Hi

First and foremost, yeah, sorry I haven't exactly been really enthused about the prospect of keeping this thing up to date. In terms of writing and stuff, I'm in a rough patch. Frankly, I dunno if anybody really reads this and I lose at least two hours of sleep every night writing, which I actually do tend to enjoy. I believe its a healthy hobby. Recently though, not so much. I'm going to update this every so often but not as frequently.  

It's been a pretty eventful couple of days:

1. My buddy Coop and his roommate Daryl hosted Josh and I for THREE days. We were in Chi-Town for THREE days and it lived up to the hype.

2. Chicago has some of the coolest museums:

        A. National Museum of Science and Industry: By far the newest and most up-to-date of all the museums. This gigantic behemoth of information and activities captured the minds of both children and adults. The best exhibit was the "Science Behind Storms". The worst exhibit was the "Art of the Bicycle."

      B. Shedd Aquarium: Astounding place filled with Sea Lions, Penguins, frogs, hundred year old eels/turtles, you name it. After awhile though, I become one of the most people that wants to free all of the animals. Pictured below is the longest captivated animal in the world, "Grandpa", at over 80 years. 

      C. The Field Museum: Originally opened after Chicago's World Fair in the late 1800's, it still kicks ass. Tons and tons of taxidermy (dunno how to make this word past tense) animals, history, and modern exhibits. Stunning architecture as well.

      D. Planetarium: Learn about space and check out 3D movies on the universe. This place made my life feel so damn insignificant that I didn't even care about spilling ketchup on my pants... not that I really would anyway considering all the other nasty stuff on them. Below is an actual service module used by NASA to get astronauts home from space. The bottom of it was all burnt up an everything from re-entry into the atmosphere.

      E. Skyview at Willis Tower: Not a museum but it was included in our bargain museum pass. 103 floors to the top of the tallest building in North America. Comes equipped with an elevator that shoots you to the top in 30 seconds. Crazy.

3. Chicago bike paths are terrifying. I crashed into someone and got burns on my leg from scraping concrete. Bastard was wearing spandex.

4. Humans rule.

      A. Two nights ago, I was generously housed by Mark Logan's (of Court House, and father of my best friend, Derick) brother, Dean. A very friendly and bubbly gentleman, he resided in Barrington, IL with his wife Karen. Warmly greeted with a beer and snacks despite our late arrival. Conversation flowed, smiles followed and we got tucked into bed, figuratively. The night was wonderful. And in the morning, Karen made us a huge breakfast that came with her own homemade coffee cake. Good lord, I thought I died and went to heaven. 

      B. The next night, I was fending for a stealth camp spot along a bike trail when we finally opted for the least expensive camground around Roscoe, IL. Still $35, the lovely owner Robin illegally gave it to us for $20. We talked to her for hours and she gave us cucumbers. Later, her son Chad came over and brought beer. We talked and talked.

Sometimes, I feel like an ass for taking everyone's stuff. But then I remind myaelf to pay it forward when this is done. 

    C. Tonight, in the small town of Gratiot, WI, we found a cheap campground in the middle of a tiny music festival. Jen and her husband, Dan, insisted that we tent on their spot to save money. They also told us to use their electricity. They also gave us a beer and dinner... Is your faith in humanity restored yet? Ours is.

There's so many stories from all these people, I just don't have the time to share them all. Everyone's lives has so much going on. Every individual's life could have a movie based off of them. There's so much to learn and experience.

For probably our final request for mail from peoples, we selected Moorhead, MN. I'm afraid of selecting one in a big city because I had a nightmare of a time in Chicago attempting to pick something up. They lost it. Send us some mail at :

1. General Delivery
   Josh or Ralph Johnson
2. 119 5th St S, Moorhead, MN 56560
3. (218) 236-6003