BA

Ok.  Where to begin?  This is a trio of firsts.  First time in a holding pattern.  First time being potentially re-routed.   First time taking a red eye flight.  First time taking a flight that leaves at 1:30am and flies east!  

Everything was all too smooth getting in to CLT this afternoon.  Parking was simple. Security was a breeze.  Jamba was quick.  Then the delays started.  First for half and hour.  Then for an hour.  Then sitting on the Tarmac.  (Is that really a proper name Apple?)  Then two different holding patterns on the way to Philly.  We almost had to divert to Baltimore to top off with fuel but thankfully that didn't happen and we were able to land in Philly.  

I was placed on a British Airways flights thanks to the most wonderful Charli.  And we are finally about to be on our way to our destination! 

Magnificent 7

I can't help myself.  About to spend 7 lovely days abroad.  Stay tuned 

SkyView

And yes that's an elevator at the bottom, Mr. Otis. 

Really really cool. Literally and literally.

And For Dessert

Forgot to mention these little guys were in the main dish. Haven't had plantains in years and years. Wonderful.

Asheville

Quick trip here to Asheville. Consulted Urban Spoon for a place to eat. Drove to West Asheville and the place he suggested was packed so I came back downtown and chatted with Urban again and decided upon a restaurant called Chorizo.

Went with the Columbian Paisa.  Chorizo, egg, beef, avocado, plantains, rice and beans.  Tasted unreal 

All righty, so as promised here's a post about Tripapalooza 2015.  Don't say I never did anything for you. 

That was a little curt.  Sorry about that.  I'm a little tired this morning.  This is day 13 for me on the road and it's been five and a half years since I've taken a trip of this length.  (Some of you may remember the original trip I took to Ireland, Scotland, UK, France and Spain back in '09)   Anyway, the fatigue I feel now has given me some insight into that trip actually.  I remember about a week into that trip feeling tired and lonely and wondering why I felt that way since, at the time, I was in beautiful St. Andrews, Scotland.  The truth of the matter is, for me, traveling is fun and can be exhausting.  I felt some of the same feelings when I got to Seattle this time.  I was tired, in a city I didn't know, it was a busy city, and I was by myself.   Fortunately for me I was able to meet great people along the way much like I did in '09.  It's almost humorous that I'm about to list some of the key people along the way that helped make this trip a great experience for me just like I did in '09.  So here goes:

In Portland, the folks of the Huddle were great.  Some of the other coaches I met made that experience so much better.  It was already an awesome experience and some of you took it to a whole new level. Outside of the Huddle, folks like Marc, Jeff, Dustin, Michael, the other Michael(my first Uber driver!), Lewis(Hertz),  Michelle(Vintage), and Stacy(Vintage) helped make Portland feel like home for me.  The couple I met while at Canon Beach that mentioned the Astoria Column were great too as well as the Canon Beach local that talked with me about the area.   Really nice man.  

In Seattle, Chris, the waiter at Triple Door, Will(seaplane pilot) and Daniel(Uber) helped make the big city seem a little smaller.  

In Indy, of course my friends Brett, Billy, Dards, Ross, Sheldon, Coach Odom, Coach Duckett, Coach Stokes, Coach Potosnak, Mike B, BJ, and the countless new friends I made through these guys made the experience awesome.  

It was funny to me that while in Seattle and while I was feeling isolated, I thought, "I think the part of traveling I really enjoy the most is the meeting of new people."  I then was able to meet a few folks and it was amazing to me how my opinion of Seattle changed from "meh, it's ok," to "you know, not too bad at all."  

The sightseeing and "traveley" highlights from this trip:

-Multnomah Falls outside of Portland.  Wow. 

-The drive from Multnomah and the quick stop at Horsetail Falls and then the lengthy stop at the Vista House to watch the sunset over the Columbia River.  That was incredibly gorgeous.  

-Canon Beach and Ecola State Park.  I thought I was in Scotland.  

-Astoria Column.  That was one of the best last second, spontaneous decisions I've ever made.  What a gorgeous view and unique landmark.  

-Washington State Ferry ride to Bainbridge Island and back.  I love riding ferries.  Have ferry, will travel™.  I think I'll get a shirt made 

-The seaplane ride out of Lake Union in Seattle.  When asked where I wanted to sit, I couldn't get "up front" out quick enough.  

