Day Twenty Four, Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Mullholland baby!

I gotta admit, it’s pretty hard to be inspired to write on my travel journal from the comfort of my apartment in Los Angeles! I’m writing this post a couple days late and will do my best to recall my journey from Santa Barbara to LA.

Before I left the dumpy residential community of Isla Vista where I spent four years of my college life, I got a burrito from free birds.

The prices have gone up like a buck fifty since I graduated a year and a half ago. Thanks Obama.

I was delighted to find that my good friend from school, Dillon, was free to ride today. This cool dude was the guy who actually taught me how to ride a motorcycle. In the parking lot of his apartment complex I putted around on his honda shadow 750. Never even crashed it! From that moment on I was hooked on motorcycling.  Let’s see if I can find a video from my very first ride….

https://goo.gl/photos/DmFRMSgU7z9UcNev7

Couldn’t find the shifter ha! Good memories…

Anyhow after burrito times him and I set off heading south. Before we left town we made sure to get a photo with the front gate of our Alma mater.

We rode down the one all the way to Malibu. We then caught Latigo Canyon Road and cruised up to mullholland drive, more specifically the section of mullholland called the snake. I’ve ridden this road a handful of times and was thrilled to share it with a buddy.

Out of the frame of the photo is a very famous, very cambered, and very tight turn. There are many videos of dudes on very shiny sport bikes crashing out here after leaning just a little bit too far.

There was another rider on this section of road who was going back and forth carving it up. He may have gone both directions 10 times since we got there.
These are the only two photos we got that kinda show the turn. On the side going downhill there is a frowny face, and a happy face on the uphill side. Uphill turns are more enjoyable than downhill. Far easier to get yourself in a bad position hitting hard downhill turns.

Eventually we rode through the snake ourselves and we didn’t even crash! Dillon and I parted ways at the 101 in Calabasas. It was great being able to finally share a portion of my PNW motorcycle tour!

I then was trapped on the 101 in rush hour traffic. I was happy to be able to lane split, California is the only state where it is legal. I’ll admit I was splitting a bit too quick, but I was beyond excited to get back to Leslie’s apartment on 3rd Street!

I made it back, in one piece, to the apartment. 24 days on the road, thousands of miles, and I only crashed my bike a few times!

I haven’t calculated how many miles I’ve done yet, but I’ll be sure to do that tomorrow. I’ll also do a writeup concerning my gear and how well it held up after being abused so heavily. My trip technically isn’t quite done yet, as I haven’t exactly returned to where I started. I will be heading back to brea in a few days… Though I’ll admit I am more than  happy to just be sitting here for a bit!

Also I need time to spend time with zoe. Seriously look at her! How can you not wanna be here!

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Goleta,+CA/34.1013853,-119.0805692/34.0302125,-118.7547559/34.0896576,-118.815524/34.104157,-118.7114972/34.148919,-118.6982793/Beverly+Hills/@34.2291691,-119.6354441,9z/am=t/data=!3m1!4b1!4m29!4m28!1m5!1m1!1s0x80e94079098948e3:0x93ca44c500884d58!2m2!1d-119.8276389!2d34.4358294!1m0!1m5!3m4!1m2!1d-118.7791304!2d34.0612963!3s0x80e8220f3ef4c03d:0x3b8076086e83e7da!1m0!1m0!1m5!3m4!1m2!1d-118.3289725!2d34.1071101!3s0x80c2bf3de103bebd:0xa4b0c2c428a366ff!1m5!1m1!1s0x80c2bc04d6d147ab:0xd6c7c379fd081ed1!2m2!1d-118.4003563!2d34.0736204!3e0

Day Twenty Three, San Francisco to Santa Barbara

Home stretch yall!

I awoke from my sister’s very comfortable couch in Berkeley and hit the road heading south. I was really looking forward to this stretch of road. The one is so gorgeous the entire length of California, but the one south of San Francisco is special.

I’d never done the road on a bike and it was rad. My new tire I got yesterday is much more on-road oriented so I had no trouble carving up the Cliffside. It was awesome having a good tire that I didn’t have to think about. My bike is still eating oil, which is exciting. Just hope my bike can last the remaining hundred miles or so to LA.

