The Willow Tree

spring update

2010-04-17T22:26:00.000-07:00

*I'd like to preface this message with an acknowledgment that I know it is ridiculously long. I don't expect many people to read it besides close friends, but it has some great info in it anyways! especially if you are interested in taking some pictures with me soon, or ordering some prints of your own.*

Life in Ashland is busy as ever. I am still a full time graduate student in a counseling program and taking photos as a creative and stress-relieving outlet. School is very busy, as well is my job working for the Res-Life department here at Southern Oregon! I consider myself lucky to have met the coolest people down here and gone on many adventures! (Crater Lake, Redwoods, local hiking etc.)

As my fan page continues to climb (almost 800 people!) I just wanted to send out my most sincerest thanks to you all. I am the luckiest guy in the world to be doing what I'm doing and can't wait for more big changes happening in the next year or two. The long term plan is to get a job as a mental health counselor on a college campus somewhere here in Oregon. This will allow me to have the summers off to pursue my adventurous traveling and really focus on my photography business.

Speaking of business, my business cards should be arriving in the mail any day now! I plan on mailing some out to all former clients and whoever else wants them! let me know if you'd be interested. It was designed by my good friend, Jake Baez, with some finishing touches put on it by my new friend Andrew.

I have been asked to be a featured artist at a bar in ashland, which I am incredibly exited about! I am pursuing other opportunities as well to get more exposure, meet with more photo clients, and do more fun work.

Seems like my website just keeps getting better and better! Many thanks again to my friend Zach Sargent for helping me get that project off the ground. My website has many cool links to other pages, including portfolios of my meticulously chosen best work. This work serves as an example of some photo shoot options available to anyone who is interested. check it out at

www.lukewenkerphotography.com

The website is set up so clients can order prints as well. I get alot of questions about how much prints cost so here's the rundown:

4x6: $6.00
5x7: $15.00
8x12: $30.00
12x24(poster sized): $50.00

They can be ordered through my website & I'll include this information in the "info section" on my fan page and also on my website. I'll work out some price schemes for other photo shoot options like wedding and senior pictures soon and post them soon as well. Prices are always negotiable and do not ever hesitate to ask!

Some really fun recent projects have been started as well. I found my grandfathers old Graflex 200 camera a while back and finally got some 120 film for it. The scanned in prints can be seen in my photos section. Shooting on film is very rewarding and challenging! I have loved getting to know this awesome piece of family history. There are pictures of my mom and her sisters taken as babies with the same camera hidden deep in old photo albums!

I found a great charity donate to. A good friend of mine told me her sister is adopting a child from ethiopia. I wanted to help out with children somehow because all too often, children become marginalized and have less control over thier lives as adutls. This is unfortunate and why I have chosen to give back to this deserving population. From now on a portion of my photo sales will go towards this adaption fund until it happens and then I'll find a new one. Here's the info:

http://www.heartethiopia.blogspot.com/

If you've made it though this way-too-long-update, the last bit is the coolest part! I just wanted to say that an offer still stands I made a while back. For any friends willing to "suggest" that their facebook friends become a fan of my page can get themselves any one of my 5x7 photos printed and mailed to them by yours truly. I would greatly appreciate it. All you have to do is click the link that says "suggest to friends" on my page under the profile picture, tell me what your print of choice is, message me your address and viola! that's it. The offer will always be on the table!

For my increasing group of friends in Ashland, please do not hesitate to inquire about photo shoots that we can do together in the beautiful Rogue valley. If you're interested and you don't live in Southern Oregon, we can still schedule something on the calendar! Just call or email anytime. I go up and down I-5 way too much for other reasons and the more photo shoot the better. I hope everyone is happy, healthy, and productive. Don't be a stranger.

With Love Always,
Luke

2009 winter break update

2009-12-15T13:57:00.000-08:00

I have finished my first term of graduate school! It was hard but extremely rewarding. Mostly I just realized how much I don't know. But that's to be expected I suppose. In seven terms I will be a licensed mental health counselor! Ashland is a great town and I can't wait to continue exploring it in winter term. Just as importantly, these are my best photos so far this break...

Rio Nerenberg

Nate & Rio

Nate & Gatsby

Shelby, Rob, & Lucy

I have much more t be excited about in the days to come! leaving for Florida on Thursday night for my first wedding photography experience! Then back to Oregon to visit with more friends from out of town and continue traveling! Happy Holidays!

Love,

Luke

who needs sleep right?

2009-11-12T22:34:00.000-08:00

I am officially the busiest person alive. I am doing pretty well in my graduate school program. I only have class two days a week and some outside counseling session/meetings. All in all I am on my way to being a full on, mental health counselor within two years.

At the same time my photography business has started to take off! my website is mostly done, I am gaining fans, and tons of emails requesting prints and photo shoots for the upcoming winter break! I am very excited about all this.

I found out today I might start working for the residence life department here at SOU once again. Nothing is set in stone, but I think there is a position available for me. Like i said who needs sleep right? Anyways I ave my first wedding photo shoot coming up in December! the best part is that it's in Florida! with old camp friends! I will have the best winter break ever. hands down.

Love,
Luke

epic overview

2009-09-20T23:15:00.001-07:00

My epic journey of a lifetime has come to a close. These are the many people & places I was fortunate enough to visit. I am eternally grateful for all the people who helped me. Some offered couches, beds, floors, fancy dinners, ice cream, picnics, pools, rides, hikes, cheap alcohol, tours, kayaks, music, adventures but most of all friendship. Please come see us in Oregon so I can return the favors.

People I traveled with:
OR-UT: Nick, John, Katie, & Katy
UT-NY: Katie & Katy
NY-PA: Only time I was alone
PA-NC: Anna & Darea
NC-AZ: Nate
AZ-CA: Josiah Bradshaw
CA-OR: Josiah & Rachel

I am so lucky to have the friends and co-pilots that I did. I love them all. I told Josiah that I keep a pretty short list of people that could stand being in the car with for multiple hours on end. haha

Hosts:
Corvallis, Oregon: Dixon Lodge, OSU
Portland, Oregon: Nate & Ashley
Salt Lake City, Utah: Corrin Cook
Julesburg, Colorado: Grand Motel
Chicago, Illinois: Jason Connel
Henryville, Pennsylvania: Camp Lindenmere, The Ghost
Manhattan, New York: Jazz on the City
Worcester, Massachusetts: Dianne, Peggy, and Anthony
Boston, Massachusetts: Driven by Diane
Salem, Massachusetts: Konstandt Family
Allentown, Pennsylvania: Senderowitz Family
Virginia Beach, Virginia: Perry Family & Friends
Greensboro, North Carolina: Mackie
Boone, North Carolina: Reichard Family
Charlotte, North Carolina: Kristi Lanning
Columbia, South Carolina: Gayle Harris
Savannah, Georgia: Skidaway Island State Park Camp Ground
Birmingham, Alabama: Mindy Lipsitz
Florida Panhandle: Falcor through a rainstorm*
Pascagoula, Mississippi: Jeff, Kelley, and Emma
New Orleans, Louisiana: Becca Parker
Houston, Texas: Monroe Moore
Junction, Texas: Falcor & a green river
Carlsbad, New Mexico: A cowfield off the highway
Holbrook, Arizona: KOA Campground
Grand Canyon National Park: Mathers Campground
Sedona, Arizona: Cave Springs Campground
Phoenix, AZ: Kevin, Wendy, Alleah, Emily, Tyler, & Meadow
Los Angeles, California: Val Mounter & her Aunties
Yosemite National Park, KOA Campground
Arcata, California, Ben, Cobe, Josh, & Jenny
Scappoose, OR: HOME

*Falcor is my 2000 white Ford Taurus Wagon

Cities I am considering moving to:
Chicago IL, Savannah GA, New Orleans LA, Los Angeles, CA, & Henryville PA*
*only from June 16-August 12 ☺

I realized that this trip has been filled with one beautiful moment after another. Here are a few examples:

Sunsets filling the whole sky so beautifully we have to stop driving and admire them with deep breathes stretching to the horizons. (Texas)

Delicious culturally based meals that are so good it could be our last. By that I mean if I was on death row and I got one meal before I got the electric chair, I now know what that meal would be (New Orleans)

Conversations with my best friend that would seem so strange to outsiders but to us it’s everyday. I am so lucky to have a co-pilot on the same wavelength as me. We want to see the same things, eat the same things and talk about the same things. I would literally never get sick of him. BFF tattoos are gonna happen. (anywhere in the car)

The kindness of strangers: We have been greeted literally with open arms by friends from this summer, friends from years ago in my life, perfect strangers we’ve met through couchsurfing.org and kindness in the streets from people suggesting places to visit. A woman in McDonalds near the Texas border handed me my bag of fast food and said “Here ya go baby” This simple sentence made me stop and think how lucky I am to be a stranger in a far off place and see kindness just for the sake of kindness. (everywhere)

Nature: The power of nature never ceases to impress me. I’ve seen moths the size of small birds, grasshoppers the size of my palm, swam with Dolphins in Virginia Beach, and seen plant life that looks like it belongs in the Jurassic period. Heck We don’t even mind the mosquitoes that much. We saw the indescribable power of the grand canyon and the Carlsbad Caverns

Cities: Manhattan especially exemplified the concept of industrial power and what a man or woman can accomplish with a little hard work. The cities we have seen are all bustling with action and excitement. I am no longer afraid to drive in any city anytime of the day with confidence that I will reach my goal.

Here is a list of the largest cities in the Unite States

1. New York City *
2. Los Angeles*
3. Chicago*
4, Houston*
5. Phoenix*
6. Philadelphia
7. San Antonio*
8. Dallas
9. San Diego
10. San Jose

*Visited in summer 2009

Nate & I have both decided separately and together that we have become more patriotic on this journey. Seeing the insane amount of diversity and power of the Unite States has made us appreciate it more for what it is. Exposure has led to conviction. America Is a great place and we are lucky to love here.

States Visiited: Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California.

Swam in: Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific, Mississippi

Total miles traveled: 9425.3

Cost: $557.09

On Movement: Everybody is on some kind of mission. In New York the mission seekers are most obvious. They are going places and sometimes don’t have time to stop and smell the roses that don’t exist in the streets unless they go to Central parts. In many parts of the south, the feeling was more laid back. Their mission was to seek out human connection. That’s probably the biggest observation I have noticed this summer. Everybody wants to be accepted. Human connection is part of who we are. I felt connection with strangers and friends bonded for years.

Biggest lesson I continue to learn the importance of: Life is meaningless without our friends, families, and loved ones

End of Story….(for now)

All My Love,
Luke

Overview

2009-09-20T23:14:00.000-07:00

States: Arizona, California, & Oregon.

Miles Luke Rachel & Josiah travels from AZ to OR: 1696.7
Luke round trip: 9425.3

Cost:
Gas and camping: 316.17
Divided by three: 105.39

Hosts:
Phoenix, Arizona: Emily, Alleah, Kevin, Wendy, Tyler, & Meadow
Los Angeles, California: Val Mounter and Aunties
Yosemite Naitonal Park: KOA Campground
Arcata, California: Ben, Coby, Josh, and Jenny.
Scappoose, Oregon: Home!

Quotes:

In & out my ass! -Josiah
Just logged onto the sphincter-net and the download was complete –Josiah
Well that’s as useful as a screen door in a submarine -Josiah

Day Five: Arcata, CA-Scappoose, OR

2009-09-20T23:10:00.000-07:00

day five: Arcata, CA-Scappoose, OR
arcata to portland: 426.7

I’m going home today.

Wow

We drove basically all day and had a pit stop in Roseburg so Luke and Rachel could get tattoos. That was fun, the drove the rest of the way home. It was so amazing to drive down my own driveway and see my own house after ninety days!!!

It is good to be home.

Day Four: Yosemite National Park-Arcata, CA

2009-09-20T22:59:00.001-07:00

Sept 9, 2009
Yosemite National Park-Arcata, CA
Miles: 461.3

Woke up very early to the smell of a tent filled with farts. That’s right people, we stunk it up pretty bad in there (including Rachel) Got the heck out of there as fat as we could and got ready to leave. We drove the short distance to the park and the sights took our breath away! We stopped and took photos in front of the massive mountain ranges and beautiful creeks.

There aren’t many words to describe Yosemite. Go see it for your self.
We saw a few places touched by the California wildfires. There was smoke coming out of the ground! This place made me definitely want to come back

Day Three: Los Angeles, CA-Yosemite National Park

2009-09-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

Sept 6, 2009
Los Angeles, CA-Yosemite National Park
Miles: 411.9
Music: Doobie brothers, Company of Theives, Supertramp

Mostly a day filled with driving. I’m sick and tired of saying goodbye to people. I had to say goodbye to Val and Brenna but it’s ok because we all live on the West Coast at least and they are gonna visit me in Oregon!

Rachel, Josiah, & I all drove a ridiculously long ways pretty much all day. Not much to say about it. Had dinner at the Black Bear Diner and that was yummy. After dinner we ventured into the wilderness once again to make it out to Yosemite. Stayed at a KOA campground and loved it. Pretty much just crashed quickly so we could get up early the next morning for some Yosemite action!

Love,
Luke, Rachel, & Josiah

Day Two: LA BABY!

2009-09-20T22:51:00.000-07:00

Sept 7, 2009
Los Angeles, CA

We slept in a bit, then woke and got ready for some LA fun. The only thing I knew I really had to see was the ‘figure 8’ wall on Sunset Blvd. It is the location where Elliott Smith had his photo taken by Autumn De Wilde for his album of the same name.

I was really excited to sign the wall. Elliott Smith was a tremendous musician who wasn’t appreciated until he was dead. So tragic.

Anyways we went to the observatory where we could see the whole city out to the ocean. Apparently celebrities jog here all the time.

Val drove us through Hollywood and we saw all the cool stars on the pavement and huge houses and famous buildings. We passed LA Ink too! I hope Kat Von D was in there because she’s hot.

Anyways the coolest part of the day was visiting the La Brea Tar pits. It is a place in Urban LA where fossils of hundreds of dinosaurs and other animals were found in the tar. I also noticed it was the film location of a video that Jake and I love a lot by a comedy group called Honor Student. We checked out some cool outside sculptures and art outside the museum and that was super cool.

Had the best food ever at in and out burger. It was so crowded that Josiah said “In and out my ass!” needless to say, we all laughed at him. The burger was super good, then we went back to Val’s and hung out with Brenna before going to sleepy sleep.

Love,
Luke, Rachel, & Josiah

2009-09-20T22:45:00.002-07:00

Sept 6, 2009
Phoenix, AZ-Los Angeles, CA
Miles: 396.8

Josiah, Nate & I woke up at 5 and took Nate to the airport! We were sad, but it’s ok because we’ll se him again in Portland. The drive was fairly uneventful and desert-like. Josiah was commissioned as the Executive Officer In Charge of Joint Systems Interdepartmental Operations Command. This meant Navigation, Music Control, Photography, Driver Warnings, etc. Josiah and I got a chance to catch up and talk about life.

Went immediately to the airport and picked up the darling Rachel Eirich! She worked at camp with us too.

After that we headed to Santa Monica Pier to meet, Brenna, Val, Tara, and Sam on the pier! I can’t believe how crazy people drive in Southern California! Holy crap it’s nuts. I ran a red light in front of four cops on motorcycles and they just kept driving. I finally found a parking space and we had our mini-camp reunion. Josiah, Sam and I swam in the Pacific. As of then I swam in the, Pacific, Atlantic, Mississippi, and the gulf of Mexico. (all in one summer)

we raced. i won.

