Passing over Kebbler Pass... tree huggin'
Columbine
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Warning: It's the Height of Tourist Season in Wyoming
These posts have become a bit scattered and random, so I will not attempt to explain how all these events line-up... who cares anyway?
Stopping in Rock Springs Wyoming could have been the worst decision made on summer adventures so far. I should have listened to my instincts and not over-nighted my summer thesis. We made friends with just about EVERYBODY in Staples. All the employees stared poked and prodded at us as if we were cute alien species to them.
Chelsea was freaked out. Alex was hungry. I was indifferent (except that I was pissed it cost 40 dollars to send paper 350 miles.)
We ate dinner at a converted Burger King Sushi restaurant. Chelsea was freaked out. Alex was hungry. I was hungry, too.
We ate sashimi and didn't get sick. We laughed. There was lots of laughter on our trip because I think we are an odd combination of brains.
On our way out and away from Rock Springs, Wyoming, Mark in a white ice delivery truck decided it was unnecessary to stop when all the traffic in front of him was immobile. We happened to be the lucky recipients of his Dodge Ram schnoz and all the weight of ice behind it.
Here is Autumn's new van after the crash:
The scary part was, Chelsea wasn't even in a real seat. The universe gave us ( credit a.o.b) this divine chesterfield.
Well, actually Chelsea found her for free in at Rummages in Steamboat. We figured since it was in a "No Dumping Zone" it was probably clean...
Stuck in Rock Springs, we searched for a hotel. The woman at the front desk at Econo Lodge told us we'd have a hard time finding a place since it was height of tourist season in Rock Springs. Chelsea freaked out: "What the fuck is there to do here? Are there hot springs?!" Feeling uncomfortable, the woman ignored Chelsea's plea and directed us to The Sands Inn, where we had a full sized refrigerator and microwave for me and Alex's late night gas station burritos.
Even the Buddha looks sad with that gray sky behind him.
We rented a UHaul the next day and were on our way, sans music, but with a bucket seat!
* note: Chelsea does not often freak out, Rock Springs freaks her out. Alex wasn't always hungry, we all were always hungry. And I am not often indifferent. I am generally precise and picky. It was WYOMING that flips it all around. It's in the water.
Stopping in Rock Springs Wyoming could have been the worst decision made on summer adventures so far. I should have listened to my instincts and not over-nighted my summer thesis. We made friends with just about EVERYBODY in Staples. All the employees stared poked and prodded at us as if we were cute alien species to them.
Chelsea was freaked out. Alex was hungry. I was indifferent (except that I was pissed it cost 40 dollars to send paper 350 miles.)
We ate dinner at a converted Burger King Sushi restaurant. Chelsea was freaked out. Alex was hungry. I was hungry, too.
We ate sashimi and didn't get sick. We laughed. There was lots of laughter on our trip because I think we are an odd combination of brains.
On our way out and away from Rock Springs, Wyoming, Mark in a white ice delivery truck decided it was unnecessary to stop when all the traffic in front of him was immobile. We happened to be the lucky recipients of his Dodge Ram schnoz and all the weight of ice behind it.
Here is Autumn's new van after the crash:
The scary part was, Chelsea wasn't even in a real seat. The universe gave us ( credit a.o.b) this divine chesterfield.
Well, actually Chelsea found her for free in at Rummages in Steamboat. We figured since it was in a "No Dumping Zone" it was probably clean...
Stuck in Rock Springs, we searched for a hotel. The woman at the front desk at Econo Lodge told us we'd have a hard time finding a place since it was height of tourist season in Rock Springs. Chelsea freaked out: "What the fuck is there to do here? Are there hot springs?!" Feeling uncomfortable, the woman ignored Chelsea's plea and directed us to The Sands Inn, where we had a full sized refrigerator and microwave for me and Alex's late night gas station burritos.
Even the Buddha looks sad with that gray sky behind him.
We rented a UHaul the next day and were on our way, sans music, but with a bucket seat!
* note: Chelsea does not often freak out, Rock Springs freaks her out. Alex wasn't always hungry, we all were always hungry. And I am not often indifferent. I am generally precise and picky. It was WYOMING that flips it all around. It's in the water.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
WELCOME TO COLORFUL COLORADO!
