goodbye buckeye, hellooo hoosier!!

we're back on the road...! back to our 14-inches of leather. any personal space is filled with coolers and bookbags, but somehow i like it. comfycozyy! (we'll see how long that lasts.) i'm camped out in the back right next to kristina. cobra & TP are right in front of us, jorge is behind the wheel (lord, be with us) & billy's ridin shotgun with his hair undone.

we arrived at cedar point around 5 last night ("...just in time for happy hour"-tp.) we tossed our things in the room & went for a long walk to loosen up & get a little energy out after being cooped up for 7 hours. since our hotel was right on the amusement park's premises we stumbled across the ripcord skycoaster - a bungee type contraption that hoists you up suuuper high & drops you, leaving you swinging hundreds of feet in the air. tric, jorge & i jumped on it once we calculated it would cost us a mere $14.67 each if we all went together. (drifter gossip: billy said "they're already in the hole 15 bucks")...unfortunately i cannot reveal who i received this information from but a word for billy: I ATE $2 BAGS OF VEGETABLES AND OATMEAL FOR A YEAR SO I COULD EXPERIENCE THIS TRIP. anyhow, the view from the top of the ripcord was beauuutiful -- overlooked lake erie & the whole park. we hit the jacuzzi when we got back & then tric joined me for a jog along the beach :) walked to TGI fridays right off erie for apps. kristina sipped on a water and anxiously awaited the grape poptarts we had back at the room. she is undoubtedly in the lead for least money spent (frugal franny award)...coming in with a whopping SIX DOLLARS. we officially nicknamed her "the scavenger" after she slipped away to use the restroom & we found her rummaging through the restaurant dumpster.......just kiddiiiin. in the meantime, cobra was hit on by liz (our waitress) - she caressed his shoulder and pretended to be an avid sports fan just to stand by his side watching the game & making passionate comments whenever the celtics missed a shot. apparently the party wasn't over for uncle jorge and cobra cause they headed back to friday's later on that night as the rest of us rested up.

woke up early to pack up the durango & fuel up at perkins for a long day of walking and riding coasters. this is where you find me now...kris just found a place for us to crash in downtown chicago. but since we're ahead of schedule, we're taking a little detour to check out notre dame! 3 things im lookin forward to tomorrow!...seeing the sear's tower (where gramps worked most of his life); meeting up with mikey (my buddy i met in FL a few years back and kept in touch with!); and rootin for the cubbies in the mecca of baseball fields!! -- WRIGLEYYY.

random snippets:

-billy has ringworm.

-i forgot my license. momma's overnighting it to minnesota. thank you mommaaaa! :)

-cobra left his camera on the top of a garbage can and ran back 20 minutes later to find it just where he left it.

-"what's the difference between an ocean and a lake??" -TP

-& on a more serious note, there was a horrible car crash while i was snoozin & the rest of the drifters saw a few dead bodies :/ i guess it will inspire us to drive safely.

ta ta for now.

a.hendricks

PEACE OUT PA

Durango Drifters' Pre-Trip Survey: Cobra K sheare

What is the most unnecessary thing you packed?
phone, I rather use the mailing system

What is the most prized possession you packed?
underwear


If you had to leave someone in the middle of the desert, who would it be?
no one, like Poore said a team is a team

Where are you most excited to go on the trip?
Once were out of Pike County everywhere! But looking forward to Cali the most


What are you most excited to do on the trip?
1.) Driving
2.) Hiking
3.) Starting trouble

According to ground rules, if you’re behind the wheel, you dictate the music. What will be playing when you’re driving?
Fab, lil wayne, biggie, jay, foo fighters, green day, most alternative
Who is most likely to get a ticket along the way?
Amy, crazy fast driver, makes illegal u- turns, passes cars on the double line, crazy

Who is most likely to cause trouble along the way?
me and poore, been starting trouble since the 4th grade…… watch out America

If you could bring one more person along, who would it be?
my brother were both crazy people and he would definitely enjoy it too.

Do you think you will lose or gain weight over the 40 days?
I hope gain but no fat put on some muscle

Speaking of eating…If you were stranded somewhere and ran out of food, who would you decide to cannibalize first?
Amy tall, built, food would last till we found our way back home

Do you plan to collect any little souvenirs along the way?
Applications for jobs

What are your 3 biggest goals for the road trip?

1.) get back on the right track in life
2.) take as many pictures as possible
3.) But mostly enjoy the time away, the people im with and see the country one state at a time

Durango Drifters' Pre-Trip Survey: B.Poore

What is the most unnecessary thing you packed?
My toothbrush. It’s overrated.

What is the most prized possession you packed?
My iPhone because there’s an app for that.


If you had to leave someone in the middle of the desert, who would it be?
We would all have to stay together as a team. We left together and we will come home together. We will find a way out together.

Where are you most excited to go on the trip?
National Parks, Baseball Games, and California.


