O'ahu is losing one of its finest. Ranger Brett will be leaving us and moving forward with his career with Army (yep.. that was a Buster Bluth reference). Instead of shipping his lethal blacked out Mini Cooper to Georgia, he had the brilliant idea of sending it to San Diego and driving across the country to visit friends and family along the way. I had to jump on the once in a lifetime opportunity and tag along. Here's a quick update of our epic summer road trip so far:
• I cashed my coin stash in and was pleasantly surprised to find I had $205 in total. Also found out that you don't get hit with the 8% processing fee if you put the money on a Starbucks gift card. That should take care of my iced quad espresso addiction for a bit. •Obligatory mid-flight pic. Thanks Hawaiian Airlines for being the best ever.
• First host for the trip was the legendary Ben Kuenzle. Had an amazing time adventuring around Encinitas and San Diego with this fellow.
• Made a few necessary stops while we were in town. Ortiz's Tacos for a California Burrito, Aloha Sunday, and Coffee + Tea Collective in North Park.
• Packed and ready for the road.
• First stop, Joshua Tree National Park.
• The Grand Canyon. One of the most amazing things I've ever seen.
• Monument Valley and Arches National Park in Moab, Utah.
• Extreme terrain change in Colorado.
• Went for a run in Kansas City and was surprised to find that treat. It actually wasn't even that bad but it made me feel like a legit runner. • Liberty Memorial at the WWI Museum in Kansas City. Shout out to Andy and Mallory Studebaker, and Zeke Markshausen for being amazing hosts.
• Lunch at the Bagel Deli in Denver was a success. • Super stylish Australian Military uniform from WWI.
• Chicago's Wicker Park will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thanks to Tokar, Pagh and Freddy for killer hospitality and good times!
• One of the biggest treats of the trip was seeing Paper Route and mewithoutYou play at the Bottom Lounge in Chicago. Excited to hear the new album. • Boating at sunset in Pennsylvania.
• Downtown Chicago from the "beach" (the shore of Lake Michigan). • Found the perfect keepsake to sum up the road trip. Vintage 48 star flag from the Lewisburg farmers market in PA.