Tobin's in Raleigh, NC

The yellow kayak, Tobin, and Barney.

Only Tobin leaves the back porch. There is no roof-rack for the kayak and Barney is afraid of thresholds. That last part is a lie - Tobin uses lentil loaf to keep the kayak from scratching the roof of his car and Barney has a safe word. The entrance to Tobin's upstairs apartment is in the middle of two other doors on the ground floor. I accidentally opened the wrong door and encountered a man eating at his desk. He managed to say "I think..." and spit a bit of food on himself. I apologized for him.

As we were leaving, a giant truck pulled up across the street. Three men with a small chainsaw attached to a long pole & a wood-chipper hopped out, cut down a tree, and shredded it without warning. The whole ordeal lasted no more than two minutes. The driver spit on the ground before he hopped back into the truck and sped away. Everyone wore the appropriate safety gear.

Properly carbonating IHOP Dr. Pepper is more complicated than you know.

For Our Friends and Families

We begin our two month long trek across the U.S. at 9AM.

This blog will allow you few interested followers a glimpse of what we see and experience on this journey. We will do our best to post pictures/thoughts as often as possible. We wish to share these things because, despite having left you for the time, we recognize that the actual and everyday events comprising our lives would be entirely empty without the love & encouragement, insight & guidance, and care & support of our friends and families.

We ask that you post frequently and thoughtfully. We ask that you not forget us while we wander. Most importantly, we ask you to understand that any "meaning" we may discover on this trip will only serve to enrich the meaning you already imbue our lives with.

We love you all unconditionally. From the bottom of our rambling hearts, we thank each and every one of you for your concern, affection, friendship, and love.

Returning to our homes will be the most fulfilling part of this entire journey. We will see you in two months. Until then - enjoy the grind, suckers.