Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Camping Adventure at Heron Lake

A couple of weeks ago, my friends Dorje and Bailey, and Dorje's brother, Dylan, who was visiting from München, made plans with us to go to Heron Lake and camp for the night. I was a bit skeptical about a lake in New Mexico, but Dorje and Baley assured me that it was beautiful. Josie and I took care of the salads and Chorizo, while Dorje and Bailey got the booze and Kosher steaks. We were all really excited, all summer we had talked about going camping and we finally were doing it. We met them at a parking lot and hit the road. Dorje was ahead of me driving like he was on the Autobahn with an enormous cooler and kayaks strapped to the bed of his truck.

I was trying to keep up, but I wanted to take pictures of the landscape. At one point Joise tried to snatch the camera from me because I was getting dangerous behind the wheel.

I swerved big time and his was the last picture I took before Josie actually did snatch the camera. I got a nice shot of these red rocks though. I loved how the colors changed from layer to layer.

Josie told me how the scenery out here reminded her of Utah. It made me want to visit. I was thankful she was handling the camera.

This collection of red rocks is known as Ghost Ranch. It's trippy. There is a natural amphitheater in one of the rock formations. We didn't get to stop, however, because I was trying to keep up with Dorje who was doing 85.

Now that I'm looking at these pictures, I remember that the red rocks came out of nowhere. Everything was brown and typical northern NM scenery, we went up a mountain and on the descend these rocks were in the distance.

Little by little we left them behind.

This was one of the last ones before we hit yet another landscape, forest-y Colorado like.

There were a lot of pine trees in the distance along with the lake. It was an oasis.

When we got to the lake it was time to find and agree on a campsite. I parked Bella while Dorje and I surveyed our options.

We found the perfect site. It was the only one with a built in roof and bench for eating. We also had a great view of the Lake and were only 20 steps from the shore. Josie and Bailey were so happy to be outside amongst the trees. So was I, it was so peaceful and the phrase of the day was "I'm recharging my batteries." It truly felt like that.

Dorje pondering when would be the perfect time for a Tequila shot.

I forgot how much I love to camp. We sat down, cracked beers and watched as 15 or so eagles (or hawks, I'm not really sure) glided and circled above us. They put on a show for about half an hour.

This was our view.

Happy Josie.

Dorje and Bailey on the haystack.

I'm starting to get loose.

Perfect timing for shooting the pellet gun. I couldn't hit the can for the life of me.

Bailey could. So could Dorje and Dylan. Josie and I were just a bit outside.

After 4 shots of Tequila, Dorje and Dylan unloaded the Kayaks. I was nervous, this was my first time. I wish the iPhone was waterproof because I rolled over twice on the damned thing and would of made good footage.

We all hung out in the water for a while, and then we started to get the tents ready. Josie is a pro.

Dorje and I fetched some wood to burn. We didn't know how much to buy. We asked the lady who was selling it if we should buy one or two bundles. She said, "one will do just fine, but if you're planning on partying all night, get two." We got two, loaded Bella and headed back.

We were set. We had a cooler full of booze and mammal flesh, wood to burn, cigs, and our tents ready. The sun was setting and I caught this great flick of the girls and their Tecate.

Dorje chillin'.

sigh.

Anyway, I thought it would be a good idea to start the grill before the sun went down. A little excessive, but when you are camping there's no such thing as excessive. We had Chorizo, regular steak, and Kosher steaks going. I was designated grill duty, a duty I did not mind at all.

see.

Josie and Bailey got the salads going. We had so much food. We had Dorje's famous potato salad, Bialey's famous cabbage salad, Whole Foods potato salad, and some collard green salad we also picked up at the Foods. I felt like a jester in the courtyard of a king.

Sunset.

more sunset.

I had to stop the tree hugger sunset nature appreciation fest and get back to my grill duty. Medium rare everyone?

We ate with the car lights on.

Post dinner we rolled ourselves to the fire pit, Dylan got the fire going. We sat there in our food comas, drank, smoked, and told stories. It was the most relaxing thing I've done in a long long time. Fun too. I wussed out and went to bed early because I had an interview the next morning back in Santa Fe. Dorje made fun of me because we didn't finish the bottle, so did Dylan.

Sunrise from the tent.

All of us got up and headed straight for the lake one last time before we hit the road. Bailey is in the distance on the Kayak. It felt so good to sit there in silence for a while. Shortly after, we packed up and left promising to be back in September. Thanks to Dorje, Bailey and Dylan for a great time. Heron Lake was exactly what I needed.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Road Trip, Pt. 4: Back to the Fe

We were supposed to leave Ann Arbor early, but due to another 5am night, we didn't hit the road until 3pm. We hit Blimpy Burger on the way out and picked up our new co-pilot, Osiris, who freaked out for the first hour of the trip. He started to calm down until we rolled the window down to smoke going 85 and the noise terrified him so much that he pissed on my legs.