We went for lunch, then headed to Malibu for the sunset. The sunset was amazing and we really enjoyed sitting on the beach, catching up, talking about camp and making plans.

i love my brenna.

Sadly enough, we then drove Tara to the airport to go home to Australia. Rachel wasn’t feeling well so she slept like a baby in my car. After the second airport run, we went to Val’s house and just crashed – we were beat.

Love,
Luke, Rachel, & Josiah

Overview

2009-09-20T22:45:00.001-07:00

States: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, & Arizona.

Miles Luke and Nate traveled from NC to AZ: 3228.4
Luke since OR: 7728.6

Cost:
Gas and camping: 543.54
Divided by two: 271.77

Hosts:
Charlotte, North Carolina: Kristi Lanning
Columbia, South Carolina: Gayle Harris
Savannah, Georgia: Skidaway Island State Park Camp Ground
Birmingham, Alabama: Mindy Lipsitz
Pascagula, Mississippi: Jeff, Kelley, and Emma
New Orleans, Louisiana: Becca Parker
Houston, Texas: Monroe Moore
Junction, Texas: green blue river
Carlsbad Cavern Highway: A Farmers cow field
Holbrook, Arizona: KOA Campground
Grand Canyon National Park: Mathers Campground
Sedona, Arizona: Cave Springs Campground
Phoenix, AZ: Emily, Alleah, Kevin, Wendy, Tyler, & Meadow

Times Pulled Over: 1
Tickets: 0

Quotes:
I’m in my underwear (southern accent) –guy outside Anna’s bedroom window.

Hey Anna nice bullet hole -Luke (about the bullet hole in her window)

You’re looking a little shady –William about Brantley holding a lamp

Hey Luke Let’s watch Free Willy in every state –Nate

I went to a bisexual high school -William
You mean co-ed? -Luke
Yeah –William

This place is southern as Shit! –Nate

I love watching the climate change –Nate
I can’t believe you love global climate change you’re such an asshole –Luke

I’m too hungry to blog –nate

(outside Roswell, NM)
What is that smell? -Luke
Alien poop dick –Nate

That guy was straight Muggin’ Luke

The Grand Canyon is so big! I’ll bet you could almost fit a football field inside it. -Nate

Day 14: Sedona, AZ-Phoenix, AZ

2009-09-20T22:42:00.000-07:00

September 5, 2009
Day 14: Sedona, AZ-Phoenix, AZ
Miles:115.6

Nate left after we had a breakfast in town to go meet his friend Tara. Emily and I took Meadow on a super awesome hike through a Sedona Canyon.

Left for Phoenix and drove though the pouring rain. Had a great time at Emily’s girlfriends, family’s house. We picked up Josiah before we went! We did some laundry, and cleaned up after about a week of camping. Went to Sushi in town and got ice cream. Josiah had his first dairy queen experience. We went back home and swan in the awesome pool. This leg of the journey s now over because tomorrow Josiah and I take Nate to the airport and head to LA!

Love,
Luke, Nate, & Josiah

Nate’s final words of his journey:
This has been an incredible journey. A journey too many people don’t take and thanks to a friend like Luke I was able to enjoy.
Thanks to everyone who was kind enough to let us stay and spoil us with showers, washer/dryers, food, drinks, hospitality and most importantly friendship. Thank you (In chronological order) Gayle, William, Mindy, Jeff, Kelly, Emma, Becca, Maya (hope that’s spelled right), Monroe, Emily, Alleah, Meadow, Tara, and Josiah. You were all awesome and the trip wouldn’t have been as great without you.
Thank you, Ashley and Ben, I know I didn’t see you on the trip but you guys are more important to me then you may ever know. I love you.

Most importantly:
Thank you so much, Luke, for being my oldest friend and still encouraging me to be the best person I can be. To travel and not let trivial things stop me from that. It’s because of you I will continue to travel and make friends everywhere. To repay you, I promise to inspire someone in the way you inspire me. Thank you so much. Here’s to many more adventures. I love you. Friends!!!!

The most important thing this trip has taught me:
I was watching a Michael Franti concert and he was telling a story that he heard. A lady was telling him about a time she met a country legend (who I can’t remember the name of). He said “If you ever see a turtle on a fencepost, it didn’t get there by itself.” What he meant is, no one got to where they are, by themselves. Thank you to all my new and old friends who got me to where I am. I’ve always considered myself to be lucky, but now I really know it. I love you all!

Love, Nate

Day 13: Sedona

2009-09-20T22:35:00.000-07:00

September 4, 2009
Day 13: Sedona
Miles: hiked no driving yay!

Hiked around Sedona again after taking care of some business-phone stuff. I booked a wedding to photograph next summer (yay!) Went back to camp and waited patiently for Emily to come.

She came and it was so awesome to see her and catch up with such a great old friend. Emil had her dog with her named Meadow! She was a cool dog. We hiked to a nice part of the creek and jumped off a cliff into the freezing water. Went back to camp, made hotdogs, and had a fire. Spent the night drinking around the fire and watching Meadow steal Nate’s seat right out from under him.

Nate has run out of ways to introduce his part of the blog:
Sedona is f-ing beautiful. Had an awesome hike, and for the first time on our adventure, Luke and I just relaxed and read some books. Emily showed up in the afternoon and it was awesome to meet her and Meadow. She is one of my new best friends. We all shared the tent and I spooned with Meadow. Nice.

Day 12: Grand Canyon, AZ-Sedona, AZ

2009-09-20T22:32:00.001-07:00

September 3, 2009
Grand Canyon, AZ-Sedona, AZ
Miles: 114.1

We woke up pretty early and went to the rim of the grand canyon to take the best photo of all time…..

Story time!!!!

Nate just got pulled over while driving my car for the second time in one year. Jeez what an idiot. Once when we were driving from Arcata, CA to Portland, OR, Nate got pulled over for speeding and following too close in a rain storm. Just this morning a nice cop pulled us over for following too close! I really need to stop letting this guy drive my car. In all seriousness, Nate’s a good driver. The best part of the story is that both times the cop asked Nate if we had anything illegal in the car because we seemed so nervous. Nate tends to over-explain himself because we obviously are good guys and not cocaine smugglers with machine guns in the trunk.

Anyways we got to Cave Springs campground, set up camp, and headed into Sedona. It is one of the coolest cities we have seen so far. The red rocks are on every horizon. We checked out Red Rocks State Park and hiked the Eagle Crest trail. (We have been hiking machines) It was very hot so we bought food and headed back to camp. We decided we wanted to check out Slide Rock tomorrow because it had the best-looking rock formations we passed so far.

Nate is reading Harry Potter 5 and I cleaned a lot of junk out of my car. Great day and it hasn’t rained yet (fingers crossed)

Nate says like an idiot:
I got pulled over by probably the nicest cop in the world, saw Sedona, and chilled out. Good day.

Day 11: Grand Canyon, AZ

2009-09-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

September 2 (Nate’s Birthday!!!)
Grand Canyon Hike!!
Miles: 12 (on foot)

We woke up at 5am very excited for the day’s adventure that lay ahead. I gave Nate his birthday present which was a dinosaur t-shirt.

Background story:

Nate and I became friends in kindergarten. One of the first conversations that we ever had was in reference to a knitted sweater that my granny gave me. It had a knitted triceratops on it and Nate was super jealous. He told me he liked my sweater and we became friends after that. Nate went home and whined to his mother that he wanted a dino sweater as well. Nate’s mom bought him one so we could be dino-sweater-matching friends. He still did not think his was as good as mine but needless to day, Nate’s intense jealousy for my awesome sweater was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Let’s fast-forward 14 years:

5am. September 2nd, 2009: It’s Nate’s 23rd birthday. Our original dino-sweaters are long lost, donated, and for sure, much too small for our now manly muscular frames. We woke up at 5 and the first thing I did was wish Nate a happy birthday and give him his new dino t-shirt. It’s black and white with a velociraptor-looking dino on it. I had bought one for myself so we could match (Mine’s a triceratops of course) and we set off for our adventure!

The sky was just beginning to creep up over the canyon walls as we set out. We made it down to the bottom by about 8 or nine and had a break in the Indian Campground. There was a nice stream and trees for shade. Along the way we encountered many fellow travelers from all over the world. We went another 1. Miles out to a plateau overlooking the Colorado river. It was absolutely breathtaking. The power of that place is overwhelming. Hiked back up and made it out by 1pm. We were both so tired! We went back to camp and showered. I fell asleep from 3-6 and totally knocked out. Woke up just in time to go get dinner at the lodge for Nate’s birthday!

Still went to sleep pretty early because we had been awake so long and there wasn’t much going on around the camps.

Nate thinks people care what he has to say:
I had one of the most amazing birthdays. Luke got me an awesome shirt. We hiked 12 miles and talked to some nice people. Luke took me to a birthday dinner and gave me a birthday shirt. It was another great day.

Love,
Luke & Nate

Day 10: Holbrook, AZ-Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

2009-09-20T22:27:00.000-07:00

September 2, 2009
Holbrook, AZ-Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
miles: 181.3

The trend of getting up before sunrise started this day. I woke up refreshed before the sun rose and checked out the pink, orange, and red sky. Nate and I were pleasantly surprised to find really nice showers and a all-you-can-eat-pancake breakfast for $2.00 (TWO DOLLARS) which included coffee. We at next to a 2 million year old piece of petrified wood. Both of us were so so so excited to get to grand canyon that we jumped right onto the road.

Drove less than two hours to arrive at the grand Canyon! We got a campsite reservation at Mathers Campground and walked less than a mile to the rim. As with the Carlsbad caverns and numerous other sights along the way, I find it literally impossible to describe what we have seen in words. Bottom line: The grand canyon is huge and you should see it for yourself.

Nate and I spent the day walking the rim trail, which goes along the rim (duh) and planning an epic hike the next day. We wanted to hike into the canyon and spend the night but you have to book it months in advance and get permits and stuff. We’ll jus do that for spring break with Ben Powers. We got some food and were both feeling pretty lazy. Since we were planning on getting up before dawn we went to sleep early. I’m embarrassed to say we fell asleep in our tent at 8:30 pm. Seriously how cool are we?

Nate’s birthday is tomorrow! It’s the first birthday we’ve spent together since high school because I was always in Corvallis. Slept like a log.

Nate:
Good breakfast, good drive, good campsite, good grand canyon, good day.

Love,
Luke & Nate

Day 9: Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico-Roswell, NM-Albuquerque, NM-Holbrook, AZ

2009-09-20T22:20:00.001-07:00

August 31, 2009
Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico-Roswell, NM-Albuquerque, NM-Holbrook, AZ
Miles: 534.4

Woke up very early to the sunrise in the desert. We had a great time sleeping under the stars of New Mexico. It’s a really good thing we packed up quickly and headed out when we did because just as we were pulling out to get to the highway, some guy drove by in a maintenance truck and looked very confused indeed. I recon if we had slept a little more we might have woken to a shotgun in the face and an angry farmer who did not take too kindly to strangers sleeping with his cows. We drove out as he was pulling in and all there was to do was smile and wave politely. (us: 1, camping fees: 0)

It was a very short drive to get to the Carlsbad Cavern National Park entrance. The best part about it was the whole tour was only 6 dollars each! That’s right we only paid 6 bucks to see one of America’s most amazing natural attractions. Since we were so early there was barely any people there and we got right in after a quick breakfast. The caves are very difficult to describe in words. We felt like we were being engulfed by the earth and the cavernous trails went on for miles and miles. It took us about an hour to get through the whole thing. The path into the caverns were lit by lams otherwise it would be complete darkness. The informational signs told us all about how caves are formed. Stalactites and stalagmites came from the floor and ceiling and sometimes touched and made columns. Other than that, the caverns are a very difficult place to describe. I think everybody should see them for themselves.

Left the caverns and drove to Roswell, New Mexico. I was definitely disappointed. I expected to see space aliens on every corner, but instead just saw people selling alien clothes and dolls everywhere.

Drove to Albuquerque and realized that there is a whole lot of spaces in New Mexico with pretty much nothing. We drove hours without seeing anything but grassy planes and long horizons. I bought 14.00 worth of fudge the other day so while Nate slept I just drove, ate fudge and listened to the Fun album “Aim & Ignite” Life couldn’t really be better. Got to Albuquerque around 4 and wasn’t all that impressed. It was still early so we decided to continue t Arizona! There are a few places in AZ that I really want to see so We’ll try to figure that out now.

We head into rain up ahead. It’s beautiful

That night we pulled into the tiniest town ever called Holbrook, AZ. Driving through the rain and lightning was fun but Nate and I were getting pretty sick and tired of being in the car. Hungry and tired, we found a KOA campground and set our stuff up. Had some nice Safeway food and relaxed after a long drive. The KOA had a pool so we had a nice friendship jump into the pool (see video) We went to bed pretty early that night.

Nate tells a tale:
I have no tales to tell. Luke pretty much covered it all.

Love,
Luke & Nate

Day 8: Houston, Texas-Junction, TX-Carlsbad, New Mexico

2009-09-20T22:19:00.001-07:00

August 30
Houston, Texas-Junction, TX-Carlsbad, New Mexico
Miles: 651.8
Music: Kevin Define, OCMS, Andrew Jackson Jihad, Owl City

Today so far has been a really spectacular day. We woke up to Roe making us a hearty breakfast of sausage, eggs, ham, and rolls. We realized that it is the first time we have eaten breakfast food at breakfast for the first time all trip. Sheesh. Anyway it was delicious. Hit the road around 11 and said our goodbyes to Roe. HE is a fantastic person and we are so glad we were able to spend some time with him!

On the road most of the day. We kept seeing signs for beaver nuggets and said we had to stop at that place. It turned out to be a crazy huge rest stop with really nice bathrooms and lots of food. The beaver nuggets turned out to be really sugary snacks coated in more sugar. They were kinda like cracker jacks only less healthy. I bought 14 dollars worth of fudge. That was a really good idea. I saw a really funny poster in the bathroom. It had all kinds of guns like six shooters and revolvers with all the names of them. The title of the poster….The Peacekeepers. Oh Texas and you’re backwards logic. No offense to people who love guns. I just thought it was an interesting title. Instead of opening up that can of worms, I’ll move on…

There was also a sign with all the different kinds of barbed wire there are. Yeah.

I was happy because Darea called me (my previous travel buddy) and Brenna, who I’m going to see in Los Angeles!

Drove a really long ways because lets face it, TEXAS IS HUMONGOUS!! We’ve been driving and driving and all we see is the landscape become more and more desert-like. We are excited for the changes though. The highlight of the day by far was stopping for gas in Junction, Texas. It is a tiny tiny town with not much there. There was however a really cool river and a dam. We found a rope swing and went swimming in a Texas river! I looked it up and it was called the South Llano River. The water was blue-ish green and very pleasant temperature. We swam around for a bit then got back on the road!

So far this whole trip we have been luck enough to be able to stay with my friends from previous travels and a couple couch surfers. We decided we’ve been too spoiled so tonight the plan is to drive till about 11pm, pull off the highway in northwestern Texas or Southeastern New Mexico and camp on the outskirts of a small town. Sleep in the car if we have to but we’ll set up the tent if we can!

