11:20p (CT)
Underwood, IA
8-9-2008
I will rest my head tonight under the neon glow of the Underwood Motel, a less-than-par attempt at a hospitable stay. I'm content with just about wherever I sleep but the smell of stale cigarettes is enough to make my dad less than happy. So far it has been a good trip. We left Trempealeau around 3:30p and put seven hours behind us before retiring here. The GPS in the Element says we have twenty-seven more hours until we reach Kathy's house in Novato, CA. After we got to the UM, my dad and I went for a walk to stretch our legs. Dad left me on a corner next to a rusty lawn-mower and boarded up building where I smoked two cigs while talking to Jenn on the phone. I've noticed that, until now, I've always returned from a big trip. This one is different. I'm going, yes, but that's it. There is no coming back, at least not right away. I miss my friends already but I know they are well and stoned and enjoying the last few weeks of summer. I felt awkward being the first to go but thankful I wasn't the last to leave out of my circle of friends. Their voices and Facebook pictures will be the closest we'll come to being with each other for probably a long time but I'm ok with that. I know it is my time to go and to be on my own and explore my world and my Self.
I didn't write 8-10-2008.
9:30p (PT)
Sparks, NV
8-11-2008
We drove 13.5 hours today from Rawlins, WY. The drive was long; Dad did most. Wyoming country is gorgeous. Coming down from the mountains in Salt Lake City, UT was exhilarating, going 75mph racing semis just want to drop their load. We stopped for lunch at the Flying J, a chain truck stop with a diner and lounge. As we crossed the salt flats, a tw0-hour stretch of nothing, with nothing on either side, I pulled out my stuff. I didn't ask my old man; I just did it. His reaction was a rational "No" but he said he might later. This sparked a thirty-minute conversation about pot and the Day. We pressed on, both sober and straight, for another six hours. We have about four more hours until Kathy's house, where we will empty the car to make room for Lauren when she arrives in Oakland tomorrow night. As for now, I will lay my head to rest on another motel pillow in the heart of Sparks, NV.
10:40p
Kathy's; Novato, CA
8-12-2008
We arrived today around 12:30p after a hearty breakfast in Truckee, CA. Dad showed me the Bar of America where he threw back a few in the Day. We pressed on to Arco where we stopped for a map at the California Welcome Center. The lady was very warm and helpful. I felt welcomed! I live here now and I've never felt more terrified in my life. I am fortunate to have Lauren and Soren with through this transition. I don't think I could do this on my own despite many daydreams of leaving home unannounced with nothing more than a guitar and backpack. My friends have told me that the first months are the hardest. I am anxious for the day when my feet are settled and I know the geographical differences between the cities and streets of the Bay. That'll be a good day. We spent the afternoon at Kathy and Dominique's house in Novato. Dominique is growing pot legally under Prop. 215. One stands about four feet tall and five months of growth. He moves them into direct sunlight at various points in the day. I was amused. He hopes to yeild a year's worth to divert the costs of purchasing. I smoked the spliff I rolled last Friday night en route to the Frosty Mug in Holmen, WI with Melinda and Mark. I told myself I would save it until I go to CA at the perfect time. And it was good. We pickeed up Lauren at the Oakland Airport after having an excellent Southern French meal prepared by Dominique. Her flight was late and we were early. We parked the car six dollars and waited for her outside the terminal. Multiple languages were spoken in passing and Dad said he saw Joan Baez walk out. We drove back to Novato via the Richmond Bridge (the northernmost connection over the bay) and almost ran a red light after missing a turn. Glad to be going to bed tonight. And that's what I'll do. 10:30p feels like 12:30p still; time zone changes can have adverse effects depending on where you go.
