30 Ties - Days 24-30, One Last Week of Ties in Whitethorn, CA

Well, it's surely been too long since I updated the blog. I left the blog on Day 23, a picture of me driving up to Humboldt County for New Year's in the Wilderness.

(Note: while writing this post I am listening to Lights Off by The Dears. To also listen to the song, click here (link will open up in a new window).

In this week-long, blow-out post, I finish my journey of wearing 30 ties for 30 days. I couldn't think of a better place to complete the journey, nor with better company. Humboldt County is among those places truly blessed by time. Aliyah and Chris are extraordinary people creating a remarkable life for themselves.

I hope these pictures highlight the transformation I have undergone from day 1 to day 30. After losing my job and feeling utterly lost, my job (and soul) searching has since given me a refreshed outlook. I've decided I'm not yet ready to give up the law, though I need more than a paper pushing, firm litigation position. In short, now that I've figured out how to take my ties out of the office, I must somehow figure out how to do the same with my legal career.

Day 24 - Hanging out in the cabin by the fire with Dexter the dog.

Day 25 - Looking for salmon along the Mattole River on a rainy day.

Day 26 - We must've found the right altitude, searching for the coveted Matsutake mushroom.

Day 27 - Taking a New Year's Eve dip in the freezing but unforgettable Mattole River.

Day 28 - Warming up by the iron stove in the Honey Hut with my sister, Aliyah. Let it be known that Aliyah can start a fire wicked easy.

Day 29 - Playing catch with Dexter.

Day 30 - Annual kayak down the Mattole River, wearing a wonderfully whimsical South Park tie on the last day of 30 Ties for 30 Years.

With love and appreciation, Ryan.