About 4 am or so, shark bite and its five crew members FINALLY arrived at Paul's home.
With the sun shinning through the windows at about 10 AM, most of the crew woke up. Charlie and I were gracious enough to use our servants hearts to make pancakes for everyone.
After our wonderfully cooked food was eaten, everybody started to pack up to hit up the beach. Right when we were ready to move out the door, I accidentally clogged the toilet, and flooded the entire restroom. Great first impression with the hosts. If ya know what I mean.
We showed up to Newport Beach to meet up with some of the lovely SPU ladies. We played an intense game of wiffle ball, bucket ball, and swam with the many dolphins. Non of us wore sun-tan lotion, yet had no sun-burn. What a blessed day!
For din din, we hit it up at Chelsea's place. Her wonderful mother prepared a great meal for us. Hanging around for a couple of hours (playing a little scrabble too), we all headed to another beach for some more beach action.
The grand finale was having a spectacular bonfire in the moon light, next the waves. Paul and Jeremy prepared the cozy fire that perfectly toasted our marshmallows. Samuel, Char, Andy, and I also raced around in the waves, with Katie's laughter filling the air.
Y'all should be jealous if you weren't there, because it was truly, a Blessed Day.
Samuel Joseph Piehler
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Day 3 in the Cam.
We had a different experience in the Camry over the pass. We took the risk. We had the unknown adventure. We got there at 2:30 AM compared to 4 AM.
As we hit the bumper to bumper over the pass, we prepared for the worst. We knew that the traffic would be here for a while, and we just about set up Inception to watch for the long haul. Then, we got a call from the one and only Tim Sandquist. He showed us the way to get around traffic. We pushed past the fear of getting T-boned, cut across 3 lanes of traffic onto the shoulder and exited onto the 58 highway. Then we hit the real snow. It was some of the toughest snow driving ever. In California! It was unreal. We got out at a gas station in flip flops and tank tops. It was surreal.
After filling up for the long adventure we checked out our options. After some near-problems on an overpass, we went on the wrong on-ramp to a freeway and turned around to start over. The snow was flowing and we could barely see. However, tensions weren't as high as they could have been. We joked around and figured it all out. It was such a good experience and our trip through the pass was celebratory and great. As we flew through LA traffic on I-5 at 1 AM spitting, we were so pumped to finally get to Mission Viejo. It was 2:30 by the time we got to Paul's house, but it was just fantastic. Seeing Paul and Will was a blessing, and after Brennon and Jeremy went to sleep, Sam, Paul, Will and I stayed up until the bros got here.
Quote of the night: "40 miles": That's the text I sent Nick Nasty when he asked how long it was from Disneyland a little after 3 AM. They were devastated, but they made it. It was great to be reunited and we finally made it to So Cal. It was time to relaaaaaaax.
Andrew
As we hit the bumper to bumper over the pass, we prepared for the worst. We knew that the traffic would be here for a while, and we just about set up Inception to watch for the long haul. Then, we got a call from the one and only Tim Sandquist. He showed us the way to get around traffic. We pushed past the fear of getting T-boned, cut across 3 lanes of traffic onto the shoulder and exited onto the 58 highway. Then we hit the real snow. It was some of the toughest snow driving ever. In California! It was unreal. We got out at a gas station in flip flops and tank tops. It was surreal.
After filling up for the long adventure we checked out our options. After some near-problems on an overpass, we went on the wrong on-ramp to a freeway and turned around to start over. The snow was flowing and we could barely see. However, tensions weren't as high as they could have been. We joked around and figured it all out. It was such a good experience and our trip through the pass was celebratory and great. As we flew through LA traffic on I-5 at 1 AM spitting, we were so pumped to finally get to Mission Viejo. It was 2:30 by the time we got to Paul's house, but it was just fantastic. Seeing Paul and Will was a blessing, and after Brennon and Jeremy went to sleep, Sam, Paul, Will and I stayed up until the bros got here.
Quote of the night: "40 miles": That's the text I sent Nick Nasty when he asked how long it was from Disneyland a little after 3 AM. They were devastated, but they made it. It was great to be reunited and we finally made it to So Cal. It was time to relaaaaaaax.
Andrew
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Third day, Not the band.
Salutations,
It's the 3rd day of the trip. Nick and Brennon woke up early to watch the UW basketball game. It was incredible. The dawgs were beating UNC at halftime. I must mention that Michael Jordan was in the house as well. For those who don't know, (which they should) UNC is MJ's alma mater. If he never went to college for basketball, he probably wouldn't have gone pro, which means we wouldn't have Space Jam.
Not cool.
