Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
Location: Coulee City, WA
I have named this post "The Wild Hunt" because I have been listening to an album and song of the same name by a man who calls himself The Tallest Man on Earth a lot lately. He writes beautiful melodic acoustic songs that really inspire me and fit my nomadic lifestyle currently. He also happens to be performing at Sasquatch this year, if you haven't heard of him I highly suggest you give it a try. It also is fitting to my search for my purpose through crazy natural adventuring.
So three days in and honestly I am almost there, which is a relieving feeling. The first day I got a little caught up in downtown Spokane and didn't really leave town till the afternoon, but it was enjoyable spending time in what use to be my home town. I have really grown an appreciation for that place since I have moved away and periodically come back to visit. I ended up at Nine Mile Falls that evening near the end of the Centennial Trail. I camped far back in the woods so as that no one would find me because I wanted privacy and I wasn't going to shell out over $ 20 for the campsite. It was a relaxing evening spent playing guitar and reading.
The next morning greeted me with an intense hill that must have been an 8% grade for at least a mile or two, it indubitably got me sweating and then some. It was not that bad for most the ride from then on in until I started the decent into Hawk Creek next to Lake Roosevelt off the Columbia Plateau. The unpaved road had recently had a plethora of gravel added to it and my downhill ride was uncomfortable and sketchy. When I arrived I found that Hawk Creek Campground was closed due to recent paving (ironic how there is no pavement when I want it and now there is Pavement where I don't want it) but all the same I camped there and just avoided touching the new black top. It was a very scenic place with a waterfall and open air. My camera battery was dead so sorry no pictures.
Today was a great day, the clouds rolled in and gave me some rain this morning. I really enjoy biking in the light rain, it makes for a very enjoyable experience and you can smell the earth coming alive. There was a hard hill again at the beginning of the day to get back up to the plateau but nothing I couldn't handle, slowly mind you. Once I reached Highway 2 it was just cruising. I ate a delicious lunch in Wilbur, WA and then continued on Coulee City my current location. I am just chilling in the Library and taking it easy, still don't know where I am sleeping tonight, the camp ground I was planning hitting up on the way in looked way to full of R.V.s for me to enjoy. Thinking about just hitting up the local watering hole and making some friends. We'll just have to wait and see.
Again thanks for all the continued support from people on the road, family, friends and anybody who happens to read this because know it or not you reading my thoughts and actions connects us somehow. Until next time you guys know what to do. Live, Learn, Love.
sincerely,
T.E.
ps. there would be pictures but my computer and camera are having some relationship issues right now, hope to add them soon!!!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Departure Day
Monday May 24th, 2010
Location: Spokane, WA
It has been a pleasant and relaxing with the family again in Spokane but I couldn't be more excited to be kicking in my nomadic nature once more. This trip has a lot of personal significance for my current situation and I couldn't think of anything that I would rather be doing.
I should really be packing up the A.T.T. (All Terrain Trailer) as Kyle deemed it in the mountains of Idaho while we were crushing some gnarly terrain but I felt this quick post was a necessity before I take off.
A week from today I will be at the Gorge getting ready to enjoy the last and final day of the Sasquatch! Festival. I am really more excited for this aspect of the journey more than any other part but we will see how it all manifests itself. I am giving myself plenty of time to make it to the middle of the state by this weekend.
This time away from my new home in Maple Falls has been a necessary change of pace from what was a very crazy winter. Its not that things have calmed down in my life but the purpose of my existence was called out of the woods and back onto the road. If anything I would say I am trying to constantly strive for something more intense and gratifying to my conscious mind. At the same time I am truly looking to make positive interaction with the majority of people I come in contact with and not just the formalities. I want to learn and experience new things that are beyond a mundane perspective. I desire to be frightened by the enormity of life's offering and then bask in the glory that is just being. This is getting a little existential so I will move on.
I am leaving today in an hour or so and heading NW up to Long Lake and Nine Mile Falls. Don't really have a concrete plan because that is not how I roll. Thanks for reading people and I got nothing but love for all of you. To all my friends who are going to the Festival, bring your A-Game people, this is gonna be the best Squatch yet.
