A Kiwi Abroad - Interview

I did an interview with Connor Nestor at my flat in Venice Beach about what the hell I'm doing here in the US of A.

You can listen the whole thing here!

A Kiwi Abroad - Episode 4 - Hamish Pinkham

Home Sweet Home - Interview

I recently gave an interview with Air New Zealand's blog for ex-pats living overseas. - Home Sweet  www.homesweetas.com.au

This was originally started as a community for kiwis to connect and networking - be it to share thoughts on All Blacks games or source tickets, recommend local cafes or just exchange experiences.

Here was my interview which will also be up soon on the website Home Sweet As

1.     How did you discover your passion for music and events, and what prompted you follow it as a career?

I grew up at a co-ed school in Napier called Taradale High which can best be described as NZ’s version of Sweet Valley High. It was pretty laid back with free periods and mufti in my last year. It wasn’t the best sporting school but we had a great music program. I learnt to play guitar with my friends and its where my love of music grew.

At University I continued with my music and formed a little covers band called Big Me on Campus that played weekly at the Captain Cook. Was a chance to learn about performing, production and promoting shows.  From there it only gave me the confidence and enthusiasm to organize a bigger party – the first installment of Rhythm and Vines.

I had been studying law at the time but thought the chance to be a promoter would give me some experience to work towards a career in the entertainment industry. I was thinking of using my legal training to become a music lawyer, or work for MTV or Universal Music. Instead my own venture took me on my own path into the music and events industry, one I am still following today.

2.     The grapevine told us R&V started out as a small ‘summer party’ idea… when did you realize its full potential to be NZ’s number one new years event? Was there a particular ‘ah-ha’ moment, and if so, what was the feeling?

I think even that initial year we knew we were on to quite a unique recipy. Friends from around NZ coming together from around NZ to celebrate under the bright blue summer sky. It really was an unbeatable combination and made us inspired.

The proceeding years seeing the number grow expotentially while also hosting popular kiwi acts gave us momentum.

In 201o when we sold out all 25,000 tickets with a cutting edge lineup including Pharrell Williams and  we knew R&V was on the map. It felt good to be on the hillside with my fellow founders, popping champagne and enjoying. It only took 8 years haha

I have always thought the fact the festival is held in the first city in the world to bring in the new year is our unique selling proposition. It has the potential to be world reknown and you can’t take that way from us! 

3.     Who have been your inspiration and/or mentors throughout the process of making R&V world famous? How did they help you and your business grow?

Initially my friend Andrew’s Dad Dean mentored us. He helped us set up a business structure, budgets, and advice on how to approach deals with artists, sponsors, media partners. It was an important part of our formation to have his guidance and experience to give us confidence to pursue our vision.

Then we started surrounding ourselves with a number of event experts. I learnt loads of each one, and many are still involved today. From production, artist liaison, marketing – we weren’t scared to bring in some of the best people in their field. One particular Paxton Talbot was a great inspiration in giving us the confidence to turn our one day summer party into a three day world class style experience complete with international touring acts, camping and creative national media campaigns.

We have an independent board as well who have been great mentors. Entertainment lawyer Chris Hocquard and entreprenuer Dallas Fisher have bough some governance, accountability to the company, along with years of wisdom and experience. They ask the hard questions and keep us in line with our business plan and goals.

On a big picture scale of inspirational kiwis, I’ve always been impressed by Peter Jackson. Running a world class business here in his own back yard, and making the whole world sit up and take notice. And use best practice and leading creative ideas while doing it. That is something I’ve strived to do with R&V and Rhythm Group.

4.     What’s the best thing about festivals in NZ compared to other places in the world? Is there anything that sets them apart - making them special for you?

I think the crowds in NZ are unique. Not only are we passionate music lovers and fans, we also get loose and enjoy our selves. I have been to concerts and festivals all over the world and I don’t think I have seen a crowd as boisterous and energetic as kiwi crowds. The artists notice and love it too.

Our locations are stunning as well. Green rolling amphitheaters, near the water, vineyards, surrounded by mountains. I know our locations are stunning and we strive to deliver world class events in world class settings. For us the venues are our headliner.

