ryan's diary>>>

[21.03.2002] Day 1: drive through Cascade Mts. to Tacoma

It’s spring break already and the time has come again for Delirious? to roll across America in big green buses, styling from gig to gig on their most recent tour. As coincidence would have it, my break from college falls in sync with five back-to-back d:show stretched down the West Coast.

Tipping my adventurous side, I convince friend and loyal d:fan, Tim Herndon, to collaborate with me and take a road trip down to Southern California for a time of music, worship and bible college shopping.

Even after a late start from home, Tim and I soon realized the many blessings God has in store for us and had only begun to show us. Traveling to Tacoma, WA is one of the most beautiful drives, and if taken at precisely the right time, you will see what I mean. Sun-dusted snow shimmered along the mountain tops most of the way and guided us through the pass.

When we arrived in Tacoma at our at our friend Joe’s house, we found great fellowship waiting for us. Of course that is after we stopped getting lost in the city. The guys shared their hearts and home with us and we are ever so grateful. Getting sleep soon became the next task, but with the anticipation that mounts at the beginning of a journey, hardly a wink was found while thinking of the show tomorrow.

See you then.

Ryan

[22.03.2002] Day 2- Tacoma, WA

The day started with a bright smile from the sun and a few donuts and a glass of orange juice from Pao’s Donut Shop. Feeling refreshed from an early start in the day (minus the few moments of sleep the night before), Tim and I prepared for the first gig by decorating the d:mobile (a.k.a. our van), with everything Delirious? This year, we’ve decided on putting little “d:” s all over the van along with bright neon poster boards with various things written on them. The transformation is amazing and our newly designed d:mobile screams to the world “we are d:fans!” quite proudly.

Now that that task had been done, we headed toward the church to scope the venue and search for our friend Jon.

[On a separate note, Jon is quite the friend. Jeans and t-shirt, down-to-earth, chitchat, type of friend. He and I chatted a bit last year when I did the same tour with another friend, Jessie, and we drove across Canada. Oh, Canada is all aboot Delirious?!]

Anyway, with the afternoon to burn until doors opening at 6p, we ventured around Tacoma, shopping for food and film. A little football [American style] was played and we even played a few jokes with friends. [Tom and the orange]

Back in time for the show, the venue was packed to the brim; Church for All Nations was bubbling to the top with dancers who danced upon injustice. Boys and girls of Washington far and wide, showed up for a fantastic performance by the support band called Everyone and waited shoulder-to-shoulder for the boys of Delirious? to vibe the night away. The set flowed like west-coast waves from ‘Deeper’ to a powerful ‘Investigate’ and our jumping shoes were laced tight as we surged vertically to the ‘Bliss’ of Stu G’s cords.

After the show, we gathered by the d:mobile and traditionally BBQ’d sausage dogs w/ green ketchup. Friends among friends, reflecting on a beautiful night and sinking our teeth into a warm bite to eat before we head back to our friend’s house for much needed rest. Then tomorrow we are on to Salem.

Cheers,

Ryan.

[23.03.2002] Day 3- Salem, OR

Good morning to all. Rise and shine, time to set out for Salem.

Coz Tim drove up to Tacoma; I assumed the position of driver and tackled the stretch down to Salem with record time. Blessing must have been looming over us, coz no racing tickets were given, thank God.  And the conversation with my navigator bounded upbeat and Tim and I became quite good friends.  Although music also would fill the air from time to time when he dozed off.

Once in town, and after locating the venue once more, we tried to entertain ourselves with local scourging about the city. Today was cool out and the clouds hanging low seemed too far away to be of any threat. While driving down unknown streets, we found a shop to make our own t-shirts. And like any other college student, buying a new shirt for next to nothing is an opportunity that should not be passed up. Not too mention, one that can be made unique. So I stylishly designed a baseball T with a Japanese flag on front and ‘Tokyo 05’ on the back. Tim crafted a Far Side joke ‘ah blah es pan yole’ with a big question mark ‘?’ and an American flag. Rock on!

