Daniel's Big Trip
Daniel's Big Trip, is a clever, funny, very entertaining blog, being written by a former Apache pilot, now medical student. On his summer break from med school, he's attempting to see the USA in an '84 Chevy Suburban, with his dog RTD, a mildly retarded Boxer.
Rocky and I had been living here in Johnson City for about four months when I learned of Rocky’s somewhat unique ability. At the time, I was renovating my house pretty much all at once, so I was living in the back bedroom. I had gotten goofball his own little bed to sleep on in the hopes he would stop attempting to use mine anytime he thought I might not notice. This pretty much meant anytime I wasn’t actually IN the bed. No one ever explained the concepts of forensics to Rocky and it probably would have been a moot point anyhow. Besides, I didn’t exactly need world class training at the Body Farm, blacklights, and a back up team from CSI: Miami to identify the thick coat of dog hair and 3.4 gallons of drool spread liberally across my pillow. Somehow, Rocky has yet to figure this out, and this is a struggle that continues to this day. Anyhow I digress… So RTD was asleep in his bed, as I was in mine. Copious amounts of drool were to be found at either place, being it was about 2:30 in the morning. Anyhow, I awoke to the sound of Rocky growling.
Now while Rockstar might be only sixty pounds, he has a growl that’s reminiscent of a crate of bowling balls turned loose in a cement truck. “Menacing” is a word that comes to mind. So is “coward” but that comes later… Well RTD growled, then got up and wandered the house, growling the whole way. I continued to attempt to sleep, and eventually he came back and began making sweet sweet doggy love to his bed again, and all was well with the world. After about fifteen minutes or so, I again woke to the sound of Rocky growling, and this time I was slightly more concerned. By slightly I mean I only cussed at him a little while rolling over and trying to get back to the land of superchargers and clapping (both things I’d like to do…)
What a good writer he is! I just followed the link and read a little. I normally avoid blogs (other than keeping track of a couple of political ones) because most I read aren't that good. This one's really entertaining.
is the dog named RTD or Rocky? what was the point of that snippet? the dog drools and growls? I don't see any traveling there.
Hey everyone! I found this via my statcounter, and just wanted to drop in to say hi. Thanks for listing my blog, too. I also have avoided blogs for the same reasons up until a couple weeks ago when I posted my own. Not that mine is that much better, but a few people at least find it entertaining! Anyhow, for thos checking it out, I'd suggest reading these two 1st to get a feel for it. Most are humorous, a few aren't, and a few downright suck....lol
<span style="color:#ff0000;"> <strong><em>The Prologue</em></strong> and <em><strong>Legend of The Pinto Bean</strong></em> Posts!</span>
Well sorry, tried to link it....
http://danielsbigtrip.blogspot.com/2008/05/legend-of-pinto-bean.html
http://danielsbigtrip.blogspot.com/2008/05/prologue-to-book.html
And this one actually has some of the travels (as cloud mentioned the lack thereof! I've only been on the road the last couple days, so the travel ones are upcoming. The first ones were the build up to the trip! Thanks!
http://danielsbigtrip.blogspot.com/2008/05/day-2-adventure-continues.htmlis the dog named RTD or Rocky?
Yes.
what was the point of that snippet?
A sample of his writing style.
the dog drools and growls?
It's not cat, so it does more than sleep and eat.
I don't see any traveling there.
Then you didn't read the link.
Any other complaints?
No I didn't read the link. I was not inspired to. And I thought this was about cities and travel--not writing.
more complaints? Let me think . . .
I think, "...drive basically a big circle around the USA from TN to Maine, then Oregon, down Cali and off to Key West." qualifies as Cities & Travel.
sure, but your post doesn't say that, and the quote doesn't even mention travel, only a stationary sojourn in Johnson City--wherever that is. Staying in one place for 4 months is not travel. It's about a dog who drools, a topic I try to avoid whenever possible.
Now Bruce, I'm sure it's an entertaining blog; or at least you think so, but the selection you chose isn't highlighting any fun, entertainment, OR travel. Care to try again?
(is there a "yanking your chain" smiley?)
Hmm.....the snippet Bruce chose drew me in and I was compelled to go to the link and find out what happened about the 'intruder'. I read that he'd been in this plce for four months and thought that sounded pretty transitory.
