I woke up this morning in a bed. No, not my bed in my car, a real bed! I awoke in the Excalibur hotel in Las Vegas, NV. Yesterday, i got a call from my old friend Ian, he told me he was in Las Vegas. So, i drove 4 hours west and met up with him! It is so great to see a familiar face. That has been happening a lot on this trip, not planning to go somewhere, then going. I love it though! that is all apart of the adventure and the unknown.
Remember that leather maker in New Mexico that i was working with? Well, i made this cool little video for him that i will put down below. Super thankful for Jared for letting me stay with him and all of his advice! definitely check out his leather goods. I left New Mexico on May 10th, en route to Utah! I stopped in Durango, Colorado on the way. First off, the barber and friend that i worked with for a year is named Durango, so of course i had to take a picture for him! Also, there was a vintage clothing shop there! If you know me, you know how much i love style. I truly enjoy dressing how i want to dress and the art of it. I've always been very interested in fashion, but not in the typical sense. For example, right now i am wearing my dad's button up shirt from the 70's, and navajo jewelry. A lot of my style, at the moment, is derived from the 1930s-50s working man/cowboy. A good pair of high rise trousers, a classic shirt, and a stetson. So, i went to this vintage store and was amazed! The two people working there were more than helpful and so kind! they had such a vast collection of vintage wear. From the 1930s, 60s, to 70s. I was in heaven! so, of course i bought a few items! If you are ever in Durango, Co, definitely stop by "Old Colorado Vintage"!
From Durango, i camped out in Monticello, UT. The next day i drove to Moab...which was not interesting at all, so i kept driving. I reached Arches National Park around mid day. Utah is so beautiful, with so many vibrant warm colours. I drove through and looked at the massive rocks. I've come to the conclusion that i don't care much for National Parks. I've been to five so far on this trip, and i definitely love yellowstone the most! Besides that though, i don't enjoy the crowds and how everything is built for you. The other day, riding to AZ, i went on an off road dirt path. I drove it for about 30 minutes, and found the most beautiful sights, and, i was all by myself! I love those moments so much more than standing next to 50 people at a park, taking the same photo as them. After Arches i headed south to Kanab, UT. I went to Kanab originally because there was a film camera shop there, and i needed a new film camera! So, i went and met an extremely sweet woman who showed me around. I was in love! there were so many beautiful, classic film cameras! We talked for a while...and lets just say it might not be the last time i go to Kanab! From there i went to a museum they had in the town. This is where i bought my beautiful stetson hat! They also took the sets from old classic western films and kept them in this town at the museum. They had sets from the lone ranger, outlaw josey wales, and so many more! It was such a cool town! from there i went down into Arizona! I love Arizona, there is so much to see! Going south i went off road to a Navajo jewelry vendor, and found myself a great turquoise ring! Cross the Hat and ring off my list! I went south to flagstaff, AZ, where my dad's friend was. Gary was in flagstaff for his nieces graduation. He invited me over to stay with him and his family at this beautiful log cabin. I'm super thankful for him taking me in for a day! I went to sedona and the red rocks the next day. From there i went north to the grand canyon. Now, i've been to all of these places before, so i knew what i was going to see. Nonetheless it is beautiful, but like i already said, i'm not a huge national park person. That is when Ian gave me a call, and i drove to Nevada. Next I'll be going to southern AZ, then San Diego!
I am extremely thankful for all of the people that are helping with with their kind words and financially! I am so blessed for all of the love out there. I can't wait to get home to make huge prints for people! I am so excited to keep going onward into this journey. I have no clue what will come next, but i am so blessed and excited! I love you all!
