Category Archives: February 2012

2nd Grade Support – Letters From Mr.Beal’s Class -

By RonUlrich | Published February 23, 2012

Someone pointed out to me recently that I never posted all of the letters from Mr.Beal’s 2nd Grade Class at Lafayette Elementary …. So here they are ! What an amazing group of kids…

I’m meeting them on Monday, and I can’t wait !

Also posted in You might wanna read this - kinda stuff | Tagged hiking 26, hiking26, Mr. Beal, Pacific Crest Trail, PCT, Ron Ulrich, wedding dresses, Wedding Gowns | 1 Comment

Gown No. 6 “Vomit Gown”

By RonUlrich | Published February 14, 2012

Gross, Eh? It’s a terrible name to attach to a wedding gown, but alas, that’s what it was dubbed from the beginning, and so it shall be. This was given to me by a friend who shall remain nameless. It was handed to me in a trash bag. It hadn’t been cleaned since the wedding day, and although we’re just not sure what they mystery stain was… We still coined it the Vomit Gown.

The good news is that regular ol’ washing machines work wonders on polyester stains. All that’s left is staining on the lace….
Poor girl, I can only assume, with the amount of dirt on the bottom of the gown and train, that the reception took place in a barn.

But here it is… The before and After….

: Gown No.6 Side

: Gown No. 6 Back

: Gown No. 6 Front

: “Mystery Stains” on gown No.6

: Mystery Gown “Mystery Stains”

Also posted in Gowns & Alterations - kinda stuff, You might wanna read this - kinda stuff | Tagged hiking 26, hiking26, pacific coast trail, Ron Ulrich, wedding dresses | Leave a comment

Gown No.4

By RonUlrich | Published February 14, 2012

This gown came to me after visiting with a friend. Her cousin Geri was in town, and after the hiking26 discussion took over, she offered it to me. It’s incredibly beautiful. Somewhat heavy, and it’s getting special care from me, to make it hikeable… it’s going to be heavier than I’d like, but the bead work is excellent, and it’s worth caring for, while making sure the beads aren’t left behind as trail trash…

: Gown No.4 Front with Straps on

: Gown No. 4 Back W/O straps

: Gown No. 4 Back W/Straps

: Gown No.4 w/o Straps

: Gown No. 4 – Dead End

Also posted in Gowns & Alterations - kinda stuff, Photography & Art - kinda stuff, You might wanna read this - kinda stuff | Tagged hiking 26, pacific coast trail, Ron Ulrich, wedding dresses | Leave a comment

Gown No.1 – The Original Dumpster Gown.

By RonUlrich | Published February 6, 2012

This is the original ‘Dumpster Gown’ that started this entire adventure. Nearly two years ago I came upon a dumpster up in Canada that was literally overflowing with clothing. My curiosity got the best of me, leaving me with 3 Wedding Gowns, and another large pink frock that I felt the need to rescue.

As i was crossing the border back into the U.S.of A, I was interrogated for ten or fifteen minutes by a border guard about what was in the bag in the back of my truck. At first I explained it was a bunch of Garish Wedding Gowns, which seemed rather inappropriate as the word ‘Garish’ seemed to set off the Guard. He threatened to bring the dogs over, tear the truck apart, he was sure there must be something I was hiding inside that bag. Mental images flashed and anxiety set in as I realized that I would likely be standing next to all of the vehicles passing into the states, as I would stand humiliated outside of my truck, watching the guards pull the gowns out of the bag, making a mockery of me…. Luckily, just as I thought this was actually going to happen… This strong willed, suspicious guard leaned into my truck, with a big smile on his face and said “Garish…. That’s a good word for some of them… I used to be a Wedding Photographer ! Now get on outta here, and have a nice day”

Only in MY world would this crazy coincidence happen…

Fast forward a few months as I backpacked into Hells Canyon with one of the gowns in my bag, and a fast photo shoot with my buddy Tom, and the rest is history… Little did I know then, that I would turn this all into a hike unlike any other…