I want to extend my love to my Parents for always believing in me no matter how crazy I seem, my elder brother Kyle who has helped me along all through life and being a great compatriot for the Idaho Panhandle tour, my lil' bro T.A. for reminding me what it means to mature while never losing a childlike mind and my lil' sister Kat who never ceases to amaze me with her constant brilliance. You all inspire me so much and have been shining lights along my path.
It wont be long again before I post again but until then. Learn, Love & Live.
sincerely,
T.E.
Location: Spokane, WA
It has been a pleasant and relaxing with the family again in Spokane but I couldn't be more excited to be kicking in my nomadic nature once more. This trip has a lot of personal significance for my current situation and I couldn't think of anything that I would rather be doing.
I should really be packing up the A.T.T. (All Terrain Trailer) as Kyle deemed it in the mountains of Idaho while we were crushing some gnarly terrain but I felt this quick post was a necessity before I take off.
A week from today I will be at the Gorge getting ready to enjoy the last and final day of the Sasquatch! Festival. I am really more excited for this aspect of the journey more than any other part but we will see how it all manifests itself. I am giving myself plenty of time to make it to the middle of the state by this weekend.
This time away from my new home in Maple Falls has been a necessary change of pace from what was a very crazy winter. Its not that things have calmed down in my life but the purpose of my existence was called out of the woods and back onto the road. If anything I would say I am trying to constantly strive for something more intense and gratifying to my conscious mind. At the same time I am truly looking to make positive interaction with the majority of people I come in contact with and not just the formalities. I want to learn and experience new things that are beyond a mundane perspective. I desire to be frightened by the enormity of life's offering and then bask in the glory that is just being. This is getting a little existential so I will move on.
I am leaving today in an hour or so and heading NW up to Long Lake and Nine Mile Falls. Don't really have a concrete plan because that is not how I roll. Thanks for reading people and I got nothing but love for all of you. To all my friends who are going to the Festival, bring your A-Game people, this is gonna be the best Squatch yet.
I want to extend my love to my Parents for always believing in me no matter how crazy I seem, my elder brother Kyle who has helped me along all through life and being a great compatriot for the Idaho Panhandle tour, my lil' bro T.A. for reminding me what it means to mature while never losing a childlike mind and my lil' sister Kat who never ceases to amaze me with her constant brilliance. You all inspire me so much and have been shining lights along my path.
It wont be long again before I post again but until then. Learn, Love & Live.
sincerely,
T.E.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Idaho Panhandle Tour Thoughts
Friday May 21st, 2010
Location: Spokane, WA
The adventure overall through Idaho was what I expected and much more. Least to say I had many experiences that made the trip what it was supposed to be.
After our extreme adventure in the mountains between Coeur d'Alene and Pend Orielle we camped at Farragut State Park for two nights. (PIC of lake above) We found lots of beautiful scenery, disc golf, wildlife and good times. It was nice to take a little break from the road and find some local quaintness.
From Farragut we decided to push north up lake Pend Orielle to the town of Sand Point. It was a challenging terrain (or at least the route we took on the back roads) and it took longer than expected.
Sandpoint was a welcoming place filled with needed bike repairs, excellent Mexican Food and cold beer. (PIC @ a beach park above) We spent the majority of the afternoon enjoying the town for all we could. The plan turned to poaching a friends lake cabin on the way back home since the weather was turning. We planned to stay on their lawn until we found the spare key and ended up staying inside a very welcome change especially with the cold weather.
Yesterday was an intense push of over 70 some miles from the cabin to our parents place in Spokane. We started early around 8 in the morning and made it back around 8 in the evening. It would have been sooner if not for the intense head wind, hail storms (PIC of intense weather below) and fatigue. All the same we are here now and in decent shape.
A much needed weekend in Spokane is in order before I depart westward again. I am really enjoying time with family but I am longing for my true home in Maple Falls and good times with friends at the Sasquatch! Festival. Thanks for reading. Hopefully I will post more soon.
sincerely,
T.E.
Location: Spokane, WA
The adventure overall through Idaho was what I expected and much more. Least to say I had many experiences that made the trip what it was supposed to be.
After our extreme adventure in the mountains between Coeur d'Alene and Pend Orielle we camped at Farragut State Park for two nights. (PIC of lake above) We found lots of beautiful scenery, disc golf, wildlife and good times. It was nice to take a little break from the road and find some local quaintness.
