Salt Lake Beauty

The past few days have been great. I've had the opportunity to work with some amazing people, shoot some things I've never shot and see non-stop Salt Lake City natural beauty. 

My connection with South Mountain Community Church is so crazy. About a year ago, I shot my friend Josh Jost's wedding. One of his friends named Ben remembered me from the wedding and randomly asked Josh for my number to pick my brain about a shoot they were doing for their Christmas program this year. Ben had NO IDEA that I just so happened to be traveling the country, much less that I would BE IN SALT LAKE CITY the exact time they were hoping to shoot the little short film. 

I was able to tell Ben that not only would I be in town, but I'd be able to help his church shoot this little short, for FREE! Ben and the South Mountain crew were just as shocked as I was at this sweet, unexpected circumstance and so we planned the shoots and got to work! 

Dan, the Creative Director at South Mountain and their team got EVERYTHING setup and planned. All I had to do was show up and shoot! It was so much fun. The plan was to shoot a little short film that would play sporadically throughout their Christmas program amongst live music and live drama. I wish I could be in town to see the final product, but I can't wait to hear how the program turns out. 

This was such an awesome opportunity, from meeting some sweet new people, working on a new type of project and even getting to see a bit more of Downtown Salt Lake City. 

Shooting at The Rose Establisment Coffee Shop in Downtown Salt Lake City. 

My first time putting my 5D on a car mount. Scary. 

Oh, The Beautiful Land

Salt. Lake. Is. Beautiful. 

Every dang time I drive Thorondor around the city, I'm just in awe of my surroundings. The entire city is in a valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. Today, I got to visit Josh and Rachel's church, Risen Life, and afterwards we went out to Pie Pizza and then drove up into the mountains to take a little mile hike in the snow around the Silver Lake area. I'm so thankful for amazing friends here who love sharing the wonderful things about the place they live with me. 

On the way to Silver Lake. 

Walking around Silver Lake. 

Josh and I also build a grind box today that turned out super awesome. Stay tuned for some sweet shreddin' on it in the next few days!

Why Salt Lake City?

Why did I decide to come to Salt Lake City? Quite a few reasons, as a matter of fact. Two reasons are people. Josh and Rachel Jost. I've known Josh Jost for a some years now as a result of a few mutual Kansas friendships. He loves Jesus and is a shredder, hence his being on the Hidden Clothing team. He is a solid believer and such an encouragement to be around. He married his lovely wife Rachel about a year ago and I shot their wedding. I'm really excited to film and photograph (and shred) with him over the next couple of weeks for some Hidden updates. 

Josh Jost. 

Josh is a youth minister at his church and also heads up a SkateChurch ministry in the area. I'll be shooting a video to help spread the word about SkateChurch over the course of my visit here. I'm so excited about that, as that type of ministry is one of my greatest passions and because I had the opportunity to serve in a similar ministry for the past 4 years or so. 

I also get the opportunity, while I'm in town, to shoot a project with a church in the area for their Christmas program. They've actually been working hard at writing a script, gathering talent and getting this project ready. God really orchestrated me to be here at the right time. They actually asked Josh for my number recently after remembering I shot his wedding, having no idea I was even doing videography as a ministry or even going to be in town!!! I met with them this evening to get all the details squared away and we shoot over the next two days. 

Texas, New Mexico, Colorado-ish, Utah

Spots. Wiggly Spots. First appearing in the center, hindering me from reading anything or focusing on anything specific. Slowly the spots move to my peripheral vision, now allowing me to continue reading and editing. As I sit in a small-town Starbucks of Farmington, New Mexico, I begin to question why my vision if suddenly so impaired. Everything was fine as I awoke that morning from within the belly of Thorondor, resting nicely in the back of a Walmart parking lot. Nothing changed as I drove around looking for a coffee shop and any fuel under $3.48 a gallon. But after taking a sip of my coffee, my entire body felt different. I felt so weak and then my vision began to go bananas. 

