much, but it was actually really good. I got some kind of Santa Fe sausage with chili and cheese. It was delicious.
After some afternoon adventures, we took the street cars down to the Castro for drinks and dinner. We peeked into a few stores and then headed to Harvey's for dinner. It was here that we met Mark and Ralph (more on Mark and Ralph later in the ALC journal). While we were eating and enjoying a couple beers, the two gentlemen mentioned above approached our table, having noticed Scott's AIDS ride shirt. They introduced themselves as Mark and Ralph and said they were Medical Transport for AIDS LifeCycle, that it was nice to meet us, but that they hoped not to see us in their vehicles throughout the week. We spoke for a minute and they went on their way. After dinner and grabbing coffee, we decided to turn in for the night since we had an early morning the next day for Orientation... Which follows in the next post.
Peace.
Dan
6.11.2008
Surgery... Again.
Hello! I know I am a little behind in posting all of my AIDS LifeCycle stuff, but I haven't been slacking off. Promise.
I had some outpatient surgery at Banner Gateway Hospital here in metro Phoenix this morning. Rest assured, I am alright and having a smooth recovery so far. Thanks for your messages, thoughts and prayers.
With added time for bed rest in the coming days, I should be able to tackle my ALC blogging duties.
Goodnight for now!
I had some outpatient surgery at Banner Gateway Hospital here in metro Phoenix this morning. Rest assured, I am alright and having a smooth recovery so far. Thanks for your messages, thoughts and prayers.
With added time for bed rest in the coming days, I should be able to tackle my ALC blogging duties.
Goodnight for now!
6.08.2008
I'm Back in Arizona!
I made it home about 30 minutes ago... I'll start working on photos and a full download tomorrow and next week.
In the meantime, enjoy this TRIUMPHANT photo of me at the "Halfway To LA" point atop "The Evil Twins" the day before I got sent to the ER.
In the meantime, enjoy this TRIUMPHANT photo of me at the "Halfway To LA" point atop "The Evil Twins" the day before I got sent to the ER.
5.29.2008
GABCASTING FROM AIDS/LifeCycle 7
I will be "Gabcasting" from San Francisco to Los Angeles RIGHT HERE in my blog, Dan's Varied Adventures in the Desert Southwest! I am now OFFICIALLY off to San Francisco to begin the ride, so there will be no new blog postings in the next week and a half. You can, however, use the Gabcast player below to check in for daily updates on my progress on the ride, to hear me complain about how much pain I am in, and to learn about all the amazing people I meet on the road.
Gabcast episodes will appear in the player as they are posted. Thanks for your support and stay tuned for Gabcast updates next week!
Gabcast episodes will appear in the player as they are posted. Thanks for your support and stay tuned for Gabcast updates next week!
An Amazing Day in Los Angeles!
Eric and I woke up this morning expecting to do some touristy things around town, but ended up having an awesome day!
Our first stop was Venice Beach - Southwest of here. We parked a block from the pier, walked out and watched the surfers, then headed to the boardwalk - a crazy assortment of tourist junk, homeless and hippies, and junk food vendors. As we approached the end of the pier, we noticed someone was filming a tv show or movie, so we stuck around to see what was going on... Turned out they were filming a new movie called I Love You, Man, which will be released in 2009. It's from the same folks who did 40 Year Old Virgin.
So, on the set, we saw Lou Ferrigno (YES, the original Incredible Hulk), Jason Segal (recent star of Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Knocked Up), Paul Rudd, and Rob Huebel. I took a ton of photos... Here are some of the highlights.
Paul Rudd during a scene...
Lou Ferrigno puts Jason Segal in a choke hold...
That was a pretty cool start to the day.
After we watched a scene, we went back to the car and headed to lunch at Baby Blues BBQ on Lincoln in Venice Beach. If you're looking for good Southern pulled pork in Los Angeles, I can't imagine you'll find much better than this. Check it out if you're in LA.
We had decided to spend the afternoon in Hollywood. Eric and I walked the ENTIRE Walk of Fame, saw Graumman's Chinese Theatre, the Kodak Theatre, the Hollywood sign, and other landmarks... And after three hours of walking the Walk, we were exhausted, content to saddle up to the bar for a drink or two before returning home for the night. On the way home, we picked up ingredients for Chicken Tortilla Soup and Fat Tire beer - as well as several more of those delicious Diddy Riese ice cream cookie sandwiches mentioned in a previous post.
