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Description
Chapter 1
He sits silently, face hidden behind his hands and hair.
Alone on a bench in the park.  The gray sky transparent and disappearing into the Moon’s scene.  The leaves move slowly, dancing to a peaceful dream.
The heaven turns black velvet.  Still he sits.  Looks up with a wet face, towards the white shimmering dots that are supposed to be distant suns.  Streetlights go on, one by one.  It begins to drizzle lazily.
The girl walks to the park.  The fight with her parents did not have a peaceful ending.  So she packed a backpack and is leaving.  Her name is Feather Moonunit.  Feather decided this while walking.  She wears stretchy star pants, silk wrap-around pants and three dresses, sandals, peace earrings, three necklaces and a feather in her hair.  She picked a purple flower, thanked the plant and twirled the flower in her fingers as tears began to build up in her eyes.  When Feather reached the park, she was shocked to see a figure sitting alone beneath her favorite oak tree.
Someone was approaching, he could hear soft footsteps, he pressed ‘stop’ on his CD player and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young turned into muffled night sounds.  She was standing in front of him, long hair and crazy clothes.  Her face was wet too.  He noticed that she had blue eyes too.  Some weird electrical feeling passed between them.  She spoke, I’m Feather Moonunit.
He stared, and then said the most random thing.  You’re like some beautiful gypsy creature.
Feather smiled the best smile she had in years.  She sat down next to him and offered him some bread.
And you are the most crazy perfect voodoo apparition.  What are you listening to? (Indicating towards the earphones around his neck.)
-Oh uhh some CSNY.  Mmm this bread tastes good.
-Yeah…oh I love CSNY.  So why are you uhh here?  It’s like 11.
-Well I had a bad day so I’ve been sitting here.  Why are you here?
-hmm same.  I uh had a fight with my parents you know…I’m leaving.
-Yeah.  That’s not good.  Are you going to stay here?
-Uhh hmmm NO… I’m going to hmmm take my bus and drive through this place you know.  Like…it’s awesome.  Want to come?
-Sure.  I didn’t know what to do anyway…
The rain fell down harder now; they finished their bread and lay down on the bench, feet by head, other head by other feet.  Those silver-white suns gleamed and glimmered.  Everything else was a peaceful, blissful silent oblivion-only the fast-paced pattering of those tears from Father Sky.  And underneath that gigantic mass of open-ness and all infinite-they fell asleep.
Several times Feather awoke-the third time-the sun was just coming around from the other side of the planet.  Feather raised herself to her elbows and saw the boy still sleeping serenely.  She suddenly remembered that she’d forgotten to ask him his name.

The gentle giant mystic fireball rose, revealing the dew on the grass and creating beautiful rays of light.  Feather nudged the boy awake.  He woke up reluctantly, but then turned to see what Feather was looking at.  He gave the slightest inward gasp at this wonderful daily natural phenomenon.
-I’ve never seen the sun rise.
They sat, watching the free show until the boy turned to Feather and said:
-I think my name from now on will be: Hendrix Oak, because this is like May this be Love and I met you under an oak tree.
Feather leaned against him for a while, watching the early morning activity.
-Come on, I want to have you see my van.
Feather and Hendrix got up, Feather grabbed her backpack and took Hendrix’ hand.  Once they got to the parking lot, it was obvious which car belonged to Feather.  It was an off-white ’65 kombi/camper VW bus that was painted different colours near the bottom.  There were a lot of bumper stickers; it was also only one of the two cars in the park’s parking lot at 5:30 in the morning.  Feather walked around to the side and opened the door.  She stepped up and inside, beckoning Hendrix to follow her.  He climbed inside and looked around.
There was a folded-up futon covered with an Indian Wall tapestry, a bookshelf with bungee jump cables so that books wouldn’t fall out, and some small statues of Buddha and other figures on top of it.  The walls each were painted different colours: purple, green, blue…Posters of musical groups from the 60s and 70s, postcard, and artwork were also taped up.  The two front seat covers were funky earth-toned flowers from the 70s.  There was a huge CD collection and also a mini stove and refrigerator.
-I have to stop by the store to pick up some food.  Do you need anything?
Hendrix was looking through Feather’s CDs.
-Wow!  You have The Doors LA Woman and some Led Zeppelin stuff.  Awesome.  Uhm I don’t know what I need.  Can we stop by Salvation Army as well?  I need an extra pair of clothes.
-Sure.  We have all the time in the world.  I need to pick up some blankets too, not that Salvation Army is the best place for that.
Feather climbed into the driver’s seat and turned the key to the sounds of The Who.  The bus pulled out of the parking lot in the direction of the food store.
-Do you want to come in with me?
-Sure

Shopping List
Cheese
Crackers
Bread
Spaghetti
Other pasta
Cereal
Milk
Juice
Fruit and vegetables

When the two gypsies climbed back into their bus, Hendrix put the food in the refrigerator – except for the stuff that shouldn’t be there.  He told Feather about the girl that broke his heart.
-Feather!  I almost forgot my guitar, could you stop by my house?
-Oh yeah of course.
The morning sun had now become stronger, its illuminating ways morphing into general brightness.  It was the beginning of August, and the summer had been a nice one, without too much humidity.
While Hendrix ran in to get his guitar, Feather climbed to the back and took of some layers of clothes deciding on a sun-batiked dress. She brushed her teeth in the sink and pulled out a map.

