Today Megan and I headed out for our last stop of the tour; Los Angeles, CA. We made an attempt at US Highway 1 but quickly learned that construction and one-lane areas accompanied by heavy traffic was not something that we were prepared to deal with. After diverting over to Highway 5 we saw nothing… literally. This particular section of the highway between San Fran and L.A. is surrounded by plains and some occasional hills on both sides for as far as the eye can see, not to mention the temp was hovering around 105 degrees; sure felt like Death Valley. Everyone has been talking about how they save one of the best stops for last, and Megan and I are really looking forward to it. See you out there!
Growing up I used to watch Full House like it was my job. I imagined myself in San Francisco riding the street cars and waking up to a view of the Golden Gate bridge. I’m not joking. So, I was pretty excited when Mike and I had the opportunity to see it first hand. I learned something new yesterday in our escapades. Apparently, the Alcatraz (also known as “The Rock”) is surrounded by shark infested waters. YIKES! The park at the Golden Gate Bridge was super busy with travelers from all over taking pictures. We stopped for some photo and videos before heading over to Haight Ashbury to show off the Polaroid PoGo printer and find a bookstore for yours truly. We found another Polaroid PoGo wallscape and as we were standing in front of it, people stopped to look at it and ask us questions, which led to a whole lot of demos. I talked with a lady who was a speech therapist that this was exactly what she needed for her classroom. Another guy stopped and said he had read about it online and was really interested in its Bluetooth capabilities so Mike showed him how to sync it with his phone. I would venture to say that far more than any city we’ve been demoing the product in, this city drew the largest crowd in one spot.
Overall, San Francisco has been a great spot. Now if I could just find a street car and “Uncle Jessie” from Full House.
Today was another driving day (shocker, I know). Mike did most/all of the driving, as I needed my beauty sleep. I did manage to wake up in time to catch Lake Shasta on the way to San Francisco. We pulled off to document the view and talk to a few other travelers passing through. I saw a bunch of houseboats sitting on the water and I was tempted to blow my life savings on one. The drive through Southern Oregon and Northern California was awesome, almost as cool as driving into the lit up city at night.
Now that we are in San Francisco, we plan on taking the Polaroid PoGo printer to the Golden Gate Bridge and some other spots around the city. I really want to visit Haight Ashbury and ride on a trolly. As for MIke, maybe there are some cool skate parks around? Regardless, be sure to check back as we Leave Our Mark in San Francisco!
We finally made it down to the famous Burnside skatepark and it was just what I thought it would be; crazy. We didn’t get down there until later in the afternoon today, apparently not the best time to go for someone that hasn’t ridden there before. I spoke briefly with some of the skaters shreddin’ this concrete bank just outside the park and learned that the middle of the afternoon was mostly reserved for the “rippers.” In other words, if you’re not a local or a pro it’s a good idea to kinda lay back during that time. Just being there to see one of the most famous skateparks in the United States was cool enough for me.
We met some real cool people and even got a chance to show the Polaroid PoGo printer off a little bit to some of the locals. The sketchy concrete and and the flowing set-up at Burnside is a place I hope to visit again sometime very soon. In the meantime you can check out video of some of the skaters here.
Today was another driving day, but I barely noticed we were in the car as most of the time was spent admiring the view. Mike and I took our time getting into Portland. I really wanted to show him a great attraction, so we stopped off at Multnomah Falls along the Colombia River Highway. This sight attracts people year round, but even more so this time of year.
We arrived in Portland in the evening, with just enough daylight for Mike to get some skating in and me, a walk. Tomorrow we hit the town with the Polaroid PoGo printer. I can’t wait to show the city and hopefully some friends a fun new way for them to express themselves. Portland is known for being “artsy”, so I’m sure they won’t have a problem finding some fun uses for the product.
I could probably tell you that I met Tom Delong from Angels and Airwaves and stop right there. But then you would miss the story and my non-stop gushing over the mind-blowing view from The Gorge Ampitheatre. Our tent was right next the Mod Life RV/Tent, where they hold band signings throughout the day. About five P.M., a line instantly formed, wrapping around our booth. I know Mike’s cute and all, but I guess I hadn’t realized he had attracted such a fan club with the Polaroid PoGo printer. I was just about to give him the 3rd degree when I heard high-pitched screams from more than thirty teenage girls. I looked over to see a GORGEOUS man walking in the door of the MOD LIFE trailer. After my hearing came back, our staff decided we would have our printers ready for when he walked back out. In the meantime, we made friends with the security guard for Angels and Airwaves and he took me and Jenny to the front of the line for a picture. The perks of this job are endless! After I proposed marriage to Tom and was quickly denied, he told me some story about his bracelets and then posed for a picture with the Polaroid PoGo girls and product. Should I stop there? I didn’t think so.
Mike got some great video of skaters shredding on the skate ramp. Make sure to check that out on YouTube.
If you like music AT ALL, make it a life goal to go to The Gorge Ampitheatre for a concert. Our team spent a lot of time demonstrating the Polaroid PoGo printer on the hill of the ampitheatre. No one argued capturing the view with such a fun new product! The weather was more than perfect, the sound from this enormous music venue incredible, and the crowd was so happy to be there. For some reason, the pose of the day was pyramids. I think our staff made had a mission to take as many pictures as possible with people stacked on top of each other. At one point, we had a huge group photo with anyone in the general vicinity. Most everyone loves having their picture taken and the instant gratification that comes from receiving their print, but many were equally excited to stick their picture on what has now been named the “Wall of Fame” a.k.a skateboard display. Wherever we go people just love the Polaroid PoGo, and we have the video to prove it!
The only bad news about the day is that we had to leave. I begged and begged to stay, but Mike really is excited to skate Burnside in Portland, OR and we do still have a whole coast to show the Polaroid PoGo printer to. I haven’t fallen in love with any band members this summer, but if it means I would get to go back to The Gorge, maybe I should rethink that one???
We are off to Portland, my stomping grounds. I plan on getting pictures of Mike skating and eating lots and lots of tofu (Portland has great Vegan restaurants and Mike’s never tried the tasteless, silky protein substance). Stay tuned!!!!
Mike and I left Billings this morning and made the trek across Montana, through Northern Idaho, and into Washington. The drive was so beautiful, that words really don’t do it justice. Hopefully pictures will. Now that we are in Seattle, we plan on visiting the famous Pike’s Place Market in the downtown area and the Space Needle later in the day. I’m sure there will be plenty of people to show off the Polaroid PoGo printer to. I was in Pike’s Place a few years back and entertained by the fish vendors and street musicians. Hopefully, they will be out tomorrow so Mike can get a taste of Seattle’s best! Check out video of our travels here.
Apparently, Montana does not require electricity at night. As we drove through the first half of the state, lightning lit up the sky. We could have gotten by without our headlights. Seriously. Dave Matthews Band set the mood for a great nighttime drive. North Dakota was flat. I made Mike pull over at Burger King so I could get a tiara/crown. I asked the lady at the counter if I could show her the coolest thing ever (a.k.a the printer) but she said she was too busy. I don’t think she heard the excitement in my voice. C’mon! I plan on decorating it with Polaroid PoGo prints and will post a picture when it is complete. Stay tuned.
So, we are stopped in Billings, Montana for the evening and making the rest of the trek to Seattle tomorrow with some stops along the way. Any suggestions for landmarks we don’t want to miss?
Megan and I just got through another weekend packed with the crazy Warped Tour kids and awesome music. It’s always fun being in your hometown for an event and Canterbury Park was just 20 min from where I grew up. There was a sprinkle in the morning before the gates opened, but the rain held off from there on out, making for another awesome Warped Tour stop. We got placed in front of the Smart Punk stage, which was awesome because it gave so many people a change to stop by and try out the Polaroid PoGo printer while making their way, usually sprinting, from stage to stage. We have about a day to chill out before we head out towards Seattle, so I’ll have a little time to show Megan around my hometown. Can anyone guess which sculpture is known for representing Minneapolis the most? I’ll give you a hint: if you have a “Walker” it is still easy to see this “Art.” Located near the “Center,” this “Sculpture” is in a “Garden.” Good Luck!
For those of you that thought Vans Warped Tour attracted all things music, think again. I kid you not, today in Minneapolis I watched Superstar Wrestling, Warped Tour-style. I seized the opportunity to show the wrestlers the Polaroid PoGo printer before their match, and in turn they seized me. Okay, the last part is not true, but they were tough looking and it could have happened.
We had a really great day today with a variety of visitors at our booth as well as a tons of fun photo-ops out in the crowd. We had the opportunity to hang out with Team Polaroid PoGo members, Josh and Aubrey while they showed Vans Warped Tour how to leave their mark.
Pink hair, pink tights, big hats, sweat bands, and spray-painted logos on chests, arms, and legs are just a few of the visible ways Minneapolis and other cities have been leaving their mark at Warped Tour. I found one group of kids who looked like they had jumped right out of Saved By The Bell, and after a little art direction, they gave me their best poses to the 80’s tune that goes, “Put your mind to it, go for it, break down and break a sweat.” I’m glad to see that Van’s Warped Tour is bringing back the 80’s and even more stoked that thanks to Polaroid, we have a way to instantly capture the moment.
While out in the crowd today, myself and one of our staff stopped at the skate ramp to check it out and take some pictures. The announcers noticed us and welcomed us into the waiting area where all the parents of the amateur skaters were sitting. As we showed a few of the parents the printer, the announcer did a running commentary on what he thought of the product (all good things) and tossed the Polaroid guitar pics onto the skate ramp.
One of the vendors agreed with me that Warped Tour is Camp for big kids with Guitars. Camp is stopping in Canada before hitting the west coast. Until then, Mike and I have some fun spots to see on our drive to Seattle. I’m thinking the printer needs its first camping excursion this week. What do you think???
