Wednesday, June 30, 2004
West Coast Pics- Batch 1
San Francisco - 6/13 - 6/16
Mike and Kate reviewing our plan of attack.
710 Ashbury - The Grateful Dead house, the photo shown is the infamous steps photo, and the steps as they are in 2004.
2400 Fulton - The Hangar - Jefferson Airplane Mansion in 2004
My fluffy head in front of 2400 Fulton
Skippy and I didn't even plan to both wear Atari 2600 shirts.
Katie Swelstad before we trek down to the cave by the beach.
Mike Swelstad before taking us to his special cave.
Mike, Katie and Ron.
Ron Baker - A powerful man.
The Bus Trip - San Francisco to Montana - 6/16 - 6/19
(ALPHABETICAL NOT CHRONOLOGICAL!)
Aaron isn't a goof. He can fix an engine like nothin. He owned a hippie bus so that was like a primer for the 1969 school bus/church bus/hippie bus road trip.
While insulating us from the noise of the engine, Aaron was so happy to finally utilize the weight that was just... waiting for us to find a use..
Andrea is a sweetie. She hates having her picture taken so you have to be stealthy about it.
Bill warning of danger.
Bill careening us down the Nevada desert highway.
Bill is glad the hood is down.
OH MAN.
Well they aren't cooking eggs on the radiator.
Even the kitchen table wasn't in one piece by the time we left California.
Christine specifically told me to keep her out of as many photos as possible.
Connect Four Tournament Joe wins. I lose.
I love the busride.
It's so loud up front you have to scream at Bill to talk to him.
Excelsior: "Onward and Upward to Greatness"
Bill is having so much fun. Gotta try that!
Man does this feel weird.
Heidi got caught singing her own songs again.
Heidi and Bill are like Mom and Dad to us.
Joe is whack.
Joe may not trust you.
Joe and Bryan probably shortly after a Connect Four game.
Lounging in the bus is the best.
We could get used to this.
Even when she wasn't wearing purple gloves and stirring cocktails with knives, Lynette was fun. She just loves that Johnny Cash, too!
The bus in it's natural state: an open hood.
The boys in a game of the old oil toss.
Aaron. We picked him up in Missoula Montana with 5 hours left to the trip. Slept the night as his cool friend Katie's
A chillin Aaron.
Just a quick fix and we'll be on the way again.
The girls rented a car to get to the bridal shower on time.
Schucks Auto Supply was our favorite tourist attraction of Idaho.
This guy can build you a working starter in a way that would make Doctor Franekstein proud.
Monday, June 28, 2004
do u know music?
Good. You know your music. You should be able to
work at Championship Vinyl with Rob, Dick and
Barry
Do You Know Your Music (Sorry MTV Generation I Doubt You Can Handle This One)
brought to you by Quizilla
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Farmington Hills, MI
I drove straight home from the show. I slept a few times in rest stops of course.
Last nights Phish show was the 2nd best one I've ever seen. I didn't go with anyone so when I got there I just wandered the lawn. About 5 minutes into my wandering I hear "DAN" It was Shaynon from GTN... (A UI Competitor) we've been to about 35 of the same shows but never hung out, so last night was our chance to boogie together.
I'm off to see Farenheit 9/11 with Murph in a few...
Last nights Phish show was the 2nd best one I've ever seen. I didn't go with anyone so when I got there I just wandered the lawn. About 5 minutes into my wandering I hear "DAN" It was Shaynon from GTN... (A UI Competitor) we've been to about 35 of the same shows but never hung out, so last night was our chance to boogie together.
I'm off to see Farenheit 9/11 with Murph in a few...
Saturday, June 26, 2004
Madison, WI
Well Phish last night was a great time. But sad at the same time. Knowing it's like over soon isn't a very fulfilling thought.
Daman went with me, he'd never seen them before so it was cool taking a first timer. Tonight I go to the show alone, which isn't the first time I've seen Phish alone. I usually bump into a former friend or make a new one. The best show I ever went to I was alone in Georgia. It will be a nice pre-cursor to my ride alone home. I still may go thru the U.P. to think some things thru. My leg is still bugging me on hills so I won't be able to get into the nature trails or anything up north which kinda makes it pointless to go but alas if I go thru Chicago I will hit like 3 hours of traffic so it's still a toss up on where I will be heading at about midnight tonight.
I have so much to figure out a drive thru northern michigan would do me good but at the same time I am getting road weary and would love to sleep in my own bed soon. But I GOTTA go see Eric and Cindy in Flint so maybe I'll head that way tonight. But again that Chicago traffic will suck and I don't want to be sleepy in a chicago late night gridlock. Stay tuned...
