5100 miles in five weeks...

I knocked out 18 hours of straight driving yesterday from Portland to Denver and phew, I'm home!

It rained the entire five days I was in Portland unfortunately but I still got a lot of quality time with my sister's roomie, Brittany and her man, Jake.

Sunday was tattoo day and I finally got to cover-up the script on Brit's arm that she's hated forever! I love how it turned out and color fits her so much better than poorly done script.

A little foot hummingbird and an arm 'stache rounded out Shay's friends.







Also, I met an incredibly unique, special guy as well and he let me tattoo this huge world map behind his other tattoos to make one killer chest piece! I love my job!



I'm sure I'll be back in Portland again soon... but until then, it's back to work in Denver after a day of rest!! I need it!! Overall a stressful trip but also rewarding and I got to spend a TON of time with friends old and new.

I've put over 130,000 miles on my car since I bought it seven years ago.. 20,000 of those miles were on trips just like this the last three years.. and not one single mechanical issue - not even a flat tire!

Life is good.

3300 miles and counting..

I hiked the Redwood Forest yesterday with a little help from magic mushrooms.. I can only describe that forest as a mix between Fern Gully and Avatar. Around every turn, I had to stop and chuckle because I just couldn't believe I was in a real place.. It was pretty surreal. My entire body hurts after a pretty treacherous 11 mile hike; but it's an experience I won't regret or forget. Of course the pictures don't do it justice, but it's a start.

Heading North...

I rolled into San Francisco on Saturday night, checked in to a hostel downtown, changed clothes, and headed out to party a bit in the city.. I started at one of the oldest bars in the city, The Saloon. There was a great old blues band playing for 7 bucks and the drinks were cheap too! There is something really special about a 151 year old dive bar. I met a very cute, fun, Canadian couple there and although they were much older and looked a bit "square", they were down to follow me to my next stop and keep partying! We met up with my dear ol' tattoo artist friend, Haley, and her man Jack. I haven't seen them since last summer so it was good to catch up and check out a very interesting spot with drag queens and lasers. It was a pretty wild night and I expect nothing less every time I stop in 'Frisco.







I drove another 4.5 hours on Sunday to get to my cushy, pimped out room in Loleta, CA. I had to treat myself to some room service. :)

More from California..

I'm heading to San Francisco tonight for a little night in the city to run around and cause trouble..

Only did one little tattoo in Nipomo this year, but it is always good to stop and see Arianna and her fam' at least!

After San Fran is a two-day adventure in the Redwood Forest.. I may never come out!

Here is my week in pictures.. food, friends, driving, and ink.

SoCal part 2..

I got to do a couple big pieces in the last few days - a fu dog continuation and an original ship design that I'm really proud of!





And here is one of the two Brown Bird tattoos Nick got while I was in town - "Mabel Grey"

Southern California.. 2400 miles down..

My first stop in Southern CA was at Six Feet Under Tattoo in Upland. I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work in such a stellar shop and meet such humble, talented artists. Corey has a great crew and I hope to see them all again soon! Big thank you to Corey for having me and allowing me to guest spot and sponge some knowledge off his guys for a few days. Corey, Henry, Neil, Mike, Larry, Will, Jason, and Jay were all so welcoming and kind and helpful. The weekend at SFU renewed my love for this road trip and helped push me on to my next stop, L.A.

Here are some pics from around the shop as well as me getting tattooed by Neil and Mike on my last day.































My new seahorse tattoo by Mike and Brown Bird song, "Severed Soul" by Neil.