Beaming in our new attire, we noticed that the Salem Armory Auditorium was less that full but Salem made up for numbers with strong voices. We sang and sang under the cover of a beat streaming from the bass line of ‘Obsession’ and deep graphics pounding on the back wall. Credit is sincerely due to Mr. Hutch for a superb job on the graphics, as well as Ian Cattle who works tirelessly and diligently behind the scenes making sure everything runs smoothly. Martin introduced the families in a jubilee of dance and I’m very sure that tonight we all felt the ‘Mountains’ tremble. If not, then it was most certainly the security of Dave up front.

Hearing the same songs a second night still sent shivers up my spine and I soon realized that the night had come to an end again. Slowly savoring the feelings of the night, I walked out to the foyer to chat with Phil, the bassist of Everyone [Phil is California’s answer to Stu G]. Tonight was the last show for Everyone. They break off of the road here and head home. But not leaving us short of an opener, coz Matt Redman will join the bandwagon tomorrow.

The weather has shifted outside and it begins to rain. That’s nothing new to Western Oregon, so we press on to California. “Gas the van up Tim,” and to Sacramento, “I hope your ready for the d: invasion?”

Not Ashamed in Salem,

Ryan

[24.03.2002] Day 4- Sacramento, CA

The long and gruesome, yet beautiful drive to Sacramento was interrupted early morning when we stopped in Medford, OR briefly to shower, rest a wink or two, and enjoy breakfast with a few friends, Tiffani, Emily, and Victoria. We did enjoy the morning well, and before long, we quelled the calling and set the wheels back on the road. Thanks for the hospitality Emily.

No problem finding the venue this time. We see plenty of palm trees now. Directions were close enough and we even had time to toss the football around the parking lot with a few locals before the sun went down. I’ll probably regret the rough play later when my back complains to my head. No worries though. We are going to our third straight Delirious? concert and the energy is flowing quite well. Lines are long and word around says that tonight the show is sold out! It’s funny though that we’ve always seemed to find the perfect parking at each place where Jon can spot our van. What’s even more, is that the throngs of people standing in line don’t even recognize Jon when he comes out before sound check to visit with us a few.

Even after a very long line, we made it inside and to the very front! Those nasty things, called chairs, took up a bit of space, but that didn’t stop Sacramento from jumping up everywhere, even the far back.

I can’t say I liked the stage set-up much this time. The church platform doesn’t give much room for the normal running around and energy packed performances that these bands are accustomed to giving.  Regardless though, the show went unhitched. The new twists on the show this year make these live performances all that much better. A new set list spiced up with old and new favorites, lighting choreography worthy of an Oscar nomination, and in addition to that, pro visuals on the back screen.  The visuals are a great treat and I’m glad D: chose to bring them to the US this year.

I think I’ve started a new look too, wearing my shades under the bright lights, front and center. And it makes me easier to spot out amongst a crowd of ecstatic d:fans. Besides, it’s blinding bright in the front. Why do you think Jon, Stew, and Tim wear them? [Laugh]

Tonight I also keep Jon guessing the significance of my van key hung about my neck that I keep pointing to, which actually had no real meaning other than a place not to lose it and to make him ponder it for fun. Seems it worked too. [Grin]

Working my way outside, I wait for Tim and light the barb-b-que again, clinging to another wonderful evening on vacation. Sitting there cooking my supper, I watch a sporadic Martin leap from the hotel shuttle and take a closer look at the amazing d:mobile. He grins slyly, says a quick “Hello,” and jumps back in to head off to the hotel.

I later find out from Jon, that the power went off while they were trying to shower. Oh darkness and chaos?

As for Tim and I, we must head west toward the Bay area for a stop over at Tim’s Aunt and Uncle’s. We need rest, very much!  Ah, the long drive thus far has been.

“Same time tomorrow night ‘en Hollywood?”

[25.03.2002] Day 5 – Hollywood, CA

Refreshed, and fueled by a delicious breakfast from Aunt Tara and Uncle Ron’s, as well as clean clothes, which are a plus, we continued southward toward Los Angeles and on to Hollywood. Being the night after the Oscars, we expected bumper-to-bumper traffic, but what we actually encountered, was much less than that.

