The following narrative was originally posted to facebook between the dates of January 20-26, 2011. It was a fictitious account of my time on the road as I drove from New Mexico to California. No, I did not really hitchhike. 
It began with a single gag photo, and the idea grew legs of it’s own as the trip progressed. I didn’t think of this as a photography project, but rather a way to amuse myself while spending long hours on the road. I did learn a lot about using a tripod in the process (all photos were taken with a Nikon D90, tripod, remote control, and timer). Thanks to everyone who participated!
Heading out for the first roadtrip adventure of 2011. Goin’ back to Cali.
End of the first day on the road. Where’s my wallet?
I finally made it into California! Finding a place to stay tonight ended up being more of a challenge than I anticipated, but I *think* I solved the problem.
I can’t believe how many people dismiss me on the street. “Get a job” they say. I explain that I already have a job — thank you very much — for a national scientific institution in New Mexico. They look at me and roll their eyes!!! What’s wrong with people?!?? I’m just a little down on my luck! It could happen to anybody!!!
So it turns out there are some places around Hollywood that you do *NOT* want to find yourself hitchhiking.
The trucker who threw me out here wasn’t the happiest fellow. He wouldn’t even join me in a sing-a-long! I mean, OK, it took me five or six verses before *really* hitting the stride for “Da-do-Ron-Ron”… but what did he expect? And then he just pulled the truck over as soon as I started in to my Flavor Flav medley. Some people are just mean, I guess.
This sounded like a comfortable place to spend the night, but it was naive to think I could sneak in with a tour group and hide in the master suite. The unanticipated side effect of my failed plan was a free dinner, complimentary bed for the night… and one phone call.
OK. I concede that trying to hitchhike on this trip was probably a huge mistake. No need to say “I told you so”. This sucks. At least “dumpster diving” isn’t as bad as you might imagine. Kinda looks like any bachelor’s refrigerator around the end of the year.
Getting close to the greater San Francisco metropolitan area, but feeling absolutely filthy after all of this time on the road. Thankfully, with everyone inside watching football today, it’s an ideal time to quietly slip into a backyard pool unnoticed. Don’t worry, I am smart enough to pick a house *WITHOUT* a dog that could potentially alert its owner to my presence. What a great day. Go Steelers! Or Jets! Or… oh what the hell. I don’t give a rat’s ass as long as I can relax for a moment undisturbed.
Go Steelers! Or Jets! Or… oh what the hell. I don’t give a rat’s ass as long as I can relax for a moment undisturbed.
I finally found a way to make some money.
THANK GOD!!! I can can now actually eat something of my own choosing. Things are looking up!
Had to give it a shot. Hmmmm…. what’s this? OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG…
SUCCESS!!! Providence has given me plenty of cash to complete my trip, put food on my table, and find a comfortable mode of transportation to get home!!! But *THAT’S* not the best part!!! You wanna know what the best part is?!?? …
TWIZZLERS!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE TWIZZLERS!!!! Mmmmmm. Who knew it would all work out this way? Ahhhhh.
Mmmmmm. Who knew it would all work out this way? Ahhhhh.
*** DAMMIT! ***
This website serves as a repository for photos, blog entries, and other creations from the somewhat random mind of 
2 
4 
52
Very funny Pat.
[...] to San Fran. What resulted was a wonderful, creative, set of photos that tell a fun story. Please visit Pat’s website to see the whole tale – very creative [...]