It's hard to believe I've been on the road for 5 weeks now. Serpentining through the Midwest, I've encountered all sorts. Rural farms, state high points, vegan restaurants, breweries and wineries in all states. National Parks. Art museums and sculpture gardens. Cute trendy neighborhoods and seedy ghettos. Craft cocktail dens. Water parks and arcades :-D

I'm now headed West, and as I sit in a cafe drinking a Chai and writing my masterpieces in Lincoln, Nebraska I feel very weary. I can't wait to see mountains again! Right now I feel like I could sleep for days. And then some more. But I have faith the West will revitalize me, and this is prime time to get up high in the mountains. I'm not sure where I'll head after the visit to Colorado. I would like to continue to the Northwest and California and catch up there on sights still unseen and revisit the beloved old. 

I'm currently at 22 out of 50 State high points reached and 14/54 Colorado "14-ers" submitted and I plan to knock so many more out by the end of the year. But so much is up in the air, will I continue to freelance, living out of my Jeep around the US indefinitely while I write my scripts and books, and ever studying for the Advanced Level Sommelier level that I took the course for earlier this year? Will I take some high mountain or National Park work for the end of the season? Or will I move into a Wine Director or Beverage Manager position at the right place, wherever that might be in the country?

Many options to consider, and none of them bad. But, for the time being, I can return to Boulder and the Rockies, climb, hike, clean up, regroup, take a couple art and guitar classes to brush me up and set me moving ahead better artistically. Figure out finances after draining myself down now. I'm exhausted but excited. Dreaming ahead. And putting pen to paper (or words on a laptop, more appropriately…) in documenting my strange and beautiful life. 

Just a few teaser photos for now, but soooo much more to come, I promise!

God Bless and safe travels!

Two and half weeks ago I set out for a cross country adventure, leaving my comfy zone of Boulder, CO. In that short time a hell of a lot has happened. There might be a book in this adventure. Way more than I can discuss here, although I could probably break it up nicely into segments. Every day has so much to talk about! I left with very little money, and a lot of faith, and abandoned some people I love, and took a chance on going totally broke on the road. I turned down some good job opportunities to do this. But it has been overdue. Visiting all the places I've meant to see for some time now. And I've been doing it. I'm still out here. Living the dream out of my Jeep (I could go for a shower and a movie at home). 
The Black Hills. Midwestern wine and beer. Chicago. Minneapolis. Fargo. Mosquito Heaven while hiking in Northern Minnesota. Flat tires in the middle of nowhere. Caves, praries, cornfields, badlands. State high points. Vegan soul food. Farmer's markets. Fights with ex-s. Craft cocktails. Museums, old homes, gardens, police encounters;on and on and on…
Life is fun with me. It's spontaneous, but kinda planned. It's challenging yet rewarding. It's expensive, but I find the deals. I secret shop. I meet people. I find the good and the bad. I've had some existential breakdowns and some renewed belief in the people in this country; sometimes I have both in the same day. It happens. I'm still searching for "something" out here, on top of the joy of going places I haven't been. But I'm figuring out what I need to figure out. I feel God with me. Thanks for flying with me…
B

Colorado beer. It's the stuff beer geeks dream of. All of my adult life I've heard about Colorado beer as legend in the hops and barley world, and after so many years of traveling so many other states in this great country, I had mostly missed Colorado, excepting for one brief pass through in 1999. I came here just under a year ago, with two jobs in hand, one at the Devil's Thumb Ranch in Winter Park, the other at Far View Lodge in Mesa Verde National Park. I chose the latter for it's location, the fact that it was still snow season in the mountains and it's seasonality if I needed to move on. Between April and August, I managed to pack in a lot in terms of exploring the landscapes, towns and, as we're discussing here, the breweries. For starters, when I told the staff at brewpubs I was sitting in that I planned to visit all of the State's breweries, they had a shocked amusements, reminding me of just how many there were. Over the last year, as so many new breweries have opened in that short time, I've been quoted different numbers, ranging from 175-300. That's a lot. But I set out anyway. From a home base in Mancos and Mesa Verde, I started consuming. Let's first start with the 4 Corners and San Juan area. 
Durango

With 5 breweries, and rumors of more, this small mountain town of 16,000 has a lot going for it. 