And we’ve been driving all day and night. Almost to Juarez right by Mexico. We stopped for gas and saw a very interesting sign. The sign read: Carlsbad Caverns and pointed in north. (We were headed mostly West) After a brief discussion Nate and I decided it was about time for a spontaneous decision at the last minute. We headed north and drove on the most desolate road so far on the trip. We didn’t see cars for miles and miles. The sun had gone down but the moon and stars illuminated the landscape pretty well. It was obviously becoming more and more of a desert. Many critters were seen on the side of the road. We saw lots of little birds and a couple coyotes. I was spacing out or using my phone when I heard Nate scream like a little girl and abruptly swerve the car all over the place. This was followed by a massive thump from under the car.

Nate killed a bunny rabbit. A jackrabbit to be specific. We stopped and got out to assess the damage. The car was fine but the rabbit had seen better days. Basically his or her guts were spread all over the road and it died pretty much instantly. We both felt bad but I’m sure Nate felt worse. We literally said a prayer to any higher being that was listening for the rabbit to have safe passage into the afterlife where he can eat lots of food, run through beautiful meadows and have sex all the time. Ya know like rabbits do.

Back in the car I played Jeff Buckley’s “Halleluiah” and drove for some time in complete silence.

Just outside the Carlsbad caverns state park we thought that it would be more adventurous and exciting to find somewhere to sleep off the road. We drove down some rural looking gravel trail near a cow field. Finding a kind-of-hidden place to park, we unpacked the tent, put blankets in it and went to sleep. Not long after we had laid down did I start to hear the sound of about 20 cows moo-ing their heads off bout 20 yards form us. It wasn’t too difficult to fall asleep. In fact it was really nice to sleep in the desert with nothing but us, the stars, and sounds of nocturnal animals sniffing about. Slept well that night.

Nate just said “I can’t wait to write my retort to that”
I said “Nate there’s nothing to retort about, you’re still a murderer”

Nate exuberates:
I hate rabbits.

Love Nate & Luke

Day 7: New Orleans, Louisiana-Houston Texas

2009-09-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

August 29
New Orleans, Louisiana-Houston Texas
Miles: 366.4

We drove pretty much all morning and arrived in Texas at in the early afternoon at Roe’s. We sat and chatted for a bit and got settle into his awesome house in the outskirts of Houston. Shortly after we got on our finest clothes (Jeans and collared shirts) and headed out for a killer night on the town. First stop was cool Mexican restaurant were Roe’s friends met us there. Jodie and Melina were their names. We went to a comedy club next and it was so cool! It was called comedy sportz or something and they did live on stage improvisational comedy with audience participation. It was kind of like “who’s line is it anyways” (that old TV show) We were in stitches and really enjoyed it. The people were so quick-witted and humorous.

After that we went to a bar for a while and Roe bought us tons of drinks all night. We went to a huge dance club later. I can’t even express in words how crazy this place was. My eyes were like dinner plates trying to take it all in. It was like 3 or 4 huge rooms all differently themed playing different music. There was tons of people looking to dance the night away and shake what their momma gave them. Roe bought us more drinks and we basically people watched the whole time. Definitely a good time. Stayed there till about two and decided to head home. In the parking lot a small Hispanic man approached us and tried to buy our shirts off our back. Literally. To het in the club you have to have a collared shirt and he did not. We all decided our shirts were worth more than the veinte dollores ($20) that he was offering. And sent him on his way. It was fun to talk to him in Spanish though. We then went back to Roes house and fell asleep watching “The astronauts wife” which seems like a crazy good movie that we never finished. Nate and I were totally blown away by Roe’s hospitality. We hope he comes to Portland so we can show him how us Oregonians party.

Nate says:
Monroe was awesome!! Thank you so much for everything. Can’t wait for you to come to Oregon..!

Day 6: Pascagoula, Mississippi-New Orleans, Louisiana.

2009-09-20T22:10:00.001-07:00

August 28, 2009
Pascagoula, Mississippi-New Orleans, Louisiana.
Miles: 117.8

We slept in really hard and woke up very refreshed. Jeff got off work at 11 and took us to the coolest restaurant I have ever seen. It was called The Shed and it is world famous for BBQ in the south. Very southern place. The building itself was actually constructed of materials that looked like they came off of real sheds. Outside had a stage that probably held bluegrass, country, and folk bands nightly. There was tons of outdoor seating and crazy stuff all over lie giant horses, alligators with beer in their mouth and wind chimes made of pork rib bones. We all ordered pulled pork sandwiches and it was the best BBQ sandwich we ever ate. Seriously Nate and I agree that one of our favorite parts of this trip so far has been the food. It’s all delicious!

We drove only a couple hours to New Orleans and the first thing we noticed was that the devastation of Hurricane Katrina is still blatantly visible. On the outskirts of town there are numerous buildings that were wrecked and never repaired and old boarded up houses. Very sad.

We called our couch surfer Becca (who was awesome by the way) and told her that we wanted to go explore the Bayou for a while before going into the city. We drove straight down to the gulf coast delta area and pulled off on some tiny roads. Down there it seriously looked amazing. We saw houses up on stilts to avoid the flood waters and houses right of little rivers next to swamps. There seemed to be lots of construction and progress being made. On the way back to the city we checked out a very tiny town next to the mighty Mississippi. There were lots of kids running around who got off school buses who waved at us. Walked down to the river and explored a bit while getting 17 more mosquito bites. We drove straight to Becca’s house which was really cool place outside downtown. She offered to show us around and meet us downtown later. Nate and I drove down to the French Quarter of New Orleans and admired all the awesome architecture. The streets were very busy and crowded with tourists and locals all having a good time.

One of Nate and I’s favorite things to do has been asking random strangers where good places to eat are for reasonable prices. That way we stay away form the touristy hot spots and get some local flavor and culture to check out. Some guy told us to go to Coops. I had spicy alfredo noodles with shrimp, crawfish, clams, and spicy ham. Nate had jambalaya with similar seafood and rice in it. The spices and flavor was so intense I wanted to never forget how good it tasted. Oooomhp man it was good.

Becca called me and asked us where we were and I said coops. She thought I said poops. (Hahah) We met at a huge cathedral where she and her friends were having a critical mass meeting. It’s where local people ride bikes throughout a city together in a big group. Becca passed to show us around on foot. Watched a street performer who was very entertaining and put on an impressive magic show.

There is no open container laws in New Orleans so we just walked round the whole town with beer in or hands. We went and sat by the Mississippi river and Becca told us about Katrina and what it was like to grow up in the south. She was a very cool girl and we wished we could hang out in this place longer. While we were sitting there I found a pair of sunglasses for nate to use. They had green algae all over them but Nate will clean them off and they’ll be just fine.

From the river, we went walking through town until we found probably the most glorious thing we have ever seen. A restaurant called the R Bar was giving away free huge plates of shrimp on the street corner. We got our fill along with sauce and beer and sat in the street and ate and ate until we were stuffed full. Stuff like this just doesn’t happen in Portland. People in New Orleans love to have a good time. Mostly, they love to drink in the streets though. Mardi Gras must be absolutely insane down here. We were just hanging out and a guy we were hanging with was talking about random thoughts and apparently that really rubbed some bum the wrong way. He just started yelling at people we were visiting with. It is what it is, I guess. Then, we went to a bar called Mimi’s afterward where we watched some live music. Some old guy came in and Becca started laughing because, apparently, this guy shows up all the time and starts dancing to the music. Which is totally awesome but he’s old and he danced really funny so you couldn’t help but to laugh. After a bit of that, we tuckered out and headed home.

Nate and his random thoughts:
We didn’t do some of the things people, I guess, do when they are in New Orleans. We wanted to do things like go to Café du Monde, La Divina and do other things like show our boobs for beads and have a baby with a local, but we weren’t able to do it all. La Divina was closed and Café du Monde was absolutely packed with a line out the door. We didn’t get any beads because, apparently, we don’t have boobs and it’s not Mardi Gras. As for having a baby with a local, we had a good long talk and decided we aren’t ready to be parents……. *sigh*

Roadkill Armadillo Count “Deadadillo”- 7

Love- Nate and Luke

Day Five: Birmingham, Alabama-Florida-Pascagoula, Mississippi.

2009-09-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

August 27, 2009
Birmingham, Alabama-Florida-Pascagoula, Mississippi.
Miles: 296.6

Woke up pretty early and showered. Mindy left for school so we made like a baby and headed out. On the road for a while now. The highlight of today’s driving was that we just stopped at a rest stop in Greeneville, Alabama and cooked hotdogs on the tiny grill. One word: awesome. We even had crackers, apples, and a cold beverage. Now it’s time to figure out what the heck we’re going to do the rest of the trip.

Drove through the hugest rain storm that Nate had ever seen (I’ve seen bigger) We went straight down to the Florida panhandle on our way to Pensacola (Nate calls it Pepsi-cola?) The rain was so bad that we turned westward bound for Alabama then into Mississippi. We were staying with Jeff and Kelly, who are friends from camp Canadensis. Nate and I went swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, which by the way is a terrible idea. (kinda dirty) ON the plus side, we saw tons of hermit crabs and the fish were jumping like lunatics. Not long after, Kelly called me and met us at the park. We followed her to Jeff’s mom’s house to meet their daughter Emma Grace! I have never met such an awesome baby. Emma is always smiling, not afraid of strangers, and has a really great personality. She’s so funny! I think she gets it from Jeff. Jeff came home and we drove to their house and had pizza. Not long after, we packed up and went to Jeff’s tennis tournament. Nate and I both suck at tennis but Nate sucks more because I took a term of tennis lessons at school. Hung out there with Jeff and Kelly’s friends and watched tennis. It was cool to be around so many friendly southerners. We came home, watched the office and Nate and I planned the rest of our trip until about 1 or 2 am*.

Anyways we slept like babies .

Nate says with conviction:
Luke’s an idiot. I’m way better at tennis than he’ll ever be able to comprehend. Had another great day though.

Roadkill Armadillo Count- 5

*side note. Planning our trip for the rest of the way back was a huge pain in the butt because we had to miss some things we wanted to see and people to visit. Mostly because we had to get to the grand canyon to go camping in time for Nate to get to the airport to Seattle for a concert he’s playing at. It’s both of our faults for not communicating better back in June when we were planning the whole trip. I’ll be dropping Nate off in Phoenix and hopefully picking up two more friends and driving home with them!

Love Luke & Nate

Day Four: Savannah-Atlanta, Georgia-Birmingham, Alabama

2009-09-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

August 26, 2009
Savannah-Atlanta, Georgia-Birmingham, Alabama
Miles: 396

Woke up this morning not feeling so hot. Ughhh that’s all there is to say about that. Nate and I went to take showers and I was greeted by the biggest freaking spider I have ever seen (not in a zoo) The thing was seriously a monster. I tried to shoo it away but Nate was scared it would go to his shower. It had to die. When I squished it with a paper towel a ton of baby spiders started crawling off it’s back. I usually don’t like killing spiders but this thing had it coming. It was really gross because when I crunched it there was an audible “crunch” noise. Sick. Anyway we packed up camp and drove out to the coast so Nate could see the Atlantic ocean for the first time. I’ve seen it more times than I can remember but it’s not a big deal or anything. We were on Tybee island and we decided we needed to swim in the ocean because it was so warm. The nice temperature of the ocean helped our hangovers a little bit and Nate lost his sunglasses when a wave knocked him over. What an idiot.

sexy

We drove back to Savannah and got some awesome subway to eat for lunch. I asked the subway workers what fun things there were to do in Savannah. They all said “Nothing” or “Move somewhere else” haha I guess the locals don’t like it much. (The subway employees anyways) we had our lunch in a nice park and then went on a quest to see where Forest Gump sat on the bench in the movie. We found the park but not the bench because it had been moved. Oh well.

On our way from Savannah to Birmingham, we decided to stop in Atlanta and do a driving tour. I think I’ve been there times on flight layovers I wanted to see more of the city. The highlight of our drive was meeting the first non-friendly southerner we’ve encountered. It went like this:

I yelled at some guy on the sidewalk. He was wearing a suit and tie:
Luke: ”Excuse me sir?”
Suit man: “Yeah” (southern accent)
Luke: “Do people in Atlanta ever call it Hot-lanta?”
Suit man: (Gives dirty look) “Yeah-up”

We clearly wasted his precious time

It wasn’t what he said, but more the way he said it. We crazy, laid-back Oregon Hippies obviously wasted his precious time on his way to some important business meeting.

Made it to Birmingham Alabama around 8ish, Or couchsurfer just told us ot go into her house even though she was teaching yoga. We let ourselves in and we were waiting for someone to freak out because they thought we were breaking and entering. Great house great girl. She is in med school and donates money to orphans in Africa! Nate and I wandered around and saw some parks. We ended up at a neat bar called “the garage” they had old automobile garages outside in this porch thing with tons of random crap in them. We got pretty Chris Tuckered out and went back to Mindy’s and crashed on the floor.

I gotta say thought that probably about 10 or 11 people worldwide told me not to stay in Alabama and the feared for mine and nate’s safety. Could not have had a more pleasant experience! Sure we were in a nicer city farther away form the south where the devastation of Katrina caused more poverty than already existed, but Nate and both still think that the south in general has a bit of a bad name. I have never seen such friendly people and the natural environment is just as beautiful as some places in Oregon. It’s just different and unique. We love the south and anyone who badmouths the south to us will get an earful!
Love Luke

Nate enthusiastically exuberates his opinion:

It’s been another awesome day. I got to see the Atlantic for the first time. The water was a perfect temperature. It was so awesome just hanging out in the water. I lost my glasses. It’s okay, though. I’d have just given them to the Atlantic if it would have just asked but it decided to them by force. What a jerk. Then, we went to Savannah. It is an absolutely beautiful city despite what the locals thought. We at least got to see the park where Forrest Gumps bench should have been. It was really nice other than Luke crying about his hangover all day. “Oh Nate, I have to puke!” *sob sob* Who cares, Luke?! I got my own problems! We drove through though Atlanta. Also, a very gorgeous city, but unfortunately we just passed through. We’re on our way to couchsurf with someone in Birmingham, Alabama. Stoked about that. Also, we got a good picture of a truck with a confederate vanity plate on the front and a semi-truck with a confederate grill on it. It was hilariously awesome. –Love Nate

Roadkill Armadillo Count- 5

Day Three: Columbia & Charleston, South Carolina-Savannah, Georgia

2009-09-20T21:53:00.001-07:00

August 25, 2009
Columbia & Charleston, South Carolina-Savannah, Georgia
Miles: 219.6

We woke up and left for Charleston! The drive was really pretty because we finally got to see some Spanish moss hanging from the huge old oak trees! The drive wasn’t that bad and we got to Charleston and parked and walked around. The city was really cool> The people in the south are so nice! We ate at an awesome restaurant called “Jestines” The waitress was really southern and we had fried Okra, fried green tomatoes, and a shrimp sandwich and Nate had a meatloaf sandwich. I’m hungry just thinking about it! By far the most southern food we’ve had so far. At the end of the meal our waitress said “Now what kind of pie you want?” thought it was funny. We left and drove over a huge and awesome bridge in the rain.