Daman went with me, he'd never seen them before so it was cool taking a first timer. Tonight I go to the show alone, which isn't the first time I've seen Phish alone. I usually bump into a former friend or make a new one. The best show I ever went to I was alone in Georgia. It will be a nice pre-cursor to my ride alone home. I still may go thru the U.P. to think some things thru. My leg is still bugging me on hills so I won't be able to get into the nature trails or anything up north which kinda makes it pointless to go but alas if I go thru Chicago I will hit like 3 hours of traffic so it's still a toss up on where I will be heading at about midnight tonight.
I have so much to figure out a drive thru northern michigan would do me good but at the same time I am getting road weary and would love to sleep in my own bed soon. But I GOTTA go see Eric and Cindy in Flint so maybe I'll head that way tonight. But again that Chicago traffic will suck and I don't want to be sleepy in a chicago late night gridlock. Stay tuned...
Friday, June 25, 2004
Crystal Lake, IL
Well my leg hurt again this morning. I thought it was OK last night but alas it looks like I can't be dancing around tonight. *sob*
I just cleaned my car out. I was expecting a really bad smell when I opened it. I envisioned old food wrappers and crap stinking up the car that hadn't been opened since the 12th. But it was OK. I woke up late and thought I would be real late getting to Wisconsin but it only took 15 minutes to clean my car. So I'm about to clean my BODY and then get on the road to Daman's.
WOOT WOOT.. Phish tonight!!! Daman bought a ticket. Tomorrow I am alone, everyone decided not to go to the show but damnit I will have fun by myself or with new friends I make along the way.
I just cleaned my car out. I was expecting a really bad smell when I opened it. I envisioned old food wrappers and crap stinking up the car that hadn't been opened since the 12th. But it was OK. I woke up late and thought I would be real late getting to Wisconsin but it only took 15 minutes to clean my car. So I'm about to clean my BODY and then get on the road to Daman's.
WOOT WOOT.. Phish tonight!!! Daman bought a ticket. Tomorrow I am alone, everyone decided not to go to the show but damnit I will have fun by myself or with new friends I make along the way.
Thursday, June 24, 2004
OWWWW
Oh I pulled a tendon. It hurts so bad. No it wasn't running around O'hare and around the streets of Chicago with a heavy bag. I was SLEEPING. I pulled a tendon while SLEEPING. I don't get it. But I can't dance at Phish tomorrow so I am very sad. I will have to bob my head in tune and deal with the pain or something. GRRRRRRR.
Chicago, IL - Jesse's Pad
Landed at O'hare at 8am. That airport is way too high tech. The toilets clean themselves. They are like in this saren wrap thing that you wave your hand in front of the sensor and it gives you a fresh new place to sit that hasn't been touched before. It's whack.
I'm about to get some grub with Jesse, kick it in Chicago for the afternoon and then head up to Edgars so I can drive to Madison, Wisconsin in the morning.
I'm about to get some grub with Jesse, kick it in Chicago for the afternoon and then head up to Edgars so I can drive to Madison, Wisconsin in the morning.
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
San Francisco, CA - Four Planes In One Day
Today I ride four planes.
We awoke in Twin Falls, Idaho. Took the 6 something am flight to Salt Lake City on a wicked PROPELLOR PLANE. From there we took another plane to Oakland, CA.
Tonight I will get on yet another plane heading to Minneapolis, MO where I will board my final plane headed for O'Hare in Chicago. Finding my way downtown I will most likely hook up with Oliver before making my way to Crystal Lake where my car is.
Friday and Saturday night will bring me 2 of my last 3 Phish concerts. I won't make it to show number 50, I think only 49. Grrrrr.
Montana was amazing. Being buried within miles and miles of forest was a great experience. I am so glad I don't work until July.
I'm off to dinner with my hometown friends where I well fend off the "when are you gonna move to San Francisco" vibes.
We awoke in Twin Falls, Idaho. Took the 6 something am flight to Salt Lake City on a wicked PROPELLOR PLANE. From there we took another plane to Oakland, CA.
Tonight I will get on yet another plane heading to Minneapolis, MO where I will board my final plane headed for O'Hare in Chicago. Finding my way downtown I will most likely hook up with Oliver before making my way to Crystal Lake where my car is.
Friday and Saturday night will bring me 2 of my last 3 Phish concerts. I won't make it to show number 50, I think only 49. Grrrrr.