After stopping at a gas station to change clothes, Josie & Osiris passed out and I drove lead-footed through MI, IN, IL, and into Iowa in record time while smelling the cat piss emanating from my clothes in the back. I got a call from my friend Andy who coincidentally was driving from L.A. to Ann Arbor. We planned to meet somewhere in Nebraska the next day when we crossed paths on I-80. The sun was going down in Des Moines and we decided to crash, the only problem was that the Jr. Olympics were in town and we couldn't find a room. What are the chances?

As fate would have it, we crossed paths at exactly Paxton, Nebraska. We tracked our progress through the mile markers, it was really fun and spiced up the monotony of the drive. We got off the exit ramp and looked for a place to eat and catch up. This was the strip.

The "Pit Stop."

We decided to chill at the "Windy Gap" because we found the name interesting.

The menu at the gap.

Josie and I.

Andy and his friend Jael, who was visiting from Switzerland, wanted to see America and Andy's hometown, Ann Arbor. So far on their road trip she found Big Sur the most beautiful sight. It's good to get an outside perspective and the four of us talked about America vs. Europe for a bit until we decided on food. Andy and I ordered the "Juicy Lucy," which was a half-pound burger stuffed with onions and cheese. How could I pass that up? I am a burger connoisseur after all, and this would prove to be essential field data. The ladies didn't order anything, shocker, and went outside to smoke.

Here she is, Juicy Lucy. Looks basic right?

It's not. This was one of the most delicious burgers I've ever had. "If this is wrong, I don't want to be right," mumbled Andy with his mouth full of juice. I asked Andy if he thought being in Paxton was unbelievable and how this will be a great bar story, and he replied, "I live for this shit." Couldn't of said it any better.

Hollow-Paxton.

High Five!

Hollow-Stain.

Back on the road I could'nt stop talking about Hollow-Paxton. Josie and I changed the subject and talked about the pro's and con's of living in Ann Arbor, living in Santa Fe, and pretty much the pro's and con's of living in every cool city in the U-S-of-A. We were already missing our friends and we both want to be close to fam. We didn't come to any conclusion and the conversation stopped when we hit this storm near Denver head-on.

The clouds were creepin' from the left. At one point we slowed down to about 40mph because of the fierce drops.

We thought it was over at this point.

And then it came back.

I love the contrast of the dark clouds and white clouds.

The sun peeked in for a second. This was an amazing site. Good thing Josie was driving or else we would have been a ditch. I was firing the shutter left and right. It's so inspiring to be next to the continental divide in the middle of a storm.

Rainbow.

The storm sent at least 25 tumbleweeds crashing into the Element.

Sundown in Colorado Springs. Again, beautiful.

I know planes are fast, and after the outrageous gas prices the cost of driving is almost the same, but the sights you miss out on when flying are spectacular.

We drove into New Mexico at 10pm and had another 2 hours to go. The full moon was bright and wanted me to stay awake. Josie was exhausted and I asked her to talk to me for the last leg of the trip. She asked me questions like, "whats your favorite color?" "whats your favorite song?" We started laughing at our madness instead. Osiris is the best cat ever, chillin throughout the entire trip after the piss incident. We got to the Fe a little after midnight. It was a nice trip.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Road Trip, Pt. 3: The Ann Arbor Good Life

After Matt & Ewin's wedding I had roughly 3 days left of good old Ann Arbor chillin' before we hit the road. So we set it off with a little BBQ on Bobby's porch.

Hebrew Nationals, of course, and...

some Simpler Times. Happy.

Meanwhile, back inside, Julie was giving Josie some highlights while they sipped on some pomegranate mimosas.

Nothing beats Simpler Times and some dogs. So economical during these tough times. Sweet relish, chopped onion, and some mustard.

The girls joined us while they waited for the highlights to get did.

Bobby cracking into the beef casing.

I thought I'd share with Grace Jones.

Post BBQ, we headed over to the brew pub. Just like old times. Work, dinner, pub, sleep. That's how it went and that's how it goes.

Man I missed Arbor beers. So tasty, strong, rejuvenating. I'm partial to the Alt #22.

The following morning, the girls and I went to Zingerman's for some sandwiches. They are a bit expensive, but it's a must when you live 1,500 miles away. Their meat and cheese, and even their bread is phenomenal.

Julie got the Zingerman's Reuben. It's the best Reuben you can get outside of NYC. I usually mash that, but I saw something else on the menu that caught my eye.

Josie got the Turkey Reuben.

I got the Carlito's #33. I had never seen it on the menu before. It must be new. Anyway, It's roasted pork shoulder. Merciful heaven.

After lunch we visited a place I had never set foot in, the Cupcake Station. It was the ladies' idea, but I was glad to participate. They had quite the selection, and who knew coffee, a cupcake, and a cigarette mesh so well together.

I asked for the Boston Cream joint. It was intense. Lot's of sugar.

Josie's cupcake was so good it made her cock-eyed.