After driving through dingy dismal eastern Wyoming (NW Wyo ROCKS)
Chelsea and I decided to color-it-up a little with Autumn Teneyl sale bins. :)
Chelsea and I decided to color-it-up a little with Autumn Teneyl sale bins. :)
Utopia
"Woop Woop" is an Australian term for "no where" (at least that's what the label on the wine we drank in Jackson Hole, Wyoming told us.)
Last night we went to Mary's Lake Lodge in Estes Park to watch Pete play musics. Here's Chelsea in front of Lodges.
We met a guy named Nathaniel Daniel Johnson. His mom told him to check out Pete at the Lodge. We invited him to sit with us.
He was intense. We liked that about him. He broke up language phonetically. He said the root of the word Utopia meant "No Place" or "Nowhere". When you broke the word it up, it could say "Now Here" and Nate said this is what Utopia is to him: Now. Here.
I agree with Nate. I like intense people.
Last night we went to Mary's Lake Lodge in Estes Park to watch Pete play musics. Here's Chelsea in front of Lodges.
We met a guy named Nathaniel Daniel Johnson. His mom told him to check out Pete at the Lodge. We invited him to sit with us.
He was intense. We liked that about him. He broke up language phonetically. He said the root of the word Utopia meant "No Place" or "Nowhere". When you broke the word it up, it could say "Now Here" and Nate said this is what Utopia is to him: Now. Here.
I agree with Nate. I like intense people.
Biking in Boulder
Chelsea Meersea signing on.
I was enjoying my first day of absolutely nothing since I came out West. Since the last two weeks have been all sorts of detached drifting (perfect) this was the first time I could lay around, roll around, on the carpet making nonsensical sounds and dreaming about things I could be doing but preferred not to.
Eventually Meghann showed up from sleeping and had these crazy ideas of motivation, which I lack most the time. I prefer to be as inactive and uninvolved in the whole real life thing as possible. Sometimes. Never consistent bear in mind. She wanted to go for a bike ride. With a bit of coercing, as reluctant as I was, she got me.
Meghann mounted her bike excitedly since it has been awhile since she's done so and I was placed on Rachel's bike. I will admit, I was nervous. I don't really trust myself with most things and I've never rode on such terrain. The most I've done was cruise New Brunswick, NJ which I found somewhat difficult but that was probably mostly associated with the fact that my bike was pretty awful and I was usually struggling against the handlebars wobbling & twisting & turning. They did not want to be a part of my bicycle. They had their own agenda other than being involved with a cheap KMart bike.
Anyway, back to the present. The gears were what Meghann explained were "low" when I told her that I wanted to "lower" them, she said that I didn't want to "lower" them. The pedals were not even being useful on our downhill cruise and I was a little worried. I had no idea how to use these crazy gear adjuster things on this bike that I was borrowing. With a little fidgetting I figured it out and the rest of the ride to downtown was soooooo fun. I think I am going to enjoy my environmentally friendly new mode of transportation. Meghann said I should wait to see how I feel after the uphill ride home.
We got downtown and stopped at the sandwich shop that she used to work with. Food is good. Meghann said I eat a lot for such a small body. I've never really been able to properly explain that about myself but it has been pointed out to me plenty of times.
The sandwiches were pretty tasty.
From there we rode a few blocks to some store called Dragonfly. Meghann was being a spy. I liked that. For a minute I pretended that I was on a secret mission. I wanted to be in the mob. I didn't like how the store smelled. We also didn't lock the bikes and I knew that if someone rode away with Rachel's bike I'd feel awful so I stood outside and pretended to be on the lookout while Meghann made the hit.
I didn't tell her that I was pretending all of that.
Then we had to ride back up the hill to our abode. Once I realized by adjusting the gears just right it was an awesome ride and I felt really tough. I could get used to it and I will indeed.
After getting back and my heart rate stopped pounding through every vein in my body like a powerful drum, I rolled around some more on the carpet enjoying having no real agenda. Bill, Meg, and myself were talking about states and her trips and she was trying to figure out the best route to get to Seattle. Bill and her were discussing how long it might take if you take different routes so I whipped out my newest US map full of highways. I was distracted with my map for a long while then we realized we had to get to Hygiene in a half hour so we quickly showered to make our exit.
I put my hair in braids just because I once again have access to my brush which I didn't during our excursion.
