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In early July, I took my very aged body and my equally aged (Classic?) vehicle (1991 Toyota Previa Van, with 316,000 miles) and left the desert heat for over a month on a wonderful adventure through the NorthWest U.S. I only traveled secondary roads and took time to stop, visit and explore.
It would seem that as far as men’s hair “styles” are concerned….Anything Goes ! (Same for attire !). From Kids to Seniors, guys seem to be equally comfortable from skin to longhair whether dressed for work, casual or formal. For myself, I ate in fine dining rooms and biker’s bars, with cordial reception everywhere. I know that guys in their teens, under the “control” of parents, teachers and first employers are still getting grief, but out in the real world, the “hair issue” does seem to be mute. (So hang in there guys !!) I have noticed since I have had long hair, that strangers seem more open to starting conversations……must be that cute, puppy-dog look I’ve attained. ….HA!
Apologies to Bill, Elizabeth and Justin….I did try to contact you for a visit, but never really connected. ( I know I was close to Justin when I was in Astoria, Oregon. Which I fell in love with…I will be back) It was a great trip, but as always, it is good to be home. (...where my hair, hopefully, will straighten out again in the low humidity. HA!)
Walter
Hi Walter,
Now this sounds like a trip that I would have enjoyed, rambling around the Pacific Northwest at one's own pace. I have never been up in that area, but I know it is beautiful. Thanks for posting several picture of yourself, and the van. You have to admire any vehicle still going strong at +300K miles! I am sure the desert climate will take care of any curls you might have acquired in the humidity. That is quite a trip, and glad you had the opportunity to make the journey. I love traveling, but it is so expensive! It sounds like you had fun and saw lots of things. What about the Olympic Rainforest, did you see that?
I am beginning to think like you. In lots of situations, long hair really isn't a big deal. I am beginning to think it might even be advantageous at times. Here is a ridiculous story -- I went to the key control guy for my school so that I could get my swipe card programmed to open a certain classroom. I handed the guy my card, and he never even asked me for an ID or anything. He had never seen me and had no foreknowledge of my coming. He ended up programming the card so that I can now open every door in the building. He never even questioned anything! Explain that.
Glad you made it home safely too. Now remember, if you ever make it to the "South land," be sure to look me up.
Matt B.
Matt;
Actually, there are forums on the Previa where folks claim to have over 800K miles......I have been looking to buy another one, but no one lets go of them.
Yes, I had rented a cabin in the Olympic Rainforest.....air smelled like perfume and the vegetation was overwhelming for a desert rat.
I believe, we as men are living in a great time for comfort in our dress and the freedom to experiment in our appearance in facial and cranial hair.....imagine what it was like to always wear heavy suits, vests and bowler hats all the time?? Yuk
I get to "South land" (Texas/Louisiana) a couple times of a year. I have not been to Georgia in quite a while, but remember it as just beautiful. We may meet someday.....(hitch a ride with David N. next year ! HA!)
Take Care
Walter
Hi Walter,
Hey looks like you had quite an adventure there.That is something I'd like to do someday myself just taking off in the car and just exploring new areas and meeting new people.Sometimes unplanned trips are the most fun to take.That's really cool all the places you visited but its too bad you couldn't hook up with some of the mlhh people you mentioned.I was fortunate to meet Bill and other board members back in April when I traveled to the SF bay area.Anyway I'm glad you had a great time and wow that mileage on that van!I'm sure Toyota would love to use that in one of their commercials.Bet it still purrrs like a kitten too:)So welcome home my friend as I'm glad you made it back safely.Oh and BTW Opal is doing great as she will have been with me two years this coming December.
Mark
...indeed it does....incredibly comfortable, great visibility with the largest windshield in the industry. With the seats out it has enough room to haul pianos !! Wish I could find another one.....some folks claim to get over 800K miles on the original engine.....mine still has original brakes !!
And speaking of kittens....I am glad Opal is doing well.....my "herd" is currently at 7 and were really glad to have me back (warm milk with egg in the morning, served by WhiteTail)
Hey Walter :-)
Wow........Astoria. Isn't that town NEAT! Did you get to climb the "Column?" Imagine anyone building anything like that in the 1920's.......but man, what a view! Astoria has made a great comeback from what it was 19 years ago when it looked as if the whole place was falling apart.
The Carnivorus Plants are still here waiting for you and are actually looking quite well despite Bluejay damage and a few disruptions by a local Raccoon. If you are in the area next time please feel free to have a look. Promise I won't push you into one of those "Pitchers Plants," or let you get stuck on a "Sundew," not to mention let you get between the jaws of a dreadful "Venus Flytrap!" Afterall, those plants are suppose to eat bugs mostly but "Shhhhhhhhh." (People who make fun of longhairs can get caught at times, just don't tell.) "Shhhhhhhhh." :-)
And now for a guess as to where your car was photographed. (Longbeach Wa?) Sure looks like it.
Glad you had such a great trip Walter and saw so many fantastic sights.
See you next time you are out this way I hope.
Take care-
Justin~
Coincidentally, I was born in Astoria, New York....
Wish I had bought a house in your Astoria 19 years ago.....I looked at a Condo near the bridge (for a mere $600,000...). The column was impressive as was the construction of the jetties. The history of the area is fascinating. I had a hotel room with a balcony view of the entire delta......I could watch the river and bar pilots transferring on/off the ships, just incredible......I could spend the rest of my life in contemplation of that view. Future trips will have me following the river.
I do wish I could have had lunch with you and your carnivorous plants [sic]. For some reason, your emails are not getting to me....I did test the system and I am receiving OK.....you may want to contact either David N or Bill C for my email address...
The photo was on the Ocean City, WA beach.
Keep Well, "old" buddy ! HA!
Walter
OMG.......600,000.00 for a Condo? WOW! An entire house of medium size was 29,000.00 19 years ago. Of course it needed fixin up, but still, much was cosmetic. NOBODY back then seemed to want to live in Astoria. And now the town is restored quite well to its elderly glamour!
Will have to check on this email glitch for sure Walter and see just what's going on.
Take care-
Justin~
ps: About Astoria: Of ALL the coastal towns in Oregon, Astoria is the most overcast during the Winter months. But on a clear day it is just heaven with the view of the mouth of the Columbia River and all the Mountains.
wow Walter that is great man! i been to the northwest myself a few years ago and it was amazing to see all those countrysides and mountains i loved it! glad u had a good time and awesome hair pictures of yourself you def suit long hair :) take care buddy!
Thanks Mark
I appreciate the compliments
Walter
Thanks for sharing this remarkable update with us Walter. I'm glad you had a great time out in the West Coast.
Chris;
I appreciate the compliments...
Thanks
Walter
Sounds like you had a great trip, also some nice update pictures your hair looks different in every picture.
HA! different indeed...
My hair always looks different depending on "atmospheric conditions "....which causes a bit of stress when in "important" social settings......I can leave my car looking great, then standing in front of a meeting looking like a windblown
haystack ! HA!
Hats are great insurance.
Thanks for the compliments
Walter
I think the seagulls are taking a likeing to your Toyota.
I'm glad you enjoyed yourself Walter and you have me beat by 16,000 miles My aging cavalier has 299,645 on it. It just won't die no matter how hard I try.
Kevin
I thought it looked like "BabyBus" (my goddaughter named it that.....sigh...) was being held hostage by a band of terrorist gulls.
You may catch me soon with your Cavalier, good for you !.....
Having an older car has great advantages.....no car payments, low insurance, no one is about to steal it......and every year we do not buy a new car pays for a lot of $5 gas. By the way, prices ranged from $3.56/gallon (Fernely, NV) to over $6/gallon (California). Cost $0.18/mile to run the bus...
Take Care my Friend
Walter
Great set of pictures Walter. I must say you look marvelous, certainly not scary!
It is refreshing to venture out into the real world and find out that folks aren't really all sticks in the mud.
Glad you had a good trip.
Bruce
Bruce;
Thanks for the compliments....as I mentioned below, the "scary-naked" photo was posted as a joke.....I have been surprised by the positive feedback.
Yes, once away from the hectic, paranoid pace around cities and suburbia, there are real folks leading calm, peaceful, hard working, fulfilling and happy lives. Almost a refreshing to see as the forests and ocean
Take Care
Walter
n/t
My MySpace
I knew there was someone else in the area......Sorry I forgot it was you......I occasionally have business meetings in Edmonds....next time I will contact you.
Take Care
Walter
Hi Walter! Great that you went on the roadtrip! Seems like you had a super time. Gotta love those Toyotas...they will run forever.
Thanks for sharing the pics...you and your hair are looking very well indeed and your morning pic is fine...you should see me when I get up. I've had my aquarium fish drown themselves on particularly bad mornings when I try to feed them...so there you go.
Cheers for now.
Max
"...my aquarium fish drown themselves on particularly bad mornings..."
Max;
Gosh. but that line gave me an out loud belly-laugh !!
Thanks for the compliments
Walter
July would be a good choice for a time to escape Death Valley, lol.
Sounds like you had a great time, Walter. Good on ya!!!
"...July would be a good choice for a time to escape Death Valley, lol..."
You would be surprised how many tourists choose Death Valley for their summer vacation....many bikers ride through wearing black leather and really, really experience desert heat HA!
Winter and early Spring is the time to visit....It is just beautiful then.