5.     We hear you booked a one-way ticket to L.A? What promoted the move and what’s keeping you busy over there?

After celebrating the 10 year anniversary with my business I decided to do some travelling and spent a couple of months in LA. I was uniquely charmed by the city and lifestyle here. I find it very creative, progressive with a very positive outlook. Along with fantastic weather, proximity to the beaches and a rich entertainment history.

I decided to make it my new home so applied for the O1 visa for ‘exceptional aliens’ which gives me three years here. I booked a ticket here in April and here I am in a new chapter of my life.

This past 6 months I’ve really just been settling in.  Networking and getting a lay of the land, how the city works. I’ve been trying to meet as many people as possible and establish a good contact base. It is inspiring hearing different stories of what people are up to. From hospitality, fashion, events, there are people doing cool stuff.

I’ve been working on my own music too with my new project Black White Dynamite and releasing our debut EP.  I also have some irons in the fire with some new business projects so along with keeping an eye on the NZ festivals, I look forward to continue to establish myself in this market.

6.     Is there anything you really miss from home being overseas? (Family aside). 

Decent coffee. And brunch. At the same location. Being here has really made me appreciate the café culture in NZ.  They have great diners and great coffee shops but not often in the same breath.

Other than that LA seems to have it all. Except maybe only taking 10 mins to get across town….

7.     What’s one thing that makes you proud to be a Kiwi (other than music)?

I think our scenery. The picturesque setting in NZ is unlike anywhere else I have been.

It is special to have our festivals nestled in between some of this most stunning country side. Namely the beach and vineyards of Gisborne, and the mountains and lakes of Wanaka.  I love it when I meet people and show them photos or footage of our festivals. It is the environment that blows them away and something I’m really proud of.

8.     Is there a kiwi musician you would really like to work with (past or present), and why?

I really admire and respect Warren Maxwell. I actually asked him to produce an album for my band Blackbird but he was too busy with his own projects.

He’s inspiring in the fact h has been in a number of leading kiwi bands – Trinity Roots, Fat Freddys Drop and then Little Bushman. The later band particular love with its influences rooted in the Jim Hendrix, Doors, Bob Dylan sound I grew up being inspired by.

Warren’s currently running a venue north of Wellington and has been a great servant and asset to NZ music industry.

9.     Any small piece of advice for an aspiring Kiwi entrepreneur? (music related or not)

You are only as strong as your network so get out there and meet as many people as possible. Both here and abroad. Never think you are above anyone and treat everyone with equal respect.

Black White Dynamite

I was asked a few questions about my new band Black White Dynamite by The Audience Magazine around my new track - Build Me Up - and the history around the band.

What does BWD mean?

Black White Dynamite. Our original drummer James Goodhue and I are from Hawkes Bay - where the rugby team - the Magpies are the hometown heroes. Holders of two prestigious Ranfurly Shield reigns, one more prominant than the other. We grew up with the folklore of the mighty Magpies who wore black and white hoops. One chant yelled from the bank at McLean Park was ‘ Black White Dynamite!’ with a few expletives lined up in there. So the name was a nice homage to our Hawkes Bay roots.

Kyle Bell our bassist is from ‘the fake Bay’ - the Bay of Plenty - so didn’t get a look in. He might have suggested ‘The Steamers’ which just doesn’t work in my opinion…

BWD was also nice segaway out of Kyle and I other band Blackbird, which had more of a kiwi folk sound. And reference to musical heroes of mine the White Stripes. With the dynamite it adds a bit of energy and swagger…...sssssss boom!

Build Me Up has been in the song bank for a minute now, how does it feel to finally put it out?

Build Me Up - Black White Dynamite

Its been really satisfying. Especially since I wrote the song over 10 years ago now.   I had the vision for the song initially when I was listening to the White Stripes. It loved the bass riff of Seven Nation Army and the chant that would accompany it. The way it would keep a monotonous rhythm and then build into a thrashing chorus.

Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes

I want to create something similar. The riff I stumbled upon has a more a hypotinc, marching pace but I’m hoping it will be just as effective. Especially when played in a live sense.

I like the idea of soft and heavy song which is what Nirvana was built on too. It is one of Kurt Cobain's signature moves you can hear in Smells Like Teen Spirit. Simple melodic verses before unleashing hell in the chorus.

Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana

What is the song about?

The song is about coming out of a relationship and things crashing back down to earth.