Everyone woke up and they all went to Sam Sandquist's home church, Peninsula Covenant Church. They all enjoyed the message which was spoken from the book of Habakkuk. Afterwords, they met up with a guy named Carlos whom Jacob and Charlie were eager to meet. The two applied for an internship this summer.
Will they get it? Even though it is so far away from Seattle? Tune in next week to find out.
Leaving the church, they all headed to Sam's Sandquist's house for lunch. They watched some more NCAA baskteball. Jeremy decided that he wanted all the upsets to happen in the tournament, so watch out. Ohio State will still win it. Go Buckeyes.
It was bitter sweet leaving Sam's house. His family was very welcoming and provided great hospitality. Mark, Jacob, and Nick all went outside to enjoy the sun right before leaving. Jacob had a big water bottle and it turned into a fight between Team Jacob and Team MarkNick (watch out edward). Mark went up the front while Nick snuck around the back. Jacob, being so agile, flailed like an octopus and was using water for his defense. He tended to run towards Nick and fake like he was throwing the water. Nick was always one step ahead and used his Dodgeball skills to dodge it (note: Nick was part of the Happy Trees, the famed dodgeball team that consisted of all freshman whom won the d-ball tourney in 06' at Lake Stevens High School). Mark tried to make his move and Jacob soaked him hardcore. The water bottle dropped and Nick ran up like Freddy Montero and kicked the ball between the tires and it was a goal!!!!!!
Everyone was in their cars and stopped to get gas. The now notorious water bottle was brought out again. Some of the boys were tossing it around like a football and then it turned into a game of flyers up. Mark, mischievous as he is, unscrewed the cap and threw the bottle up into the air. He, Charlie, and Nick all ran to catch it. Nick survived unscathed while Charlie and Mark got hit. Pray for them.
Sam Sandquist forgot his computer at Graham's house so they went back to get it. Again, the water bottle is out. Round 3. Mark vs. Jacob. The only thing is, Mark snuck another water bottle and soaked Jacob to the bone. Jacob took off his shirt (not the only time) and got back into the car. Thus, all 9 embarked again on the trip.
This is from the Subaru's side of things. We missed our turn onto I-5. Sick. Then we got back on. Cool story Handsel. Nothing else really happened to them until they reached Grapevine pass.
It was closed due to snow. Before they figured anything out, the crew ate at In-N-Out burger. It was Nick's first time. With the grin of a child, he opened wide and took a monster bite of a scrumtioulescent burger. Like a Quentin Tarantino movie, this scene is driven by dialogue. A question was posed, Who is the best at Mario Kart in succession. Everyone tuned in as Jacob and Nick talked about who was, Thuh BEST! A decision was made, Mark was number 1, Sam Sandquist number 2, Brennon number 3, and Charlie number 4. They picked Brennon as 3rd because he has the worst luck in Mario Kart. Sad day.
Back to the decision, I know you've been waiting. It was either stay in Bakersfield area, or take the 58 highway around it. We decided to just do it because it would only be 4 more hours. It was about 8 o'clock. Again, the suburu made another wrong turn...sick. Back to the highway, Nick and Mark starting talking to each other in accents and went into character. Nick (Nick Nasty) and Mark (Mark Rawlins) were co-hawks (Yes, co-hawks according to Mark), and held a talk show. They had some great characters on the show including Vince Piehler, Travis McCoy, and Felipe Conrad. In between conversation, music was played, naturally. With hits like "Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra and Rockaway Beach by The Ramones, it was a talk show that everyone missed. Literally.
The subaru got to the pass and hit a dead stop. There must have been some accident. Then, snow started coming down hard and was sticking. It was about 10:30 pm and they still had to get out of the pass. During their pleasant stay in the mountains, Jacob, Charlie, and Sam Piehler got out of the car and had a snowball fight. It was pretty sick. They got back in and chilled for a sec. No pun intended.
Jacob, being Jacob, decided to go up to a random bus and see if he could get on. It was full of tourists. Jacob was acting as if he were super cold and asked if he could step in. He made it. Simultaneously, the traffic started to pick up again and the suburu traveled about 200 more feet. Where was Jacob? He told the driver that he was going to try and find his car again. Momentarily Jacob made it back onto the ship. The suburu was abiding by pirate code as well. Whoever falls behind is left behind. Thankfully he made it.
The traffic still wasn't picking up and it had been almost three hours. Nick was getting antsy and got mad at Mark for something trivial. Nick apologized that he let that get the best of him.
Silly Rabbit.