I did a wheelie on the Bixby Canyon Bridge! The bridge is one of my favorite sights in California. I got chills the moment I saw it.

As per a friend’s recommendation I swung by the cafe nepenthe. It was a real cool cafe designed by one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s disciples apparently. The whole place really glorified the natural beauty of the area!

I then drove by what looked like hundreds of dead seals. Upon further inspection I realized they were just lounging.  They really do look dead though.

I then drove through Lompoc and found the exact spot where my sabre was totalled. I made a left hand turn just like the guy and I didn’t even hit a motorcyclist! I guess I can’t complain too much, that accident paid for this little adventure.

Finally I arrived in santa barbara. I went to one of my favorite bars, the Mercury Lounge, and met up with some of my favorite pals. They welcomed me with open arms. It felt great to be back in the company of friends.

I’ll be motoring into LA today, and my journey will be concluded. Not a whole lot of miles separate me from Los Angeles… Today will be an easy riding day. Here we go!

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Berkeley,+CA/Prunedale/Pismo+Beach/Goleta,+CA/@36.1346965,-123.3614814,7z/am=t/data=!3m1!4b1!4m51!4m50!1m15!1m1!1s0x808579363a8549d3:0x94ea1595a675e993!2m2!1d-122.272747!2d37.8715926!3m4!1m2!1d-122.406222!2d37.7622956!3s0x808f7e33e8ccd043:0x9dcec043b5236f14!3m4!1m2!1d-122.219138!2d37.4909709!3s0x808fa2ff886ae397:0x458dd9295e40dd6!1m10!1m1!1s0x808e005d96106001:0x79d40399ef04dc14!2m2!1d-121.6696689!2d36.7757907!3m4!1m2!1d-121.4841205!2d35.9650527!3s0x80929985ef95b45f:0x695e8032d1fe58e1!1m15!1m1!1s0x80ec587dc3f7d8cf:0xb9cb5298f0426fa5!2m2!1d-120.6412827!2d35.1427533!3m4!1m2!1d-120.5656525!2d34.9275966!3s0x80ec41a50095454b:0x79720f343e93142d!3m4!1m2!1d-120.4392039!2d34.6379875!3s0x80ec1e8323eeb47b:0xe30e33bfad49dde4!1m5!1m1!1s0x80e94079098948e3:0x93ca44c500884d58!2m2!1d-119.8276389!2d34.4358294!3e0

Day Twenty Two, Helena to San Francisco

“Blue you sit so pretty west of the one” No wonder the Red Hot Chili Peppers keep singing about this state, California is an incredible place.

I awoke at 6am and was harshly reminded of my dilemma when I first set eyes on my bike. With the rear tire dug into the sand I didn’t even need to put the kickstand down.

I then began what would be a 45 minute experience getting my bike cleared of the soft sand.

First I had to tip the bike on its side and drag it 180 degrees. I did this inches at a time because I was also on a hill.

Eventually I got it faced the other way!

Once I rode down the little Hill I hit the deepest sand. There was a square of carpet left over from a previous camper. He either pitched his tent on top of it or maybe he stored a dead body in it. Either way I used it to create traction.

Each time I hit the throttle the carpet would shoot away from the bike, and the bike would move over a foot or so. I eventually got good at hitting the throttle while I was standing beside it. Without weight on the rear tire it was less likely to dig in.

After much swearing I freed myself!

I then made my way towards the one.

I never realized until today how long  I’ve been without warm sunlight. I was cruising down the 101 and wasn’t cold for the first time in a long time! I then cranked a bunch of Red Hot Chili Peppers songs and fell in love with California all over again.

It was a special thing when  I caught my first glimpse of the California coast.

Of course the fog almost immediately rolled in and masked the ocean. A few sections of the one rose above the clouds, which made for surreal views.

It was around fort Bragg when I realized my rear tire was worn through PAST the cords! I was mortified to find I let the tire get so badly worn. The tire was a ticking time bomb at this point. I needed some new rubber yesterday. However, it being Monday, motorcycle shops were all closed. The nearest shop that was open and had my tire in Stock was the cycle gear in Santa Rosa, which was easily 100 miles away.

