Mondo Bungle

warning: this post contains moments of mass stupidity and bad judgement

Walking in the direction of the train station, enjoying my snowcone. the homeless man mentioned that I could probably board without a ticket. It was about eight blocks away, twice as many has he said. I got to the tracks and posted up on the island. I purchased a ticket, better safe than sorry. Finished my drink and the train arrived not too long after I got there. I boarded onto the middle car, looked around, but we set off immediately. Kinda bummed, I really didn't have to buy the ticket. A buck fifty less now. The train followed it's route through the city, past a Maverik events center. The sign read "Rush tonight. Sold out". Right about now I figured I could be seeing concerts while I'm out if I happen across them. The first time I made the realization. Obviously not Rush or any huge band, too expensive. Bands I like generally do cheapies. The train made it to another station where I would transfer to the route headed to the library.

I soon arrived at the library district. Dude was right, this library is immaculate. One whole city block dedicated to this library and the other library-related zones in the district. Four stories high. I went in on the ground level. It looks genuinely like a mall, on the main floor especially. Many services offered here, a masseuse, café, book shops. I wonder if this is a nation renowned library, probably could be, I'm just seeing it now. I browsed a directory in search of a computer use area, but to my surprise they were available on every floor. I went to the top one, least crowded. Inquired at the help desk for the procedure, and got an internet pass for two hours use. It was six o'clock now, and I figured I'd stay here in SLC for the night. Logged in to inform my friends I've made it this far, and even made a new Trouble Salad track. "Welcome to the Interstate", a fifty minute drone.

The library closed at eight, but was open everyday. Starting slightly to get dark... I wandered.

Looking for possible places to sleep, but pretty much no luck in this urban city. I walked around for a bit, familiarizing myself, taking note of what was there and in relation to where else. I found a church but couldn't go in. Always figured churches were always open, guess not. I walked for maybe an hour, maybe two, sat down in a courtyard across the street from the library. I rested my chin on my folder arms leaning on the tabletop. Hmm, what to do, where to go. I pulled out my traveling pipe, aware that I was out of weed but going for a resin hit. Usually effective, I got three good ones. I man sits on another bench using a laptop. I was reminded of mine, which I had in my backpack. I smashed it on the floor and it lost functionality, jammed something in the hard drive. That was a while ago, pulled it out just to if it's the same. Yep, not working.

I wanted to stay within say, five blocks of the library. after exploring the each street in each way, making occasional turns here and there, I stopped back at the library and sat on a bench. Let my bags down beside my, used the smaller one as a pillow and stretched out on the bench. Not looking to sleep right now, just taking a break. Although, with the sleep I'm already lacking, things happen that are out of your control. More microsleep. Watching out for any whacky looking people. While wandering the streets I noticed a heavy amount of homeless people, just one every few feet basically. No hostile encounters yet though. I sat back upright on the bench, and was approached by a homeless man. "Hey son, do you have a cigarette by chance? I mean I know you're out here and all."

"No, I don't smoke, sorry about that." He walked away muttering to himself. I've managed to kill a good few hours, it was one now. Be careful, I thought to myself. Sleep eludes me. I was now approached by another man, younger. Sporting a backpack and medium length hair tied into a bun. He came up and sat beside me, asking what I was doing.

"Just kinda waiting around, don't know the place." I said.

"Homeless?" He spoke quietly.

"I guess you could say that."

"This is your first time here huh?"

"Yeah. I'm on a little trek right now."

"I don't got anywhere to stay either, at least not tonight." I nodded to acknowledge the statement. The conversation came to a short pause while he dug through is pockets. I was looking in the opposite direction, and turned back to see him handing me a card. Hm? I thought, then saw the white powder on it. He's offering some coke and I accepted, and snorted the bump smoothly. "My name's Rex." He said.

"Loren."

"Just literally, chillin?"

"It's what I do best."

"You do any tagging?" He asked.

"Nah, not my thing."

"Let's go somewhere else, I know a wall we could bomb." While we walked through town side by side, we shared conversation about drugs, travel, whatever. He filled me in on some stuff around here. Said he's got a place that's always looking for new help to get paid. I'd have to stay here for a while though, and keep in touch with this guy. Not happening. We walked into an alleyway where he dropped his backpack and pulled out two cans of spraypaint, and handed one to me.

"Alright." I said. Well I guess I'll accept it. I wrote "Smack City" on the wall, first thing that popped into my mind. He offered me another bump which I snorted through the other nostril. After we finished here, I'm thinking it's either two or three now. We walked around some more and came to a building, it's purpose unknown to me. "I'm crashin. Here, give me your bags and I'll toss them up, then give you a boost."

Didn't feel like this really. "Actually I think I'm just gonna head back to the library." He jumped up to the roof.

