The first glimmer of a bruised and bleary New Year's Day sun peeked through the drapes, rousing the young cubs from their slumber. A cacophony of tiny claws erupted against the bedroom door, a battle cry demanding adventure in the name of the nascent year. Angela, my ever-resourceful mate, bore the marks of a skirmish fought well against the encroaching hours. With mugs of steaming black potion brewed by the faithful electric beast in the kitchen and a fistful of that wonder drug called aspirin to soothe the throbbing temples, we prepared to face the day's onslaught.
Our newest steed, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 Hybrid, a magnificent iron horse christened "Golgath the Slayer of Miles" by the young ones, awaited outside, a procurement from Heartland Toyota, noble warriors of Bremerton. This marvel, a testament to the ingenuity of the Iron Gods, possesses a dual nature with its 2.4L 4 Cylinder i-FORCE MAX Hybrid engine. It burns the black blood of gasoline, yet harbors a hidden spirit that draws its strength from the very breath of Mother Earth. With a rumble like a contented dragon, the Land Cruiser bore us forth, the rising sun glinting off its gleaming coat of emerald green.
Our quest today was not for gold or glory, nor for land or plunder. We sought TROLLS on this day, mythical beasts slumbering within the emerald embrace of Puget Sound. These were not the fire-breathing dragons of legend, but creatures of whimsy and recycled dreams that were born from the mind of a modern-day bard, Thomas Dambo, a champion against waste and champion for the forgotten treasures hidden within.
We found our first quarry, Pia the Peacekeeper, perched protectively on Bainbridge Island with the assistance of the 12.3-inch Audio Toyota Multimedia touchscreen and Wireless Apple CarPlay® to guide our way. Her form, a colossal sculpture woven from reclaimed wood and discarded trinkets, spoke of harmony and a gentle strength. The young cubs scurried around her mighty legs, their shrieks of delight echoing through the clearing. Angela, ever the scholar, regaled them with tales of Dambo's mission, weaving a tapestry of art, activism, and a second life for forgotten things.
With a reluctant farewell to Pia, we boarded a floating metal beast, its belly churning the salty waters as it ferried us across the Sound. Seattle, a bustling metropolis of steel and glass, awaited. Here, in the heart of Ballard, resided Frankie Feetsplinters, a mischievous fellow with a penchant for causing traffic woes. The Land Cruiser, with its nimble prowess thanks to the Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0, navigated the throngs of human ants with ease, depositing us at the base of the concrete jungle where Frankie held court.
But Seattle boasted an older troll, a relic from a different era. Deep within the leafy confines of Fremont, resided the original troll, a fearsome creature guarding a Volkswagen Beetle. We paid homage to this elder statesman, marveling at his battle-worn form, a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of the city.
Our journey continued eastward, towards Issaquah. The Land Cruiser, with its prodigious appetite for distance, devoured the miles with ease using ECO Mode. Here, amidst the whispering pines, stood Jacob Two Trees, a towering giant holding aloft a house crafted from salvaged wood. Unlike the others, Jacob embodied a connection between man and nature, a reminder of our dependence on the forest's bounty.
As the midday sun reached its zenith, hunger pangs rumbled through our bellies. We found a clearing bathed in sunlight, a perfect haven for a picnic feast. Sandwiches were devoured, stories shared, and laughter echoed through the trees. The trolls, these modern-day guardians, became more than just sculptures; they became companions on this grand adventure.
With renewed energy, we set our sights westward, towards West Seattle. Here, perched upon a hillock overlooking the shimmering Sound, resided Bruun Idun. This mighty woman, adorned with a Viking helmet and shield, stood as a symbol of protection and resilience. The young cubs, inspired by her spirit, climbed upon the rocks beside her, their imaginations painting pictures of epic battles and daring rescues.
One final leg remained in our grand troll hunt. A ferry ride, a symphony of chugging engines and swirling gulls, deposited us upon the shores of Vashon Island. Here, amidst the quiet beauty of the island, we sought Oscar the Bird King. After stopping by Vashon’s famous Bicycle in the Tree, Oscar appeared, nestled within another hidden grove. He was a magnificent creature with outstretched wings who cradled a nest within his chest. He represented the cycle of life and the importance of nurturing the young.
As the final rays of the setting sun dipped below the horizon, we boarded the ferry for the last leg of our journey. The Land Cruiser, bathed in the soft glow of twilight, carried us homewards, a chariot laden with memories. The trolls, these gentle giants, had woven a spell that reminded us of the power of second chances, the beauty of nature, and the importance of family and adventure. Nestled within the warm embrace of the Land Cruiser, with the rhythmic hum of its engine lulling us, we knew this was an adventure we would recount for years to come.
We rolled into the driveway and the Land Cruiser, our faithful steed, settled into a contented purr, its emerald green coat reflecting the twilight sky. The young cubs, exhausted but exhilarated, tumbled out, their faces alight with the glow of adventure.
Angela, ever the pragmatist, began to recount the fuel efficiency of our magnificent beast, marveling at its ability to conquer both city and countryside with equal grace. "Remarkable," she mused, "how these Iron Gods of Toyota have managed to tame both the fire and the wind."
I, however, was lost in contemplation. The trolls, these guardians of forgotten treasures, had awakened something within me. Dambo's art, a testament to the power of creativity and the enduring spirit of the human heart, had left an indelible mark. As I gazed at the stars twinkling above, I realized that our journey was not merely a sightseeing expedition. It was a journey of discovery, a reminder that magic existed not in faraway lands, but in the unexpected corners of our own world.
The Land Cruiser, with its blend of rugged strength and eco-conscious design, mirrored this philosophy perfectly. It was a vehicle that connected us to the earth, while simultaneously propelling us towards the future. It was a symbol of progress, a testament to human ingenuity, and a reminder that we could still find ways to honor the past and nurture the future even in the face of rapid change.
As we drifted off to sleep, the echoes of laughter and the whispers of the wind filled the air. The trolls, I knew, would watch over us, their silent presence a reminder of the magic that lurked just beneath the surface of our ordinary lives. And the Land Cruiser, our faithful companion, would stand ready, its bright eyes gleaming, for the next adventure that awaited.