From Farragut we decided to push north up lake Pend Orielle to the town of Sand Point. It was a challenging terrain (or at least the route we took on the back roads) and it took longer than expected.
Sandpoint was a welcoming place filled with needed bike repairs, excellent Mexican Food and cold beer. (PIC @ a beach park above) We spent the majority of the afternoon enjoying the town for all we could. The plan turned to poaching a friends lake cabin on the way back home since the weather was turning. We planned to stay on their lawn until we found the spare key and ended up staying inside a very welcome change especially with the cold weather.
Yesterday was an intense push of over 70 some miles from the cabin to our parents place in Spokane. We started early around 8 in the morning and made it back around 8 in the evening. It would have been sooner if not for the intense head wind, hail storms (PIC of intense weather below) and fatigue. All the same we are here now and in decent shape.
A much needed weekend in Spokane is in order before I depart westward again. I am really enjoying time with family but I am longing for my true home in Maple Falls and good times with friends at the Sasquatch! Festival. Thanks for reading. Hopefully I will post more soon.
sincerely,
Monday, May 17, 2010
Giving Adventure Cycling a New Meaning
Monday, May 17th, 2010
Location: Athol, ID ... Jimmy C's
First post on what is the third day of the Idaho Panhandle tour. My brother Kyle and I are having a whirlwind of an adventure out here. It has truly giving me a new appreciation for how passionate the cycle adventure is.
(PIC is starting from our parents house)
Starting from Spokane on Friday morning around 10 in the A.M. we cruised our old stomping ground through the South Hill to Downtown near the start of the Centennial Trail. This trail took us all the way into Idaho (only losing it once briefly) following the Spokane River Upstream.
We spent an afternoon in Coeur d'Alene, the city, at the north end of the Lake. Jumped in at Tubb's Hill right by the resort, then proceeded to eat Legendary Hamburgers at Hudsons. Not really knowing where to stay for the night we got side tracked biking around a smaller lake and then ended up finding a hill by the big lake to camp for the night (PIC gorgeous sunset included).
From that location we ended up finding the end of the Centennial Trail and did a quick two miles onto 1-90 to highway 97. A quick 20 some miles down that we reached Harrison, ID for lunch. A quaint little town with a nice atmosphere, Harrison was a good place to relax for a siesta.
It also happens to be the start (or end relatively) of the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes a rail to trail path that follows the Coeur d'Alene River. After visiting Kyle's favorite bridge to jump off (PIC him jumping) The riding here was mellow and scenic. I would highly recommend it to anybody looking to enjoy a good bike ride.
We ended up camping by the river and continuing on our way on Sunday. We decided to head North as our original intention towards Lake Pend Oreille. Instead of cutting back towards Coeur d'Alene and take the highway we entered the wilderness north of our current location onto Forest Service Land.
My bike can handle unpaved road but while dragging a trailer it can be difficult especially on loose gravel or steep inclines. Besides those two things we encountered more obstacles and difficulties than I ever could have anticipated.
Starting that Sunday afternoon I got detoured on side road that was not our intended route. My brother, ahead of me, did not anticipate my mistake. I ended up high on a road completely lost by my self meditating on a stump (PIC view of my bike from said place) until some people on ATVs rolled past to give me direction. But by the time I got to where I needed to the day was rewarding and we camped in no mans land last night.
Today was probably one of the most physically and mentally enduring tasks that I have had to undertake for sometime. We had a supposed route out of the Forest Service Land north to Sandpoint, ID. We did not realize that the roads were confusing and the mtn. passes were high.
The initial road was smooth and nice but we soon encountered obstacles such as huge bumps in the road that looked like moto-cross jumps & rock slides. We unintentionally detoured from our route and ended up on what was essentially a trail. This trail had two creek crossings (first of which is PIC below) and three portions that were completely snowed over. We were on the struggle bus carrying our gear over those parts and through that pass in general but we learned alot about patience.
We made it back to civilization and openly embraced a feast at our current location. We meet some locals and were shown some gratuitous hospitality that I am so thankful for. We are camping at Farragut State Park tonight 4 miles down the road and will spend the day there tomorrow resting from our over adventurousness today.