Then we just took it easy... But what a day it's been! Tomorrow I leave for San Francisco!
Our first stop was Venice Beach - Southwest of here. We parked a block from the pier, walked out and watched the surfers, then headed to the boardwalk - a crazy assortment of tourist junk, homeless and hippies, and junk food vendors. As we approached the end of the pier, we noticed someone was filming a tv show or movie, so we stuck around to see what was going on... Turned out they were filming a new movie called I Love You, Man, which will be released in 2009. It's from the same folks who did 40 Year Old Virgin.
So, on the set, we saw Lou Ferrigno (YES, the original Incredible Hulk), Jason Segal (recent star of Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Knocked Up), Paul Rudd, and Rob Huebel. I took a ton of photos... Here are some of the highlights.
That was a pretty cool start to the day.
After we watched a scene, we went back to the car and headed to lunch at Baby Blues BBQ on Lincoln in Venice Beach. If you're looking for good Southern pulled pork in Los Angeles, I can't imagine you'll find much better than this. Check it out if you're in LA.
We had decided to spend the afternoon in Hollywood. Eric and I walked the ENTIRE Walk of Fame, saw Graumman's Chinese Theatre, the Kodak Theatre, the Hollywood sign, and other landmarks... And after three hours of walking the Walk, we were exhausted, content to saddle up to the bar for a drink or two before returning home for the night. On the way home, we picked up ingredients for Chicken Tortilla Soup and Fat Tire beer - as well as several more of those delicious Diddy Riese ice cream cookie sandwiches mentioned in a previous post.
Then we just took it easy... But what a day it's been! Tomorrow I leave for San Francisco!
5.28.2008
Camping in Joshua Tree National Park
SURPRISE! I found that I AM able to post some photos from LA, so here goes...
Monday morning, I left Big River and drove out to Joshua Tree National Park. I entered the park through the Twentynine Palms entrance on the North side. The rangers recommended camping in Jumbo Rocks and cycling from Barker Dam. On the drive in, I scouted out the locations of some of the things I wanted to check out over my stay. Once parked, I set out on a 22 mile bicycle ride from Barker Dam around the Park Road to Skull Rock and back. The terrain was mostly hills, although with long, gradual inclines. It was a great ride and I learned a little bit of a lesson afterward... Make sure to put PLENTY of sunscreen on your legs! I got a little sunburnt around the lower thighs and on the back of my calves.
After the ride, I drove to Jumbo Rocks, claimed a campsite in a cool little tree-covered notch in the rocks and set up camp. I decided then to drive to one of the higher spots in the park, Key's Look, which offers views to the East and West for miles and miles. Once back in camp, I climbed Jumbo Rock and read for a little while, climbed back down and had dinner, then climbed right back up to watch the sunset from the top. It was beautiful.
Once the sun had set, I started getting ready for bed. I crawled into my sleeping bag, watched a video on my iPod and then turned on some music. Sometime around 10:30pm I woke up to the sounds of what I am pretty sure was coyotes roving through my campsite... I'm pretty sure they were right outside the tent and I heard one of them wimpering and howling nearby - I believe next to the camp's trash recepticle. And at one point, I think I heard and felt one nosing around my tent. I tried to look around in the morning for proof they had been there, but the gravel didn't offer many opportunities to find discernable footprints.
I was up pretty early the next morning and broke camp to go back to Barker Dam to take a 2.2 mile nature hike... The hike was nice. It was early and quiet enough that many of the animals and birds were out gathering food, drinking from the small reservoir and sunning on rocks. I saw lizards, lots of birds including a large raven, two varieties of ground squirrel, and several jack rabbits. It was a nice way to wrap my stay at Joshua Tree - and I will DEFINITELY be going back for a return visit. If you haven't checked it out, get out there!
Monday morning, I left Big River and drove out to Joshua Tree National Park. I entered the park through the Twentynine Palms entrance on the North side. The rangers recommended camping in Jumbo Rocks and cycling from Barker Dam. On the drive in, I scouted out the locations of some of the things I wanted to check out over my stay. Once parked, I set out on a 22 mile bicycle ride from Barker Dam around the Park Road to Skull Rock and back. The terrain was mostly hills, although with long, gradual inclines. It was a great ride and I learned a little bit of a lesson afterward... Make sure to put PLENTY of sunscreen on your legs! I got a little sunburnt around the lower thighs and on the back of my calves.
