Author Archive
January 16, 2013 by jessica
Tunnel Tom and The Elroy-Sparta Trail
I cannot stop staring at his white teeth peeking from under his mustache. They call attention every time he slurs “th” words. His tongue pushes against the back of his teeth sliding his dentures around the roof of his mouth. “Thla, thlar, thirty two.” He sucks them back into place. The action is barely noticeable, […]
December 21, 2012 by jessica
Farmer Clayton of Wisconsin
I’m on my way to Milwaukee. Before dawn, I have breakfast at the town square in Lake Mills. Cereal, gas station coffee, and my sketchbook. Riding any earlier means biking in a chill that stiffens my joints and numbs my extremities. When the sky turns a soft magenta, I head east on the Glacial Drumlin […]
December 12, 2012 by jessica
Bye Bye Bob, Farewell SoCal
Craig performed this song for me back in May 2012 on the ranch. It was just another luncheon with visitors, he was another guest of Bob’s that I would get to know over an afternoon. I captivated him with my famous “Jessie’s chicken” and a from-scratch fruit tart which didn’t last 10 minutes on […]
September 5, 2012 by jessica
Please Refrain From Feeding Wildlife
On my way to Glacier National Park, I became accustomed cows popping their heads up from the tall grass, their eyes nonchalantly following me as I pass. So I was surprised to find the iconic white mountain goats of Glacier National Park to be much the same. This painting was made right on the […]
August 31, 2012 by jessica
East Into the West
Early morning in a McDonald’s in Libby, Montana and I run into this guy. “You’re a real cowboy!” I burst with exclamation. He smiles with a twinkle in his eye at my naive wide eyes and says “howdy”. Then humbly returns to his coffee, oatmeal, and smartphone. Welcome to the west! Traveling through on […]
August 10, 2012 by jessica
The Cyclist Spectrum
Everyone assumes it takes a particular person to do an epic bicycle tour. As one British man stereotyped me over lunch, “either just graduated, laid off, boyfriend dumped, or for a cause”. Don’t get me wrong, for many cyclists this is accurate. But most of my time talking with strangers is spent dispelling the “type” […]
August 8, 2012 by jessica
Pests and Prejudice
The bug etymology on the road changes as frequently as scenery. With every new hill crossed, it seems there is a new set of flying insects to avoid. When I headed south from Glacier National Park, two bugs dominated the road: butterflies and locust-like grasshoppers. Everyone enjoys the company of a beautiful butterfly, however I […]
July 30, 2012 by jessica
The Smalltown, Washington Debates
A scene least expected in Newport, a small junction town on the boarder of Washington to Idaho. Morning coffee at McDonald’s and three older veterans and two middle eastern men are peacefully discussing international politics. While the veterans still insisted Obama is a Muslim, this was a moment to restore faith that Americans can still […]
July 30, 2012 by jessica
The Barton Family Farm
The Barton family found me on CouchSurfers and boy, I’m glad they did. After being continuously beaten down my long uphills over the Cascades, I was ready for a break. I asked if I could stay for 2 nights, and I ended up staying for 3 because it was so much fun. The Barton Family […]
July 30, 2012 by jessica