The traffic started to pick up again and the snow had not subsided. An option of taking the 202 arose. Mark stopped the car on the shoulder, obviously. They decided to keep going. Upon entering traffic again, they heard a rattling. The Suub's bumper had been ripping off. Jacob and Mark tried to put it back on again, but it just got worse. They ended up tearing it off. It only about a third of the bumper so everything was kosher.
This is where the story gets good, but we're going to save it for another post because I need to get going. The secret snow foothills is what is to come. Stay excited.
I tip my hat,
Nick
It's the 3rd day of the trip. Nick and Brennon woke up early to watch the UW basketball game. It was incredible. The dawgs were beating UNC at halftime. I must mention that Michael Jordan was in the house as well. For those who don't know, (which they should) UNC is MJ's alma mater. If he never went to college for basketball, he probably wouldn't have gone pro, which means we wouldn't have Space Jam.
Not cool.
Everyone woke up and they all went to Sam Sandquist's home church, Peninsula Covenant Church. They all enjoyed the message which was spoken from the book of Habakkuk. Afterwords, they met up with a guy named Carlos whom Jacob and Charlie were eager to meet. The two applied for an internship this summer.
Will they get it? Even though it is so far away from Seattle? Tune in next week to find out.
Leaving the church, they all headed to Sam's Sandquist's house for lunch. They watched some more NCAA baskteball. Jeremy decided that he wanted all the upsets to happen in the tournament, so watch out. Ohio State will still win it. Go Buckeyes.
It was bitter sweet leaving Sam's house. His family was very welcoming and provided great hospitality. Mark, Jacob, and Nick all went outside to enjoy the sun right before leaving. Jacob had a big water bottle and it turned into a fight between Team Jacob and Team MarkNick (watch out edward). Mark went up the front while Nick snuck around the back. Jacob, being so agile, flailed like an octopus and was using water for his defense. He tended to run towards Nick and fake like he was throwing the water. Nick was always one step ahead and used his Dodgeball skills to dodge it (note: Nick was part of the Happy Trees, the famed dodgeball team that consisted of all freshman whom won the d-ball tourney in 06' at Lake Stevens High School). Mark tried to make his move and Jacob soaked him hardcore. The water bottle dropped and Nick ran up like Freddy Montero and kicked the ball between the tires and it was a goal!!!!!!
Everyone was in their cars and stopped to get gas. The now notorious water bottle was brought out again. Some of the boys were tossing it around like a football and then it turned into a game of flyers up. Mark, mischievous as he is, unscrewed the cap and threw the bottle up into the air. He, Charlie, and Nick all ran to catch it. Nick survived unscathed while Charlie and Mark got hit. Pray for them.
Sam Sandquist forgot his computer at Graham's house so they went back to get it. Again, the water bottle is out. Round 3. Mark vs. Jacob. The only thing is, Mark snuck another water bottle and soaked Jacob to the bone. Jacob took off his shirt (not the only time) and got back into the car. Thus, all 9 embarked again on the trip.
This is from the Subaru's side of things. We missed our turn onto I-5. Sick. Then we got back on. Cool story Handsel. Nothing else really happened to them until they reached Grapevine pass.
It was closed due to snow. Before they figured anything out, the crew ate at In-N-Out burger. It was Nick's first time. With the grin of a child, he opened wide and took a monster bite of a scrumtioulescent burger. Like a Quentin Tarantino movie, this scene is driven by dialogue. A question was posed, Who is the best at Mario Kart in succession. Everyone tuned in as Jacob and Nick talked about who was, Thuh BEST! A decision was made, Mark was number 1, Sam Sandquist number 2, Brennon number 3, and Charlie number 4. They picked Brennon as 3rd because he has the worst luck in Mario Kart. Sad day.
Back to the decision, I know you've been waiting. It was either stay in Bakersfield area, or take the 58 highway around it. We decided to just do it because it would only be 4 more hours. It was about 8 o'clock. Again, the suburu made another wrong turn...sick. Back to the highway, Nick and Mark starting talking to each other in accents and went into character. Nick (Nick Nasty) and Mark (Mark Rawlins) were co-hawks (Yes, co-hawks according to Mark), and held a talk show. They had some great characters on the show including Vince Piehler, Travis McCoy, and Felipe Conrad. In between conversation, music was played, naturally. With hits like "Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra and Rockaway Beach by The Ramones, it was a talk show that everyone missed. Literally.
The subaru got to the pass and hit a dead stop. There must have been some accident. Then, snow started coming down hard and was sticking. It was about 10:30 pm and they still had to get out of the pass. During their pleasant stay in the mountains, Jacob, Charlie, and Sam Piehler got out of the car and had a snowball fight. It was pretty sick. They got back in and chilled for a sec. No pun intended.
Jacob, being Jacob, decided to go up to a random bus and see if he could get on. It was full of tourists. Jacob was acting as if he were super cold and asked if he could step in. He made it. Simultaneously, the traffic started to pick up again and the suburu traveled about 200 more feet. Where was Jacob? He told the driver that he was going to try and find his car again. Momentarily Jacob made it back onto the ship. The suburu was abiding by pirate code as well. Whoever falls behind is left behind. Thankfully he made it.
The traffic still wasn't picking up and it had been almost three hours. Nick was getting antsy and got mad at Mark for something trivial. Nick apologized that he let that get the best of him.
Silly Rabbit.
The traffic started to pick up again and the snow had not subsided. An option of taking the 202 arose. Mark stopped the car on the shoulder, obviously. They decided to keep going. Upon entering traffic again, they heard a rattling. The Suub's bumper had been ripping off. Jacob and Mark tried to put it back on again, but it just got worse. They ended up tearing it off. It only about a third of the bumper so everything was kosher.
This is where the story gets good, but we're going to save it for another post because I need to get going. The secret snow foothills is what is to come. Stay excited.
I tip my hat,
Nick
Day 3: Throught the Grapevine Part 2
Goodness, where to start.
It is Sunday evening and we had just finished a twelve hour drive a day and a half before. This next drive from Redwood city to all our friends in Mission Viejo should be cake compared to the last. After a decent fives hours on the trip so far, we decide to take a stop and rest with the entire group for a few minutes. While we were together, we soon realized that the grapevine pass is closed because of snow and potential for heavy ice....WHAT?!! Some of us were thinking about braving the storm and going through the grapevine. But I once heard from a man that Marvin Gayes' song, "Heard it through the Grapevine" is based off one of his buddies (Lil' G) trying to go through the grapevine past during a snow storm. Lil' G's car slid on the ice and toppled over the side. When safety crews got to him, all they found were his 1957 limited edition Air Jordan high tops. It was concluded that an ice bear had found Lil' G and had an exquisite dinner that night. Following this tragic incident, Marvin Gaye wrote these lyrics:
I know a man ain't suppose to cry
But these tears I can't hold inside
Losin' You (make sure you sing that with a nice high pitch) will end my life you see
Cause you mean that much to me
Rest in Peace, Lil' G.
Okay, NBD. So we decided to backtrack 30 miles to Bakersfield because we heard that pass had not received much snow.......yet. We started backtracking at 9pm towards Bakersfield and hoped the latest it would take us to get to Mission Viejo would be midnight. Oh how naive we were to think that would be possible. After driving about 15 min. through the pass, we hit traffic. Apparently we weren't the only ones affected by the grapevine closure....................................................................................................this is how is it felt.................................to............................ d....ri.............................v.......................e.......................thro..........ugh.......................the Bakers..................field pass..............................................................................................traffic. Just imagine trying to say that sentence over a four hour time period w/out doing anything else. Safe to say it was quite the experience through the Bakersfield pass. With various attempts to pass the time/amuse ourselves, it became a spectacle that I had never been a part of before. Although I will let another fellowmen explain the rest of the adventure...
Remember the sacrifice of Lil' G,
Charlie
It is Sunday evening and we had just finished a twelve hour drive a day and a half before. This next drive from Redwood city to all our friends in Mission Viejo should be cake compared to the last. After a decent fives hours on the trip so far, we decide to take a stop and rest with the entire group for a few minutes. While we were together, we soon realized that the grapevine pass is closed because of snow and potential for heavy ice....WHAT?!! Some of us were thinking about braving the storm and going through the grapevine. But I once heard from a man that Marvin Gayes' song, "Heard it through the Grapevine" is based off one of his buddies (Lil' G) trying to go through the grapevine past during a snow storm. Lil' G's car slid on the ice and toppled over the side. When safety crews got to him, all they found were his 1957 limited edition Air Jordan high tops. It was concluded that an ice bear had found Lil' G and had an exquisite dinner that night. Following this tragic incident, Marvin Gaye wrote these lyrics:
I know a man ain't suppose to cry
But these tears I can't hold inside
Losin' You (make sure you sing that with a nice high pitch) will end my life you see
Cause you mean that much to me
Rest in Peace, Lil' G.
Okay, NBD. So we decided to backtrack 30 miles to Bakersfield because we heard that pass had not received much snow.......yet. We started backtracking at 9pm towards Bakersfield and hoped the latest it would take us to get to Mission Viejo would be midnight. Oh how naive we were to think that would be possible. After driving about 15 min. through the pass, we hit traffic. Apparently we weren't the only ones affected by the grapevine closure....................................................................................................this is how is it felt.................................to............................ d....ri.............................v.......................e.......................thro..........ugh.......................the Bakers..................field pass..............................................................................................traffic. Just imagine trying to say that sentence over a four hour time period w/out doing anything else. Safe to say it was quite the experience through the Bakersfield pass. With various attempts to pass the time/amuse ourselves, it became a spectacle that I had never been a part of before. Although I will let another fellowmen explain the rest of the adventure...