Any relationship - be it love, business, friendship is built up like constructing a house or any building. Step by step the past is buried under foundations, trust is built up, things are forgiven and added towards the creation of something real and lasting.  Your partners are in essence builders who construct the relationship with you.

And in an instance it can be torn away leading to bricks, walls, materials all come crashing down as a relationship ends.

You have such a theatrical and emotive voice that really tells a story in Build Me Up. Who are you biggest vocal influences?

Thank you. I really feel I have a kind of alter ego when singing this song and others I wrote for this band. I really wanted to lose myself in the role as singer and write songs I could really express myself in. That's rock and roll after all!

From a performance perspective there are two notable inspirations. Jack White and Jim Morrison. Jack’s wacky and original rock alterego that we know as errr Jack White.

And Jim Morrison's poetic swagger that made him an original rock god. From just down the road from my current home in Venice nonethless.

I also think Robert Plant from a lyrical perspective as well but I’m not even going to attempt to try and emulate him from a vocal perspective.

What do you think about the current state of guitar music?

Good question. I don’t think there has been one band that is leading the charge out of an industry that is dominated by likes of EDM and Pop and too a lesser extent hip hop.

It has been good to see the Arctic Monkey finally realise their potential as the best band of their generation. Jack White also with his new album and the ability to headline festival shows. Muse are still the leading live act in the world and the Black Keys have crossed over to mainstream appeal. Figureheads like Dave Grohl and Josh Homme have also been doing a stella job holding the fort for some time. There are others flying the flag like Kasabian and to a lesser extent the Vaccines and the 1975 but just haven’t got the x Factor to turn the heads of the masses.

I expect in the next year we will see a new movement. Two leading rock movements in the last few decade have come about out of the ashes of crazy, outlandish scenes that had overgrown themselves and their popularity. Nirvana and grunge grew as a direct undergound reponse to the pomp and cheese hair rock of acts like Motely Crew, Guns and Roses and Poison.

Then the likes of the Stokes, the White Stripes and Kings of Leon came out of a heavy commercial pop time at the turn of the millenium, dominated by the likes of Robbie Williams, Britney Spears and NSYNC.

You could also say Punk was the antithese as Disco as well so there you go. After any storm comes a rainbow or what ever that saying is...

Expect a big backlash in the next few years to the circus that is EDM, and the souless commercial pop that in one minute out the next.  I expect it to be rocks rule the earth again and BWD hopes to play some part of this change. Bands like Royal Blood are already paving the way....

Royal Blood - Little Monster

You’re currently based in California do you have plans to play & work on music there?

It is nice to be in a legendary music city such as Los Angeles. The history of bands coming here to record play has definately inspired me. The Doors, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Guns and Roses, and all the deals, recordings and memorable performances that have been done here over the years. It really is the most important music capital of the world.

My band are still in NZ so at the moment it at the moment I’m just working just finising the EP, and creating / building our digital assests frm my Californian base. Im looking to network with as many people as possible in the industry to sieze opportunties in all aspects be it live or recorded space.

So yes it will be great to at least network, meet other musicians and be inspire with being in such a creative and dynamic hub.

Light the wick you could say!

LA Flakes

flake

n. An unreliable person; someone who agrees to do something, but never follows through.

One thing I have definitely come across during my time here is Flakes. People make plans, then they change on you. Sometimes leaving you high and dry, definitely leaving you a little unsettled and weary of the relationship going forward. If you chose to continue one of course.

Now I have been known to some aspects of being a flake in my time. I'm an entreprenuer and sometime not the most structured person. I often don't have a routine, and have a number of projects on the go at once. I sometimes find it hard to say no to things.  I am lucky to have lots of friends and opportunities presented to me that I often juggle. In fact, I thrive in trying to do a number of things at once.

So yes I have been known to overcommit, 'drop a few balls' and sometime have an oversight for detail. And yes I would end up getting criticized for not doing this or that, often when I would achieve a great deal else. I would get called selfish and unreliable. See NZ is a structured place. It is quiet and relatively easy. People want a firm answer on your commitment, and then would rely on you to deliver or meet expectations.

So I just stopped committing to things. Sorry I just can't commit to chipping in for a weekend away in Raglan next month.  Not sure what else might be on that I may be at. And I'm not going to buy tickets to that gig as I don't know where I will be. And I can't say yes to that trip overseas later in the year. Can't plan that far ahead.  I would just decided at the last minute where I wanted to be, with whom, doing what.

