Western Road Trip 1982

Sorry, no photos... yet!
Back in 1982, to celebrate our college graduation, my roommate Alan and I took a Great American Road Trip. 50 days, not quite 50 states. Very limited funds - I recall something like $2000 each for the entire trip. We had my old brown Olds Cutlass, which served us well, and our camping gear.  We probably camped 2/3  of the nights, and stayed with friends or Al's relatives the other third.

Our plan was to have no plan - just as long as we stayed off the interstates. For the first part of the trip we got on any road headed South or West, as long as it wasn't an Interstate, and just took it where it led us. Still a highly recommended strategy.

Some days I can remember like they were yesterday - other people and places I have no recollection of whatsoever. Like it never happened...

We had a great time. As long as we had a floor for our sleeping bags, a couple of beers, and a can of soup, we were happy. We played a lot of pool and drank some beer.

We got along surprisingly well throughout the trip. Sure, we got on each other's nerves occasionally, but we were together for 50 days straight!

Looking back, we saw some good  sights, met some nice people, and just had a great time. I'd recommend it to anyone! Just tell them to write more than one page of diary a day, and take more pictures! 

The diary is long on logistics but short on descriptions. Oh well, good thing I didn't become a writer. It's still an amusing read, though, and it's fun to see how cheap we were, trying to stretch each dollar and prolong the trip. Campsite, $1, beer, $1, rice and soup for dinner... what more does a guy need?

Mileage at the start - 48,425,  and we ended at 59,950, making a total of 11,535 miles, at 23 MPG (we kept detailed records).

And it's funny to see how much the world changed in the last 25 years. In 1982 there was no email, phone calls cost real money, there were few ATMs (we used traveler's checks), and some gas stations didn't take credit cards. The US was a bigger place, people hadn't "seen it all", different geographical regions really had people with different accents and habits... a trip across the country was a real exotic adventure.

Enjoy!


Day 1 6/1/82

New York > Philadelphia > Washington, D.C.

Drove to Alan's house in Philadelphia. Stayed for about an hour then left for a quick car tour of the city, stopping for 2 tapes at Linda's apartment. Then got lost in Philly by the docks for a while before finding 95 south. 

Go into D.C. around 4 or so, but Dave and Todd weren't home. Al & I sat in the car for a huge rainstorm, and Dave got home around 5:30 or 6. Had a pizza dinner with Dave and his girlfriend Nancy, and came back for Pong and darts at Dave's. Taped a few albums.

Day 2 76/2/82

Washington, D.C.

Got up around 10 or so. Dave took the day off and we went downtown for the day. Amazing weather - sunny and 75 degrees.

We ended up going to the Air and Space Museum for 1 or 2 hours, to Hain's Point for the "Awakening" statue, the Capitol, and the East Wing of the National Art Gallery. A splendid time was had by all and I'm now sitting in Dave's backyard about to Bar-B-Que some chicken for dinner.

Chicken was ok, though no BBQ sauce was around. Went out for a pitcher at the Silver Fox in Gaithersburg. Played some disc in Dave's yard after dinner.

Day 3 - 6/3/82

Washington, D.C. > Skyline Drive

Got up around 8 and bade farewell to Dave and his roommates. Breakfasted on pineapple and took off for Skyline Drive.

Got to Shenandoah Park entrance around 11 a.m. and as soon as we gained altitude the fog and clouds rolled in, eliminating most views. We had a good time anyway, and the road was fun to drive on.

Stopped at Stony Man for lunch of Tuna Fish. Also stopped at a traditional mountain farm to take a walk.While driving down the Parkway we saw signs for Lake Sherando so we decided to check it out. It's about 5 miles, all downhill, from the Parkway.

It looked nice so we camped here in a $5 campsite, and it's pretty nice, as not too many other folks are here. Took a short uphill hike to Lookout Point, then came back and had dinner of Mediterranean Stew (canned). Looks like it's about to rain, but it has looked that way all day. Much wildlife. Rained all night.

Day 4 6/4/82

Skyline Drive > Durham, N.C.

Got up at 6 a.m., as we went to bed at 9 last night - earliest in years. Skyline Drive was socked in with fog, and for about 2 hours we couldn't see more than 30 feet ahead.

We were about the only car on the Drive, since it was so early. Much wildlife. Gave a hitchhiking turtle a ride.

Left the Drive at Rocky Mount and drove on to Durham. Hot and humid in Durham, with no one home. Played pool at the Hideaway - smellier than ever. Went to the Bullpen for Heineken Happy Hour and had 2. Called Mom & Dad. Chris Divall was home so we went and visited him. 

Went to dinner at Parker's - pure Durham luncheonette style - and went to see Tom McMurray (in rare form). Went back for more pool at the Hideaway, then met Bert at Subway for free beers. Much video (too much.) Went back to Bert's and saw Tony. Crashed around 2. Rained all night.

Day 5 - 6/5/82

Durham, N.C. > Pisgah National Forest, N.C.

Got up and out of Bert's by 9. Drove away only to discover a flat tire. ($75 at your friendly Firestone dealer.)

On the road by 10, looked like a lousy day again, but it got sunny by 1 or so.  

Got stopped by a police roadblock on Route 9 but passed with flying colors. Got into Sherwood Forest around 3 and picnicked on the dock of Betty Kay Lake after a chat with Karen Petit of jailbait fame.