The drive from Charleston to Savannah has been one of my favorite parts of the whole trip. There were really southern looking houses. Some old and huge, some dilapidated and being taken over by nature. As Nate put it, “This place is southern as Shit!” we drove down some random gravel road just to see where it lead. Nate immediately pulled over because there was a turtle sunning him or herself in the road! We played with the turtle, named it Billy and loved the sights and sounds of the south. The cicadas are really loud. Admired some huge trees and Nate really wanted to see an alligator in a swamp so we went swamp hunting. The only thing we found in the swamp was a butt-load of mosquitoes. We are both pretty much covered in mosquito bites from there. Arrived at Skidaway Island state park just outside savannah, Nate and I set up camp and ate hot dogs and failed at lighting a fire. Had a great night I was so happy to be there. Had many conversations about life and love and how lucky we are to be alive. Ya know the usual ☺

Amount of dead armadillos we’ve seen on the side of the road: 3

Nate just decided that the turtle we found should have been named “Stacy” not “Billy” I agreed because it’s a better name for a turtle.
Love Luke

Nate throws in his two cents:

So far this trip has been awesome. I felt like I’ve done so much and it hasn’t even been two full days. Regardless of popular belief the south is incredible. It has great wildlife and so much history. Luke explained what we have done so there is no need for me to bore you with the details again. But, if the south were a girl, Luke and I made sweet passionate love to it. I can’t wait for more adventures. –Love Nate

Day Two: Charlotte, North Carolina-Columbia, South Carolina

2009-09-20T21:47:00.000-07:00

August 24, 2009
Charlotte, North Carolina-Columbia, South Carolina
Miles: 107.5 miles

I woke up at 5:45 and watched the sunrise as I drove to the airport to pick up my best friend! I waited with excitement by the security gait. Nate came strolling up and yelled “FRIENDS!” there was a manly embrace, and many smiles. We had breakfast at my new favorite restaurant called Panera. Afterwards, we walked around Charlotte for a while and caught up on life. Saw some sweet fountains, parks, and buildings. Nate and I discussed how we had ridiculous nicknames for people in high school like “narwhol” and “meathooks”

We were anxious to get on the road so we did. Nate fell asleep in the car like a little baby. I guess he was jetlagged or something lame like that. Whatever. We arrived at Columbia around 1 or 2. We drove through town and ended up at the townhouses where my friend Gayle lived. Gayle and I met in Antarctica! Before Gayle got home, we found some cool woods behind her place. The trees are all covered in ivy or something that suffocates them. Gayle got home and showed us around columbia, we got Mexican food and it was delicious. While Gayle was in class ante and I wandered around and found the south Carolina state house. The house still has a confederate flag flying in front of it. I guess it is a big controversy because the flag represents different things to different people. Some see it as southern pride but some people see it still as a symbol of slavery and racism. Gayle’s friend Owen said that as a country and a state, he thinks it should be taken down to move forward and progress. We went to the swimming pool and it felt really nice to swim. I kneed Nate in the face because he startled me underwater. I totally did it on purpose but played it off like an accident pphhhhh. Had some amazing and cheap pizza at a place called the village idiot and Gayle and I talked about Antarctica and what it was like to be an RA hah

Went home and Nate fell asleep sitting up in his chair at about 9:45pm…why am I friends with such a loser? I made him a bed and we slept like babies.

baby sleep nate

People in South Carolina have no idea what there is to do in South Carolina. They told us to go to North Carolina, Georgia, or show us the place in USC campus called the clapping circle, where you clap while standing on some bricks and it echoes….in all seriousness, we’re having a great time!
-Love Luke

Nate types with excitement:
We’re only one day in and Luke and I have already done so much. We went to South Carolina State building. It was really cool. It made me realize that I have never been to the Oregon State building. The best part about it was in the front they had a confederate flag. I guess it’s always caused a lot of controversy and it used to be on top of the building so it was a big deal to have it moved down from there. So naturally, we got our pictures taken in front of it. You just don’t see that kind of stuff in Oregon. We were talking about it and some girl turned around and asked us “Where y’all from?!” We must have been asked that like 8 times. Southern hospitality is real. As Luke mentioned they had a hard time telling us things to do, but they seemed completely concerned and really wanted us to enjoy ourselves while we’re here. The best part about the day was when we went swimming. I was exhausted from the heat and humidity and walking around so it was really nice. Luke kneed me in the face and everything! You know, the usual stuff you do when you go swimming..! I look like Sylvester Stallone at the end of Rocky. This morning we had grits for breakfast, another tasty treat. Thank you so much, Gayle, for letting us stay with you and taking up your time and living room! We deeply appreciate it! We are on are way to Charleston to go camping and soak up some real South Carolina history. We’ll let you know how that goes!! Love you all..!

Love- Nate!!!!

Day One: Boone, North Carolina-Charlotte, North Carolina

2009-09-13T18:41:00.000-07:00

August 23, 2009
Boone, North Carolina-Charlotte, North Carolina
Miles: 115.3 miles

Hung Out with Anna for one last day. Just laid around, ate a lot of food and packed my bag and my car. I realized that In the whole summer, I have only driven my car by myself only once or twice in three months. That’s good because my favorite thing in the world is a full car. My car has 8 seatbelts and since this summer, we got 15 people in it. It. Was. Awesome. The people at Gables had no idea what was coming when we crawled out like a clown car in the circus.

I left for Charlotte around 6 and was terrified that I would be lost. Fortunately for me Anna was so sweet and wrote me up step by step directions on how to get to my couch surfer’s house in Charlotte. The drive was fantastic because the clouds were orange and pink. Stayed with Nice lady named Kristi who was an elementary school teacher. We watched True Blood and went to be early because the next morning I will be picking up NATE AT THE AIRPORT!!!!
Love Luke

Overview

2009-08-22T18:36:00.000-07:00

States: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina

Miles Anna Darea, and Luke traveled from NY to NC: 1,445.9
Luke since OR: 4,500.2

Cost:
Gas Total: 157.33
Divided by three: 52.33

Hosts:
Henryville, Pennsylvania: Camp Lindenmere, The Ghost
Manhattan, New York: Jazz on the City
Worcester, Massachusetts: Dianne, Peggy, and Anthony
Salem, Massachusetts: Konstandt Family
Allentown, Pennsylvania: Senderowitz Family
Virginia Beach, Virginia: Perry Family
Greensboro, North Carolina: Mackey
Boone, North Carolina: Reichard Family

Quotes:
That’s Hogwash –Brenna (even though she’s not here)
My gums are throbbing –Doctor
What is your location? –David/Everybody at camp
I was lookin’ a hot mess –Brenna/Everybody
One hot minute –Brenna
Let’s Discuss how… -Brenna/Everybody
Seriously guys, just come to Oregon and you’d get it. –Luke
DINOSAUR PAAAAARK –Luke
Anna google Dinosaur park. Can we camp there? –Luke

Day 9: Boone, North Carolina

2009-08-22T18:17:00.001-07:00

August 20, 2009
Boone, North Carolina

This morning we went to Anna’s mom’s charity event for a new homeless shelter, it was a fancy brunch that included Boone’s most well groomed and wealthy citizens … and us. Anna assured Luke and I that our shorts and shirts were fine, though it was evident that we were chronically under-dressed. Luke attempted to button up his shirt but being a checked hillbilly number his success at fitting in Boone style was slightly limited. However it must be noted that Luke and I may not have fitted in aesthetically but my accent, not consisting of ‘y’all’ or even a remote American twang made me stand out like a sore thumb. Highlights of the event included Eric whispering to me ‘Now the fun really begins’ after the fifth southern speaker said the same thing to their captive audience. The giggles were inappropriately passed around the table doing nothing for our attempts to be inconspicuous. Definitely a unique morning, on a serious note though it did make us all think about the social issue at hand.
‘Downtown Boone’ was about the size of a postage stamp but was chock-a-block full of hippie stores. We especially enjoyed a certain furniture store that looked like we had stepped onto the set of ‘That 70’s show’. It was awesome…dude. We also went to the most amazing old fashioned candy store I have ever ever seen, bought a lot of candy but hey there were barrels full of it! Oh and the other uber exciting part of the day was discovering that Anna had Girl Talk. Way better than dinosaurs. Darea x

dressin' fancy in wal-mart!

Day 8: Virginia Beach, Virginia-Greensboro, North Carolina-Boone, North Carolina

2009-08-22T18:14:00.000-07:00

August 19, 2009
Virginia Beach, Virginia-Boone, North Carolina
Miles: 370 miles
Music: Ben Kweller, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Avett Brothers

Woke up to watch the sunrise, but it was not out. The sky was grey and just got lighter and lighter with no colors. We woke up again at 8 and Lauren took us to a restaurant called “The Jewish Mother” where they had a special called 3.33 where you got two eggs and style, two pancakes, and bacon….all for $3.33!!! Sweet deal. I was especially happy because I rode to the restaurant in Lauren’s friend Chris’ convertible...which later got towed for being parked in a dry cleaner spot. After a good breakfast, some friends left for Montreal to go to a rave or something.

Lauren and Allison took us to the beach and we went swimming and laid in the hot hot sun. Lauren managed to get us a few kayaks to paddle around in for free! We accidently paddled too far out past where anyone could see us from shore so Lauren came out and said that there were dolphins near the shore. We paddled back and sure enough, dolphins started swimming right next to us in groups of three or four! We saw babies and groups of them came within a couple feet from our kayaks! It was definitely an unforgettable experience. The coolest part about it was jumping off the kayaks and going underwater. When I did that, I heard the unmistakable clicks and high pitched whistles of the dolphins making noises under water! Got pretty sunburned through the whole thing so we paddled back to give Allison and Amanda a turn on the Kayaks. I’d like to note that Darea managed to give herself the most ridiculous color bone sunburn/soon to be tan line I’ve ever seen. It’s like she put a smattering of sunscreen on her chest with no regard as to how to rub it in properly. Oh how I love this girl. I on the other hand am just sunburned all over, even though I put on Allison’s SPF 70 (allegedly it was not waterproof) Anyways It is pouring down rain now so we have no worries about any kind of sunburns.

Lauren gave us a ride back to her house and we said our goodbyes after a shower and re-packing.

On the road again! We got very lost more than once on confusing highways that wanted us to go the wrong direction. Once we were on a long straight road it was very nice and pretty. Very green all along the southern part of Virginia, and the we passed into North Carolina and Anna and played our favorite Avett Brothers and OCMS songs about North Carolina! Very pretty place.

This whole trip I have been giving any car the thumbs up if I see that they have the same car as me. (Ford Taurus) Anyways, it hasn’t been reciprocated yet unfortunately. I guess not all Ford Taurus owners are as cool as me. I was, however, lucky enough to pass by another car with Oregon plates. Thumbs up out the window and of course what happens? It gets returned. This goes to show you the friendliness of Oregonians in and out of state. ☺ Made my car riding experience complete.

On the way to dinner with Anna’s Grandmother “Mackie”

Ok so being an English gal, meeting someone who quite genuinely says ‘y’all’ has been one of the highlights of this trip for me. Mackie is simply adorable and seeing Anna interact with her was a beautiful sight to see. She is evidently a funny albeit tiny lady who felt the need to be somewhat reserved on account of the two strangers in her manicured little home, but her humor came out in no time.(I would just like it noted that I resent the way I have to spell humor, it should have a u in it but an angry red line appears when I write it like that, so when in Rome…) especially cute ‘Mackie Moments to note are her joke about if she doesn’t read her name in the obituary list then she will go out and the hilarious quip she made to Anna; ‘I thought about it before you, I just didn’t shout it out’. The lady is pure gold and it was a pleasure to meet her. The evidence for this was the fact that the moment we got back in the car, grinning from ear to ear, Luke and I rang our respective grandparents. Being the cool kids that we are one of the biggest laughs if the day came from Luke telling another ‘funny story’ about Gramma Judy and her ‘sex in the car’ story. On our way to Boone now, up some mountains in the rain but we are in good hands with Anna driving. Who I have consequently decided to call Florence Nightingale with regards to the fact that she carries a pharmacy in her purse. Thinking of shortening it to Flo? Hopefully she will be more accepting of it than I was to Drizzle. Darea x.

Note: Anna told me that the ‘site to see’ on our drive to Boone is the world’s only double storey Wendy’s. Not going to lie it is no giant ball of yarn, or an obnoxiously large Confederate flag (either of which would be truly exciting and I’m still crossing my fingers for) but hey a double storey Wendy’s? I’m prepared to be excited, after all I am just a impressionable tourist. Oh and Anna killed a bird, the weapon was Luke’s car and the location was the high-way, but she doesn’t want to talk about it. Darea x.

First impressions of Anna’s town and home: very green, winding roads and some pretty stars. I’m excited for tomorrow. Darea x

Day 7: Allentown, PA-Delaware-Maryland-Virginia Beach, Virginia

2009-08-22T18:02:00.000-07:00

August 18, 2009
Allentown, PA-Delaware-Maryland-Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Miles: 317.6 miles
Music: Fun., Manchester Orchestra, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Beatles

Woke up and had bagels on the porch. It is ridiculously hot out today and it has been very hot every day since we left camp. Said goodbye to the Senderowitz family and before leaving took dome pictures and videos with massive white and red flowers growing in front of their home. Biggest flower I’ve ever seen. Now we’re just in the car driving south! Today I hope to surf in the ocean again. The car was filed with this song and it is stuck in our heads: “All the Pretty Girls” –Fun.

We’ have passed about 125 churches so far and a building called “church stores.” Also Anna said there is a church in North Carolina where people are Baptized in hot tubs. Welcome to the South.

Long time driving until we got to the beautiful Chesapeake Bay Bridge which is really long and pretty. We stopped to take pictures and played Hoppipolla, Darea’s favorite Sigur Ros song.

We got to Virginia Beach around 6:30 and we were greeted by Lauren and her mom in their amazing house on the bay. It was huge and gloriously decorated. We dropped our stuff of and Lauren took us to where her brother Brian and her friend Allison work at a burrito place called Muchismo’s. Had some massive burritos, then went to another friend’s house named Amanda. We waited a while, then drove downtown to the strip near the ocean. We had a drink and Darea told us about her adventures in Africa. After listening to some bands, getting ice cream, we decided it would be more fun to sit on the dock at Lauren’s house. The city lights in the distance provided some evening glow and many friends sat and discussed plans of going to Canada and stuff like that.

The floor we slept on was upstairs in a big room and it was the softest carpet I have ever slept on. Good sleep.

Day 6: Salem, MA-Connecticut-New York-New Jersey-Allentown, PA

2009-08-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

August 17, 2009
Salem, MA-Allentown, PA
Miles: 326.2 miles
Music: “All the Pretty Girls” –Fun., “I’ve Got Friends” –Manchester Orchestra, Old Crow Medicine Show

Woke up relatively early and hit the road after a quick stop at the post office and goodbye to Marissa. We were basically on the road again all day and stuck in traffic through New York of course. I was running out of gas, had to pee, was sick of driving and wanted food. Needless to say I was not a happy camper. We eventually pulled over and took care off all those issues and Anna finished the drive to the Senderowitz Home in Allentown. They lived in a fantastic hose in a nice neighborhood. Their basement was filled with old arcade games like pinball, pacman, skee-ball and baseball. Rissa texted me and asked if we’d seen the basement. I said, “You mean canteen on steroids?” Because that was pretty much what it was like. Marlee showed us the rest of the house then her father, Donald, took us all for ice cream! Darea and Marlee got ice cream cones bigger than their faces of course. Wish we could have spent more time there it seemed like a very interesting town! Went back to their house and watched a Bat Mitzvah video and looked through photo albums. We are so lucky to have such amazing friends in all the right place.

