.Ann Arbor/Niles.

So we're in Niles, Ohio right now. Did not plan it. I swear.

Things were most stellar today. Woke up at 5a.m. to get a jump on traffic, which we did. And we made it to Ann Arbor in record time. We had some time to kill, so we walked around the U of M area for a bit (which is where Name Brand Tattoo is located). Ann Harbor reminds me of Berkeley a lot. And not just because of their school colors. But the vibes. Meet up with Jeff Zuck at 1p.m. He had a drawing ready to go, but wanted some input about the flowers. It's an incredible tattoo. The man is a genius when it comes to the gun. And he's an absolute sweetheart: he likes making people feel real comfortable in his shop, e.g. introducing new folks to old folks, small talk, jokes, singing along to Leon Redbone. He's a dope dude. Small world: I was sitting there waiting for Jeff to finalize some things with the drawing and a familiar face walked in the door. His name is Stephen, and he's from Flint (which is about an hour north of Ann Arbor). He plays in a band called Empty Orchestra (good good good), which is a band my old bandmate Chris Thibs played for when he moved back to Flint. So I introduced myself and tried not to be a creep, but he was as blown away as I was (Chris had played Stephen some of the material we recorded together, blah blah blah). He's a sweet dude, and so is his wife Pam. They were both getting tattooed by Dawn Cooke; Pam getting some of her chest done and Stephen some of his left arm. AND to top off the tattoo day, Chris Thibs came down from Flint to hang out. It was so nice seeing that dude. It's been close to 3 years since I've seen him. Good hearted dude, that Chris Thibs.

After getting tattooed we went to this amazing deli, Zingerman's. Amazing. Smoked-applewood BLT. That's right. And man, did it remind me of Berkeley. And I missed Oakland/Berkeley a lot while we sat outside in the beautiful evening enjoying our sandwiches.

We said our goodbyes, and off towards Pittsburgh we went. Smooth sailing the majority of the way. Bad news struck from Willy, who we were suppose to be staying with tonight. A water line busted in his house and flooded the place out while he had been gone most of the day. So now we're crashed out in a Super 8. We didn't know anybody else in this area. So my plans to stray away from hotels from foiled. It's alright, I can't be mad. This has been a most amazing trip so far, and it's only going to get better.

Amazingness of the day:
1) Buddy Joe & Agnes Marie
2) Zingerman's Deli
3) Organic Orange pop
4) Journey, Phil Collins, and Eddie Money as passangers

Next up: NYC