-Space Needle and monorail in Seattle.  Honestly wasn't impressed with either of these but I wanted to remember I did them.  

-Amtrak from Portland to Seattle.  The best $34 I've ever spent.  4 hours of smooth transportation.  It was good to be on a train. 

-The early morning exploration of Portland the first Friday and subsequent use of the MAX and Portland city bus on the way back to the hotel.  My ability to get lost in a city is truly incredible.  I loved that it cost me $35 or so to get downtown that morning with an Uber and $2.50 to get back.  

-Walking to the Indiana War Memorial twice and getting denied entrance twice because they were closed.  Still one of my favorite sites in the country.  Also tried to get in the Scottish Rite Cathedral but missed the tour window by a couple of hours.  

-Going to the Duke-Wisconsin NCAA championship game last night. What a game.  13 lead changes in the first half alone and then classic performances by two Duke freshmen to propel their team to a 5th national title, three of which have been won in Indianapolis.  

As I sit on this plane in Indy and think back over the past 13 days, there aren't too many things I regret, if any.  I did A LOT and I feel it right now.  I still love traveling. That's the cool part.  I think I learned the value of not feeling like I have to do EVERYTHING and get to know EVERYONE while I travel.   The truth of the matter is that I'm one person and some people will want to talk and some won't.  In the same way, I'll be able to get to some sights and others I won't.  And that's ok.  It was valuable for me to be around people that are working on their craft and getting better brick by brick.  That gave me good perspective and drive to keep working on myself.  I'm a work in progress and that's ok.  Just like I won't be able to get to every sight or meet everyone in a city, I won't be able to master everything I choose to do, and I'll be able to improve at those things though.   Being gone taught me the value of routine.  I like waking up, making breakfast, drinking coffee, reading and writing before I get my day started whilst in Columbia.  I found it more difficult to do those things while out on the road especially when I got to Indy.  

Thanks for reading, folks.  Keeping this blog is a nice way for me to remember my trip and a way to stay connected to the fictional reader. 

Been a While

It's been a little while since I've posted so I wanted to get one out there in the space for all of you raving fans.  It's the day before I leave Indy (day 12 of Tripapalooza 2015) and, once again, the city hasn't disappointed. Many times when I have a "favorite" something, it invariably loses its luster after a while.  However, every time I come to Indy, my love for the city grows.  In my opinion, it's the best host city for a Final Four and being here during this special time I'm sure helps my thoughts on the city.  However I've been here several other times outside of the Final Four and it's been great then too.  The people is what make a city.  I've learned that this trip and will probably post more on that later, if I can remember that is.  But I've met some really cool people here.  The waiter at Weber Grill was the most hospitable.  Super friendly and genuine guy that made it easy to go there three times during my stay here.   

Anyway, I'm heading to the national title game tonight and am excited about that. Should be a really good time and good game. 

Putting a Bow on the NW

In the air to Indy now.  Still love in flight Internet.  Hard to believe I've been gone for 7 days now and I'm really glad I decided to stay in the NW.  Seattle was a pretty cool city and as I write this, I'm not sure I will go back.  Nothing against the city but I would rather explore around Portland more if I came back to this side of the country.  Also, as we were flying out of Seattle there appeared to be some beautiful scenery near Spokane so that would be something to check out.  

Here's some of that scenery: 

Look closely and there appears to be a snow capped mountain peeking through: 

I went back to Triple Door last night. It really is my kind of place.  Live music every night and great food. I highly recommend it if you're ever in Seattle.  There I go again writing this as though someone is reading this.  Saw JP Hennessy play last night.  Quite talented. Played a lot of covers and I liked the one original tune they played.  Here's so video of them http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2ulPPY4LyE

Was up at 4am this morning and caught a car to the airport.  Will be a little tired more than likely.  Looking forward to washing some clothes in an actual washing machine and not my bathroom sink. 