Day Five: Worcester-Salem

2009-08-22T17:22:00.002-07:00

August 16, 2009
Worcester-Salem, MA
Miles: 68.7 miles

Peggy and Anthony packed us a great lunch of sandwiches, potato salad, beer, water, pie, and silverware! Nicest people we’ve encountered. They were so hospitable. The drive to Salem was not that long and on the way we passed a sign that said “Dinosaur State Park” I got really excited and made Anna Google it to see what fun things were there. No camping so it was a deal-breaker.

When Luke says he was excited to see a sign that said “Dinosaur State Park” that is probably the biggest understatement ever, he was like a fat kid in a candy store or Luke in Oregon. His seatbelt held him in place but there was a good possibility he was going to jump out of the car at the sight of the word Dinosaur on a road sign. To be fair to him that is a rarity. Bless him I think the 8yr old Luke in him wanted the state park to have actual Dinosaurs in it, if not life size replicas. It makes me sad that we will not discover that place of wonders on this trip. Darea x.

Got to Salem on the hottest afternoon of the summer Marissa’s house was fantastic and really nice. It was tall and skinny with three floors. We set off for the city and Marissa played tour guide. We saw where the scene in Hocus Pocus was filmed at a tree with benches around it in a playground. We saw the Salem Harbor, bought some postcards, checked out downtown, then went to a place called The Willows. There was a Jazz festival happening and we ate ice cream and shopped around this Saturday market-type place. Met some cool artists including an oil painter and a photographer. We walked and walked back to Marissa’s house. On the way we stopped for Thai food and visited the most fantastical bookstore I’ve ever seen it was covered wall to wall with books. Completely filled! This tiny old man who ran the place said all books were half price. Once we returned to Marissa’s we were all too tired to go out and hit the night life. We caught up on emails, and letters, made more travel plans and went to bed. Nice evening in the witch hunting capital of the world!

–Love, Luke

Day Four: Worcester & Boston

2009-08-22T17:22:00.001-07:00

August 15, 2009
Worchester-Boston-Worcester, MA
Miles: 101.6 round trip

Later start and had a nice breakfast Dianne cooked for us. Darea’s mom drove us to Boston for lunch at Anthony’s seafood restaurant on Pier 4. On the way we ad many phone calls.

Phone calls today: we all talked to Darea’s mom
Luke texted his Dad about the trip and dad told him to call so I did. Dianne called me a liar.

Luke talked to Lauren, Darea’s sister She thinks I’m really American
Anna talked to Luke’s mom Lise about the future life plans (what else is new)
Anna talked to her momma about ballet shoes

At the restaurant, I have never eaten so much on my life. Still full form the dinner before we had a huge platter of seafood including mussels, clams, oysters, crab and many sauces. (bread on the side) The entre I had was shrimp scampi which was very rich but delicious. SO MUCH FOOD. I managed to hide a grin when Diane ordered a gin and tonic (one of my favorite drinks) Famous people eat at Anthony’s restaurant and put the photos up on the wall. It’s kind of a big deal.

Drove back and decided that laundry was becoming a dire situation. We all went to the local laundry-mat and Darea did her laundry and Anna did mine. The reason for this is because I have been trying to find a place to wash, and vacuum my car and get the oil changed. Unfortunately for me, I’m a huge doofus and I got on the huge interstate highway, paid a toll, and got lost. When I asked the girl at the toll how to get back, she looked at me and said “That’s where you just came from!” I said, “I KNOW RIGHT?!” She kindly told me how to get back and I figured it out. Turns out, there was a car wash and a Jiffy Lube about a block away from the laundry place….but in the other direction. I vacuumed my car and decided to come back for oil change in the morning. There is no reason to wash the outside of my car because it’s just going to get dirty anyways. I also like the fact that there are dead bugs stuck to my car from 15 different states (so far). Holler.

We came home and I re-packed the car, vacuumed, chatted with Anthony and got ready for sleep. Good day of organizing

Anna is ridiculously good at navigating and not getting lost like me. I however am good at driving and being told where to go. Darea is really good at putting on her makeup and reading a book a camper gave her.
–Love, Luke

Day Three: Manhattan-Worcester

2009-08-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

August 14th, 2009
Manhattan-Worcester, MA
Miles:169.8 miles

Woke up early to Anna bringing us breakfast in bed! Slight headache from the previous night but it was worth every minute.

We left for the bus station and managed to get to the Falcor and on the road before too long. Unfortunately, we went all the way back to New Jersey to be stuck in traffic for a long time. The day was mostly filled with driving and spacing out. Darea and I were very sad to be away from friends and kids at camp. Drove most of the day. Stopped and had some great hotdogs at a service plaza. Made it to Worchester (pronounced “wuh-ster”) around dinner time.

We were greeted by Darea’s mom Dianne, her friend Peggy, and Anthony. I have never met nicer people. Very nice hosts. Cooked us a big dinner of ribs, chicken, sausage, potatoes, and wine. After dinner, we sat and chatted about camp and told funny camp stories about walkie-talkies and strange doctors.

I slept like a baby on the fold out couch.

Note to self: Darea did not like the nickname “drizzle” will work on more tomorrow. -Love, Luke

Day Two: Manhattan

2009-08-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

August 13, 2009
Manhattan All Day
Miles: many on foot

Anna, Darea and I went to Starbucks for breakfast while Niall went for a run through central park. We eventually ended up in Times Square meeting up with a bazillion camp counselor friends and a few campers as well! We planned on spending the day walking around Manhattan as a big group. The rule was that you had to be at least 17 to make decisions about where we were going. Went to the M&M store then wandered around central park until we found the Strawberry Fields area and took pictures by the Imagine sign.

We walked and walked with some on and off rain drizzles and tried to eat at a place called Serendipity but the wait was two hours. I decided to park my ass on the street and eat one of those hotdogs and salted pretzels off a cart while everyone else went for starbucks. Best meal of the day hands down and it was like 4 dollars to boot. Sweet deal if you ask me. Anna and myself decided to go wander around the Metropolitan Museum of art. I told Anna I thought that sculptures in the olden days must have had a difficult time containing their laughter when sculpting nude men out of marble. How could you not giggle a little bit if you’re were chiseling away at a pair of testicles?! Come on people that’s funny.

After more hours of walking up and down the island of Manhattan we met up with Avi Dobkin and went to dinner at Planet Hollywood with about 28 other camp people. After running around the night life like a bunch of chickens with no heads, Caitie, Darea, Anna, Chelsea, Steve and myself all went to the empire state building and took photos from the top. On the elevator Chelsea blinked three times in a row in every single picture I took of the group. We gave up and made fun of her.

Walked more miles to a bar called Blockheads where everybody else was. Had many nice conversations with friends from camp and people started to dissipate. Anna and Darea went back to the hotel and a bunch of us guys still wanted to go to more bars. After having a quick wingman convention with Niall, McMagic, Eric, Dean, Jeff, Scrivoney, Adam and Dean’s friend Effe, we headed out. Lindsay was there too. After looking around for a few times we all realized that we had spent most of the evening in a gay bar. Some were oblivious, but nobody cared. It was a while lot of v-neck shirts, skinny jeans, perfect hair and teeth and masculine love in the air.

Some guy propositioned me in the bathroom and I told him to go forth and reproduce with himself and I left promptly. Anything goes in NY I guess.

I stumbled to the subway with Niall after more teary goodbyes and plans to meet in the future. Niall figured out that the subway does not run at 2 in the morning and that we needed to take a cab home. If he hadn’t noticed some small print on a sign I probably would have sat there all night.

Probably the best part about the night was the realization that I actually like New York City. It just took me a long time to decide. I weighed many pros and cons including, but not limited to: poverty, money, asshole people who just walk and stare with blank looks on their faces, the power of the American industrialized city, alcohol, my friends, the subway, efficiency, and food. The bottom line is that I like New York and we for one night of the summer, we owned the city night life.

Niall & I stumbled to the subway after more teary goodbyes and plans to meet in the future. Realized the subway was not coming and took a cab. Probably would have sat there all night if he hadn’t found the fine print. Haha. Best night in NY ever. Love, Luke

After Camp! Day One: Henryville, PA-Manhattan, NY

2009-08-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

August 12, 2009
Henryville, PA to Manhattan, NY
Miles: 92 miles

I woke up in my tent pitched between B12 and B11. Good night the prior evening at the ghost, I’m pretty confident that I had a heart to heart conversation with all of the counselors in my division and reflected on the summer and talked about the good times and future meet ups throughout the year.

Middle camp!

Packed some final things into Falcor and said many teary goodbyes as the bus pulled away from camp with many of our best friends in it. Shortly after, Darea, Niall and I all pulled out of camp Lindenmere as well blasting “forever” by Chris Brown. A slight problem was Darea’s missing credit card, but it was soon recovered, along with 15 others that were left behind the night before.

Finally on the road and parked my car at Newark Airport and took the bus to Port Authority in Manhattan. Walked a few blocks and caught a cab the rest of the way to our hostel on the upper west side next to central park called “Jazz on the City” It was a very jazzy place. Met up with Anna, Caitlin, and Dom who were all staying with us!

Walked to Barnes and Nobel, bought some gifts for people and stood in line for tickets to a musical. After getting the tickets, we had lunch at an Amish Deli and I ate a raw avocado and a nice sandwich. Walked back to the Julliard Theatre and I saw my first musical! It was called South Pacific and I enjoyed it very much. I’d go to another show again for sure! After the show Anna and I walked to Veronica’s apartment and got Anna’s bags and headed home and promptly went to sleep. Had trouble sleeping with the weird guy in our hostel shining his flashlight in our eyes and making strange noises in his bed. Oh well that’s the traveler’s life right? –Love, Luke

Day 4: Chicago, IL to Manhattan, NY

2009-06-18T19:36:00.001-07:00

June 16, 2009
Miles: 792.5 miles 12 hours 45 minutes
Music: Avett Brothers, Passion Pit, Coldplay, My Chemical Romance, Band of Horses, Circa Survive, Keane

Turns out that KTK’s blogs are way more entertaining than mine so I’m leaving it up to her write most of it (obviously) In New York, I will drop the girls off in Manhattan, and continue to my beloved summer camp in Pennsylvania for the summer. There I will work until August 11th with my awesome camp friends. After camp, the road trip journey continues with my trip back to Oregon through the South. I’m sure I’ll have at least a couple people in the car with me so stay tuned for that!

Woke up this morning around 6, and left Chicago. Katy and Katie literally slept through the entire state of Indiana and a chunk of Ohio. Whenever I’d stop for gas or coffee, they just kept on sleeping away like crazy! Tired little friends. I was feeling very energized and excited to be alive and awake. Form 5am all the way till about 1 or 2, I drove many miles and listened to music, and made some phone calls because I had no conversation companions that were awake! Oh well I guess they are both total wimps who can’t handle a little sleepiness. Anyways, a successful days with no disasters! (besides getting lost)
Love, Luke

5:45am
Just woke up….was kinda pissed about it. Luke was saying we looked like “haggard hot messes”. I gave him a muggin’ mean look and then he said “BITCH PAAHHLEEAAASE”. I then made a conscious decision not to talk to him the rest of the trip. Still really tired, but my mood was instantly reversed when Katy looked at me and said “Is this when we steal all their shit?” LOL. Katy has been filled with all those one liners all trip and has made me a Luke crack up. And then we stole all of Jason and his roommate’s shit. Including all of Jason’s hand-made stuff. They were really high quality.

11:45 am
OMG. Me and Katy basically woke up. We slept through the entire state of Indiana, and are now in Ohio. Luke has been driving the entire time….I think he took some crack-cocaine. He has been so hyper. He says it’s because he’s excited to get to camp, but me and Katy know better. He’s been an avid drug user, he told us himself. Oh, and Luke was right, me and Katy do look like haggard hot messes. We haven’t showered, and it’s obvious. Luke had been really lonely with us not being awake for like, 5 hours, and said that he’s been talking to a lot of people on the phone. We felt kinda bad, until we remembered that he deleted all the videos from yesterday and went right back to hating him. Just kidding….but seriously. We woke up to Luke zooming into an Ohio-an rest stop which are called “service plazas”. THESE REST AREAS ARE SOOOOOO NICE!! Ohio, who knew? It was like an airport mall….there were restaurants, gas, and really nice restrooms. Me and Katy hadn’t eaten, so we loaded up on some nasty but amazing fast food. After we got all our food, Luke went to open his Dr.Pepper….and not thinking before doing, opened it all crazy like and it exploded everywhere. I mean, it hit Katy in the back seat, all over himself and the steering wheel. Nice. He had to baby wipe everything down.

6:24pm
Mother Mavin’s Meathloaf we have been in traffic like crazy today! We are lucky because it’s the first real traffic we’ve seen so far on this trip so booyah to that. We are in the middle of Pennsylvania and are about three hours away from New York. Me and Katy will part from Luke then, which is unfortunate. I mean, I definitely won’t miss his stinking ass, but well miss him enough… I won’t have a computer to “adventure document”, but I plan on actually writing it down in a journal and throw it back to 1995. Me and Katy will have the video camera too and we will attempt to make memorable clips all while making it entertaining and hilarious. –KTK

10pm Pshhhhh my flatulent wind compare not to Katie’s farts. They have been bustin outta there like a squirrel being chased by a dog. The only thing worse than her farts is how crappy of a driver she is. Just kidding. But seriously. Learn to drive. Seriously though today we got lost for about an hour in Ohio. It was my fault, not Katie’s. (surprisingly) That was a fun side note adventure that only happened the one time. I called my friend Nate’s vet in Portland for him and made an appointment for his dog Gatsby...from Ohio. Nate’s phone wasn’t making outgoing calls so he emailed me and asked me to call the vets! She thought it was strange when I explained it, but whatevs. What are friends for right?

11:57 pm
Well I made it. I finally got to Camp! I dropped Katy and Katie off at their hostel in Harlem, one of the most dangerous neighborhoods around. I know they’ll be OK though. I could not have asked for two better friends to drive across the country with. I love you both and I’ll see you in September! I fel like we were honestly laughing most of the time. We all decided that it was the perfect amount of time to spend together without actually getting on each other’s nerves. Said our goodbyes and thus ends the celebration of mine and Katie’s celebration of graduating college together. I wish you both the best of luck in Manhattan and Washington DC. Travel safe, be well, speak often, and know that I love you.

I got lost in Manhattan trying to find some friends to meet up with and ended up in Brooklyn. Oops. The strangest thing occurred to me that I want to remember. All this time people have been asking me how I could stand being in the car that long. I didn’t think it would be that bad and it wasn’t! especially with cool people and good music (A LOT OF GOOD MUSIC) Anyways, I was sitting in traffic getting frustrated with the slowness of the cars while I was getting on the Brooklyn bridge. Once I managed to get out of the city, things learned up and I felt free again. I actually missed the feeling of being on the open road. I think I have caught the traveling bug long ago, but this trip has intensified it. I want to live in Chicago and visit Wyoming again before grad school starts. Many good things are happening!

The intensity of this documenting will subside slightly now that I’m at camp. I’ll try to update and write an entry at least once a week, if not more. The reason being that I am at camp and don’t have the down time like I did in the car. It’s important to remember the past, even though it’s dead. It helps make decisions for the future, even though it doesn’t exist yet. J I will post the writings from Katie and Katie in NY once, they get them to me in Pennsylvania including photos and videos from their trip! The stories are not over, just spit into two parts.