After the ride, I drove to Jumbo Rocks, claimed a campsite in a cool little tree-covered notch in the rocks and set up camp. I decided then to drive to one of the higher spots in the park, Key's Look, which offers views to the East and West for miles and miles. Once back in camp, I climbed Jumbo Rock and read for a little while, climbed back down and had dinner, then climbed right back up to watch the sunset from the top. It was beautiful.
Once the sun had set, I started getting ready for bed. I crawled into my sleeping bag, watched a video on my iPod and then turned on some music. Sometime around 10:30pm I woke up to the sounds of what I am pretty sure was coyotes roving through my campsite... I'm pretty sure they were right outside the tent and I heard one of them wimpering and howling nearby - I believe next to the camp's trash recepticle. And at one point, I think I heard and felt one nosing around my tent. I tried to look around in the morning for proof they had been there, but the gravel didn't offer many opportunities to find discernable footprints.
I was up pretty early the next morning and broke camp to go back to Barker Dam to take a 2.2 mile nature hike... The hike was nice. It was early and quiet enough that many of the animals and birds were out gathering food, drinking from the small reservoir and sunning on rocks. I saw lizards, lots of birds including a large raven, two varieties of ground squirrel, and several jack rabbits. It was a nice way to wrap my stay at Joshua Tree - and I will DEFINITELY be going back for a return visit. If you haven't checked it out, get out there!
5.27.2008
If you're ever in Westwood...
Check out Diddy Riese for an ice cream cookie sandwich! Eric and I spotted this place over lunch and went back for dessert after dinner tonight... Simply amazing! If you're ever in Westwood in Los Angeles, stop by Diddy Riese, pick out your two cookies and an ice cream flavor and endulge. Easy. Delicious.
Check them out at http://www.diddyriese.com!
Big River, Las Vegas, Joshua Tree and Los Angeles
This is going to be a REALLY short post...
I made it to Los Angeles, where I am staying with former SSA coworker Eric Norton and his girlfriend for two nights. I arrived here fresh off a one night stay in Joshua Tree National Park - an amazing place if you haven't been. I rode my bike 22 miles along the rolling hills in the park, set up camp, and did a little climbing yesterday and then hiked 2 1/2 miles this morning before I left for LA.
Las Vegas was great... I ate at a ton of buffets. Didn't gamble much, but for the $1 I played in the slots, I won a dollar back! I stayed with Grandpa in Big River, CA for a couple days. I am so glad we got to spend some time together since we haven't seen much of each other over the years.
I won't have much access to the Internet before the ride, but keep your eyes open for LOTS of photos and posts about these recent adventures once I return. I WILL be posting to the blog via Twitter throughout the ride... Stuff like "Day Three: I want to DIE!" Look for those posts in the right column of the page.
Anyway... Thanks to everyone for your messages of encouragement and whatnot! Dan Maxey - OUT. (I'm in Hollywood, Ryan Seacrest's town... Couldn't resist.)
I made it to Los Angeles, where I am staying with former SSA coworker Eric Norton and his girlfriend for two nights. I arrived here fresh off a one night stay in Joshua Tree National Park - an amazing place if you haven't been. I rode my bike 22 miles along the rolling hills in the park, set up camp, and did a little climbing yesterday and then hiked 2 1/2 miles this morning before I left for LA.
Las Vegas was great... I ate at a ton of buffets. Didn't gamble much, but for the $1 I played in the slots, I won a dollar back! I stayed with Grandpa in Big River, CA for a couple days. I am so glad we got to spend some time together since we haven't seen much of each other over the years.
I won't have much access to the Internet before the ride, but keep your eyes open for LOTS of photos and posts about these recent adventures once I return. I WILL be posting to the blog via Twitter throughout the ride... Stuff like "Day Three: I want to DIE!" Look for those posts in the right column of the page.
Anyway... Thanks to everyone for your messages of encouragement and whatnot! Dan Maxey - OUT. (I'm in Hollywood, Ryan Seacrest's town... Couldn't resist.)
5.26.2008
Memorial Day
Today, my grandfather and I honor the memory of my grandmother, Marie La Reine Maxey. Grandma served in the Navy in World War II, leaving the service in 1980. She was active in The American Legion for the remainder of her life, serving as National Historian at the time of her death in 1994.
