T.E. Livingston's Adventure Blog

When there is nothing left to Burn you must set yourself on fire.

2011-09-16T17:41:00.000-07:00

An entry to the abyss,

It has been a little under a week since I got back from my latest travels and I feel that I have had ample time to reflect on what has transpired over the past couple weeks. In the Springtime near the end of the Ski Season I purchased my Burning Man ticket to ensure that my summer adventures were complete. I had heard numerous accounts of how intense a week in Black Rock City could be but really did not know what I was getting myself into.

It was somewhat of a process finding a ride to Burning Man and I was quite worried that I would have to rally the Subaru down there which had seen enough adventures this summer. With some persistence I found a ride share online from an amazing Canadian, Jen, who picked me up on Monday afternoon. We drove all night and arrived in Gerlach, NV, the closest town to the event, just after sunrise the next morning.

I was humbled and astonished upon arriving to Black Rock City, it was easy to pick up my will call ticket and the lineup was next to nothing since it opened up over 24 hours before. We were greeted with hugs and a friendly "Welcome Home" from the people at the gate. The address that Patrick gave me for the campsite was inaccurate and I was unable to locate him initially. So for the first day we decided to not set up camp anywhere and proceeded to adventure around the playa on bicycle. I was absolutely blown away by the intricacy of the artwork put into this event. Every instillation, especially the Temple, was designed with such grace and creativity. It is truly astonishing the amount of time and effort put into this event for only a week's worth of enjoyment.

The week proceeded as I would have imagined with so much more thrown in along the way. Eventually I ended finding Patrick who was with Camp No Fun and Camp Warlock, with who I spent a significant amount of time with. They constructed a 3 story tall scaffolding structure which a couch and hammock on top. This became one of my favorite places to relax and watch the madness of the city ensue. Thanks to all in the camps who provided so much hospitality, Dan O, T-Funk, Tara, Leslie, Rennee, Billy, Cookie and all the other I forgot.

Over the course of the week I attended workshops, hit up as many bars as I could, watched people destroy each other in the Thunderdome, enjoyed the spectacle of flaming art cars, played my accordion at open mics and honestly interacted with everyone I encountered. At Burning Man manifest destiny is the law and you can really be whoever you want. A lot of people adopt "Playa Names" and evolve personalities to fit the situation. Occasionally I went by "Taters" (seeing as I brought a lot of potatoes for sustenance) but most often gave my real name and tried to remain true to my identity. The costumes and charades are somewhat of spectacle but really the true self is revealed if necessary.

I enjoyed the no money economy and didn't touch my wallet the entire week. I had brought a significant amount of calcite quartz that I had rock hounded on my journeys this summer. Some people gave away stickers, small trinkets or whatever they could to give away. Even though it costs a significant amount to get in the gate and to prepare for, knowing that this type of non monetary society can function is reassuring.

It was quite humbling watching the art pieces burn over the course of the weekend. On Friday camp Troy burned their Trojan Horse in a spectacular display of fireworks and freedom. On Saturday I got rather close to the burning of the Man and was blown away at the spectacle that ensued. At the moment it all collapsed I felt an assurance that all is right and in a way it helped me accept my own demise. Jen and I packed up her car on Sunday and watched the Temple Burn from a distance and left right after in collapsed. It was sentimental feeling watching the beautiful structure fall and knowing all the love that had been put into it. It was an excellent reminder of how fleeting beauty is.

The decompression travels after the better part of a week in Black Rock City was interesting. We encountered a long line and dust storm on our way out so it made it somewhat of stressful situation. Jen is an excellent road trip partner and we powered through and got out of Nevada fast. We decided that going to the Bay Area was a great idea and the next day we found our selves in Berkeley, CA. I reconnected with a friend a made through Clean Vibes after Outside Lands. I attended a lecture at the University and a Yoga Class downtown. It was a nice transition back to the default world. Thank you to Erica, Pia and Joia for taking us in, I spent part of the week busking with my accordion once more in San Fransisco along the Fisherman's Wharf and in Golden Gate Park. Jen found San Fransisco to cold and frantic for her tastes and we decided to travel northwards. We crashed one night near Mt. Shasta and the next day booked it to Portland Oregon. We made a brief stop to visit my cousin Gretchen and her amazing family who I hadn't seen since her wedding last fall. Ended up staying with another friend made over the summer, Laura from String Summit. I was grateful for her hospitality and she showed us an interesting side of her neighborhood in NE Portland. We drove up though Washington the next day and I felt back at home. A million thanks to Jen the best road trip partner ever.

Again I find myself back in Whatcom County, jumping back between Bellingham and where I used to live off highway 542. I have been song writing and pedicabbing a good amount when I can. Mainly I am searching for some sort of stability. This nomadic lifestyle has worn down on me physically, mentally and spiritually. The Burn really does take a special type and I feel for my first time I did it just right. I used a quote from a song for the title of this post from the band "Stars" and the album/song "Set Yourself on Fire." It is gorgeous music and I thought it appropriate for once reason or another.

I don't know what the future holds, for now I am thinking about winter a lot and considering whether I should work back at Mt. Baker or find more profitable employment. Although I am still a lost soul and a tiny functioning cog in a giant machine, I feel that I am perfectly happy with my current existence. I work hard when and where I can, contributing to whatever situation I am currently involved in. An old neighbor reassured me that my choices were validated "Do it while your young" she said and I couldn't agree more. There will be a time when I settle down and have a home base again but for now the gypsy lifestyle is too alluring. Thank you for reading this and I hope to post again once I pick up my traveling feet. Until then Peace & Love

sincerely,

T.E.

Everything Up to the Burn

2011-08-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

To whomever might read this,

I have not been diligent about updating this blog as I should have this summer. However seeing as that really few people actually read this and it is more of a mental release for me I will update it as I see fit. These events will be summarized for now but hopefully expanded upon at a later date.

This time next week hopefully I will be a resident of Black Rock City in Nevada while attending my first Burning Man which coincidentally is celebrating it's 25th year not unlike myself. I am going to fill in briefly all the gaps from Sasquatch at then end of May until the current moment.

After leaving the Gorge after what I concluded was indubitably the best Sasquatch! ever I returned to Whatcom County and visited with friends. The next weekend I traveled with my friend Sparkle Sam down to Seattle and attended the Moody Blues at the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in Woodinville, WA. With us were other friends Morgan & Bekah to enjoy the experience. The concert was fantastic and was a good send off for Sam before she had to fly to Alaska the next morning.

Again I returned to Bellingham and enjoyed time spent with the Alternative Library Crew and adventures with my Pedicab. The Naked Bike Ride took place the next weekend and I thoroughly enjoyed taking the tricycle taxi around town in the buff with some enthusiastic passengers.

The next weekend I went down to Seattle again for the Fremont Solstice parade. The night before the event I was out seeing my friends band Rise n' Shine at the Nectar Lounge and came back to my car only to find it broken into. One window was smashed and the only things they took were my Accordion and a hiking backpack with my camping stove. These things were essential materials in my summer adventures but I put the misfortune behind me and pressed on. The Fremont Fair and Solstice Parade were rather enjoyable with more naked bikers. Thanks to the guys in Acorn Project for playing an awesome show and the hospitality of all my friends in that area.

That next week I spent living in a cave outside of Leavenworth, WA. On the solstice which happened to be my 25th birthday some friends and I arranged a large party in the cave which went until sunrise. I have a lot of respect and fondness for that area of Washington, as well as the people who call it home. Thanks to Jared a.k.a. Rooster, Dustin, Sweeny and everyone who made that week especially memorable.

I returned to Seattle for my friend Beth's birthday that Friday and enjoyed catching up with her and other friends. I ended up busking with my guitar for quite sometime that weekend during the Pride Parade in Seattle. On Sunday I got a free ticket from an awesome acquaintance to see My Morning Jacket at the Paramount, which was an amazing, epic and life changing show. Thank you Adam.

The next weekend my friend Patrick and I booked it down to Quincy, CA for the 21st annual High Sierra Music Festival. We were volunteers with an organization called Clean Vibes that is involved with responsible waste management for Festivals. The experience at this place was what I would deem pure magic. The music was off the charts, the Clean Vibes crew was incredibly kind and over all I had one of the best weekends of my life. I will never forget playing music during sunrise while watching the silent disco and eventually being overtaken by a kickball game. Thanks a lot to Julie Ann, Justin, Laura Squared and Rainbow for providing some lifelong memories.

On our way back up to Whatcom County Patrick and I were obliged to stop at the 40th annual National Rainbow Gathering being held in Washington just south of Mt. St. Helens. The experience was enlightening to say the least and it was humbling to see so many people interacting in a beautiful landscape on a no money economy. I have a lot of stories from our brief time spent there but they need not be elaborated upon. Thanks to the Sushi Tribe for being so hospitable.

Got back to Whatcom County and caught March Forth Marching Band for the Bellingham Street Sounds series. That band has more live energy than an atom bomb that just flew into the sun, really fun stuff. Spent a little time the next week back out in Eastern Whatcom County connecting with that community and what I had left behind. I rolled the Pedicab when I could and made enough money to get by while still thoroughly enjoying my experience.

My travels then brought me down to the Northwest String Summit outside of Portland Oregon. I had heard about this event and knew that I belonged there this summer. Not only did I witness some of the most amazing live bluegrass one can imagine but I remain humbled by the entire experience. I was a volunteer and helped out with whatever they needed me to. Basically it was an avenue for meeting incredible people. Thanks to Patrick, Cristal, Amber, Matt and Laura for all the kind interactions throughout the weekend. I cherish my time spent at Horning's Hideout and can't wait to go back.

An awesome by-product of the String Summit was meeting an incredible woman who offered to straight up trade her full sized Accordion for my small Concertina. I met up with her a couple days after the weekend and it was a beautiful interaction in which we both ended up with what we wanted with no monetary value attached.

I spent some time with an old friend who I met when we volunteered in Australia together. Kim invited me to come to an open mic she had her about and I got the chance to play music and listen to others with some really great people. Portland Oregon is a city that ends up feeling like a community and I can appreciate that. Thanks to Ratboy, Kim and Mercedes.

The next stop on the tour was up to Kethcum, ID and some quality time with my brother Kyle. I got out there and we attended a concert in the town of Ketchum with Bruce Hornsby and Bela Fleck & his Flecktones. I was familiar with both of the artists but seeing them live was absolutely astounding. The instrumentation and spontaneity of the show was out of this world. It remains one of my favorite live acts I have eve witnessed.

We traveled to the town of Stanley for the Sawtooth Music Festival the next day. I again volunteered and got to meet a lot of amazing people coming in doing Parking Duty. The setting of the venue is absolutely spectacular with the ridges of the Sawtooth Mountains in the background. The music was great on the first night and all seemed in the right place. The next day was shaping up to be another great one until after the second act the thunder clouds started clouding the horizon. That evening and night we witnessed one of the most intense performances put on by Mother Nature. Lightning Strikes were plenty and the rain fell pretty hard for a good amount of time. The music was canceled but the experience lives on. We hit up some hidden hot springs the next day and spent the next couple days relaxing in Ketchum. Thanks to my brother Kyle, Kathryn, Coil, Nickster and Jill for all the memories.

I spent a little time with my family in Spokane. A brief trip out to lake Coeur d'Alene was a nice place to cool off in the hot inland heat. It is necessary to thank all of my immediate family for all their continued support. So PJ, Mom, Freena Bean, T.A. and cousin Jason please know I love you with all of my being.

The next weekend was spent with my good friend Morgan traveling to Phish at the Gorge in his newly acquired Volkswagen Camping EuroVan. I had never seen Phish and really got my fill with two nights at my favorite place to see live music. We camped next to the Bellingham crew and were delightfully treated to having Acorn Project play in the campground after the Phish sets. The times that were spent that weekend really reverberate magic with me still. Thanks to Morgan for driving and being such an amazing honest friend.

After some brief time spent in Bellingham over the next week and a little rolling on the Tricycle Taxi, I picked up again and booked it down to San Fransisco with a ride share on Craigslist. The ride was interesting but it worked out and I got there on Friday morning. Again with my friend Morgan, his girlfriend Bekah and other people I knew from college.