Then you start getting a hard time for not committing to things. You stand outside the box and don't follow the crowd.  People then don't invite you to things. You are seen as waiting for the better option. So you are damned if you do, damned if you don't.

But at least you are not overcommitting and not following through on something.

Anyway in LA you get a LOT of Flakey people. People just don't give you straight answers, they make commitments they can't keep or sometimes just plain disappear on you!

There are a number of reason for people not following through. The sheer size of the city means you often can't do everything you intend to. You can really only do one thing at a time because of the travel time to get anywhere.  So often you get thing changed on you last minute, which is fine.

There are loads of options too. Gigs. Visitors. Parties. Movie Screenings. The place is going a million miles an hour! It might be hard to commit to a date later in the week when you may have drinks to go to, or you are waiting on a job offer, or hearing back on a friend in town. So you say yup sounds good and then confirm on the day, if at all.

They also say in LA you never have a bad meeting. You leave feeling positive with the outcome, having agreed on something or leave things open to follow up on.  The doors of opportunity ajar if you like.  People don't like to burn bridges or close doors - if table turn they can always come back and say 'hey I thought we had something going here!' Keep a number of pots warming on the stove you could say.  Sometimes people will see you as a favour for a friend or client with no intention of following through with anything. But they still greet you with a warm smile and a promise to be in touch.

So with all of this busy, noncommittal flakey environment people in LA seem to just make plans on the understanding that they are not confirmed until the day (or even hour) of them happening.  I guess nothing is ever confirmed until it is actually taking place! Which is fine if you know the rules and manage your own expectations, and your own potential to flake on someone else in the meantime.

I had first experienced it when I arrived wide-eyed bushy tail off the plane and met a lovely Texan girl my first week here. She was stunning, an outgoing TV presenter and had a unique wild side to her that I was charmed about. We exchanged numbers and planned to meet up again. There was lots of good chat but it all seemed a bit fluffy. So I said why don't we meet up for coffee. How about dinner she said? Seemed like a sure sign that we were going to lock in some plans. I suggested we grab some dinner and go to the basketball in a couple of days time. I text her the next day to arrange ticket and didn't hear back from her.  Immediately I felt something odd. She then text saying to wait on buying tickets as she was coming down sick, had some filming to day and would make a call on the day.  I wasn't going to commit until I had a commitment from her so I flagged. I text her later in the week and no word either. She had disappeared.

To see her pop up on social media the next week with her boyfriend made me laugh. An Aussie as well. Please!!!

I have had some interesting experiences calling out flakes.  My first week here (around the time I was getting the run around from the Texan) a UK contact of mine emailed me saying ' lets do beers this week!'. So I said fine - what about Thurs? He said how about Friday? Sure. I left it with him to confirm the place and time. Then I followed up with him on the day. 'We still doing beers? Where abouts?' Nothing came back.

After the weekend I got back in touch. 'Did you just do a classic LA flake to me?' I asked. He immediately responded with a humble British apology and arranged a time to reconvene the next day. 'I didn't know it was locked in sorry mate' he said. Didn't know? I must have hit a sore spot as he shouted me brunch at West Hollywood hot spot Cecconis where he passed on some worldly LA advice, especially around girls, who as I had found out were especially flakey.

This technique of calling out flakes turned on me though.  I got chatting to lady at the bar one night and told her I was in the music festival space. She excitedly said it was my lucky day! She happened to be best friend with one of the managers at Goldenvoice who are Coachella's promoters! How convenient! We exchanged details and she promised to make an introduction.  She then spoke about herself for the next 10 minutes about had saying how she was VP of the Wall Street Journal for 10 years and her Dad was David Bowie's manager. And her name was Ziggy Stardust.  Righto then!

So I text her the next day saying thanks nice to meet you, with my bio and a polite reminder to make the intro.  Nothing. I text her again later in the week.  Nothing.  By the end of the week I was becoming impatient. So I threw out the cheeky 'Did you just do an LA flake on me' just to incite response.  Hey it had worked before right? And after all - she was flaking on me!

