Andy Warhol’s 15 Minutes of fame at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) August 12, 2010 As mentioned, the current Warhol exhibit was a bit small to me (as is SAM as well). I’m so spoiled by living in Chicago (Art Institute, Chicago Cultural Center). Also, I had not only seen a much larger Warhol exhibit in Chicago, but I’ve also visited the Andy Warhol Museum in his hometown of Pittsburgh (like Dylan, he escaped his confining roots early on). There’s no pictures allowed of the exhibit, but it featured the silent “15 minute films,” which required anyone, famous or not, to be filmed non-stop for 15 minutes before entry to Warhol’s factory space would be permitted. A young Lou Reed was of interest. In the spirit of Warhol, a (now) old-timey photo booth was there, dispensing ... read more

Entry 22: North Cascades National Park, Pacific Coast Trail Overnight Backpacking Trip: Granite Pass/Cutthroat Pass. Sunday, August 8th - Monday, August 9th, 2010 Note: The photos near the text are used to “reel the reader in,” and the remaining photographs are presented chronologically—up the mountain, camping, and back down the mountain, to get a sense of the changing terrain. After stuffing the backpack with the just-add-water backpacker’s food, stove, sleeping bag and pads, backpacker’s tent, and all-terrain clothes, I drove out of the Colonial Campground, heading the 25 miles back west to Rainy Pass, the point at which the Pacific Coast Trail crosses the only road through the Cascades—Hwy 20. The Rainy Pass Trailhead begins in a small dirt parking lot, complete with self-registration for a recreation pass ($5 per day; I left my National Parks ... read more

Entry 20: Glacier National Park, Mont. to Cascades National Park, Washington: Two Daze Worth of Tired Driving Thursday, Aug. 5 - Sat. August 7, 2010 A $63 Dollar Luxury: Motel 6! Getting a late leaving time, as Glacier had cast its cool spell of Sophie the dog and me, I was totally exhausted. The sign to Kalispell read 70 miles, and although Sophie was sleeping soundly next to me, I had to try and stay awake. It was my original goal to leave earlier, driving further west with the next large goal of North Cascades National Park (with the ultimate destination of Seattle). But, I was getting a little antsy about not actually publishing onto the blog (some of the writing and photos were done, but there was no way to post all the data with ... read more

Entry 18: Glacier National Park Day Two: Going to the Sun Road Drive August 4, 2010 If one has visited Yellowstone National Park, it’s impossible not to try to compare it to Glacier National Park. Relatively close together in distance and both known for their remoteness in regards to where most Americans live, each Park is spectacular in its own regard. Both Parks rely heavily on their paved thoroughfares, which allow examination of scenic vistas from the comfort of a 40-foot RV. After all, to reach any of the snowy peaks in the distance by foot would require much materials, skills, and time. Glacier has only 1 main road, which runs through the southern end of the park, rising from McDonald Lake at Apgar campground, up, through and around mountains, and cresting the top of the ... read more

Entry 16: Lolo National Forest, Springboard to Glacier National Park, August 2, 2010 Grabbing a big ol’ mug of coffee, I finally made it out of Great Falls, Mont. around 7 p.m., taking scenic route 200 after a ten mile stint on I-15. Fifteen miles after that, I had a decision to make regarding the last 100 or so miles to Glacier National Park, my next stop. The more direct route, 89, had no “scenic route” designation, so I opted for the longer route. Highway 200 seemed to extend forever. In my tired state, it was a surreal, time-warp kinda’ drive, with flashes of orange and yellows, sun and pavement, and Sophie staring right at my face the entire time. I passed the Continental Divide just as the Helena National Forest Started. The mountains were here. ... read more