We got Meghann's guitar. While waiting for her buddy who had it 2 girls came around selling magazines. The spokesgirl was from Wisconsin and her comrade was from North Carolina. I liked her enthusiasm.
Then we went to Hygiene which Marlene (the GPS) considered Longmont. I think it was Longmont because when we got there the sew-er said it was. But the sewing factory was awesome and full of Autumn's fabric. When we were there they were also making eco-friendly baby diaper accessory schwagg. The lady told good stories. She was a wonderful character. She had a tattoo on her right shoulder. Her husband was boxing things for shipment. Baby stuff.
Then we came to Lyons. I sure was tired by now. So blah blah Meghann pretty much covered this and I think her coverage is good enough. The most important things was our awful spicy iced chargers and how uncomfortable I made Pete even though I think he was a wonderful addition to the characters in and out of my life. We'll be seeing him later when Meghann gives him the charger for his computer.
Good people.
I was enjoying my first day of absolutely nothing since I came out West. Since the last two weeks have been all sorts of detached drifting (perfect) this was the first time I could lay around, roll around, on the carpet making nonsensical sounds and dreaming about things I could be doing but preferred not to.
Eventually Meghann showed up from sleeping and had these crazy ideas of motivation, which I lack most the time. I prefer to be as inactive and uninvolved in the whole real life thing as possible. Sometimes. Never consistent bear in mind. She wanted to go for a bike ride. With a bit of coercing, as reluctant as I was, she got me.
Meghann mounted her bike excitedly since it has been awhile since she's done so and I was placed on Rachel's bike. I will admit, I was nervous. I don't really trust myself with most things and I've never rode on such terrain. The most I've done was cruise New Brunswick, NJ which I found somewhat difficult but that was probably mostly associated with the fact that my bike was pretty awful and I was usually struggling against the handlebars wobbling & twisting & turning. They did not want to be a part of my bicycle. They had their own agenda other than being involved with a cheap KMart bike.
Anyway, back to the present. The gears were what Meghann explained were "low" when I told her that I wanted to "lower" them, she said that I didn't want to "lower" them. The pedals were not even being useful on our downhill cruise and I was a little worried. I had no idea how to use these crazy gear adjuster things on this bike that I was borrowing. With a little fidgetting I figured it out and the rest of the ride to downtown was soooooo fun. I think I am going to enjoy my environmentally friendly new mode of transportation. Meghann said I should wait to see how I feel after the uphill ride home.
We got downtown and stopped at the sandwich shop that she used to work with. Food is good. Meghann said I eat a lot for such a small body. I've never really been able to properly explain that about myself but it has been pointed out to me plenty of times.
The sandwiches were pretty tasty.
From there we rode a few blocks to some store called Dragonfly. Meghann was being a spy. I liked that. For a minute I pretended that I was on a secret mission. I wanted to be in the mob. I didn't like how the store smelled. We also didn't lock the bikes and I knew that if someone rode away with Rachel's bike I'd feel awful so I stood outside and pretended to be on the lookout while Meghann made the hit.
I didn't tell her that I was pretending all of that.
Then we had to ride back up the hill to our abode. Once I realized by adjusting the gears just right it was an awesome ride and I felt really tough. I could get used to it and I will indeed.
After getting back and my heart rate stopped pounding through every vein in my body like a powerful drum, I rolled around some more on the carpet enjoying having no real agenda. Bill, Meg, and myself were talking about states and her trips and she was trying to figure out the best route to get to Seattle. Bill and her were discussing how long it might take if you take different routes so I whipped out my newest US map full of highways. I was distracted with my map for a long while then we realized we had to get to Hygiene in a half hour so we quickly showered to make our exit.
I put my hair in braids just because I once again have access to my brush which I didn't during our excursion.
We got Meghann's guitar. While waiting for her buddy who had it 2 girls came around selling magazines. The spokesgirl was from Wisconsin and her comrade was from North Carolina. I liked her enthusiasm.
Then we went to Hygiene which Marlene (the GPS) considered Longmont. I think it was Longmont because when we got there the sew-er said it was. But the sewing factory was awesome and full of Autumn's fabric. When we were there they were also making eco-friendly baby diaper accessory schwagg. The lady told good stories. She was a wonderful character. She had a tattoo on her right shoulder. Her husband was boxing things for shipment. Baby stuff.