Remember the sacrifice of Lil' G,
Charlie
Monday, March 21, 2011
Day 3: Incomplete
Ok, folks So yesterday was a insane on the membrane. It started with leaving Sam's house at approximately 3:00 pm. Our destination (mission Viejo) should be no more than 6 hours away. After about a five hours drive we found ourselves at the base of the Grapevine which is just about 1:30 from our destination.
Mark
(This is where Mark stopped his blog. It was hard for him to focus, so Charlie will now post his own recap of yesterday's events. Today's events will be covered tomorrow. Hopefully we can catch up soon. It would help if people like Mark finished their blogs.)
Mark
(This is where Mark stopped his blog. It was hard for him to focus, so Charlie will now post his own recap of yesterday's events. Today's events will be covered tomorrow. Hopefully we can catch up soon. It would help if people like Mark finished their blogs.)
Day 2: Wagoo
So after getting lost on our way to Mark’s to meet up with the rest of the crew, we finally arrived at 2 am at Mark’s lovely home. Awaiting our arrival anxiously were Mark’s lovely mother and sister….oh yeah, and the other guys too.
But really, we would really like to thank the Rawlins family for hosting us, putting up with us, and feeding us. They are wonderful!
After much tom-foolery, we left Mark’s and headed South. The Toyota. The Subaru. Then the real adventure began.
We had heard rumors of more rain on our coming travels, and even snow, so we stopped at Walmart to replace Sam’s aging windshield wipers. The old ones were literally falling apart.
And so we went: Mark, Jacob, Sam, Sam, and Charlie in the Sub, and Nick, Brennon, Jeremy, and Van Ness in the Toyota. While Nick and Brennon slept from their stressful first-leg of the journey, Jer and Van Ness had some meaningful man-talk. Broseph stuff. Basically, nothing exciting happened for a few hours except sleeping (if you could call it that) and driving. Then, after switching drivers at around 6 am, we continued on into the pass. Oh, the pass…good stuff. Never thought we would see more snow fall in California than in Washington or Oregon, but….well…we did. With Brennon at the helm with his supporting crew of Nick, Jeremy, and Van Ness, the Toyota successfully navigated the blizzard through the pass. Sam manned the Sub, and being a natural snow-beast, the Sub plowed through it effortlessly.
After months of grey, cold dreariness in Seattle, we all were desperate for some California sun and heat!
Oh well.
Since we’ve entered California, we’ve only met snow, rain, sleet, and highs of 55. Nice. But we can’t complain.
After another few hours, we reached San Fran. What a boss city. Continuing south, we reached Redwood City, the home of our very own Samuel Sandquist, and one of our favorite destinations from last year’s trip. We planned on staying the night at Graham’s home (our trip hero from last year) and visited the community center at Sam’s church, where Sam and Brennon interned over this last summer. There were great reunions and new introductions all around. It was a beautiful thing. Charlie and Jacob applied to the internship here for this upcoming summer, so they might be calling this place home-away-from-home shortly.
We ate dinner at the Sandquist home. They were great as always! And as expected, we watched March Madness. Never was a thing ever created that is the cause of such agony, emotional instability, and competitiveness as March Madness. They should call it March Madness & Gladness & Sadness.
After all the games ended, we headed to the community center. After being inspired by the tournament, we balled it up in the gym. We ball hard. Fo’ real. I’m pretty sure we could take on Duke, Ohio St., and Kansas. I smell an upset. So we split into two teams (4 vs. 5 – Mark, Sam, Brennon, Van Ness vs. Jeremy, Sam and Charlie Piehler, Nick, and Jacob). But the MVP goes to Sam Sandquist with the game-sealing left-hand reverse lay-up. It was mm-mm good.
Post-game, we maxed and relaxed in the weight room and hot tub; some of the many desirable amenities of the community center.
Ending the night with some chill time at Graham’s, we called it a night.
Day 2 was probably one of the longest days of all of our lives. But sooo worth it.
We’re looking forward to a good service in the morning at Peninsula Covenant Church! Pastor Gary Gaddini is always on it.
Pray we get some sun…for our sanity.
Later days,
Brennon
P.S. Can we all agree that “Friday” by Rebecca Black is the worst song ever created? I think so.
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