Canoed over to the property then went for a great swim in crystal clear Trout Lake. Drove on to Pisgah where we turned blue at Sliding Rock (low water) and caught the view of Looking Glass Falls. Got into camp at Davidson River around 6. Cleaned the car and set up camp.

I'm presently relaxing while my companion attempts to get a blaze going (failure!!!) Coleman stove works fantastically!

Day 6 6/6/82

Pisgah Forest, N.C. > World's Fair > Fall Creek Falls, TN

It's been a pretty long day. 

Got up in Pisgah at 6 and were gone by 6:30. Drove 2-3 hours to Knoxville for the World's Fair. We were pretty disappointed. The lines for many exhibits were long - China was 4-6 hours!! Needless to say, we didn't wait. Most things, like the Tram, Sunsphere, and all rides cost extra. It was really crowded too. Even the exhibits we did see were not impressive. So we ended up leaving around 1 or 2 and driving here to Fall Creek Falls.

Camping is nice and secluded, and for the second night in a row we have only ONLY children nearby. After arriving around 4 we checked out a big waterfall and some cascades, which we hiked down the river to after checking in.

Cascades cascading on my head were great, as was the view from the waterfall top. Oh yeah, on the way here we stopped at Kingston (Watts Bar Lake) for a swim (refreshing though brownish.) Soup dinner again. About to build a fire. Great weather!

Day 7 6/7/82


Fall Creek Falls > David Crockett State Park, TN

Got up early and read until Alan got up. Great weather. Drove to Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg and took the grand tour. It was pretty interesting, but in a dry county. 

Drove on to Tim's Ford Lake and swam in a reservoir with a "steep drop off" as the rangerette warned us. Drove again.

Made a stop at a convenience store and talked with the owner, who gave us free ice for the beer. He was an ex-bounty hunter. Got to the campground (deserted as usual) and made a big blaze and dinner.

day 8 6/8/82

David Crockett, Tn > Lake Village Ark (Lake Chicot) 

Got up and left by 9. Pretty much improved roads along the way, with few stops. Took the Natchez Trace for a while. It got hot as hell in Mississippi - 96 degrees. Glad to have A/C.

Passed through many hick towns and the scenery wasn't as good as yesterday. Just drove all day. Got to the campground and took a swim in the lake, which was hot as bathwater. Al is fishing now, and we're on a dock. It's down to around 85 or so now.

Sunset coming soon. Feeding corn to the ducks. I just caught a catfish. Perfect sunset.


Lake Village Ark > Lone Oak, TX (Lake Tawakoni)

Day 9 6/9/82

Today's ride wasn't too thrilling either. Mostly flat and open farmland. Stopped outside of Texarkana for a BBQ beef sandwich lunch. 

As for the last 2 days or so, many waves from passers by in other cars. We're in a public campground that is more deserted but more run down than those of the state parks we've been to. Just had a swim, but the lake is kind of brownish. A shower was refreshing.

Al's fishing again, with little luck and lots of ants and birds. Talked to a gas station attendant today in Lake Village who seemed amazed we came all the way from N.C., much less N.Y.!

Called Eric but he's working. Will try at 8 p.m.

Day 10 6/10/82

Lake Tawakani > Dallas, TX

Left Lake Tawakani pretty early (10:30), considering Eric wasn't going to be home from work till after 5. As soon as we got into the city we ran across a lunchtime concert in front of City Hall sponsored by KZEW Radio (heavy-metallish). When it was over at 1 we walked around the city for a while (Thanksgiving Square, Library) and found a visitor's center in the Plaza of the Americas where Alan hassled the woman behind the counter because we'd already seen everything.

Drank 2 double gin and tonics in a bar because it was so cool in the plaza and we didn't want to return to the 95 degree heat. 

There was a ticket on the car when we returned because our meter ran out. Got to Eric's early, so we sat in a park next to his house and waited for him. Had a big taco dinner with his family (Mom & Dad, Stephanie & Heidi). Cold shoulder from Dana 'cause we weren't supposed to know who she was. Went swimming in Eric's pool (nice house, by the way) then out to Mickey Finn's for pool (billiards) and beer. Home around 2 a.m.

Day 11 6/11/82

Dallas, TX

Got up around 10, nice to sleep in a bed. Coffee and donuts for breakfast. Talked to Eric's mom for a while and told her how great a guy Eric is.

Eric left work early and Al, Eric, Dana, Heidi and I went to White Rock Lake for the day at noon. Had a good time and watched Cub Scouts throw each other in the water with clothes on. 

Had leftover taco meat in burritos for dinner and went swimming for a long time. Eric's  dad forced a few beers on us  ("what, you're not drinking?") Went to bed tired at midnight.

Day 12 6/12/82

Dallas, TX . Carlsbad, NM

Got up around 8:30 and had a nice big egg, bacon, etc. breakfast around 10. Left for parts unknown around 11:30 or 12, after a generous gift of 2 steaks for tonight's dinner. Had a lot of fun at the Sperlings', and the family seemed to enjoy our presence.

Drove all afternoon; Al's driving now and it's around 8 p.m. The first place we went to - Lake Colorado, TX - was all booked up! We've been listening to country, Dentist, and Disco music all day since the tape deck is playing slow. Hope to do some successful surgery tonight.

Couldn't find the campsite at Hobbs (sunset) so we proceeded to Carlsbad where we found a city campsite for $1. It was really crowded, but we just wanted to cook those steaks! Also met a couple from Las Vegas and 2 Mexicans before bed around 12. 