Then we came to Lyons. I sure was tired by now. So blah blah Meghann pretty much covered this and I think her coverage is good enough. The most important things was our awful spicy iced chargers and how uncomfortable I made Pete even though I think he was a wonderful addition to the characters in and out of my life. We'll be seeing him later when Meghann gives him the charger for his computer.
Good people.
Functional Schwag
Chelsea and I are sitting at the Stone Cup in Lyons. The Stone Cup is closed. We went to the Barking Dog across the street to grab espresso energy. We both got iced Bhakti chai with two shots of espresso. The girl poured an inch of chai dust into our cups. It's too spicy and dusty.
We walked back to the Stone Cup to plug in and we met Pete. Pete forgot his mac charger. After an ounce of chat we found out he lives a few blocks away from us in Boulder. We devised a plan to get Pete his charger so he could finish his work. Pete started this company. Chelsea asked for a job. Pete got uncomfortable. Chelsea specializes in making people feel uncomfortable. Pete offered us schwag as collateral for helping him out. Chelsea didn't know what schwag is, so we looked it up. The term is most often used to refer to cheap weed. He meant it to be free promotional products.
When you live on the road or move across the country in less than a medium-sized suitcase, schwag is the last thing you want. Chelsea wants a job and me, I just like to be accommodating.
We're meeting him later with his charger so he can do his work and we can get some totes or pens - functional schwag.
We walked back to the Stone Cup to plug in and we met Pete. Pete forgot his mac charger. After an ounce of chat we found out he lives a few blocks away from us in Boulder. We devised a plan to get Pete his charger so he could finish his work. Pete started this company. Chelsea asked for a job. Pete got uncomfortable. Chelsea specializes in making people feel uncomfortable. Pete offered us schwag as collateral for helping him out. Chelsea didn't know what schwag is, so we looked it up. The term is most often used to refer to cheap weed. He meant it to be free promotional products.
When you live on the road or move across the country in less than a medium-sized suitcase, schwag is the last thing you want. Chelsea wants a job and me, I just like to be accommodating.
We're meeting him later with his charger so he can do his work and we can get some totes or pens - functional schwag.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
just a tiny update
Since Ojo, I traveled down through Santa Fe to Albuquerque where Que was picked up for some road trippin'. We drove back up to Pagosa, nearly striking a horse with the van and then not a minute later, a deer.
Northern New Mexico is one of those areas you should enter with much more than a 1/4 of a tank of gas. We had to cruise downhill for a while to make sure we made it 30 miles on an "empty" tank. Keeping the roll going, we had to neglect a stop sign and a nice man in a cop car pulled us over to remind us not to do so. He was nice enough to follow us to the gas station to make sure we made it safely.
Quick summation, 'cause I'm tired. 4th of July in Telluride, slept on the stage. Gans and Chelsey flew in to visit (and live) in Boulder. Summer writing program, Steamboat Art in the Park and met a nice guy named Alex who has been accompanying Chels and I on our adventures. Tonight was Strawberry Hot Springs and Thai food. Super 8 and Sufjan. Many photographs of Jackie and I and Leland dancing and tree hugging are expected. Hope everyone in the world wide web world (redundant?) is doing well.
Be safe. Good luck,
meghann & leland.
Northern New Mexico is one of those areas you should enter with much more than a 1/4 of a tank of gas. We had to cruise downhill for a while to make sure we made it 30 miles on an "empty" tank. Keeping the roll going, we had to neglect a stop sign and a nice man in a cop car pulled us over to remind us not to do so. He was nice enough to follow us to the gas station to make sure we made it safely.
Quick summation, 'cause I'm tired. 4th of July in Telluride, slept on the stage. Gans and Chelsey flew in to visit (and live) in Boulder. Summer writing program, Steamboat Art in the Park and met a nice guy named Alex who has been accompanying Chels and I on our adventures. Tonight was Strawberry Hot Springs and Thai food. Super 8 and Sufjan. Many photographs of Jackie and I and Leland dancing and tree hugging are expected. Hope everyone in the world wide web world (redundant?) is doing well.
Be safe. Good luck,
meghann & leland.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Hooping Ped-Xing
I saw this sign outside of Ojo Caliente and thought it appropriate.
When taking a closer look, I saw that it was a sign against meddling with signs - offering $100 rewards to people who had any information regarding sign vandals.
Awesome.
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