I guess you could think of it as a “choose your own adventure” story, or make a decision about what door or curtain you think the prize is behind. ;)

I Flew back to camp as fast as I could on I-80 and arrived to an empty nightscape exactly how I remember it. The sound of the gravel, crickets, creaking screen doors, and wind in the trees is exactly how I left it.

I left one home and arrived at another.

It’s like I never left.
Love, Luke

trip overview thus far:
States: Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York.

Miles Luke, Katy, and Katie traveled from OR-NY: 3054.3

Quotes:
It was the Pennies –Luke
Is this when we steal all their shit? –Katy
It’s the Kum and Go! –KTK
BIIIIIIITTTCCCCHHHHHHH PPPPAAAAAAHHHHHLLEEEAAAASSEE!! –All
Fo’ free? –Katy
That’s what she said –All
Balls! –All
I need a belt! –KTK
I know what to do, I’ll drink more water –Luke
Sleep tight, hope you don’t get crabs –Katy
They can totally tell we’re from Oregon –Katy
Derpa der der! –KTK and Luke
Seriously, we’re still on I-80? –All
Shit! We’re getting back on I-80! –All
Fuck you Ohio! And you too Nebraska! –Luke
You’d be peeing in someone’s front yard… -Katy
Did you delete…ALL the videos? –KTK
Are there any cops out here? –ALL (about lack of cops)
Fuck semi trucks. –Luke
Guys! We have to tune into 1640AM! –KTK
Seriously, what is the deal with Jon and Kate plus 8? –Luke

Katie, don’t tell your mom you’re staying in Harlem ok? –Luke
Sure I’ll tell her…when I’m DEAD! -Katie

Day 3: Junesburg, CO-Omaha, NE-Chicago, IL

2009-06-18T19:34:00.000-07:00

June 15, 2009
Junesburg-Omaha: 359.7 5 hours
Omaha-Chicago: 467.2 miles 7 hours 18 minutes
Music: Cloud Cult, Coheed and Cambria, Muse, Mates of State, Explosions in the Sky, Sufjan Stevens (duh)

Janet
Something about the Midwest honey
Oh it makes me miss you more than life
Could be the trees that stand alone in the fields
They remind me every couple of miles
I'd love to stop our lives, stop everything
Just so we could move far away
We'll live alone together with the sweat of the summer
With the chill of the cold winter air, oh yeah
-The Format

6:20
Woke up around 6am and hit the road. Beautiful foggy sunrise. With crazy Midwestern trees standing alone in a field. Got a whole new meaning to the song “Janet” by the Format. The lines are above. We have along drive ahead of us if we are to make it to Chicago by dinner!

12:37pm
I am incredibly proud of ourselves because we made it all the way to Omaha, Nebraska before stopping at a McDonalds. Good for us and our healthy diets! My granny packed us a cooler full of tasty treats that as kept us going for a while. Tried to contact some couchsurfers in Chicago, but so far, no luck. Might have to stay at a hostel tonight, which might be fun! Love, Luke

Chicago here we come! Katy totally busted out some driving this morning. I was impressed. We have been in the car a “shit-ton” according to Luke. Oh man, we have all had the worse gas. Sorry, it had to be said, because it was that bad. It is totally seeping in the upholstery. Sorry Falcor. We got a hold of a guy on CouchSurfing and are planning on staying with him in Chicago! So excited. He’s also a mega babe and in a band. I decided to put on makeup for him because I was looking like a serious scrub (I love TLC).

So, we have just finished our adventure of Chicago with Justin, I mean Jason! Oh man, I kept calling him Justin and felt really bad. When we first arrived to his apartment, it was a little awkward, but we warmed up to each other pretty well. Such a nice apartment! Really impressed. He took us first to see Lake Michigan which was only 4 blocks away from where he lived. So pretty! And so clear! Surprising. There were also a ton of people around. We went on a massive walk around downtown Chicago and saw so much! We went to Millennium Park to see some sculptures and The Famous Bean! The one from Mork and Mindy! Luke got some sweet pictures, but then we were ran out of the park by like, 4 guards. Apparently it’s closed at midnight. Go figure.

We then went to go get some of Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza, but everywhere was closed. So we decided to get some of Chicago’s famous hotdogs at a place called Picadillo’s. AWESOME. I enjoyed it. We seriously went all over Chicago, Justin….I mean Jason was awesome for giving us a tour. He also knew so much about everything! He told us about the architecture of the buildings (The Sears Tower and The Hancock Tower and The Drake Hotel….), told us the real reason why Chicago is called the “Windy City” (really about corrupt politicians during prohibition blowing “hot air”) and lots of other fun facts.

Our favorite part was going to the “bad part of town”. There was blood on the street people, real crazy stuff. Not just a little blood, like nose bleed shit….we’re talking a lot of blood. Plus this part of town was where The Dark Knight was filmed!!!!!! SO COOL! Jason showed us where the crazy semi-truck scene was. The street he also lived on was shut down for the movie. He also said Jake Gyllenhaal had a time share in one of the apartments on his street. I love Jake Gyllenhaal. Anyway, we got really tired and decided to go back on the “L” to Jason’s apartment. This is when shit hit the fan. Luke was going through all our videos we recorded for the day (which was probably a good 10 videos) and DELETED THEM ALL. I hated him so much right then. Katy still hasn’t forgiven him….honestly, I’m not sure if I’m over it yet. We are making him do an apology video. We had the coolest videos from Chicago! Whatevs....-KTK

Katy is really allergic to dogs, cats, and generally everything. Right when we got there, Jason said, “Oh sorry we should have cleaned up more.” There was dog and cat hair layered on every piece of furniture. Obviously, this didn’t bother me at all, but sent Katy into a rage of coughing and sneezing. Poor thing. Our couchsurf hosts had a dog named Boggart. These are the names that Katie accidently called him: Gadget, Go-gurt, Bilbo, and Gizmo….lol. She also thought Jason’s name was Justin THE WHOLE TIME!

Chicago ahs been the highlight of the trip for all of us I think. Lake Michigan is so clear, the architecture is stunning, and we met some nice folks.
We stayed up pretty late talking and joking around. We played a really fun game we like to call boobie tassles. Sounds ridiculous I know, but we earned it from our boss, so trust me, it’s legit The object is to say “boobie tassles” out loud while other people are talking but they can’t notice that you said it. Give it a try! Anyways fell asleep around 2 or 3am and I planned on getting us up and outta there by six. Obviously my sleeping schedule has been a little off… sleep well Chicago. You’re probably one of the coolest cities I’ve ever been to.
Love, Luke

Day Two: Salt Lake City, UT-Junesberg, CO

2009-06-18T19:33:00.000-07:00

June 14th, 2009
Miles: 580.2 miles 8 hours
Music: The Format, Tegan and Sara, Green Day, Sufjan Stevens

Left again around 1 and drove all day. Corin gave us cherries from her sweet Utah backyard. Good day. High spirits. Katy and Katie slept for a bit and I listened to Conor Oberst and grooved hard on it. Had some good talks about life and love when they woke up. Decided to try to find a hotel because we got no emails from couchsurfers.

Family friends in Utah!

We made the decision to stay in Colorado mostly to be able to say that we did. Arrived in Junesberg, CO around 9pm, Found an awesome country road to cross the border on and took some amazing photos and videos of the heat lightning that is up in the sky (doesn’t hit the ground or make thunder)

We Came to the sketchiest motel and no one answered. We were too reminded of the Texas chainsaw massacre and kept going. OK we found the second most sketchy hotel in the country. This cute mother and her 11-month-old son Wesley, who had a sweet ass dinosaur shirt, ran it. We hung out, no big deal. After arriving at our fabulous apartment style room, we decided to go to a bar. The bar was right across the street! Super sketchy but we wanted to learn about the place. We talked with the bartender Heidi and it was obvious that she had lived here her whole life and doesn’t see outta-towners like us. We were definitely the highlight of their week (as pretentious as that sounds, it was true) we told Heidi all about our trip over a pitcher of Coors which costs 7 dollars. Other locals came over interested in us and our story. One man in a sweet tie-dye shirt asked me what that lighted up box was around me neck. (I explained to him that it was a digital camera) He was pretty impressed to say the least. Then he asked if we had any magic mushrooms. Heidi told us that in their town of 1000 people, there were 14 churches. Welcome to Mormon Town baby.

Shortly after, a man named Drew challenged us to a game of foosball. Katy joined his team and Katie and I teamed up, despite my lack of any athletic ability aside from running (yes even at sports like foosball)

The first game was to be expected. Katy and Drew kicked our ass. Drew told us that all he does is play foosball all the time so it was to be expected. After some serious coaching from the soccer-player-in-real-life Katie, we stepped up our game and came out victorious. Drew said it was his first defeat in months… Finished our beer and now we’re off to bed after some retro-60’s-era photography of our sweet place. Waking up very early tomorrow.

PS Katie just came out to turn the lights off and I told her goodnight and that I’d just sleep on the couch. She looked at me and said, “I hope you don’t get crabs.” …. I said, “Thanks”.
Love,
Luke

So I had my first leg of driving today, heading out from Salt Lake. I cannot believe how many churches there were, seriously. I looked out the window to my right, and then saw another one to my left with another one 200 yards away from it. Talked to my sister Kelsey on the phone and told me to visit the town in Utah that actually advertises that they aren’t Mormon, but I wanted to get the crap out of there. I’m pretty sure I scared the begeebers out of Katy and Luke when I first started driving, it was so curvy! Plus a crazy thunder/lightning/hail storm decided to come down. We thought it was God punishing all the Mormon’s for not being in church on a Sunday. Or punishing us for making fun of Mormons.

After my leg, I took the beefiest nap and it was amazing. We were making good time, so we thought we’d stop early for the night and get an early start in the morning. Luke freaked us out when he hit a hug “red-neck” pothole. Katy had a bag of Oyster Crackers open and they went everywhere in the back seat. It was like half the bag. Pretty sure we picked the sketchiest place to stay, Junesburg, Colorodo. Seriously, I think that three families just moved there and decided to populate the area themselves. We took a picture by the “Welcome to Colorado!” sign and Katy totally stepped in a huge puddle. What a pathetic loser! (I only say that because for a good chunk of our travel today we did quoted Dumb and Dumber. It was awesome).

We found a hotel, and not wanting to pay for three people, I hid in the car while Luke and Katy booked a room. I was so scared the lady would see me through the window, but I hid under a pillow pretty good. We finally got it, and they told me to grab my bag when all of a sudden the lady we booked the room from came out of her apartment. I totally did some sort of Jujitsu move back into the car to try and get out of sight….I’m pretty sure she saw me, whatevs. Anyway, we get to our sweet 70’s style room and decided to go to the bar across the street where there were some locals. They were definitely interesting, one older gentlemen tried to unhook by bra. I didn’t mind. One lady kept harassing Katy asking her if she ever lived in Idaho, Montana, or Washington. We figured it was time to go when they kept talking about this large room next to the bar area, saying that “we should check it out” and that “they put you in there if you misbehave”. We were pretty sure we would have become sex-slaves if we decided to check it out. Luke thinks they were going to make us into skin-lampshades. I don’t know, I think that would be a really big waste of skin if you ask me. -KTK

Day One: Corvallis-Salt Lake City, Utah

2009-06-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

June 13, 2009
Miles: 854.7 miles 12 hours, 58 minutes
Music: Jimmy Eat World, Radio Head, and some crazy rap John had…

The adventure begins! Partway through the longest car ride of my life, I decided it would be important to remember this epic journey. The following words will depict my cross country journey with my two wonderful friends Katie and Katy. Here we go!!!!!!

I never really wanted to go to the graduation ceremony but I was told I’d regret it if I didn’t. I have to admit, it felt pretty good to get to be all dressed up in my graduation attire and celebrate the end of my college career at OSU with my friends and family. Seeing that diploma gave me huge sense of relief and accomplishment for all the work I had done in the last four years. Work including, hours ad hours of studying, reading, writing, and pondering. I do feel educated and grateful for my time spent in Corvallis. but enough of that crap….IT”S SUMMER TIME!!!

We left Portland soon after saying goodbye to some dear friends who will be missed!

My cousin Nick and his friend John joined us to Salt Lake because they both have GFs in Salt Lake. Car ride was long and crowded, but not too bad all in all. Made it to Salt Lake City UT about 5am the next morning. Katie was so tired that she looked down at her legs and asked “Who’s legs are those.” I am not making that up at all. Here’s the proof of Katie’s extreme exhaustion: viseo Slept at Corin’s cute little house and slept like a baby in a coma.

It was nice to hang with my cousin Nick! At a random gas station in Idaho we were clever enough to come up with this picture…. …some things really do never change I guess…

FYI: Katie K. has decided to join me in the blogging duties. I hate the word “blog” so instead I’ll use “Adventure Documentation” She’s really funny and is a good writer (fellow psychology graduate!) so now at the end of a paragraph by her it will say “-KTK”
Love, Luke

I can’t believe I’m actually on the road! This is nuts, and I’m so happy to be sharing this journey with my two of my dearest friends. It hasn’t really hit me yet that I’m a college graduate and that I probably won’t ever live in Corvallis again. I’m sad, but I’m happy to have left OSU on a good note. Now we’re off to New York! I’m thinking that I should stay there and become an actress, screw my college degree! Fame and Fortune is what I’m after. I must say, riding in a car with 5 people is a little intense…..I’m pretty sure 3 people max is best for Luke’s grandma car, but it was nice to meet Nick and John. Probably the most of the exhausted I’ve been in a while, so I’m gonna go! -KTK

Reflections of a College Graduate: my heart is full

2009-06-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

*preface: if you're going to read this, I mean REALLY read it, please listen to these songs while you do:

murder in the city
I've got friends
Exitlude
i love you all

I’d like to begin with a brief story. Thursday night I was out celebrating the end of classes with some of my wonderful friends. I received a voice mail from my mom and decided to listen to it on speakerphone. I was delighted to hear my mom’s voice singing Alice Cooper’s song that goes like this, “SCHOOOOOLS OUT FOR SUMMER”…(insert wicked guitar part)…”SCHOOOOLS OUT FOR EVER!” click here to hear it:

Alice Cooper Song of my childhood

Anyways, She even sang the guitar parts in the background. The best part about this is that every June since I was in about kindergarten, my mom would play this song in the car when she picked my sister and I up form school as loud as it could go. Then sometimes, we’d go home and have a celebratory BBQ with all our family friends and the song would still be playing. I’m happy to know some traditions never die, even at 22 years old.

The purpose of this collection of thoughts is to reflect on some important aspects of my college career, pay tribute, give credit where credit is due, and offer what I have learned to anybody who cares to listen, and discuss future plans. If you have the time, read it, if not, then don’t.
To begin with, I’ll never forget the first week of my freshman year of college when I was at Josie Hepner’s house. Josie has been a lifelong friend since about middle school. I distinctly remember a conversation we had in her new house on King’s street. We were talking about how cool it was to be in college and that it seemed like graduating was a far of reality that would never really exist. The concept of graduating and venturing onto the step after that seemed so overwhelmingly impossible, we didn’t want to think about it. I now embrace that future and cannot wait to see what lies ahead outside the community I have created in Corvallis. It is important to note that much of my lessons and experiences have little to do with the times I spent sitting in a classroom haha.