Saw a roadrunner today.

Day 13 6/13/82

Carlsbad, NM > Alamogordo, NM

Got up early (8:30) and tried to fix the stereo, which is acting really strangely. I couldn't find anything wrong. It worked most of today anyway.

Met an old guy from Hobbs who comes to the campsite often and talked awhile. Drove to Carlsbad Caverns (finally off the oilfield plains) and had an excellent time for 3 hours inside. It's really amazing how big it is. Went on a 9-mile dirt road scenic drive. Then we drove to Alamogordo (Oliver Lee State Park).

Hit an amazing hail and rain storm on the way and got worried since gas began to run low. No problem, though. At 7 p.m. took a solo climb to a peak in Dog Canyon above the campsite to watch the sunset. Came back and ate spags for dinner. 

I am presently trying to take a time exposure of the stars which are bright as hell out here. We're sleeping in the open tonight. (It was great!)

Day 14 6/14/82

Alamogordo, NM > Silver City, NM (lake Roberts, Gila National Forest)

Today was pretty interesting. After a short tour of the Visitor's Center at Oliver Lee, we headed to White Sands. We took the scenic loop tour ($1) which included a dune hike. Roads of solid gypsum and about 95 degrees. Very bright. Jumped off a few dunes. We headed west towards Gila National Forest around 11:30 and expected a short drive. 

Instead it took till about 5:00 to get here. Up and down over mountains, around the Continental Divide. Many hairpin turns. No gas for credit in Silver City, so we spent cash. Really dry all day long. but it cooled off and the wind subsided when we entered the mountain region.

Since we were too late for the cliff dwellings, we camped and went swimming at Lake Roberts. Strong breeze and cold water - brrrrrr. Fouled up the chicken soup since the wood gave off a creosote-type oil (great fire, though). Dinner of tuna sans mayo, and peanut butter, on stale bread. Yummmmm. Last of our potatoes. Coffee soon.



Day 15 - 6/15/82

Silver City, NM > Holbrook, AZ (Joseph City)

Got up around 8:30 in bright sunshine. It was really chilly (45-50?) last night and we had to close the flaps for the first time. No showers even though we paid $5! Found out we weren't supposed to go swimming yesterday - Fishing Only. 

Drove down more narrow, steep roads to Gila Cliff Dwellings and took the hike-tour. Pretty interesting but not a large number of rooms. Also took the "Trail to the Past" and saw petroglyphs. Drove back over the same roads to Silver City (stopped for more bovine harassment)and on towards Petrified Forest. Got below 1/4 tank but found a 76 station with friendly owner. 

After getting out of the mountains it got warmer but still not hot. Checked out the "forest" from one end to the other. Saw some nice views of the Painted Desert. Were going to hike into the desert and camp but arrived too late for a pass. 

On the way to this deserted campsite by I-40 (noisy) we stopped at the Empty Pockets Saloon for a few beers and some pool. Dinner of soup and rice (after some Frisbee).

DAY 16 - 6/16/82

Joseph City, AZ > Grand Canyon, AZ (Ten-X Campground, Kaibab National Forest)

Got up and hit the road early. A lot of desert cruising till Flagstaff where we stopped for flashlight batteries. Took the scenic drive drive to Sunset Crater (ice cold cave) and the Wupatki Ruins on the way to the G.C.

Then up to the Grand Canyon. We arrived at 1:30 just in time to see the last campsite taken before our eyes. Headed south and found Ten-X after seeing a real dive of a commercial campsite. Went back to the park (only 10 miles) and stopped at all of the south rim overlooks. Unfortunately, a mule, plane, or river ride was too expensive. Cooked a dinner of Spam sandwiches right on the edge of a huge drop-off into the canyon. Stuck around for a nice sunset too.

Were going to go on an evening walk, but it turned out to be about astronomy, starting with "The Sun is a Star"... Watched a slide show about early canyon entrepreneurs, then drove back and crashed.

Day 17 - 6/17/82

Grand Canyon, AZ

We decided to take the Bright Angel Trail to the bottom of the canyon today. Started the trail at 10 a.m. It was fun going down, but getting hot by the time we arrived at Indian Gardens. Since all there was was a spring, we decided to go for the extra 1.5 mile walk thru the desert canyon floor to Plateau Point, which overlooks the Colorado from several hundred feet up. 

Met 2 guys, Matt and Dan, on the way down who also left the East Coast on 6/1 and did many of the same things we did. Also talked to several young wenches headed in the opposite direction. When we got back to Indian Gardens we were starting to get tired but we still had 4.5 miles to go - straight up the canyon! 

It wasn't a lot of fun, but worth it. Had to pay 50 cents for a 5 minute shower at the top but it was well worth it. Went out and bought some beers to celebrate our success. Fell asleep exhausted after 3 hours of nonstop talking at 10.

Day 18 - 6/28/82

Grand Canyon, AZ > Zion National Park, UT

We were going to visit the North Rim today, but after yesterday had had enough of the canyon. Pretty much headed straight to Zion and got there early afternoon.

Drove all around the park and took a 1/2 mile trail to Weeping Rock, but didn't feel like any more hiking. The bare rock canyon walls were pretty impressive.

Met a German girl at the campsite who was just taking buses and hitchhiking around the country alone for a few months. Talked for a while Apparently she just got out of high school. Had a few beers and hot dogs for dinner. Slept soundly except for high winds.