Well it appears Americans don't seem to get a piss take, or at least don't like to get the piss taken out of them. Or at least getting called out. Well no one does do they.  She went right off her rocket at me saying 'try not to be a dick to someone who is trying to pull you a favour'. I apologised immediately and said I was having her on and at least this got me a response. She said she had no interest in helping me further. I asked if she was overreacting and she gave me a serve about 'its not my job Mr Pinkham to make calls on your behalf on the timeframe YOU designate'. Given her delay in getting back to me, her unnecessary defensive tone to my question of her being a flake (she could have said yes?) and her lack of acceptance of my apology, my assumptions were indeed correct. I guess the truth hurts sometime.

Now a short break to listen to one of my favourite songs by Jack Johnson. I didn't know that the song is about someone flaking on you. Probably a girl. 'It seems to me that maybe, pretty much always means no.....'

Flake - Jack Johnson

The other cultural difference I have experienced is around manners. Now overall Americans are polite. They go out of their way to be friendly and assertive. Especially in hospitality due to the tipping culture. Although I still haven't worked out why you get amazing services at restaurants but you have to pick up your own coffees from the cafes?

Hollywood as I'm learning might be a different story. We all know the character of Ari Gold off Entourage. Rude, obnoxious, yelling obscenities to staff and client alike to get results.

Entourage - The Best of Ari Gold

But I've dealt with some of the top agents in the music industry, mainly out of London. This is not how they behave. They are firm and direct, but normally always responded with a 'Best' or ' Kind Regards'' even if it is at the regards of a simple stern direction or response. Manners are paramount, business is about relationships after all.

Well I was doing a favour for a leading entertainment lawyer here who was looking for a kiwi band for a conference he was involved with. After going out of my way to find some options for him he responded with a 'GET ME THE CONTACT'. I was slightly taken back so I responded with' Please?.' He came back '????????'.  I don't think he understood my point. All I was wanting was a bit of respect. And appreciation for my gesture. This is what manners are after all. An acknowledgement.

I passed on the contact and was very tempted to spell it out for him 'Please Hamish can you provide the contact, thanks'. I'm not his bloody PA - I am a potential client and or business partner! Our dealings left me with a sour taste in my mouth.

I have since understood though it is a cultural difference. People here move fast, talk fast, act fast. They want results and they want it now! They sometimes don't have time for niceties. So that goes both ways then surely? Which is exactly the reason I got confused when it took so long for Ziggy Stardust to get back me re Goldenvoice! #flake!

So there are definitely a few things to learn about how this city and its' dealings works.  Overall I'm trying to be better communicator and be clear with my commitments. If you can't make something just say so. Don't over commit. If you might still come to something, then just say that. Be honest. Thats all I think people want. Or at least deserve.

And I've got no qualms about calling people out. It is a question after all not an accusation.

And anyway, you can't out-flake a flake!

The Transporter

Last week I had an eventful experience while tasked with towing a trailer full of sailing gear up to Santa Barbara.

I was introduced to an Aussie friend of a friend James who had just arrived in LA via his yacht business. James was based at Marina Del Ray for a couple of weeks and was responsible for getting the sleek Farr40 racing yacht ready for its wealthy owner to compete in number of regattas up and down the California coast. I said I would be keen for some cash work so Monday morning I arrived bright and early at the docks just near my house. We spent a couple of days in the sun getting the boat prepared. Unpacking sails, loading removing old branding to the trailer, scrubbing the deck and loading the boat for its journey up to Santa Barbara for the regatta the following week. It was pretty menial labour of which I hadn't done for some time but it was nice to be outside and be involved.

On the Wednesday the plan was for James and his first mate Kieran sail the boat up on its 10 hour journey to Santa Barbara, while I would transport the trailer full of gear via the Pacific Coast Highway. This was not just any old trailer - at 20 feet it more a horse float, complete with shelves for the sails, a work bench and desk.  We spent the morning finding a suitable truck to tow it, getting groceries and calling into the bank. It was midday by the times James. Before he left he asked 'You have driven a truck towing a trailer before haven't you?'. Ummm....

Now I'm not the most practical man. Sure I can play the guitar, rig a sound system and cook for a dinner party but when it comes to hands on nuts and bolts I haven't had that much time at the crease. Even at my music festivals I stay clear of any hands-on leaving this to more experienced event operators and contractors.  But hey driving is pretty straight. 'Just go wide on the corners. And take your time!' was the last thing James said as he began his journey about midday.