Chapter Two

Hendrix’s house was an old-fashioned house that was really small.  The front yard was pretty overgrown, except for the left side, where many different kinds of flowers grew.  Hendrix walked up the familiar brick steps and opened up the door.  The house was its usual, cool, dark self.  The furnishings were few and he could hear his family eating around the low table in the backyard.  He took the stairs two at a time, turned left and came to his room.  Grabbing a backpack and emptying its contents in a disorganized pile, he looked around, deciding what to bring.  He took two shirts, an extra pair of pants, some tapes, On the Road, pillow and his guitar.  Hendrix leaned out his window and looked at his family outside.  He went back downstairs and to the backyard.  His mother turned around, “Where are you going?”
-I’m going on a trip with one of my friends, I’ll call you.  They’re waiting for me, so I’ve got to go.
-Well this isn’t very specific…I don’t know.  Will you promise to call as soon as you find out everything?
-Yeah
-…Okay, do you need any food?
She was walking hastily to the kitchen now, talking about how she didn’t’ know what was going on and would he like a waffle?
-Sure mom, a waffle sounds great.
-All right hun. now.  I want you to be very careful, don’t do anything stupid, and call me.
Hendrix hugged her and reassured her that everything would be fine.  He waved to the rest of the family and stepped back onto the brick steps.

-How’d it go? Asked Feather
-Really well. Want a waffle?
     Laughing, Feather climbed back into the driver’s seat.
-Excellent..  I love your family!! All right, what I’d like to do for sure, is to go to Bethel, NY-where Woodstock happened.  That would be from the 14-18.  I have no idea how to get there, so I’ve got to find some maps or something…Oh wait!  Check the glove compartment!  I think I printed out directions to the Woodstock site before I left.
-Okay, I have it.  Where else are we going to go?
-For starters: Salvation Army.
The bus pulled into Salvation Army’s parking lot.  The concrete was cracked and some weeds were growing.  Inside the store, the air conditioning, which consisted of some strategically-placed fans, was going full blast and an oldies station played from a small boom-box.  Feather and Hendrix walked through the aisles rifling through the clothes.  Scott Mackenzie’s: San Francisco (be sure to wear flowers in your hair) came on and Feather sang along as she pulled out a funky vest.
Hendrix was looking through the pants, and picked up some cords and flared jeans.
“Hey” Feather called, “here’s a Grateful Dead shirt!”
-Awesome, will you keep it for me if you don’t want it?
-Yup
More people drifted in, and Feather and Hendrix decided to leave and get going.  The total came out to five dollars and 45 cents.  Hendrix sat on the futon and put the clothes away, while Feather drove, singing along to The Door’s “Touch Me.”
-All right, that song in the store totally inspired me-and I can’t believe I forgot about this-why don’t we go to California?
-That would be most awesome.  I’ve never been there.
-I used to live there, so we can see my friends…yeah.
Feather rolled down the windows and let the hot air in the bus mingle with the somewhat cooler air outside.  They pulled onto the freeway and hummed along with the music.
-Can you drive, Hendrix?
-Uhmm sort of.  I mean, I don’t have my license yet or anything.  Do you want me to?
-Well, I just don’t think I can drive the entire way.
-Okay, that’s fine.  Hey, I’m going to make some lunch.  What do you want?

What Hendrix and Feather had for Lunch
Bagel with Cream Cheese and juice

The bus took an exit and stopped at a gas station.  A few other cars were there as well, mainly families and kids fighting with each other in the backseat.  A mother leaned against the car, holding a hand to her head.  Feather filled the tank and got back in.  Hendrix had put on a news station.
-Normally I don’t listen to this stuff, but they’re talking about the war.  Do you want to pick up that hitchhiker?
A boy, about 17, was standing on the corner.  He had a backpack and was wearing baggy patchwork pants, a large Allman Brother's Band concert t-shirt and sandals.  His hair went past his shoulders and he was using a strip of leather to keep it out of his face.  Feather thought for a couple seconds.
-Okay, let’s find out where he wants to go.
Feather drove up to the boy.
-Hey! What’s your name?
-Hi.  I’m Grass; I’m headed to California.
Hendrix leaned over.
-Hey Grass, awesome name.  We’re going that way as well.  Climb in.
Grass opened the side door and settled himself on the futon.
-Awesome pad.  Who are you?
-I’m Feather and this is my groovy bus!
-And I’m Hendrix.
-Yeah, we’re going to Bethel, NY first and then to California.
-That’s cool.  Who plays the guitar?
-I do man…do you play anything?
-Well, I sort of play the bongos and really basic guitar.
They were back on the freeway now; Feather was checking the map while Hendrix and Grass talked.  She took a sip of her lemonade.  “Riders on the Storm” came on and she turned the volume up.
-Hey! (Hendrix called) we’re like this song.  We’re driving around this chaotic world.
Grass answered: yeah!  It’s like riding the storm of what the country is doing.
The three friends discussed politics for a while and finished their late lunches.  It began to get dark, and Hendrix volunteered to drive.  Feather and Hendrix switched while Grass turned on some battery powered Christmas lights in the back.
-Do you guys smoke bud?
-Uhm I don’t, but I don’t care if you do.
-I don’t feel like it right now, but go right ahead.
Hendrix drove until 10 o’clock.  Feather had fallen asleep in the passenger’s seat and Grass was chilling in the back.
-Yo, Grass, I’m going to pull over and find some place to stay for the night.
-Okay man, whatever.
Hendrix read a sign saying “Campsite next right” and took the exit.  Shortly, the bus came upon a narrow dirt road.  After about 200 feet, a clearing appeared.  There was a section for motor homes, and one for tents.  Hendrix parked.
Grass was out of it and had taken up the futon.  Hendrix looked over at Feather.  Feather opened her eyes groggily.
-Where are we?
-We’re at a campsite for the night.
-Looks like Grass conquered the futon.
-Yeah, but he left a little floor space.  If we get some blankets together, it might be more comfortable than these seats.
Feather smiled and agreed.  She crawled into the back and spread out several layers of blankets.  Hendrix joined her and together they fell asleep on the blanket layers.