It was the day before! I had left lubbock in the morning after my cup of coffee, and eaten nothing but a few road snacks!!! I hadn't eaten a meal in over 24 hours and I was on my second cup of coffee. Apparently that's about all my body can take. I immediately drove to Farmington's second Walmart (which was closer to the Starbucks), and got some fruits and veggies in my system. I had driven about 9 hours the day before, leaving Texas and crossing most of New Mexico. 

Farwell, Texas

A funny thing actually happened as I left Texas. I've lived in Texas all my life. I love Texas dearly. I always will. As I began to draw near the border, I saw a sign that read "Farwell Methodist Church." I found that odd, not even noticing that Farwell was misspelled, but wondering why a church would name itself "Farwell." As I began to rack my brain for a reference in the Bible to the word Farwell that this congregation must have derived it's name from, I pass a few more businesses with the name Farwell in the name. It finally becomes clear. I am passing through a town named "Farwell." I suddenly get excited. What a clever town! It's a border town! And they have named their town Farwell, as to say goodbye to those passing through and into New Mexico. 

My emotions quickly change as this begins to sink in a little deeper. Though still excited about this new adventure, and even saying "Farewell" to Texas really for the first time to live outside it's borders, the reality hits. In just a few minutes, Texas will no longer be my home. Texas will always be "home" to me, but I will no longer reside there for the first time in my life, for however long the season may be. I slow down, savoring every last moment in my home state. As I near the actual border of Texas and New Mexico, something quite comical appears. A road block. The entire road, every lane, has been blocked off completely. 

Texas just couldn't say goodbye. 

It took me a few minutes to even figure out how to get out of the town. I finally found my way through some neighborhoods, but it was quite a moment. I felt as though it was just as hard for Texas to let me go as it was for me to let go of it. I'm obviously reading way too much into a roadblock, but I don't think I'll ever forget that moment. Friends, family, Texans, and even Texas, I love you, and I'll miss you dearly. 

Moabites

After leaving Texas, I made it most of the way through New Mexico on that first day, passing through Albuquerque and finally stopping in a place called Farmington, as I said before. It was my first night "urban camping." I parked in the back of a Walmart parking lot and got some shuteye. After getting some food in my system I drove the rest of the day through some BEAUTIFUL places through the rest of New Mexico, a tiny corner of Colorado and Utah where I finally ended up at my friend's Josh and Rachel Jost's house in Salt Lake City.

I plan to work with Josh's Skatechurch ministry here as well as a church or two with some more video ministry opportunities. I am so excited to be here, and SO excited Thorondor made that drive of over 20 hours. Everyone give praise to God for answering so many prayers about safety and the health of Thorondor. So psyched. 

Mordor... or something, New Mexico

Thorondor enjoying the sites. 

Some huge weird thing.

Huge thanks to Josh Jost for recommending this route. Highway 128 following the Colorado River through the canyons. Beautiful.

Thorondor. Finally in Utah. 

Finally West-Bound

It was a difficult decision. To leave before or after getting my oil and fuel issues taken care of. My father, my source of wisdom and council, recommended that I remain in Dallas until I get those figured out and fixed. I, however, so very anxious to get on the road, made the decision to fill up with gas, top off the oil and head west, while monitoring both issues closely.

I rolled into Lubbock with no issues and praising God for a successful first leg of the trip. The gas leak was not making a dent and the oil was still topped off!!! Thanks everyone who has been praying for me and Thorondor.

I wanted to stop in Lubbock for at least one night so that I could spend some time with my good friends here. Logan, who had been on the Hidden team for years is a very close friend and we had a blast hanging out and riding last night.

Logan's new house in Lubbock, Texas. 

That was much needed. I wish I could have stayed in town for a week, but I have some commitments with a church out in Salt Lake City for this Thursday and Friday. I can't wait to share about that. God is providing some super sweet opportunities for me to build some sweet friendships with churches and ministries, including this one in Salt Lake City as well as Jackson, Mississippi!

This morning I woke up in the van which I parked in front of Logan's house and headed to Starbucks to get some editing done. The plan now is to head to Salt Lake City from here where I'll meet up with my good buddy Josh Jost and his wife, and get to do some video shoots with a local church which Josh connected me with.

I'm so excited! I cannot believe the journey out west has finally begun! In about 2 hours, I will no longer live in Texas, for the first time in my life. Please pray for my journey, my van and for my number one desire to not be adventure, but to be Jesus.

Not Ideal

Today was not the best of days. It began last night on the way back from Scottsville, Texas where I had been photographing a wedding. The weekend was fantastic. I met so many incredible people and wish I had weeks longer to spend with them.

However, on the trip back to Dallas with Westie and new friend Joel, we literally ran out of gas as we rolled into the gas station. This was quite the experience. All of us shouting and pushing the last 50 yards down hill as we coast into the gas station. Westie, not yet knowing that the sliding door is broken, in the heat of the moment, rips it off the side of the van. After reattaching the door and filling up Thorondor with gas, we were on our way... Until 40 minutes later when the tank was mysteriously empty again. Yes, it took about 40 miles to get us from 3/4 of a tank to E. This concerned me, especially since I had planned to begin driving to Salt Lake City today. I have a fuel leak, possibly more than one, and I'm not sure how to fix it.

Today I had my friend Charlie Tutor help me replace my brake pads, and in the process decided to check my oil, and turns out I was SUPER low. Super bummer. I just changed the oil about 2 weeks before in Rockport, so either I also have an oil leak too, or I'm burning oil. Either way, not stoked.

Also, I forgot to pay a speeding ticket in Colleyville, Texas and was informed that I now have a warrant out for my arrest. Sweet.

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Leaving Dallas Once Again

I seem to be retracing my steps, leaving here, driving there, returning here, leaving here and driving there. This repetition, however, is about to cease, and the real adventure shall begin. 

Yesterday I picked up my best friend in the world, Westie Magnuson, at DFW Airport and we headed to Scottsville, Texas to a wedding in which he is a groomsmen and I am changing things up as the photographer. I will be here for the next few days and then heading to Salt Lake City on the the 17th. 

Karl Weston Magnuson. Best friend since age six. 

I want to back up about a week and share the adventures had on the return of the trip to Austin. We picked up my good friend Mat Houck and took him to DFW. I'm filming a series of videos that spotlight a place that a BMX rider grew up riding. The first "First Spots" I filmed with my friend Deven Ferrer and this round was with Mat. We had a blast going to some of the spots he grew up riding and we also got to spend a lot of time with my sister Karissa and cousin Zsanae. That was a real treat because it's been a long time since we all got to hang out together. Such a great time. 

Talking to a couple of kids who ride the same spot he rode at the same age. Sweet. 

Mat fixin' up the ride. 

Austin Once Again

As I rolled into the Dallas area a little over a week ago, I was able to show a lot of my friends and family the new and improved Thorondor. One of the first things that my old roomies said was that they'd like to take a little weekend road trip somewhere fun to test the waters in the new van. After a brief discussion, we decided on a date and one of our favorite places to visit, Austin, Texas.  

My one worry was that the girls wouldn't be able to handle camping out in the van, especially with potentially cold weather. However, they did incredible well and we had an absolute blast in Austin. They finally got to meet some friends like Walter, who I've spoken about plenty, but they had yet to meet. Walter also got to check out Thorondor, which was awesome, as he was a huge source of inspiration and wisdom as he had lived on the road for 2 years in a vehicle he converted himself. 

The girls putting on makeup this morning as I take us to meet up for brunch with my buddy Addrian. 

We spent two days seeing friends, eating food, driving, eating more food and enjoying each other's company. It was definitely an awesome feeling to have my house with me at all times. It was a great test run for the following months. 

Thorondor V2.

The time has come. My father and I have completed the next stage of Thorondor. If you need to be reminded of what the van looked like before, please refresh your memory on the Meet Thorondor page. Our goal was to get the van furnished and livable. There are still plenty of small things to add on and complete, but I am SO excited about the progress we made. My new home is quite comfortable and completely mobile. 

Keep in mind, 85% of this was repurposed materials that my dad had acquired over the years, and the everything else that was needed was provided by my parents.

Feel free to leave comments with suggestions and feedback. CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE.  

The whole enchilada. 

Starboard Interior. Dresser stuffed with clothes, games , reading material and the like. Guitar hanger, with other items and the laundry hamper

Closeup of the dresser storage

Storage for long things and short things. Tent, tripods and such. 

Cubby storage on the Port Side. 

There are three boxes that slide out from under the bed. We built three little doors to access them. 

This is one of my favorite pieces in the van. This is a custom-designed and built unit. The wood used to build it was from a desk that my Grandaddy built for my father years ago. Such an awesome piece of history for Thorondor. 

One of the sweetest features of the van is these incredibly comfy chairs that swivel around to make the van into a nice little living room. 

Lots of storage under the sink including a drawer for toiletries. Sometime in the future, I plan to install a hand-pump sink, but for now, there's just a sink bowl with a little ice chest in it. 

The bed is build out of a repurposed door from the house I grew up in. We even used the original hinges to mount it to the Port side interior. We built it this way as a second point of access to the storage underneath. So pumped on this. 

Finished?

Thorondor has been furnished!!! If you are curious to see photos of the finished product, have patience. I will do a post in the next few days with lots of photos and explanations of what we did.

My dad is SUCH a stud, working all hours of the day and night while I was in town to make sure I would leave Rockport ready to go. I can't wait to share the photos.

I left Rockport yesterday morning and headed back up to the Dallas area to meet up with Team Faith for some stunt shows. I arrived back at my old house where I had a fun little reunion with my cousin and sister and our friend Stephanie, their new roomie. Last night wasn't first night sleeping in the van. I learned that if the van is on a slanted road, you should park so that you roll into the wall and not off the bed. It was quite comforting to have my first night in the van be such a wonderful place, parked outside my old home, with friends and family just a few dozen paces away. I felt as though it was the perfect way to ease into van-life.

Today I met up with Team Faith and we made the drive up to Mcalester, Oklahoma where we did a demo for a Halloween festival for a church in the area. It was such a great time and I got to meet some really great people including a super talented motocross rider named Kevin Johnson.

I've decided to stick around in Texas until the 17th when I will be shooting a wedding around Tyler, Texas. I'm going to try and line up as much work as I can and keep my schedule reasonably flexible.

At this time I have basically no prayer requests. I am overwhelmed with the Lord's provision and the desire and hunger He has given me for Himself lately. I guess I would just ask that He continues to do as He has in the last couple of weeks and that I stop making excuses and spend some good quality time pursuing Him.

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Learning

Busy busy busy.

Today was jam packed with awesome things. As you may have read on The Journey page of the website, part of the plan for this adventure is doing free video work for churches, as well as teaching people at said churches how to shoot their own videos after I'm gone! This is something I'm super excited about and even more excited after today.

This morning I met up at Coastal Oaks Church with a few of its members along with my father, Kevin Muilenburg, the pastor. (Thanks Daddio for letting Coastal Oaks be my first opportunity like this!) Over the next 3 hours, I basically just got to hang out and get it know them as we shot a few videos for their website. As we shot, I was teaching every step of the way. I got to communicate the process from start to finish. After the shoots, we went through the post production process of editing on the computer.

Crystal, a member of the church that already serves in a few different capacities at Coastal Oaks, was my main pupil, and picked up incredibly quickly. Evvvverything was new to her and she caught on way too fast. Crystal and Andy, thanks so much for what you already do and wanting to learn more to serve even more. Y'all are the bomb.

It was such an absolute blast and I'm so thankful that God is allowing me to do this type of ministry. I cannot wait to line up more churches around the country.

In addition to this awesome morning, a family in town decided to purchase new tires for my van. Also, another couple that was at the little video workshop made a generous donation to help out with my trip. Thank y'all SO SO SO much. I hope we run into each other again soon!

