How does a thing such as this come to an end? Does it wind gracefully to a close, inching in to that perfect summarizing statement? Or does it cut off mid-sentence... like the Sopranos.

So, the meet ended several days ago. The mural was done Sunday afternoon. The Martin Luther King sign was up that evening. We took an easy night, relaxed, enjoyed some time winding down, Julia got a tattoo. It was all very mellow.

Monday, I spent a bit of time with Franco, master hypnotist. We visited a magic shop in Saint Paul. As Eric affectionately put it, "I rode bitch with Franco". I don't know if he hypnotized me while we were out that day, but I came back a new man. Or, at least, a new magician.

That night, we enjoyed a final meal with Carol, Bob, Sarah, and Nathaniel. Eric joined us afterward to hang out. It was pretty much the perfect blend of hilarious fun and total relaxation.

The next morning - the road.


And I guess I don't have much I want to say about that. I began this blog with a little nod to Hunter S. Thompson: just the sense that I was out looking for something... perhaps it was the heart of America. If I found it, it's in these pictures. If I didn't, these pictures still say a lot about my heart.













There's no way I could've known at the time, what significance the faces around this table would come to have.


Shirtless man.


I don't know if I ever mentioned Brian. This man has a heart the size of a turnip truck.


Eric. What an incredible guy.


Sandy and Karen, our endlessly helpful site managers. I can't say enough good things about them, so I will simply say that this picture will bring me joy for a long time to come.


What a crew of people to have in one picture. Amazing.


This is the only picture I have of Sarah Linnes-Robinson - SLR. Given the oppurtunity, she could easily rule the world. I firmly believe that. And it would be a better place to live.


Aww, Kelly.


Erin and Louise.


Bernie's daughter. I just love what she drew.


Dave "Peach" - nicest man in the world.


If I were to tell you that Franco's act will no doubt put you to sleep, it would be a compliment of the highest order.


These ladies literally rock the party.


Bob Parsons. A genuinely good man. He taught me many valuable things in a very short time. I hope to visit him in Alaska someday soon.


Some would say that this is what the whole trip was about.


I'm not so sure about that. I guess that's all I want to say.