Day 19 6/19/82

Zion, UT > Boulder City, NV

Slept well despite having to get up in the middle of the night (in underwear) to tie down the tent fly. Got to Las Vegas in early afternoon and cruised around. All the the downtown campsites were for RVs only and pretty crowded and expensive.

We ended up at a site in Boulder City, on Lake Mead. Got a pretty nice site in the shade. Bushes and trees grow due to 24 hour irrigation. Took a swim in crystal-clear Lake Mead but had to contend with hot asphalt and sharp stones which destroyed feet. Took a 50 cent shower and headed to Las Vegas after a hot dog dinner.

Blew $20 in Vegas on 25 cent slots and cheap (even free) drinks. The lights were amazing. Talked to a few fellow gamblers. I should have known we weren't going to win - while getting dressed my zipper and shoelace broke. Then the first song to some on the tape deck was George Thorogood's You Got to Lose! Surprised 'cause no one was dressed up. Bed at 1:30.

Day 20 6/20/82

Boulder City, NV > San Diego, CA

Got up early due to obnoxious families next door. (7 a.m.) Ate Sunday breakfast in town - pretty good and cheaper than McDonald's at the Grand Canyon.

Drove through some amazingly hot weather - Mojave Desert. Called Mom & Dad and Jill from 29 Palms - 101 degrees! As soon as we hit the mountains (almost didn't see huge San Jacinto Mountain in the fog, though right at its foot) it got cloudy and cold. By the time we got to San Diego it was around 60 degrees!

It's nice that Al's grandma didn't go away - this way we can go right up the coast. Had dinner at Al's Philly Style Steak Sandwich Shop and met Al's grandma. Watched TV and did laundry and were generally very comfortable. Watched a really bad movie on TV while Al's grandma (Joy Roy) served us beers. Bed around 12.

Day 21 6/21/82

San Diego, CA

Got up around 9 and had a great breakfast. All of our laundry was done!

Joy had 2 free passes to the San Diego Zoo so we went there for the day. It was a good time - good Sea Lion show - but a lot of walking. Weather still cloudy and cool - sweater. 

Went down to Sunset Cliffs Drive and looked at the water and did some hunting in the tidal pools. Got home at 5 and had a great dinner.                                                                                                                            
Met Kyle and Ginger (Joy's son and daughter-in-law), their son Jeffrey (1 1/2), and Robert, a retarded guy they're taking care of. 

Played Bar Pot Luck and ended up at the Marquis Lounge 1/2 mile away. Played pool and met a few guys - everyone's a regular. Al won at pool all night.

Day 22 6/22/82

San Diego

Got up at 9 and left pretty quickly. Al and his grandma went to visit his great-grandma (whom he'd never met) while I waited in the car in front of the nursing home. Joy's son Tom met us for lunch at Denny's. Afterwards, Al and I went back to the Marquis for some more pool and met Kevin, who beat us both.

Got back at 3:30 to meet Tom, but he'd already come and gone. He left directions to his house right on the bay. (We were invited to sleep over.) Drank beer with Tom and his roommates and watched the Padres lose to the Reds 7-5, then had goulash for dinner along with Patti, Tom's girlfriend. 

Went to Diego's and waited on line for a while but it was too long. Tom almost got us into a fight ("Don't let your mouth make a promise your body can't keep" shut them up, though). Went to the Old Ox for margaritas and fell asleep on the couch while watching Saturday Night Live reruns.

Day 23 6/23/82

San Diego

Got up at 9 or so and bummed around until Al got up at 10 - 10:30. Left the apartment (beautiful, by the way) and went to the Southern California State Expo (fair). Had a pizza lunch and walked around but it wasn't too great. I really don't like carnival games - what a ripoff! Got the come-on a lot because it wasn't too crowded.

Watched James Brown but he's pretty old and disco these days. Still cloudy. Got sunny on the way home.

Now we're waiting for dinner, watching Bob Newhart, and drinking Coors. Back to the Marquis for more beer and pool after dinner.

Day 24 6/24/82

San Diego, CA > Los Angeles, CA

Got up before 8 and had a big breakfast as usual. Bade goodbye to Joy who left at 9. We left for L.A. shortly afterwards.

Got here about 11:30 for a lunch of hamburgers and met Al's grandmother. She took us down to Venice for a walk on the beach and then a Heineken at the Sunset Saloon. Came back for dinner and met Mr. Janusch. Then back to the Sunset Saloon to to see a band with a bass player who wore huge false ears. Had a few beers but it was too expensive ($2 Michelob) so we sat on the beach for a while before heading home to munch out and find the J's still awake.  Bed around 1:30 after watching a bad Japanese "horror" monster flick.

Day 25 6/25/82

Los Angeles, CA

Slept the latest in weeks - 11:00! After breakfast we took 2 folding bikes down to a cement walk in Venice Beach for a pretty long cruise before jumping into the freezing cold surf. Finally  sun!

After catching some rays we went to a deserted pool hall with about 20 tables for some cheap recreation. home for dinner, then back out again!!  Drove to Malibu on Route 1, but there was nothing there! Just a few restaurants. Cruised along the Santa Monica Freeway but saw nowhere to go. Finally stopped at the Troubadour. Wild place - 50's punk-type crowd. too expensive for the band ($6), so we just had a beer at the bar in front and left. Went to Barney's Beanery, where Al kicked ass in pool for a while while I wasted quarters on video. Stopped at a place right down the street from "home" but it was totally wetback so we just came home. Watched bad SCTV, then bed.