My dad and I are ALMOST finished with the van but hit a few electrical snags that kept us from finishing tonight. Hopefully we will finish it up tomorrow before I head back to Dallas for a few days.

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Working Hard

"Cocaine!" I shout through the van, across the driveway, into the garage, at the radio broadcasting Wait Wait Don't Tell Me on NPR. The trivia question was regarding a certain energy drink that was released but then never caught on due to it's terrible name. I knew the answer immediately, as some of my close BMX friends had partaken in said energy drink. 

"This is my favorite thing to do on a Saturday," my dad says "Working on a project in the garage listening to NPR or Jazz."  

My father and I finishing up day 3. 

My father and I have spent the last few days using every free moment working on Thorondor. We have made a ton of progress. We have covered, carpeted, built cabinets, a sink, shelves and a center console that has yet to be installed. It has been an absolute blast. Working on projects with my dad is one of my favorite things in the world. The fact that he had a couple of vans that he converted in high school just adds to the awesome level. 

My parents have spent the last week and a half spoiling the crap out of me. I am sleeping in the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in (and I don't even care for beds), waking up to fresh brewed coffee every morning, and on top of this, they have provided for all the mods on my van! My dad is the king of repurposing. About 80% of the wood we've used is wood that my dad has just been saving for a rainy day. I'm SO grateful that he's chosen my van to be the recipient. The other materials we had to buy were purchased by my parents. This is HUGE. So much has already been provided for me on this trip that I hardly know how to react. 

A stereo from the Farnsworths, clothing and camping gear from Will Wright, welding and mods from Johnny Hauck, a donation from the Tyson's, and now wood and materials from my mom and dad. I am overwhelmed by the generosity I've already been shown. God is using some incredible people to provide for me right now. 

Texas Toast Jam

As some of you may know, I planned the departure of this US Tour strategically so that I wouldn't miss a certain spectacular BMX event in Austin, Texas. This event is Odyssey's Texas Toast Jam. It's a contest and weekend of all around fun for all who love BMX. All of the biggest names in the industry are there and because it's an event created by riders for riders, it's the best BMX contest in the world.  

But before I talk about Austin, I need to give an update on Thorondor! My Van is shaping up!!! When I got to Rockport, I got to do one of sweetest father/son projects ever. I got to carpet my van with my dad, who also converted a van when he was in high school. We worked from the time he got off of work until about 11:30PM one night and knocked it all out! Thorondor now was a beautiful dark blue indoor/outdoor carpet flooring (that I got for FREE). This was really the first step of the process that made Thorondor begin to feel like a home. I'm already tempted to just spend hours in there and sleep in there, even though I have a place to stay! Thanks Dad for your hard work and helping me get that done!  

The first step was to ply the floor. 

We made a template with butcher paper and then traced and cut it from the carpet. 

We then used two different types of adhesive to lay down the carpet. 

After spending some time with my parents and finishing up carpeting Thorondor, I quickly made my way to Austin for Texas Toast. 

NORA Cup

While in Austin, I had the incredible privilege of doing some filming and editing for RIDE BMX Magazine. This is a publication I've read since I was 12 years old and I was able to work along side guys I've looked up to since that time. I cannot express how grateful I am to all who made that happen, and most importantly, to God for allowing and orchestrating such an awesome opportunity in my life. I hope and pray that this leads to more work with them. 

I went on the road with little to no plans for freelance work along the way, and God has already been providing in the WAY cooler ways that I could have ever imagined or asked for. SO stoked.  

In addition to shooting all of this, I also got to see some amazing friends and meet even more. It was like a huge BMX Family Reunion. So much fun.  

To the Coast

Yesterday was the most productive day so far. Johnny Hauck, a friend I met in Ruidoso, New Mexico this past year, helped me in a HUGE way with welding on the van. He built me a gnarly roof rack, patched the rust holes in the cargo bed and welded in my new captain's swivel chairs.  

