Tag: west

April 25, 2018 – Sierra Foothills, California

“Play Joao Gilberto,” April requests from the backseat. I type the artist’s name into the 17” onboard touchscreen, which contains the media, communication, cabin, and vehicle controls. Brazilian Bossa Nova music starts playing. I continue exploring the controls, …

April 22, 2018 – Sierra Foothills, California

And like that, I’m starting year four. [After an epic road trip from Iowa to California.] This place is beautiful. My host (Meibao) lives in paradise – surrounded by a pond, various mountains and forests, numerous pastures, and …

May 30, 2017 – Trout Lake, Washington

Clink. Clink, clink. I cheers Karen and Stuart as we sit out on their deck for “happy hour.” My first and last with them. Their generosity and kindness will be remembered, as over the last month and a …

May 28, 2017 – Trout Lake, Washington

My God, this feels incredible. I inhale deeply. With my eyes closed, I listen to the frogs croaking in the nearby pond. Slow exhale. I feel my body cooling from the water in the cold tub. Inhale. I …

May 18, 2017 – Trout Lake, Washington

“That’s a great question…” …I say to Will. But I don’t exactly know how to answer. He is inquiring about how I personally maintain lasting friendships while living this lifestyle. Easier said than done. Weeks ago, he had …

May 7, 2017 – Trout Lake, Washington

Breathe in. One… breathe out. Two… …I should have at least participated at the knap-in with the crew. Do I subconsciously use filming as an excuse not to try new things? Back to one. Breathe in. Two… breathe …

May 1, 2017 – Trout Lake, Washington

“Open the gates! Open the gates! Open the gates!” …Everyone chants as Kirk (the Druid ceremony leader) paces quickly around the altar, slamming his staff down into the stone circle as he goes. Will and I are sitting …

April 26, 2017 – Trout Lake, Washington

Over two years in, but here’s another first. I’m sitting at Jack’s neighbor’s house (Karen and Stuart) eating dinner with them and three travelers who arrived earlier today – Will from England, and Leah and Alex from Minnesota. …

April 25, 2017 – Trout Lake, Washington

I have better things to do with my time. I barely even know these people. Kya is only seventeen. Are these legitimate reasons to avoid participating in a sauna with Jack and his family and friends, or just …

April 24, 2017 – Trout Lake, Washington

It’s times like these. Times like these when I question the extent of my own control over my path. A couple weeks before I left Big Sky, I took a hard fall onto my left shoulder while snowboarding. …