While I was home between tours, I tagged along with Raan from Apolis while he ran around LA running some daily errands (like I mentioned a couple posts down).  I got to see the factory that makes their bottoms, specifically that day, their well-revered Officer Chinos, as well as a stop by the Katin HQ.  These chambray trunks showcased in this video are definitely the best thing to come out of their relationship so far.  Also during that time, one of the fine chaps that works at Apolis, Marc, had some songs that he needed mixed for his band Other Mountains.  He asked, I accepted, we spent a day mixing 3 or 4 songs, and one of the songs is featured in this video.  Check ‘em out if you like what you hear.

Destination | Revelstoke, BC

We spent our day off between Seattle and Edmonton in beautiful Revelstoke, BC.  I was up for about the last hour or so of the drive into Revelstoke and it was breathtaking.  Trees upon trees occasionally gave way to picture perfect lakes, and the mountainsides played host to rock cliffs, waterfalls, and of course, more greenery.  I decided right then and there that I was going to make the most of my day in the woods of Canada.  According to the girl at the front desk of our hotel, it’s “downtime” for the most part right now, and a lot of the recreational activities weren’t in operation, so a hike it was.  I was able to rally a couple other guys and we took to the trails.  It was an absolutely perfect way to spend a day off.  So refreshing and rejuvenating.  The woods this time of year are so lush and so incredibly green.  We decided that the city needs to make shirts that say “I got stoked in Revelstoke”.

Destination | Blackbird/The Field House, Seattle, WA

3 for 3.  3rd day of tour was spent in Seattle and we were greeted by near perfect weather.  Once again, I hopped on my moped and made my rounds.  I’ve been meaning to stop by Blackbird for a while now and I finally actually made my way over.  The shop was pretty cool, but stocked some higher fashion brands that aren’t really my cup of tea.  It was neat to be able to see a lot of the pieces in person though.

More up my alley was Blackbirds sister shop, The Field House, which is literally right around the corner.  I love the concept of The Field House and have always been jealous that I don’t live in the area for their in-house workshops/classes on various life skills (knife sharpening, gardening, whiskey appreciation, etc).  The shop was great, and has a local general store vibe/selection of goods with only the finest hand-picked goods stocked (with of course a great selection of footwear/clothing).  I picked up a couple bars of insanely good smelling handmade soap (“Woods of Washington” and Lemongrass) and a can of Filson garment wax.  I also got a quick lesson on axes and wood splitters (both of which they stocked) from the friendly and very knowledgeable fellow working there.  Truly my kind of shop.

On the food tip, a good friend took me to Paseo and again, the line was out the door but the food was well worth the wait.  I got the recommended favorite Cuban Roast sandwich.  It. Was. Tasty.

Random Seattle snaps:

Destination | Winn Perry, Portland, OR

2 for 2.  Day 2 took us to Portland and I rode my newly acquired tour enhancer, aka my Motobecane 50v moped, over to Winn Perry.  I got to see the navy suede Quoddy Bluchers that I nearly pulled the trigger on in person, along with some other fine goods. Stand outs for me were the navy suede Quoddys I just mentioned, tan suede Alden Longwings (yikes!), and a pair of olive Wings + Horns chinos.  I think a guy there was getting fitted for a custom tailored suit…pretty sweet.  The fellow at the counter was friendly and amiable and the shop was small but well-stocked.  Once again, well worth a visit if you ever find yourself in Portland.

Also worth mentioning is an absolutely insane taco joint called Porque No.  The line was out the door but the food was well worth it.  Being from SoCal, I know my tacos, and these were easily in my top 3 of all time.  SO good.

Images courtesy of Sangsouvanh

Destination | Unionmade, San Francisco, CA

Day one of tour took us to SF and I got to drop by Unionmade.  Really great shop, friendly staff, friendly store pup (a large greyhound), and a very nice selection of goods.  Off the top of my head — Woolrich Woolen Mills, Levis Vintage, Mark McNairy, Tanner, Jean Shop, Tellason (was impressed with the pair I saw), J Crew, Hillside, Filson, etc., but most notably, a very extensive collection of Alden.  The stand out to me was a pair of Indy’s in an oiled dark brown Kudu leather from Horween with a commando sole.  Boy was I tempted. Definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in the area.

Images courtesy of Sangsouvanh.

Destination | North American Tour

A few days late on this, but I’m back out again.  Like last time, give me some recommendations if you’ve got any. Shops, eats, sights, nature, recreation…anything.  Dates/cities:

6.3.10 | SAN FRANCISCO, CA @ THE REGENCY BALLROOM

6.4.10 | PORTLAND, OR @ THE HAWTHORNE THEATER

6.5.10 | SEATTLE, CA @ THE KING CAT THEATER

6.7.10 | EDMONTON, AB @ THE STARLITE ROOM

6.8.10 | CALGARY, AB @ MacEWAN BALLROOM

6.9.10 | SASKATOON, SAS @ LOUIS’ PUB

6.11.10 | ST. PAUL, MN @ STATION 4

6.12.10 | CHICAGO, IL @ HOUSE OF BLUES

6.13.10 | DETROIT, MI @ ST. ANDREWS HALL

6.15.10 | TORONTO, ONT @ PHOENIX CONCERT THEATRE

6.16.10 | MONTREAL, QC @ LE NATIONAL

6.17.10 | BOSTON, MA @ HOUSE OF BLUES

6.18.10 | NEW HAVEN, CT @ TOAD’S PLACE

6.19.10 | LANCASTER, PA @ CHAMELEON

6.21.10 | CLIFTON PARK, NY @ NORTHERN LIGHTS

6.22.10 | ALLENTOWN, PA @ CROCODILE ROCK CAFE

6.23.10 | PHILADELPHIA, PA @ THE TROCADERO

6.24.10 | NEW YORK, NY @ THE FILLMORE AT IRVING PLAZA

6.25.10 | SAYREVILLE, NJ @ STARLAND BALLROOM

6.26.10 | TOWSON, MD @ THE RECHER THEATRE

6.28.10 | NORFOLK, VA @ NORVA

6.29.10 | CARRBORO, NC @ THE CAT’S CRADLE

6.30.10 | CHARLESTON, SC @ MUSIC FARM

7.1.10 | ORLANDO, FL @ HOUSE OF BLUES

7.2.10 | FT. LAUDERDALE, FL @ REVOLUTION

7.3.10 | ST. PETERSBURG, FL @ STATE THEATER

7.6.10 | HOUSTON, TX @ WAREHOUSE LIVE

7.7.10 | AUSTIN, TX @ EMO’S

7.8.10 | DALLAS, TX @ THE PALLADIUM

7.9.10 | TULSA, OK @ CAIN’S BALLROOM

7.10.10 | KANSAS CITY, MO @ MIDLAND THEATER

7.11.10 | DENVER, CO @ OGDEN THEATER

7.13.10 | SALT LAKE CITY, UT @ IN THE VENUE

7.15.10 | TEMPE, AZ @ MARQUIS THEATER

7.16.10 | SAN DIEGO, CA @ HOUSE OF BLUES

7.17.10 | POMONA, CA @ THE FOX THEATER

7.18.10 | LAS VEGAS, NV@ HOUSE OF BLUES