At Steamworks Brewing, an extremely popular family and adult restaurant and brewery that is (unfortunately in my case) known for it's house-smoked meats and such, nothing I can recommend with strong vegan ethics, but the beer did occasionally shine, and although there were many dark beer (a personal fav), what stood out most was the Chile Ale. This style of beer, I discovered, was common among the Southwestern breweries, and for obvious and good reason. This brewery also boasts a large number of Certified Cicerones, 5 when I was there, and it showed. Very knowledgeable staff. 

Onto Durango Brewing Company, a longer staple on the local scene, but which is more recently under the brewing mastery of from Boulder Brewing. The assistant brewer took me on a tour of the small brewery, where I got to see some fresh Colorado hops being seasonally used in some of their tasty beer. The IPA is winner. 

At Brew, a different philosophy exists-crafting beer with single-ingredient focuses. A flight of 4 beers, each highlighting the 4 primary components of beer showed each of the primary characteristics well, and it was a friendly and flavorful experience. 

Carver Brewing, on the main drag through town, is another always-busy kind of place. While the beers didn't bowl me over, they were all solidly crafted, and yet another brewery in this area utilizing local clean energy and good ethical practices. 

The real highlight of the Durango brew scene is Ska. This brewery has positioned itself as a staple of good Colorado beer. From the clean and refreshing Blonde, to the full bodies Red, to hoppy standard of the Modus and their Decadant Impreial IPA, we're talking about seriously good beer. An excellent, fun tour is available and they also feature beers made on premises by talented home brewers that have won the chance to brew their beer at Ska.

Two breweries also exist in Cortez, J Fargo's, with a small selection of mediocre beers in a  semi-divey family restaurant setting can be missed, and Main St Brewery downtown offers far better beer, although nothing necessarily worth going out of your way for. The town of Cortez is something that needs some better progress and happiness.

More beer travel to come...

My experiences have often defined me. It's a good thing. My faith in God and love for the Bible has also defined me and this also is a good thing. I live authentically and have no shame for the ways I live (I  make mistakes like everyone else and will ask forgiveness for those mistakes and then move on). I seek love and am loyal when people are loyal to me as well and often even when they aren't. This has betrayed me a time or two, even when I am accused of doing things that the other party is actually doing or looking to do. It sucks. I'm not ashamed that I've lived out of my car so much. It's freeing. I work hard at my jobs, I pay my debtors when I can. I pay to Caesar what is Caesar's as I'm instructed, even though this government is mis-using my money in sick ways, lying to us, and doing severe damage instead of the good it could be doing.  I've worked in restaurants for 20 years now, and I've enjoyed most of it. Working in 13 National Parks, Napa Valley, the Sonoma Coast, Big Sur, lakeside mountain lodges, Mackinac Island and even a couple strip clubs for a couple years has given me a lot amazing experiences with places, people and landscapes. I've taken up photography and gone to film school. I've been certified as a Sommelier and crafted unique cocktail menus. I've climbed mountains, dated strippers (briefly..), explored deep canyons, watched the sunset over the Pacific more times than I can count. Iv'e drunk uber-expensive wine, served celebrities and hung out in the bright lights of Vegas over 20 times. This is why I'm writing a book about my travels, starting with the distinction in lifestyle, spiritual growth and adventure that has come with working in the National Parks. But all good things must come to an end, and I feel changes in the air. Emotional and career wise. I'm not excited anymore about getting a huge list of certifications in alcohol based degrees. I suffered a couple serious illnesses recently and it put things in perspective. It's a perspective I had, but had been lost a bit, and I needed a kick in the ass. Since moving to Boulder in August, I've grown by leaps and bounds in my life and I'm grateful. But I always was drawn to the arts crowd more than anyone. And I always loved crafting my own products as much as anything else in the restaurant work. And being outdoors and on the road makes me happier than just about anything. And I've missed out a lot by working my busy restaurant life. And lost a little focus and balance on the other aspects of life that make me happy. And I'm tired of seeing the unnecessary suffering going on that should be healed and the corruption that needs and can be fought against. And the restaurant lifestyle is just not inspiring.  So here I sit. Ready for and making changes. Getting back into the car and just driving. Hopping on planes, then hopping into a car at my destination and driving. And walking, talking to people, tasting new flavors, seeing new sights. Visiting the museums and artisans. Writing more. Getting errands done so I'm more efficient at the important stuff. Pulling open the laptop and writing, without thinking about it. Planning adventures.  Spending time with people who are an inspiration rather than bringing me down. People who are sparked about life and giving to it. And that's where I'm at right now. Today I became a member of the Boulder Digital Arts group. I spent time with an inspirational art and theater worker. I'm getting prepped for new headshots as an actor and am applying for local acting gigs. I'm posting a casting call for scripts I'm working on. I've returned to the movie theaters for joy and entertainment. I'm doing. I'm living. And I'm being me. And there's a lot to come to show you. I'm breaking open. In a good way. Hell, maybe I'll even have a kid or 2. One never knows...