What are you most excited to do on the trip?
1.) Hike Half-Dome in Yosemite National Park
2.) Grand Canyon and Yellowstone
3.) Raft Class IV Rapids on the Colorado River

According to ground rules, if you’re behind the wheel, you dictate the music. What will be playing when you’re driving?
A little bit of everything. The surroundings will dictate the music.

Who is most likely to get a ticket along the way?
A ticket? What cop is going to give the Durango Drifters a ticket? Now Kristina will be the first one to get pulled over, probably going down a one-way street. But we will get out of the ticket.

Who is most likely to cause trouble along the way?
Tricia and Amy will cause trouble with their friendly personality. They will meet and invite the wrong person to come along with us for a day.

If you could bring one more person along, who would it be?
I would bring Casey because she would love California. She should fly out to California and meet us!

Do you think you will lose or gain weight over the 40 days?
Both.

Speaking of eating…If you were stranded somewhere and ran out of food, who would you decide to cannibalize first?
Everyone together in one big slow roasted beef stew.

Do you plan to collect any little souvenirs along the way?
Absolutely! Something small and inexpensive that I will always have.

What are your 3 biggest goals for the road trip?

1.) Conquer Half Dome
2.) Catch a HR ball at Wrigley
3.) Have Fun


B.Poore

Durango Drifters' Pre-Trip Survey: Kristina

What is the most unnecessary thing you packed?
I feel as though I packed nothing that is unnecessary; my problem is I packed too much of everything!

What is the most prized possession you packed?
My cell-phone; although there is a great chance it will be non-existent in parts of my trip because of how wonderful AT&T service is. However, my cell phone will come in good use when I’m stuck in a car with the same four people for the entire 40+ days! (JK drifters!)

If you had to leave someone in the middle of the desert, who would it be?
I would have to say Tricia or Amy because they are the friendliest of us all and would probably fandangle a way and hitch-hike their way back to society.

Where are you most excited to go on the trip?
1. Grand Canyon
2. Wrigley Field
3. Yellowstone National Park
4. San Diego California

What are you most excited to do on the trip?

1. Rafting down class IV rapids in the Colorado River
2. ATV riding in sand dunes
3. Caves
4. Baseball games cross-country

According to ground rules, if you’re behind the wheel, you dictate the music. What will be playing when you’re driving?
A mix of country, rock, oldies & throw in some 80’s classics…

Who is most likely to get a ticket along the way?
Definitely 100% Tricia... With her record to this date she will have the drill down “license and registration” in the following states: OH, IL, SD, CA, AZ, CO, KS, KY, NC hahahahaha jk. But let’s be honest it wouldn’t surprise us.
Who is most likely to cause trouble along the way?
Easy. Cobra K Sheare. Don’t ask me how, but he will find a way. (Weather at the campground, baseball game or a quick drink at a bar ha-ha)

If you could bring one more person along, who would it be?
As much as I would love to bring one more person along, we have Uncle Jorge week 1 and then the five of us the rest of the way...They say the more the merrier, but in this case, I can settle with what we have.

Do you think you will lose or gain weight over the 40 days?
Considering the last thing I want to spend my money on is food and the fact we will be hiking non-stop. I’m sure I’d lose weight over the span of 40 days.

Speaking of eating…If you were stranded somewhere and ran out of food, who would you decide to cannibalize first?
Tricia, I’m sure we all taste like chicken…but I’d opt-out on that option and not survive.

Do you plan to collect any little souvenirs along the way?
Definitely, I plan on taking something from each place I visit, as well as postcards, t-shirts, shells on the beach etc...


What are your 3 biggest goals for the road trip?
1. Have a fun time; it is a trip of a life time.
2. Beat Amy on the Manitou Incline (HAHAHA) not happening.
3. Not get attacked or bit by a bear, bison, mountain goat, snake etc.

Durango Drifters' Pre-Trip Survey:Tric

What is the most unnecessary thing you packed?

Probably my knitted snow hat… I heard it could be as low as 30 degrees in Yellowstone…so therefore better safe than sorry right? My ears will be warm. :)

What is the most prized possession you packed? My flask! “Hi my name is Tric and I am an….” Jokinggg. I would say my camera; it will be storing memories that will be with me forever.

If you had to leave someone in the middle of the desert, who would it be?

Hmm…I would practice utilitarianism “the greatest good, for the greatest number.” Maximize pleasure and minimize pain for the greater good. If I the situation called for it, I would sacrifice for the team. Yes, guys, I ADORE YOU ALL!

Where are you most excited to go on the trip?

Seriously, EVERYDAY and SOAKING IT ALL IN! I am just super excited to get out and see and experience it all in the 40-day time frame with my wolf pack. I am looking forward to camping and hotels, mountains and beaches, canyons and plains. Oh yeah, and VEGAS with my wolf pack.

