Kevin was here

Ahoy,

I went on a bicycle adventure with my brother but my bicycle promptly malfunctioned when we started bicycling. We took the bus to the Getty Villa with our bikes. We tried to hop on the architecture tour but had a lot of trouble hearing the fella, so we hopped off that activity. When we left, we had to wait nearly an hour for a bus that had space on the racks for our bikes. What a drag to be stuck on the side oceanfront for so long. We didn't want to ride on the side of the highway because, you know, the imminent death upon falling over thing. We were reminded upon multiple occasions to take pictures together to send to my mom, because, you know, her life is consumed by taking and showing pictures to her coworkers.

Immediately after we got on the trail, I noticed my bike had a flat. We were in between places and far from anywhere, so I probably rode on my flat for way longer than I should have. One could say stranded on the PCH is a fear I never anticipated. We made it to omusubis in Santa Monica and my brother liked them. I guess you could say this was the beginning of a rather ambitious walking food tour. We moved onto a taco truck in Venice and sausages shortly after. One might say this food part was successful because we had more food than we needed. What is a life well-lived if not filled with indulgences?



We ended up taking the bus the rest of the way home because, you know, my bike was broken. The bus driver ended up being super nice and interesting. K thinks he learned more from the bus driver than the museum tour guide. I sometimes find myself wanting to write positive feedback cards to bus drivers, because they only really get cards for complaints. I think excellent customer service deserves just as much recognition. I implore you, thank your bus driver today.

We went to the drive-in that evening. K worked on his Botcon costume until the wee hours of the morning. What an action-packed day.

woefully detached,
jt

adventure seeking

Ahoy,

Our friend J suggested the Rustic Canyon Loop Trail while A's sister was here for a visit. We started from Will Rogers State Park. The trail goes into another park at some point and ends back in Will Rogers. The last time J and I went to this park, we went on a very short walk up to a view. It was incredibly non-rigorous. This time we were on a 5 mile trail that proved to be rigorous and diverse.


We began by walking down into a canyon to meet a brook. And spent a good deal of time following this brook and hopping to and from either side of it. The crossings weren't too bad, but there were many crossings. We eventually noticed orange flags tied to trees to mark the "trail." Also be warned, there is a lot of poison oak and ticks are common (but our team didn't encounter any ticks). At one point we heard loud buzzing and noticed on the side of the canyon was a large beehive. Quick and cautious steps were taken here. Although they aren't in your way, it is unnerving to hear such loud buzzing so close. The flags marked the trail up until just about the waterfall, and the path clears up and becomes a bit more obvious.

Shortly after, we came upon a  cluster of shacks/shanties/houses that once housed nazi sympathizers. Interestingly enough, even the ranch we parked at was first built by nazi sympathizers in anticipation of America falling to the Germans. The shacks deeper into the property provides more eerie evidence of its former residents. The buildings were also used for artist communes after the war. They are now abandoned and covered in graffiti.

To get back on course, we scrambled up a trail that looked questionable. We crossed the canyon onto the Backbone Trail, a shaded, dirt path going up the side of the mountain. This trail was super steep and looked like it could be a mountain biking trail. As we climbed higher and higher up and the trail became increasingly steeper, we balked at the thought of someone riding a bike down the narrow and bumpy path. At the top, we were awarded with spectacular views flanking us on either side. We followed the ridge back towards the ranch and thanked our lucky stars for getting us to the end and back to civilization.

unwaveringly doubtful,
jt

not really my first time

Ahoy,

The RRS spent the week telling everyone it was to be my first time at Yosemite. And I didn't really have the heart to take away that excitement by telling him it wasn't. I had been once before with my family on one of those obnoxious Chinese tour bus groups. My most memorable experiences from that trip were finding a bug in a hotel room and sleeping on the bus. It was fabulous, exactly how I want to travel. 

Our weekend freed up unexpectedly and we thought we'd make the drive to Yosemite. Google maps told us 4.5 hours, much to my dismay. "Only 4 and a half hours!" he said. We have differing perceptions of time in a moving vehicle. We spent a good deal of time sitting in traffic in the park. Oh, the irony, is not lost on me. It was probably worse than a theme park. But we were able to take the roof off and gaze upon the majesty of the trees and the rocks despite the sea of cars. Some nice folks let us stay with them and we set up camp for the night.

The next day we set off early to see all the rocks, trees, and waterfalls. The first stop was one of the vistas that were packed the day prior - of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Falls. It was still early and relatively not crowded. Another quick stop at Bridalveil Falls, and we were off to rent bikes.

We zipped around the Valley like he did when he was a kid. We saw Yosemite Falls, teepees, rocks, Mirror Lake, rocks, more waterfalls, rocks, trees. I'm sure you're familiar with it. Our big activity was to go on the Mist Trail to Neveda Falls. Waterfalls, and rocks - the usual. Despite how short the trip was, we had a great time and were able to pack a lot in. We each came home with a fine collection of mosquito bites.

dustily quenched,

jt

confessions

Ahoy,

For a while, we would play these songs to signal going to sleep and waking up. You should give it a shot. They are so appropriate.

This is our bedtime song:

This is our morning song:

dangerously popular,
jt