The Finger
The bird. Getting flipped off. The middle salute.
We haven’t made it too far down the road, but today we got our first one. Angela and I just looked at each other and grinned… it won’t be the last. C’est la vie.
Bode didn’t notice a thing. One day he will and we’ll have to explain the concept to him.
Our top speed is around 65 mph and we’re generally cruising a little south of there. This particular fellow in a Honda was clearly in a rush and the multiple lanes around us were simply not enough room for him to maneuver. He wasn’t just hanging a wing out, but forcing the full bird up in the air and waving it around vigorously. Naturally, the encore was to cut in front of us and speed away at 80 mph. I was recently one of those people speeding 80 mph to and from the office each day. All I could do was laugh. Having this vehicle has liberated me from the possibility of being in a hurry. I love it.
Over weekend, I saw a bumper sticker that said “Why are you still behind me <—- go around!” If anyone knows where I can get one, I think we need it.
Let me clarify. It was the first finger from another driver. I have given Jason the finger quite a few times this week.
When I was a kid (during the height of the vietnam war) we would flash peace signs at drivers in nearby cars to see who would reciprocate. Always fun.
A different kind of little bird tells me you’re heading to the ghost town north of Mono Lake.
Bodie is interesting. It’s tricky with a kid in hand, but see if you can find a place to hear the Quiet Of Bodie. It will help that you are there on a week day. Wind through the walls of the old buildings, squeaky bits of metal, distant, muffled voices.
Here’s a little piece of guitar music I just wrote, I think it’s appropriate for driving the 395.
http://soundcloud.com/rudytrubitt/the-drake
We had several recommendations to eat at the big gas station/cafeteria-looking place on the SW corner of junction 120 / 395. No first-hand experience to report, though.
Also, June Lake, just south of Mono on 395 is very beautiful. Bonus: Giant chain-saw bears carved out of redwood trees!
rudy
Very nice. I definitely hear Drake. Definitely on the playlist. Unfortunately, my plans to bring a guitar evaporated as soon as we started loading up the bus. Maybe I can pick up a ukulele along the way…
I’m never surprised by the actions of some people.
That person is probably the first to complain about not being treated right. You 2 were right to laugh at that driver.
Good for you
Thank you for clarifying, Angela. I am glad to hear the exchanging of birds between you continues unabated.
i flipped someone off the other day on the LIE (i wasn’t even the driver). you stop on the LIE, you get flipped off – it’s that simple. WHO STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY!?!??
This is the most entertaining blog I’ve read in years. Jason, even in grade school, you marched to the beat of a different drum, and I’m glad to see nothing has changed. You guys are so awesome to do this. I think nearly everyone has an epic adventure in them but so few of us take the leap. It will be a memory your little one will cherish forever. Can’t wait to read about all of your adventures to come.
Safe travels.
– Stephen Hadley
My buddy made that sign you’re talking about…the one you saw at BusFest last Sunday. He lives in Fremont. I might be able to see if he can make you one and ship it to some stop you have along your way.
Ahh, that speedo pic brings back a lot of fond memories. Put a few miles on a 68 Westy back in the 70s.
Not to worry about “the salute”. Remember them well, especially in the mountains, going uphill in 2nd gear 🙂 Some people just don’t understand. Red Beard will get you there & back, with character to boot.
You guys sure have the right attitude & hope you have a most excellent adventure. We’ll be following right along.
Way to go!
M&M
I really drive people nuts in Daisy as I forget sometimes my speedo is of by 10 mph. I have to do 70 on the clock to be doing 60mph. I usually get the “Teenage Salute” and look at Gaye and remember the days of climbing up on someone in one of our corvettes and doing the same thing. Jason you are right time to slow down and a VW Westy is the best therapy for that! I will send you a sticker for the back of your bus like mine it reads “Slow is All I Know”.
we have a lovely picture of Ron doing that at my frequent photography. Caroline said, “Mom, don’t take a picture now…Daddy keeps scratchin’ his face.” Needless to say, we have a picture of Ron “Scratchin’ His Face.”
I checked out the route…I did not see KATY on it…JASON – The Brother & Sis-in-law say…Add KATY to the Route! Also, add Austin. I am sure that Andrew will have room for all of you in Caruthers!
good on you guys, have a safe one!
The map does need some work. Don’t worry – we’ll come visit everyone in Texas!
I remember getting the finger all the time in my ’67 splitty bus on the san mateo bridge back when it was only 2 lanes. The old girl could only do 59 mph on level ground.
I am enjoying following your odyssey – I trust you are being courteous to other drivers by driving in the right-hand lane when forced to drive that slow. You didn’t say whether the “mulitple lanes around us” were to the left or right.
Brian-
We’re always on the right…. and pull out frequently when there’s only one lane. We’re very aware of how slow we’re moving 😉
Anyway, I’m glad to report there have only been peace signs since the Bay Area finger incident.
Hi Jason, Angela, Bode,
I’m on my own Vanagon trip circumnavigating the country. I left Tacoma, WA 8/15 Broke down in Yellowstone and made it to New England and now in Atlanta for a few weeks before heading to the Keys till March. I thought my aspirations were ambitious till I read your blog. Amazing!! I will be sure to stay tuned. I have my pic’s on facebook with some tales from the road. I like your format a lot better.
All the best …and the finger just means your #1!
One finger Peace sign. Had a fellow not only salute us but cut in real close and sped off down the road in a splendid burst of V8 power. 1/2 mile up the road we spotted blue lights….yes it was our impatient friend getting a well deserved Ticket!! Ha Ha Ha Just gave him a slight toot of my VW horn as I “sped” past him.
Smiles.
Wild Bill
Pensacola, Fl
’78 Weekender
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