Chapter Three

Grass woke up first and spent 10 minutes orientating himself.  He finally remembered that he had hitchhiked and was in some check-Feather’s car.  He rolled over.  Hendrix and Feather were lying together on some blankets.  Grass got out of the car quietly to find a bathroom.  The late morning was upon this part of the world and it was already getting hot.  The grass underneath his feet was dead and brown.  Tall, majestic pine trees surrounded the clearing.  The sun’s rays were beams that had dust particles floating in them.
Grass found the brown shack.  When he stepped back outside, Grass noticed a teepee in the distance.  Next to it-a small school bus was parked.  He walked towards the teepee, dodging pinecones.  The closer he got to the area; he became aware of someone strumming a guitar, and children’s laughter.  Grass could smell eggs and bacon being fried.  The site came into view.  Grass approached the man playing the guitar.
-Hey man, how’s it going?
-Hey brother.  I’m Wise Coyote.  Traveling with some brothers and sisters.
-Grass.  Smells good.
-Do you want some eggs or bacon?
-That would be nice.  I’ll be right back, is it okay if I bring two friends?
-Sure man, there’s enough for everyone.
Feather awoke and felt Hendrix’s body next to hers.  She heard the pines; all of her senses were working to gigantic proportions.  She felt like she was part of the car and therefore part of the ground and then part of the earth.  She felt the sounds of the birds.  Hendrix shifted slightly.  Feather wondered what the world would be like if everything was psychedelic and you could see what is normally invisible: feelings, vibes and auras.  She tried to picture what colour Hendrix’s aura would be.  Right now it was a mixture of green and blue.  Feather forced herself to move from this comfortable position and noticed that Grass was gone.  It appeared as though he had left his belonging so he was probably coming back.  Just as she finished this last thought, the side door slid open somewhat noisily.  It was Grass.
-Hey!  Come on and eat something with me Feather!  Where’s Hendrix?
Feather moved to get dressed.
-Oh.  Hey Hendrix!  Dude-let’s go eat-I’m starved.
-huhhhh…what? Uhhh
Feather splashed some water on her face and grabbed a towel.
-Hey Hendrix, wake up.  Grass found some food.
Hendrix got up and followed Grass and Feather.  Grass draped his arm around Feather’s shoulders and was telling her something.  Hendrix felt a pang of jealousy and hurried to catch up with them.  When he did, Feather turned and smiled and took his hand.  The three of them soon reached the teepee.  Five children sat in a circle, eating off of a large plate full of eggs and bacon.  Three women and two men sat at a picnic table, chatting and laughing.  Wise Coyote saw Grass approach and walked over to greet him and his two friends.
-Feel free to sit anywhere. (Pointing to each person) This is my friend Brian, this is Dakota, Calendula and that’s Iris.
Brian was about 30; he had longer hair and a beard.  He was wearing shorts and an oversize shirt.  Leaning on him, laughing, was Dakota.  She looked around 20 with brown hair that went to her shoulders.  Calendula was talking to Iris, who had very dark long hair.  Iris smiled at Grass and gestured for him to sit next to her.  Hendrix and Feather sat on the edge of the bench, next to Dakota and Grass.  One of the kids ran up to Feather and sat in her lap, smiling happily at Hendrix, who was eating sleepily.  Feather hugged her and asked her what her name was.
-I am my mother’s daughter.  I am the air!
With this, she leapt off Feather's lap and ran away to join the other kids.  After Feather had finished her food, a boy came up and asked if she wanted to play Indians and Indians with them.  She ran off after the boy yelling that she wanted to be an Indian.  Grass and Iris had disappeared in the nature surrounding the campsite.  While Wise Coyote was having a lively discussion with Brian, Calendula and Dakota cleaned the table.  The routine was ordered in a laid-back way, peaceful and relaxed.
A half and hour later, Feather came back and sat on Hendrix’s lap.  Hendrix put his arms around her, over her hands.  Dakota came by to talk with them about her 5-year old.  Wise Coyote explained that they were headed to Oregon and needed to get going pretty soon.  Calendula called for the kids to come back and Feather and Hendrix said goodbye and thank you.  Grass saw them from a distance, excused himself from Iris and ran to catch up.
-Hey guys!  Are we going soon?
-Yeah.  Let’s start, it’s late already.
Grass yelled back to Iris:  I’m going!  Bye!
Iris blew him a kiss and walked back to her teepee.

Feather took the wheel and began the day’s trip.  Grass sat up front, chattering about his experience and Hendrix sat on the futon jamming on his guitar.  After awhile Grass’s mouth got dry so he offered everyone some juice.