The reason I was down in the Bay Area was to volunteer again with the Clean Vibes crew at the Outside Lands Festival at Golden Gate Park. I ended up in a little bit of a conundrum not having enough money to put down my deposit for after-show clean-up. That night I ended up walking around the perimeter of the concert listening to Phish again but not seeing them it ended up being a humbling occasion. The next day I raised the necessary money for the deposit by busking around the city with my somewhat newly acquired accordion. The show for the second two days was absolutely insane and I was surprised at how well it was ran. Some highlight shows were definitely Muse, Tune-Yards, STS9, Deigo's Umbrella and Beirut The park is incredibly scenic, especially in a city setting, so having a festival crowd has a big impact. I spent the two days following the event doing sweeps of the grounds with dozens of others cleaning up every cigarette butt and pistachio shell in our path. It was dirty work but rewarding for the experience of the entire weekend. I saw some of the crew from High Sierra again and meet a lot of new people. Thanks a lot to Axel & Alyscia, Morgan & Bekah, Detectives Dave & Dan and Erica from Clean Vibes for the amazing time spent in San Fran.

I took the Greyhound back to Seattle to spend some with an old friend who was in town for a wedding and to attend the 20th annual Hempfest. The weekend was spent between West Seattle, Downtown & Myrtle Edwards Park. There was a significant amount of busking with the accordion and lots of reminiscing of summers past. It was good to find a ride back to Whatcom County on Sunday from good friends and get out of a big city environment for a while. Thanks to Chris, Steak O, P@Trix, Robbie and Volpone.

This past week was spent again in my favorite county, Whatcom. I have been working and preparing for the Burn. Life seems endlessly complicated but at the same time the contentment in my actions is clear. There is a lot of things that I do not know about myself and my potential seems to be restricted. One of my mantras has always been "Life is a journey, not a destination." This is the longest time that I have been nomadic and it has worn on my body and mind. There is much that needs to be figured out during the Burn and I want to leave Black Rock City with a purpose. The ritual of spending a week in the desert is what my compatriot Patrick thinks of as a metaphoric cleanse of soul. I lead a very privileged and blessed existence. Thank you to whomever I encounter because it is truly the people who help guide my way. There will be another post sometime after Burning Man and hopefully elaboration on it all.

Peace & Love,

T.E.

An Open Forum Letter to all Participants in the SASQUATCH! Music Festival

2011-07-08T17:17:00.000-07:00

To everyone who was involved in any way,

It has been over a month since SASQUATCH! went down and people have transitioned in the summer season. I am still thinking about my experience this year at the Festival and want input from other people on what they saw. If we communicate and work together we can possible remedy some of the flaws of what is a Beast of a Fest. Please circulate this message to all people you know that attended SASQUATCH! this year because with some more input from all angles (employees, artists, volunteers, media & attendees) we can get the bigger picture.

I have been attending the Sasquatch! for what is now 9 years strong (every year but the very first). I have watched it grow into the Monster that is has become and this year I was extra observant and critical.

I am very satisfied as far as my quality of experience with the Music is concerned and couldn't be more happy with all the amazing performances of artists that I love dearly. Adam Zacks and the SASQUATCH! crew do their best to make sure that everything on the Festival side of things runs on time, sounds great and transitions smoothly. I can elaborate on how much of an amazing experience I had enjoying the incredible music over the course of the weekend but this letter has a different purpose. At the least I will confirm as I do every year, BEST SASQUATCH! EVER.

I know that Live Nation goes far beyond the Gorge as a concert venue and HOB is only loosely involved somehow. My main problems with my experience this year are directly related to how the Amphitheater and Campground is run. This is more than just inflation of cheap booze and food, these problems are essential to understanding the very nature of humanity, NO JOKE.

As with everyone who comes to Gorge on Memorial Day weekend, people expect a lot things. Many people go there as employees with the potential to make money as a seasonal event worker. These people are an quintessential part to making sure things run smoothly. I am sure they expect to work hard and be treated fairly but the system in which they are entangled is terrible.

I will openly communicate with everyone and be as honest as I can. (hence the writing of this letter) Every time I had the chance to communicate with a Gorge Employee that was low on the chain of command and actually ask "How're you doing?" The ugly truth came out.
Here's some examples of what I heard

People had to stand for 6 hours in the sun, no bathroom break, no food or water provided

Numerous accounts of verbal abuse from upper management

Discrimination based on race, gender and socioeconomic background

These are just some prime and intense examples of the mistreatment of some of the employees that I had the chance to interact with. I can only fathom the amount of labor laws being violated. If anyone else saw examples of this please elaborate.

The issue with how the management treats its employees is one of grave concern I think for Live Nation and the Gorge in general. To foster such a negative work environment for so many people really takes a toll on the experience for everyone involved. No matter the pay rate, position or person all people should be treated with the respect as human beings that they deserve. I would love to see the low level employees of the Amphitheater petition for a better work atmosphere because they deserve it from what I saw. I hope Live Nation reads my concerns seriously and addresses some of the serious problems that do exist. I think some of the key issues with the main problems could be solved with boosting employee moral. I have e-mailed them with my thoughts and only received back automated responses.

I was also directly harassed by some security staff in the fact that I was dancing on the path and told to sit down or I would be kicked out, I was not getting in any bodies way besides the lady who got on my case. Tell me again what is wrong with dancing at a Festival?

Another issue that I am passionate about is the waste that is created. The Gorge is without a doubt my favorite place to see live music because it is set in such an amazing setting. Watching people come to one of my favorite places and treat is like a trash can is unacceptable.

I remember there used to be more of push to make people a little bit more conscious about properly disposing of their garbage. In previous years trash bags where distributed in the campgrounds. It would be a simple change and save a lot of money in the long run. Giving people different colored bags for trash and recycle at the campground, having neatly labeled things inside the festival, making announcements on stage about proper disposal.

I am volunteering with an organization called Clean Vibes this summer. This weekend previous (the end of June beginning of July) I was at the High Sierra Music Festival in Quincy, California. It was my first experience with them and I can only say amazing things. Participating with the during festival clean up crew was an honor and a pleasure. We took four hours out of day each day to sort mad amounts of garbage into trash, compost and various recyclables. We also made sure the vendors and attendees knew how to take care of their waste. The care for the waste made during festivals that Clean Vibes instills could benefit SASQUATCH! greatly. I know everybody wants to have a good time and "party" but absolutely trashing the Columbia Gorge in the name of a good time is ludicrous. I am volunteering with Clean Vibes again at Outside Lands in San Fransisco during the second weekend in August. I will continue to document my experience on this blog.

If Sasquatch, the actual big footed creature, attended this festival the main thing I can imagine would be shock at the sheer amount of environmental degradation that it is causing. The Gorge is set amongst an amazing landscape over looking one of the most important river systems in the North West. It needs to be treated with copious amounts of respect instead of so much constant neglect. I did my best to make sure I properly disposed of or packed out everything that I packed in, including my stuff in the festival and campground. I hope people begin to realize in the future that this Festival is special. We get to use that space for such an amazing event and in turn we should treat it with the respect that is deserves.

The campground is a whole different Animal from the Concert and needs to be treated as such.

I want to have a lot of faith in the people who come to the festival and I attempt trust everyone there but this is should indubitably not be the case. Our campsite got raided while we were all in the concert on Friday and two of my friends lost of lot of valuable personable items from their tents.

After that we made sure to lock everything up in the car, but alas after getting back from the concert the next day, the crooks didn't even take time to open the tent zippers. They simply took knives and slit almost everyone's tent at our site looking for stuff to steal. I had to deal with a giant hole in my tent window the next two nights. For a guy who is living out a car, having his tent slashed open is like knocking down wall of somebodies house.

I know security exists at the campground but this year I did not see a single one of them around my campsite only near the entrance taking away booze. This is rather disappointing. No one should come to a festival and have to worry so much about their materials possessions when they are just trying to have a good time like 99.999% of the other attendees. If any body else experienced theft at the campground please speak reply. Safety and Security should be the number one and two concern respectively, not confiscation of alcohol/drugs.

One other thing I can think that is very necessary is a much more efficient and larger security check at the entrance of the festival, it should not take any more than 1/2 an hour to stand in line, have your things checked, ticket scanned and get it. The organization was far less than what was needed and the people always seemed confused (both employees and concert goers). The gates where not far enough back to form distinct lines and it ended up more like a mob. There was a significant amount of people sneaking in front of others creating delays.

On that note, I can understand being poor and not being able to afford an expensive ticket to large festival. But please if you can buy your ticket to SASQUATCH! and do not sneak in. The money goes to the hard working artists who you are enjoying to see live, the employees of the Gorge or the Festival and to all the resources it takes to put on a party this big. By not contributing and only mooching people who sneak in contribute nothing to the Festival community besides another warm body. Please contribute when and if you can in some way.

O yeah, there needs to be way more water stations inside the festival. I don't want to wait more than a couple minutes to fill up my water bottles, and last year it seemed there were a lot of more than this one. One of my favorite things to say over the course of the weekend is always "A hydrated Sasquatch!, is a happy Sasquatch!"

The wristband idea is logical and makes a lot of sense in the long run but from my experience I think it needs some revamping. My band personally fell off in my tent saturday night/sunday morning good thing i found it had some white medical tape i discreetly reattached it. A sturdier model of wristband is needed if this is repeated next year. A lot of people lost there band or had it ripped off in gnarly crowds by stupid people. These wristbands are too important and cost too much money to have them feel like a dispensable item.

I appreciate anybody for reading this all because it is long and sporadic. What I am basically trying to convey is I love SASQUATCH! for so many reasons but would really love to see things run with a little but more LOVE & MERCY and not so much GREED & WASTE. Please respond and circulate this amongst people who were there and want to make SASQUATCH! 2012 the best one ever.

sincerely,

Taylor Livingston
TELivingston@gmail.com

Bringing it Back in 2011

2011-07-08T12:22:00.001-07:00

To whomever it may concern,

I have been without a home for over a month now and consider my current lifestyle nomadic. The adventures as of late have been nothing short of epic and the rest of the summer can only be eagerly anticipated.

The rebirth of my Blog in this season will hopefully become more of reflection of my observations in general and a continued documentation of my adventures. It is unfortunate that the distances and times that my destinations require this summer facilitate the use of a car and not a bicycle. I am still riding my bike as much as possible and somewhat recently acquired a Pedicab (tricycle taxi) which is my main source of income stationed in Bellingham, WA (also my current location).

I moved out of my home of Maple Falls just before my annual trek to the SASQUATCH! festival on Memorial Day Weekend at the Gorge in George, WA. Since then I have been traveling around the great North West. I will document my latest adventures in more detail with some posts over the coming weeks. My feelings about some of the experiences and interactions that I have had lately have significantly changed my viewpoint on many things.

As always thank you to any one who might still be interested in reading this Blog. I know it is not that professional or well written for that matter. However I feel like expressing myself in this manner is appropriate for what I want to do. I will continue to post things throughout the summer and hopefully it will be mixed media. I am currently working on a lot of music and art through various mediums. I am still confused on what my place in the world but the least I can say is that I am content with my current situation.

with peace & nothing but love

Taylor Elliot Livingston

I found SASQUATCH!

2010-06-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

Saturday June 5th, 2010

Location: Home i.e. Maple Falls, WA

Seeing as that I am centered back at my residence and my Spring Cycle Quest is completed this post will be extensive and conclusive. Lets get ready to get deep into it people.

My last post was in Coulee City, WA and I was preparing my self mentally and physically for what would be the most intense weekend of my life. I rode the remaining distance to the Columbia River Gorge that next day hitting up some of the most scenic landscapes that I had encountered thus far on my adventures lately.

There was a place right outside of Coulee City that is called Dry Falls (pictured above) due to the fact at a couple times in the earths past it used to be the largest waterfall in existence. The epic cliffs and interpretive signs at the visitors center due an ample job of giving an idea what power the place use to hold. I enjoyed myself thoroughly that morning appreciating the cool channeled coulees of the Columbia Basin and it was a great bike ride to boot.

I made it near the Gorge and intended to camp at a campground but found that is was closed and even though they were willing to let me pay to stay I opted for poaching a near by apple orchard down the road. It rained tough all Thursday night and I grew mildly concerned for the dynamic of weather patterns for the upcoming weekend. Eventually I knew I really had nothing to fear because the festival is fun even if it hails, trust me I know. (pic below is on the way in)

I was the first Sasquatcher to enter the Gorge Campground the next morning come 8 am or so seeking shelter from the rain. I found a post to chill at and took a needed shower while there wasn't any line. People were officially let in around noon and I put on the Sasquatch suit to great some of the first arrivals. It was entertaining to a degree but I feel like I was trying to force something out.

I rode my bike around the grounds and ended up finding some friends to hang out with. It was good to watch the old crew arrive carload by carload all of us with open arms and lots of catching up to do. It was so different when we were all in school together and hung out regularly. This festival is special to me for one reason because its a connector for a lot of really good friends that I don't see that much anymore. There's a saying with some precious metals in it, I'm sure you know it

When some other friends rolled in I came and met them at the spot where we would camp for the remainder of the weekend. A good crew of dudes from Issaquah and Bellingham friends were in the nearby vicinity. It was a trip actually settling in and preparing for what laid ahead, just watching the constant stream of cars that practically didn't stop all night long pass by my bike along the fence.

Under some type of unwritten code I followed suit with probably 90% of the people there I got significantly inebriated that night. I donned the Sasquatch suit come sun down and proceeded to rampage throughout the campground trying to create the biggest Sasquatch sighting in history. Was it a success? In my mind I succeeded, however I did end up losing the BIG feet to my costume somewhere along the way. I walked around the rest of the night toughening up my soles barefoot style.

The next morning I was playing the hurry up and wait game, being so eager to get into the grounds of the Gorge and start off the reason I came there, MUSIC!!! I played some guitar for the nice Canadians all around us (even more than last year it seems). I was perturbed how they (Canucks) in previous years had almost seemed to outnumber U.S.ers at the show but seeing as how my number one band to see this year (Broken Social Scene) was Canadian I had grown to accept the fact.

The line up to get in to the show was longer than I have ever remembered that Saturday going even past the general store. It probably took over a half an hour but there was plenty of eager entertaining anticipation amongst the crowd. (pic below is of some good friends, Eric & Morgan inside the show)

DAY 1 SATURDAY:
The first act I caught was Brother Ali and he sounded great and got the crowd into his passionate rhymes. The uniqueness of his heart felt hip hop set off the day with a vigor for me that inspired some great moments.

Mumford & Sons are a great solid strumming band that has deeply introspective lyrics and overwhelming waves of emotional music. Seeing them live really changed my perspective on how excellent they actually were. I love how live music can do that.

Caught Minus the Bear on the main stage and thoroughly enjoyed listening to both songs I had jammed out to for years and the new material they are releasing. It must have been like the 7th or 8th time but the never cease to impress me with their endless talent and creative style.

Hiked back up the hill for a little bit of Portugal, The Man and remember being somewhat impressed but not blown away by what they had to offer. I was really just wandering around people watching at this point, I do hope to listen to more of them in the future.

The Middle East on the small stage was again brief but enjoyable and then headed back to the main lawn to reconvene with the group. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes got a couple songs in while I ambled back and forth, along with a naked man refusing clothes obviously under the influence of heavy psychedelics (pure entertainment). There we sat and watched OK GO absolutely have the most fun you could imagine playing their poppy power music to the crowd. "This too shall Pass" was absolutely incredible in particular.

Then went down to the floor of the main stage to see what was my number one for the whole weekend, I would have payed just to see this band play anything all weekend and would not have been disappointed. Broken Social Scene has been an integral part of my musical path since high school but I have never had the chance to see them so I considered this a special moment, & indeed it was. They played every song I could have thought of that I really wanted to hear and then there was more. The members, all so different, come together to form what I think is one of the most genius collaborations of modern sound. I had listened a lot to the new album "Forgiveness Rock Record" but hearing the songs live really brought new meaning to all of them and when they closed with "Meet me in the Basement" and Kevin Drew preached to the crowd a little "You gotta feel good every chance you get and make sure your life sounds just like THIS!!!" I freaked out and went into a moment of pure bliss. I recall saying "I could not feel more better than any human being alive right now" as they walked off stage. All in All I was not Forced to Love and even though there are moments at Sasquatch that can make me World Sick, that set is ranking in some of the best moments of my life and I say that with complete honesty. (pic below is them rocking hard)

The rest of the day was just on festival cruise and explore mode. I had gotten out my moment that I needed and felt that my cycle quest to the Gorge was more than rewarded. Miike Snow from Sweden was great and I was impressed that his sound live was much different than on the albums but in no way in a negative manner.

I layed on the hill and kinda just zoned out during the National because I was feeling a little tired but I was impressed by their set and they sounded great. Hiked around and caught the last half of the Hold Steady and saw my good buddy Ryan and his girlfriend Kacey there. We sang along to some classics and I realized how much I still love that band even though they lost the accordionist.

Vampire Weekend was spent entirely on the floor with friends dancing and really enjoying every song. They didn't jam as hard as other bands but the pure precision that they executed their set with was impressive. I really gained a respect for the sound that they are capturing it almost seems Paul Simon "Graceland"esque even though associations are overrated.

I stuck around for the entire set of My Morning Jacket because again this is a band that I have loved for over 5 years and have never taken the opportunity to see live. Their set was all over the board with some immense sweeping jams that I don't even think I knew they had a grasp on what was created. Some highlights were "I'm Amazed", "Mahgeetah" and "Off the Record" but truthfully I was just so happy to enjoy the whole show and not try to pick out a moment that was perfect. The band members have a cohesion and bond that you can see and hear when they play. Least to say I was immensely impressed. (pic below is them looking very haunting)

The night was finished with Dead Mau5 who I only peeked at last year when he inhabited the dance tent. Well he was back in full force on a full stage with some of the most intense light that I had ever seen. His own brand of intense techno music got the crowd going but it was too packed to dance properly. I really enjoyed his giant mouse head that was wired with lights (which he controls I believe) and seeing it change expressions with every new beat. He eventually revealed his true face and really got the crowd dancing by the end. Good stuff, I am glad I stuck around.

Sometime during the day probably dancing to BSS I rolled my ankle pretty tough and it got pretty swollen. O well just another part of the weekend. Although it did limit my mobility.

DAY 2 SUNDAY

Got in early that morning to check out Caribou a man and band that I had respected for sometime. His live show was intense and seemed more appropriate for a smaller setting but was enjoyable all the same.

Local Natives were a band on the top stage that really blew me away. I had only briefly heard them before seeing most of their set and I was immensely impressed especially by one song "Shape Shifter."

I rallied a big crew of friends back to see the Tallest Man on Earth, a man from Sweden who plays gorgeous acoustic music. His set was awe inspiring and I truly believed he channeled the spirit of Sasquatch! harder than a lot of other acts with his wild passionate abandon. It was his last tour date for a while so you could tell he was really reflecting on a long journey.

They Might be Giants were incredible entertaining, playing popular songs and playing with the crowd with an ingenious sock puppet routine involving the big screens. I really liked the song about Shooting Stars it made me laugh and learn.

Kid Cudi is an MC that I didn't really know that much about but it seems like everyone younger than me freaking loves him so I watched his whole set. I got into it and he really has a positive fun message for the world unlike a lot of hip hop artists. He also a very talented phoneticist using rhymes and words in different ways. I am indeed on the "Pursuit of Happiness" like he says. Although I believe he would benefit from having a live band.

The XX was a good chill out time and it was packed and pretty hot by that point. I ended up just shooting the breeze with some nice guys from Venice Beach, CA. They looked like scene-sters but I try not to judge and they ended up being nothing but some really nice dudes. The band was tight and mellow it was just a good time to reflect in the middle of the weekend.

My ankle was bothering me a lot at this point in time and although I desired to dance with what seemed like the entire Gorge during LCD Soundsystem I resided on the side lawn catching up some old friends and talking a lot of Geology actually. He did play a great set and I could see the whole hill following Mr. Murphy's enthusiastic dance party ethics.

I caught the last couple songs of the Dirty Projects and was nothing but blown away by how incredible they sounded. I really hope to have the chance to see them live again, really cool noises that group creates.

Pavement was again time to reflect and enjoy some tunes from my past. I was never a huge fan but really loved the "Crooked Rain" album earlier in my life. Even though they started arguing a little bit, which to some people seemed frustrating, to me seemed honest. "Gold Soundz" was the best sounding in my opinion.

Checked out Public Enemy for the novelty of seeing Flavor Flav and Chuck D in person but also intrigued on what kind of show they would throw down. Technical difficulties left me uninterested but all the same it was one of the only shows that had a negative aspect and it wasn't really the groups fault (maybe the weather?).

The group disbanded and I was going to do Massive Attack alone until a kind man named Greg befriended me. We spent the majority of their set wandering around really in touch with how honored we felt to see these Trip Hop Moguls. The show was incredible and they blew me away with how cultured the members seem. The intense light show was accompanied by a billboard flashing memes of society was haunting to degree. I wandered to Booka Shade eventually on the other stage and enjoyed their driving force electronica a lot as well.

That night even though I was in a lot of pain with my ankle I ended up wandering the campground aimlessly seeking good conversation and the endless dance party that ensued this year all night long. I watched a gray cloudy sunrise before I crawled into my tent for a couple hours rest.

DAY 3 MONDAY

I felt this morning that I wasn't ready for the festivities to be over but by the end of the night I knew it was the appropriate length of time. I ended up wandering the campsite playing songs and not caring who was listening. Highlight playing "Buenos Tardes Amigo" by Ween with a custom verse at the end

buenos dias Sasquatch!
Hola my good friends
tomorrow is really Tuesday
& we all have to go back to real life someday again

Went into the concert what seemed like relatively early but missed two bands that I still wanted to see, The Heavy & Jaguar Love. O well its impossible to do it all.

Mayer Hawthorne & The County had a nice polished look that accompanied their up beat sensible music, it fit the moment. The view from the hill was pleasant on the last morning and the weather was what I would call perfect. The clouds where constant and the sun got its chance to break. It was really just the dynamic of sometimes have rain while it was sunny that I appreciated most.

I walked back to the Bigfoot stage to check out Seattle Rock Orchestra and had forgotten that they were doing songs from Arcade Fire's album "Funeral." It was well executed and rather enjoyable to reminisce about seeing those songs before at the Festival by the actual band.

(pic above is just one from the main hill showing the pure amount of people who were there)
I wandered over to check out Phantogram on the small stage and was impressed by how complex their sound is for just two people. It was similar the XX but more electronic lust and not as much steady rock love. The songs seemed haunted by some primitive instinct that I couldn't quite grasp but I enjoyed it. I had only heard that they were good before the show and seeing them live reassured the word of mouth.

Reconvened with the crew for the Drive-by Truckers on the main hill and enjoyed listening to the casual style of a band that I have never really gotten into but have a distinct respect for. The delicate story telling and blue collar attitude might not have been accepted by a lot of the crowd but you could tell they were their for the fans and not to impress everybody.

I honestly was pretty haggard at this point, my eardrums felt used and abused. My ankle had swollen to point where it hurt when I got up and blood rushed back to it. I took a little nap on the hill in between sets and just zoned out waiting for something to happen. (pic below is some more Squatch crew)

Passion Pit was a band that I caught last year because I was somewhat intrigued by some of the material that had been circulating. Surprisingly their set on the side stage in '09 was a disappointment and I was left with a feeling that they weren't quality sounds. I am glad I gave them another shot because it seems like in the last year this band has really improved upon what their music could be. I didn't even catch my favorite song but I was thoroughly impressed by what I did get to hear.

My nomadic spirit kicking in I was drawn to go check out Dr. Dog a group that I wasn't that familiar with but wanted to know more. The band was fun and the songs easy to listen to. I couldn't really feel the vibe that much and I found myself wandering only after 10 minutes of their set.

Meandered by the Japandroids playing "The Boys are Leaving Town", which reminds me of some anti Thin Lizzy anthem, it was chunky but fun.

Made it to the group spot on the hill for She & Him which I expected to be glorious sounding cheesy twee pop. It was pretty much exactly what I thought it would be but I didn't think it would seem so appropriate in the venue. Zooey Deschanel and Matt Ward have a chemistry that is some how humble and yet hokey.

Again limping up the hill I was determined to check out the songwriting skills of the Mountain Goat's John Darnielle. I had only recently discovered them watching the Colbert Report randomly. The energy and craftsmen ship that they conveyed was awesome. I talked to one fan who says he owns over 40 albums of material and I couldn't believe this bands dedication to their art.