Much of the community I have connected myself with at OSU has been through the University Housing and Dining when I was a resident Assistant for two years and now a co-op director of Dixon Lodge, the all female coop on campus. Through these experiences I learned the value of hard work, patience, relationships, and what really matters. For that I am grateful for the experience of working for housing. I learned that rules are there for a reason but it’s ok to break some rules from time to time. Even though it was long hours of sitting at the desk, weekly meetings, and going on rounds, the friendships and connections I made through this job made it all worth it…Even when I had to clean shit off the walls…twice. At least I know what it’s like to work through college!

It was very important to me to have a life outside of my job for housing and a large part of that was filled by photography. I applied to work at the Barometer at the beginning of my sophomore year and my photo editor at the time, Andrew Burton, taught me basically everything I know about photography. I am very grateful for this experience and will continue to grow and take pictures into grad school, all the while learning about the business aspects to photography and selling my work and services: my website

i loooooove taking pictures

One of my favorite photographic techniques is to say something to make people laugh, then take pictures of their reactions to my jokes. Haha.

In the winter of 2008 I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to go to Argentina and Antarctica. If you’d like to see pictures and read about it, please go through this blog and search through it for more information about what I did, where I went, how amazing it was etc…. It has been 6 months since I returned from the South Pole and ever since then I have been meaning to write and share a segment about what I actually learned in Antarctica and not just sharing the experiences I had. I think 6 month has been a long enough time to wait so here goes…

The most important lessons I learned in Antarctica:

We all need a passion in life. The passion is number one, and then school comes next. There was a man on our ship who was obsessed with birds named Dmitri and I loved how passionate he was about sea birds. I have found my passions, now the goal is turning them into a career!

Live in the present always: The past is dead and the future doesn’t exist yet. Enough said.
Life is wonderful: I realized that the sound of two glaciers slamming together was the most amazing sound I’ve very heard in my entire life. The power of nature in Antarctica is overwhelming. I felt like I was on another planet and was humbled by the power that lay before me. The biggest epiphany that struck my friends and I was that nature is just as powerful at home as it was in the untouched land of the ice. For example, I thought about the tree that sits outside my apartment in Corvallis on the same day I photographed an iceberg. That tree bloomed crazy flowers and green leaves that totally blew my mind. The difference between the two is great, but also non-existent. Nature is powerful everywhere in the world; you just have to look a little harder to see the beauty sometimes. ☺

Don't waste time on petty judgments. It’s easy to get caught up in drama, gossip, and general bullshit that surround human interactions. We are all really different and it’s important to celebrate those differences, embrace diversity, and have an open mind about how others live their lives. I am far from perfect in this aspect, but it is very important to me that I am reminded constantly that other people view the world from their own lenses and their view is shaped by their experiences.

Antarctica friends!

Gratitude:
Section to thank a few people in Corvallis/Scappoose/Portland for all they have done for me. I was just talking to Karen yesterday about how I throw the word "love" around like alot. I tell people I love them like you wouldn't beleive. Some might say there can be too much of a good thing, but with love it's diferent. The more people I have in my life to love, the better life gets, so I don't plan on quiting antime soon. There are so so so many people I want to see before I leave to tell them how much they mean to me. Chances are, if you're reading this, know that you're probably one of those people. I can't thank everybody, but I need ot highlight a few individuals who I care about immensly and I know they will be in my life for years to come.

Last night one of my best friends Matt Bradley threw me a surprise going away party with all my fantastic friends. I had no idea whatsoever and i was so surprised! It was the nicest thing anybody has ever done for me and I will never forget it. Thank you for coming if you were there and I can not wait until our paths cross again.

So here goes:

(If you haven’t figured it out by now, I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve)

Mom, Dad, & Shelby: I owe you my whole world and more. I would be nowhere without you and I am eternally grateful for all that you have done for me. Thank you for your constant support through thick and thin. Here’s to cross country road trips, the dogs we love, always being there, making me walk at graduation, Scappoose, walks on the dike, and so much more. The love of family is unbreakable. Mom, Dad, and Shelby, I love You.

Matt Bradley & company: You genuinely got me through one of the toughest sections of my life. Without the support of you and your amazing friends and roommates, I seriously don’t know where I’d be. You listen when I need to be heard, offer advice when I’m being an idiot, and was literally always there for me. I will miss you more than I can quantify verbally. I Love you with all my heart and refuse to let you become a memory. You showed me the true value of friendship and helped me realize exactly what kind of life I deserve. Here’s to running, MGMT dance parties, walking to the liquor store, making a difference, talking to your cat, relationship advice, caring about politics, worrying too much for our own good, man hugs, family dinners, sports shorts, and so much more. I will never forget what you have done for me. Friends for life. Word. I love you.

Jake: Where the EFFFF do I start?! To put it simply: Sometimes I seriously can’t stand you but I don’t know what I’d do without you. I love you like a brother. We have always had our differences, even from the beginning. Fighting with you has been some of the most fun/interesting conversations I’ve ever had. You keep it real and never let me compromise on my beliefs. You challenged me and that’s what I needed. I love the intensity of your personality and would not want you any other way as long as you’re happy. I love our shared interest in ridiculousness including but not limited to: Beereal, Aquaware, honor student, having two cars, pretending we’re dinosaurs, making up untrue personalities on the phone, LAUGHING, being unnecessarily loud in public, getting drunk, shaving our heads for cancer patients, serious conversations, the tattoo you drew for me, not being hungry, then seeing you eat then making you cook for me, photography projects, and so much more that I’m forgetting. Here’s to the past four years and here’s to many more to come. You'll always be my one and only flower. I love you Jake.

Katie K.: Serious FP’s for life girl. I cannot imagine any other person in the world that I would rather spend a billion hours with in my car driving across the country. I promise to roll the windows down when I fart, and not judge you for the way you sneeze. I can’t wait to see what you do with your life. You are so genuine and kind-hearted. You’re the only person that I can look at and say “I hate you so much sometimes” and know that you know what that actually means. Haha enough said floor pear. You seriously need to relax sometimes. Get ready for the best summer of your life. I love you Katie.

Katy R: Your positive attitude and outlook on life inspire me to do more things, be happier and life life fuller. What I admire most about you is your smile, kind heart, your faith, an so much more. I am so lucky to have been given the opportunity to spend so much time with you. You don't judge anyone. Thanks for that time at my beach house when you took care of me (you know exactly what I'm talking about). I can't wait to get in the car and just talk and talk and talk. I told Katie K last night that I would not want to be with anyone else on such a long tri and that goes the same for you. Please watch tis video: now that's cool.
Anyways I'll see you tomorrow at graduation. Here's to love, butt smacks, the beach, being ridiculous, random serious conversations about God and people, WILSON, and so much more. I love you Katy.

Holly Gordon: Can I haz? Jeepers I’m going to miss this girl. You have no idea how incredibly proud I am of you and all that you have accomplished. I would like to take the credit but I won’t because if you never met me, you still would have done amazing things with your life. I just know it. Here’s to fitting in small spaces, laughing at pictures of cats, dressing up in weird clothes and making a difference in the lives of others. I can’t wait to see what you do with AZA and the rest of your life. Keep dancing. I love you Holly

Estefi: Where the heck did you even come from?! Seriously princesa I had no idea what I did to deserve such a special person in my life. The short time we spent together was the unexpected gift of my senior year. I know we’ll meet again someday and I know it will be just as much fun and carefree as it was when you were here. Maybe in Oregon, maybe in Ecuador? Here’s to ladybugs, dragonflies, the color green, coffee, making you sandwiches, Spanish lesson, La Conga, Human factors, being burn victims, that night, and so much more. Love You Lots princesa. (That boy from your psychology class)

Nate Shattuck: Thanks for being in my life ever since the day you were jealous of my dinosaur sweatshirt in kindergarten. I love talking with you about music, life, poop, relationships, traveling, and so much more. Here’s to getting wasted at the beach, Eiffel-towering Ashley, tequila shots, riding bikes at 5am on the beach, blaming you for that time I threw up everywhere, sitting on my roof, eating in my kitchen, night walks, inside jokes, making fun of each other, road trips, and dog parks. All I can say is that you better get your ass out to New York because my car is in desperate need for a co-pilot and that seat is reserved for you and you alone. Make it happen Sexy. I love you Nate

ppppshhhh

Ben Powers: Most of our relationship goes without saying. I know we have each other’s backs forever and that will not change until the day we die. We have been through so much together and I am grateful to have you in my life. Here’s to camping, that blanket you always use, night walks, finding weird food to cook at my house, Sasquatch Music Festival 2008 & 2009, hot dogs, cheap alcohol, Arcata, Portland (and everything in between). I love you Ben.

Sam Baldwin: This video absolutely says it all: cool dance moves
Ironically enough, I write this to you on my last day of college when we met on your first day of college. Full Circle. I want you to know how much I admire your positive attitude towards life, your vegetarianism, and overall free spirit. You take crap from no one but do it with a smile. I solemnly swear that you, Athena, and I will go to the country fair before our lives end. It’s a promise. Here’s to Bloss, Unicorn door signs, your family, fish, flats, wine (rhyne), bike rides, hiking that mountain, climbing that tree, dogs, and summer. See you soon friend. I love you Sam

Joce Hepner: You’re really weird and I like that a lot. (here's an example) Your smile lights up a room and you make people’s lives better just by being yourself. We seem to be always fluctuating with whose life has the drama in it. You put up with my drama for more than one year and I’m very happy to say that it is over, in part, because of you. I genuinely appreciate all the times I’ve called you, said the same shit you’ve already heard, and listened anyways. I’m always here if you need anything. The strength of friendship blows all other BS out of the water and I’m grateful to call you friend. Here’s to birds, future tattoos, Cosmo, plants, coffee, art, being weird, and advice. I love you Joce

i realized there are no pictures of us together in college....WTF?!

Objects: Thanks also to these things: music, photography, Dixon Lodge, Outside, my blue bicycle, The Barometer, The MU, that tree I climb all the time, Newport, downtown, Falkor the Noble Wagon Beast (my car), tequila, Portland, Kelley Engineering Building, Psychology, weather, and simple living.

Future:
Ok that’s about it for me! In case you were wondering here is my future plans as follows. I am graduating on June 13, then getting in my car and driving across the country with some super cool people. I’ll drop them off in New York, finish the journey to Pennsylvania and work at Camp again in the Pocono Mountains as a division leader of middle boys at my beloved summer camp.
After camp I will begin the journey home but spend the month of august traveling back through the south and seeing places I’ve never seen. Some goals are this: Get Nate form NY and have a co-pilot, surf again in Virginia, eat some grits in North Carolina, see Spanish Moss in Alabama, Eat shrimp in Louisiana, buy a gun in Texas (jk) see the grand canyon at sunrise in Arizona, get celebrity status in Hollywood and so much more!

After the summer is over, I’ll be starting grad school at SOU in Ashland in the Master’s in Health Counseling Program, where I will eventually end up as a guidance counselor for youth. I’d also like to work in a homeless shelter and expand the photography business! I guess you could say that it’s all happening (Life that is).

You better believe that I’ll be updating this blog with random stories and photos. See the links below for more information. I’ll also begin a sort of “video blog” (see YouTube channel link) where my friends Katie, Katie, and I will fill you in on our crazy shenanigans on our cross-country journey! That’s it people sorry this is so long but I enjoyed writing it so I hope you enjoyed reading it!

Smile Alot Today, For You Are Alive.

All My Love,
Luke

Photo: http://lukewenkerphotography.com/
Stories: http://lukeswillowtree.blogspot.com/ (you are here)
Video Blog: http://www.youtube.com/user/lukewenker
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fromthewillowtree/

2009-04-20T21:44:00.001-07:00

Hey it's Luke here!

I just wanted to say that I've been taking my own personal photography more seriously lately (not for work) and should have a website up by the end of the week (fingers crossed) when that happens, you will be the first to know.

I didn't tag all that many people in this because it takes too long and I have homework. If you are reading this and are not tagged, please don't be sad, just be happy that it is spring and that you are alive!

You are all invited to please take a look at my newly developed flickr website that has been under some intense organization by myself. This is a bare bones look at what you might be able to expect form my website soon, but edited way cooler and look very professional. I have been meaning to batch the majority of my photos photos into the following categories:

Humans: Portraits that I have taken of people. Some are candid, some are staged. Just people I know and love. (or don't know very well at all!)

Creatures: Any organism that is not human that I think is neat looking. Pretty self explanatory.

Music: Live concerts and shows. (Including EVE6, Flaming Lips, Mates of State, KayKay & his weathered underground, and the Kooks) More to come very soon! Another very exciting pice of news is that I emailed the lead singer of one of my favorite bands Cloud Cult, and we chatted online about me taking pictures at their concert in Portand this May! I am so excited to do thi and to meet one of the greatest bands of all time. Here's theri music: http://www.myspace.com/cloudcult

Outside: neat stuff outside including photos from Antarctica, California, Pennsylvania, all over Oregon, and the United States

and............? (more surprises in store my friends!)

If you'd like to see or read more, please check out my flickr page!

Luke's Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fromthewillowtree/

I hope to see you all soon and please go out, be safe, have fun and do something great!

Endless Love,
Luke

some recent shots:
lateral statues

horse barn

PS please listen to my high school friend's band, "The Makeouts!" They just made their first album and I am so proud of them! check them out here: http://www.myspace.com/themakeoutsrock

the makeouts

2009-04-13T23:13:00.000-07:00

check out my friend's sweet band: The Makeouts!

good news....

2009-04-12T14:54:00.000-07:00

here it is:
I have literally printed this and hung it on my wall. After 19 credits and a couple more months, I'll be a college graduate. sweet victory is almost mine.

2009-04-01T21:56:00.001-07:00

Hi My name is Luke and for the next ten weeks I will have no social life. I just accepted a position for a counseling program at Southern Oregon University for the Fall! Right now all I have to do to achieve this lofty goal is graduate on time. Only problem is that I'm 19 credits shy to do so. So from now on, school will be my life. Who knows, maybe I'll get some friend time in there or something, but if I'm gonna pass, all energy needs to be school focused.

In other news, I just had the greatest spring break of all time with by best friends in the world. I love them alot.

the greatest

Brothers

This is love

Stayed with Rocket in Canada!

In other news, my photography website will hopefully be up and running pretty soon. yay! The I'll make millions of dollars taking pictures for people. ok not really but I'll be happy to be a starving photographer working my way through grad school I guess.

Endless Love,
Luke

big things are happening

2009-03-09T00:11:00.000-07:00

Haven't written in a long time. I have been doing a lot of Photography work for different parts of OSU/Corvallis. It seems to be so long since Antarctica. For whatever reason, if you click on these words, it will take you to my final achievement form my trip. Enjoy1

PS Photo website coming soon! be excited.

Love,
Luke

best Christmas Ever

2009-01-11T22:57:00.000-08:00

As We descended the gangway into the zodiacs, everybody was so excited. Our whole group was laughing, joking, and generally just being "Those crazy college kids" The excitement was heightened by being in the most beautiful place in the world. Once we all laid eyes upon the icebergs though, we just stopped talking. There are no words whatsoever to describe the beauty and power of nature we've experienced. here is what we saw...

"The Ice Ship"

This is my favorite iceberg photo. It shall soon be a poster on my wall.