I spent then next few hours of the day running around doing some final jobs. I had to go down to Long Beach to pick up some sails. I asked the sail maker if there was anywhere to grab some lunch. He suggested the deli around the corner Santa Fe Importers. The place was packed as I entered, with a line that curled around the store. I asked grumpy, italian guy at the counter what he recommended and he suggested the hot meatball sub.

Santa Fe Importers

Now my mouth always waters when I watch my favourite movie 'Point Break' and Angelo asks Johnny Utah to pick him up a couple of meatball subs. We just don't have them in NZ. It would surely set me up for my big drive ahead.  The meatballs were juicy and warm, smothering the corners my mouth with spicy tomato sauce as I navigated my way back up the 405, peering over the traffic in my kick ass Ford Truck.

On my way back I grabbed a trailer adaptor from a motor stor in a city Hawthorne which was adjacent to the Marina. It had a quaint, middle america feel, but with dollar stores and industrial building supplies next to disused clothing outlet stores. It felt like LA used to be your could say. Not quite deepest darkest Compton or Inglewood but felt like not the kind of place you would want to be after dark. Still I found my adaptor, another tick off the list.

I arrived back at the ship yard with a full belly and a spring in my step ready for the challenge ahead Some of the staff at the shipyard helped me get the trailer on. It certainly was heavy and weighed down. It took a fair bit of grunt from my truck to get momentum and the trailer bounced to attention, following my lead through the boat yard amongst the shiny, berths.

I set off on my adventure. Getting to the turn off on to the entry onto the PCH. I took the corner wide as I recall James suggesting, hugging the curb as I came into the entry. Perfect.

Bang! I heard a loud noise as the trailer jolted and bounced behind me. I feared straight away I had a flatty. The trailer wobbled to the side as I began heading down the hill towards PCH. Traffic wizzed by me as I slowed up to prevent any further.  Luckily in front of me I saw a clear stretch of pavement where four or so carparks were tucked in front of an apartment block. I pulled up to the short and straddled the truck and trailer on the curb, leaving just enough room to get back on the road if I needed to. I flicked on the hazards lights and dismounted to survey the damage. Yup sure enough the tyre was gone, along with a slight kink in the wheel. I must have hit the curb.

I looked at my watch. 4pm. It was about an hour until rush hour started. Was there a spare tyre in the trailer? If there was it would be buried deep amongst all the sailing gear. Roadside assistance? Pretty sure I had registered for some on my car policy. I tried to call my insurance broker but the call kept dropping, due to being tucked in under the hill. My heart was pounding at all the decisions I was trying to make. And I had about an hour until rush hour started. The traffic would pick up and the tenants of the apartment block would soon be home.  My phone was on 18% battery and I couldn't get reception where I could charge it in the truck. Fck!

I thought I better let James know. I ran up the hill to better reception and luckily got hold of him out on the boat.  He confirmed there was no spare tyre in the trailer. Being the cool calm experienced man her suggested the idea of getting to a safer place.  I knew the stretch of PCH in front of me was about 1 or 2 kilometers or so before I hit any real service center at the Pacific Palisades. I did of course have one tire in tact. I tried my luck getting both beasts off the curb and got back on the entry towards to the motorway. I began hobbling down PCH. Every now and then the trailer would wobble, and make a hell of a noise. I almost expect an axel to drop and hit the road any minute.  Cars beeped as the sped past me, some drivers yelling obscenities for holding up the traffic. Up ahead of me the road was narrowing as summer road works were taking place.

Finally I saw the service center up in front of me. The forecourt was small and busy, packed with cars lineup for the pumps. Not ideal for a truck carrying a handicapped trailer.  In an almost last gasp I pulled up on the curb directly outside the petrol station. To close it seems as the wheels jimmies up against the curb. A stunning woman in a black Audi stared down her moviestar-like nose as I bounded out of the truck to see just how close I was to to the curb.  I was soon on the phone to track down my insurance broker and thus roadside assistance.

In the meantime a middle aged surfer man pulled into the forecourt and offered to help. Not unlike a weathered Donavan Frankenreiter, this Tom guy was a deadset California legend.  He had seen me trundling down PCH and thought I was a comendable, brave man for trying to get clear of highway traffic. Most people he said would've just parked up on the side of the road, blocking incoming traffic and call for roadside assistance. Well I would too if I could have got hold of them! He helped me survey the dented wheel and gave me his advice. He had a jack and suggested we could set the trailer free and find a new tire. Easier said than done as I tried to shimmy the trailer away from the curb as cars flew at breakneck speeds next to me. The edge of the trailer dragged along as my nose stuck out to on coming traffic. Now I had a new problem.

