Rafting 6 Mile River

2009-08-12T20:58:00.003-08:00

Ski Mix

2009-04-05T11:28:00.003-08:00

A mix of pictures and videos.

Adventures in the 49th State

2009-02-11T18:31:00.007-09:00

Snowing in September

Flying around the Cook Inlet

9-26-2009

The summer of 2008 was cold and wet, there was less than 5 days over 75 degrees. The first 17 days Tillman was in Alaska it rained every day. After a wet July and August, September began to clear up some but it was still cloudy almost every day. This Friday was the first sunny day of the summer.

A co-worker was going to fly in the afternoon and Tillman was able to invite himself along for the ride. They met at Lake Hood and took after a Tillman received a quick tutorial, they were out and about flying across the Cook Inlet. They flew towards the Beluga Glacier and around Sleeping Lady Mountain. At one point a Bald Eagle soared past the plane going the opposite direction, they were about 800 feet. After and hour they arrived at Mirror Lake and landed to check out a cabin.

After some exploring the two were back in the air and it was time for Tillman to get his wings, Craig let Tillman take the controls and fly for a while. With his heart pounding and palms sweating Tillman flew the plane, after a few minutes his nerves had settled and was flying with confidence.

They flew over another lake and headed back to Anchorage.

Ski Report 2009

January 25, 2009

Skied Saturday and Sunday. Saturday had 3 inches of fresh powder and good visibility. Sunday had 1 inch of new snow. Cool sunset on the way back. Have skied 13 days this season.

January 31, 2009

Skied Saturday. 4 inches of fresh snow plus windblown snow and blue bird skies. Tried doing a 180* and it wasn't pretty. Landed the jump but couldn't ski away, ending every jump on my backside. Now have skied 14 days this season.

January 7th and 8th of 2009

Went down to Girdwood for "Man's Weekend", Tillman finally found some people that he could shred with. First run they hiked to the top of Chilakoot Noel and then traversed through High Traverse. When they got to the bottom they decided to meet up with some buds and ski the North Face. Tillman skied with these guys for the rest of the day and when it was all said and done they had logged 20,000 vertical feet in the day.

The conditions were great with fresh snow and good visibility at the bottom and the top. The middle portion of the mountain had a cloud hovering and it was dense. Could not see more than 10 feet in front of you but as you headed to the top you would emerge from the cloud and have a blue bird sky and the sun shining.

Sunday was much more relaxed and a much shorter day.

16 days of shredding this season.

Travel Log of Steven Tillman Virant and Patrick Norman Erwin

2008-09-06T16:52:00.000-08:00

THE TRAVEL LOG OF:

STEVEN TILLMAN VIRANT

AND

PATRICK NORMAN ERWIN

GREAT AMERICAN JOURNEY

JUNE 16, 2008 THROUGH JULY 11, 2008

FORWARD

This journal documents the thoughts, stories, and general information of the travels of two friends embarking on a Great American Journey. An odyssey that will take them over four thousand miles and across every state in the Western United States, starting in Fort Worth, Texas and ending in Seattle Washington. These two lost bound boys along with their trusty mascot Tony have no itinerary and little idea of what the future has in store for them. WESTWARD HO!

DAY ONE MONDAY JUNE 17, 2008

“This land was made for you and me”

“Road tripping with my two favorite allies, fully loaded we got snacks and supplies, its time to leave this town its time to steal away, lets go get lost in a web in the USA.” -RHCP

On their first day of travel, pre-adventure anxiety riddled the boy’s mind. Tillman woke at six in the morning to get everything ready and in order for the trip. The stress and lack of sleep caught up to Tillman while they were getting supplies he lost his lunch in a Sam’s bathroom (cleanup on aisle). Tensions ran high as they kept hitting snags hindering their departure. But soon their stress was soothed by the sounds of tires on pavement as they headed west to Lubbock. Upon arrival, the two were greeted with warm embraces and cold beer by their Sigma Chi Brethren. After some cutting up and more beers the two ramblers took care of some yard work for a friendly neighbor then settled in for the night.