What are you most excited to do on the trip?
 The unplanned and impromptu adventures….cause lets be honest Murphy’s law has a way of always saying hello. Ps. Dear God, Please give the Durango that extra push to make it home in one piece!

According to ground rules, if you’re behind the wheel, you dictate the music. What will be playing when you’re driving?
 Probably a mixture of everything, the location will probably dictate a lot of what I jam out to… and sometimes silence.

Who is most likely to get a ticket along the way?

I would say Jorge. I know he will only be joining us for the first 5 days, but if he drives anything like the way he handles Shrondra his black mistress AKA. Dodge charger, we will be hearing a lot of “License and registration please”

Who is most likely to cause trouble along the way?


Cobra. He always finds a way to ignite an altercation or two…

It must be the cobra in him.

If you could bring one more person along, who would it be?
 Reese Nicole, if she was potty trained and off her “Nu Nu’s.” Oh and if she had a fake ID. She will be greatly missed.

Do you think you will lose or gain weight over the 40 days? Well is trail mix and granola bars fattening? I will probably turn into a peanut butter & jelly sandwich, instead.

Speaking of eating…If you were stranded somewhere and ran out of food, who would you decide to cannibalize first?
 hmmm…they would all taste like chicken.

Do you plan to collect any little souvenirs along the way?


Considering I might not be able to afford food and a decent nights rest, I would say maybe like coasters or Mike Tyson’s tiger.

What are your 3 biggest goals for the road trip?

To beat my Manitou incline record

To avoid being eaten by mountain lions an or snakes

To come home in one piece

1

Durango Drifters' Pre-Trip Survey: A. Hendricks

What is the most unnecessary thing you packed?
I probably could’ve gone without the FIFTH sundress, but they count as a whole outfit and I only have a few more summers to dress like an 8 year old little girl. I also probably could’ve gone without my perfume for 40 days, but I’m big on smells, so in my mind it’s completely necessary. It’s all about perspective.

What is the most prized possession you packed?
My journal. It contains my soul.

If you had to leave someone in the middle of the desert, who would it be?
Billy cause I feel like he’d be most likely to figure out a way to survive. I’d give the other three about 8 hours to live.

Where are you most excited to go on the trip?
I’ve got a few:

1. The Grand Canyon – It’s pretty much the only major site in the US I have yet to see. The rents took us across the country years ago and I feel like we saw EVERYTHING BUT that. I hear it’s humbling.
2. Lake George, CO – Was just there last summer but I can’t get enough of those vistas, that cabin, and of course UNCLE MYRON!!! My favorite cowboy :)
3. LA – Get to see my big bro! I think the last time I saw him was two Halloweens ago. Yes, he comes home for Halloween but not Thanksgiving and Christmas. He’s a crackerjack.

What are you most excited to do on the trip?
I’m really excited that we’ll be camping most of the trip. I love simple living and escaping the digital world. As for activities, ATVing in the sanddunes makes my heart skip a beat and I can’t wait to FINALLY try surfing. On a broader spectrum, I’m really excited to meet people along the way, hear their stories and get a feel for the people in each region of the country. I’m also reeeally excited to have time to just sit, stare out the window & put my thoughts to paper.

According to ground rules, if you’re behind the wheel, you dictate the music. What will be playing when you’re driving?
I’m on a Train and AAR kick, but my mainstays are KOL & Counting Crows, so they will undoubtedly find their way in the mix.

Who is most likely to get a ticket along the way?
I feel like I should say Tric (considering the ticket she acquired when she drove a whopping 2 hours within a month of travels that prooobably consisted of a solid 30 hours of driving), but I’m gonna go with Kristina on this one. I have a premonition she’s got a steel foot.

Who is most likely to cause trouble along the way?
Cobra K. Sheare. The name says it all…not to mention the drunken brawl and the mid-sleep piss in the tent’s “invisible” toilet while we were in the Catskills. Dear Lord, have mercy on our souls.

If you could bring one more person along, who would it be?
Gramps!!!…he always talks about seeing a lot of cool places on TV that he knows he will never experience in real life and that makes me saaaad.

Do you think you will lose or gain weight over the 40 days?
The combination of my extreme frugality and lack of weights will probably have me coming back a few pounds lighter.

Speaking of eating…If you were stranded somewhere and ran out of food, who would you decide to cannibalize first?
Hmmm…that’s a toughyyy…everyone would be pretty tasty! I’m gonna go with Billy on this one – he’s got a wonderful muscle to fat ratio which would makes for a pretty tender cut. Can someone pack some adobo?

Do you plan to collect any little souvenirs along the way?
If anything, I might collect cool stickers…They’re neither cumbersome nor expensive, but I think I’d rather get a couple locally made shirts or accessories instead. And of course, I’ll be bringing something home for the fam!!

What are your 3 biggest goals for the road trip?

1. Live simpler.
2. Love deeper.
3. Appreciate more.