"Heart of Ice"

I literally, could not have been happier this day. I was exactly where I wanted to be and with who I wanted to be with. This iexperience raised many questions about the future and where I was going. It made me absolutely positive that I want to be a proffessional photographer and a counselor at the same time. I think the best thing about icebergs is that most of them are underwater. This can be an ultar hipster metaphore for life. The best is not yet revealed to us yet. These photos represent my undying excitement for life and the future of my friends, family, and self. Life is wonderful and nature is powerful and everywhere. I urge all who read these words to not waste one moment doing something you don't want to do. Go live a hard life full of love and curiosity.

As you can guess, I took WAY too many photos of penguins or "Penguinos" as I liked to call them. This penguin photo will always be my favorite. It is exactly as I saw the penguines. Silly, curious, and happy. The penguins live a happy life doing what they wayt to do.

After our amazing, life-changing, zodiac ride, we came back to the ship and there was a huge party waiting for us! This is all still on Christmas Eve by the way. Santa came all the way from the North Pole to wish us a Merry Christmas. It was great.

This is our Antarctica group.

The sun started to go down and eveybody proceeded to go into the ship to the bar and start the celebration. There was drinks, dancing, and lots and lots of fun. The sunset was the most spectacular thing I'd ever seen so We kept running back outside for photos. All in all it was a great party/evening. The sun only dort of went down, then it came right back up to greet the Christmas day In Antarctica. The final day we were in Antarctica we went to Deception Island, whic is an active volcanoe. This is also the place we chose to go swimming in the zero degree celcius water......it was very very cold.

I was so cold that I thought I was naked becuase I couldnt feel my bathing suit against my skin.

documentation

2009-01-07T22:56:00.000-08:00

It's a little bit difficult to write or talk, for that matter, about Antarctica. I want to share my experience with my friends and family, but to fully do the story justice I need at least 30-50 minutes minimum to sit down and talk all about it. I have begun this post with every intention of sharing my Antarctica adventure story. Please keep in mind though, that it is a hard story to tell, because of the magnitude of the trip and its implications it had on my life. here goes...

I'd first like to say that all of my Antarctica photo are available on my flickr website which can be found here at this address: http://flickr.com/photos/fromthewillowtree
This page will be added to in the coming days with more an more photos organized into sets on the side of the page. My trip started in Miami, FL where I stayed with a lovely girl who is dating one of my best friends whom Im met both at Camp Lindenmere two summers ago. Erica and her mom showed me a great time in Miami and let me be a tourist on the beach. The next day, I went to the airport and met up with all my travel buddies. We hit it off right away and became great friends. The next day and a half consisted of our group flying 8 or 9 hours to Buenos Aires, Argentina, then another plane to Ushuaia, which is the southernmost city in the world hanging on the edge of South America.

Sasha, Teal & Me in the Tierra del Fuego national park

the water was very blue.

The departure form Ushuaia occured on deember 19th in the afternoon. We were all so excited to get out at sea! while were were on our ship, The Orlova many of us go seasick from the turmoltuous seas. Luckily, the ship's doctor providded us with seasickness medicine that the astronauts use in space. They made you feel very tired and drugged-up.

The departure

affects of drugs

On December 21st, we made our first zodiac landing and that was quite the experience. We walked down the gangway from the ship into the 10 person ruber zodiac. we went to shore and saw penguins, seals, and sea lions. we had to come back a bit early because the wind picked up and made the sea look liek this:

we were all so excited to be in Antarctica, that it was difficult to sleep for fear that were were missing something amazing. We all sort of became vampires in a way becuase of how little sleep we got. some more than others....

"the anguish of teal" or "The beautiful and the damned"

photo taken at 2:15 am Antarctcia time. needness to say, we were freaking out.

the next morning there were whales everywhere.

This is our group. I have gotten many questions about what I actually did in Antarctcia. Besides the amazing adventures to the sore to see the sights, my classmates and I all took an online class together over fall term. During this time, we had a midterm and a final. We all worked on presentations and research projects which we presented on the ship in the forward lounge. The projects had to do with our major. I gave my presentaion on the mental affects on a persons well-being while working at research stations in Antarctcia. More specifically, I focuses on cabin fever, seasonal affective disorder, and snow blindness. My classmates did a variety of topics ranging from history, biology, to politics. We are all basically Antarctic experts! We were also expected to complete Modules, or writing assignments in groups and individually. I did my mudule on ecotourism and a group project about invasive species in Antarctica where we interviewed crew and passengers about their knowledge about incvasive species proliferation and how much education had been given on the matter.

Now that the boring part is over, I can get back to the photos. Fron here on out, I will post my favorite photo from each day. Don't forget that all my Antarctica photos are available here: http://flickr.com/photos/fromthewillowtree

This was taken after leaving Devil island which had 100,000 breeding pars of penguins

I asked our expedition leader why there was a black line in that iceberg. he replied that ice acts much like rings in a tree, in that they preserve events like a time line. This piece of ice used to be a glacier that was near a volcano that blew its top. The black mark refers to the volcanic explosion where the area was covered in ash. neat huh?

View from the top!

The next day was Paulet island. That place had so many penguins that it actualy made me uncomfortable. I was all to reminded of Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" way way too many penguins. Instead I shall share this photo of our captain planning the route through the islands.

I plan on writing extensively about icebergs later when I share the better photos, but for now All I must say is that ice, icebergs, and glaciers, are a photographers dream. The way tehy move and sound int he water is breathtaking and I could not help but to take literally hundreds of iceberg photos. They helped me practice composition. (The palce of objects in photos and their relation to the horizon or other objects) It was fantastic.

All this has been great, but I will do a seperate post for Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Those two days were literally the best days of my life and it needs its own story told by itself.

Endless Love,
Luke

You have no idea

2008-12-19T08:31:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and Family,

There are absolutely no words to describe this insane adventure I've been on. It has been the best days of my life and I am so happy here. Argentina is a beautiful country and I am so so so happy here. I am leaving for Antarctica in a matter of hours and just wanted to say hello. I know the best has yet to come. I would love to write more about my experience but for now I know you all understand that I am on my own path and should DEFINITELY not be on the internet while in the most beautiful place in the world.

I've never been much for words, so I'll let my photos do the talking.

Endless Love,
Luke

Rainbow Church

This is hands down, the most phenomenal sunset I've ever seen. This photo was taken around 11:30 at night. It does not get dark until past midnight and the sun rises at 4am. While I'm on the ship, we will experience the longest day of the year with almost no nighttime. All I can say is that it was magic.

He smiled as he passed by

entering Ushuaia from the plane from Buenos Aires

A beautiful tree outside the local BA airport

A silly pelican in Miami, FL

We were told not to touch the stray dogs because they are begging for food. I absolutely can't help but to fall in love with every dog here. They are all nice and looking for some love (and food) All I did was sit on the curb and eventually dogs come looking for attention. You can not walk down the street without seeing a pack of stray dogs. Oddly enough, it's been one of my favorite parts about Ushuaia, Argentina.

My friend Sasha and I climbed the hill behind the town. We cut through some fences and probably weren't supposed. This to me shows that life is about taking chances and hoping for the best. I am so happy to be here and I hope everyone at home is having adventures of their own. I will write profusely about my trip when I return but for now...

I'm off to the icy waters of Antarctica

PS dear people in Portland: save some snow for me!

Day 2: 12/15

2008-12-16T15:43:00.000-08:00

If you count the number of times a cricket chirps in 15 seconds, then add 37, you get a rough estimate of the temperature in Fahrenheit. I did that in Miami. I looked that up while listening to a cricket in Erica’s living room.
Woke up at around 10:30 at Erica’s house Miami time. We went to meet her friend Katie after getting some sweet subway sandwiches. After we did that, we drove to the beach and spent a few ours sunbathing in the 81 degree weather. I took some photos and swam in the ocean a bunch. I walked down the pier and saw some huge pelicans. After we left the beach, we went home and I re-packed. Diane and Erica took me to Miami Beach proper where all the movie stars live. It was very posh and fancy. Then I went to the airport and met up with the group from OSU and waited for the plane. I befriended a nice German man who helped me charge my iPod. We talked about traveling, good books, and global climate change. He suggested I read “Seven years in Tibet” and “The pillars of earth.” I think I’ll take him up on his suggestion.

Day 1: Miami, FL! (12/14)

2008-12-14T22:15:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning at 8am in my bed in Scappoose to my mom yelling at me to get up. Shortly thereafter, I got in the Tahoe with my dad and we began to drive to the airport. The temperature outside dropped to 16 degrees Fahrenheit and it started snowing! Needless to say we were a little worried about the weather. I got to the airport ok thanks to my dad and boarded my plane. Went to Seattle, and had to run to catch my connecting flight to Miami. I am currently in Miami at my Boyfriend's Girlfriend's house. Let me explain: One of my best friends from camp Lindenmere is named Craig Lebovic. his girlfriend lives in Miami and said I could stay with her. Craig was jealous of Erica because she was hanging out with me. ha ha we definitely have a "bromance" as I have been told. So Erica and her mom Diane picked me up from the airport and we began talking about camp and the drama that went with it. (oh the memories) It is so nice to be here in the warm climate. I am told that this is cold for Florida even though it is in the high 70's. Just a big change from this morning's blizzard! I'm barefoot, wearing shorts and a t-shirt and loving the warm rain outside.

Tomorrow I am seeing the sights of Florida with Erica and then in the evening, departing for Buenos Aires, Argentina, then to Ushuaia, then finally Antarctica! Let the adventure of a lifetime begin. I don't know the next time I'll update (because internet is scarce in Antarctica). I will write everyday though and post it later (including pictures) Have a Merry Christmas to all my friends and family!

All My Love,
Luke

The Adventure begins!

2008-12-13T20:38:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow morning I leave Portland airport at 11:30. From there it's a short flight to Seattle. From Seattle, I got ot Miami, Florida and I'm staying the night with a friend! I'll get to see the beach. The next day (Monday) I leave from Florida around 3 and go all the way to Buesno Aires, Argentina. I get on a bus to another airport to board my final flight to Ushuaia. Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world and at the Southern tip of South America. I'll be in Ushuaia for about three days seeing the sights, then I got onto a boat, to take my to the Antarctica Penninsula, crossing the Drake Passage, which has been called the most trecherous sea in the world. (Barf city here I come).

I wil write somethng everyday, but will not be able to post it because internet access is limited. Wish me luck and I hope eveybody has a merry Christmas!

Love,
Luke

Finals Week

2008-12-07T16:33:00.001-08:00

Luke and Katie hate studying

I'm leaving for Antarctica in one week!

Antarctica

2008-12-03T00:41:00.000-08:00

I leave for Antarctica in 11 days. Before that deadline comes rushing at me, have to write a research project and prepare a presentation on the Wandering Albatross and it's migration techniques, study for three finals, and write a 7-10 page paper about films I've watched all term about Indigenous People in the media. I am overwhelmed, excited, nervous, but most of all excited.
Anna got me a great book a bout photography in Antarctica and I'll put some pictures in here. I hope more than anything that I can come home with anything half as good as these images. I will not have internet in Antarctica, but I will in Argentina. I'll be sure to write an update before and after I make the woyage across the Drake passage to the largest continent on earth, the highest, dryest desert on the planet. A plce that holds most of the world's fresh water trapped in glaciers. A place with no indigenous people and the visiters are devoted to peaceful scientific study determening the affects of global climate change on our planet. I have never been more ready for this adventure.

All My Love,
Luke

Photos by Sebastian Copeland

2008-11-05T21:52:00.000-08:00

story for you: One of my dearest friends Karen, is in Thailand right now teaching English in a school. She was able to vote, even so far away. When Obama said "To our fellow countries in palaces and castles...blah blah something something...and to those of you huddled around radios in the forgotten shadows of the world"..I lost it. I thought of my friend Karen so far away from home but still following the election. Last night I felt like not only was a whole country celebrating one huge achievement, but the whole world as well. I have many friends in England who stayed up all night to hear the results at 4 or 5 am their time, They are just as excited as we are because our countries actions affects the rest of the world. Karen said that people in Thailand came up to her on the street, recognized she was an American, and cheered and praised her for Obama's big win. The world celebrates.

Today is indeed a good day.

Love,
Luke

Election '08

2008-11-04T00:29:00.000-08:00

I'd like to take a moment to thank my friend Jake for helping me make these two awesome images. It's clear who we voted for and its also clear this country needs Obama to be president.

It's the final countdown.....

Also, watch a silly election video here:

Click me

*watch for a Luke character. Jake made that too.

All My Love,

Luke

PS today I decided I'm going to go to graduate school for a Masters in Counseling. hooray!

Toby the Tripod

2008-10-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

I just wanted to share a funny story about my mom's dog Toby. For the last several months, my mom has been taking in stray dogs and fostering them so that they can eventually be placed in permanent homes. Anyways, we had a daog with a deformed leg from birth and he had to have his leg amputated. I know this is really sad, but he is happier without the leg because he feels less pain throughout the day. My mom took pictures of toby before his legg was cut off. After his leg had been removed, m mother then called me up and the conversation went something like this..

"Hey Luke can you do me a favor?"

"yeah sure mom what is it?"

I took pictures of Toby before his leg was removed and I need to you photoshop his leg out of the picture so we can put them online."

"Mom why don't you just take new pictures?"

"I know that makes sense, but they had to shave alot of his fur off before the surgery so the pictures would be Toby with a hairless stump and I want him to look pretty."

"Sure mom"

Very bittersweet story if I do say so myself. Anyways, I've posted the pictures for your entertainment.

poor Toby

First post

2008-10-11T00:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

As I sit in a large leather chair in the Dixon entryway, I realize what a reflective day it has been. Thats right friends, I've finally taken the plunge and become what I've made fun of for years....a blogger. This new hobby came from a few different places. First, I've decided I want to work on my English/Writing skills and this seems like an appropriate way to do so. Reason number two purpose of this blog will be to chronicle my trip (through words and photos) to Antarctica coming up in the Winter. This came about because on of my dearest friends, Karen, is currently teaching English in Thailand and she made a cool blog so her friends back home can see what's going on in her life. (click on her name to see it) The third and final re

ason I am starting this is because I want a place to display my absolute, "best-of-the-best" photography. This came from discovering my new favorite artist, Rosie Hardy and her blog can be seen by clicking her name. Rosie and her lover, Aaron fell in love through photography and their story is inspiring and gives true love a new name.

Anyways, I'll probably upload a new post every week or so with new photography and of course, interesting stories about what's happening in my life. If you don't care, then don't waste your time, but if you're interested, I'd love to be writing for other people, not just myself.

This first photo is from the Eve 6 show last weekend in Corvallis. I chose it because it was a great experience to get to be basically on stage taking pictures for great musicians and my school newspaper, The Barometer. After the show I contacted some of the other bands and actually sold some of my photos to a band from New York called Cloud 9. Their music is really catchy and I really liked their energy and excitement. below is the best picture from that shoot:

As I said before, this blog serves the purpose to help me develop skills in writing and photography. I promise it will be very exciting once I go to Antarctica on December 14th. I don't know if I will have internet access on the research vessel I will be on for two weeks as I cruise around the Antarctic Peninsula, but I'll find out. That is happening in exactly 64 days. Kind of a ways away, I know, but if you're interested in what I have to say, bookmark my page and stop by whenever you want! I'll be also trying to post the current music I've been listening to and links to some good jams. Until next time, be well, live well, be kind.

All My Love,

Luke

"Aggressively, we all defend the role we play."

-The first line from the last song on the Killers second album