CALIFORNIAAA!

Alright, so I'm already getting a little bit behind on this cause I didn't have internet access. I have arrived in California. The rest of the roadtrip went GREAT! We stopped in Grand Junction, CO for sleep then drove all the way to LA the next day! Yes, it was a looong day. But we did get a chance to stop in Las Vegas and see the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop (from the show Pawn Stars on the History Channel). In LA, Lisa and I got to catch up with some friends from college and it was a grand ole time!
On March 23rd I drove up to Los Olivos, CA which is where I will reside (kind of) for the next month or so. I went through training for a few days, which consisted of looking over some paperwork, taking a driving test, and meeting some of the kids that will be going on the trip. This past weekend, a teacher, another instructor and I went up to Pinnacles National Monument to hike around prepare for this week with the kids. Tomorrow we'll head back up to Pinnacles with a lovely group of 20 7th graders for the week. This trip is a week long and is car camping style. So it should be pretty easy, just a lot of games to keep them occupied and a little bit of hiking and climbing. :)
Anyway, enough of the jabber.. here's a few pics from the roadtrip...

Driving along.. I think this is either in Utah or Arizona.

Some more scenery!

We named him Nebraska.

Lisa's still smiling after hours and hours of driving!

Pawn Stars!!!

Saw billboards for this place in CA and Lisa made me stop. Certainly glad we did. 

The Alien Jerky was delicious!

Cross Country

So, I'm on the road again. On my way to Califonia! Tonight I sit in Grand Junction, CO and I'll be on toward Los Angeles tomorrow! Depending on how the drive goes, there might be a short stop in Las Vegas for a quick spin on the slot machine. :)
My WFR class ended on Sunday. The test went well and as expected I passed! I'm glad it's over an I'm on toward my temporary job in California as an outdoor instructor. I'll be working for a small private school taking middle school and high school students on (approximately) week long trips that include a combination of backpacking/rafting/climbing. I really have no idea what to expect, so I'll keep you all updated with what it's like. :)
For now, here's a few more pictures!!

The last fake wound of the class! Haha!

One of my driving buddies!

My other driving buddy! Basking in the window.

After a long day...

Of course, I HAD to stop at REI on the way through Denver... hey, it was on the way!

A gorgeous day in Denver!

Colorado. :)

WFR Certification

So I've begun my trip by leaving good ole Glen Ellyn last Friday and coming to Macomb, IL. Home of Western Illinois University. I've been here for a week doing a WFR (Wilderness First Responder) Certification. For those who have NO idea what that is... It's basically an intense week long first aid class where you learn how to take care of sickly/injured people in a wilderness setting. It's been quite a long week, and I'm pretty excited to be done with the course because my brain is in information overload. Luckily it is over in 2 days, then begins the REAL fun. 3 days in the car with Lisa driving out to California.
Anyway, I wanted to create this blog so family and friends can keep up with everything that I'm doing, since I'm really bad and keeping in touch with everyone, and I don't feel like explaining things more than once. Hopefully this blog will give more explanation and especially give visuals for things I see, experience, and where I'm living. Because I like pictures. :) ENJOY!

Bart the Buick all packed up and ready for the open road!

Learning how to strap someone into a litter. Excessive straps much??

Buick love. :)

Classy eatery in Macomb, IL. I HAD to stop here. Crappy food, but good service! Hey at least they do something right.

Stupid people w/out helmets. I guess that what you get out of Macomb, IL.

"Bear Scratch" for simulation. :)