Eat at Ruby's Diner - 3 Pinkies Up
In all my driving around in circles I nearly forgot to finish of my last BDHS challenge that I will be attempting for quite some time.........now, I've been at this for so long, I'm not sure if the kids at BDHS even realize I'm still crossing off challenges, but I said I would, so, gosh darnit, I'm going to do it.
I conveniently passed a sign for Ruby's heading back out ot Joshua Tree. I missed it, turned around and had myself a greasy breakfast.
Get the Mythbusters Autographs
After walking around the Haight, I typed into my phone "Mythbusters." Much like my search for the Square-D plant in El Paso, I was led astray. I ended up in the middle of some sort of industrial park. Had I looked at their website I would have found the address to mail photos for autographs. Since, I didn't, I found it later while I was in Burbank, and I sent them a self addressed, stamped envelope.
Once/If I get something back, I'll update this post, and consider it a success.
Stand at the Corner of Haight and Ashbury with a Flower in My Hair
I'm still not exactly sure what this means. I wikipedia'd it and it seems like this is the birthplace of teh Hippy. I did not know that. That would explain the flower in the hair. The street was packed with people as it was Black Friday and there were lines of shoppers camped outside waiting for doors to open. Due to the amount of foot traffic, I took the flower out of my ear as soon as I snapped a picture, then I walked around a little more, had no use for shopping, and headed out to look for the Mythbusters, so that I could get their autographs.
The kids from Brown Deer High School had picked a few challenges that needed to be done in Las Vegas. Really, I could have done them in many different locations, as the two of them simply required a casino, the third Las Vegas Challenge required New York, New York's roller coaster. That I could only get in Sin City.
To top it off - I was WAY overdue for a shower, and hotels are cheap in Las Vegas right now. I ended up staying at the Stratosphere for $24. I found that there was a moccasin shop next door, which happened to be in the middle of Naughty Town, I was also kitty corner to a wedding chapel, and a short walk from the strip's cheapest buffet (which I gorged at).
First I chose to "win a car, sell it, and throw a party for the class." This one, I knew would prove difficult. I've always felt that I'm pretty lucky, but I don't know if I'm "win a car in Vegas" lucky. I spent $10 on nickel slots at the Saharaand called her quits. Next, I went back to teh Stratosphere to "Play roulette, bet on #13, let it ride three times." The cheapest spot I could find was a $10 board. I bet, I lost, I went to bed. $20 is usually my gambling limit, but the next day I stuck another ten-spot in a nickel machine, pulling the lever every time. That was more fun.
I also walked down to New York, New York. Had a quick look around, and found that the coaster was closed. I didn't look how much it cost, but I am sure it wasn't cheap and I had a 50% off coupon for the coaster at the Stratosphere. If I road any, it would be that one or none. It turned out to be none. I am becoming a bit indifferent when it comes to the BDHS challenges that cost $$. We'll see how I do on the rest of them.
Eat Jambalaya - Louisiana - 3 Pinkies Up
I made this a much more difficult challenge than it should have been. First I drove in to Shreveport, which I do declare as a real dump, so I continued on my way. The next stop was Lafayette. Here, I pit-stopped at a local library, tinkered for a bit, and wenr back on my way. I figured I'd get some jambalaya on my way back into Texas, but the cities were small and far between.
I took four consecutive exits. Got groceries and gas at one, where a HS girl asked me if I was Irish. I laughed and said "not even close." We continued to talk about Wisconsin and how awesome it is, and when we were through talking she nudged her Mom and said "see, I told you he wasn't from the US." Then I gave her a little geography lesson.
Finally, I found a little seafood restaurant in Lake Charles, LA that had Jambalaya on the menu. It wasn't that good, but it wasn't bad, and a hot meal is always welcome.
Watch the Sunset from a Red Rock - Success
In an effort to make the most of my horrible night spent in the middle of a sand storm on Lake Powell I did climb up the canyon wall to the top of a red rock to watch the sunset. It wasn't anything spectacular, but it was much better than sitting near my tent and kayak with sand and water whipping against my face. That darn sandstone scares me too........I thought for sure it would crumble beneath my feet and I would drop face first into the lake, camera and all.
It wasn't much of a sunset - but I'll have plenty more opportunities as my travels through AZ are really just beginning.
Do the Shiva Dance at Four Corners, USA
I was also looking forward to this challenge. All I had to do is do some sort of dance at Four Corners, USA. I never realized how much of a tourist destination the Four Corners is and I definitely didn't realize that there would be a gate operator and a per person charge to enter.
So, much to my dismay there were a lot of people at the 4 corners when I arrived. Everyone was taking their turn standing in all four states and getting their picture taken. I took a few pictures and I plan on improvising this challenge. It definitely won't be the real deal, but it will have to be a close substitute.
Eat an Apple While Watching Twilight in Forks, WA
I'm still not exactly sure what all the hubbub is about, but Twilight in Forks is complete insanity. I felt like such a dork snapping pictures of Twilight signs, the Twilight Tour bus, and even walking through Twilight Gift Shops. But, it took the cake when I crawled up to the Forks, WA welcome sign with an apple and my laptop to get a picture of me biting the apple while watching the movie. I later watched the whole movie and it was alright. So many people there told me to read the books, so I probably will. Maybe I'll be making a second pilgrimage to Forks when I fall in love with Edward Cullen all over again after reading the series. Haha, probably not.