In addition to all this work, I also had the privilege of going and seeing some of my good friends, Lauren and Ben Setterbo. I realized this week that Lauren is literally one of my oldest friends. Her and my sister have been besties since I was around 6 or 7 years old. That's almost 20 years. Whoa. I was so excited to see them, and so excited to meet their beautiful daughter, Audrey. 

I was so excited to finally meet baby Audrey. I. Love. The Setterbos. 

My buddy JohnMark also helped me finish painting the interior of the van. It was such an honor to get to hang out with these guys, go to salvage yards, hardware stores and just get to have some sweet time of fellowship. I also met some awesome new friends in the process. San Antonio was just excellent.  

This morning I loaded the van back up and headed down to Rockport to visit my parents for a few days before heading back up to Austin for Texas Toast. My dad and I are going to begin finishing up the interior tomorrow. Thorondor is really coming along and I cannot wait to get him finished up! 

The Salvage Yard is Johnny's favorite place in the world. 

JohnMark helped me finish paint deep into the night. What a dude!  (Can't wait until you join me for a leg of the trip! :) )

Johnny is the best. 

San Antonio!

The first overnight stop of my trip has been one of the most incredible experiences. Yesterday it rained ALL DAY LONG and we enjoyed every second of it. My good friends Todd and Whitney had the day off so we spent the day hanging out in my van in their driveway, drinking coffee and even installed my new stereo successfully! Todd also blessed me with some more camping gear that he is no longer in need of.  

To my (pleasant) surprise, our friends Jordan and Natalie came into town from Austin and  hung out with us for half the day as well! It was such a treat seeing them and catching up. 

On the Lookout!

Today is the day that I begin modding Thorondor. The first step is welding, then redoing the interior, then the exterior. I'm excited about that process, but I could use your help! Please be on the lookout for a roof cargo rack. If you have one that you're no longer using, I'd love to take it off your hands! If you have one you'd sell me for cheaper than the $500 they cost new, I'd love to make a deal! I'm going to need one for the roof of the van so that I can clear up some space inside.  

Exodus.

I woke up suddenly this morning on the floor of an unfamiliar room. It was my own, but the only things that remained the same were the four walls. All of my belongings packed into boxes and furniture gone. My Bob Dylan posters rolled away and paintings placed in a storage shed.

I awoke abruptly because a family was coming early to come pick up the sofa that had been in my room. They came. We loaded the sofa into a truck, and that checked the last item off the "Before Leaving To-Do List."

My sister Karissa and cousin Zsanae, who have been my roomies for the past 2 and a half years, took me out to our favorite brunch spot, and then it was back to the house to load up the van. I did not anticipate the flood of emotions that followed. As I loaded the van, one box after another, I knew each time I passed through the front door that it was one time closer to the last time I'd pass through that door and be on my way.

Our home was coined "Neverland" and over the past year or so in that house, we had shared some of the best times. Dinner parties, slack lining, jam sessions, community, coffee drinking, late night crime show watching, rainy day porch sessions, photoshoots and more. As all of these memories flooded my mind, my heart was finally hit with the reality of saying goodbye. Zsanae, Kissy and I had been to Europe together, lived in community, and even shared our feelings a time or two. We had learned, and were in the process of learning how to honor each other and serve each other. I learned more about how to be the kind of husband I want to be someday that I think I ever could have any other way. Girls, you challenged me to be a better man in every way. I will NEVER forget some of the lessons I learned from y'all and times we had together. I love you both SO much. hashtagmissyoualready

The Trip Begins

After filling Thorondor up with gas, I begin to drive away and am stopped by a man tapping on my window, informing me that I have a steady stream of fuel leaking out of my van. I'm praying hard that he's just joking or mistaken, but sure enough, as I get out and look under the van, there is a steady stream of gasoline leaking out of what seams to be a seam in the gas tank. After realizing I'm losing fuel fast, I do the only logical thing. I get back in the van and try to drive to Austin faster than the gas can leak out. Miraculously enough, it works! I roll into Austin 4 hours later (after driving through the worst storm of my life) on fumes! 

Walter Pieringer, a friend from Austin, is the man. He looked up a sealant at an auto parts store and as soon as I roll into town, we ride motorcycles to grab some Torchy's Tacos and the sealant for the gas tank. To my surprise, after filling up the gas tank again to the halfway point, there is no leak! I haven't even used the sealer yet, but I'm guessing the leak is just on the upper half of the tank. I guess we shall see! 

Mateo came over and I got to show him my Thorondor. After that, I made my way to San Antonio where I met up with the Farnsworths!!! Todd is one of my best friends of all time and so the Farnsworth house was a must-stop on the trip. So psyched I made it to them on day one! They also bless me with an incredible gift!!! They got me a stereo to replace the one that was stolen out of the van!!!!! I cannot believe how much God has been using my friends to bless me lately. I am completely overwhelmed. Thank you SO much Todd and Whit!!! This will significantly enrich my time driving. One day of reading every sign out loud in different accents was already kind of making me crazy. 

 

Whitney's hand writing and gift wrapping are on point. 

Safe-ty First.

I am SO excited about some new additions to Thorondor. Things are moving slowly, and that's okay. The interior and exterior still remain the same. The remodel has not yet begun. However, as the weather here in Texas goes through an identity crisis, a good friend, Scott Kline and I made the best of a cool, drizzly day last week. 

We went for my first trip to a "Pick-N-Pull." If you're not familiar with the term, this is basically a junk yard where you get to go "pick-n-pull" things off of vehicles and get a pretty decent deal on things you don't care to buy new.  

I was able to score these sweet chairs as well as a ladder and some lights for the ceiling of the van. These chairs swivel around and lock in place so my van can have a sweet living room! :) The plan is to install them with some friends in San Antonio. I'm going to switch out the original van seats, which are in terrible condition, with these bad boys, which are purple. You win some, you lose some, I guess. :)

 

New Seats for Thorondor!

After hearing the details of my trip, my grandparents decided to bless me with an incredible gift. They bought me a SAFE!!! That's right, they purchased a safe that I can keep my valuables in during my trip! I won't mention all the sweet features of this baby online in case some jerk reads this and wants to try and rob me. He won't know what boobie traps await. 

Pop and Cissy, thank you SO much for your constant support and encouragement in my life. Thank you for investing in the trip and keeping me and my stuff safe! 

Cissy is addicted to Costco. But she bought me this killer safe there!

Also, my buddy GG (Greg Garcia) is the most incredible dude ever. Unbeknownst to me, he went around to a bunch of my friends and coworkers, and he collected money to help me replace some of the things that have been stolen and lost lately. GG, I cannot thank you enough for doing this. If anyone who helped contribute to that is reading this, I am SO grateful! Thank you SO DANG MUCH!!!

GG. Greg Garcia. Best. Dude. Ever.  

Found!

I've found it! After a few months of searching, I found my new home! It's a 1990 Ford Econoline Cargo Van. It's a 3/4 ton and has a straight 6 engine. Cosmetically, it's hurting pretty bad, so it's going to take a ton of work from myself, my dad and friends to get this guy into the camper that I have in my head.  

I'm really excited to start working on it. The plan so far is to add a bed with storage underneath, a small sink/fridge and welded racks on the top and on the front or back.  

My new home. A 1990 Ford Econoline Cargo Van.

First Post and First Order of Business

Hello!  

I am going on a journey beginning in October 2013. (To find out why, where and how, refer to The Journey page on the site) I'd love for you to follow along via this website. I'll be keeping daily logs (when interweb access is available) to keep everyone up to date on my adventures. 

It's now roughly a month until my voyage begins, and the first order of business is to find the vessel. That's right, I do not yet own the vehicle that I will be driving around the wonderful United States.  

FordFalcon

I have been looking for the past few months but have still not found the right rig. I am really hoping and praying for a vehicle called a Ford Falcon, which is a Class B Motorhome/van that Ford made in the late 80s and 90s. This is the ideal vehicle, but any camper van, or even regular van will do. I'm trying to stay under $5,000 and under 150K miles.