May 12, 2008
Bus Garden
A few months ago, when I first got on the bus, I brought with me a Cherry Bonsai seedling kit. The loyal crew tried with every effort to grow the tree, but were left with a pile of peat. We will not be defeated! We are going to get back on that horse and try again. So...without further delay...Please give a warm welcome to our new friends, from left to right, K, Lavender and Sunflower.
K is a recent graduate of Green Street Fair in Plymouth, MI and cannot wait to get healthy. She is suffering from a bit of root rot due to over-watering by her previous owner. To K's right is Matt's mug o' peat with adopted orphan Lavender. In the small pot is lovely Sunflower. These orphaned seedlings have a new home with us on the bus and will be as much a part of the bus crew as I am. Today is their 4th day as seedlings in peat and we can''t wait to see how they grow!
We will keep our hopes high that the April showers will bring May flowers.
Go see Iron Man!
Jess
May 12, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)
May 09, 2008
Until Later
I am reminded here of the quote by Tim Cahill, "A journey is best measured in friends, rather then miles." Here I sit three weeks shy one one calender year concluding my current journey aboard the NOLS Bus. For me this time did not consist of the thousands of miles, countless states and cities, but rather the adventure of travel, and the joys of engaging with new people across the country.
The past eleven months have been incredible and I thank each person I have met along the way for making this journey great. As I adjourn and hang up my bus keys, the crew continues on with more NOLS to spread across the country, and I shall follow line of the "greats" before me and head back to Wyoming.
As I end I choose to use the phrase "Until Later," to me I am not sure when I will see folks again, and for me it is just a later time in our journey. So to you the Loyal Blog Reader I bid you the same, the next time I see you...Until Later.
Cheers
~Andy
May 9, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (1)
May 08, 2008
Somebody Holds the Key
The bus was fortunate enough to be able to meet with the Environmental Key Club at East High School in Rockford, IL. As a chapter of the largest and oldest service organization for high school students, this group of eager “tree-huggers” is trying to do anything to clean up their local areas. They just finished a local watershed project, are planning a local urban forestry plan, and even help with the regular maintenance of the campus’ arboretum. But today’s meeting was less about service and more about learning.
Paige is always instructing
The club was given a full grease tour of the bus, and even a couple students got dirty with us. It’s nice to see people so excited about our alternative energies and the NOLS mission of environmental ethics. Thanks to everyone at East High, especially Dustin Long. It’s always nice to get a home cooked meal after a good, long day of work.
Just another day on the Bus with Matthew Celesta
May 8, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)
May 07, 2008
Limes and Grapefruits and Pears, Oh My!
No, it isn't the Wizard of Oz! It is the first annual NOLS Bus Raw Cleanse. We have set off onto a new adventure for the next two weeks...we are eating nothing but raw foods. And this isn't going to be one easy feat! We eat out for every meal typically, so it is going to be a challenge. But, with the support from all the folks along the way, and some serious shopping at whole foods, it is going to be a success! Matt is so excited about eating a salad for every meal that he had a huge smile on his face as he got his first piece of broccoli stuck in his tooth at lunch. If you happen to be at an event and he has another piece lodged there, gently let him know. He would appreciate it. It isn't a huge leap for me, due to being a vegan already, so I will be the shoulder the rest of the crew cries on when they can't have their daily burger or fried chicken. Sorry, Buddies. This is going to be a long two weeks. We will let you know how it goes. I think the proof will be in our glowing skin and happy smiles.
Here is a picture of all our new beautiful colorful food.
May 7, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)
May 02, 2008
Slipping and Sliding in the Grease
Today was another grease day for the loyal crew, and Plymouth, Michigan offered up a whole new vat of the good stuff. We were very successful with our grease pull and succeeded in only having to go to one restaurant to pretty much fill up our tank. This will be enough to get us to Chicago and part way to Denver after we spend this weekend at the Green Street Fair. Come out and see us if you are in the area.
Pouring the good stuff...Like Honey
Jess the Crazy Grease Pouring Lady
Taking the time to Breath it all in. Paige
May 2, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 29, 2008
OH Canada
Our brief time abroad came to an end yesterday, as the Loyal Crew From Lander took our beloved NOLS Bus through Port Huron in Michigan, and alas our week in Canada was over. As with any other NOLS expedition the crew took sights on the city of Toronto, parked the bus, and took the shoe leather express to see first hand this city. Though each day was filled with downtime, we had work to do, and our minds looked to the Green Living Festival.
As the day started on Friday we knew we had a solid weekend of spreading the good word, getting some folks on the wall, and yes perhaps a bit of impromptu break-dancing. We got to know our Canadian neighbors at the festival including the folks from the World Wildlife Foundation.
Panda sends the wall.
By Monday morning the crew emerged from slumber to pick up our bus, to start the drive back to the states. Though this was her first time in Canada, we hope it is not the last. The folks of this great country welcomed us as one of their own, and truly made us feel at home. A huge thanks to everyone at the Green Living Festival. Until Later.
Cheers
~Andy
April 29, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 26, 2008
Send it to the Top of the World
To any regular blog reader, you know the bus crew loves to climb. Normally we find ourselves bouldering (non-rope climbing), which doesn’t get us more than shoulder height off the ground. But that doesn’t stop our desire to get off the ground. We try to walk, climb, crawl up any high point we are near. That can sometimes be difficult in urban areas, unless you include man made structures.
The CN tower is the largest freestanding building in the world. It towers over the skyline at 553.3 meters and the “Skypod” observatory deck is 446.5 meters off the ground (keeping it metric for all those international readers.) We couldn’t help ourselves from getting up to the top, even if it costs us all an arm and leg (luckily we had four WFRs and a WEMT to lower on the blood loss.)
When we got to the top, we knew it was worth every loonie.
The glass floor made a great moment for a photo op. Now we can say Andy’s flip-flops have been to the top of the world. His next goal is to climb Everest in the same slaps.
Just another day on the bus with Matthew Celesta
April 26, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 25, 2008
Niagara Never Looked So Good
With its renowned beauty, as well as serving as a valuable source of hydroelectric power, Niagara Falls is most commonly known as the most powerful waterfall in North America. However, on this historic day, it would simply be known as a backdrop for the most beautiful bus… Ever!
After 3 years, 186 days, 15 hours, 3 minutes and 11 seconds, a visit to every state in the continental United States, and thousands upon thousands of miles underneath its belt… The NOLS Bus crossed into Ontario, Canada, marking its first international expedition.
Riley says: “Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: If you're alive it isn't.”
April 25, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 23, 2008
Earth Day Gets Real
Welcome to New York City… Home to Saturday Night Live, larger-than-average-size apples and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. In the city that never sleeps, Grand Central Station embraced the masses that turned out for Earth Day 2008. With over 60 environmental exhibitors spanning the length of Vanderbilt Avenue, there was something for everyone… Even the larger-than-average-size urban coyote…
An unlucky Andrew falls victim... to deliciousness.
A huge shout out goes to NOLS graduates Denali and Era, who came, saw and conquered the front lines with the elite bus crew.
Riley says: “Wear short sleeves! Support your right to bare arms!”
April 23, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 21, 2008
Taking One For The Team
After a few days off the Loyal Crew From Lander headed back after two years to Princeton University to spread the word Ivy League Style. Walking through this town we were able to understand why they call this the Garden State. Though there were worries that finding parking on this campus to be difficult, we found solution in our fellow bus mate Matthew Celesta. Matt volunteered to sleep out in ideal location in front of Dillon Gym to ensure the bus optimal exposure to the folks of the greater Princeton area. Throughout the night draped in yellow "Caution Tape," Matt held off invaders.
Seriously "Do Not Cross"
After caffeinating Matt with a six shot Latte he was back on his feet, and with pats on his back for a job well done the crew was once again reunited and it felt so good. On this day the sun basked down on us, powering our solar cells, and our bodies. Paige and Matt felt so rejuvenated they went through a few self rescue climbing techniques.
Paige and Matt preparing for big walls.
Though here we said goodbye to New Jersey, and headed back to the road. Though here we felt welcomed by all the great people of this state. A huge thanks to Wayne, KP, Annie, Scott, and the kids for the meals, good times, and good conversations. To you Until Later.
Cheers
~Andy
April 21, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)