Day 26 6/26/82

Los Angeles, CA

Got up around 10. After breakfast we went down to where Al's grandparents boat is kept and did some windsurfing, which she was kind enough to pay for. Attempted is more the word. I only got 2 good rides in 2 hours, and both times I had to swim back - 200 yards or so - with the damn thing because I couldn't get the hang of it too well. It's like a big surfboard with a sail on it. I must've fallen off about 50 times!! It was really crowded and a little too windy. Fun to do, though.

After catching much sun, we came back for a shower and dinner at a great Chinese place - Fu Ling - in Chinatown. Had steamed shrimp, spiced shrimp, cashew chicken and Mongolian beef. Tasted great. Took a short walk, then back here. Right now I'm drinking a Loco Ribe liqueur and watching George Thorogood on the tube.


Day 27 6/27/82

Los Angeles, CA
Got up late again and headed to Venice Beach after breakfast. Dropped our goodies and rented roller skates for an hour. Al couldn't get the hang of it too well, so he bagged it. Since the bearings were full of sand, it was hard work but fun anyway. Bought a shirt for Jill.   Lots of musicians, skaters, cyclists, arts and crafts, etc. at the beach - sort of like Greenwich Village. Hazy and a little too cold to swim.

Got in an accident on the way to the beach -  fortunately no damage to the Cutlass. 3 cars - we spoke English, the  guy who hit our rear spoke Spanish, and the guy who hit him spoke Chinese. We left as soon as we realized there was no damage to our car.

Came back and cleaned and washed the car. Lo and behold, a beautiful (?) wench comes out next door to wash her '82 Camaro. ("Didn't you think it was kind of a coincidence?", her sister asked later.) 

We talked for about 1/2 hour and ended up asking if she and her sister would like to join us for drinks that night since they knew the area and where to go. Debbie - 22, Edie - 23. Had steak dinner and showers, then went out. OK time, but not great since it was Sunday. Band loud, women weird, drinks weak and expensive. danced thrice with Debbie. Discussed boyfriends / girlfriends. Bed around 2:30.

Day 28 6/28/82

Los Angeles, CA

Ugh . Got up at 7:30 or so, after last night. Had English Muffins then drove to San Pedro for the 9:45 ferry to Catalina Island with Virginia Jausch, Al's grandmother. Weather cold and drizzly.

Crashed out on the ferry (very rocky) and when I awoke Catalina was close and it was sunny and warm. (12:00) Had lunch in a sandwich place, then rented snorkel gear and went to Lovers' Cove. Great snorkeling, especially many large fish. Cold water though! Got out and met 2 young nubiles trying to get into wetsuits. They seemed disappointed when we said we were only there for the day. One refused our offer to help her put the wetsuit on but later asked us to help take it off!  Alas, so little time.

Went back to town and rented an electric golf cart for an hour and saw probably every street  in town. (Only 2000 live there.) Slaloming the cart through palm trees while Virginia turned white! !
 
Had some beers too, and an abalone steak sandwich (Only $28.00/lb.!), then talked to Jill for 1/2 hour. Had a few more then boarded the ferry back home. Were eyeing back to a fine young sweet thing - I bet she was 16 but Al said 14... tie! She's 15. Virginia loved it. Every guy on the boat was eyeing her, including an old High School Teacher from Vegas who Al told to "Get a grip, buddy". ("I know what they do a lunchtime, ha, ha.") 

Chicken dinner. A great time was had by all 3 of us. Al's snoring and Virginia and I are watching TV.

Day 29 6/29/82

Los Angeles, CA > Andrew Molera State Park (Big Sur)

Had one last day of late sleep (11:00) and took off around 12:15 after a big breakfast. Drove down Sunset and took a short tour around Beverly Hills. Neglected to get a Map of the Stars!!!

Headed up Route 1 which was fairly unspectacular at first. Lots of lights and merges, etc. Intermittent rain and clouds all day. Saw some huge fields of poppies near Lompoc. 

Drove a long day; didn't stop to camp till after 8. The tent sites were 3/10 of a mile from the parking lot, so we both carried full armloads. After setting up the tent we hiked 7/10 of a mile to the beach but missed the sunset. Pink clouds, though. Walked back in the dark, had some chicken and beer and went to bed. COLD!Day 30 6/230/82

Big Sur to San Francisco

Got up early, bright sunshine. By the time we left (after almost not paying the $1) it was cloudy again. Drove to Point Lobos but since we arrived before 9 had to wait. Spent about 2 hours - it was really nice. Lots of sea lions, a few close up. Tidal pools too. Good pix.

Drove to 17 Mile Drive and cruised on that - otters and sea lions again. Amazing houses and golf courses.

Finally got in touch with Al's Aunt Sue from Monterey and drove straight to her place (she's in Larkspur.) She's around 35-40 but looks younger, single, and very "California-ish". Just stayed at her place and had Chicken Cacciatore, spags and wine. Bed early.

Day 31 7/1/82

San Francisco, CA


Slept till 10, when Sue left for work. had some Pound Cake and cruised into the city for some tourist stuff. Saw Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39. Transamerica Tower (nice view) and Chinatown (amazing seafood - live frogs, turtles, prawns, and stuff you didn't know what it was). At times we were the only anglos on the street.

Then cruised to Golden Gate Park for pictures of us in front of the bridge. Back home for dinner of Chinese Beef, rice, and vegs with some Gin & Tonics. Went with Sue to the Treehouse (left right away), a pool place (closed) and then to the Flatiron for some stand-up comedy (some were funny, others so bad they were funny.)

Dropped Sue off at 10-11 then went to the Black Oak Saloon for one beer. Quiet. Played games. Fell asleep in front of the TV at home.

day 32 7/2/82

San Francisco, CA

Got up at 10, made racquetball reservations for 11 at a place nearby. Played for an hour (after bacon & eggs) - first time in 3 1/2 years. Lots of fun and a good workout, though I lost all 4 games. (Al played as recently as last fall.)

Came back and relaxed, then drove here - Stinson Beach, north of the city on windey Route 1. Nice where we are, protected by some bushes, but cold and windy (well, 70 degrees) otherwise. Water freezing!

Got home for dinner after getting stuck in rush hour traffic. Al & I cooked Tacos. After dinner, Sue took us into the city to a jazz place (after a walk around). and was great but singer not so hot. Fat as hell sax player. Left around 12, and fell asleep watching John McEnroe in the Wimbledon quarter finals.


Day 33 7/7/82

San Francisco, CA

Got up around 10 with stiff legs and hips from yesterday's racquetball. Had a taco omelet for breakfast and left for the city. Al & his aunt were going to a psychic class (too california ish for me) so I told them I'd meet them back in an hour. After taking some Bay pix and watching an amazing kite flyer, I came back. Waited a while and they didn't come out, so I left. (Al was meeting a girl in a few hours anyway, and his aunt had her car.) 

Toured S.F. by car, going to Telegraph Hill (up in Coit Tower), Lombard Street (the real windey one) and for a cable car ride (California & Powell to Fisherman's wharf.) Had to walk back, because the line for the cable car was amazingly long. Pleasant enough, though.

Stopped for pepperoni & cheese & sourdough bread for dinner in Golden Gate Park after a ride through Haight-Ashbury. Attacked by birds who saw me eating. Drove through the park (very nice) down to the ocean where I came upon a Camera Obscura I'd been in 10 years before at Seal Rock. 

Climbed along the cliffs for a view of the Golden Gate. Had a soda in the Cliff House bar and just finished writing postcards and watching the sunset from the car. Saw city lights form Golden Gate Park vista point. One beer (no $$$) at the Black Oak.

Day 34 7/4/82

San Francisco, CA

Got up at 9. Al & Sue had stayed at her friend Laura's in the city. Watched the Wimbledon finals(Connors vs. McEnroe) and met them at 12:30 in the city after borrowing $1 for the toll from a neighbor. 

Went to a free concert in Stern Grove. Sue thought it was going to be the Preservation Hall jazz band but it was all gospel. Picnicked on the lawn while Al yelled "Hallelujah"! OK show but nice weather. 

Went back to Laura's then out to dinner at Young's Chinese Restaurant. Good but not as good as L.A. Went back to Sue's. Al & I went out for fireworks at the Marin County Fairgrounds but it was so packed the cops wouldn't even let us off the freeway. Went home and watched a Saturday Night Live rerun.

Day 35 7/5/82

San Francisco, CA > Patrick's Point, CA

Got up early but didn't leave till around 10. Pretty much drove all day up the coast on Route 1 and 101. Went up the Avenue of the Giants (Old 101) and went through a drive-through tree. Also stopped at "Confusion Hill".a tourist trap with a "mysterious force" that makes water flow uphill, and people look shorter or taller depending on what direction you're looking. Fairly convincing.

Stopped for a walk on the beach. Were planning on stopping at Patrick's Point State Park to camp but it was all full. We just ended up pulling into a sort of driveway (concealed) and cooking chili & rice for dinner. Pitched tent after dark (in sight of the ocean). Supposed to be a total eclipse tonight but the moon is behind the trees. 

According to my fortune cookie in L.A., this was supposed to be my "enchanted evening" because it was the next full moon. Ha! Went to bed early.

Day 36 7/6/82

Patrick's Point, CA > Salem, OR

Got up at 8 after a good night's sleep. Drove to redwoods National Park and talked to an info girl who seemed real lonely. Had coffee and donuts for breakfast in a cafe because everything else was so expensive. 

Took a walk through Lady Bird Johnson grove and saw many redwoods and a 6 inch tree slug. 

Stopped at McDonald's for lunch. We're still driving and it's 6:30 or 7 p.m. Hopefully we'll stay with Al's step-grandmother's son-in-law (!!) in Salem, Oregon.We're about 80 miles away now, but no one's home.

Got to Salem but they still weren't home. After getting lost for a while we found the place, and met an 18-year-old guy next door.He told us they were at the pool, and took us down there. 

Met Mr. Payne and his 2 sons - Chris (17) and Jason (12?). Chris took us back to get "squared away"and I played a 12-string guitar of his (first time in 3 weeks!!) Talked to the family until around 11:30 and went to bed in their guest house out back. There's a river in the backyard! Dad & son work in a cherry processing plant and mom is at a High School reunion in Alaska. Slept on a double bed - both of us.[



Day 37 7/7/82

Salem, OR > Humptulips (!), WA

Got up pretty late (9:45) and Jason and Mr. Payne's mom cooked us breakfast of waffles and eggs. Great!Took off for Mount St. Helens.