Grandpa, Aunt Susie and I went to her grave site at the Nevada Veterans Cemetary in Boulder City over the weekend. I'm proud of her service and wish she could have been here to enjoy this final leg of my journey out West with us.
5.21.2008
My NEW Home in Tempe, Arizona!
I signed a lease today for an apartment in Tempe... On W. University Avenue, six blocks off Mill Avenue. It's great! And being six blocks off campus is going to be much better than commuting, for sure! I'm going to share the apartment with another guy starting the Higher and Postsecondary Education program in the Fall. It all worked out perfectly. Awesome!
View Larger Map
View Larger Map
5.19.2008
My First HOT HOT Day in Arizona... And My NEW Student ID - BAD PHOTO
So at this very moment it is a BALMY 112' F in Phoenix, Arizona... It's really not as bad as it sounds, but the breeze is even hot. Just when the wind picks up and you think there is relief on the way - a hot blast of wind hits you. Horrible. But otherwise it's no big deal.
I was also on campus today taking care of some business and got my student ID made... Bad picture. Oy!
I was also on campus today taking care of some business and got my student ID made... Bad picture. Oy!
Collin and Josh's Wedding in Albuquerque
My cousin Collin and her longtime boyfriend Josh got married in Albuquerque last night and my Aunt Ginnie, her partner Terry and I were able to be there to help celebrate. I hadn't seen Collin in eight or nine years and got to catch up with some other family, as well.
Collin, my sister, and I used to play together during the summers in Iowa when we were kids. We had a good laugh about playing with kittens and putting on plays. It was so good to see her again and I'm so happy for her and Josh. He seems like a wonderful guy and I already knew she's great!
5.16.2008
TEMPE!
I spent a little time in Tempe today while running errands... It's good to be here and I can start trying to wrap up loose ends to start school. It's HOT though and only getting hotter! It was about 94'F today and is supposed to break 102'F tomorrow. WHEW!
5.15.2008
Beautiful Sunset
This was the view of the setting sun from the driver's seat of my loyal little engine that could and best friend on the road, Jerome... Quite a sight. And the brief rain afforded a great view of a fleeting rainbow! Arizona is so cool!
Almost Camping Above Colorado Springs, Colorado
I arrived in Colorado Springs Wednesday evening and proceeded up into the mountains after having stopped at the Ranger Station in town. I drove an hour up the mountain - about 2,500 above the city - and set up camp after scouting out a few sites. The views from the mountain were gorgeous, but many of the areas worth camping in were littered with broken glass and garbage. It was really sad that people have treated this beautiful land with such disregard.
I set up my tent and built a fire, cooked some dinner... Sometime in the middle of it all, it started to snow a little bit and continued to snow periodically. I was pretty certain I wouldn't be able to do much outside if it snowed much more, so I crawled into my tent and read a book. After awhile I went to sleep.
About an hour and a half later, I woke up and wasn't feeling very well. I had about a 15 or 20 minute window to decide if I was going to stay before the sun would start to set. I didn't know how much it would snow overnight and sure didn't want to be stuck if I was sick, so I packed up and drove back down the mountain... I thought if I was going to stay in a hotel, I might as well proceed the rest of the way to Pueblo, about 45 minutes South. It was much better to sleep in a bed and I was feeling alright by morning.
And it did end up snowing quite a bit more overnight... So I made the right choice, I think.
5.14.2008
A Night Out in Denver...
SO, Sara and I went out with some friends to Uptown Tavern and JR's last night... And we can definitely feel it this morning.
BUT, the most random thing happened - We ran into Brian O'Connor, my former coworker and office mate at the Democratic Governors Association in Washington, DC. So we hung out at the first bar and played trivia. He left before we crossed over to JR's, which ended up being quite a mess. It was all pretty much downhill after Uptown.
We had a good time and hangovers make the best excuse for greasy food the next morning, so we went to Steuben's, a retro diner just down the street.
5.13.2008
A Jaunt Around DENVER - The Mile High City
I started my day (after Jerome's oil change anyway) with a visit to the Unsinkable Molly Brown House & Museum - a recommendation from my most trusted Moira Tarpy. It was a beautiful home and really reflected all the life and energy of the woman. The excesses of upper-class Victorian living never cease to amaze me. If you're in Denver, it's worth checking out.
And the first interesting fact I learned was that she never went by the name Molly. Margaret or Maggie, but never Molly.