Can't see any problem with this thread at all :P
Howdy Daniel, nice to meet ya! That's one gorgeous (if slightly dippy) boxer dog you have there :)
Daniel, if you are still checking in on this forum...have you ever read "Blue Highways" by William Least Heat Moon? Tremendous classic written by a guy who basically did what you are doing now. Highly recommended, and I look forward to perusing your blog.
Heya everyone! Yea Cloud is correct in that currently the blog isn't travel heavy, but that improves daily (i hope). The first couple weeks worth I wrote to introduce myself, writing style, and pets etc!
I've not read ANY travel books, but i might when i get back... I just don't want them influencing me just yet! lol.. Thanks though! Daniel
Daniel, if you bring the Bean (or reasonable facsimile thereof) to the UK you're guaranteed a bed for the night*. Can't help with Rockstar - quarantine, y'know.
Enjoyed what I've read enormously and will be following with interest.
Keep up the good work.
Esp love the Valhalla motorcyclist sign, which we've seen here before, but nice to know someone else has seen it in situ.
*Quick edit - I meant you can have my bed & I'll take the sofa!
PS - Dwellars I know you have a lot of calls on your money, but if you have PayPal this guy could do with a donation. At the lest read his blog and make your own mind up.
Good for you Daniel - get out there and post more as you go - when in philly area, shoot me a pm.
Thanks for all you did too!
Good for him!
(we won't see him again then, big-timer)
Daniel, if you bring the Bean (or reasonable facsimile thereof) to the UK you're guaranteed a bed for the night*.
*Quick edit - I meant you can have my bed & I'll take the sofa!
Daniel, don't believe a word of it, she'll love you longtime, she doesn't want you to bring the dog for fear it will protect you from her amorous advances.
:p
Haha.... ya I was glad to get farked! Managed it without even getting arrested! I hope everyone is enjoying the blog!
Would someone like to explain to me what 'getting farked' means? :)
it means your 15 minutes of fame on the Internetz:
http://www.fark.com/Haha.... ya I was glad to get farked! Managed it without even getting arrested! I hope everyone is enjoying the blog!
Yes Sir. Glacier is great but Yellowstone would be a shame to miss. Can't help you with Mesa, I build Chinooks. ;)
Haha.... ya I was glad to get farked! Managed it without even getting arrested! I hope everyone is enjoying the blog!
Apart from the mashed potato cravings... why, yes!
Ahhh...a really fun read.
Daniel finally got a boobie flash, in CA. :ggw:
yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy boobies!
I think you should be really proud of this blog, Daniel. So many out there are just self-indulgent nonsense, but this one is a really enjoyable and engaging read.
And that's high praise - Dana's ed-yoo-cated!
Yup, one of the smartest commies, evah. :lol:
I'm glad to see you got a tour of our Apache plant. We used to build the airframes in Philly, but now we're too busy trying to catch up with the demand for Chinooks.
Daniel survived Tejas, a skunk, and a huge Tarantula. Now in the Florida panhandle, on the 4th of July.
Ooooh. I like tarantulas. My bro kept Mexican red knee taras when we were kids :)
Daniel I didn't agree with everything you wrote in your 4th of July post. But it brought tears to my eyes. I don't have any problem with patriotism and it is wonderful to see it so well expressed. I feel the same about my country (I have different things to feel proud of naturally).
Good for you.
Keep posting and keep opening my mind please. You write with such concise fervour I almost feel I have met you. Keep notes! The things that don't make it into the blog would be wonderful updated into a full account when you get back.
Daniel, I like your writing, it feels like a conversation with a friend.
Thank you for your service to our country and to US citizens everywhere.
Keep on writing.........
Glad you all have enjoyed it! The end of the trip draws near but there's more to come :)
I was interested to read Ernie's version of your visit, but disappointed RTD didn't bite him.:D
I can also relate to your horse adventure, as I suffered a similar run in with a 22 hand Appaloosa.
My son is a boxer ownee and really liked all the stories about Rocky, especially the part about eating the supposedly chewing deterrent [U]"Rockstar thought this stuff to be Doggy A-1 Sauce."[/U]
and all the standard Boxer magnum spit generators and general playful goofiness.
I too, liked the Ernie's balls story.
Well done, Sir.
No place like home though, eh?
I'm looking forward to your Alaska adventure, too. :thumb: