Alaska On My Mind — Late April, 1974 Yearning to homestead in Alaska, much preparation was given to realizing this desire. I corresponded with Alaskan hippies, saved almost $2,000, bought a truck, built a camper, and away I went, north … Continue reading →

Wausaukee Road — April, 1973–April, 1974 After having secured a full-time job, for the first time in three years, I rented an old farmhouse in a nearby rural area. There I sewed yet another tipi, a bigger one, and lived … Continue reading →

John’s Place — March, 1973 Back in my hometown of Grafton, I was allowed to ‘crash’ in a newly found friends basement. People listened intently as I shared my almost unbelievable stories with old and new friends. A half-hearted attempt … Continue reading →

Bemidji, Minnesota — September, 1972–January, 1973 En route to Wisconsin via Manitoba, I met a hippie wanna-be who offered to let me put my tipi up on his land near Lake Bemidji. Bemidji, Minnesota, the “ice-box” of the nation. This … Continue reading →

Heading Back Home — September, 1972 California had accomplished in me what it had to, so late in the summer of ’72, I made plans to go back to Wisconsin and set up my tipi there.

Ben Lomond & The Santa Cruz Mountains & Tipi Madness — October, 1971–August, 1972 While motoring through the Santa Cruz Mountains south of San Francisco, on a beautiful September day I ventured onto a rustic cottage for rent. And so … Continue reading →

Detour, San Jose — July–September, 1971 Unfortunate mishaps landed me in San Jose, California and seemed to follow me closely behind, but happily I was introduced to natural foods and a more ‘back-to-earth’ lifestyle. Music failed me here.

Definitely Going West — Summer 1971 Finding myself exhausted after 14 months of New York City life, I felt a great shot of exhilaration over the real possibility of fleeing New York City to the peaceful, loving San Francisco area. … Continue reading →

Manhattan, New York & Manhattan Attempt — April 1970–June ’71 These chapters are lengthy but the numerous, almost daily experiences in New York City are worthy of mention. As you can imagine, as a 20-year-old small-town Midwest boy, I stuck … Continue reading →

Come As You Are — 1968–69 After high school, I formed a new band called “Come As You Are” and actively began writing and arranging my own music. This chapter captures the fear and anticipation of recording at a Chicago … Continue reading →