Dan's Varied Adventures in the Desert Southwest

My ALC 7 Highlight Reel featuring Junior Senior

2008-06-19T01:12:00.002-07:00

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!

The Road Trip Reel featuring Josh Ritter

2008-06-16T22:10:00.002-07:00

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...

2008-06-16T21:41:00.002-07:00

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...

THE ALC 7 Diaries... DAY TWO

2008-06-14T14:51:00.010-07:00

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!

THE ALC 7 Diaries... DAY ONE

2008-06-12T14:28:00.007-07:00

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!

The ALC 7 Diaries... WELCOME TO SAN FRANCISCO!

2008-06-12T11:31:00.004-07:00

The Transamerica Pyramid and downtown 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!

A cable car climbs Powell Street

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

Surgery... Again.

2008-06-11T21:34:00.002-07:00

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'm Back in Arizona!

2008-06-08T02:53:00.003-07:00

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.

GABCASTING FROM AIDS/LifeCycle 7

2008-05-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

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!

An Amazing Day in Los Angeles!

2008-05-29T02:06:00.006-07:00

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!

Camping in Joshua Tree National Park

2008-05-28T07:22:00.007-07:00

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!

State Signs - Part VI

2008-05-28T07:14:00.002-07:00

If you're ever in Westwood...

2008-05-27T22:49:00.003-07:00

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

2008-05-27T18:31:00.002-07:00

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.)

Memorial Day

2008-05-26T08:20:00.003-07:00

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.

My NEW Home in Tempe, Arizona!

2008-05-21T21:22:00.002-07:00

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

My First HOT HOT Day in Arizona... And My NEW Student ID - BAD PHOTO

2008-05-19T17:47:00.003-07:00

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!

Collin and Josh's Wedding in Albuquerque

2008-05-19T01:45:00.004-07:00

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!

TEMPE!

2008-05-16T22:50:00.000-07:00

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!

State Signs - Part V

2008-05-16T22:07:00.004-07:00

Beautiful Sunset

2008-05-15T23:18:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-15T09:16:00.001-07:00

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.

A Night Out in Denver...

2008-05-14T08:42:00.004-07:00

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.

A Jaunt Around DENVER - The Mile High City

2008-05-13T14:39:00.004-07:00

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...

2008-05-13T14:28:00.002-07:00

I've always seen this sign in black and red. Thank God Denver banned ugly green dogs. Very avant garde.

A Treat for Jerome...

2008-05-13T10:44:00.002-07:00

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. =)

COLD Denver...

2008-05-13T07:51:00.002-07:00

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!

Iowa Revisited...

2008-05-12T21:32:00.005-07:00

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.

Snow?!?!

2008-05-12T21:07:00.004-07:00

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.

State Signs - Part IV

2008-05-12T21:04:00.004-07:00

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...

2008-05-12T21:01:00.003-07:00

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

2008-05-12T20:56:00.003-07:00

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.

GOOD MORNING from KANSAS!

2008-05-12T04:42:00.002-07:00

I kind of woke up to this and thought I'd share...

Josh Ritter Concert in Lawrence, Kansas... AWESOME!

2008-05-11T22:03:00.004-07:00

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...

2008-05-11T22:00:00.001-07:00

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.

State Signs - Part III

2008-05-11T16:10:00.002-07:00

Dan as art...

2008-05-11T16:07:00.003-07:00

I thought this was clever... But who knows? I had Tony take this pic of me at the big art museum in Kansas City. =)

Josh Ritter... In Kansas.

2008-05-11T15:58:00.003-07:00

I'm seeing Josh Ritter in Lawrence TONIGHT... In like an hour. I was in town on my laptop and saw him from across the street, but didn't get my laptop packed up fast enough to say hello. BUGGERS!

Should be fun!

My LUXURY Accommodations...

2008-05-11T15:51:00.003-07:00

So this is where I am staying in Lawrence, Kansas... LUXURY LIVING.

Kansas City!

2008-05-11T14:41:00.004-07:00

So... Despite the weather, my stop in Kansas City was fantastic! I cruised into downtown and met up with Tony, who surprised me with news that I wouldn't have to sleep on a couch, but had a hotel room to stay in downtown. That was great! We shopped around the City Market, grabbed some food and then explored town a little bit.

Kansas City is pretty cool... Great public parks and whatnot. We went to Gates for BBQ - Good, but a little too much chili powder in the sauce. Glad I got to enjoy some real KC food. Although, this Southern boy is pretty sure that the KC BBQ doesn't hold it's own against some good Southern pulled pork.

We went out to 303 and Missie B's with some of Tony's friends. I had a pretty good time. Kansas City boys are definitely good people - and cute.

Today's weather was MUCH better. Sunny and a little warmer! YAY!

Madison County by Bicycle...

2008-05-08T08:25:00.007-07:00

I rode my bicycle a good 36 miles through rural Madison County, Iowa Monday afternoon... I rode North from the family farm, then East to Earlham, South to Winterset and started heading back West to the farm, but was hit with REALLY strong winds. Thankfully, Kim and Aunt Julie were driving home from work and had the minivan. They spotted me from down the road and called me. When I pulled over to take the call, they said, "Is that you up ahead talking to us on the side of the road?"

I was relieved to have a ride back. The headwinds were really rough. I went back to Julie's house and talked with her for awhile before she gave me a ride back to the farm with my bike.

I took some pics in Earlham and Winterset... Here they are!

Madison County roadside

The grain elevator in Earlham

Madison County Courthouse in Winterset

Winterset water tower and John Wayne Drive

Roseman Bridge... For Michelle.

2008-05-08T08:15:00.003-07:00

Yes, my family is from the Madison County of The Bridges of Madison County. This is Roseman Bridge, probably the best known... This is where wily Clint Eastwood got the notion to have relations with Meryl Streep.

All My [cousins'] Children...

2008-05-08T07:57:00.002-07:00

You know... A couple kids are enough to wear you out in an afternoon, but four kids plus a baby. Wow!

Since my last visit to Iowa, my cousins Kim and Kasey have expanded their families, adding another four children between the two of them. They're all great and constantly moving. All the kids were around when I arrived Sunday and when we met up at Kim's house Tuesday night. I've had some time with Ella and baby Lulu, too.

Here are some pictures of the kids... Adorable!

Lulu

Ella

Aiden and Owen - The twins...

Gavin

My Arrival at the Family Farm...

2008-05-05T07:43:00.001-07:00

After a break in Des Moines, I called Stefani to let her know I was passing through her old stomping grounds and spoke with her over the phone all the way to my grandparents’ farm in Madison County (yes, the bridges...). When I arrived at the farm, all the kids were playing out in the yard and came running out toward the garage. Grandma and Grandpa had Aunt Julie and Uncle Bill, my cousins Kim and Kasey and their families over for dinner to greet me.

I was pretty starved despite the two enormous chili dogs I bought at the largest truck stop in the world… But Grandma had prepared pretty big dinner. We had pork chops (the big kind they eat in Iowa), green beans, cream corn casserole, baked beans, bread and three or four desserts. Kim joked the family might just be trying to fatten me up for the rest of my trip. She might have been right.

It was fun to play with all the kids and catch up with everyone else. And then I SLEPT! All caps... I was exhausted.

The World's Largest Truck Stop...

2008-05-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

Or so they claim... I don't know.

The John Deere Pavilion in Moline, Illinois...

2008-05-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

I spent some time Saturday night and Sunday morning trying to find a couple places to stop along the way to Des Moines. I figured it might be kind of cool to check out the John Deere museum along the Mississippi River. It was kind of neat to see some of the antique tractors and newer farming technologies – And the stop was a little past the halfway point for the day, making it a good time to get out and stretch my legs.

I thought it would be worth posting a couple photos from John Deere so you could all make fun of me. Here goes…

State Signs - Part II

2008-05-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

Indianapolis!

2008-05-04T11:00:00.001-07:00

THANK YOU Jayme and Joel for giving me a comfortable place to stay, for your hospitality and company while I was passing through Indianapolis last Saturday!

I arrived in Indianapolis late Saturday afternoon and visited with Jayme and Joel a bit before we set out for a quick tour of the city. Indianapolis is a clean and beautiful city and it seemed there was no shortage of things to do downtown. After a drive around town, we went to dinner at Bazbeaux Pizza, a great pizzeria downtown. By the time we left, it was fairly late and we were all a bit too tired to do much more than go home and skip through Saturday Night Live on the DVR.