With great care,  and low speed, I crawled those 100 miles and made it to Santa Rosa. Big shout out to Chris at the Santa Rosa cycle gear, who mounted my tire in no more than  10 minutes!

After bolting the rim back onto the bike I was ready to move. I was thrilled to have the imminent threat of a blowout eliminated. I’m honestly surprised that tire made it as far as it did. The day before I embarked on this journey I had to plug a hole created by a nail! The plug survived all the way until the tire tread wore out.

With a revitalized motorcycle I rode into Berkeley and met up with my sister.

She recently moved up here and found herself a great apartment. She then showed me an awesome scenic view of the city. The photo won’t do it justice, obviously.

Tomorrow I’ll be cruising down the one again. I’ll be going through big Sur and all that, very much looking forward to it.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Helena,+CA/Arcata,+CA/Leggett/Bodega+Bay/Santa+Rosa/Berkeley/@39.4039213,-124.3658093,8z/am=t/data=!3m1!4b1!4m43!4m42!1m5!1m1!1s0x54d3b4b107b089db:0x9a75748dc1de7136!2m2!1d-123.128365!2d40.7734757!1m5!1m1!1s0x54d1570e67b9e801:0x7d8ad78fa1858786!2m2!1d-124.0828396!2d40.8665166!1m10!1m1!1s0x54d4cc1fffa328f9:0x28dffafca0e1592e!2m2!1d-123.7148275!2d39.8654841!3m4!1m2!1d-123.3461384!2d38.5945592!3s0x8086b1357a4179bd:0x1c0793df8f1523f4!1m5!1m1!1s0x8084274dbab23c5d:0xe4ea395a17784908!2m2!1d-123.0480571!2d38.33325!1m5!1m1!1s0x80843bc936e647d7:0x5ccd656bc54f4849!2m2!1d-122.7140548!2d38.440429!1m5!1m1!1s0x808579363a8549d3:0x94ea1595a675e993!2m2!1d-122.272747!2d37.8715926!3e0

Day Twenty One, Chemult to Helena

For the first time on my  journey I made a little campfire in the morning. Usually when I wake up I try to leave the area as quickly as possible so I can get back on the road. However this time I had such a nice secluded campsite I figured I’d enjoy it. After a cup of gross instant coffee I was off.

After less than an hour I arrived at crater Lake.


I had seen many images in the past and was delighted to see something I was vaguely familiar with. I was surprised to see the sheer size of the crater.

Original parts of the mountain still stand and offer a glimpse of what the area looked like 8,000 years before.

Then I made it to Ashland. The city is rad, and almost completely dedicated to the festival. I was stoked to find the door open  to one of the theaters, so I took a quick look and picture.

The artistic director told me to not bother trying  to audition, as they’re already cast for 2016, so I left the theater complex to explore the town.

I found myself as an Irish pub. One of the patrons next to me asked the bartender to turn the TV to formula one. Today was the US grand prix. In that moment I knew this guy was someone to talk to. I learned that he travels on his motorcycle as well, the same exact motorcycle I have. He lives in Ashland and had nothing but good things to say about the city. It was great being able to talk to someone about bikes and racing cars. Glad I went to that bar.

I finally crossed into California! I’m back baby! I’m gonna lanesplit so much I won’t even know what to do either myself.  I decided I wasn’t going to be a weenie and take the 5 freeway straight to San Francisco. I’m going to ride to the coast starting in Eureka and I will make my way south. I’m about 60 miles from the coast at this moment.

Found a cool campsite by a river with a firepit  already built. Also found a pretty big frog.