Mountain climbing. It calls to me more and more as time goes on. I've been doing some sort of rock, hill or mountain climbing for 20 years now. It never gets old. The mountains always call, especially new and unfamiliar places that have their own sights, smells and feel about them. Colorado and New Mexico called me this year. The mountains there called, and I've become addicted. Much more than expected. I've climbed the highest peaks of New Mexico and 12 of Colorado's 54 "14-ers". It's been magical. Every mountain is different, every back road and town I get to see along the way is a treasure. And of course, there's the ever prevailant breweries to enjoy some of Colorado's famous craft beer in at every turn. And it always tastes that much better after a long and fruitful climb. Please enjoy a few of my photos from a few days of adventures this summer. There's many more pictures, and many more waiting to be taken. Getting caught in snowstorms while climbing class 4 pitches on exposed ledges at 14, 000 feet or summiting the top of NM followed by a quick glissade down the snowfields. Taos, Aspen, Telluride, Boulder, Idaho Springs, Mentura/Vail, Breckenridge…a few of the towns I've gotten to enjoy as part of the adventures. I can't wait to see what the future holds...

I've been a bad blogger. I've been a great traveler and adventurer the last few months, though!! I need to write more often. I need to show you my pictures. I've been bad. I've been lacking my own computer for a year now (not the best excuse) and have been scraping to afford a new one, or at least get financing on a Mac so that lingering videos can be finished editing, my outlined non-fiction book on working in National Parks and resorts can be further written and this beloved website can be kept more up to date. In the last few months, I've explored the Bohemian culture of Salt Lake City, visited museums throughout California, climbed many high mountains in Colorado and New Mexico, visited more vegan restaurants and craft breweries than I can possibly remember (good thing I take lots of photos), visited a dozen National Parks (many of them new to me), hung out in Taos, Santa Fe, Boulder, Aspen, Telluride, Denver, Vegas, LA, Durango and..well..you get the point. I've been active. Many of the adventures have involved my partner Lynn, many have been solo. And I have a lot of catching up to do. It's been educational, fun, hard work and a great pleasure. I have now landed in Boulder for a good while. It seems a good spot to land. New opportunities as a bartender and Sommelier at a wonderful farm-table restaurant called The Black Cat. Getting inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of this town to further create my own organic and artisan products. Writing the book I've wanted to write, making the films I've wanted to film. Brewing more batches of tasty organic beer and bohemian root beer. Preparing for the Advanced level tests for the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Certified Cicerone test. Starting anew. Building on the old and beloved.
And maybe I'll just attach a slideshow of adventure to this to give a taste of the last few months...