The next morning, I had a bit of a slower start that I had dreamed I might have the night before, but I didn’t need to be in much of a hurry. Jayme had to leave for his volunteer shift at the zoo, so I spent some time talking with Joel before I got on the road.

I had a nice, relaxing visit to Indianapolis. Thanks guys!

State Signs - Part I

2008-05-03T21:32:00.004-07:00

Charlottesville!

2008-05-03T20:40:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed a visit with William and Mary friends in Charlottesville last night before leaving Virginia for Indianapolis... It was good to have one last hurrah in the Commonwealth before my departure! We had a great dinner and then drinks and hung out under the stars.

Before I left, I drove through downtown and grabbed coffee and a bagel and Bojo's.

Today's states: Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Indiana... Check out the state signs!

Paying Homage to my Alma Mater and Visiting the Parks!

2008-04-30T18:12:00.005-07:00

I couldn't think of any better place to start my journey out West for graduate school than right where it all started - The College of William and Mary. I drove to Williamsburg this morning and paid visits to some, but certainly not all of my mentors, colleagues and friends on campus. I had a chance to see George Greenia, Geoff Feiss, Chon Glover, Deb Boykin and the Residence Life staff, Sam Sadler, Ginger Ambler, Chris Ladnier, Mark Constantine and Anne Arseneau. I made sure to grab Cheese Shop for lunch, which I enjoyed in the Wren Yard, had coffee at The Daily Grind with some students and alumni friends, and visited the Bookstore and Campus Shop.

It was nice to be on campus for the day in the beautiful Williamsburg Spring weather and to spend time with the people and in the community that inspired me to go to work in higher education.

After my visits on campus, I drove out to Charles City County to see Charlie and Sarah Park and their girls - Lucy, Kate and Frances. The girls are growing up so fast and I don't see them, Charlie and Sarah often enough, so I was so happy to be able to visit with them and have dinner at the house. Lucy fitted me with Tinkerbell wings and fairy dust and taught me 'how to fly' and by the end of the night I had become nothing short of a human jungle gym. I had a great time there! I was worn out after just a few hours, but it was worth it!

More Tornado Photos... From NBC 12.

2008-04-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

Tornadoes!

2008-04-28T17:03:00.002-07:00

So I was kind of worried about driving across the Midwest during the tornado season, but I didn't much think I had to be worried about tornadoes hitting while I was in the Richmond area this week.

This afternoon a tornado was confirmed in Colonial Heights and overturned a ton of cars and injured at least 18 people in the Target parking lot. You all know the odds are pretty good I would have been at Target, especially with not much else to do.

In the photo above, just behind the grey car in the top of the photo, is Sam's Club - site of two prior tornadoes (an F2 and a really bad F4) when the Wal-Mart was located there.

The storm - and by all counts, the tornado - were last reported heading East toward Williamsburg and Glouchester Point. I hope William and Mary and VIMS aren't hit! I am heading out there Wednesday.

Photo credit: The Progress-Index

A Day at Kings Dominion with the Fam!

2008-04-26T20:52:00.002-07:00

I took everyone to Kings Dominion for our birthdays today. Since I am only back here for a few days, I thought it would be fun to go to the amusement park like we used to do every summer growing up. I had gone in 2006, but the rest of the family hadn't been in a few years. We were a little worried that the weather forecast was calling for afternoon rain and thunderstorms, but the storms only just started around 8 pm and we were already back home by then.

We had a great time. The threat of rain seemed to keep the crowds down at the park, so we got to ride as many rides in a few hours as you might ride in a whole day any other time - A mix of newer rides and some of our old favorites. Some of the rides we went on were Drop Zone, the Rebel Yell, the Hurler, the Grizzly, the Berzerker, the Crypt, Volcano, and the Avalanche.

If nothing else, a day at the park was a MUCH welcome alternative to the several days of packing I did this week!!!

GOING TO VEGAS!

2008-04-23T15:54:00.001-07:00

So I just talked to my grandfather on the phone... And we're going to Las Vegas with my Aunt Susie for Memorial Day weekend on my way to California for AIDS LifeCycle! YAY!