Unfortunately the area is surrounded by very deep and very soft sand. My motorcycle is moderately stuck now…and when I try to motor away I get the feeling I will get really stuck. I have no cell service in this area, despite being a quarter mile from the main road. Tomorrow morning may be a big challenge. I haven’t had to deal with this before and am just gonna try and wing it. I’ll let you know how it goes.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Chemult,+OR/42.9697526,-122.1522337/42.9104376,-122.4406248/Shady+Cove/Medford/Ashland/Yreka,+CA/Weaverville/Helena/@41.9674411,-123.5751846,8z/am=t/data=!3m1!4b1!4m51!4m50!1m5!1m1!1s0x54c7b0e0d40d8e55:0x4d23c5068ad1fe82!2m2!1d-121.7831612!2d43.2165182!1m0!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x54c58f7c7bba49eb:0xacde5a4676a79734!2m2!1d-122.8118529!2d42.6150389!1m5!1m1!1s0x54cf7c5b37361f6d:0x7db736c5541136e!2m2!1d-122.8755949!2d42.3265152!1m5!1m1!1s0x54cf628cb4eedb55:0x9b3b1fb8782df1ad!2m2!1d-122.7094767!2d42.1945758!1m10!1m1!1s0x54ce1423d0d23a83:0xc4bb4066332c405d!2m2!1d-122.6344708!2d41.7354186!3m4!1m2!1d-122.7116663!2d41.2784957!3s0x54ce0005f656f03b:0x8d357e7cae9f66e!1m5!1m1!1s0x54d25052db466a73:0xf5e198a5fc75beec!2m2!1d-122.9419708!2d40.7309778!1m5!1m1!1s0x54d3b4b107b089db:0x9a75748dc1de7136!2m2!1d-123.128365!2d40.7734757!3e0

Day Twenty, Florence to Chemult

I woke up and left the warmth of my motel around 8am. I headed east towards bend. My grandparents on my father’s side live over there and I thought I’d say hello. Haven’t seen them in years, maybe five?

On the way I passed through some beautiful twisty roads.

There is a rad stretch of road that leads to the sisters mountains. Two adjacent peaks pierce the sky, and because of their proximity, they are called the sisters. At least that’s what I think. I have no evidence to back this up.  On either side of the road were volcanic rocks. Made for a real exciting ride, and was a welcome chance of scenery.

Eventually I made it to my grandparents house. They live in an area very far removed from town. I asked them if it was a challenge living so far from stores and stuff, they said they preferred it. I don’t plan ahead very effectively, so I don’t think I’d do very well in that kind of environment. They were thrilled to see me and sad to hear I was just passing through. They fed me and we caught up, and then I was on my way.

My trip has gone on a bit too long and I am very much looking forward to getting home. The next few days are going to be some high mileage days, as I wanna be back in LA around Wednesday. It’s really starting to bother me how lonely is it on the road. Some people are excellent at doing this, and I am finding that I do much better with company. I’m cutting my trip a bit shorter, but I’m not skipping some thing I was determined to see. Tomorrow I’ll be seeing crater Lake. And in a couple days I’ll be motoring down the California coast. I’ll be taking the freeway from Ashland to San Francisco, so I’ll miss the northernmost California coast, but will still be getting the coastal view around Big Sur and stuff.  Very much looking forward to the Bixby Canyon Bridge.

I do feel a bit bad that I’m not enjoying this as much as I intended. Parts of this journey are exciting and fun, but parts are also complete drudgery. However I want to iterate that I don’t regret doing this adventure. I now know that if I do it again I’ll do it with company. This whole thing is a learning experience, and I’m definitely learning.

Tonight I found a nice little spot to camp off the side of a dirt road. I’m set up on soft sand, which is nicer than the rocky campsites I had at so many campgrounds. Tonight it’s supposed to get down to 25 degrees, which is just fantastic. Also it’s gonna rain tomorrow. Awesome. On the bright side(no pun intended) I’ve gotten  much better at making fires. I think tonight’s fire was my biggest yet! I even dug a nice little pit in the sand!

Fingers crossed my bike starts tomorrow morning. Who knows the next time a person will be driving on this road. Ha

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Florence/44.2439436,-120.8119266/Chemult/@43.7597244,-123.5766816,8z/am=t/data=!3m1!4b1!4m25!4m24!1m15!1m1!1s0x54c180058c644705:0xdb06c064b0233adc!2m2!1d-124.0998409!2d43.9826214!3m4!1m2!1d-123.0874697!2d44.0576004!3s0x54c11e101e824f1f:0x98b38368404f4dd9!3m4!1m2!1d-121.8726555!2d44.222835!3s0x54bf454cf8f5c475:0xe24e8b6568289769!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x54c7b0e0d40d8e55:0x4d23c5068ad1fe82!2m2!1d-121.7831612!2d43.2165182!3e0

Day Nineteen, Portland to Florence (Oregon, not Italy)

The night before Allison and I got a flight of beers.