After the Molly Brown House, I walked by the State Capitol and to the 16th Street Mall, a pedestrian mall in the middle of downtown. I shopped around for a bit and picked up a bagel dog at Einstein Brothers, which I just enjoyed with a Fat Tire Amber Ale (my favorite beer - NOT available on the East Coast that I have ever noticed). Now I'm watching A Streetcar Named Desire... What the hell happened to Marlon Brando???
No Ugly Green Dogs Allowed...
I've always seen this sign in black and red. Thank God Denver banned ugly green dogs. Very avant garde.
A Treat for Jerome...
Jerome got his oil changed in Denver today and he is very, very happy... Except that he has to sit in the rain the rest of the day while I go check out downtown on foot.
I also bought him a little travel can of Clean Linen Lysol because he is starting to smell funny after nearly three weeks on the road. I think he appreciated that too. If he didn't, I did. =)
I also bought him a little travel can of Clean Linen Lysol because he is starting to smell funny after nearly three weeks on the road. I think he appreciated that too. If he didn't, I did. =)
COLD Denver...
They're expecting it will not get warmer than 47' F in Denver today! Oy!
I am going to get Jerome's oil changed then go visit the Molly Brown House, State Capitol, and maybe the 16th Street Mall. Tonight I think Sara and I will have dinner and go to the Denver JR's! How fun!
Alright... Lots to do today! I'm off!
I am going to get Jerome's oil changed then go visit the Molly Brown House, State Capitol, and maybe the 16th Street Mall. Tonight I think Sara and I will have dinner and go to the Denver JR's! How fun!
Alright... Lots to do today! I'm off!
5.12.2008
Iowa Revisited...
I couldn't resist posting a couple more pics of me with my cousins' ADORABLE children... They're even cute when they are grumpy!
Me with Owen, Ella, Jordana and Lulu, Gavin, Aiden and Kim...
Me and Kim trying to get the boys to sit still for a photo... This didn't go well.
Me with Owen, Ella, Jordana and Lulu, Gavin, Aiden and Kim...
Me and Kim trying to get the boys to sit still for a photo... This didn't go well.
Snow?!?!
I arrived in Denver tonight and they are calling for snow! Apparently they didn't get the memo that it's mid-May. Weather is crazy out here, though. I encountered really strong winds in Eastern Colorado and thought I saw a small tornado at one point.
I'm working on trying to figure out what I'm going to do around town tomorrow. I'll need to be flexible due to the weather.
I am so excited to be in Colorado and slowly, but surely, approaching Arizona! I'll be in Colorado through Thursday morning, then I am off to New Mexico. I'll post more from Denver tomorrow.
I'm working on trying to figure out what I'm going to do around town tomorrow. I'll need to be flexible due to the weather.
I am so excited to be in Colorado and slowly, but surely, approaching Arizona! I'll be in Colorado through Thursday morning, then I am off to New Mexico. I'll post more from Denver tomorrow.
State Signs - Part IV
So I kind of screwed this one up. My picture of the ACTUAL state sign was blurry, so I took this at the Welcome Center. This sign was nicer than the real one, anyway.
I HEART Wind Farms...
I don't know why they don't build more of these... It is SO windy across the plains and I think they're beautiful.
The University of Kansas
Nice campus... I just drove through before I left town and spent most of my time in town, but snapped this on my way out.
5.11.2008
Josh Ritter Concert in Lawrence, Kansas... AWESOME!
The concert tonight was amazing! This was the second time I have seen Josh Ritter live and this show was even better than the last one. I went alone since I am only passing through on my way to Arizona, but made some friends at the concert. It ended up working out just fine.
AND after the concert, I got to meet Josh! We talked for a few minutes about going back to school, cross-country road trips, DC, and he was so enthusiastic and gave me some encouragement and well wishes for the rest of my trip and whatnot. It was so cool to get to thank him for his work and the great show.
If you still have not heard Josh Ritter or been to a show, get on the ball!
PS - I am blogging from my teeny tiny tent at the KOA... Seriously! =)
Set List from Josh Ritter...
This is the set list from the show. I was right up at the stage, so I had a good vantage point and knew what was coming up (except for some curve balls and surprises).
Josh and the band were SPECTACULAR! I really enjoyed the show. Josh told me to look out for future dates in Arizona... I'll be there. Whenever. Wherever.
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