I'll be posting from SIN CITY that weekend! Vegas here I come!!!

My Last JRs Showtunes Night (for now)...

2008-04-22T23:37:00.001-07:00

Paul and I went to Showtunes for the last time last night... Truly the end of an era, even if both of us stopped going on a weekly basis a couple years ago. Lonnie came along and we saw lots of the familiar faces we used to see week after week.

I'll miss it, but in the spirit of Showtunes Night... "WE'LL ALWAYS BE BOSOM BUDDIES! FRIENDS, SISTERS AND PALS!"

Keep the beer cold, guys. I could show up again anytime!

Cooking Lessons at the Judy Harris Cooking School

2008-04-18T21:26:00.003-07:00

Paul and I went for Italian cooking lessons tonight at Judy Harris' Cooking School in Alexandria. It was a great time! We were in charge of making the Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Black Pepper Cream. In my opinion, it was the best course of the meal. ;)

We also had Spaghetti Putanesca, Asparagus, Chicken Marsala, and a delicious almond cake.

Judy has classes all year round. Schedules are at www.judyharris.com.

My Super Fabulous Going Away/Birthday Party at Freddie's Beach Bar

2008-04-18T21:09:00.004-07:00

My friends are the best! Paul planned a great party for us at Freddie's! We had a buffet, beads, the largest margaritas you ever saw, KARAOKE, rainbow-frosted birthday cake, a Rob Lowe look-alike... It was a great time! Thank you so much to everyone who came out to say goodbye! I am going to miss you all!

Because I am a nerd and I LOVE Google Maps...

2008-04-15T16:27:00.001-07:00

So, I have created a Google Map of my trip - including the stops along the route for my AIDS/LifeCycle ride in California. I will TRY to update this from the road with the route and notes/photos from each spot.

Fun, no?

View Larger Map

Westward Ho! - The Tentative Itinerary

2008-04-12T23:42:00.000-07:00

I am trying to get the details of my trip out West settled so I don't have to be stressed out over it anymore. Here's what I am thinking...

04.24.08 - Depart Washington en route to Richmond, VA.
04.30.08 - Visit The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA.
05.02.08 - Depart Richmond, VA. Visit and overnight with friends at Ash Lawn Highland in Western VA.
05.03.08 - Depart VA en route to Madison County, IA.
05.04.08 - Arrive in Madison County, IA.
05.10.08 - Depart Madison County, IA en route to Kansas City, MO and Lawrence, KS.
05.11.08 - Josh Ritter concert in Lawrence, KS.
05.12.08 - Depart Lawrence, KS en route to Denver, CO. Two days in Denver, CO.
05.14.08 - Depart Denver, CO. Visit Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and camp overnight in Pike National Forest.
05.15.08 - Depart CO en route to Santa Fe, NM. Camp overnight in Santa Fe National Forest.
05.16.08 - Overnight in Santa Fe, NM.
05.17.08 - Depart Santa Fe, NM en route to Albuquerque, NM. Attend Collin Ramsey & Joshua Barnes wedding.
05.18.08 - Depart Albuquerque, NM for Truth or Consequences and Las Cruces, NM. Camp overnight in Las Cruces.
05.19.08 - Depart Las Cruces, NM en route to Tucson, AZ. Visit Saguaro National Park and camp overnight in Coronado National Forest.
05.20.08 - Depart Tucson, AZ for Phoenix, AZ.
05.21.08 - Get moved in!
05.25.08 - Depart Phoenix, AZ for Big River, CA. Visit Grandpa Maxey Memorial Day weekend.
05.27.08 - Visit and camp overnight at Joshua Tree National Forest.
05.28.08 - Depart Joshua Tree National Forest for Los Angeles, CA. Drop off bike for AIDS LifeCycle 7. Depart Los Angeles, CA for San Francisco, CA.
05.29.08 - Explore San Francisco, CA.
05.31.08 - AIDS LifeCycle 7 Orientation Day.
06.01.08 - Depart San Francisco, CA (on my bike!) for Los Angeles, CA.
06.07.08 - Arrive in Los Angeles, CA. Depart Los Angeles, CA for Phoenix, AZ.

That's a pretty good draft of the trip. We'll see if it works out this way. =)