Topeka > Atlanta

Brutal drive. After driving all day, we finally arrived back in Atlanta a little after 2 a.m.. I've now driven over 4,000 miles in the car - Sarah was a trooper, staying awake the whole way with me. Awesome trip, but it's nice be back in Atlanta with Stella, Dylan and our dogs.


More highlights coming soon ... 

Who knew ...

...driving through Kansas could be so much fun?

First stop...Prairie Dog Town

Not only do they have the world's largest plaster prairie dog

But, they also boast a 5 legged steer ...

poor guy has an extra leg where his shoulder should be.

Brian made a new friend (unnamed prairie dog #5,000, who Brian nicknamed Lil' Buddy)

So did Sarah (Roscoe)

With the help of our trusty iPhone and Beer Advocate, we were able to find a brewery in Hays, Kansas. This was a great stop in the middle of nowhere. They had produced a number of award winning beers and great food.

While there, we met Tom who had been to the first ten Telluride Bluegrass Festivals and told us some great stories of living in Kansas. 

Later in the day we took a break from the drive to watch the farming of energy -

 the wind turbines are amazing to watch. 

On the Road Again

After a short night sleep, we are getting back on the road again. Ready to see our family and friends. I'll leave you with Stella and Dylan's rendition of Holding on to Black Metal by My Morning Jacket. Hope you enjoy - this is a first take, so it's sure to improve ...

Widespread Panic at Red Rocks

With over 100+ shows under my belt, Panic was my favorite band for a long, long time. I've seen them just about everywhere possible in the South, and Sarah and I ventured out to San Francisco for a three night run back in '99. When I tell other fans that I've never seen Panic play at Red Rocks, where they hold the attendance record with 35 sellouts, they can't believe it. Tonight, in Panic's 25th Anniversary year, that will change... 


I cannot think of a better grand finale for what has been a tremendous 15 day cross country exploration - my first time driving west of the Mississippi. Tomorrow we'll pack the llama one last time and head back home - two, 11 hour days in the car, going through places like Kansas ... good times.

My creation of the day: tent city - kept us all cool ...

Hanging out under tent city

one of the rock formations ... 

This is what happened when you let someone who doesn't know how to take a photo, take the photo ...

Panic on stage ...

Behind us ...

Full report next time I've got wifi. good night.

Denver > Boulder: Avery!

Today we headed back to Boulder to check out Avery Brewing and Tap House.  Absolutely fantastic!  Met lots of cool, friendly folks.

We enjoyed Avery so much we actually never made it to any other breweries, like Oskar Blues or Left Hand, but hey, there's always tomorrow...

Matt was an awesome beer "tour guide".

 Widespread Panic tomorrow - hope they're ready for us!

Boulder > Denver

Today we dropped half our Dream Team off at the Denver airport, which felt kinda like loosing an appendage.  "Luckily" they left us with all their luggage, so we're constantly reminded of them.  Sarah took over as a navigator, so after many wrong turns we finally reached our lunch destination - The Falling Rock Tap House in Denver.  Very cool place with over 50 taps.  We'd have a photo of all the taps, but forgot to bring the wide angle lens inside - who knew?  These will just have to suffice...

We visited Great Divide Brewery (for just a minute)

Coors Field!

Then off to visit one of Sarah's old college friends in Denver.  Thank you to Ashley and Merlin for a fantastic evening and sharing their beautiful home with us!

Telluride > Boulder

Today we bade farewell to Telluride and headed for Boulder. Here's a quick video Dave shot along the way. We always seemed to miss the best landscapes, but this one was pretty good. I've now driven 2,500 + miles and have to drop my navigator off at the airport tomorrow. We sure will miss Dave and Tarah - what a great run we've had over the last 11 days.

Here are some shots Sarah took from our car (the llama), during our seven hour drive.

Arrived at last and enjoyed some Pliny the Elder on draft at a local pub.

Telluride - Day 5: And All That's Left is Snow on the Pines

Wow, what to say? An incredible experience in Telluride. Epic music moments, beautiful landscape, and many new friends. Parking the car for four days wasn't so bad either. We like Telluride so much that we're staying another day.

Snow on the pines this morning ...

Heading to La Cocina De Luz for lunch ...

Cold rain and snow ...

Much quieter than yesterday ...

Me and Dave restocking ...

This one pretty much sums up the sheer exuberance and pure happiness of the festival.

Where to next?  Boulder is sounding pretty good for our next stop.  Guess you'll have to wait and see ... I can tell you this, there will be some red rocks and a band we call Panic somewhere in the mix.  

Telluride - Day 4: Dancin' in the Rain

It's cold and it's raining, but damn, no rain can dampen our spirits.

D$ - you can't bring this guy down.

Me and the Spider Monkey!

Adam told me he has known me from multiple Telluride festivals. This is my first year, explain that one.

Sarah, me and Josh ...

Put up with the rain to see my boys, the Punch Brothers, and it was well worth it. Paperback Writer.

Mumford & Sons and Robert Plant coming up.

Nightgrass with the Punch Bros. at the Sheridan.

And of course I miss my kids ...

but hey, looks like my little man is doing just fine without me ...

and Stella is with Wonder Women, so no worries here. The kids are in good hands.

Telluride - Day 4: Father's Day Morning Celebration

So, Dave and I had been looking forward to doing the tarp run for months. After staying up very late last night for the Infamous Stringdusters nightgrass concert, we were beat, but determined. We woke up at 7 and began to do our stretches. Dave and I jogged the mile down to the site to warm up. The ladies had a bet on which one of us would win the tarp race - Dave and I didn't care - we just wanted to participate in the fun.

Here's Dave with #2 (look how excited he is!)  Anyone who's been to the TBF knows how hard it is to get #2 in line. I was #1, of course, but don't have the photo.

Last day in Telluride, so I started it off right.

So did Sarah ...

 Don't let Tarah and Dave fool you - they had cold beers too ...

The festivities opened with an amazing tear-jerker of a set. Different musicians reflecting on their Dads in honor of Father's Day. You could really tell how much everyone loves their Fathers, especially in our crew. This was definitely one of the best sets of the festival and included some of my favorite musicians (from left to right: Buddy Miller, Patty Griffin, not sure, Darrell Scott, not sure, not sure again and Tim O'Brien).

Then it was off to see Andy Falco and His Infamous Friends at Elks Park Workshop Stage ...

We're pausing for a hot tub break and heading back for Peter Rowan, Punch Brothers, Mumford & Sons and Robert Plant. Then we'll head back to the Sheridan for the Punch Brothers to close out the festival. Another late night, another good time.

Telluride - Day 3: Attack of the Spider Monkey

Started the day of with a viewing of "How to Grow a Band" at the Nugget Theatre. It's a documentary about Chris Thile and his band The Punch Brothers. Then headed to the festival for Emmitt-Nershi Band, Tim O'Brien Band and Yonder Mountain String Band w/Sam Bush.

I had the pleasure of meeting Steven Kennedy, a local radio personality and super guy. He has four dance moves that would work with any music genre. I don't have a lot of time to post anything today, so I leave you with Steven Kennedy, a.k.a. Obscene Steven Clean, a.k.a. Lef Deppard. In case you were wondering Steve is the one in the yellow shirt. Hope you enjoy ...

Quick dinner and a cold beverage or two and it was time to head back for Sammy.

Sam Bush Band

The Infamous Stringdusters - Nightgrass at Fly Me to the Moon. You want to hear a great bluegrass band? Look no further.

Are we having fun? Yes, I do believe we are. I'll explain the spider monkey title later...

Telluride - Day 2: Blue Skies, Big Smiles

Another beautiful day in T-Ride! Our crew is feeling good, even after very limited sleep, we're ready to go! 

Here's Thile giving us the thumbs-up - ready to go!

Meeting Chris -- pretty cool dude.

Today will be a full-day at the Festival: Chris Thile & Michael Daves, The Infamous Stringdusters, Jerry Douglas, Trampled by Turtles, Emmylou Harris, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones (the original line-up) and Railroad Earth.


Can't believe I haven't mentioned this yet, but a HUGE thanks to my parents for keeping the kids this week. It's made this trip very relaxing, knowing they are in the best of hands. I really look forward to hearing Stella and Dylan's voice each day and know they are having a great time!