Forgot to post about it, but it was delicious. This bar also had exercise bikes out front that would power the building. If you cycled long enough to got a fee beer apparently. Oh Portland.

I awoke from my private hostel room by the sound of a hipster singing in the kitchen and clanking dishes. Great. I waited till he left to gear up to leave.

By 8am I was all packed up on the bike and was ready to go. I set off towards the city of Ranier to spend some time St a sloth sanctuary. On the way I came across an island mostly inhabited by farmers. The road across the island was great, and eventually I found a farm open to the public with a nice little market. On the land there were rows and rows of flowers. As we’re approaching winter, most of them were kinda wilty.. But it was still nice! Definitely something you don’t see much in Los Angeles.

I stopped at a little restaraunt and got a spiked apple cider. I’m not talking beer cider, I’m talking apple cider with some kind of liquor in it . Awesome. Definitely will be making a bunch of those when I get back. When I was at this restaraunt I actually had the presence of mind to look up how much the sloth sanctuary cost. I was horrified to find that on a weekday it was $300 split  by the amount of people in your group. No thank you!

Unfortunately this was my only plan for the day and I was at a loss as to how to fill my day. I had dropped paperwork at all the theaters I wanted to, and felt kinda ready to move on. I messaged my cousin to meet me at voodoo donuts. No line. Score. I then said my goodbyes and was on my merry way.

After many miles of riding through farmland I finally reached the coast! Considering I went as far East as Wyoming I found it pretty thrilling to see the Pacific Ocean.

The Oregon  Coast is gorgeous. The weather is most often  overcast, the cliffs are jagged and steep , the waves are massive, and the beaches are mostly empty. A very exciting sight to see, definitely something I am not used to.

The sun soon set and I settled in a small motel. Didn’t feel like camping tonight. Also I’m adult and I don’t have to camp if I don’t want to!

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Portland/Scappoose/Beaverton/Tillamook/Florence/@44.8648475,-124.5225589,8z/am=t/data=!3m1!4b1!4m37!4m36!1m5!1m1!1s0x54950b0b7da97427:0x1c36b9e6f6d18591!2m2!1d-122.6764816!2d45.5230622!1m10!1m1!1s0x549454f7f199809b:0xee67a39ba5cac04a!2m2!1d-122.8776039!2d45.7542809!3m4!1m2!1d-122.7512834!2d45.5828103!3s0x54950803d55b5563:0xca26b659e04c7d1c!1m5!1m1!1s0x5495082476f88863:0x10e0cf158aacbd08!2m2!1d-122.8037102!2d45.487062!1m5!1m1!1s0x5494d505a0a0fd65:0x3428344b984d4fd3!2m2!1d-123.8440137!2d45.4562158!1m5!1m1!1s0x54c180058c644705:0xdb06c064b0233adc!2m2!1d-124.0998409!2d43.9826214!3e0

Day Eighteen, Kelso to Portland

Today I motored across some truly remarkable roads. Leaves littered the asphalt as the trees created a natural arch that I had the privilege of riding through.

The middle of the day felt like the first signs of nightfall because of the dense foliage blanketing the road. The shade was positively frigid, and the warmth brought on by the few glimpses of sunlight were immensely welcomed.

After alternating between the cool of the shade and the warmth of the sun for two hundred miles I arrived in Portland, Oregon. My cousin Allison was present to make sure I always had a drink in my hand.  Oh thank heavens.

We happily hopped from bar to bar. Not often have I had the chance to drink excessively on my trip, so this opportunity was much welcomed. Tonight I’m sleeping in a hostel adjacent to a very cool street, bars and restaurants fill the neighborhood.

I’m thankful that my room tonight is a single. Some don’t mind sharing a bedroom with other travellers, but not me. I don’t think my sf equipped for the traditional hostel life. For now I’m plenty with my private room.