Thanks for the great response from the link on the Sasquatch Website and all my friends, family, people I love etc... I am having the quest of my life really understanding what my existence can be. Always Learn, Love, Live
sincerely,
TE
ps. the PIC is one of my favorite this trip so far B & W
Location: Athol, ID ... Jimmy C's
(PIC is starting from our parents house)
Starting from Spokane on Friday morning around 10 in the A.M. we cruised our old stomping ground through the South Hill to Downtown near the start of the Centennial Trail. This trail took us all the way into Idaho (only losing it once briefly) following the Spokane River Upstream.
From that location we ended up finding the end of the Centennial Trail and did a quick two miles onto 1-90 to highway 97. A quick 20 some miles down that we reached Harrison, ID for lunch. A quaint little town with a nice atmosphere, Harrison was a good place to relax for a siesta.
We ended up camping by the river and continuing on our way on Sunday. We decided to head North as our original intention towards Lake Pend Oreille. Instead of cutting back towards Coeur d'Alene and take the highway we entered the wilderness north of our current location onto Forest Service Land.
Starting that Sunday afternoon I got detoured on side road that was not our intended route. My brother, ahead of me, did not anticipate my mistake. I ended up high on a road completely lost by my self meditating on a stump (PIC view of my bike from said place) until some people on ATVs rolled past to give me direction. But by the time I got to where I needed to the day was rewarding and we camped in no mans land last night.
Today was probably one of the most physically and mentally enduring tasks that I have had to undertake for sometime. We had a supposed route out of the Forest Service Land north to Sandpoint, ID. We did not realize that the roads were confusing and the mtn. passes were high.
The initial road was smooth and nice but we soon encountered obstacles such as huge bumps in the road that looked like moto-cross jumps & rock slides. We unintentionally detoured from our route and ended up on what was essentially a trail. This trail had two creek crossings (first of which is PIC below) and three portions that were completely snowed over. We were on the struggle bus carrying our gear over those parts and through that pass in general but we learned alot about patience.
We made it back to civilization and openly embraced a feast at our current location. We meet some locals and were shown some gratuitous hospitality that I am so thankful for. We are camping at Farragut State Park tonight 4 miles down the road and will spend the day there tomorrow resting from our over adventurousness today.
Thanks for the great response from the link on the Sasquatch Website and all my friends, family, people I love etc... I am having the quest of my life really understanding what my existence can be. Always Learn, Love, Live
sincerely,
TE
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Preperation
Thursday, May 13th, 2010
Tomorrow my brother & I will depart for a 10 day/9 night cycle tour through the wilderness of the Idaho Panhandle. Many lakes will jumped in and good times will indubitably be found. Then after arriving back to Spokane and reconvening with my amazing family for a weekend or so I will depart on a cross state venture to my current home in Maple Falls, WA. The most important detour on this route will be during Memorial Day Weekend at the Sasquatch Festival @ the Gorge near George, WA. This will be my 8th year attending the festival and I couldn't be more excited.
I just wanted to make this quick post to let people know about my intentions to always & consistently culminate my existence by having a good time all the time. Life's adventure has had so much to offer lately and I couldn't be more pleased with what is in store. But I always remember to try and appreciate my current place the most I can.
I have spent the last week or so watching my younger siblings, Trevor & Katharine (ages 12 & 10 respectively) with my elder brother Kyle. It has been the most significant time we have all spent together since we were all young and I have appreciated it greatly. It worked out nicely, getting laid off from the Mountain and having the month of May to reconnect with my immediate family. My parents have been sailing in the BVI (tough life I know) but we have had the chance to catch up as well and they are doing well. I wanted to sincerely express my heartfelt compassion for the amazing home that I was raised in because it has helped me become the man I am today.
However as an educated person and a nomadic free spirit I feel that I must abandon my roots and previous identity to find my purpose in this world. I biked over 2000 miles last summer in search of that purpose and while it was an ultimately enlightening experience I can't tell you what I found because honestly I don't know. This purpose that I am looking for cannot be found by looking for it but it must be an organic natural feeling that manifests itself. I am happy were with who I am but constantly striving for something else.