Kenmore Air

I saw an ad yesterday while on the ferry for scenic tour flights around Seattle.  I have designs on getting my pilots license one day so I decided I would give this a shot.  I called this morning and hustled down to the lake and made the flight.  The lady on the phone said that she couldn't guarantee me a seat if I didn't pay on the phone.  I declined to do this just incase I didn't make it by flight time and would risk that someone would get my seat.  How full was the flight you ask?  I was the only one.  I guess the Wednesday morning at 11:15 in April flight isn't in too high of a demand.  Will was my pilot and Danae, one of the representatives flew as well.  We flew in a  Dehavalind(sp) seaplane with a radial engine.  Beautiful old plane. Will told me the middle seat offered the best views but you know me, I wanted to sit up front.  It was awesome.  Extremely smooth ride offering beautiful views of the city.

And here's some video: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dielESXcegA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQtwOhrQm_8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Zls_WgoXKs

Local Coffee Spot

Just happened upon a great local coffee spot. Seems to be pretty big up here. Obviously they do pretty well since everything is branded with their name and it appears there is one on just about every corner.

S's and T's

THROWBACK TO 2009!  JUST FOUND THIS POST SITTING IN MY DRAFTS.  COOL LOOKING BACK ON THIS TRIP!

Finally have arrived in Tralee. Took about 5 hours and a bus changeover to get 'er done(yeah I just reference Larry the Cable Guy from Ireland), but there's always a bright side. I did get to see some great scenery and windmills.....or turbines as they're probably called now.

Anyway, just hanging out in an internet "cafe" at the moment.....feels more like a classroom because of the set up of the computers......oh and the fact that I had an assigned seat.

Sharing a small room at the Castle Hostel(hence the title of this post) with 3 other people.....two bunk beds.

I'm going to go take a quick nap before dinner in one of those beds...

Seagulls

Those of you that know me, know I'm a big seagull fan.  No, seriously.  Ever since I read Jonathan Livingston Seagull I have always noticed seagulls.

Honestly there is so much wrong with that opener.  I wrote it as if other people were reading this, which of course, they are not.  Which I why I can write sentences like this:  I toss pears over my right shoulder for good luck.  

The other thing that is wrong with that opener is the "noticed seagulls" line.  Who hasn't noticed seagulls?  Perhaps not everyone, but of course I have.  They are birds and they are everywhere.  Here's some footage from the ferry today:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8uamSGgRqE

Anyway, in all seriousness, it was neat looking at the gulls around the ferry today.  Some of them were fighting with each other, others were looking for food scraps and others just looked content to fly around the ferry.  In the context of the book by Richard Bach, which I HIGHLY recommend, these gulls acted the way I would expect them to.  The line from that book that stuck out to me today was, "Here were gulls that thought like I thought."  To me, Jonathan had found like-minded gulls; gulls that were working on themselves to be the best they could be.  Anyway, I won't spoil the book.  Watching the gulls was encouraging especially given where I am in life today and the things I'm trying to do.  

Connor Shaw

How could I forget?  Connor Shaw doing a little promo work up here:

If you did a double take like I did, hug a cab driver today.....like I did.  

Seattle Whirlwind

So after my nap I was thinking of taking it easy today in Seattle.  Well I didn't.  I ended up walking around a good bit of the city, "bumped" into the Space Needle, rode the monorail and am now enjoying some really cool live music at Triple Door.  Happened upon this place on Urban Spoon(not sure why I separated it into two words) and it turns out it's a Zagat rated place and features what I'm sure will be great Asian food.

Here are some sights: 

Oh yeah and I went down to the Pike Market 

To be honest, and maybe it's because I was tired, I wasn't totally impressed with the market and the Space Needle.  The folks at the Needle weren't very welcoming and it was uberly, don't worry, it's a word, crowded.  And the weather was rough so I couldn't see much. However I would much rather be at the top of the Astoria Column than the Needle.  But that's just me.  Anyway, I'm about to enjoy this:

While listening to these guys: 

Top Gun

I made it to Seattle a couple of hours ago.  One guy I talked to yesterday said that Seattle was hilly.  He was wrong.  It's more mountainous in my opinion than anything.  I decided to walk from the train station to the hotel.  .8 miles.  Carrying three bags again walking this distance with the hills here might not have been the best idea.  My bonus was walking past a homeless woman absolutely yelling and berating another woman with pleasantries like, "I'll mace you," only to be followed up by, "I'll cut you.  I don't care.  Stay away from me."  Welcome to Seattle, Brian.  Welcome.  