What People had to Drink
Hendrix: water
Feather: lemonade
Grass: lemonade

Hendrix climbed up front to sit next to Feather and slid a Phish cd in.  The car was passing the suburbs still, the day was scorching hot and everyone decided to stop and rest soon.  At a rest stop, Feather climbed out into the hot air and stretched.  Hendrix lay down on a small patch of grass and Grass ate his bread.  A girl and a boy approached Grass.
-Hey man, can we hitch a ride?
-Where are you guys headed?
-New York.
-Let me see if it’s cool with my friends.  Hey Feather, yo, would it be okay if these two hitched along to New York?
-Sure.  We’ll be there tomorrow.  What part of New York?
-Like.  Ithica.
So all five got in Feather’s groovy bus and sang along to the rest of the Phish cd and then a Grateful Dead one.  Hendrix drove a bit but he had to be really careful of the fuzz because he didn’t have his license yet.

What Hendrix was feeling
Wish Feather and I were doing this trip alone I’m starting to dig her really deeply I can’t believe it’s only been two days I wonder if she likes Grass I think he might dig her but wow I’m sort of tired I think I drove pretty well today for my almost first time anyway

What Feather was feeling
Starting to like Hendrix a lot.  I wish there was some way of finding out how much he likes me.  Why am I thinking about this?  I shouldn’t be thinking about some crush thing.

Feather announced that she could no longer adequately concentrate on driving.  The boy, who’s name was House for some reason, told her that he could drive.  She left the map for him and went in back.  Grass pulled her onto his lap and smoked.  Hendrix came into the back and turned away from Feather and Grass.  He did, however, have a smoke.  Feather slid off Grass’s lap and put her arms around Hendrix and kissed the back of his head.  She whispered Hendrix in both of his ears.  He turned around, feeling confused.
-Hey Feather, what’s going on?
-I dig you Hendrix.
Hendrix felt a burst of warm from his heart; it spread over his body and outwards.
-How do you feel? Asked Feather
-I feel…yeah. I dig you too, Feather.
Feather smiled and Hendrix turned around completely and kissed Feather’s lips.  House called: I’m going to pull over at the next campsite.
Summer rain crept down the windowpanes.  Grass and the girl were rapping about this peace rally they’d both gone to.  The rain hit the hard windows now and House had to slow down.  Not too many cars were on the road anymore.  The girl, who’s name turned out to be Venus, turned to Feather, who was still feeling quite light-headed, and began talking about tarot.

The reading Feather gives Venus

-The tower means “major change,” the devil in this position means that commitment will not hinder you in your endeavors.  The ten of pentacles strongly suggests that your next step will be family-related.  And the outcome of the situation is the best card in the deck: the sun!  You can’t go wrong with this.

The reading Venus gives Feather

-Here, the situation revolves around love; the ace of cups is all about that.  The three of swords reversed seems to hint that there was some major heartbreak in the past, buy you’re in the process of healing.  What will occur next is a relationship of some sort – a joining of two people, also fun.  The star is sometimes considered the best card in the deck – next to the sun.  So the outcome is very very groovy.

House pulled onto the exit and found the road to the campsite.  Hendrix pointed to the only house.
-Do you think we should go there to ask for a space?
-Maybe that would be a good idea.
The house was a two-story shack of sorts.  All of the lights were on and you could hear faint strains of Jefferson Airplane.  House parked and everybody got out.  Hendrix walked next to Feather and House, Grass and Venus walked ahead.
-I hope they have food.
The front door burst open and two girls staggered on to the porch, laughing loudly.  One fell onto a swing, still giggling madly.  Grass asked her if they could talk to the owner.
-Oh suuure…he’s inside man…want a drink?
-Thanks.
House and Venus were already inside, socializing with a small group of people.  Grass, Feather and Hendrix went inside and looked for the owner.  A man with black dreadlocks pulled Feather aside and offered her some pills.
-You’re pretty: oh Isis with translucent eyes.
-I’m Feather.
-hmmmm so you’re the wind – you are the leaves in the fall and summer storms.  Look at your wings!  Too much.
Grass and Hendrix had walked ahead and asked several people who the owner was.  People were tripping in corners and dancing wildly to the music.  A light show was being projected onto one wall.  Psychedelic designs flashed against the dancers.  Up some narrow stairs, you could hear laughter and crazy rapping.  The owner was sitting in the middle of the hallway with his eyes closed, humming and rocking back and forth gently.
-Uhh sir?
-Oh hi there boys!! Join the party!  There’s enough for everyone!  Do you have some girls?
-Uh yeah man.  We were just like wondering if it would be okay to stay here for a night.
-Dude.  Sure.  As long as you want to, brother.
Grass turned abruptly to Hendrix.
-Where’s Feather?
-I think she’s talking with someone.
-Dude!  We’ve got to get her!  There are some crazy, messed up people here!
-Shit.  You’re right.
Feather thanked the strange man with black dreadlocks for the strange little pills and turned to leave.  He held on to her arm.
-Hey wind sister, let’s dance.
-Oh I have to find my friends.
But the man was already dancing and was still holding onto her for some reason.  Before she knew it, Feather was in the midst of so many dancing people.  They seemed completely absorbed.  Feather thought to herself that if she danced, maybe should escape and find Hendrix and Grass.  The crazier she danced, the looser the man’s grip became and soon she freed herself.  She knew she needed to move slowly through the crowd.  The different coloured strobe lights flashed in a steady pattern, and the music dug deep in the floorboards and then up through people’s feet.