Thank you to whoever still reads this blog, its just good to release some of my thoughts and aspirations onto the world wide web. Please tell your friends and family if you think they would interested. I will hopefully be posting every couple days to let you know how the adventure goes. Until then continue learning, loving & living.
sincerely,
T.E.
p.s. the picture is of a rainbow (duh) from my parents neighborhood in Spokane.
Tomorrow my brother & I will depart for a 10 day/9 night cycle tour through the wilderness of the Idaho Panhandle. Many lakes will jumped in and good times will indubitably be found. Then after arriving back to Spokane and reconvening with my amazing family for a weekend or so I will depart on a cross state venture to my current home in Maple Falls, WA. The most important detour on this route will be during Memorial Day Weekend at the Sasquatch Festival @ the Gorge near George, WA. This will be my 8th year attending the festival and I couldn't be more excited.
I just wanted to make this quick post to let people know about my intentions to always & consistently culminate my existence by having a good time all the time. Life's adventure has had so much to offer lately and I couldn't be more pleased with what is in store. But I always remember to try and appreciate my current place the most I can.
I have spent the last week or so watching my younger siblings, Trevor & Katharine (ages 12 & 10 respectively) with my elder brother Kyle. It has been the most significant time we have all spent together since we were all young and I have appreciated it greatly. It worked out nicely, getting laid off from the Mountain and having the month of May to reconnect with my immediate family. My parents have been sailing in the BVI (tough life I know) but we have had the chance to catch up as well and they are doing well. I wanted to sincerely express my heartfelt compassion for the amazing home that I was raised in because it has helped me become the man I am today.
However as an educated person and a nomadic free spirit I feel that I must abandon my roots and previous identity to find my purpose in this world. I biked over 2000 miles last summer in search of that purpose and while it was an ultimately enlightening experience I can't tell you what I found because honestly I don't know. This purpose that I am looking for cannot be found by looking for it but it must be an organic natural feeling that manifests itself. I am happy were with who I am but constantly striving for something else.
Thank you to whoever still reads this blog, its just good to release some of my thoughts and aspirations onto the world wide web. Please tell your friends and family if you think they would interested. I will hopefully be posting every couple days to let you know how the adventure goes. Until then continue learning, loving & living.
sincerely,
T.E.
p.s. the picture is of a rainbow (duh) from my parents neighborhood in Spokane.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Resurrection
Friday, May 7th, 2010
Salutations Internet...
It has been the better part of year since this blog has been active. Even though we're only at 13 followers I feel very connected to this little piece of the world wide web that I call my own. I want to thank any body who still supported me on my last cycle adventure this past summer, I just read through all my posts and reflected on what was easily the best summer of my life.
Since then my life has taken a unique and amazing path that I could have not anticipated but have ultimately come to accept with open arms. After spending last September with my parents in Spokane (which happens to be my current but temporary location) I moved to a happy little place known as Maple Falls, WA.
Some friends of mine from college and I had an ambition to live and work at Mt. Baker Ski Resort after graduating college. We found the house in Maple Falls, WA (about half way inbetween Mt. Baker & Bellingham, WA) starting in October and I honestly have found where I belong.
It has been the most fantastic winter of my life working hard and playing even harder in the most beautiful part of the Cascades with some of the most amazing people I have ever met. I hope to elaborate on my new home in further posts and undoubtedly I will share some great stories from the past season up there.
But the real reason for this post is the Resurrection of my Blog due to a new Cycle Adventure. I will be leaving tentatively a week from today to tour the Idaho Panhandle with my older brother Kyle Sayles Livingston. After completing a round trip of Coeur d'Alene, Pend Oreille & Priest Lakes back to Spokane I will then depart back to my new home in Maple Falls, WA. Along the way back west I will be making my annual pilgrimage to the Sasquatch Festival that happens Memorial Day Weekend at the Gorge near George, WA.
I expect this trip to be a ton of fun and hopefully continue the spirit of my last adventure. I do not have a cause to support this time besides my own nomadic spirit. I hope to help out somebody along the way and experience some incredible revelations. Thank you all for reading my blog and please make some comments or something this time around.
I have posted some pictures that I have taken from the last 7 or 8 months enjoy.
My roommates and I in Spokane
my family after running bloomsday last week
nothing but love
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