At Least You Can't Smell a Blog...

When was the last time the members of the Champagne Express had a shower? Tough question.... This same question came up this very night and the answer is something we're not proud of but kind of at the same time.

After leaving Sausalito we decided to make a quick pit stop at La Cumbre Taqueria for some of the best and cheapest burritos in San Fran. Take me back to La Cumbre I want another Super Burrito.

From there we headed to the craziest stretch of road on the the west coast of the United States. Many times all that was between us and plummeting to our death was a mere 6 inches of road. But it was all worth it to have a chance to check out the hippie scene in Big Sur. Sorry crazy hippy with only one eye I do not need any acid today but I am glad that you think my bus is rad. Big Sur!!!

Sneaking into the Winchester mansion was a good choice. That place is one giant maze created by one looney rich old bat. If you are in the area check it out cause it was cool.

If you ever wanted to know what caused the traffic jam in LA on tuesday afternoon talk to the guy who lost 62 rolls of toilet paper on the freeway. Yes that's what caused rush hour in LA.

ON route through Arizona we found ourselves smack in the middle of the evening truckers convoy. Semi's as far as the eye could see heading to Phoenix.

Zoe please send us your address we found something for you in the truck stop, which also had a rub and tug in the back. No I didn't try, but I wanted to.

Trying to find the perfect cactus on route to Mexico proved difficult but it ended up being a toss up between Pierre the french Cactus with a mustache and the cactus who was rubbing on out on the side of the road. You make the call.

We are now in Mexico getting ready to hit the coast on the last leg of the trip to Ben's wedding. The next few days will be long hauls but Fritz the van and his passengers are more than up for it. Stay tuned for all the missing photos. Ellie get your but out of my face. Goodnight everyone we love you and check back in a few days for more retardedness.

Adventure thus far ....

After a late start and a long nerve wracked wait at the border we sailed through the booth with no questions asked.

 Clearly we were excited! 

The next stop:

Introduce Ellie to Jack in the Box.

We decided to stop in at Pike Place Market to grab a coffee, take a look around and stock up on some fresh veggies for dinner.

 

Real Reason: 

Torture Dru into posing with what Nick and Ellie lay claim to as "Dru's Mecca"

Getting stuck in rush hour between Seattle and Tacoma made the urge to camp on the coast essential! We made our first meal and cracked into our first VERY LARGE bottle of wine, which aided in  waking to the knock of the park ranger and a late start.

The Oregon Coast is beautiful! 

As we traveled south the increase in warmth was welcomed.

Better yet, crossing into California to be greeted by All Star Liquor turned us giddy.

And of course: 

It had to be done!

An early morning detour through the Avenue of the Giants was nothing but amazing. 

We certainly got out $6 worth!

Next Stop:

San Francisco 

Which is where we were greeted by a smiling Savary friend!

After cold beers and a quick bite to eat we were off for a fantastic tour of the city. 

Neighborhoods, museums, beaches and little hot spots, all of which with out the help of Susea we would have never even know they existed.

Thank You!

Nothing says 'class' like French cuisine?

Turns out, the back seat slave was no good. We have acquired a French cook (said in an especially snooty french accent) who is without the skills for the road. Dishes are her pals, and Monsieur Noodles are her Kraft ....... Dinner?

It's Official

The Champagne Express has a confirmed back seat slave for the journey down to Puerto Vallarta.

WELCOME ELLIE!

To all of you who have NOT yet voted for the ideal theme song

As of right now, The Champagne Express is far from being a "Magic Bus." ZZ Top and Violent Femmes give a much more accurate representation with, "Waiting for the Bus." Better yet, Del the Funky Homosapien's "The Wacky World of Rabbit Transit."

Theme Song

VOTE.
And feel free to suggest other fantastic tunes!

"Magic Bus" - The Who
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rH7dMvVQ2Dc&feature=related

"Waiting for the Bus" - Violent Femmes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXQhYLaQ3jw

"The Wheels on the Bus"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh99A86HraY 

"Waitin' For the Bus" - ZZ Top
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUjjxYZUfHI&feature=related

"The Wacky World of Rapid Transit" - Del The Funky Homosapien
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygH9boqc7Fo

The Easter Adventure

This Easter weekend was the first true test for the Bus. With a fridge full of beer we headed North along the Sunshine Coast. Our first stop along the road was in Maderia Park. A friend of Nick's just recently took over running Harbour Pizza. This place makes some really good pizza and is well worth a short pitstop on the way up the coast. Give Chris a ring at 604 883 2543. 

 

Of course he also is part of the V-dub Club running a badass 4wd Syncro.

 

One Harbour Special and one Chicken Garlic Supreme later we were back on the road. Earl's Cove saw the three of us eating delicious pizza and drinking some chilled Pils from the fridge.

 

After a hasty trip into Powell River with rushed food shopping we found ourselves heading to Lund Harbour for the evening. Some unexpected but welcomed guests came to visit the bus and we had beers and shared stories with Gina and Coco. 

 

With our luck we chose to camp during a gigantic windstorm and feared the pop-top would rip off at any moment. Surviving the night we unpacked the bus and Hopped on the water taxi over to Savary. The weekend was awesome. Many people came up to spend the weekend. Despite cold temperatures there was a skim session or two to be had.

 

Easter Sunday had Dru on a treasure hunt for the missing chocolate. Luckily all was a found and return to the rightful owners. 

 

Then that evening brought Nick's Birthday party. All who still had gas left in the tank got together and poached the deck of  an unnamed establishment to celebrate Savary style. All in all a great weekend. A good opportunity to test the van and find some problems that we will need to fix before making the big journey down to Mexico. Nothing catastrophic but problems none the less. Thanks to everyone who came and shared in the fun.

Nick & Dru