As a long time bartender and mixologist, I was unfortunate not to be exposed to the famous Peruvian (and Chilean) brandy Pisco until moving into the SF Bay Area several years ago. Upon being handed a glass of Puro (straight Pisco) at Cantinna in Union Square on an unexpected visit while on a night out on the town in SF with fellow bartenders, I was turned on to this little elixir none-too-soon. I'm now creating Pisco cocktails, sipping on an ORO Italia puro at the end of my nights, researching the Pisco Punch and Sour, reading the exhaustive Guillermo Toro-Lira books on the subject,studying the terroir and production, visiting the bartenders cocktail lab at ORO on Treasure Island,going to trade events, etc., etc..., of this spirit that gained fame in American (and is still the leading US consumer) culture in San Francisco, a mainstay there since the Gold Rush days. After this introduction I will be heading into a 3-part article on Pisco. Part 1-Book reviews on several Pisco books and a review of the basics of laws and tastings of Pisco. Part 2 will visit several local and well-known San Francisco bars and labs with a Pisco focus and a look at the bartenders who love the magical stuff, and the cocktails they make. Part 3 will take us into the heart of Peru and Chile to explore the land is comes from, and the bars that focus on it's homeland spirit, meeting the faces and places that make it special.

I'm always in search of new adventures, both big and small, local and further away, and while living in Napa, Putah Creek and Lake Berryessa, in a remote pocket of Napa Counties' Eastern side, just west of Winters, is a delightful spring paradise of hiking that makes a good day (or half) trip. Managed by the University of Davis, this small wilderness is home to a colorful display of wildflowers, wildlife, rugged topography, small waterfalls, inviting creeks, stunning views, and a challenging network of trails climbing up and down ridges, offering a 5-mile loop to enjoy the bulk of it; however, there are many side trails that one (including myself), can wile away a day with. This hike would be much too hot in summer, but it made for a perfect early season hike, all the better for the seasonal spring wildflowers as well as milder temperatures. If you feel like staying, there is a small motel, resort, RV park and some camping at the base of the trails, offering handmade pizzas and a small store (that needed to be stocked with more natural/organic products for my shopping taste). Happy hiking!

Growing up in Oregon, you can't help but to know about the famous Shakespeare Festival of Ashland. Running from late Winter through the Fall, it's one of the Nation's legendary destinations in the theater world. Blending classic with contemporary, Shakespeare with non-Sheakespeare performances, it's a showcase for many of the most talented theater actors who come from across the country to study and be a part of the legend. ( http://www.osfashland.org/plays/index.aspx )
For whatever reason, I had not yet made a pilgrimage to visit, even though I had studied acting, theater and film most of my life (yes, I'm embarrassed..). Well, I finally made it on a beautiful early summer day as part of an overall Ashland study that has included historic hotels and resorts, restaurants, breweries, art and of course, the theater. So in part 1 of the of my blogs on Ashland, let me tell you how wonderful the Festival is:
It lives up to the hype. The first show my partner Lynn and I went to was Animal Crackers. As a  longtime fan of the Marx Brothers, I was suspicious as to how anyone could duplicate their style and personality. Cast as Groucho Marxs' character Captain Spaulding, Mark Bedard is surprisingly brilliant. I say surprisingly simply because it just seems so impossible to capture the unique person that Groucho was. Brent Hinkley as Harpo's The Professor captures the childlike and physicality of Harpo Marx with a beautifully theatrical perfection, while the fun casting decision of the Asian-American Daisuke Tsuji as the Italian Emanuel Raveli that was played previously by Chico Marx, complete with in-joke references to the unusual casting in relation to the Asian play The White Snake was brilliant and shows the fun playing of the Ashland group of thespians. The remaining cast all did splendidly in playing with the classic characters, well-staged and sometimes elaborately choreagraphed slapstick sequences, and ensuing hilarity, with many actors pulling double and triple duty as various characters. The Angus Bowmer Theatre framed the display well, and allowed some wonderful interaction between stage and attendees incorporated into the play. Runs through November 4th, Directed by Allison Narver, whose history included work in New York and Yale.
Second up was Henry V, Shakspeare's heroic narrative that focuses less on battles than on personal forward thinking by the lead of Henry, played with both powerful drama, intercut with dry humourous notes by John Tufts. Showcased on the outdoor Elizabethan Stage (a sight to behold), the story unfolded with a brilliant intensity, featured a live percussionist, and thoroughly kept my attention for the 3 hour duration, unlike a previous small college production of the same play that I had seen several years previous. In the former, I had been unable to wait until the play was over, but in the beautifully staged and well directed hands of Joseph Haj (who has among his credits, an interesting staging of Henry V in a maximum security prison in LA!), it was over before I realized it, and applauded in a standing room only theater.  Henry runs through October 12th.
I look forward to returning to the theater world of Ashland to revel in more of the artistic theater world that I miss, in a place as idyllic as any, and to learn more of the inner workings at a backstage tour that is offered most days at 10am (and is most often sold out), and to enjoy some of the many other interesting and diverse plays that the theater has to offer, as well as dive deeper into the wonderful, scenic and arts-filled world that is Ashland!
Visit http://www.osfashland.org/plays/index.aspx for more information