INFO
Texas is fucking large
“It’s too hot” 108 degrees
Heading WNW

DAY TWO TUESDAY JUNE 18, 2008

Norman awoke on the couch of this fraternity brother wondering if he regretted staying out so late. But realizing that hey had no room for regrets on this trip he sprang into action waking Tillman (who definitely regretted not inspecting his bed due the mouse droppings he discovered on the sheets). Soon they were back on the road with the mile high city in their sights. Tillman could hold down lunch today and was happy not to be pulling over to call dinosaurs. The boys said good-bye to Texas and hello to the land of enchantment around three o’clock and were in Colorado by 4:30. When the two arrived in Denver they met up with one of Tillman’s friends and headed to her roof for some beer drinking and hot tub entertainment as the sun set behind the Rockies

INFO
Much better conditions 74 degrees
Hung over.

DAY 3 WEDNESDAY JUNE 18, 2008

As the two drove through Wyoming, they found several feet of snow on the ground through Snowy Pass. The beauty of the snow was contrasted by a fisherman’s sorrow with the realization of high water levels in the North Platte River. Nevertheless camp was made and dinner was served (rice and vegetables). The duo jumped at the chance to join their neighbors for pork ribs and BBQ corn. Combination of days on the road and full bellies put the two under for the night, the only thing that could stir Tillman was the realization that the air mattress had a slow leak.

DAY 4 THURSDAY JUNE 19, 2008

“Ain’t getting old, ain’t getting younger though, just getting used to the lay of the land” -Scott Miller

The cutthroaters were slow moving on this Thursday morn. The Montana breeze along with the sounds of the Platte lulled the boys into a trance like state. Soon Tillman and Norman made their way to the fishing area where Norman’s luck went from bad to worse when his fly rod snapped. No fish were hooked and the only thing to show for their morning was a wet ass. But spirits would rise as high as the Grand Teton when the two returned to the road in continuance of their migration west. As the two got to Jackson Hole, they picked up more gear (a working lantern and new mattress) and checked into the Teton Gabbles Hotel.

INFO
· No fish
· Used wolly buglers
· High desert drive (high gust)
· Wyoming, home of the DYKEOFFS!

DAY 5 FRIDAY JUNE 20, 2008

The cutthroaters woke up in their rattrap motel surprised they weren’t in a bathtub missing their kidneys. The two got on the road and with in thirty minutes were in Teton National Park. The two’s spirits were lifted as they drove through the park. When they arrived in Yellowstone National Park they stopped to see the wonders of the park. Tillman’s dad was correct to tell them that campsites would fill up and they wouldn’t have a place to stay without reservations, however they were still able to find camp at Norris. After a quick fishing session at the creek by camp the two took shelter during a summer storm. A hotdog dinner was served and as the cutthroaters saw a bison walk through their campsite. Half a bottle of whiskey later the two were asleep.

DAY 6 SATURDAY JUNE 21, 2008

The cutthroaters had another day of the only thing biting were the mosquitoes. The two woke up to kids playing and screaming. Realizing they slept in and missed the morning hatch. When they got moving they headed to the Gibson River to catch some Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. They fished along a herd of Elk but where unsuccessful at catching any thing than a sunburn. The two took a short trip and viewed Old Faithful in all her glory (actually it was lame, but fuck it right?). They then headed to see some sulfur springs and headed to the fire hole river to swim and frizz out for the afternoon with their new friend Star from Louisiana. The two left for another unsuccessful fishing experience and retired the day with a rice and raman dinner.

DAY 7 SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2008

Tillman woke this Sunday morning a purpose, he had to wiz, but more importantly to catch some fish. Once Tillman got Norman moving, the camp was packed and two were ready for the river. Unfortunately the mosquitoes were the only things hatching. They fished the Madison and came to the conclusion that fishing wasn’t going to end with a whopper on the end of the line. After the two ventured into Montana they found a creek that was not over flowing and the brookies were biting. After an hour or two they set up camp at the Madison and headed for the swimming hole for the afternoon. As the two planned their trip for the Grand Canyon four bison rolled through their camp.

HEADING WSW

DAY 8 MONDAY JUNE 23, 2008

The Cutthroaters woke up and knew it was time to hit the open road again. Driving through all of Idaho and most of Utah, the two took shelter in Cedar City and prepared for their next adventure in the Grand Canyon.

INFO
· The Cutthroaters have to find a new name because they didn’t catch a single cutthroat trout.

DAY 9 TUESDAY JUNE 24, 2008

After driving for three hours the duo made it to the Grand Canyon. Camp was made in the land of foreigners, then they headed back to pound beers at the North Rim and do hood rat stuff. Luckily Den Master Don was there to keep everyone safe and remind the boys that they had to use their brains.

DAY 10 WEDNESDAY JUNE 25, 2008

The two set out this Wednesday to hike through the Grand Canyon, and they chose the Windfross Trail of the North Rim. The trail was ten miles long as it winded through the forest and the edge of the Grand Canyon. The two blazed past other hikers as Tillman would venture out onto rock jetties above the canyon. Once they reached the mid point of the trail the two ventured farther off the trail to explore more. The walk back was a pain in the ass but once they completed the hike they headed to the Lodge to drink beers and take in the view. When the day was over the two retired back to camp and they were ready to try their luck in Las Vegas.

DAY 11 THE DUO’S OWN OLD FAIFHFUL THURSDAY JUNE 26,2008

The dynamic Duo left the Grand Canyon to head west to Las Vegas to try their luck at the MGM Grand with a left over chip. Las Vegas had other plans for the two. When arriving in Las Vegas, Tillman’s Jeep started to over heat. So they pulled over in the first parking garage they could get to and parked to let the engine cool down. When they opened the hood, the engine coolant was boiling, and as soon as Tillman stopped watching the engine and headed to the back of the Jeep, the engine turned into a geyser and exploded. It sprayed every car parked around them with radiator fluid (When the fun stops). The two started making calls to fix the problem and Tillman’s brother set them up in a hotel. The Jeep was picked up like it was being repossessed and was dropped off, with some negotiations; the Vegas Bombers traded a ride to the hotel for two Milwaukee Best Beer.

“Sometimes you’re flush and sometimes you’re bust, and when your up, it’s never as good as it seems, and when you’re down you never think you’ll be up again, but life goes on.”

DAY 12 FRIDAY JUNE 27, 2008

The Vegas Bombers woke to bad news, the Jeep would not be fixed that day and it would not be cheap either. Determined not to let a split radiator ruin their trip, Norman and Tillman picked up some brew and headed to the pool. Tillman met a lonely cougar and kept her company till they split for dinner. Dinner was a delicious array of gas station food (hot pockets and pizza rolls). Walking the strip was the only thing the dirt bags could do, so they grabbed some forties and the adventure began. Tillman tried his luck at the War Table and for once he didn’t loose any money at the table. Tillman was successful at loosing his dinner outside of Caesar’s Palace (HOT POCKET!). Afterwards Norman helped Tillman wash up with water from a fountain in front of Caesar’s Palace. However Tillman wasn’t the Lone Ranger of calling dinosaurs, Norman ended the night hugging the toilet.

INFO
HOT POCKET!

DAY 13 SATURDAY JUNE 28, 2008

After the two woke with empty stomachs, they wanted to get the Jeep back on the open road, and get the hell out of Vegas. Once Tillman cashed in his graduation present and took a loan from his dad. The Vegas Bombers were back on the road headed for Los Angeles to master the ocean.

Vodka tonic = $10.00

DAY 14 SUNDAY JUNE 29, 2008

After an evening in L.A. the Duo retired to a fraternal brother’s living room to set up camp for a few days. They woke up at 6 in the morning to see what beach they were going to learn to surf. County Line was the most promising surf, and the group headed in that direction. They got to the beach were Point Break was filmed. After a quick tutorial from Hook, the two went out own their own. Tillman got worked and received a gnar cut from the fin of his board. After several hours of surfing they called it a day and headed home. When arriving home Tillman found out that one of the neighbors had done some bodywork for free.

DAY 15 MONDAY JUNE 30, 2008

The duo woke with plans of shredding the Pacific. Before arriving they two got an estimate on the Jeep damage and picked up some supplies for surfing. Tillman continued to punish the Jeep as he smashed out a taillight in a parking garage. Sunset Beach was the most promising break, and when they got there the waves were rolling in perfectly. After three hours of surfing, the two went home to beat the L.A. traffic (Tillman had to do a B&E to get into the apartment). After Hook returned to the house, they decided to shred the streets of Beverly Hills on long boards.

DAY 16 TUESDAY JULY 1, 2008

Wake up, auto shops, surf, and hike up the canyon.

DAY 17 WEDNESDAY JUNLY 2, 2008

Wake up, surf, shower, long board

DAY 18 THURSDAY JULY 3, 2008

Wake up, surf, get last estimate.

DAY 19 FRIDAY JULY 4, 2008

The Trio awoke late and headed for the Sana Monica Pier to drink come beers on the beach. After meeting Hook’s JACKOFF buddy Stuey, the plans were moved to Venice Beach. They surfed all day and took breaks pounding beers. In the evening they watched fire works and then long boarded back home.

INFO

L.A. is so smoggy that the smog blocks the fireworks.

DAY 20 SATURDAY JULY, 5 2008

With a 5 o’clock wake up, the trio was up and moving. They drove to Dana Point where they surfed at Salt Creek Beach from 8 to 4 where the waves were head high. Tillman’s bad eye hadn’t been a problem yet and but good things don’t last forever. Tillman took a break and entertained himself by catching a crab and putting it in Hook’s shoe. Hook and Norman continued to surf with the locals. Once the day was over they headed to a co-workers house, shower up and get ready for the evenings activities.

DAY 21 SUNDAY JULY 6, 2008

Laguna Hills

The duo left hook and headed to visit one of Tillman’s old neighbors. Once in Laguna Hills they hung out by the pool and then went with Shana to a yoga session to align their chi. Fried chicken was ready when they were finished and they all enjoyed peach cobbler and ice cream for dessert. They watched TV and drank beer as they told stories till they retired.

INFO

Yoga is intense
Shana is even more intense!

DAY 22 LAST SURF MONDAY JULY 7, 2008

Back on the road the duo headed back to L.A. to pick up Tillman’s check from the hit and run dent on the Jeep. Once Hook came home from work, everyone decided to go surfing at Sunset Beach, the boys last session there this trip When they parked they spotted three white tail deer about thirty feet from the ocean. After everyone caught some waves they headed back to the house and Tillman met with Scott to get his cashiers check for $964.00. Now they had enough gas money for the trip and could head north, without asking for more money.

Headed N tomorrow

INFO

I’m Rich, Bitch!!!
JACKPOT

Tillman bought his first surfboard

DAY 23 TUESDAY JULY 8, 2008

The sun shines on a dogs ass every once in a while, today was that day for the duo. Tillman woke with money in his pocket and they went to cash his check. Tillman paid for his first surfboard for 20 bucks. As they duo headed up the Pacific Coast Highway they spotted an old long board, so they picked it up. The two were surprised to have a run of good luck. As they headed up the coast they stopped at a beach for lunch and a quick surf session (it was miserably cold). The two didn’t find shelter in San Francisco the PCH took longer than expected due to the fire. They had to detour through a Military Base (we don’t have all our papers, but we have to do it- German Guy). They drove all night and retired in Deny’s parking lot.

DAY 24 WEDNESDAY JULY 9, 2008

After a few hours of rest the duo got back on the 101 and headed up the coast. When they stopped for lunch, seagulls attacked the duo’s cooler for their cheese. They were hoping fro a campsite on the beach but were not able to find anything to accommodate their wants. They stopped in the land of Vander Duessens at some sand dunes. As the trip winded down Tillman and Norman drank beers on the cold windy beach of Oregon, swapping stories from the trip.

DAY 25 THURSDAY JULY 10, 2008

ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END

As the two left for Seattle, reality began to sink in that the adventure was coming to an end and the friends would be parting ways tomorrow. Norman was heading to Texas, and Tillman was heading to Alaska. They arrived in Seattle around 7 and got a place to stay at the Jet Hotel. Because there wasn’t much to do and their spirits were low they just watched TV and B.S.ed about the trip.

DAY 26 FRIDAY JULY 11, 2008
DEPARTURE

“Been friends with trouble riding on the wind, been bathed in the desert seen the rattle snake grin, I’ve called my mind out to the edge of town, trying to keep my feet on solid ground.”

The journey had taken the two over 5,000 miles and only had a few more hours till it was over. Norman woke early and finished packing, Tillman drove him to the airport, and the two parted ways. It was hard to imagine Tillman starting an adventure without Norman at his side. Tillman finished his final arrangements to have all his belongings sent to Anchorage, and head to the airport to wait for his plane.