Description
Chapter 1
He sits silently, face hidden behind his hands and hair.
Alone on a bench in the park.  The gray sky transparent and disappearing into the Moon’s scene.  The leaves move slowly, dancing to a peaceful dream.
The heaven turns black velvet.  Still he sits.  Looks up with a wet face, towards the white shimmering dots that are supposed to be distant suns.  Streetlights go on, one by one.  It begins to drizzle lazily.
The girl walks to the park.  The fight with her parents did not have a peaceful ending.  So she packed a backpack and is leaving.  Her name is Feather Moonunit.  Feather decided this while walking.  She wears stretchy star pants, silk wrap-around pants and three dresses, sandals, peace earrings, three necklaces and a feather in her hair.  She picked a purple flower, thanked the plant and twirled the flower in her fingers as tears began to build up in her eyes.  When Feather reached the park, she was shocked to see a figure sitting alone beneath her favorite oak tree.
Someone was approaching, he could hear soft footsteps, he pressed ‘stop’ on his CD player and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young turned into muffled night sounds.  She was standing in front of him, long hair and crazy clothes.  Her face was wet too.  He noticed that she had blue eyes too.  Some weird electrical feeling passed between them.  She spoke, I’m Feather Moonunit.
He stared, and then said the most random thing.  You’re like some beautiful gypsy creature.
Feather smiled the best smile she had in years.  She sat down next to him and offered him some bread.
And you are the most crazy perfect voodoo apparition.  What are you listening to? (Indicating towards the earphones around his neck.)
-Oh uhh some CSNY.  Mmm this bread tastes good.
-Yeah…oh I love CSNY.  So why are you uhh here?  It’s like 11.
-Well I had a bad day so I’ve been sitting here.  Why are you here?
-hmm same.  I uh had a fight with my parents you know…I’m leaving.
-Yeah.  That’s not good.  Are you going to stay here?
-Uhh hmmm NO… I’m going to hmmm take my bus and drive through this place you know.  Like…it’s awesome.  Want to come?
-Sure.  I didn’t know what to do anyway…
The rain fell down harder now; they finished their bread and lay down on the bench, feet by head, other head by other feet.  Those silver-white suns gleamed and glimmered.  Everything else was a peaceful, blissful silent oblivion-only the fast-paced pattering of those tears from Father Sky.  And underneath that gigantic mass of open-ness and all infinite-they fell asleep.
Several times Feather awoke-the third time-the sun was just coming around from the other side of the planet.  Feather raised herself to her elbows and saw the boy still sleeping serenely.  She suddenly remembered that she’d forgotten to ask him his name.

The gentle giant mystic fireball rose, revealing the dew on the grass and creating beautiful rays of light.  Feather nudged the boy awake.  He woke up reluctantly, but then turned to see what Feather was looking at.  He gave the slightest inward gasp at this wonderful daily natural phenomenon.
-I’ve never seen the sun rise.
They sat, watching the free show until the boy turned to Feather and said:
-I think my name from now on will be: Hendrix Oak, because this is like May this be Love and I met you under an oak tree.
Feather leaned against him for a while, watching the early morning activity.
-Come on, I want to have you see my van.
Feather and Hendrix got up, Feather grabbed her backpack and took Hendrix’ hand.  Once they got to the parking lot, it was obvious which car belonged to Feather.  It was an off-white ’65 kombi/camper VW bus that was painted different colours near the bottom.  There were a lot of bumper stickers; it was also only one of the two cars in the park’s parking lot at 5:30 in the morning.  Feather walked around to the side and opened the door.  She stepped up and inside, beckoning Hendrix to follow her.  He climbed inside and looked around.
There was a folded-up futon covered with an Indian Wall tapestry, a bookshelf with bungee jump cables so that books wouldn’t fall out, and some small statues of Buddha and other figures on top of it.  The walls each were painted different colours: purple, green, blue…Posters of musical groups from the 60s and 70s, postcard, and artwork were also taped up.  The two front seat covers were funky earth-toned flowers from the 70s.  There was a huge CD collection and also a mini stove and refrigerator.
-I have to stop by the store to pick up some food.  Do you need anything?
Hendrix was looking through Feather’s CDs.
-Wow!  You have The Doors LA Woman and some Led Zeppelin stuff.  Awesome.  Uhm I don’t know what I need.  Can we stop by Salvation Army as well?  I need an extra pair of clothes.
-Sure.  We have all the time in the world.  I need to pick up some blankets too, not that Salvation Army is the best place for that.
Feather climbed into the driver’s seat and turned the key to the sounds of The Who.  The bus pulled out of the parking lot in the direction of the food store.
-Do you want to come in with me?
-Sure

Shopping List
Cheese
Crackers
Bread
Spaghetti
Other pasta
Cereal
Milk
Juice
Fruit and vegetables

When the two gypsies climbed back into their bus, Hendrix put the food in the refrigerator – except for the stuff that shouldn’t be there.  He told Feather about the girl that broke his heart.
-Feather!  I almost forgot my guitar, could you stop by my house?
-Oh yeah of course.
The morning sun had now become stronger, its illuminating ways morphing into general brightness.  It was the beginning of August, and the summer had been a nice one, without too much humidity.
While Hendrix ran in to get his guitar, Feather climbed to the back and took of some layers of clothes deciding on a sun-batiked dress. She brushed her teeth in the sink and pulled out a map.

Chapter Two

Hendrix’s house was an old-fashioned house that was really small.  The front yard was pretty overgrown, except for the left side, where many different kinds of flowers grew.  Hendrix walked up the familiar brick steps and opened up the door.  The house was its usual, cool, dark self.  The furnishings were few and he could hear his family eating around the low table in the backyard.  He took the stairs two at a time, turned left and came to his room.  Grabbing a backpack and emptying its contents in a disorganized pile, he looked around, deciding what to bring.  He took two shirts, an extra pair of pants, some tapes, On the Road, pillow and his guitar.  Hendrix leaned out his window and looked at his family outside.  He went back downstairs and to the backyard.  His mother turned around, “Where are you going?”
-I’m going on a trip with one of my friends, I’ll call you.  They’re waiting for me, so I’ve got to go.
-Well this isn’t very specific…I don’t know.  Will you promise to call as soon as you find out everything?
-Yeah
-…Okay, do you need any food?
She was walking hastily to the kitchen now, talking about how she didn’t’ know what was going on and would he like a waffle?
-Sure mom, a waffle sounds great.
-All right hun. now.  I want you to be very careful, don’t do anything stupid, and call me.
Hendrix hugged her and reassured her that everything would be fine.  He waved to the rest of the family and stepped back onto the brick steps.

-How’d it go? Asked Feather
-Really well. Want a waffle?
     Laughing, Feather climbed back into the driver’s seat.
-Excellent..  I love your family!! All right, what I’d like to do for sure, is to go to Bethel, NY-where Woodstock happened.  That would be from the 14-18.  I have no idea how to get there, so I’ve got to find some maps or something…Oh wait!  Check the glove compartment!  I think I printed out directions to the Woodstock site before I left.
-Okay, I have it.  Where else are we going to go?
-For starters: Salvation Army.
The bus pulled into Salvation Army’s parking lot.  The concrete was cracked and some weeds were growing.  Inside the store, the air conditioning, which consisted of some strategically-placed fans, was going full blast and an oldies station played from a small boom-box.  Feather and Hendrix walked through the aisles rifling through the clothes.  Scott Mackenzie’s: San Francisco (be sure to wear flowers in your hair) came on and Feather sang along as she pulled out a funky vest.
Hendrix was looking through the pants, and picked up some cords and flared jeans.
“Hey” Feather called, “here’s a Grateful Dead shirt!”
-Awesome, will you keep it for me if you don’t want it?
-Yup
More people drifted in, and Feather and Hendrix decided to leave and get going.  The total came out to five dollars and 45 cents.  Hendrix sat on the futon and put the clothes away, while Feather drove, singing along to The Door’s “Touch Me.”
-All right, that song in the store totally inspired me-and I can’t believe I forgot about this-why don’t we go to California?
-That would be most awesome.  I’ve never been there.
-I used to live there, so we can see my friends…yeah.
Feather rolled down the windows and let the hot air in the bus mingle with the somewhat cooler air outside.  They pulled onto the freeway and hummed along with the music.
-Can you drive, Hendrix?
-Uhmm sort of.  I mean, I don’t have my license yet or anything.  Do you want me to?
-Well, I just don’t think I can drive the entire way.
-Okay, that’s fine.  Hey, I’m going to make some lunch.  What do you want?

What Hendrix and Feather had for Lunch
Bagel with Cream Cheese and juice

The bus took an exit and stopped at a gas station.  A few other cars were there as well, mainly families and kids fighting with each other in the backseat.  A mother leaned against the car, holding a hand to her head.  Feather filled the tank and got back in.  Hendrix had put on a news station.
-Normally I don’t listen to this stuff, but they’re talking about the war.  Do you want to pick up that hitchhiker?
A boy, about 17, was standing on the corner.  He had a backpack and was wearing baggy patchwork pants, a large Allman Brother's Band concert t-shirt and sandals.  His hair went past his shoulders and he was using a strip of leather to keep it out of his face.  Feather thought for a couple seconds.
-Okay, let’s find out where he wants to go.
Feather drove up to the boy.
-Hey! What’s your name?
-Hi.  I’m Grass; I’m headed to California.
Hendrix leaned over.
-Hey Grass, awesome name.  We’re going that way as well.  Climb in.
Grass opened the side door and settled himself on the futon.
-Awesome pad.  Who are you?
-I’m Feather and this is my groovy bus!
-And I’m Hendrix.
-Yeah, we’re going to Bethel, NY first and then to California.
-That’s cool.  Who plays the guitar?
-I do man…do you play anything?
-Well, I sort of play the bongos and really basic guitar.
They were back on the freeway now; Feather was checking the map while Hendrix and Grass talked.  She took a sip of her lemonade.  “Riders on the Storm” came on and she turned the volume up.
-Hey! (Hendrix called) we’re like this song.  We’re driving around this chaotic world.
Grass answered: yeah!  It’s like riding the storm of what the country is doing.
The three friends discussed politics for a while and finished their late lunches.  It began to get dark, and Hendrix volunteered to drive.  Feather and Hendrix switched while Grass turned on some battery powered Christmas lights in the back.
-Do you guys smoke bud?
-Uhm I don’t, but I don’t care if you do.
-I don’t feel like it right now, but go right ahead.
Hendrix drove until 10 o’clock.  Feather had fallen asleep in the passenger’s seat and Grass was chilling in the back.
-Yo, Grass, I’m going to pull over and find some place to stay for the night.
-Okay man, whatever.
Hendrix read a sign saying “Campsite next right” and took the exit.  Shortly, the bus came upon a narrow dirt road.  After about 200 feet, a clearing appeared.  There was a section for motor homes, and one for tents.  Hendrix parked.
Grass was out of it and had taken up the futon.  Hendrix looked over at Feather.  Feather opened her eyes groggily.
-Where are we?
-We’re at a campsite for the night.
-Looks like Grass conquered the futon.
-Yeah, but he left a little floor space.  If we get some blankets together, it might be more comfortable than these seats.
Feather smiled and agreed.  She crawled into the back and spread out several layers of blankets.  Hendrix joined her and together they fell asleep on the blanket layers.

Chapter Three

Grass woke up first and spent 10 minutes orientating himself.  He finally remembered that he had hitchhiked and was in some check-Feather’s car.  He rolled over.  Hendrix and Feather were lying together on some blankets.  Grass got out of the car quietly to find a bathroom.  The late morning was upon this part of the world and it was already getting hot.  The grass underneath his feet was dead and brown.  Tall, majestic pine trees surrounded the clearing.  The sun’s rays were beams that had dust particles floating in them.
Grass found the brown shack.  When he stepped back outside, Grass noticed a teepee in the distance.  Next to it-a small school bus was parked.  He walked towards the teepee, dodging pinecones.  The closer he got to the area; he became aware of someone strumming a guitar, and children’s laughter.  Grass could smell eggs and bacon being fried.  The site came into view.  Grass approached the man playing the guitar.
-Hey man, how’s it going?
-Hey brother.  I’m Wise Coyote.  Traveling with some brothers and sisters.
-Grass.  Smells good.
-Do you want some eggs or bacon?
-That would be nice.  I’ll be right back, is it okay if I bring two friends?
-Sure man, there’s enough for everyone.
Feather awoke and felt Hendrix’s body next to hers.  She heard the pines; all of her senses were working to gigantic proportions.  She felt like she was part of the car and therefore part of the ground and then part of the earth.  She felt the sounds of the birds.  Hendrix shifted slightly.  Feather wondered what the world would be like if everything was psychedelic and you could see what is normally invisible: feelings, vibes and auras.  She tried to picture what colour Hendrix’s aura would be.  Right now it was a mixture of green and blue.  Feather forced herself to move from this comfortable position and noticed that Grass was gone.  It appeared as though he had left his belonging so he was probably coming back.  Just as she finished this last thought, the side door slid open somewhat noisily.  It was Grass.
-Hey!  Come on and eat something with me Feather!  Where’s Hendrix?
Feather moved to get dressed.
-Oh.  Hey Hendrix!  Dude-let’s go eat-I’m starved.
-huhhhh…what? Uhhh
Feather splashed some water on her face and grabbed a towel.
-Hey Hendrix, wake up.  Grass found some food.
Hendrix got up and followed Grass and Feather.  Grass draped his arm around Feather’s shoulders and was telling her something.  Hendrix felt a pang of jealousy and hurried to catch up with them.  When he did, Feather turned and smiled and took his hand.  The three of them soon reached the teepee.  Five children sat in a circle, eating off of a large plate full of eggs and bacon.  Three women and two men sat at a picnic table, chatting and laughing.  Wise Coyote saw Grass approach and walked over to greet him and his two friends.
-Feel free to sit anywhere. (Pointing to each person) This is my friend Brian, this is Dakota, Calendula and that’s Iris.
Brian was about 30; he had longer hair and a beard.  He was wearing shorts and an oversize shirt.  Leaning on him, laughing, was Dakota.  She looked around 20 with brown hair that went to her shoulders.  Calendula was talking to Iris, who had very dark long hair.  Iris smiled at Grass and gestured for him to sit next to her.  Hendrix and Feather sat on the edge of the bench, next to Dakota and Grass.  One of the kids ran up to Feather and sat in her lap, smiling happily at Hendrix, who was eating sleepily.  Feather hugged her and asked her what her name was.
-I am my mother’s daughter.  I am the air!
With this, she leapt off Feather's lap and ran away to join the other kids.  After Feather had finished her food, a boy came up and asked if she wanted to play Indians and Indians with them.  She ran off after the boy yelling that she wanted to be an Indian.  Grass and Iris had disappeared in the nature surrounding the campsite.  While Wise Coyote was having a lively discussion with Brian, Calendula and Dakota cleaned the table.  The routine was ordered in a laid-back way, peaceful and relaxed.
A half and hour later, Feather came back and sat on Hendrix’s lap.  Hendrix put his arms around her, over her hands.  Dakota came by to talk with them about her 5-year old.  Wise Coyote explained that they were headed to Oregon and needed to get going pretty soon.  Calendula called for the kids to come back and Feather and Hendrix said goodbye and thank you.  Grass saw them from a distance, excused himself from Iris and ran to catch up.
-Hey guys!  Are we going soon?
-Yeah.  Let’s start, it’s late already.
Grass yelled back to Iris:  I’m going!  Bye!
Iris blew him a kiss and walked back to her teepee.

Feather took the wheel and began the day’s trip.  Grass sat up front, chattering about his experience and Hendrix sat on the futon jamming on his guitar.  After awhile Grass’s mouth got dry so he offered everyone some juice.