I had seen Band of Horse once at Sasquatch! the year it hailed and once at Bumbershoot but their set honestly blew me away. I enjoyed the new songs that I had checked out when they streamed the album for free and the older tunes that are permanently ingrained in my head. When they played "No One's Gonna Love You" I honestly bawled my eyes out thinking about how much this festival and moment meant to my personal quest. I had to walk out of the pit thinking I was being too emotional and ended up having a beautiful conversation with two young girls who noticed my fragile state.

I made it for a couple songs of Camera Obscura and ended up realizing that I should probably be listening to a lot more of that very impressive band. I can understand why they aren't super popular but have a steady following.

MGMT is a band I have an immense amount of respect for personally just because I view their songs as beyond their popularity or image. Somehow they have managed to create this futuristic psychedelic nitch in pop culture that has found a following but the masses don't know what to do with it. I really didn't understand the new album but was liking the material more live than recorded. When they played "Electric Feel" I was grooving pretty tough in the squatch suit across the floor thinking about all the energy contained in that crowd.

I enjoyed a couple beautiful moments with some people that I didn't know and others that I met throughout the weekend. It was a gorgeous sunset that night at the Gorge, which is probably typical especially that time of year. I hope everyone tried to appreciate it as much as I did.

Managed to catch some of Neon Indian in the Rumpus Room and New Pornographers on the nearby stage just walking back and forth trying to decide which one I really wanted to listen to because they both were enjoyable. In the end I really just got some exercise and perfected my people watching skills.

I remember driving around in high school listening to Ween's album "Chocolate & Cheese" and having it change the way I listen to music. The darkness and diversity which Ween writes their songs have always made them distinctive from any other band on the market. You can tell they have touched on many societal follies and trends that are difficult to categorize. Before their set I had no expectations on what I would encounter. Their time on stage would be mildly stated as crazy. The precision and peculiar way in which they present their humorous material was incredible. Some highlights "Spinal Meningitis", "With My Own Bare Hands", David Bowie's "Lets Dance" & "Object." I just want to say personally me they killed that closing spot perfect.

I checked out the Boyz Noize tent but missed the actual band and wandered back and forth across the ground feeling lost but incredibly found at the same time. I walked back to the campground and socialized with some of the stragglers both old crew and new people. Alot of my friends had to take off to be back at work or school the next day, understandably.

I went to bed feeling like a very worn out old man but woke with a vigor to get back on the road and away from the madness. I tried busking the crowd on the way out the next morning but received nothing but forced enthusiasm from countless cars speeding past. I was feeling fustrated biking north and my foot was bothering me.

I spent the afternoon in Quincy recuperating and spending some money on a hot meal which I hadn't done for a while. I refused to pay for anything at the Gorge besides my ticket for the concert. The prices are worse that the movie theater as far as exponential mark ups. Speaking of which I refused to pay for camping seeing that I biked and it is by car load.

I ended up poaching a little natural spot on the side of the Columbia River just south of Wenatchee, WA. It was startling but majestic to see a large owl inhabiting the same area right when I arrived. He flew away pretty fast and I hope he accepted that I was staying in his home I slept soundly throughout the rainy night away from the all night party people.

I made it up to Chelan Lake the next day to spend some quality time with a mountain friend Brent working at a new restaurant with his brother. His family was more than hospitable and they took me in like one of their own, I was more than grateful to have them at that point.

I enjoyed my time in Chelan a place that I had heard so many good things about but had never been too. The people were nothing but nice and the scenery was sparsely covered hills that glowed with springs green beauty. The sky was varied with rain clouds and various sun breaks that made for dynamic days and restful nights. The "Tin Lily" where my friend works is a great food establishment that takes a unique look on American Fusion Grub and Spirits. I got the Ticklish Reuben it was absolutely fantastic to my taste buds especially with the real rye whiskey on the side.

At this point on my Spring Cycle Quest I had felt my vision had been achieved and although I had the time and resources to continue home I decided to admit forfeit on crossing the pass over the Cascades by bicycle with all my gear. Via Facebook I solicited someone to come rescue me in my car and was obliged by another mountain friend Kala who came this past Friday evening to get me. I drove back on Highway 20 that way that I intended to on clear nice night stopping periodically to star gaze. The drive was long but nice and I do hope to conquer the Cascades by cycle someday soon.

So that's how it ended this time around, somewhat unconclusive similar to my last big cycle adventure. But I have found its not the destination its the journey that matters and getting there is way more than half of the fun.

I am glad to be back in Maple Falls and I spent yesterday at the Urban Music Festival in Bellingham checking out some of my favorite local bands like The Endorphins, Snug Harbor & Acorn Project. I guess I just didn't get all my dancing out at the squatch.

I need to find employment pretty bad and get a lot of things in my life in order but I am happier and more in touch with my existence than any other time of my life that I can remember. I am following a path of my heart that is telling me that my actions are not in vain.

I want to take some time for the end of this post that will be my last blog for a while to reflect on what this quest has meant to me personally and I thank you for reading it and relating if you can.

Spring time has always been a time of renewal and sweeping epic emotional change in the world. Animals reemerge from their hiding holes and begin using the suns energy to prepare for a long summer. People retreat from their offices and suburban homes to seek rejuvenation in nature. Young love & lust is apparent all across the world. Coming from the cold and dark into the warmth and light is refreshing. I heard from one good friend that he considers Sasquatch! to be his re-birthing every year which I totally respected.

I was trying to access my primitive nature and use my second attention to channel the spirit of the mythical creature of Sasquatch! during the entire month of May. I considered the Bigfoot to be my ally or even a double, some sort of split personality. I tried to think What Would Sasquatch Do? Whenever I encountered a unique problem along my way. Even though we are civilized and cultured human beings, in the end just like my Miike Snow emphasizes we are still "Animal"s. I enjoyed thinking about the primitive nomads of the Columbia Basin who survived by constantly moving searching for sustenance when I was biking across the state.

I don't want to say I earned the festival more than any body this year just because I biked there because that is unfair but in the back of my mind it was a thought. I do believe that I enjoyed that totality of the event more than many people in the crowd because of my dedication to the mythical nature of the beast that I found in the weekend and along the way before. It was all a glorious synthesis of interesting people, diverse music and the Gorgeous Gorge that created a happy moment in so many people's lives. I want to thank all the bands that played, Adam Zacks for creating it, my friends from crews old & new, all the amazing people I met, the staff of the Gorge and most of all the big hairy beast out there in all of us. I don't know if actually believing in Sasquatch! as a organism or creature is viable at this point but this spring I found Sasquatch! and no one can tell me otherwise.

(pic above is some wildflowers near Spokane)
I have to say even among the amazing things that happened over the weekend I heard of disappointing aspects of people's weekends. Tents being raided, glass pieces being confiscated, fake tickets being sold, a lot of irresponsible drinking, sneaking in and fights breaking out randomly. I thought about how us Sasquatchians would function as a potential society and I believe that the bad weeds would get pulled fast because most people understood the true nature of what we were there for that weekend.

Thanks for reading my blog anybody who made it this far in what has been my most conclusive post thus far in keeping this thing. I don't know if I am making a lot of sense to the world but I can write with a true sense of gracious joy that this world is finally starting to make sense to me. I hope to be planning more adventures this summer and into the fall, if it involves a bike you guys will be some of the first to know.

until then, remember to always, Learn, Love & most importantly LIVE

sincerely,

T. E. Livingston
A l
Y l
L i
O o
R t

p.s. this is all possible because of my family (pic below) you all are incredible. i love you

The Wild Hunt

2010-05-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

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!!!

Departure Day

2010-05-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

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.

Idaho Panhandle Tour Thoughts

2010-05-21T21:52:00.000-07:00

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.

Giving Adventure Cycling a New Meaning

2010-05-17T19:54:00.000-07:00

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,

ps. the PIC is one of my favorite this trip so far B & W

Preperation

2010-05-13T12:23:00.000-07:00

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.

Resurrection

2010-05-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

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

-TE

Conclusions

2009-08-31T17:53:00.000-07:00

As it is the last day of August and the day I wanted to end my trip by I thought it would be appropriate to do one last blog conclusive blog post to wrap up some of the details.

After La Jolla I have been spending my time around Southern California enjoying times with friends and family. I went back up to Newport Beach to see my God Family before they moved from out to Utah and kick it with some of the new friends that I had made there. Then I came back south to Poway to spend some time with my Aunt Punky, Uncle Thom & Cousin Garrett.

Last Friday on my way down there I ran into someone opening his car door in Oceanside California. It really banged up my shin (which is still sore) and somehow managed to knock off my back break. My bike is still functional but it was a disheartening incident, I'm just thankful it didn't happen on my actual journey. I was not discouraged and still met up with my cousin for a day filled with attempted spear fishing and body surfing. That night I participated in my first Critical Mass in San Diego. If you are unfamiliar with this it is a massive bike ride through cities all across the world to promote the benefits of cycling from reducing Green House Gasses to lessening congestion. More info can be found at this link. It was the final death rattle of my bike as far as I'm concerned with no back break. There was a good 400 or so of us that took off from Balboa Park and we ended up going over the Coronado Bridge. Seeing as this was illegal the police decided we were not allowed back over it to downtown. The only option was to ride down the strand to Imperial Beach. So I did actually reach Imperial Beach around midnight Friday and it was such an unexpected outcome of the night and my trip in general. My bike is in poor condition with the break and rack piratically falling off of it. We took the trolley back to downtown and I slept very satisfied that night. On saturday my cousin and I joined my aunt and uncle for some horse camping out past Julian, CA. It was very nice country and I enjoyed sleeping outside one more time, no JakPak though.

I have been relaxing here at my relatives house in Poway since then, filling out applications for a number of jobs online, eating lots of tasty veggies grown by my cousin and figuring out how I am going to get back home. I am doing something I said I didn't ever want to do in moving back to my parents in Spokane. Although I hope it is a temporary solution until something else pulls through. I will be taking the train there with in the next week.

Overall reflecting on this summer it has been the adventure of a lifetime and I have absolutely no regrets. I indubitably believe that it was the best way I could have spent my summer and hope to be adventure cycling for the rest of my life. So everybody keep an eye out for the next one, who known when though.

The fund raising effort did not raise as much as much original intent. It was an aspect of the trip that I did not really know how to manage that well but again I thank everyone who did contribute. This money will really help not only my alumni and former peers at Western but some of the endangered poor settlements of Guatemala City. The total raised was $ 1720, again thank you to all who supported and it really is never to late if you haven't. The Western Foundation is always accepting and the donations are totally tax deductible.

I again want to thank all the people who helped me out along the way. From the people who got the word out on the media, to the fellow cyclists who were great friends along the road. All my friends and family that I saw along the way. I could not have done this with out you behind me and for that I am eternally grateful.

I will keep this site active and hopefully be using it as a personal site that I will update with my future endeavors and adventures. Until then.

Sincerely
-TE

How it Ends

2009-08-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

Day 55

Miles Ridden Since Last Blog: 50+

Miles Ridden Total: 2000 + I'm done counting...

So I knew this day would come and I have been somewhat avoiding it but now this is really the last time I will post to this blog for my 2009 Border to Border Summer Cycle Adventure. It was quite the last day getting down to the border and I will elaborate on that more.

After leaving San Elijo (funny pic above of surfing statue with a bikini on) I enjoyed some of my last hills of the ride before getting near U.C.S.B. and descending in La Jolla. It was a fairly pleasant ride for most of the morning and I was making great time. Then after getting past Pacific Beach I reached mission beach and the end of the boardwalk that I was riding. Looking out past a pier I saw what I thought to be more boardwalk but actually ended on some rocks. I dragged my bike & trailor down some stairs in vain attempt to avoid riding on the street. When I had pulled back to the street my back tire was almost completely flat, I think it was the stairs that did it. I attempted to repair it with the last patch in my kit with not long lasting result. I was able to ride to the marina and got quickly directed to Moment Bike Store on Rosecrans st. I waited an hour until the bike shop opened at 1 pm, purchased some new tubes and a patch kit. The tubes ended up not fitting my tires that well and even though I couldn't find a hole for the life of me would not stay inflated for long. Some how I got one situated so it stayed inflated for the better part of the afternoon. That's when I started getting lost.

