Like so many other winter-weary skaters from north of the border, filmer Dave Ehrenreich, with help from Color Magazine and photographer Gordon Nicholas, loaded up a van with skaters Colin Nogue, Caellan Drysdale, Ian Twa, Riley Boland, and Sasha Daley, and pointed it toward to the anti-winter of San Diego, taking in all spots in between. Here are Dave's words and photos, along with part one of the video evidence of their Tripp South.

We left Vancouver on a sunny winter day, one that helped wash away the thoughts of Olympic madness and months of rain. Road trips are a necessity for any city resident: guaranteed excitement with promise of adventure. The Canadian skateboarder's crusade south of the border is a well-worn migratory path, common as any bird's. In summer it is easy to enjoy the luxuries of our homeland, but as winter comes the yearning to trek south becomes too great to ignore. I will go out on a limb to assume just about everyone wants to go California, if even for just a couple days. Some people never come back. Our motley crew went south for two weeks, using the I-5 and the coast in search of good times, warm evenings, and a little Animal Chin.

Border stress, questionable passports, expired ID's. Gordon Nicholas talked our way through and then captained the rental van nearly exclusively during the trip. Colin Nogue did drive the final leg home, starting in snowy Weed, California to Vancouver. The rest of the crew was Sascha Daley, his island connection Caellen Drysdale, Ian Twa, Riley Boland and myself.

Gordon doing his thing behind the wheel.

Gordon doing his thing with the locals.

Portland was our first city and we stayed in a standard issue skate house, complete with a stoop, corner store within walking distance, the movie of the trip, Wet Hot American Summer, and a basement of toking tools where everyone felt at home. The hospitality was amazing and set the standard for the trip, going against all stereotypes of American angst and mistrust of foreigners.

Arrival at Burnside.

I really got a kick out of this mini-mini bowl. It's located in the field next to the world famous Lincon City park. Mark 'Red' Scott of Dreamland Skateparks (builder of Burnside) let the local kids build a 'practice' pool out of scraps and leftovers. It's complete with pool copping, extentions, parking blocks and even an operating drain. He is training an army of park builders. We even received the honor of staying in Mark's guesthouse, tucked in the corner of a barn which houses his personal cement bowl. The Scott family were incredible to us, and on top of private sessions and warm beds we were fed our only home cooked meal of the trip.

Sacramento was untouched territory for everyone on the trip except Ian. First stop in the city was FTC skateshop where Glen, our volunteer tour guide, was already getting his flatground on. Glen, along with FTC owners Eddie and Gabe, bent over backward to show us around the city, hook us up with gear, and ask what all American skaters ask: what is Travis Stenger up too? Schwarzenegger's place of work is littered with skateable options and despite hearing horror stories of gear getting jacked at cutty spots, we had the Canadian goose on our side keeping us safe. Sacto was also where we mastered seven dudes, one hotel room; a little Ocean's 11 is always good for team moral. From Beibel's hometown it was under two hours to the beautiful San Francisco. I feel as though a lot has been said of this city and rightfully so. In fact, go there yourself, stay at the Green Tortoise, check out Alcatraz, bomb hills and explore. Maybe read some Tom Wolf or Kerouac on the way down to really set the mood.

Ian Twa puts his Sacto experience to good use.

Thanks to Sascha and the high percentage of Canucks in the Zero camp, we were given the green light to skate the famous Black Box park. Not only is it the best indoor I have ever skated, but seeing the likes of John Allie, Jon Gomann, and SOTY Chris Cole on home turf was a great privilege. The whole San Diego area was warm and welcoming, complete with night swimming and Smolik sightings. Topless games of skate rank high on the list of novelties for any igloo dweller. When the time comes to finally return home to comfy beds and regular routines, a road tripper rarely wants to leave. A thanks to those United States and the adventures they invite. We'll be back in no time, if you let us in.

Part #1 of Tripp South:

Can't see the video? Click here.

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Related:
Run It Back: Calgary with Ian Twa
On The Horn with Sascha Daley
Day In The Life with Riley Boland