A mexican man at the pump saw my failed attempts to pull the trailer (note. with a flattie) away from the curb and offered his services. He seemed excited by the challenge. 'I do zis for a living maaaan!' he said, rubbing his hands together. Him and Donavan communicated like basketball strategists in dragging the trailer out while I kept on the phone to roadside assistance. Finally got hold of them and they said I would need a destination before they would send a tow truck.  I called my mechanic who gave me a couple of tyre mechanics to try. Given it was now 5pm I was put on hold, or told the wheels were too big. Calling James again he suggested I park it around the corner.  There surely was no way I would find a stray park for a Ford Truck and a 20 ft trailer in the swanky neighbourhoods of the Pacific Palisades!

My only option would be to tow it back to the ship yard where I had begun my journey. Tomorrow would be a new day, I could get a new wheel. James even had a sailor arriving who could attempt the delivery. I called the roadside back and said we would take it back to Marina Del Ray. 'Thank you sir we will get that underway. Please be aware it will be $350 and you will then have to make a claim back. Cash or Credit?'. Arrrrggggggg!

My mexican friend had however slowly inched the truck forward, and the wheel away from the curb. Cars continued to beep as we still held up one lane, the one turning right. He inched forward to the next free curb clear enough away to survey the damage. Sure enough the wheel was damaged and Donovan confirmed it would require a new wheel not just a new tyre. It was at this stage his wife was calling him home for dinner and he left me to it. What a dude.  I was very grateful to have his moral and technical support.

I sat huddled in my truck ignoring the beeps and obscenities yelled by backed up traffic as I waited for the tow truck.  With his little ute with a crane on the back there was no way he would be putting it on the back. But he was confident he could find a tyre though and after putting out a road cone out to warn passing traffic we headed back up the hill. He made a few calls but had the same issues as me - either being put on hold or told there was no way of getting a trailer tyre at this time of night.

We ended up back at the marina at a service center just as the place was closing! Argh. Luckily the security let us in and the manager found us the tyre we needed.

$230 later we were back down the hill, along the motorway the truck. I was half expecting it to be gone with the luck I was having. The towie changed the tire and all appeared to be solved.  On inspection of the flat tyre we saw that one side was completely bald. Potentially a reason the trailer had slid out, or at least more prone to burst.  The towie said I was lucky that it had burst when it did rather than on an open stretch of road and was not safe to be going long distances. This made me feel slightly better!

Given I now had a fresh tyre and was already on my way I made the decision to keep going north. I made my way slowly up the PCH. Once I got passed Malibu the traffic subsided and I had space to plod along at my own pace.  It was near midnight when I pulled into Santa Barbara and headed to the Marina. The car park was quiet and empty. James confirmed just to find a space and drop it off. I was lucky to stay at my friend Sam's place that night, sleeping safe and sound knowing the cargo was delivered as promised. A transporter always delivers!

I woke up in the morning to a text from James saying he would need the truck to move the trailer. But on arrival it was already moved by the efficient spot. We were able to catch up have a quick recap laugh about the previous days turn of events.

Overall it was a character building afternoon.  It definitely tested my problem solving skills, along with improving my practical ones. The 'time at the crease' I was after you could say. I was impressed actually with how calm and considered I had been given the circumstances, even though my heart was jumping out of my chest at time.

It also showed me that no matter how comfortable you are, this city can turn on you in an instant and you need to be prepared for the worst. I was impressed by the assistance of Tom / Donavan Frankenreiter - who I was keeping in touch with and was able to thank for his assistance. The towie also was a legend helping my find a tire at that time of night.  The mexican man disappeared into the dust without me getting to send a follow up thanks. So did the movie star lady in the Audi. James laughed off the incident, and fixed me up for the all the expenses incurred. 'It is what it is' he said. He was probably thankful that nothing serious happened under his remit - to the trailer and or his part time employee. With no contract, insurance, legal working permits for working in that industry, etc etc. I hate to think what could happen in the dark and murky world of the California State Law beaucracy.

Still I got the job done and returned in one piece. The transporter always delivers.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained!