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Day 32 – Laptop Blues

18 Oct 2010 | By Wayne

It seems I overlooked a certain aspect of doing a road trip that one is trying to promote while doing it. The attempt at less time on a computer has fallen by the wayside due to the fact that I want to share my photo work, daily thoughts and video with the world. These avenues of communication, albeit kind of fun do take up a fair chunk of time. I sat in Starbucks today from noon-ish until they closed at 9pm editing, rendering and uploading the second video installment. I’m not complaining as I don’t spend much money on days like these. No gas, no cold drinks, minimal food. Three dollars on my Starbucks card gets me a coffee and a refill and a place to work all day.

I got a late start today though as I had to get another tired fixed. Seems I picked up a small nail sometime over the last few days and had another slow leak. Walmart in Phoenix took their time getting the repair done but the fellow was being thorough so I can’t fault him. Plus I think they were a little understaffed today.

I got a lot done and am ready to leave here tomorrow and see some more open road. I’m anxious to feel my camera in my hands again and it’s only been a few days.

My truck payment and insurance have left my bank account leaving my budget looking kind of scary. I’m down to the nitty gritty now and am actively looking for and bidding on website work. This is also proving to be harder that I thought as just like when I was home in Vancouver, I’m getting no responses. A couple more weeks and it might be tough decision time. I’m holding out that things will turn around and I’ll be able to keep going. Like I said before failure isn’t an option.

So keeping with my optimism I’m going to take a little stroll into Walmart and treat myself to a small container of ice cream. It’s been awhile since I had some. Funny I almost always had some in the fridge at home, now it’s been weeks since I even thought of it.

As I sit and relax, enjoying some tasty ice cream and this perfect breeze I’ll be thinking of my friends back home and my next few weeks out here. Cheers.
W

Double Arch, Utah

Category: North American Adventure, The Road Tags: Arizona, budget, editing, ice cream, laptop, money, payments, Phoenix, Photography, photos, starbucks, time, video, Walmart, web design, work Leave a Comment

Day 31 – Starbucks Might Start Charging Me Rent

17 Oct 2010 | By Wayne

I’ve been in Phoenix but hard to say that statement as all I’ve really seen was a Starbucks, the library and another Starbucks since Friday. I’ve been working on getting caught up on my edits and still have a way to go. Sorting through and working on the best shots takes time when you take too many to begin with.

Stormfront

I also imported the clips into a new project for the next WOTR video blog which hopefully will be out sometime this coming week. Since I’m showered now I might stay for another day and get some more done. Then perhaps head somewhere a little more remote after here. I really have no ability to check out the cool things in most cities as I don’t have extra cash for admission fees, parking etc. If I had more time I should be emailing attractions for freebies and discounts in lieu of a write up but I’m having enough trouble keeping up with the shots I’m taking. Anyone want to be my manager/agent/sales rep/public relations person?

Anyway, another night hanging in a Walmart parking lot. I found some wi-fi so may do some research on where to go next or may just try and relax for a couple of hours and watch a movie.

All is well in Phoenix, AZ.
W

Category: North American Adventure, The Road Tags: Arizona, editing, Phoenix, photos, road, shots, starbucks, travel, Walmart 3 Comments

Day 30 – A Quiet Day Editing Photos

16 Oct 2010 | By Wayne

Not a whole lot happened today. I woke up, gathered myself up and plunked myself down in the Phoenix library until they closed at 5pm. I got a bunch of stuff edited yet still have a lot to do if I really want to be “thorough”. I’m starting to get a little pickier which photos get to be seen which is probably better anyway as I tend to take too much coverage. Time to start only posting the best.

After the library closed I went back to Starbucks and used my free coffee and continued working on stuff. Now I’m going to hit the Walmart parking lot, watch a movie and get some sleep. I’m going to try and grab a shower tomorrow as it’s time. It’s been really hot at night here and I don’t want to start smelling bad. I’ve researched the local truck-stops, just have to hit the interstate for a few miles and I’ll be golden. So yeah, not an exciting day but productive.

Until next time, Cheers from Phoenix.
Wayne

Winslow Bench

Category: North American Adventure, The Road Tags: Arizona, heat, library, Phoenix, Photography, photos, showers, starbucks, Walmart Leave a Comment

Day 29 – From A Campfire to Phoenix

15 Oct 2010 | By Wayne

By the time I did a little organizing and some cleaning of the truck while still in my campsite it was about 1pm when I started on my way today. After last night’s time with my thoughts and my refreshed positive outlook on this trip I thoroughly enjoyed my my drive through the hills of the Coconino and Tonto National Forests down into Phoenix. A little rain and some sun, some warm winds and then when all the cactus’ started to appear across the landscape my day was made.

I looked for the library in Phoenix but found it closed on Fridays. Around the corner is a Starbucks which has been a great decision. I bought a coffee on my Starbucks card and was told if I filled out a survey online I get a freebie. Score! Then as I sit here editing one of the girls says they have extra stock in their pastries and treats and I’ve gotten a few free “samples”. Let’s just say I have breakfast covered for a few days.

I’m listening to the Canucks game, streaming on my headphones as I edit photos and chill. I’ve located the nearest Walmart so I have a good idea where I’ll be parking later tonight. I have plans to work in the library tomorrow, wanting to get these photos up to date and also get the second video started.

Eyes to the Soul

Life is good, my mind is clear and I feel refreshed. Definitely feeling that I need a little more nights like last night, alone with my thoughts to reflect and realize that even though money is tight this is a trip to be enjoyed and absorbed into my memories. I have to take the time to enjoy what I’ve seen and not worry so much about the future. The future will be what it is on it’s own without my fretting about it. Most likely will be a better version when I’m not worrying about it.

So I’ll be online somewhat tomorrow and possibly Sunday. I look forward to showing everyone some new shots.

Category: North American Adventure, The Road Tags: Arizona, camping, editing, Phoenix, Photography, photos, refreshed, starbucks, thoughts, Walmart Leave a Comment

Day 13 – Not Much to Report

29 Sep 2010 | By Wayne

Today was pretty uneventful. I took the truck in to get my 3rd flat fixed and the tire had a hole in it the size of a dime so they were unable to repair it. The guys at Big O Tires here in Ogden Utah sold me a matching used one for $45 plus taxes and enviro fees. I’m back at 100 % with 4 tires and a spare.

I spent the rest of the day in a Starbucks editing some shots and tweaking this blog. I changed the photo section to draw in my shots posted on Flickr as I just don’t have the time to upload shots to my store, Flickr, my Facebook page and here so I’m trying to streamline my workload a little. I can export lower resolution shots from my store to Flickr and now those will appear here as well. Three birds with one upload.

Aside from that, I’m back at the Ogden Walmart for the night. Gonna watch an episode of “House” then get some sleep. Not sure what I’ll do tomorrow as I still have a lot of edits to do. I saw an indie coffee shop I may have to try and work out of tomorrow.

Until tomorrow, Goodnight all,
W