I wanted to pass through Imperial Beach like my original intention but ended up getting stuck by the Naval Base and then riding inland only to get hopelessly turned around in the town of Bonita. I eventually got put in the right direction and finally reached San Ysidro, only to find my back tire going flat again. I was less than a mile from my final destination and I was feeling completely despondent. I even got turned around in the big mess of all the duty free shopping areas with all the Sunday traffic. I pretty much walked my bike up to the walk in entrance of the border and felt a lackluster sense of accomplishment. I didn't really know what to expect, mariachi bands playing & people cheering perhaps but I really was just exhausted from the days trials. I indubitably didn't feel the accomplishment of riding the entire way across the country. (hence the very forced smile in the picture below)

I took the Hawaiian Lei (picture above) my mom got me for graduation off of my handle bars as some sort of symbolic gesture of completion. I ended up hoping on the San Diego Trolley Train that runs all the way down there and rode it back to Old Town north of Down Town. On the ride I was able to patch up and old tube to get my bike functional again. It really sunk in on the train ride that I have absolutely nothing going for me after this ride. It was more of a scary feeling than any thing else. But I don't fear the future I only have to embrace to possibilities that lay before me.

I made it back up to La Jolla after the last train stop to a friends place and I have no plans for the day except to write this blog, reflect and relax.

I wanted to take the last part of this last post to really reflect on what I think I learned during this journey.

For me personally this was just something I deemed necessary as a right of passage between education and employment. I feel like I really have done what was necessary on this adventure to call it complete, even though my plans for the future are null and I am considering riding back up. Now that I have been bitten by the cycle adventure bug I want to do this for the rest of my life. I am convinced if there is somewhere worth going it is worth riding a bike to get there. Even though I can be a little mad at my bike (like yesterday) it is always more appealing than a car. I want everyone one in the entire world to have the same passion for the wonderful invention that is the bicycle and to realize its true potential. I really know realize the saying that getting there is half the fun, for me it was more like 110%.

The amazing scenery of the West Coast has always been something that amazes and entices me. The diverse geography, plants and wildlife astounded me. From the Rainforest of the Olympic Peninsula to Sun baked beach of the Balboa Peninsula this countries coast line is something to be treasured. I have seen so much beauty these past 55 plus days I cannot even find words to explain it all. The best thing I can recommend is to get out there and see it for yourself.

There are a lot of people out camping and promoting tourism all across the places I saw. I think there is some irresponsibility amongst the way some participate. Recreational Vehicles have overtaken campgrounds and pervade scenic by-ways. In my opinion Camping has nothing to do with shelling yourself in a Motor-Home. These vehicles encourage waste accumulation and the amount of gas they consume is horrendous. Try a cycle tour, minimizes waste and NO GAS!!!

The trash was an interesting aspect of the trip that I wish I could have done more. It was overwhelming at times seeing how much garbage was strewn amongst the roadside, especially in parks. Due to the sheer lack of time and conservation of momentum I could not stop for every single piece but I do feel like I made a difference. The typical refuse that lays on the side of the road again stereotypes the people who seem to forget what trash can is. Fast food containers, alcohol, soda and in particular energy drinks were common. Not to mention the countless cigarette butts. It seems like if these things associated with bad lifestyles were some how ailed then we would eliminate a lot of needless waste that accumulates off the side of the road.

Thinking about how the people perceives something like waste reduction as factor risk is something that has been a difficult aspect of the journey. I wanted to do this as fund raising effort for my alumni at Huxley College for the Environment at Western Washington University. The project in Guatemala City partnering the Resiliency Institure with Oxfam had just gotten its feet wet this past spring and was something deserving of support. I do not think I got close to the original goal but it was something to raise whatever I did even though the bar was set high. Again thank you to everyone who did donate and if you haven't yet please NOW IS THE TIME!!! I have finished, so if you were waiting to see if I could do it, now's your time. I will update with the total amount raised by the end of the month.

People's support has been a important and necessary part of the trip. From the random people I meet along the way to old friends and family it has always been nice to be taken in. From seeing my immediate family in Portland and staying with my Cousin Gretchen, to spending the better part of this last week with my God Family in Newport Beach. To every curious person who saw that sign on the back of my trailer with my blog link on it, thanks!!! To all the fellow bikers who I met along the way, thanks for the friendly times and memories. Also thanks to my former peers, faculty and professors at Western who will be utilizing the money of the fund raising to benefit the research in the Guatemala Landslide Risk Reduction Project.

It was also nice to get support from the media and a product. First of all big thank you to JakPak and Jeremy for letting me field test one of their units. It was necessary addition to my trip that made many nights sleeps much more comfortable and drier. I highly recommend picking one up for hiking/biking/backpacking needs or for emergency situations. Also to Marissa Willis at the Northern Light, Brianne McDonough at the Western Front, Mike Prager at the Spokesman Review (who's article can be found here) & Jackie Tushinsky at San Diego Loves Green (who's article can be found here).

I think that this experience has really been the culmination of my life thus far and I really want to emphasize the astounding feeling of gratitude I have to everyone who helped me out along the way and supported me. I feel so honored to be able to take this time in my life of freedom and turn it into something inspiring to other people and supporting a good cause. Please keep spreading those good vibes along.

I guess that this pretty much does it for now. It quite the whirlwind of a summer and its not even over yet. I am going to keep the site active. I hope to keep this updated with the further progress of the fund raiser and information on what I am now doing in my life. This really has been such a great time and I don't want to say its over but I guess its just back to transition.

"There's nothing so stable as Change" - Bob Dylan

-TE

Crystal Cove to San Elijo

2009-08-22T16:38:00.000-07:00

(sunset over the Balboa pier)
Day 53

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 60

Miles Traveled Total: 2001

Wow I really didn't realize it until I just typed in right then that I have ridden over 2000 miles on my bicycle in the past two months. I never thought I could or would ride that much in a year this time last summer. However now it feels like riding my bike is all I really want to do.

Like I mentioned last post it was an amazing time in Newport Beach, kicking it with my God Family on the Balboa Peninsula. Indubitably one of the highlights of the trip and a well deserved time of rest and relaxation.

Yesterday afternoon I went from the Peninsula on the short ferry to Balboa Island and hit the road again just a brief ride south to Crystal Cove. (A nice State Park area that has some vintage beach houses pic above) Mara my God-Mother knew a friend who rented a nice little cottage there. It was a very peaceful afternoon and evening spent along the coast perched high on a cliff. I took a nice walk on the beach and got some good reading done in my book. I think I feel asleep before 10 which was a nice change from some of the crazy nights of the week before. Below is picture of the hazy sunset I saw there.

Today I took off from Crystal Cove and really set off to San Diego. I was taking a picture of some coastline pretty soon after I left and when I was walking back to my bike I saw a rattle snake about 4 or 5 feet away from me (picture above) The weather has taken a nasty turn with overcast skies and a fiercly strong headwind coming from the south. I got to ride on I-5 today after missing the turn off to go into Camp Pendelton, it really wasn't that bad and at some points traffic backed up and I was going faster than the cars. An unfortunate thing is I couldn't get a hold of my friend in San Diego so I am going to camp one last night at San Elijo by Encinitas, CA. I think that I could finish my trip tomorrow but I might make two days out of it as well. It has been so long since I started I really don't know what else to be doing besides biking, camping and visiting people.
(picture of entering I-5, something I never thought I do on a Bike)

I am going to try and take some time and reflect on what this trip means after I finish and have a more conclusive long blog then. I just had some time right now and wanted to do a quick update.

Ride on.

-TE

Relaxing in SoCal

2009-08-20T18:46:00.000-07:00

(Huntington Beach Sunset)

Day 51

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 75

Miles Traveled Total: 1941

So I have been taking by far my longest and indubitably relaxing break on the Bolboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, CA with my God Family. It has been a lot of fun to just relax in this amazing place with some people that I love.

There really isn't that much to update on but I felt like I haven't blogged for a long time and I found some spare time to put up another post. My trip feels like its on hiatus even though I haven't finished. I am so close to finishing my journey but I guess I am somewhat delaying concluding what has been one of the best times of my life.

(on the way to Down Town L.A.)

(boardwalk along Hermosa Beach)

Riding out from Highland Park I went through Chinatown and Downtown L.A. Again I was surprised at the friendliness of the riding territory and clarity of the air for a place that has such a bad reputation. I went along Venice Blvd. back to ocean and followed that all the way to my current location. A mix up over my place to stay in Hunnington Beach lead me to come here a little earlier than expected but I am not concerned since my time here has been so nice.

I have been spending alot of time with my God Brother Chris Cole and we took out a little electric boat on Newport Harbor with some of his friends (we hit up a waterslide & saw a bunch of sea lions pictured above). I have also been skim boarding, went to the movies and just had a great time getting to know this unique little area of Orange County. It has been a well deserved amazing break.

Mara my God Mom has a little cottage on the beach south of here between Newport and Laguna and I think that we are going ride down to stay there tomorrow and I will start heading south from there on Saturday.

Thanks for all the continued support and hope everyone is enjoying the last bits of summer.

-TE

(pictured below is the ferris wheel on Balboa Peninsula)

L,A. Fadeaway

2009-08-14T23:05:00.000-07:00

Day 46

Miles Traveled since Last Blog: 110

Miles Traveled Total: 1866

This sprawling city that has become the dream or ideal of so many Americans during our the past century's media boom has really invited me in with open arms.

This place gets a pretty bad rap for being crowded, loud, polluted and shallow. Maybe its my perception or I've just listened to "Why'd You Want to Live Here" by Death Cab for Cutie one to many times. However it is my second night here in LA and I've had a great time thus far. I just wanted to emphasize that preconceived notions about a place do not always affect judgment.

After Santa Barbara I camped that night at Carpenteria State Beach. It was a nice place and camped with the legendary "3 Amigos", who are a trifecta of friends who used to be fire fighters doing the same route every summer for 25 years. There was good crew of people at the site and it was a nice place besides being right next to the train tracks.

From there I made it all the way into LA and more specifically Santa Monica It was a long day but the terrain leveled out a lot and the traffic picked up especially from Malibu on. Right as I got in LA city limits I ran into the three guys from the UK (picture above). It had been since before San Francisco since I last saw them and it was great to catch up and I rode with them into Venice Beach for a while before I met up with Jimmy, my cousins friend from high school. We caught some free music down by the pier (pictured below) and had a nice night out on the town.

Couldn't really decide what I wanted to do today but when checking my email this morning I found one from someone who had caught wind of the blog through someone who met me earlier down the road at San Simeon after Big Sur. A nice woman Alicia offered a place to crash for the night in Highland Park and older neighborhood east of Hollywood. I couldn't turn down the offer of exploring the city and took her up on it. So I made my way through the city and saw UCLA and Hollywood before coming here. Alicia and her boyfriend Chris have been great hosts and it is nice to receive such hospitality from people who are essentially strangers. I am currently at their place getting ready for a comfy night on a couch ready to head south again to Orange County tomorrow. It is nice to know that in a place that is rumored to be vacant of heart there are nice people willing to share their home. Thanks a lot!!!

(UCLA)

(LA river)
It was really nice exploring the city today and I am excited to check out more of it tomorrow. The cars are nice for the most part and the weather flawless. I couldn't ask for more. This has been a pleasant suprise.

slow & steady wins the race

-TE

O O I want to know, where does the time go

2009-08-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

(picture below is a tree on the Coast by Carmel)

Day 43

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 260

Miles Traveled Total: 1756

So it has been one of the longest breaks between blogs and I apologize to my followers if you were pining for another post or worried about me (although I doubt any of those is a reality). It really has just been alot of time on the road and enjoying the ride that has distracted me from getting on my computer and updating. But here I am in Santa Barbara just chilling out having some coffee and making a post.

It has been quite the adventure since my day off in Monterey and the central California Coast has been beautiful. I had a great day off visiting the Aquarium and even though it was rather crowded it was a worth while experience. I got some great pictures (See above) and relived some good memories of visiting there during my youth.

(A bridge at the beginning of the Big Sur Coast)
From Monterey, I went south (duh!!) to Big Sur which is some great tough terrain along Highway 1 the winds its way up and down the coast. I stayed the next night at Pfieffer State Park in an unexpected grove of Redwoods (I thought I had seen the last of them a while back). Then the next day made it to foggy Plaskett Creek. It was a great time and met some awesome locals and enjoyed the laid back feeling, remote feeling of the area.
(A cool photogenic vulture I saw perched above a big cliff)

From Big Sur I made it San Simeon. It was a good days ride full of interesting things to see along the coast including Elephant Seals and a crazy section where I rose above the fog (both pictured above). I went to sleep really early that night due to being exhausted from riding some really big hills that day and the weather being bad. The next day I had to pleasure of making it to Santa Maria/Orcutt & the house of some of my parents old friends Bob & Linda Burrow. They were very gracious hosts (along with their dogs Buda , Chico & their son Sean), it was nice to have a place to stay and catch up. Thanks for having me!!! Pictured below is me with Linda and Buda the bulldog.

Last night I made it down to Refugio Beach which had one of the nicest Hiker/Biker sites right on the beach and was a great place to spend some time just relaxing. (pictured below is the beach) Like I mentioned I am currently in Santa Barbara just updating my blog and trying to contact people to stay with in the LA area since there aren't many campgrounds around that Megalopolis.

The trip has really gone by all to fast, hence the title of this blog eluding to a Grateful Dead tune and I am going to be sad when its over. I still haven't really figured out what I am going to do afterward, just playing the cards as they are dealt. Not really worried about it though, things usually work out how they should.

here's some stuff I collected one day, not a ton but its something.

Keep on keeping on.

-TE

(saw this and couldn't help taking a pic and thought it deserved to be on the blog as well)

Taking the Day in Monterey

2009-08-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

(the awesome sunset on Half Moon Bay that I was expecting last time I blogged)
Day 37

So my Dad has been keeping close track of my progress and updating my website (link on the left) with loads of good info. We chatted last night and according to his estimation my miles are a little bit off but I will try and remedy that now.

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 95

Miles Traveled Total: 1497 (revised from 1330 to 1452)

I don't even know where that extra hundred & twenty miles came from but I'll take it, I know its more accurate because he uses my Spot data (which is based on the GPS tracker I am using) and I've just been retracing my steps on Google Maps.

Well besides that there is also more to update on. I have found out how much has been fund raised thus far. I am not going to say that I am surprised or discouraged but it is only $ 275 (far from the $10k I am shooting for) as of August 3rd. Thank you to all the people who have contributed so far, it really does mean so much that you support me and my cause. However I realize that I need to get the ball rolling on getting the word out on this and soliciting some donations. Everyone PLEASE tell all your friends about this blog and the cause. I am trying to get an event together for the end of the trip in San Diego after I hit the border and hopefully this can be a fundraiser as well. Also I want to try and get a lot more publicity in general out there, so if any of my readers have media connections, I would be grateful if you could slip a good word in edgewise. I have mainly been focusing on just getting down the coast and putting some good miles behind me, I realize now that I really need to push the purpose for this trip too.

Now that I have covered that important update information, lets get back to the trip. After Half Moon Bay I biked an easy day 50 mile day along some great coast line filled with a big lighthouse and some great views (pictured above & below). I ended the day in Santa Cruz and for me it really felt like a transition into the California that I have experienced in the past or at least the image that is stereotyped in our culture. It was sunny and slightly windy, there was a boardwalk and wharf packed with tourists, surfers trying to catch some waves and the very essence of the afternoon screamed California to me.

I had a great accumulation in Santa Cruz being put up by my second cousin Chris Nicholson who is studying traditional Chinese Medicine there. It was great to catch up, eat some home cooked food and have a place to crash, thanks for having me. Between his studies and other things he has managed to create some amazing electronic music all of which is available on his website Dancing Moon Tree . Check it out, I got them all and listened them on the ride yesterday. (Pictured below is the Guardian of Chris's patio door, Yoda with a bike helmet, awesome)

Didn't get on the road until 11:30 or noonish yesterday but its alright, it was a short easy day to Monterrey. All the same a mean 15 mph headwind slowed me down significantly and I made it in kind of late. There was a nice bike path the last 10 miles or so that was a very welcome detour from the busy road(pictured above). I decided to stay the day here, take some time off from being in the saddle. I am camping here in Monterey at the Veterans City Park which quite nice, except for the lack of food lockers (I woke up last night to raccoons raiding my trailer, they only got some sweet potato chips and half a loaf of bread before I scared them off). All the same I am here in downtown having some coffee and ready to explore the area. I am going to be a little touristy and go to the aquarium since it is supposed to be the best on the West Coast and I have fond memories of it form my child hood. Tomorrow I will be off the Big Sur and an intense part of Highway 1 that should prove interesting. (Monterey Bay pictured below)

Another thing of note that I wanted to mention before I wrap up is an awesome book I finished recently. I have had a lot of spare time in the evening at campgrounds and other random times so I have been reading a lot. I picked up the Science of Fear by Daniel Gardner and it is an astounding book that totally changed many of the common perceptions about risk even though it is something I have been studying it for a while. I particularly enjoyed the sections on the Media Irrationality and the Terror of Terrorism. It really made me think about my personal perceptions about the trip and how at any moment along the road a car could swerve and endanger my life but instead of making me more fearful it has filled me with courage. A great read I highly suggest it. Here is a picture that fits in well with that theme.

Well that was a long one but very comprehensive and satisfying. It has been a little lonely since San Francisco and updating this blog is a very relieving process. Thanks for reading and remember GET THE WORD OUT for the cause.

Heres some trash that I dumped yesterday.

Peace Out

-TE

Goodbye Fog City, Hello Sunny Half Moon Bay

2009-08-03T18:32:00.000-07:00

(picture above is a cool mural of San Francisco Music that was right by where I stayed and some of those typical row style houses)
Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 35

Miles Traveled Total: 1330

So after a great weekend San Francisco style I am back on the road again, even though today was a relatively short one.

I stayed with an old friend from high school, Stefani Herr, and it was great to have a nice bed to sleep in and place to hang out at, thanks Stef so much for having me!

After getting into town on Friday, I went out on the town that night. I spent the remainder weekend riding my bike all around the city and checking out all the cool neighborhoods. Got some tasty donuts at Dynamo Donuts, with unique flavors like Spiced Chocalate and Maple Glazed Apple Bacon, in the Mission district on Saturday morning. Then rode through the hectic downtown and back along the waterfront. I found a cool wave organ that I had heard about, which is essentially a bunch of pipes in the water leading up to a a nice sitting area where you can listen to the music of the ocean. I made sure I was there at high tide when it was supposed to sound the best and while not quite as loud as I thought it would be it was a cool contraption. (pictured below)

On Sunday I found out that is was Jerry Day and a free tribute concert was being held at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at McLaren Park (view of the city from the park pictured above) in the south part of town. Got a little lost finding it but when I did the music has just started and it was a great vibe. Enjoyed that for the better part of the afternoon then just rode around some more.

San Fran again is great city for cyclists (if you don't mind hills). There are tons of signs directing you along routes to different neighborhoods and great signs for cars like this one below.

Today I went south and on my way out of twon rode through Golden Gate Park which was nice (weird thing though is they have a Buffalo Paddock pictured above). Got back to the coast and the weather got nice. It is a beautiful evening here in Half Moon Bay (I currently at the library and rushing to finish this post so I can go spend more time outside). Looking forward to seeing more of this amazing area. (some nice coastline south of Daly City pictured below)

So that is it for my journey. So more updates on other things. Changed the look of my blog to something that I think fits the style more, hope you all like it. Also at the bottom of the page there are some thumbnails from a bunch of pictures I loaded to Picasa (a Google based web album) check em out for more pics from the trip. And last but certainly not least there is a new link on the left to the new Resiliency Institute through Huxley all about the project in Guatemala, so indubitably check that info out. Way to go to my former peer CJ for putting that together.

That is all for now. It really was a great weekend and I am really enjoying myself thoroughly. Hope all my readers are having a great summer as well.

sincerely,

-TE

If you're going to San Fransisco

2009-07-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 180

Miles Traveled: 1295

So I made it in the San Francisco, Frisco, San Fran, the City by the Bay, etc... This city is constantly intriguing me with its excellent history, especially with two things that interest me, Classic Rock and Natural Hazards. This place is home to some of the best music to come out of the 60's and the city has many case studies for hazard mitigation (most notably the Earthquake and ensuing Fire of 1906). I have really enjoyed the city today (got in around noon) and plan to stay a couple days.

Since Fort Bragg it has been a lot more intense riding along highway 1 along the Coast. There was some steep sections with little to no shoulder and some parts high along cliffs with no guard rail. While it has been stressful at times I have been enjoying it thoroughly, very technical.

Camped at Russian Gulch that night and it was a nice spot just a little foggy. Pushed pretty hard the next day over some beautiful scenery, see picture above. Then camped just south of the border to Mendocino and Sonoma counties, Gualala State Park. I have a relatives that first migrated to America and ended up in Gualala and my middle name comes from their, my Grandmothers Maiden name, Elliot. So that was kind of interesting little thing to think about while I caught this nice sunset there. (pictured below).

Moved on the next day to Bodega Dunes State park. It was another off and on weather day with it being clear sometimes and very cloudy while windy at other times. I caught up with some British guys I have been leap frogging since Oregon and took their picture outside the Manchester, CA city limits sign, funny stuff. See picture below, thanks Phil, Aled & Arthur (I believe this was on his 22nd birthday)

From Bodega Dunes State Park I stayed last night in the last bit of Redwoods I think I'm going to see on my trip in Samuel P. Taylor State park. I went to bed before the sun even went down because of putting in so much time in the saddle and I was excited to get here to the city. I had a great day today riding through the northern suburbs on San Francisco and making my way across the Golden Gate Bridge was quite the experience. (Pictures Below)

Its been a fun day riding through the city and checking out places like the Wharf, Presidio, Civic Center, Haight Ashbury (pic below) & Golden Gate Park. I am staying with a friend from High School I haven't seen for a while and I am looking forward to great time while I am here.

Here's a picture of some trash from a couple days ago (I don't get pics from them all) and another one that fits with it too that I have been seeing a lot lately.

Thanks for all the continuing support and I hope everyone has a good weekend.

-TE

Ups and Downs

2009-07-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 130

Miles Traveled Total: 1115

So it has been a few days since a post so there is a lot to update on and I hope I get it all in.

The time after my last blog postwas great. Kathryn, her boyfriend Brendan and a fellow couchsurfer Max all went to the beach at Samoa and then a vegan potluck in Arcata. It was delicious and a great time including an acoustic set of a girl from Maryland named Anne and some fire juggling by a dude named Phil (pictures above & below)

After another nice night inside on a couch I headed south again to end up in the Redwoods again. I camped along Avenue of the Giants which is a scenic alternative to the 101 that I highly recommend. I camped at Burlington Camp Ground next to the Eel River with alot of the bikers I had seen in Oregon and days past. Picture of large toppled over Redwood's roots below.

Set off that day and finished with the Avenue of the Giants and moved into some very hot open rolling hills. The temperature got above 90 and there was a 10-15mph headwind, not to mention the hills. It was rather intense.

Today I biked over what I think might be the highest point along my route after Leggit, CA right at the beginning of Highway 1. The hill was a 7% grade for four miles but not as bad as I expected it to be. Getting back to the coast is nice, even though Highway 1 (nicknamed the Shoreline Highway pictured above) is indubitably intense in some spots. I am heading for Russian Gulch about 8 miles south of my current location in Fort Bragg.

It has been some of the most intense times on the trip in the last couple days with some of the most difficult terrain and trying situations. The shoulders of some roads are rough, small or sometimes unfortunately nonexistent with a lot of logging trucks and tourist RVs. The hills have been steep and plentiful but getting me into shape. I do have to admit that the trash has been minimal, I do see signs every where that say Littering Fine $ 1000 which I can appreciate.

Looking forward riding on Highway 1 for a while and getting to San Fransisco in a little while. Thanks to everyone for your continued support it really helps me get through the ups and downs of the trip!!!

Until next time.