Time before the gig was spent practicing our fake British accents and taking in the busy world of Hollywood. Oh we are foreigners! There’s much hype in the air tonight, in a place famous for entertainment, but I’m confident the show will rock the socks off Hollywood. Putting new meaning to the words “Hollywood, baby!” Not that there’s a shortage of d:fans in L.A. anyway. The gig sold out for crying out loud! And located across from Capital Records, The Palace was the place to be Monday night.

Rocking the night away, D: put on an electric show, throwing in new songs that not even I had heard live before. As the crowd demanded more, ‘Revival Town’ footage on a merry-go-round broke open the encore with a tremendous roar from the revivalists of the place.

The feeling is sometimes so intense, that words barley come across to express the atmosphere of two or more gathered in His name. The words of ‘Investigate’ trickle through my heart, searching, asking, charged and ready.

God has blessed us once more with grace and newfound friends from Spirit Life Bible College who have so graciously opened their homes to us travelers for a place to crash tonight. Thanks Ryan, S.A. in O.C. rocks!

Signing out,

Made in America,

Ryan

[26.03.2002] Day 6 – San Diego, CA

Finding a pair of sunglasses to replace to ones danced on in chapel this morning wasn’t too difficult. At least they got smashed while in great worship, with great friends at Spirit Life. We took the morning to enjoy and experience a day at the Bible College down in Santa Ana with our new friends, which was amazing. Afterward, we moseyed on down to busy San Diego to locate our last show.

The feeling of a great thing coming to an end swathed about the day coz this is our final show that we will follow Delirious?. Already we have come far, but the journey is not over. There is still one last show, one last thrill of musical theatrics from our friends, a last crank of the volume and scream of a guitar string.

Still strong and still energetic, we get to the Flood in one piece. [We had a flash of a potentially disastrous moment on the SD freeway, with (unknowingly) fellow d:fans headed to the same place with some $357 worth of Wahoo’s fish tacos in the trunk of a sunflower yellow VW hatchback. Dinner for a traveling army I suppose.]

Thoughts bubble constantly of memories only days old, newly made friendships, and the end of a great experience. Yet we look forward to the less hectic drive back home. I just hope the pictures develop well. Hmmm. “In this moment, I am happy…”

6:00PM, doors open and all filter in ready to worship with Matt Redman and company.

8:15PM, set change over. Damo sound checks one last time before D:? comes on.

8:30PM, Intro music fills the building accordingly to its name, like a Flood, and once again, the house rocks out to d:tunes.

Martin eagerly tosses in the line “We are, we are--, the youth of the Nation----,”

This last show I think was the most intense so far. San Diego knows how to knock for six when it comes to concerts. Some even “floated” their way around the crowd. A conga line was started briefly and moshing was a common sight from stage, I’m sure. For those who are reading this and have never been to a live Delirious? performance, you really don’t know what a great time you’re missing out on. My advice: see a live show a soon as possible.

Before and after the show, Tim and I made good friends with the girls of the yellow VW that almost took us out earlier. Some of the coolest San Diego people we met were d:fans. And thanks to Kat, Michaele, and Courtney, we got some really awesome t-shirts and helped take down the set afterward. Thanks Ian and crew. A night to remember, and not soon forget, the 5 of us parted from d:camp and headed over to Sombrero for a late night snack. [Best chimechongas this side of the boarder!]

Time to say good-byes to our friends: Jon, Martin, Stew, Stu G, Tim, Damo, Ian, Amanda, and the so many others. See you at Creationfest 2002.

Farewell-

Ryan

[27.03.2002] Day 7 – San Diego Part I (still)!

We began the day with a brush against the memory of last night, though gone, still with us. Kat and Michaele have invited us to hang out with them and have agreed to show us the town today. We’ll see how that goes.

From as little as I’ve known these two; they are two of the best friends a guy could have. When Tim and I arrived at Kat’s house in the morning, the girls had PB & J sandwiches already made for us. What a thoughtful thing to do!

Since Michaele works at Sea World in San Diego, she got a few passes and sneaked us into the park where we had some of the most fun we’ve had the entire trip. From seeing flying dolphins and petting stingrays, to eating oversized cotton candy and churos, then riding the sky tower, running over orange cones and doing Chinese-fire-drills.

We had a great time, and the day still wasn’t over yet. After driving over an hour, we ventured into the San Diego Wild Animal Park with minutes till closing. Trying to see as many animals before we got kicked out. And then I bought a mini sponge zoo so I could take a zoo home with me. At the end of the day, we’d laughed so hard that our bellies hurt and tears streamed from our eyes.

Once again, it’s time to turn into our cozy sleeping bags and peacefully sleep on the day’s activities.

Till then,

Ryan

[28.03.2002] Day 8 – LA and San Diego, part II

Today Tim wants to cruise up to the Bible Institute of Los Angels (BIOLA) and see if it is a place he’d be interested in going to school. As for me, well, Kat has promised to show me downtown SD before we leave, and so Tim and I decided to split the day.

Tim would drive up to LA for the day, and I’d stay down in town, exploring like a temporary local. From walking in tide pools with bare feet on La Jolla beach, to eating sushi in the central mall and riding the Trolley home, Kat, Michaele, and I had quite the adventurous day.

But as I waited for Tim to pick me up as planned at 3:30P, hours ticked by and still no word from Tim. In the mean time though, I received a manicure and watched Monty Python movies. I’m not complaining here, but Tim was certainly lost. Soon 8P almost 9P rolled around before Tim graciously knocked on the door.

Turns out, Tim couldn’t find the right exit and drove all the way to the US/Mexico boarder before turning around and finding the right way. At least he didn’t have an accident or anything.

Relieved, Tim, Kat and I decided to check out a performance at Helix Charter High School of a wonderful play entitled, “Guys and Dolls.” Good job Paul!

More and more interesting things pour into our adventure every day. And with each new bend in the road, is revealed an exciting new experience. Mostly into account to the wonderful friends we’ve acquired along the way. Tomorrow though, we should begin to head north and find our way closer to home along with the beginning of spring quarter of college. Yeah…

[29.03.2002] Day 9-San Diego drive to San Carlos (Good Friday)

The morning was well spent finding a last few things to accomplish. Eating fish tacos at Rubio’s, checking out the local Guitar Center, and hanging out with Courtney and Kat a few hours before we tackle the long drive a head of us.

So sad, we say farewell, and goodbye. We’re OK though, but we will miss our new friends and our new favorite spot in beautiful San Diego, California.

Tonight we camp out at Ron and Tara’s again. It’s such a great place to be fellowshipping with family and then relaxing in central California tomorrow.

[30.03.2002] Day 10- San Carlos/ Drive home

The history, the striking scenery, and of course the friendly locals; all made for a lovely day in town resting before our long drive home. Plus, the Rankin Café on Elm Street gave us the boost we needed for the road. Thanks for everything, Ron, Tara, Rachal, Laura, and Caleb!

The evening and night melted away into white lines and red taillights. Navigating our way, we took stretches, curves, and turns driving up I-5 toward home. Sleep soon became more precious than gold, and coffee became the liquid of choice. Safely and soundly, we pulled into home Sunday afternoon [31.03.2002], which just so happened to be Easter!

Logging more that 4,000 miles and millions of memories, Tim and I went our separate ways, though still friends, we had the most incredible time.

As Martin once said, “We are the history makers!” The rest is history.

Thank-you(s)

[Thanks Tim! I couldn’t have done it without you / Dad, thanks for letting me borrow the funds for this trip. Don’t worry, I’ll pay back every cent / Mr. & Ms. Herndon, thank you so much for letting us use the van (we changed the oil) / To Jon and the rest of D:, thanks for all the memories and music / Thank you Tom, Joe, and the other guys in Tacoma, blessings on you. (Sorry about the dishwasher) / Thanks Emily / Ron, Tara and family, thanks for adopting us. You guys are the best / Ryan and everyone at Spirit Life, thanks for the hospitality and showing us around / Kat, Michaele, and Courtney, what better friends could we have? This summer is going to be a blast / Thanks Abe for letting us crash there (no pun intended). Hope you get your bike fixed and get well soon / To our Creator, thanks for watching over us and making this adventure possible / And thanks to everyone else we met along the way. Thanks for helping a stranger or two. God Bless.]

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