This picture could be a music video for cupcakes with the wind blowin' in her hair and all.

Ahhhh. The Ann Arbor good life.

After the pleasant afternoon we branched out and got a bag full of 40oz Mickeys. I placed a bet with Bobby, "if I finish my 40 before you finish your 40 then I'll stay another day." He proceeded to pound his 40. Agressive.

"That was easy."

Bobby trying to show me all his apps. I hate apps. Oh, the good life. Pt. 4: Back to the Fe soon.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Road Trip, Pt. 2: Wedding & Stuff

The next day I woke up to the sight of Qwame airing it out. It was about 2pm on a Thursday which meant in about 5 hours we had a date with some wings. When I lived in Ann Arbor Thursdays were the day I looked forward to all week. ¢50 boneless wings, 22oz Buds, Go Stupid Thursdays at the Alley Bar, Jager and endless billiards. The tradition continues today and I was pumped to be a part of it again.

At about 6pm we headed to State St. and made the usual stop at the Tobacco shop for some treats. I always liked walking through the Arcade.

It was right to business. A round of 22oz Buds and wings. I got the Hot BBQ, Bobby got the Medium, and Irwin got the Teriyaki.

Jesus Cruz is diggin' in.

After our wings and 5 22's, we got courageous and ordered the Blazin' wings, the hottest ones on the menu. Everyone ate one, but Irwin ate 2 and started tearing up. Washing it down with Bud does not help.

Since Go Stupid Thursday is no more, we made a stop at the sketchy Main St. liquor store for a walk into the beer fridge. Authorities are still looking for this man.

The next morning, or should I say afternoon, Josie and I went to visit Rob and Julie at work at Seva. I ordered a much needed Beet, Carrot, and Orange juice.

Then we had lunch, I had the Spinach Enchiladas. Delicious. Josie and Julie shared the Calabaza & Cheese Enchilada.

I took a nap and then met up with Carey and Elena, who I hadn't seen yet on this trip, and went to the Heidelberg. We said we weren't gonna order a Boot, but, you know.

Bobby killed the boot in honor of Pat. Nice hat.

The next day we had a wedding to got to. Secret Service showed up to escort us.

The ladies got dolled up. Lookin' good.

I got dubbed as the "French Painter."

We went to the Hutchinson House in Ypsi for Matt and Erin's Wedding. The setting was beautiful and the grey sky was the perfect background for the house.

Agent Lange and Julie.

Josie and I.

And here comes the bride, Ewin, looking fabulous.

Exchanging vows.

The reception was at the Corner Brewery, just a couple blocks away. I had never been before so I was super excited. It was a genius idea for a reception. All you can drink beer, including Matt's home-brew "Rat Pad" and Titanic sized burritos. Matt and Erin are the cutest couple ever.

Agent Lange analyzing the situation.

Cig break. I didn't take too many pictures at the reception because we were too busy cutting up the rug and celebrating. It was a great time. I even got to DJ for 15 minutes. Thanks Matt and Erin for a wonderful time.

When we got home sometime after 2am we ordered Bell's. One peperoni, one cheese, and two orders of Steak Fries. That should soak everything up. Pt. 3 next.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Road Trip, Pt. 1: Santa Fe to Ann Arbor

Monday, July 27, at 4:47am I woke up to get ready for our road trip adventure to Ann Arbor. I thought getting an early start would put a dent into the 23 hour drive ahead of us. Why drive? Why not? It's an experience, another hard drive in the brain to fill. There were 3 reasons for the visit, 1, witness Matt & Erin's wedding, 2, bring back my cat Osiris, and 3, play with all of our friends. With two road bikes packed, deli meat, water, Hansen's, two iPhones loaded with music, and American Spirit yellows, we hit the ground running at 6am on the nose.

Josie and I decided to take the northern route through New Mexico, Colorado, and then cut across through Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and finally Michigan. Northern NM is quite beautiful, specially at sunrise.

Entering Colorado Springs is stunning. The Rocky Mountains are enormous and intimidating. Colorado is a pretty state and Josie and I decided that, on a different occasion, a visit to Boulder and Fort Collins is necessary.

Oh Nebraska, that John Denver is full of shit. The most grueling point of the trip. Thank baby Jesus for 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon. At this point we were probably 8 hours into the drive and starting to feel the space madness a la Ren & Stimpy.

Omaha, Nebraska at sundown bordering Iowa. We drove almost clear across Iowa stopping at Iowa City before falling asleep behind the wheel. We crashed at a very classy and economical Motel 6.

The next morning we woke up at 7am confident about the 16 hours we put in the day before. We only had a short 7 hour drive to Ann Arbor. Here we are crossing the Mississippi into Illinois.

Big sigh of relief. The excitement started to build at an alarming rate.

We made it - high five. Good 'ol Ann Arbor, the Bubble, the Deuce, A-squared. We drove into the town with heavy rainfall. Here is the Beer Depot, I used to go there everyday when I lived on William.