-TE

Couchsurfing in Eureka

2009-07-24T12:14:00.001-07:00

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 60

Miles Traveled Total: 985

So I am again taking a little break in Eureka, CA after completing another state and almost half of my journey as far as my estimation goes. (This should make the entire trip around 2,000 miles!!!) I am staying with a very nice hospitable couple Kathryn and Brendan who just moved here a couple months ago from LA. I found them on a website called Couch Surfing which is for travelers looking for free accommodations and connections. I have been on the network for 6 months back when I had an apartment and tried to host but nobody really travels in the winter. This is my first time utilizing it as a surfer and it has been a great experience.

After my last blog I went back to Elk Prairie and found that a lot more bikers had made it there. I think there was a 12 or 13 total of us in the site and it was a great communal feeling of cyclists telling stories of the road and sharing tips.

Yesterday on the road was a nice fairly moderate ride from the Redwoods back to the coast. I caught some great pictures of some elk in the morning (pictured above). There was also some great coastline along the way too besides the fog, one of the pictures is at the heading of this blog. Made it to Arcata for lunch and checked out Humboldt State University (pictured below) a school that I got into when applying for colleges but never got the chance to personally explore. While I liked it I am glad that I stuck with Western Washington University, I miss that place alot and Bellingham in general.

Its nice to just take a day off and not have to ride my bike at all or even feel like I need to go anywhere. Kathryn and Brendan are very nice hosts they made a great Corn Chowder last night and we are going to a Couch-Surfing Vegan Potluck tonight that should be a really great time. But its back to the road tomorrow and continuing southward.

Hope all is well with all my readers. I give my best to my family in Texas for the wedding of my God-Brother Justin, I wish you all the best.

-TE

a Victorian style mansion in downtown Eureka

Another state down, Almost half done & some really big Trees

2009-07-22T16:42:00.000-07:00

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 90

Miles Traveled Total: 925

So I made it through Oregon with little to no problems and it was quite the enjoyable experience. I am enjoying California thus far and I only have a lot more to look forward to.

Ended up camping north of Brookings like planned at Harris Beach State Park (pictured above), a very nice spot indeed. Camped with some girls from Tacoma and those British blokes again. Had a little trouble with one of my shifters but got it fixed it Crescent City before I had to climb some of the biggest hills I have conquered thus far on the trip. Thanks to BackCountry Bicycles for helping me out with that.

The hills weren't as bad as I expected them to be but tough all the same. I made it through the Klamath Valley only to have to climb another hill but then it was all downhill through the Redwoods to Elk Prairie Campground my current resting place. Elk in the Prairie pictured below.

I decided to take a day off there since it was so nice and I was a little beat from climbing those hills and doing 70 plus miles yesterday. But all the same I went for a 12 mile hike to the coast today through the Redwoods that was phenemonal and then rode my bike into Orick which is were I am currently to make a blog post, which is what I'm doing... duh.

I'm moving on tomorrow to Eureka and hopefully couchsurfing with someone there for a night or two. I'm excited to check out that area and the rest of California in general, its been pretty nice so far.

Heres the trash from the last bit of Oregon and first of Cali.

The last Picture is of me and my gear next to one of the many Redwoods around this area.

Keep on keeping on.

-TE

Getting Into my JakPak

2009-07-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

I promised Jeremy from JakPak I would post something like this so here is me getting into my large blue JakPak yesterday @ Elk Prairie, CA. Enjoy

Almost out of Oregon

2009-07-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 85

Miles Traveled Total: 835

Yet again this amazing state never fails to impress me with its continuing beauteous seaside and amazing scenery. I have really enjoyed my time in Oregon and I will be somewhat sentimental to put it behind me yesterday when I enter the ever daunting California which will consist of over half of my journey.

After the posting in Coos Bay I went onto the poorly named Sunset Bay State Park only because it was cloudy and no sunset was to be found. I think I passed out before it got dark, so much time in the saddle can be exhausting. Yesterday brought a nice ride with some great tailwinds to push me along. I rode through Bandon and Port Orford both great little towns with coastal character. I got a flat briefly on my front tire sometime around midday but swapped out tubes quickly and moved on.

Last night I was at Humbug Mtn. State Park and it was a great site with nice hot showers and a good hiker/biker area. Spent the evening down at the beach taking a phenomenal sunset that was long overdue (pictured above). Today has been nice so far a little windy and the clouds have been off and on. I'm in Gold Beach currently at a nice book store/ coffee place. I am putting off a big hill that I know comes after this town but alas I will climb it when it comes. Picture of the Rogue River below and a bridge I just crossed

Thats kinda been the motto I have been keeping thus far on the trip. Whatever happens, happens and I will deal with it as it comes. A "Play the Cards as they are Dealt" strategy if you will. Its worked so far and I have no regrets or disappointments.

Heres the Trash from yesterday, the white bag is FULL of cans.

I'm hopefully camping just north of Brookings tonight at Harris Beach which is just a mere 6 or 7 miles from the border to California. I am totally ecstatic to see the Redwoods and spend some time in San Fransisco and other cool Northern California towns.

Well thats all for now. Thanks for all the continuing support from friends, family and everybody.

-TE

Making My Way in the World Today

2009-07-18T16:02:00.000-07:00

Days Traveled Since Last Blog: 120

Days Traveled Total: 750

I have really realized during the last couple days on the long stretches of highway with no body but my own mind to pass the time, how utterly liberated and independent I am. I have no job, no home, no plans (besides this bike trip), no friends with me, close to no money and to be honest it is really one of the most amazing feelings I have ever experienced. Not that I plan to be this crazy vagabond that is going to travel the earth with no agenda but at this point in my life this situation really is working to my benefit. This Summer Cycle Adventure is just what I need to sort of what I really want out of this crazy world and trying to figure out what it wants out of me.

I apologize for that rant if it seems a little incoherent, it is something that I have been thinking about alot lately and needed to get it off my chest.

So the last couple days besides filled with lots of thinking have been some of the best of the trip. After Lincoln City the hills were steep in places but the wind was at my back and the weather broke through for some sunshine. I saw some beautiful scenery down the coast, as well as some wildlife, including a whale. Picture of it spouting below.

Got down to Beachside State Park for a the night and besides the fog it was nice, a little lonely I was the only one in the hiker-biker space. Yesterday brought more scenic views along the coast and some then onto the Sand Dunes. Pictured Below.

I stayed last night in Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park right next to North America's largest sand dunes. This was a place I had always wanted to go and it exceeded my great expectations. It was great climbing around on these sand monsters. I even got to try a little sand boarding (like snow boarding but on sand with wooden boards).

A couple from California on a tandem I met in Forks, WA were at the campsite, Craig and Michelle, along with some nice guys from the U.K. that are doing a similar trip as myself, Aled, Phil and Arthur.

Today has been nice besides a strong wind that seems like it changes direction every five minutes. I am in Coos Bay currently headed for Sunset Bay State Park for the night. I can't believe I'm almost out of Oregon already (2 days left), it seems like I just got here.

Heres some trash that I got rid of in Florence yesterday, I like this state because you get 5 cents for every can, its a nice little way clean up the highway and make a little cash.

Hope everyone out there in the real world is doing fine. Keep in touch.

-TE

Back to the Beach

2009-07-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

Day 15

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 115

Miles Traveled Total: 630

In Lincoln City, Oregon Currently and the weather is being a little crazy. Maybe its common that its really foggy right along the coast and really nice just a little bit inland but that seems crazy to me. O yeah and its really windy, which made for interesting biking.

Getting out of Portland was an interesting experience with some intense climbs, two of mention Taylors Ferry Rd. and Meadow Lake Rd. Camped out in the Nestucca River Valley last night and it was nice. Got a little backtracked today into Pacific City, an Oregon Coast Bike Route Sign threw me off. But I ate lunch on the beach and turned around. Its good to be back by the ocean, the sea is a companion along this trip always guarding my port side. After another intense climb over Cascade Head with barely any shoulder for biking and me thinking I might die I made it here to Lincoln City and Devils Lake State Park my home for the night.

This town is nice, I am at a place called Aunt Mary's that makes some delicious food, I had a Grilled Cheese Sandwich that had Pineapple on it that was sauteed in Garlic, mmm (it may sound weird but it sure cured my hunger). I had hope to catch a nice sunset here but I think the fog may rob me of it.

I heard that an article in the Western Front was published on my ride this week from the friends. I put a link to it on the links section of the blog on the right hand side check it out.

Tomorrow further south onto Newport and beyond. Thanks all for the continued support and feel free to comment on anything, or send me an email or call, whatever, its nice to keep in touch with friends, family and any body else who is reading this!!!

My camera is being a little funky uploading pictures so I hopefully will get some up here soon.

sincerely,

-TE

Refelction after Relaxation

2009-07-13T21:29:00.000-07:00

Day 13

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 140

Miles Traveled Total: 515

So it has been a while since the last post, so this one might be a little bit long. I am currently at my cousin Gretchen's apartment in Milwuakie, Oregon a couple miles south of Portland. I have been taking what I deemed to be a necessary break at this point. Seeing that this is my first big cycle adventure I need to pace my self and not overdue it.

The break has been very relaxing and enjoyable, the city of Portland is really a great place for cyclists. After leaving the Bay Center KOA I headed inland along the Columbia and took the Puget Island ferry across to Westport, Oregon. It was a very nostalgic feeling leaving my home state and not knowing when I will be back. I camped in St. Helens that night (After a tough ride on Highway 30) and then woke up early to make it into Portland on Saturday morning.

By pure coincidence or some grand synchronicitious event, my parents and younger siblings were attending the wedding of the daughter of some former neighbor friends here in the Portland area. I had the distinct pleasure of joining them at the Mc Menamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove, Oregon for the reception. I was put up in the "Jerry Garcia" room and thought it all to approrpriate that this quote was on the wall.

"Synchronicity... There's a large element of what we do that we have no control over. We have to beg off from what's happening – it isn't us that’s doing it, we’re only like the tools through which it’s happening. And it's okay. We have faith . . . Our music is never counting. For us the One is always Now. In time – whether it’s 7/4 time, 4/4 time, or whatever – we’re always coming back to the One."

I would like to congratulate the young couple who was wed, Megan and Steven. As well as thank all my family and their friends for being so kind and supportive of my adventures. Thank you Clements, Novotneys, Coelhos, Niedermeyers and Pasketts.

I think now that I have stopped moving for a while it is a good time to reflect on what this trip has meant thus far. It has gone by so fast so far and I want to have time to absorb some of the lessons I have learned.

Traveling by bicycle is a totally different experience that anything I have done before. All of the senses of are enhanced and intensified. The sights are easier to see since they go by so much slower. The sounds are either intense and annoying ,like traffic, or soft and soothing like the babble of a brook or the chirping of birds. The smells are much more accessible from the endless exhaust which I have come to loathe to the crisp & moist sea breeze. I just feel a lot more in touch with my surroundings and it makes me appreciate the journey so much more.

The roadside waste clean up has indubitably been one of the more unique aspects of the journey. It seems to me like over half of the trash on the side of the road is from cheap liquor. I have picked up more Bud Light and Malt Liquor cans than I care to remember. It is a real disappointment to know that such intoxication while driving persists on top of the terrible litter problem. I probably only pick up a menial fraction of what is out there because really the amount is overwhelming. I have developed a strategy to stop when I see a concordance of trash and take a brief water and stretch break while getting as much trash as I can in the immediate area.

The people that I have met along the way have been nothing but supportive and it really has been a great inspiration to keep on keeping on. From the fellow adventure cyclists to the convenience store clerks everyone has a positive attitude. I can only look forward to all the amazing people I will continue to meet along my way.

As far as support for the research in Guatemala, people have been interested and somewhat perplexed about what exactly it is I am raising funds for. I have to first explain my major, and that usually goes with some details about Emergency Management and Disaster Risk Reduction. Then I have to explain the situation in Guatemala City with the lack of proper infrastructure in these communities. The project is in its initial stages and this money is going directly to Western Washington University and Huxley college for the research on how to lessen these peoples risk to landslides.

Peoples perception of risk is something that I have been trying to grasp when it comes into conversation. A lot of people are not aware of the hazards that exist around them and I don't know whether this could be considered as an ignorance is bliss situation or as something concerning. Sure people see the Tsunami Evacuation Route signs but when an earthquake occurs on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, do they know that they need to get out ASAP. This concept of risk perception is something I am still trying to wrap my head around and I hope I devleop a better way to analyze it throughout the rest of my journey.

Well it has been really nice to sleep in a bed the past couple nights and eat some real meals that don't consist of peanut butter and dried fruit sandwhiches. However I am excitied to get back on the road tomorrow and continue down the coast. Oregon is a beautiful state and I am estatic to explore some more of it. The trip has been the adventure of a lifetime thus far and only expect more to come. Thank you all again for reading my blog and following me, without you I would not be able to do this. I got my camera charger back so expect more pictures in the future.

PEACE

-TE

1 State Down 2 to Go

2009-07-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

Here's another video just after I got off the Ferry Across the Columbia from Washington into Oregon.

On the Road Again

2009-07-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

Day 9

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 150

Miles Traveled Total: 375

So I did finally get out of Forks, alive and without harm from vampires (just sopping wet from the rain). The bike store never opened but some ladies helped me out by going a couple miles down the road to a place that did have some extra tubes. Thank you ladies, you helped me out more than you know.

I had to do the ride from Forks again but I didn't mind that much. I made it to Kalaloch State Park on the coast Tuesday night and met up with Andrew again to share a site and a six pack. It was a nice place on the coast but it was not the best weather. Wednesday was nothing but a bunch of rain. Woke up and it was raining, went for a walk on the beach (rain), recycled my trash I from the day before (soaking wet), then biked up to Lake Quinalt (precipitating hard). Then a brief recess with Andrew and some other bikers at a nice little lunch stop. These fellow cycle adventures are awesome and I must mention them.

Deborah from Vancouver, WA is a fun lady that is biking from Seattle back home. Then Laurie and Ethel from the UK. They are some amazing experienced adventure cyclists that are riding from Vancouver BC to Florida!!! They have proven to be an amazing resource of bike help and great company. I probably wouldn't have made it as far as I did today without them riding with me or helping me out.

We all (excluding Andrew who had to make some more distance) camped at Rayonier a free campsite north of Humptulips. It finally stopped raining just after we got there. All of them helped me work on my bike and it is riding almost twice as efficiently (I'm no longer on the struggle bus). Thanks to Lauri and Ethel for the spare tire!!!

Today we rode from there an astonishing 70 + miles to Bay Center, my current location @ a KOA. Stopped in Hoquiam and picked up some new tires for my bike (should have done this before I left but all the same nows a good of time as any). It was nice to ride with some other people and not feel so alone out on the road. Thanks to you guys for the company you're awesome.

Tomorrow I push inland to the Columbia River and Portland, Oregon. I hope to get there on Saturday, maybe Sunday, for a couple days break. Sorry I haven't posted any pictures lately my camera is dead and I wont be able to recharge it until Portland when I get my charger sent there. O well, hopefully another video post soon.

Until then, hope all is well with all you followers out there.

-TE

Mama said there'd be days like these

2009-07-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

Day 7

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 65

Miles Traveled Total: 225

So I am here is what was formerly the logging capital of the world and now is the mecca for teenagers obsessed with vampires, Forks, WA. I am currently not able to ride due to my back tire being flat and all my tubes being busted. I am kinda of down and out but really just playing the cards as they are dealt. I hopefully will get out of this place sometime this afternoon... hopefully.

The rest of the 4th in Port Angeles was decent and I got out of there alright. The next day I rode around beautiful Lake Crescent and took a dip in its mystifying blue waters. Camped at Bear Creek that night next to the Sol Dec River.

Then yesterday I had quite the day adventuring through the rest of the Peninsula. It was raining pretty hard but I didn't mind it was a change of pace from the sunshine. Made it through here, Forks, just fine. I was going to go to Kalaloch on the beach but decided that the beach is no fun in the rain so I detoured into the Hoh Rain Forest. About 1/2 a mile before the entrance to the National Park I had a break down with my back tire. This was my last tube and I knew that I was in trouble. The tear happened near the intake valve and couldn't be patched. A ranger gave me a ride to the campground and I spent the better part of that evening trying to fix my tire to no avail. The Hoh was beautiful and wet, I really wish I could have explored it more and not have been so frustrated with my situation. A fellow biker shared my site with me, Andrew, he was a very nice guy with a lot of experience doing this cycle adventure thing, he made me feel like an amateur (which I guess I am). Got a ride from some nice people back in to Forks (thanks Josh and Raimee) to hopefully fix my bike and get going again. But alas bike shop is closed and I am in a coffee shop charging my stuff and blogging.

I know that I would face hardships on this journey but I did not expect them so soon. I am really not trying to stress to hard (I did enough of that yesterday). I will take this situation and remedy it in due time. It will be a good lesson learned.

Hope all is well with everyone out there following me. Know that I am alright and will be on the road again very soon.

Thanks

-TE

It's our last Summer of Independence... Do you remember?

2009-07-04T21:12:00.000-07:00

Day 4

Miles Traveled since last blog: 50

Miles Traveled Total: 160

This leg of the trip has been the most intense and enjoyable. The Olympic Peninsula is an amazing place and I really hope to come back here some day.

Last night in Pt. Townsend was blast. I camped at Fort Warren State Park and went to the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes. I saw Jesse Lege, one of the most talented accordionists I have ever heard or seen.

I got up early this morning after another great nights sleep in my JakPak (thanks to Alex & Erica for letting me crash their campsite). I actually woke up just before the sunrise and walked out twoards the lighthouse to catch it. The first picture above is of Whidbey Island and Mt. Baker this morning.

The initial hills on Highway 20 out of Port Townsend where a little grueling but I made it to the 101 eventually. It was somewhat special reaching this milestone of the Pacific Coast Highway which I will be following for the majority of my trip.

I had heard about a bike trail that went along the 101 right around this area and I found it in Blyn. The Olympic Discovery Trail has to be one of the most enjoyable and scenic bike trails I have ever ridden. There were parks filled with streams and trees, suspended walkways and lots of scenic country side. All this secluded from the sound of traffic and such. I would have gotten all the way to Pt. Angeles too if they hadn't of blocked off part of it for the 4th of July fire works I am about to go see.

Pt. Angeles is a nice place from what I have seen. Caught a little bit of the Independence Day Parade but mostly have just been relaxing.

Heres the trash from this session. Not that much along that trail which I guess is a good thing.

until next time.

-TE

Get your towels ready, its about to go down

2009-07-03T16:28:00.000-07:00

Heres another video post!

Chuckanut to Pt. Townsend

2009-07-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

Day 3
Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 60
Miles Traveled Total: 110

I'm in unfamiliar territory and I like it. Current Location is Port Townsend , a really awesome place so far, and I am feeling awesome. The trip has been really enjoyable so far and I'm really excited to make a post.

It was a nice last night in Bellingham. Thank you to all my friends who gave supported me over the last couple months and giving me well wishing during the trip. I will miss you all dearly and please do keep in touch.

Riding south out of the City of Subdued Excitement for who knows how long was somewhat sad but all the same very exciting. I stopped at Larabee State Park/ Clayton Beach off Chuckanut one last time. That could possibly be one of my favorite places I've ever been to, lets see if I can find a better one on this adventure.

After Chuckanut I worked my way across Skagit County. I stopped at the Longhorn Saloon in Edison for lunch, might I recommend the Oyster Burger. Going south from there found a really cool bike trail along Padilla Bay. It was a little steep going on Highway 20 south twoards Whidbey but I made it up to Deception Pass.

I camped at Deception Pass State Park on the north end of Whidbey Island. I caught a magnificent sunset (the first on many I'm sure). Then I got a decent nights sleep in my JakPak. This is the first time mentioning it but this company is letting my field test on of their units for my trip and I am putting out the good word for them. Basically its a jacket that holds a sleeping bag and a bivvy tent system, check out their website for more info. Thanks to Jeremy from JakPak for helping me with this.

Today was a great a great ride too. I only rode around 30 miles all along Whidbey Island, then caught the Ferry to Pt. Townsend. This place seems like the coolest little town in Washington that I have been to for a while. I regret not coming here sooner. Tonight there is an concert out at Fort Worden State Park, were I hope to stay. Its the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes and tonight there is Cajun Music with Accordions. Could it get better than this I really don't think so.

Heres the trash I got from this portion.

All my love to my family and friends who are offering their constant support. Thanks so much for everything. Hope everyone has a great Independence Day Tomorrow. See yah on the road somewhere.

-TE

And so it begins

2009-07-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

Day 1.
Miles Traveled: 50

It has begun!!! I am currently enjoying my last dinner in Bellingham at my favorite Restaurant ,Casa Que Pasa, and decided to do my first blog post of the journey now.

Today I woke up early and checked everything on my bike to make sure it was legit. After a quick bite to eat I was on the road by 8:30 a.m. Northbound to Blaine.

It was a great morning ride to border and I made it to Peace Arch State Park right before noon . I had been through the border more than a couple times but had never taken the time to get out and enjoy the park that is between the two countries. It was a nice relaxing atmosphere watching people making their own journeys, I enjoyed it thoroughly.

The second half, i.e. ride back south to Bellingham was a little tougher seeing that I was already a little beat. I had to stop a couple times along the way and take a power nap on the side of the road (I think this might be a repeat occurrence during the trip). But I made it back to Bellingham safely and surely.

Along the way I did remember to collect some waste from the side of the road. While it was not nearly as much as I saw I thought it was pretty good for a first day. There is a picture of what I got before I recycled it. Theres also one of me in front of the Peach Arch as actual proof that I was there.

I think thats about it for now. I want to leave you all with some song lyrics that I consider to be the theme of my trip (or at least today), I almost teared up listening to it and how indubitably appropriate it is.

John Lennon - Watching the Wheels

People say I'm crazy doing what I'm doing
Well they give me all kinds of warnings to save me from ruin
When I say that I'm o.k. well they look at me kind of strange
Surely you're not happy now you no longer play the game

People say I'm lazy dreaming my life away
Well they give me all kinds of advice designed to enlighten me
When I tell them that I'm doing fine watching shadows on the wall
Don't you miss the big time boy you're no longer on the ball

I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go

Ah, people asking questions lost in confusion
Well I tell them there's no problem, only solutions
Well they shake their heads and they look at me as if I've lost my mind
I tell them there's no hurry
I'm just sitting here doing time

I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go
I just had to let it go
I just had to let it go

heres a picture for Bellingham, how i will miss thee

until next time.

-TE

Leaving a Week from Today

2009-06-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

I have officially sent out the first mass email to get this thing going. I have also decided that after a brief jaunt back to Spokane to say goodbye to my family I will be leaving precisely a week from today on the first day of July. So a week from now will be my last night in Bellingham (because my first day I'm only going to ride to Blaine and back). This town has been so good to me. I really am going to miss it a lot, from the sound of the train, to the 9 months of rain. The City of Subdued Excitement has been more of home to me than any other place I have lived. Now I am being nomadic searching for my new utopia or maybe just the dream that is American West. All the same I totally stoked for this adventure and can't really even put it into words on this blog the feeling of anticipation that is welling up inside me. Thanks everyone for all your support and tell your friends about this. Until next time, I think I'm going to go for a bike ride...

-TE

I shall be released

2009-06-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

just recorded this song earlier this evening. thought i would try a video post. Its an old bob dylan song that I really fell in love with when the Band covered it and especially when they sang it together. I dedicate it to the graduates of 2009!

From Aspiration to Reality

2009-06-04T13:01:00.000-07:00

This is the first post of many to come for this blog and even though no one is even following it yet I hope that looking back on this post all followers know that I am a happy person right now, and I will tell you why.
Everyone always asks me lately "What do you WANT to do after you Graduate?". I tell them, all I really want to do is ride my bike. Well this is a reality now and I haven't been more excited for anything else in my life I have ever planned before.
Today I met with Manca Valum the Director of Development for Huxley College of the Environment and John Thompson from Western Washington University Communications and we went over the details of making this trip happen. I couldn't be more satisfied on how it went. We covered the fund raising options and just chatted about some of the possibilities of projects to do along the way. Such as collecting trash and recyclables along the road to promote the reduction of waste in Guatemala that is creating vulnerability.
Life has been a whirlwind for me the past couple of months from leaving a serious relationship, subsequently moving out, couchsurfing with friends, trying to graduate while having a fun spring with friends and to top it off prepare for this bike trip. And having officially gotten the wheels in motion (pun indubitably intended) I am ecstatic to make the first post to this blog in hopes of many more documenting this adventure. Thanks for reading.

-TE