Day 12: "Crater Lake"

Hey why's that lady wearing mosquito netting? (Later) Why aren't we wearing mosquito netting!

States: California - Oregon
Miles: 323.7
Weather: Pretty, Slightly Humid


$$$
Gas: 93.78
Campsite: 22.89
Showers: 2
Phone Calls: 6
Food: 13.23
Gum & Ice: 3.68

Total: 141.58

Signatures: +9
55/100

We woke up on time today, but we didn’t leave on time, haha. We left the State Park and headed back to the Golden Gate Bridge to snap some more pictures. We got some pictures, but it was really foggy out. We headed out on the 101 North, and then Matt missed the exit, whoops. After a few hour highway ride we arrived at Crater Lake National Park Visitor Center. I realized why our mileage had been so bad, we had a gas leak! We drove to our campsite and I started to work on finding the problem while Matt & MJ showered. I got out my tools and started looking around, and taking some things off. I asked one of them to start the car and saw gas leaking from the top of the tank. To me it looked like it was coming from the Fuel Pump seal. I was on and off the Pay phone (no cell service) with my mom and our motor club. I found out that there are no shops open on Saturday or Sunday to help me diagnose the problem. I also found that it was illegal to work on the car in a national park. Great. Matt & MJ made dinner (potatoes & hot dogs) while I tried to figure things out. After we ate we were pretty tired so we left everything as-is and left it for the morning to clean-up. Off we go to bed! Peace.

Phil

Day 11: "San Francisco"

"Dude it says go 35! You're going 60!" ... "I know but I'm good at it."

States: California
Miles: 456.4
Weather: Cloudy

$$$
Gas: 48.75
Toll: 4
Bucket O' Donuts: 9.50

Total: 62.25

Signatures: +6
46/100

Hello again! Today started off pretty ordinarily. We awoke on our final morning in Yosemite to beautiful weather, and a four hour drive to Big Sur, California. After a good bit of mountain driving, we reached the coast, and backtracked south down the Pacific Coast Highway to the quaint little town of Big Sur.
Big Sur is known for its unrivaled ocean views from the coastal cliffs. The views really were excellent! Seeing the waves crash against the rocky shore was awesome (hopefully, we’ll be able to post pictures). I felt like I was in some sort of ultra-romantic daydream, just getting lost in the sound of…
Well anyways, we asked one of the cashiers in this local store if there were any showers nearby. She wasn’t much help. All she could tell us was that the townspeople know a place (fittingly called “Grimes”) where some of the locals like to bathe in the ocean, but she had no idea how to get there.
So, on to San Francisco we went! We were all pretty excited to get to “Frisco,” as it’s called out here, as we had been going through big city withdrawal ever since our departure from L.A. We got there in mid-afternoon (after being stuck in traffic for close to an hour) and proceeded to cross the Bay Bridge, which we discovered was not the same thing as the Golden Gate Bridge…who knew? The Bridge offered some great views of the bay and of the local shipping industry, but unfortunately, we had to pay $4 to get back across it to return to San Francisco from Oakland, where the bridge left us off.
After receiving directions from my coworker, Max, we were able to navigate around the city decently well and find our way to the Fisherman’s Wharf area (aka Pier 39). We parked the car and walked in and out of many of the various shops in the area, picking up a few small things as we went (including a bucket of 36 mini doughnuts, which we simply could not resist).
After a bit of looking out at the Bay and Alcatraz(which we did not tour, but looked very cool nonetheless), we made our way through the city in an attempt to find Lombard Avenue (aka “The Crookedest Street in the World”). We walked through Chinatown and Little Italy, both of which smelled AMAZING due to the abundance of restaurants, and eventually found Lombard just as it was getting dark. The views of the city were pretty amazing from the tops of some of the hills, and a bunch of the streets were lined with flower gardens, adding to the beauty of the city. Unfortunately, it was getting late, so back to the car we went!
We left the city via the Golden Gate Bridge, which was pretty awesome! Our plan was to camp on this beach just outside of the city, but upon our arrival, we found out that the beach was closed. In our attempt to find somewhere else to spend the night, we came across this family that was stuck in a ditch, and decided to get out and try to help them. We soon discovered that they were the Chow family and they live in San Francisco. By the time we had offered to help them, they had already called a tow truck and it was on its way, but that didn’t stop us from attempting to help anyways. We stayed and chatted with them for a bit, and they tried to convince us to stay for the Gay Pride Parade on this coming Sunday, but unfortunately, we couldn’t. The tow truck arrived soon after and pulled them out, but before we said goodbye, they directed us to a nearby campsite where we could spend the night. We made our way up into the coastal hills towards our campsite, through clouds that were so think they flowed more like pudding than anything else. We set up camp on the side of this parking lot (which contained a hippie bus and a bunch of RVs), and then slept the night without trouble.

Matt

Day 10: "Yosemite"

"Hey guys, trails closed, rock-slide" ... "Let's go!"

States: California
Miles: 135
Weather: Same ole' same ole'





$$$
Ice: 3.36

Total: 3.36 (WOO HOO!)

Signatures: +2
40/100

So we wake up in Yosemite (after the alarm went off four or five times). This place is touristy, very, very touristy. Coming through the mountains, it seemed deserted, but when we got to the Hodgdon Meadows campground, the place was packed. PACKED with cars and roaming night owls. The day was different in the sense that only everyone had scattered… what’s scary is that this did not make it seem and emptier.
It was a good day though. We got up and personal with Bridalveil Fall, and hiked back down through the stream instead of the path. We saw El Capitan, a massive landform you feel the need to salute to when seen. We attempted to find mirror lake, which was actually right in front of us for a little while (it was just so small) to see Half Dome. Yes, we saw Half Dome towering above us through the trees… It’s huge.
That’s all we really saw. We know it’s like nothing compared to what the rest of Yosemite has to offer, but we got a taste. A family vacation would be nice to come back here again. To be honest, I think we’re a little jaded. Enthusiasm for the sights has simmered, and we are trying to boost back our ardent spirits. What I think is best is to interact with other people. Our most fun and memorable moments of the trip are with people.
After our mini excursion through Yosemite Valley, we went back to camp. We slept, we read, we slept, we cooked ribeyes and potatoes (we’re getting skilled at cooking). We ate, we talked (deeply), we went to sleep. It was a short day in events, thus the short blog. People, we’re making it through.

MJ

Day 9: "Sequoia"

"It'll take about an hour and a half".... "Excuse ME!?"

States: California
Miles: 495.7
Weather: Hot


$$$
Gas: 81.78
Gas Cap: 8.71
Ice: 3.36

Total: 93.85

Signatures: +5
38/100

Again, we awoke late today, no surprise there. We left Maurissa’s sister’s apartment and went to her other sister’s house for breakfast. It was very tasty. We left around 9 & headed towards Hollywood to get a picture of the sign. We got lost for a bit but found our way. L.A. traffic is really fun to drive in. We snapped some pics of the sign and were en route to Sequoia National Forest, you know, the trees that are HUGE!

Though we didn’t drive through any trees, we drove through the forest on a steep curvy road. We then navigated our way to Yosemite. I made the reservations a long time ago, so naturally, I didn’t remember the name of the campground that we were staying at. Now came the ordeal of finding where we were staying. After a few calls, we found our campsite (they spelled my last name wrong, so they couldn’t find it).We made our way to one of the many entrances, and the ranger greeted us and told us where to go: “Just make a left here, and follow the sign for 120 West. It should take you an hour and a half.” Come again?

It was already around ten, and we still had a while to go. Dang. We lost service a while back, so we just shut off our phones. Now, this is a little out of timeline, but I fell asleep for a bit and Mj was a bit delirious. He was lightheaded and acting like he was on drugs. I made some PB & J in the car, and they were quite large. Once we got to our site, we pretty much went straight to bed.

This next section is my thing: car stuff. So here’s a little info. We are driving my car: a 1995 Toyota 4Runner with a V6. It had 109k miles on it before I accidentally blew a hole in the engine block, rendering it useless, and me carless. So I put in a recently rebuilt engine with about 30k on it. I finished it April 26^th, and now two months later, I’ve put over 9000 miles on it and counting. The truck has been extremely reliable. We’re not burning or leaking any oil. Our only problem was a hole in the headers (it was there when I bought them), but easily fixed by pennies and dimes. The pennies usually burn up from the heat of the exhaust after a few months. A word of advice to those who plan on travelling: always check your oil and tire pressure at every stop. As you go up in elevation, your tire pressure increases and they may become overinflated. It’s vice-versa on the way down. That’s all I have to say really, so goodbye.

Phil

Day 8: "Los Angeles"

The City of Angels is probably anything but, but was awesome nonetheless!

States: Nevada - California
Miles: 230.8
Weather: Beautifully sunny all day!

$$$
Gas: 49.11
Wahoo's: 18.00

Total: 67.11

Signatures: +2
33/100


So today started out like all the rest...late! We stayed up late last night fixing up the blog and hanging out in the how tub, so getting up early was most definitely a chore. After saying goodbye to Phil's aunt Lisa, we made our way out of Vegas and into the Nevada desert, which is very pretty, I might add.
Well, I found out today that what they say about the Los Angeles highway system is true: it really is insane! To make our way into the city, we had to weave and speed through tons of traffic and many different road changes. Eventually, we were able to get to Torrence, a suburb of L.A. just south of the city limit. In Torrence is where a friend of ours, Maurissa, is spending a few weeks with her family. Naturally, we elected to stay with her at her sister's apartment and have her be our own personal tour guide, since she knows the city much better than we do.
The first thing we did when we got here was eat (we were really hungry, and pizza never tasted so good). Next, we made our way to the Hermosa beach for a quick swim. The water was pretty warm, as far as the ocean goes, anyways, and the sunny weather made for an awesome time. We then went to Venice Beach, where we strolled up and down the boardwalk along the beach looking at the shops and street vendors, and picking up a few little things here and there.
After that, we headed to Rodeo Drive, where we parked the car and walked around the streets oooing and ahhing at the unbelievably fancy shops and world-reknowned designer labels. It was quite a sight to see for sure. One other thing that was probably more amazing than the shops themselves was the massive amount of luxury cars that were in the area. It was ridiculous! Literally, while at a stop light, the only cars in view around us (some six or seven) were made by Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. During our tour of downtown, I saw cars made by Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Rolls-Royce among others, and, needless to say, I was in awe. Wow!
Later, we drove through Beverly Hills, and found our way to the gates of the Playboy Mansion. The security was ridiculous, and we couldn't see the house at all, but just seeing the gate was enough to get our celebrity fix for the day. Before we returned home for the night, we ate dinner at Wahoo's Fish Tacos in Manhattan Beach, and the food was excellent. None of us had fish, but I would personally recommend the burritos...
Upon returning to the apartmant, we took a dip in the pool in the complex, relaxed in the hot tub, and now are heading to bed after yet another packed day. Goodnight everyone!

Matt

P.S. After some talking today, we decided that Mj's somewhat harsh criticism of Las Vegas yesterday was a result of a bit of culture shock, as we were in the wilderness for days on end, and Vegas was the first big city we really stayed in. After being in L.A. today, it is easier for us to look at Vegas in a slightly better light.

P.P.S. Another thing I forgot to mention is that, upon entering California, our car was subjected to a search by the California Department of Agriculture. They asked us if we were carrying any fruit or vegetables in the car, and when we responded positively, the officer proceeded to closely examine our lone apple for what seemed to be at least twenty seconds before letting us go. How odd is that!

Matt (again)

Day 7: "Las Vegas"

Dude, Vegas would be screwed without Thomas Edison... just look at all the lights!

States: Arizona - Nevada
Miles: 354.5
Weather: Beautiful...A bit hot.

$$$
Gas: 78.85
Parking Fees: 7

Total: 85.85

Signatures: +3
31/100

Today we woke up late as usual and headed off. Our first stop was Hoover Dam. There's 2 things I want to complain about. Tourism: I see people come from all over the country and world at that just to see things like the Hoover Dam. I see bored looks most of the time and hear comments of discomfort. Now we must understand why people go to these places in the first place. One reason which i think may be the majority is to say they've been there. Okay cool. That's kind of why we came too. But wouldn't it be nice if they could just sink into the moment and enjoy it? Read the signs, look and think why things are the way they are, and at least try to be positive. Now people... the Hoover Dam was a spectacular sight. Just imagining sliding down the wall is scary enough while staring at it. The second complaint isn't really a complaint... it's more of a notion. All around the Dam you can see an find monuments and memorials for people who built the Dam. You can see the praise for the engineering, science, and planning that went into the Dam. BUT! You can also find many statues and plates with Zodiacal Symbols and Greek Mythology figures everywhere. Does anybody else find this to be an oxymoron? I found it interesting :)

We made it to Phil's Aunt Lisa's house, which is an absolutely gorgeous house btw, and we ate and went swimmin for a bit. This is like our haven of the roadtrip as of right now, because we (well me really) didn't have anymore clean clothes and we were able to use her laundry systems. We cleaned up a bit (our last shower was two days ago). I was also allowed to play some guitar (THANK GOD!). After we tailgated her to Phil's Grandmother and Grandfather's home. Very comfy place i might add, i felt very welcome there. We had an enormous dinner! Phil cooked us all some tasty Rib-Eyes and potatoes with onions off the grill. We had Pizza, greenbeans, and tortillas as well. It was so good after our slightly starved excursions from before. O here... the best part... Phil's Grandma gave us TONS of snacks for the roadtrip. Not just animal crackers anymore HAH!

Okay, here's where you may want to stop reading b/c you'll think I'm bashing Vegas... which i kind of am. It's also Sunday. Anyways. VEGAS!!! The city that never sleeps! Too true. We basically walked up and down the strip at night to see what it was like. Here is Vegas. Nicely dressed homeless people shaving on the planters, people humming rock n' roll tunes to a techno beat for karoake, children following their parents while walking over cards of porn (this stuff was being handed out), transvestites, different smells (bad and good) every five feet, people doing the slots with an extremely bored expression, and other things that i really can't mention. One man even asked us if we would like to go to a strip club. We kindly declined :). It just made me wonder how people get there minds to go directions they go. This wasn't a pretty painting of humanity.
Vegas has it's ups too though, don't get me wrong. I witnessed a very TALL woman standing next to Matt (Matt looked like the woman's child... NO JOKE!). The Treasure Island act we missed most of, but it looked pretty sweet from what we saw. The Bellagio water show was amazing! I think it awesome how water can shoot that high... almost as high as the hotel itself! (Good suggestion Ms. Eike :)) The architecture, neon lights, and landscaping was very interesting and eye attracting too. I give props to that! Though i seem overall negative about the experience... it was worth it. I learned alot, witnessed alot, and appreciate what experience i have been given. I don't know how people are so attracted to the place other than the slots, but hopefully i can see why and get more of a desire to go back some day.

MJ

P.S. Sorry if I offended anyone.

MJ

Day 6: "The Grand Canyon"

I'll give you a dollar if you attempt to fly... Alright make it two.

States: Arizona
Miles: 182.7
Weather: Bit cloudy but cleared up...and yes, some more wind



$$$
Gas: 39.52
Ice & Wood: 10.45
Meteor Crater Fee: 45 (Biggest Friggen Rip-Off Ever!)
Camp Fee: 12

Total: 106.97

Signatures: +9
28/100

Today we awoke after a very windy, creepy, and desolate night. We also found that we changed time zones so we got an extra hour of sleep (but somehow we lost it somewhere). Meteor Crater... hmmm... well lets just say it was the biggest rip off of our trip. 45 dollars is a crap ton of money to see a dome shaped hole in the ground. Don't go there unless you like wasting money! After that "horrific" experience we rolled on to the... GRAND CANYON!!! YES!!!
We said it wasn't worth the time and money to go to the North Rim so we veered off and went to the South Rim. We got the Grand Canyon around eleven, we walked around a bit, and then went back to camp to rest... at least MJ did. The second he hit the ground he was out. I didn't rest, i organised the cargo, and Matt did some stuff. After Mj woke up we explored the canyon some more. We wanted to hike around the canyon. Our first stop around the canyon MJ saw a hat down fromt he ledge and decided he wanted the hat. He climbed down the canyon a bit and got it. Some Japanese people thought it was so awesome (even that he did it in sandals) they kept saying "Anata Segoi" (we can't spell it), but it means "You are Great!" They were awesome...
So... we went looking for a trail after that. We found it and it was pretty sweet... and steep. People were kept commenting that our feet equipment (flippy-floppies) weren't suitable for the trail. After we went and got firewood and ice. Got lost within the journey, found our way, and started dinner (BBQ Pork). We cooked it perfectly over the fire! We had some leftovers so we went to other campsites and offered our left overs (we had too much).
During our attempts to rid our food, a friendly old-timer named Terry was kind enough to give us a zip-lock to keep our food for later eating purposes.
Well good-night to all and tune in tomorrow for excellent adventure!

Phil