"Alright then. Not crashin?"

"Not really. Take it easy though." I said as I left the area. Back to the bench where I'd been earlier. This coke sucks. I've no tolerance to it, but those two bumps did nothing. Felt absolutely nothing. Oh well, I didn't pay for it. More microsleep as I stretched out again. Not many people around. So a few hours passed, and the sun began rising. The time flew right by. The library opens at nine. Even if it's four now, still got a five hour wait. While brightness increased, I actually fell asleep for an hour, but, still waiting.

Morning was in full spring and I went in to use a computer again. Not really much I can think of doing, so I left soon. Before leaving the building, I browsed their CD selection out of curiosity. Damn, there was some real good stuff here, lots of it. The CD aisles in the libraries I'm familiar with are very weak. Here we had some Swans, Throbbing Gristle, and a plethora of things I loved. Too bad I can't check them out.

I left at ten and went to the train station nearest me. Didn't buy a ticket this time, but boarded all the same. I rode the train back to the area I was dropped off yesterday, at least I'd hoped. I ended up just following sings directing you to the highway on foot. It's not like anything bad happened to me, but I really disliked it here and wanted to leave asap. Still walking in the direction the signs lead, I came through an industrial are, beneath an overpass with busted up buildings and factories. Couldn't see the highway. A car was driving behind me on the opposite side of the street at a snail's pace. It pulled up in front of me to reveal an old man. Here comes that stupidity, but I didn't think it through right now. bad call.

"You need a ride anywhere?" He said.

"Uh, well, I'm just trying to get on the highway. Do you know the way?"

"I'll drive you. Throw your stuff in the back." And I did, then got in the passenger seat. I'm thinking I really shouldn't have. This guy rolled up like sexual predator 101. I acted to fast. "Thirsty? Let's get a soda. I'll stop at McDonald's. What kind you want?"

"Oh you don't have to."

"It's nothing."

"I guess I could go for a Sprite." He asked me what I was doing, traveling, I explained. While at the computer lab I looked for any concerts near me soon. "Looking for shows, I dunno." Explained my thoughts and feelings, my quest thus far.

"You seem like a great and smart kid." He said, peeling his hand of the steering wheel and placing it on my leg. Here we go. Overcome with a sense of extreme anxiety and danger, the man began to grope my thigh area. I resisted, pushing his hand away. "Move your hand. Just a little bit." He said. "You know that this would happen."

Somewhere inside I did.

Caressing me, continuing to say "Just for a second". I was obviously uncomfortable right now. I'm not confrontational, and in my head I reviewed my options to resist and get away. I had my stuff in the back, I felt like I could run the risk of losing it, or a violent encounter. Still trying to force the hand away, until he stopped.

"You've got a good head on your shoulders. You know what you're doing." I didn't reply. "Come on." He said. no reply. "I'll drop you off up here at the highway heading east." So we stopped, he let me out, poked his head through the window and said "No hard feelings?"

"I hope someone comes a long and knocks what teeth you have down your throat." I said sternly. "**** off." He drove away now. Once I was out of the car, I felt normal again. Kept the sprite and continued to gulp it down. Looking back at what just happened, I let out a chuckle for some odd reason. "Damn, I was just molested. Oh well, that's gonna happen isn't it." I can't say how or why I made light of the situation, but I stood on the highway unscathed.

The space between me and the road was smaller than usual, but I did find a space where cars could both see me and pull off. I was here for a short time, five minutes, if that. A pickup truck pulled over. "Where are you going?" The driver asked.

"Park City."

"Put your stuff in the bed, that's where we're headed now."

"Hey sweet, thanks." I got in on the left side, accompanied by three brawny Hawaiians.

"We work in Park City."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah brother, do you live there?"

"No, I'm just hitchhiking. No reason these days." The Hawaiians all let out joyous laughter at various quips along the way.

"You got to get yourself a wife man. I good and caring, Mormon wife. We are Mormon, look for a Mormon church man. I'm telling you, you need to."

"Sure, I'll consider it." I lied. They were still some great people. The cheerfulness and boasting laughter lightened my spirits.

We made it to Park City and pulled into a drive-thru. "What do you want?" I was asked. Always saying "you don't have to", but the always do, and I was hungry. They ordered me a meal and stopped in the parking lot. "Hey we don't have much but this is it." The driver said offering a five. The passenger came over and offered another.

"Hey thanks a lot, for the ride too."

"Don't mention it man. Remember to find that Mormon wife." The departed and I sat at an outdoor to eat my meal. Looked like a small and cozy place. After finishing, I went to a store to buy two bottles of water. I guess the ones I had fell out in the truck. Also asked around for directions to a library, as usually. I was directed to a building, home of multiple services, library included. I figured the same things are generally near a library, in case I come across any of it. Post offices, courthouses, senior centers, police stations and recreation centers have proven to be common library-adjacent establishments, at least in my experience.

Same deal, computer pass, hour use.

I wouldn't stay in Park City too long. By early evening I'd find myself following the road further east, hoping for another ride. It wasn't too late, I should have some luck, just be patient. I was picked up after fifteen or so minutes by a man heading to a nearby junction. "Hey, it's something." He said. "A few more miles." I rode with him to the junction, dropped off at a truck stop, thanked him. Bought more miscellaneous food items to carry.

Crossed the highway to stand beneath a sign. One more ride, I thought. Was soon picked up by a truck driver. He would give me some very thorough directions and advice, about directions I'd want to go and places to sleep. "I'm going a little past Coalville, but the town I'm stopping in has much less traffic. Probably would want to try for a ride in Coalville instead."

"Yeah you can drop me there." Twenty minute drive, and I'm now in Coalville, Utah. One of those small towns that you picture when you think small towns. Very quaint. In the front of town was a gas station, next door a Subway. Next to that the road intersected with the main street of town.

I lazed around after darkness. Off a little bit, maybe a football field away, was a bare field of tall grass, in between the highway roads going either way. A lone tree stood here. This is where I would camp. Out of the way, no environment hazards, protection as well as shade. Flattened a place to unroll my sleeping bag, and would lie on my side watching the night sky. Distant lightning bolts shed light on the dark. Huge bolts, some of the largest and brightest I've seen. Thunder crashed quietly with long delays. I guess the storm is pretty far away, I thought.

"This is nice. This scene here, the magnificently luminescent lightning, warmth from my sleeping bag. Comfort. I'm doing alright I guess. But you know, I can't shake this feeling, something's not here. Something's lost."

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Zhanteimi

Whoa.

Mondo Bungle

July 14

Woke up to the sunrise, feeling pretty okay. It's usually more like, can't fall asleep for a while, finally do early in the morning, and wake up two hours later feeling like ****. That's something you gotta get used to. Started my day off with the usual thing, library time. It was located on main street three blocks down, a small building looking much more like a residence than a library. Wasn't here long. I'd soon set off for the highway. Walking, I found a small lake/beach where people were boating. The highway was on the other side. I scanned the perimeter looking for a way to cross if possible. Near the shore behind me there appeared to be flat, traversable ground, so I walked over hoping for an easy cross.

I was sadly mistaken as I walked impatiently into a wet swamp, but I pressed on. The highway's so close, I thought, it really looked like I could go through here. The ground dried as I walked but I'd be met with more hardships soon enough. I arrived at a heavily dense, wooded are, and attempted to pass through. This was incredibly racking and difficult, especially with my bags. Still pressing on. Branches grew from every which way, working in tandem to form a borderline wall in front of me. Still pressed on, forcing my way through the foliage. I was at a point now, where turning back was not an option I considered, already coming this far. But how I wish I had turned.

Snapping through tree branches, scraping and cutting my exposed skin and leaving me winded. I rested in the most open area I could find. Wow, this is tough, can barely work through here. Frustration began boiling inside as I powered through the thicket. I would finally find a way out of that, but it took so long, two hours to travel not a hundred feet. Turning back now was even less a possibility now. I crashed through another set of branches, following to my knees after reaching an open area. Completely exhausted and drained of will to do anything. I looked forward to see how close I've made it to the highway.

A river. I fought through devastatingly thick woods to find myself at a river. Nothing I can do besides cross, I thought. I removed my shoes, socks, and pants and stepped in with them on top of the small backpack I carried in front. I sunk into deep mud, exerting great force just to take any steps. More than halfway I felt the current rise, and was shaken momentarily. I need to be really careful here. Tossed the pants and stuff to the shore to gain some better handling and balance with my hands. Slowly inching to the shore, I was knocked down. The current had become fierce now, carrying me downstream with it. One hand holding onto the small bag, losing grip but trying dearly to keep it in hand. The large bag on my back had been submersed completely, and acted as a weight holding me down. Desperately grabbing for the shore whenever I was in reach. I was terrified. I don't know how to swim really that much, and could not regain control of my movement. Still holding on to the bag best I could, I was carried to a shore where I grabbed on, I'd stopped now.

I pulled myself out. My bags completely soaked now, along with all the contents, at least doubling the already high weight. With some fleeting effort I pulled myself to land. Dropped my bags in the mud and dropped to my knees. I tried to lift them, but could barely summon the strength. I dragged them back to where I'd left my shoes, and stopped.

It's ruined. All of it. Everything I had, almost everything in my life, soaked. Clothes would stay in the bags crumpled up with the rest. No room to dry. Behind me, across the river now, more thick woods like I'd already been through. Could not lift my bags. Knees sinking into the mud, my head down, I began crying. Why? Couldn't say. I was having these thoughts race through my mind. Maybe I can't do this. Maybe I'm not cut out for it. I can't handle it. I'm not smart enough. As sadness grew to anger, and as the emotions would eventually combine forces, I began crying out. Cursing myself, everything in the world. A minor incident here, but I was breaking down. Sobbing spastically, yelling to the sky. "Is this what you want?" I cried. "Is this how you tell me to stop? I can't carry this, what do you want from me? You're right, I can't do this. It was a stupid idea. This isn't me. I've failed, Haven't I?" Still crying to the sky.

I kneeled in the mud, still weeping. It's ruined. I can't stay here, need to get back into town. Everything I have, ruined. I mustered up the strength to lift and carry my wet and heavy bags. Covered in bloody scratches and mud, I bushwhacked through more near impenetrable shrubbery, twice as difficult as before. The night grew dark and I made it to the road, finally. I could see the town from here, not far. But I had wasted this day, I went nowhere and destroyed my equipment. Why didn't I turn around? Don't go down to the lake, turn around and take thr fifteen minute walk back. Wasted. Ruined. Drained.

I hobbled back to the gas station near the town's entrance. Entered the store lookinglike I'd just stepped on a landmine, covered in dirty scars, and soaked clothes. "Alright there?" The cashier asked.

"No I'm pretty terrible." I said, but managing to chuckle a little bit at my response. "These things work?" I asked him, showing an insect repellant bracelet.

"Beats me."

"Eh it's fifty cents, I'll take one. I've been ravaged by mosquitoes." I'd pick out some more items to purchase.

"Don't worry, I got it." He said, paying for the food I had out of his pocket.

"Thanks." I microwaved some instant noodles here.

"Need to go somewhere?" He asked.

"Yeah. I do. Couldn't say where." I walked out the store and ate on the step outside. A man came up and offered some more food to me. I looked the part now, painfully destitute. Soon a woman drove up, asked if I was okay. I explained my day and she offered to give me some cash to help, but had to drive home to get it.

"Here, take this." She said with a twenty in hand. "And here's a sleeping bag. Yours is too wet. I don't need it back, if you don't take it just give it to someone else. I'm sorry about that."

"I'll be alright, thanks."

I sat on the step moments before ten o'clock when the store closed. The cashier came outside and offered me a ride to a rest stop a few miles down. "You can set up in a bathroom, just lock the door, should be warm and dry. They're very clean. If you stick around in the morning I'll come back and give you a ride to town if you want, or you could leave on your own when you get up."

"Sounds good." I said. "You know, I'd walking into town earlier, I'd wager I was the happiest person to ever be coming up on coalville, Utah."

He laughed. "Yeah it's a ****hole."

He dropped me off at the rest area and led me to a bathroom. "Lock the door, no one will be coming in anyway. no one out here. Take a shower over here, quarter each. Drink beer?"

"Kinda." I said.

"Could help." He handed me a bottle and left. I chugged it down furiously. Now I pulled out some change for a shwer, there were already some quarters in here though, left by someone considerate. The water didn't run for long, so I ended up spending four quarters to finish up. Dried off with a hand towel and began unpacking my clothes. I would try my best to dry some, at least a touch. I hung garments over a bench, over the bathroom stall walls. Yep, much too much. With it all out, it looked like a full closet. Let's work on that, I thought. I unrolled the sleeping bag received earlier, longer than mine. Pulled on my wristband as mosquitoes flooded the air in here. Lights out, pitch black, headphones in.

"Well that sucked." I remarked, as the slightest grin found it's way to my mouth. "What a comically bad time."

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The Batlord

Aside from the perv, your little journal is showing your fellow man to be surprisingly kind and helpful. I don't like this. I want to maintain my misanthropy.

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Pet_Sounds

Lovin' this, man.

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Everybody's dying just to get the disease

Mondo Bungle

People here are kind too. Thanks for the enjoying

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Tristan_Geoff

Sorry about all your stuff dude. Reading this I just wish I could help you out but I'm way far from Utah.

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YW Fam: All MB Music Projects Under One Roof

Emo/Pop Punk Journal

Techno Journal

Mondo Bungle

The quest ended some time ago

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Tristan_Geoff

Oh. I thought I was reading as it happened. Really cool to read nonetheless.

Pardon my ignorance.

__________________
YW Fam: All MB Music Projects Under One Roof

Emo/Pop Punk Journal

Techno Journal

Mondo Bungle

I tried but fell behind. Through July 11 it was happening live.

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