What People had to Drink
Hendrix: water
Feather: lemonade
Grass: lemonade

Hendrix climbed up front to sit next to Feather and slid a Phish cd in.  The car was passing the suburbs still, the day was scorching hot and everyone decided to stop and rest soon.  At a rest stop, Feather climbed out into the hot air and stretched.  Hendrix lay down on a small patch of grass and Grass ate his bread.  A girl and a boy approached Grass.
-Hey man, can we hitch a ride?
-Where are you guys headed?
-New York.
-Let me see if it’s cool with my friends.  Hey Feather, yo, would it be okay if these two hitched along to New York?
-Sure.  We’ll be there tomorrow.  What part of New York?
-Like.  Ithica.
So all five got in Feather’s groovy bus and sang along to the rest of the Phish cd and then a Grateful Dead one.  Hendrix drove a bit but he had to be really careful of the fuzz because he didn’t have his license yet.

What Hendrix was feeling
Wish Feather and I were doing this trip alone I’m starting to dig her really deeply I can’t believe it’s only been two days I wonder if she likes Grass I think he might dig her but wow I’m sort of tired I think I drove pretty well today for my almost first time anyway

What Feather was feeling
Starting to like Hendrix a lot.  I wish there was some way of finding out how much he likes me.  Why am I thinking about this?  I shouldn’t be thinking about some crush thing.

Feather announced that she could no longer adequately concentrate on driving.  The boy, who’s name was House for some reason, told her that he could drive.  She left the map for him and went in back.  Grass pulled her onto his lap and smoked.  Hendrix came into the back and turned away from Feather and Grass.  He did, however, have a smoke.  Feather slid off Grass’s lap and put her arms around Hendrix and kissed the back of his head.  She whispered Hendrix in both of his ears.  He turned around, feeling confused.
-Hey Feather, what’s going on?
-I dig you Hendrix.
Hendrix felt a burst of warm from his heart; it spread over his body and outwards.
-How do you feel? Asked Feather
-I feel…yeah. I dig you too, Feather.
Feather smiled and Hendrix turned around completely and kissed Feather’s lips.  House called: I’m going to pull over at the next campsite.
Summer rain crept down the windowpanes.  Grass and the girl were rapping about this peace rally they’d both gone to.  The rain hit the hard windows now and House had to slow down.  Not too many cars were on the road anymore.  The girl, who’s name turned out to be Venus, turned to Feather, who was still feeling quite light-headed, and began talking about tarot.

The reading Feather gives Venus

-The tower means “major change,” the devil in this position means that commitment will not hinder you in your endeavors.  The ten of pentacles strongly suggests that your next step will be family-related.  And the outcome of the situation is the best card in the deck: the sun!  You can’t go wrong with this.

The reading Venus gives Feather

-Here, the situation revolves around love; the ace of cups is all about that.  The three of swords reversed seems to hint that there was some major heartbreak in the past, buy you’re in the process of healing.  What will occur next is a relationship of some sort – a joining of two people, also fun.  The star is sometimes considered the best card in the deck – next to the sun.  So the outcome is very very groovy.

House pulled onto the exit and found the road to the campsite.  Hendrix pointed to the only house.
-Do you think we should go there to ask for a space?
-Maybe that would be a good idea.
The house was a two-story shack of sorts.  All of the lights were on and you could hear faint strains of Jefferson Airplane.  House parked and everybody got out.  Hendrix walked next to Feather and House, Grass and Venus walked ahead.
-I hope they have food.
The front door burst open and two girls staggered on to the porch, laughing loudly.  One fell onto a swing, still giggling madly.  Grass asked her if they could talk to the owner.
-Oh suuure…he’s inside man…want a drink?
-Thanks.
House and Venus were already inside, socializing with a small group of people.  Grass, Feather and Hendrix went inside and looked for the owner.  A man with black dreadlocks pulled Feather aside and offered her some pills.
-You’re pretty: oh Isis with translucent eyes.
-I’m Feather.
-hmmmm so you’re the wind – you are the leaves in the fall and summer storms.  Look at your wings!  Too much.
Grass and Hendrix had walked ahead and asked several people who the owner was.  People were tripping in corners and dancing wildly to the music.  A light show was being projected onto one wall.  Psychedelic designs flashed against the dancers.  Up some narrow stairs, you could hear laughter and crazy rapping.  The owner was sitting in the middle of the hallway with his eyes closed, humming and rocking back and forth gently.
-Uhh sir?
-Oh hi there boys!! Join the party!  There’s enough for everyone!  Do you have some girls?
-Uh yeah man.  We were just like wondering if it would be okay to stay here for a night.
-Dude.  Sure.  As long as you want to, brother.
Grass turned abruptly to Hendrix.
-Where’s Feather?
-I think she’s talking with someone.
-Dude!  We’ve got to get her!  There are some crazy, messed up people here!
-Shit.  You’re right.
Feather thanked the strange man with black dreadlocks for the strange little pills and turned to leave.  He held on to her arm.
-Hey wind sister, let’s dance.
-Oh I have to find my friends.
But the man was already dancing and was still holding onto her for some reason.  Before she knew it, Feather was in the midst of so many dancing people.  They seemed completely absorbed.  Feather thought to herself that if she danced, maybe should escape and find Hendrix and Grass.  The crazier she danced, the looser the man’s grip became and soon she freed herself.  She knew she needed to move slowly through the crowd.  The different coloured strobe lights flashed in a steady pattern, and the music dug deep in the floorboards and then up through people’s feet.