Tomorrow I’ve planned to explore an island near Portland, as well as pet some sloths. There’s a sloth habitat near here that is open to the public. I don’t know that I’ve ever once been more excited.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Kelso,+WA/Cougar,+WA/Carson/White+Salmon/Government+Camp/Portland/@45.7147215,-122.7476473,9z/am=t/data=!3m1!4b1!4m43!4m42!1m5!1m1!1s0x54946bb82e00b697:0x578aa0d5f724a2a4!2m2!1d-122.9084445!2d46.146779!1m5!1m1!1s0x549428b8fb1f3ec1:0xa0630119df1cb4ec!2m2!1d-122.2995413!2d46.0514993!1m5!1m1!1s0x5495dfbe21aa9a7d:0xcffb435ba3784379!2m2!1d-121.8188307!2d45.7255968!1m5!1m1!1s0x549611f9dd12a839:0x9788da3afa9f5eaa!2m2!1d-121.4864619!2d45.7276194!1m10!1m1!1s0x54be18a4adcb6181:0xdb0983bfb1fb0103!2m2!1d-121.7547998!2d45.3040072!3m4!1m2!1d-122.6044621!2d45.496732!3s0x5495a068f6d600df:0xaf22250433940ea2!1m5!1m1!1s0x54950b0b7da97427:0x1c36b9e6f6d18591!2m2!1d-122.6764816!2d45.5230622!3e0

Day Seventeen, Gig Harbor to Kelso

I don’t know if you can tell from the photo, there is a second German Shepherd in the passenger seat. Apparently the two wanted to see Mt St Helens as well!

Today I left the warm comfort of Luanne and Carl’s home in Gig Harbor. It was rejuvenating to sleep in a bed so many nights in a row.  Before I left I made sure to take a few photos of the place.

Here is the view from the  balcony.

And here is the view of the front of the house. Also Carl owns a beautiful corvette that is the same year and color as my bike. I couldn’t resist a photo shoot.

Eventually I got on the road, but not before I finally cleaned the science project from off my windscreen. There were so many dead bugs I couldn’t even see through the plexiglass.

Determined to make the most of the few hours of daylight I raced towards Mt Ranier. The peak of the mountain is around 14,000 feet above sea level. Unfortunately the clouds concealed the peak. Was still cool to see snow I guess…

With the speed of a landslide after a serious seismic event, I motored towards Mt St Helens.


I reached the peak and was very sad to see the clouds blocking the entire crater!

Angry, I shuffled through the little observatory and saw a tree affected by the blast.

When the mountain blew, the blast felled all the trees in the immediate area. Close to the blast trees were uprooted and became part of the wave of debris. Further away from the eruption trees were snapped like matchsticks and fell pointing away from the blast. Just as the observatory closed the clouds melted over the crater.

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to see the entire crater clearly, but I was still able to see the effects of the volcanic event from 35 years ago. It’s a shame that Washington from the solqualimie mountains west there are almost permanent clouds that hover in front of all the cool sights!

But what can you do? Though  the views were obstructed, I was still glad I saw Ranier and St Helens, they are truly remarkable landmarks. Someday I’d love to see them unobstructed.

Tomorrow I ride into Portland. I’ve never explored the city on my own before and I’m very much looking forward to it. Maybe I’ll see a hipster! Fingers crossed.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Gig+Harbor,+WA/Enumclaw,+WA/Sunrise+Visitor+Center,+Pierce+County,+WA/Randle,+WA/46.2770451,-122.2171973/Kelso,+WA/@46.7376556,-122.7753706,9z/am=t/data=!3m1!4b1!4m43!4m42!1m5!1m1!1s0x549052c6003d5d39:0xb90dd4e692abdc8e!2m2!1d-122.5801293!2d47.329264!1m5!1m1!1s0x5490f200a5429a7f:0x548c7379da19426f!2m2!1d-121.9915003!2d47.2042681!1m5!1m1!1s0x5490c92b2b54f329:0x56867a073004dc80!2m2!1d-121.6434736!2d46.9145717!1m15!1m1!1s0x5496cf96b4d79c09:0x136cc84c3d640fe4!2m2!1d-121.9572497!2d46.535335!3m4!1m2!1d-122.8767559!2d46.5420194!3s0x5493fd1decdc210b:0xce31fc6fc930866e!3m4!1m2!1d-122.7974857!2d46.3039003!3s0x54940f7d05b2e80b:0xa164d8bdb0c8bf14!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x54946bb82e00b697:0x578aa0d5f724a2a4!2m2!1d-122.9084445!2d46.146779!3e0

Day Sixteen, Gig Harbor to Gig Harbor

Today I hit the pavement determined to advance my acting career . I drove to downtown Seattle for my 11am meeting at “A Contemporary Theater. ”  I met with a woman in charge of casting and was led into a rehearsal space. After a twenty minute conversation  she had me do a few speeches. I was delighted to be back in the game. Oftentimes with auditions it’s easy to forget that for a brief moment you are doing what you are most passionate about.  For the 5 minutes of speeches I was living my dream of performing.  She responded to me positively and then gave me a tour of the theater. ACT has a wonderful and historic building. Architecture from the turn of the century was still present and properly restored by the theater.

After this I went and auditioned for Seattle Rep. The meeting was shorter, but I was still able to chat and do a handful of monologues.

Following that was the Seattle Children’s Theater. Again, they made time for a meeting and a few speeches.

With those three theaters plus Seattle Shakes, I am very happy with how trip to Seattle has gone. I had lost hope that I would be doing any auditioning at all. I was convinced my audition tour was going to turn into a normal tour. I am feeling energized as an actor and look forward to working as one when I return to LA.

After seeing these theaters I had a bit of day left to burn so I went to the EMP museum. I had heard of this place a few times and knew I had to give it a shot.

Oh my goodness it was one of the coolest museums I’ve ever been two. There were a handful of exhibits. Jimi hendrix, nirvana, indie video games, Sci fi, horror,  and fantasy. Each of the exhibits were themed extraordinarily well!

I was first greeted by an iconic motorcycle.

Then waltzed through the horror exhibit.

Then fantasy.

Then Sci fi. This one was my favorite. The whole room was themed very well.

Then indie gaming.

As I left the museum I saw one last sight.

There were little mechanical arms strumming some of the guitars as well!

As I was driving home I saw a typical Seattle sight.

From most positions in the middle of the city I was able to see a Starbucks. What I found hilarious is that I often could see multiple Starbucks from where ever I was!

After a long day I was thrilled to find that Luane had a glass of wine ready for me. They know me so well.

Day Fifteen, Gig Harbor to Gig Harbor

I’m looking back at my camera roll and am finding that I only took three pictures today.  Hmm.

Thankfully tonight my family friends let me stay at their lovely home again! Two nights in a row with a bed?  Fogettaboutit!  Before I leave I’ll take some photos of the home, it really is an extraordinarily lovely place.

Today and tomorrow are dedicated to meeting with theaters in Seattle. Today I actually acted for the first time since April! I swung by Seattle Shakes and was able to meet with the artistic director and showcase a couple Shakespearian speeches! Tomorrow I will be meeting with a handful of other theaters in the area.

I don’t think that my meetings will really turn into job opportunities down the line, but you can never be too sure. Hopefully if these theaters take video submissions I can submit and they’ll at the very least recognize me.

My trip was primarily a journey of exploration, not acting, so I don’t feel too bad about seeing so few theaters. At the very least I am reaching out.

I will admit that my audition wasn’t the best work I’ve ever done, but hey it has  been a while since I’ve done this! When I get back to LA and start hitting the pavement I’ll hopefully feel more prepped.

Tomorrow, like I said, I will be seeing a few more theaters. After that I will explore Seattle! I plan on leaving the area the following morning, so tomorrow afternoon is my last chance to explore for a while.

That was taken in front of a window at the pike place market.

Thankfully today makes my tour an audition tour. I have managed to combine a vacation with career progress! Yeeeeehaw!

Ps I walked by a dog training building. In the window I saw 50 dogs all playing.  In the other room there was a Frenchie who was not having it.  What a stoic little guy.