Montana was amazing. Being buried within miles and miles of forest was a great experience. I am so glad I don't work until July.
I'm off to dinner with my hometown friends where I well fend off the "when are you gonna move to San Francisco" vibes.
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Twin Falls, Idaho - Western Inn
We drove from Twin Meadows, near Eureka, Montana to Twin Falls, Idaho today.
Unfortunately we spelt in 2 hours late. So we sped very fast on the highway until road construction and mountainous curves slowed us down. We missed our flight to San Francisco. It left 10 minutes early and we were 6 minutes late.
We thought we could catch our connecting flight in Salt Lake City, but it was 3 hours away. So we leave at 6am instead.
I will be on a propellor plane to Salt Lake, so that will be a first.
We about to sleep and the morning will come too soon.
Unfortunately we spelt in 2 hours late. So we sped very fast on the highway until road construction and mountainous curves slowed us down. We missed our flight to San Francisco. It left 10 minutes early and we were 6 minutes late.
We thought we could catch our connecting flight in Salt Lake City, but it was 3 hours away. So we leave at 6am instead.
I will be on a propellor plane to Salt Lake, so that will be a first.
We about to sleep and the morning will come too soon.
Monday, June 21, 2004
Eureka, Montana - The Eureka Blues
Well we all got our travel situations under control. I was going to drive to Seattle and fly to San Francisco to catch my flight to Chicago on the early morning of the 24th. I am now driving to Twin Falls, Idaho with Bill and Heidi and flying with them to Oakland. Getting to San Fran to get to Chicago. Got it? OK
Phish here I come....
Phish here I come....
a new plan
this just in: no trip back to san francisco. i gotta figure out where to go. maybe seattle to chicago or something like that. more details to come!
Twin Meadows - Montana
The Montana Experience is winding down. We are not taking the bus to San Francisco. Bill is on his way to rent a van.
We've already decided it won't be as fun going back. A van trip is like a regular thing. We'll all have books open or headphones on. We will look like normal people.
The good thing is that it cuts our trip time down so much that I should have an extra day to kick it in San Francisco.
We've already decided it won't be as fun going back. A van trip is like a regular thing. We'll all have books open or headphones on. We will look like normal people.
The good thing is that it cuts our trip time down so much that I should have an extra day to kick it in San Francisco.
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Near Eureka, Montana
We arrived around noon. I just woke up from a nap. The sun is starting to set. I wish I had more warm clothes.
We are deep within the trees and mountains near the Canadian border. Tomorrow Bill gets married among the natural vista of this national forest.
We are deep within the trees and mountains near the Canadian border. Tomorrow Bill gets married among the natural vista of this national forest.
Friday, June 18, 2004
Challis, Idaho
We are once again at an auto parts store. We can only start the bus on a downward hill. We are swapping out the starter. If this doesn't keep ist running than a complete electrical overhald is necessary.
We really miss the girls. But alas they are probably there by now.
Connect Four is getting old. We need a new game.
I just found out we will be almost in Canada. ahhh it feels like home.
except for all those mountains around.
We really miss the girls. But alas they are probably there by now.
Connect Four is getting old. We need a new game.
I just found out we will be almost in Canada. ahhh it feels like home.
except for all those mountains around.
Crossroads of 93/75, Idaho
Once again teh bus dies. We did not buy a starter at the auto parts store when it was mentioined. That is the only part we haven't already replaced. We also could have caused a short circuit along the way.
Oh the adventures in mechanics a school bus from 1969 gives you.
Oh the adventures in mechanics a school bus from 1969 gives you.
Twin Falls, Idaho
We are once again at an auto parts dealer. We got here because 2 bored guys that jumped our battery followed us to push the bus with thier truck if it died again.
It went out in the middle of the desert just after sundown. As we crossed into Idaho the alternator went out. We got a jump, it lasted 1/2 an hour and died again.
The girls have now left us in a rented car to get there before the bridal shower.
A shower? sounds nice about now
I am beginning to wonder if I will make my flight to Chicago. I hope we get back to San Francisco on the 23rd.
It went out in the middle of the desert just after sundown. As we crossed into Idaho the alternator went out. We got a jump, it lasted 1/2 an hour and died again.
The girls have now left us in a rented car to get there before the bridal shower.
A shower? sounds nice about now
I am beginning to wonder if I will make my flight to Chicago. I hope we get back to San Francisco on the 23rd.
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Somewhere in the Nevada desert
Halfway between Flagstaff and Barstoe the drugs began to take hold.
No wait. Wrong story.
Halfway between Sacramento and Reno the bus began to fall apart. An hour later and some MacGyver ingenuity an we were on the way with a clutch fixed with bobby pins and a coat hanger.
We slept. everyone had a blanket but me. It was damn cold.
In the morning we fixed the second problem, bad belts. Making the alternator stop working.. we think.
After an hour at the NAPA parts store we were on our way.
We are now past Reno somewhere in the Nevada desert. We should make Idaho by evening.
No wait. Wrong story.
Halfway between Sacramento and Reno the bus began to fall apart. An hour later and some MacGyver ingenuity an we were on the way with a clutch fixed with bobby pins and a coat hanger.
We slept. everyone had a blanket but me. It was damn cold.
In the morning we fixed the second problem, bad belts. Making the alternator stop working.. we think.
After an hour at the NAPA parts store we were on our way.
We are now past Reno somewhere in the Nevada desert. We should make Idaho by evening.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
San Francisco, CA - Soup in a Bread Bowl
Well I finally get my soup in a bread bowl today. I am meeting the kids for lunch and then after 5pm I am off with Bill and crew on the road trip. There won't be another blogger post update until I get back to San Francisco so you'll have to wait for the notebook->internet conversion LOL.
I am gonna hit Haight street one more time after lunch to pick up a few things. i don't have a budget for souvenirs but I gotta get a couple things.. I hope my money lasts LOL
I didn't go to my cousins last night, but the time the Pistons were done kicking ass it would have taken me too long to get there (he's an hour out from my friends') So I'll hang with him again when I come on back through.
I am gonna hit Haight street one more time after lunch to pick up a few things. i don't have a budget for souvenirs but I gotta get a couple things.. I hope my money lasts LOL
I didn't go to my cousins last night, but the time the Pistons were done kicking ass it would have taken me too long to get there (he's an hour out from my friends') So I'll hang with him again when I come on back through.
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
San Francisco, CA - Michigan vs. California Hometown Pistons Party
Soon I am off to watch the Detroit Pistons defeat the Lakers with some Farmington Hometown friends.
Adam Faber - NFHS class of 1992
Katie, Justin & Mike. Katie and Mike went to North. Justin went to Farmington with me.
Jason went to Farmington too! It's his place we're at.
Tonight I will stay with my cousin Chris. Tomorrow evening I leave with Bill in the bus to Montana.
During the day today I saw Castro, Ron's neighborhood. I walked down Divisdero to Haight, checked out the shops. I bought a $13 Dead t-shirt which was cheap. Most of the t-shirts were $30. Tie-dyes, $18. Unreal. The Gap had great deals. Just kidding. I get hit on a lot in this town. It's a fun environment.
Adam Faber - NFHS class of 1992
Katie, Justin & Mike. Katie and Mike went to North. Justin went to Farmington with me.
Jason went to Farmington too! It's his place we're at.
Tonight I will stay with my cousin Chris. Tomorrow evening I leave with Bill in the bus to Montana.
During the day today I saw Castro, Ron's neighborhood. I walked down Divisdero to Haight, checked out the shops. I bought a $13 Dead t-shirt which was cheap. Most of the t-shirts were $30. Tie-dyes, $18. Unreal. The Gap had great deals. Just kidding. I get hit on a lot in this town. It's a fun environment.
Monday, June 14, 2004
San Francisco, CA - "Man-Purse"
Being lazy in California comes very easy. I didn't do anything until 2. Ron Baker came over and we left to check out his favorite breakfast spot. The couple that runs the place loves him so much "you always bring over new people... thank you.. thank you" I think he is in for some free food in the future if he keeps this up.
The social networking in San Francisco is very open. It's like being in a college town. Everyone is ready to collaborate ideas and share opinions. The coolest thing to me so far is that I've brought together Farmington,Michigan people that live in San Francisco that had no idea each other lived around here.
Rumor has it I fit in very well around here. I would love it here. The mass transit is well thought out. The only thing that sucks is the weather. Hot. Then very cold. Back to hot. Cold Cold Cold.
You have to carry a "man-purse" with your sweatshirt in it or you will freeze when the sun moves behind a building.
I saw The Albin place, 1090 Page. This place spawned Big Brother and the Holding Company. Very cool history. Very green as well.
Did a lot of walking around this afternoon. Ron had to get to work so now I am alone until everyone else finishes those day job things. Trying not to spend money as it's easy to think you have more cash than what you're holding. I gotta watch the wallet close.
The social networking in San Francisco is very open. It's like being in a college town. Everyone is ready to collaborate ideas and share opinions. The coolest thing to me so far is that I've brought together Farmington,Michigan people that live in San Francisco that had no idea each other lived around here.
Rumor has it I fit in very well around here. I would love it here. The mass transit is well thought out. The only thing that sucks is the weather. Hot. Then very cold. Back to hot. Cold Cold Cold.
You have to carry a "man-purse" with your sweatshirt in it or you will freeze when the sun moves behind a building.
I saw The Albin place, 1090 Page. This place spawned Big Brother and the Holding Company. Very cool history. Very green as well.
Did a lot of walking around this afternoon. Ron had to get to work so now I am alone until everyone else finishes those day job things. Trying not to spend money as it's easy to think you have more cash than what you're holding. I gotta watch the wallet close.
Driving Home Options
Once I fly back to Chicago and see Phish in Wisconsin, I may not drive thru Chicago again to get back home. Depending on how much money I have left, I think I might take a longer drive and go thru Northern Michigan during the very scenic summer time. I would also get to see Woody and Cindy in Flint (Clio)
Thru Michigan Upper Penninsula
117.87 ($11 gas) - Crystal Lake, IL to Madison, WI
308.55 miles ($20 gas) - Madison, WI to Marquette, MI
376.21 miles ($27 gas) - Marquette, MI to Clio, MI
71.95 ($7 gas) - Clio, MI to Farmington Hills, MI
total ~875
------------------
Thru Chicago.
117.87 ($11 gas) - Crystal Lake, IL to Madison, WI
423.29 ($34 gas) - Madison, WI to Farmington Hills, MI
total ~543
Thru Michigan Upper Penninsula
117.87 ($11 gas) - Crystal Lake, IL to Madison, WI
308.55 miles ($20 gas) - Madison, WI to Marquette, MI
376.21 miles ($27 gas) - Marquette, MI to Clio, MI
71.95 ($7 gas) - Clio, MI to Farmington Hills, MI
total ~875
------------------
Thru Chicago.
117.87 ($11 gas) - Crystal Lake, IL to Madison, WI
423.29 ($34 gas) - Madison, WI to Farmington Hills, MI
total ~543
Sunday, June 13, 2004
San Francisco, CA - The San Fran Switcheroo
What a great day!
I took my camera out deep into the center of hippies subculture. There was the Haight Street Fair going on today so there were mad amounts of people around. I chickened out on the defacing of the Gap Store at Haight-Ashbury.
We had a sweet breakfast and then started the scenic route. We went to get pics of the Grateful Dead house @ 710 Ashbury and the Jefferson Airplane mansion @ 2400 Fulton AKA "the hangar." We also checked out Janis Joplin's old pad at 112 Lyon. I love the energy surrounding this town... ths history.. the scene.. it's all beautiful.
710 Ashbury in 1968.
710 Ashbury in 2004.
We climbed around the rocks by the water, and went down into Mike Swelstad's special little cave. We saw parks and hills and lots and lots of people. This is a great town for socializing.
Ron and I attacking the rocks, I'm wearing sandels.
Katie fell and hugged me at the same time, thus my surprised smiley face.
We coined a new term for dinner. The San Fran Dan Switcheroo. To succomb to indecisiveness, we had appetizers at an expensive Italian resaurant, ate dinner at a Thai restaurant, and finished up with Ben & Jerry's.
I took my camera out deep into the center of hippies subculture. There was the Haight Street Fair going on today so there were mad amounts of people around. I chickened out on the defacing of the Gap Store at Haight-Ashbury.
We had a sweet breakfast and then started the scenic route. We went to get pics of the Grateful Dead house @ 710 Ashbury and the Jefferson Airplane mansion @ 2400 Fulton AKA "the hangar." We also checked out Janis Joplin's old pad at 112 Lyon. I love the energy surrounding this town... ths history.. the scene.. it's all beautiful.
710 Ashbury in 1968.
710 Ashbury in 2004.
We climbed around the rocks by the water, and went down into Mike Swelstad's special little cave. We saw parks and hills and lots and lots of people. This is a great town for socializing.
Ron and I attacking the rocks, I'm wearing sandels.
Katie fell and hugged me at the same time, thus my surprised smiley face.
We coined a new term for dinner. The San Fran Dan Switcheroo. To succomb to indecisiveness, we had appetizers at an expensive Italian resaurant, ate dinner at a Thai restaurant, and finished up with Ben & Jerry's.