As a teenager, I visited the arcade religiously. Meeting up with other gamers or playing through the new and old was (and sometimes still is..) a regular pastime. During that time, Street Fighter was the big game. Lines of people, everyone with their own character that they were devoted to (8 choices were available) played or waited to play. This is one of the famous games of Kenzo Tsujimoto, the proprietor of game company Capcom and now, Kenzo Estate on Monticello Road, 15 minutes east of downtown Napa.
Arriving at the gate, and driving down the long, beautiful grounds (including a lake) was in itself a pleasure. Upon arriving, we were greeted by the friendly Tamamo, who brought us into the tasting lounge and p0ured some of their Sauvingon Blanc "asatsuyu" ($80 750ml, $40 375ml) while telling of the history of the winery and Kenzo in enjoyable detail. Originally from Japan, but living in San Francisco for 10 years (including work as a concierge), Tamamo made a lovely and gracious host to Lynn and myself. After an informative tour through the grounds and the cave, we were seated in a shaded patio seating outside, where 4 wines awaited us, all Bordeaux blends. The Rindo ($100)is a lush, appraochable blend showcasing red and dark fruits, dark earth, razzleberry, graphite and a hint of smoke that ,with it's mild tannins and acid, can be approached as a drinking wine or as a pairing with a good hearty tomato dish, pesto with marinated tofu, or even an artisan pizza.
Next up was the Murasaki ($250), a huge mouthfeel of violets, raspberry, dark cherry, blackberry, graphite, scorched earth, good tannic-acidic structure. Pair this with a hearty dish. I would opt at home for a lightly smoked eggplant and porcini mushroom with garlic, and maybe some tomatoes and smoked tempeh.
Next was the Ai ($250). Velvety, plush, and loaded with opulant cherry, sweet spices and great structure that a fabulous winemaker like Heidi Barrett brings out of a great piece of land managed by a viticulture legend such as David Abreu.
Finally, we were treated to Asuka, a wine of 97% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvingon, 1% of structure inducing Petit Verdot. Retaining that wonderful vegetal character of a Cab Franc, but with the lush and powerful hillside Napa fruit character, this would be wonderful with Spanish rice, with spice rubbed or bbq tempeh strips and a tomato broth, topped with sweet peppers, onions and lemon.
My hats off to another impressive series of wines from Napa stars, a stunning estate, great hospitality staff and a genius proprietor who has orchestrated a dream site for making wine and hosting. Remember, it is by appointment only, and everyone must be over 21 to visit. The three options are-$40 for a wonderful sit-down tasting; $60 for a tour and tasting; $80 for a tour, tasting and food pairing that included bites from Thomas Keller's Bouchon. Buy 6 or more bottles and the fees and shipping costs are waived!