So after a much needed hour long nap, I've grabbed some food and on the move again.  

Maybe I'm wrong, but I feel like there is a scene in Top Gun where Maverick tosses Goose's dog tags off the back of an aircraft carrier.   Well, this reminds me of that scene that may or may not exist 

That's the back of the auto deck of the Pullyaup, a ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge island.  $8 ride over, free on the way back.  It's been a smooth ride on a huge ferry.  

Seattle in the background here:

Heading towards Bainbridge:

Bikers lined up ready to go: 

Halfway There Shawn

When I think of Seattle, the first name that comes to mind is sweet swining Ken Griffey, Jr.  I still think it's so cool that he and his dad hit back to back home runs. Wonder what year that was.  Let me look that up real quick.  Brb. Ok I'm back.  The wifi isn't working real well.  I'll have to look that one up. Or better yet, Blas, what year was that?  You're maybe wondering why Shawn is in the title.  Oh you're not?  Ok no worries.  

If you are, Shawn Kemp is the second name that comes to mind when I think of Seattle.  

Anyway, looks like we are about halfway to Seattle now.  Officially in Washington.  This is another first for me. 

No Shoes, No Shirt, Maybe a Problem

So during this safety video on the train, the host mentions, "And be sure when you're moving about the train that shoes must be worn."  This is the second time I've heard that warning since being on the train.  Just makes me wonder how big of a problem travelers going sans shoes is.  And yes, I LOVE using the word "sans" as often as possible.  It makes me feel sophisticated....like I'm riding a train, wearing a top hat, a monocle and a tux.  Sadly, only one of those four are true at the moment.   

Union Station

Walked the .6 miles from the Vintage to Union Station.  Nice morning for a walk howeve carrying three bags made it feel a little longer than .6.  Everyone was very friendly with Amtrak.  I had no clue what to do, where to check in, how baggage worked, etc and everyone was very helpful.   On the Cascades 500 to Seattle now.  4 hour ride.  Smooth so far.  Clean, nice train.   

Astoria Column

Don't believe I devoted a post to the Astoria Column.  Wow.  This one was a whirlwind stop on today's tour.  After talking with a couple from Sacramento I decided to head north from Canon and check out the Column. It didn't disappoint 

This column is at the top of Astoria as you'll see in a second. Or longer depending on how slowly your Intel Pentium processor works.  Remember those?  Yeah me neither. 

Pano 1:

Pano 2:

Ok so the elderly volunteer told me that the tradition was to throw planes off the top of the column.  Me not being one to skimp on tradition, yes I did say that to her, ponied up the $1 to purchase a plane: 

....and proceeded to toss it like so:  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xi2udTiVrGM

It was pretty cool watching it float away like that.  Being on top of the column produced both fear and exileration.  It wasn't as though I thought the tower was going to topple, it was probably more that I would toss my phone instead of the plane or that the wind would catch it and take it over the rail.  Oh here are some shots of the spiral staircase.  164 steps I think I heard a kid count...was that kid me?  

 

Another part of the fun was riding to Astoria and leaving Astoria heading back to Portland.  Here are some shots of that ride:

Hard to see this one but there are piles and piles of logs.   Logging is huge up here 

Another great day in Oregon.  The landscape and the people didn't disappoint again. I ended up speaking with a guy seemingly in his 30s before the Blazers game.  He wasn't going to the game and was just hanging out in the food area the organization had set up.  He is from Illinois and moved to Seattle to get away from the business and found seattle to be as busy as Chicago so he moved to Portland.  He likes the big city feel and yet the laid back nature of everyone here. I agree with him.  I haven't met anyone here that I would characterize as rude or in a hurry.  Even driving was a pleasure around the state.  I can't help but wonder that people here are a little more laid back because of the natural beauty that surrounds them.  I know, for me, when I got back to the hotel, I was on a high from all of the things I had seen and done.  Starting with The Falls yesterday and culminating with a whirlwind trip up the coast and back, I saw a TON of natural beauty and experienced wonderful sensations through sight, sound, touch, and smell all the way down in my soul while traversing the Oregon coast and countryside.  I'm very thankful for this swing of Tripapalooza 2015.  I don't know how Seattle will compete and I'm willing to give it a try.