Saw a "Volcano Visitor's Center" as soon as we got into Washington. It was really pretty interesting, and not tacky at all. Lots of good photos. Drove as close as we could get to the mountain, but we were still 10-15 miles away and couldn't see it. Could see  lots of devastation, though, especially along the Toutle River. The road was washed out in several places (still) and we had to wait 3 times for construction roadblocks each way. Interesting, but it took too long considering what we saw. 

Drove on towards the Olympic Peninsula and camped in Humptulips after buying Generic postcards! Had the entire campground to ourselves - real nice, grassy site, and were waited on by a huge (200 lb.)5 foot woman. 

Had a nice campfire - it was cold out by bedtime (11). Oh yeah, also took a stroll in a nearby river. Originally just up to my cuffs since it looked so shallow, but after my pants got wet I ended up going in up to my stomach, clothes and all. Really clear and not too cold, considering we're in Washington.

Day 38 7/8/82

Humptulips, WA > Rockport, WA

Got up late (9:30) considering tenting. Had a cafe breakfast, with some loud chick next to us talking the whole time. Drove around the Olympic Peninsula on Route 101 passing many campers and trailers. Uggh. great scenery, though, snow-capped peaks and crystalline turquoise lakes.

Stopped at Soleduck (Sol Duc, also) Hot Springs, but it fed into a swimming pool so we didn't bother. It was a resort in the 10's and 20's. 

Had bologna sandwich lunch and stopped at Salmon Run. Stopped at many construction roadblocks. Drove to Port Townsend and had 2 beers at the Town Tavern while waiting for the ferry. Met 2 guys from N.C., one of whom left his wife temporarily when a friend from California came by.Left with $60 and a change of pants!They've been eating clams and berries since they have no money.

Took the ferry across Puget Sound and drove here. Lots of black slugs and mosquitoes. Really nice place, though - there's a shelter so we don't have to put up a tent. Dense "rain forest" type growth all around. Bologna sandwiches and cream corn dinner.

Day 39 7/9/82

Rockport, WA > Keller Ferry, WA

Got up and took a foggy shower in the morning due to a weird shower head. Ate breakfast at a slow place where the waitress didn't know we came in. Cheap, though.

Drove on to Cascades National Park. Saw some really amazing scenery, though there's only one road through the park. Met 2 guys at an overlook - one has been driving from Florida since May 6th and the other guy is hitching around the country. Stayed and talked a while. Went on to Winthrop which is a "Wild West" type town and walked around Main Street. Stopped at a saloon for 2 beers and some pool. Our friends from the park stopped right outside but didn't want to play pool. 

Salami sandwich lunch in some small town city park. We were driving on 155, which was being paved, and while passing someone a rock shattered the passenger fly window! Oh well, it wasn't the windshield. Got to Keller Ferry and met the guy we are staying with (Wally) on the ferry! Went over to the Lake View Marina, which they own, and met Camilla, who is some obscure cousin of Alan's. 

Took out a small boat with outboard, since their real boat is being repaired (?), for some unsuccessful trolling.  Had dinner of chili and met their daughter Sara, her boyfriend Ron, and Wally and Camilla's son Matt. Trolled after dinner and caught a (worthless) 9" Walleye. Went into Wilbur for  some pool at one of the 2 taverns. Closed the place at 11:30.

Day 40 7/10/82

Keller Ferry, WA

Got up late and had an egg breakfast cooked by the now-cheerful Matt. Took out the boat again and fished all day. I caught a 1 1/2 foot Squawfish (worthless), and Alan zip. Watched Dirty Harry on videodisc. 

Home for BBQ chicken dinner and a little of Matt's friend Steve's smoked trout. Went over and met Uncle Harris (81) and Trett, who owns "the farm". Checked out all of the old machinery and the sunset. Talked about his 26 mile canoe race that day (31 of 69), and went to see the light show at Coolee Dam. (One of the world's 7 wonders.)

Saw the last 10 minutes before it was turned off at 11 p.m. Drove on some amazing deserted dirt country roads. Bed around 12.

Day 41 7/11/82

Keller Ferry, WA > Glacier National Park, MT

Got up around 9, had an egg breakfast, and fixed the fly window with wood before leaving around 11. Wally and Camilla were really nice, and Wally's a wild man. Like a big kid.

Had lunch of peanut butter and banana bread. Alan almost fell asleep at the wheel after lunch, so I drove all day. Went by a cop at 65, who pulled out and followed us but didn't pull us over. Whew!

Got here around 5 and drove around before Ravioli dinner (watery). Went to the Tavern (!) for a beer but ended up winning at pool all night so we stayed until 12. The owner was a really good shooter. Came back and had a fire till around 1.

Day 42 7/12/82

Glacier National Park, MT > Waterton National Park, Alberta, Canada

Decided last night to go back home through Canada, so when we got up today we headed north up Going-to-the-Sun Road. Climbed the Continental Divide and saw lots of amazing scenery and snow! Many streams and waterfalls too, but alas, no grizzlies or mountain goats. 

Had devilled ham sandwiches and peaches for lunch with an amazing view. Cruised up over the border and went to Waterton where we took the $5 2 hour boat tour of the lake. Lots of old people who weren't too friendly.Saw a bald eagle and nest on the way back, right near the border, which runs through the lake. 

The crew was all our age and we strayed and talked to them afterwards. Then headed back to camp and played some disc before retiring.

Day 43 7/13/82

Waterton, Canada > ???

Happy birthday to me! Pretty boring day, though, just drove all day through Alberta and Sascatchewan.All huge wheat and cattle farms.

Got into Regina around 6 or 7 (our time zones are all screwed up) and went to The Keg. I called Mom & dad & Jill while Al had a drink. Had a couple more with a steak dinner (also french onion soup and salad.) The waitress was pitiful though - let us order a "special" they were out of, brought soup with dinner, and put someone else's drink on our bill (which we had to ask 3 times for). No tip for her.

Played some pool across the street on huge tables with undersized balls - quite a challenge. Then went to "Checkers", had a beer and talked to a few people.  left around 11 to go to Echo Park to camp but we missed the unmarked turnoff. Since we both weren't tired and the scenery was bopring anyway, we just decided to cruise all night.

I drove  till around 7 (8?). It started to get light out at 3 a.m.! Also saw aurora Borealis , a fox, and a shooting star. Sun rose at 4:40!

Day 44 7/14/82 

??? > Rossport, Ontario

Al woke up and drove and I slept for a while. Had an outrageously priced but well deserved breakfast around 10 or 11. Some of the lake country was nice, but not spectacular. Otherwise pretty plain, hunter and fisherman country, as the brochures tell us. 

Got to Thunder Bay around 11 but by that time didn't really want to sightsee. Got to this State Park campsite around 6. Amazing amount of gnats. Al's in the tent and I'm in the car right now, because of them. We're right on Lake Superior which looks pretty nice but uis COLD! Took a 30 second swim and was numb for 5 minutes.

Dined on canned liverwurst and corn. Al tried to fish at my suggestion but lost 2 lures on the rocky bottom. Probably will crash soon; only got 1-2 hours sleep today in the car.

day 45 7/15/82

Rossport, Ontario > Samuel De Champlain campground

Got up at 9 after 13 hours of sleep! Quite refreshed. Just drove, drove, drove all day.

Stopped at a gas station where the guy cleaned our headlights! Got into camp around 7 or 8.

Dined on huge ham and cheese sandwiches while driving. Oh yeah, stopped for breakfast at a place where everyone spoke in Scottish accents and said "eh" after every sentence. Retired to the tent early due to many mosquitoes.

Day 46 7/16/82

Samuel de Champlain campground > Highgate Springs, VT (The Tyler Place)

Got up around 9 and drove a while before stopping at a friendly coffee shop for 2 cups and a nice chat with the owner and her husband. Drove "interstate" routes around Ottawa and Montreal and stopped for a case of Canadian beer before crossing over the border. 

Got to The Tyler Place around 5 and called mom & dad while Alan looked around. It turns out we weren't too welcomed by the owners, though Chuck and Doug were glad to see us. Bad vibes.

Had a big party wit keg for all of the staff that night, ok but not great. At least Chuck has a girlfriend.We were supposed to sleep at a girl's house in town but she never came back to get us...  so I slept in and Al slept on the car. Al almost got into a fight with a drunk over a 16 year old girl!

Day 47 7/17/82

Highgate Springs, VT > Cape Cod, MA

Got up and went into town for a cheap breakfast alone. Came back and decided we should leave due to bad vibes. We were going to stay till Monday (7/19) and see Burlington and Montreal at night but oh, well.

Went to the quarry nearby for some cliff jumping (30-40 feet) into deep water. Lots of fun - highest I've ever jumped. left around 2 and stopped at an unmarked place near Stowe for some wild cascades going under huge rock walls. 

Alan made an amazing jump of about 40 feet with 10 feet of side clearance. Swam up and down stream - the pools are really deep and cold. Saw some guys jump off a 60 foot waterfall into 10 feet of water! Amazing.

Then drove to Cape Cod. Got here around 8 or 9 and Al's brother RIch was working at the theatre. It's pretty much an 18 hour a day job with no pay. Went to play pool and met 2 guys whose apartment we went back to. Got home at 2 and crashed.

Day 48 7/18/82

Cape Cod, MA

Got up at noon! Picked up Rich at work (he got to sleep from 4 am to 9 am) and went out for lunch of burgers and clam chowder. (good). Now we're on the beach by Rich's house, soaking up rays. Left around 4 and drove to Hyannis Port. Route 28 wasn't too scenic - it was inland.

Went back to the Port of Call where Al beat everyone at pool. Went back to Rich's place and bummed around till 12 when he got home. Met his fellow theatre people - gay and weird - and took a walk on the beach. too late to find the girls who invited us skinnydipping. Bed around 1:30.

Day 49 7/19/82

Cape Cod, MA > Staten Island, NY

Got up and left around 11. Had lunch and coffee at Dairy Queen and then on the road. Stopped at Mystic but too expensive ($8), especially since we're were only going to spend a few hours.

Drove on to see Mum in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ after a little NY traffic. Al got a kick out of her.

Then drove home but ended up going over the Outerbridge since the Goethals was backed up to the Turnpike. Picked up Jill and all came back to Edinboro Road for dinner. Went to see Kathy, Eric & Kenny, who forced Jill to take tomorrow off. Home at 1.

Day 50 7/20/82

Staten Island, NY > Philadelphia, PA > Staten Island, NY

Got up at 10, went to Habild's to drop film off, then picked up Jill and drove Al back to Philly. had lunch at his house, then back to Jill's.

The End