As always, we had a real normal one here on Dawnguard.
Things didn't so much get weird as start weird and never stop, as Ashley called out at 6:04am. 4 minutes! We got 4 minutes in!
We learned about maccha from Jared of Jagasilk! (Where you can get a 10% discount on all maccha purchases during the run by using the code desertbus2025, just sayin'.)
But then, being us, we of course had to play coffee pong with the maccha. Loser has to drink maccha? Well in that case, let's fight to lose fastest!
We took on the Hide-n-Seek challenge. Liz can't believe she got found so quickly!
And "Mommy" Ashton invaded engineering. He's incorrigible!
Maybe that's why engineering staged a rebellion and walked off set? Team, we're sorry! We love you and we owe you everything!
They seemed amenable to bacon-based bribery... despite some troubles with delivery.
And we're pretty sure not even the people involved really know what this all about.
Or this.
But we know there will be consequences, and we're ready to face them... tomorrow. For now, we rest. Game on, Alpha Flight!
This triangle-shaped Dragon Tail Shawl will declare to the world "I love dragons and I want everyone to know it!" Which they should know, because dragons are rad and so is this shawl.
Make this bold statement be yours by donating $6.33 (or multiples thereof) before 11:30am PT!
What's your auction strategy? Do you come in high at the start in the hopes of driving off all other competitors? Maybe inch it up one bid at the time and wear away your opponents' will? Or perhaps you're one of the infamous snipers, waiting and watching only to spike the bid with a decisive final drop?
Whatever your method, the items in this silent auction demand your most thought-through approach. You have 8 hours (ending at 6pm PT) to secure your prize!
Custom Chess Set: Neo-Classical Vs Retro-Future
This 3D-Printed chess set has been set with felt and made with tournament size pieces, so you could take it to your next chess tournament and let 'em all know that you are the coolest chess player in the room.
Nier: Cross Stitch Sampler
This absolutely can continue! Inspired by NieR: Automata, this cross-stitch brings your favorite memories of experiencing existential dread at the hands of a video game right into your home.
Sometimes you just need to get away from it all... but don't let this piece get away from you! We are running a LIVE AUCTION for the Run Away Together Cross Stitch starting right now on Twitch!
Log on, make sure your donor account is linked, and get bidding in the chat!
Update: Going, going, GONE to KeenKrill for $7,878.78! Congratulations on your new frog and otter friends!
Yaaaaawn! What a morning, huh? Hard to get started sometimes amirite? Well, this ceramic French press set will make it a little easier! Plus, its Dawn Guard inspired colors will remind you of your favorite guardians of the early morning and perhaps inspire you to play coffee pong to the bafflement of your co-habitants and/or co-workers.
Donate $8.58 or multiples thereof before 9:50am PT for a chance to win!
Find your peace and shed your fatigue by brewing fresh maccha from our longtime bus friends, Jagasilk! This calming drink singlehandedly transformed our coffee maccha pong from a fierce head-to-head battle into a gentle co-op experience.
Let it do the same for you by donating $6.20 (or multiples thereof) before 8am PT for a chance to bring this whole maccha-making kit home with you!
Be sure to also check out the Jagasilk website and use code desertbus2025 for 10% off their maccha during Desert Bus!
For our second art challenge of Zeta, we asked you to design a Desert Bus shift themed dream date, and the outfit we'd need to wear on it. And we had so many options to go steady with. Eventually, though, we decided on exactly which date was best for us!
Thank you Wizard for this fantastic art of our Zeta roller skating date! Keep an eye out for an email from our prize team and update your donor profile!
We have one more art challenge for Zeta shift this year, so if you haven't won, don't lose hope! Just keep an eye out, and sharpen your colored pencils!
We would like to thank one of our long-time supporters here at Desert Bus for Hope, JagaSilk!
JagaSilk was created (and is operated and owned) by Miyuki and Jared Nyberg. The adventure began in the summer of 2005, making deliveries from the public transit system.
"Importing maccha began with a little knowledge and a kernel of an idea. As the owners of JagaSilk, we have since been able to visit the tea garden where we import our organic maccha from, have our very own car (lol) and have had the opportunity to work with some very inspiring individuals and places. We hope to remain connected to our roots here in Victoria, BC, while exploring the world. We shall see where this journey takes us."
Jared and JagaSilk have been long time friends of the bus, visiting and gracing us with his maccha knowledge, gifting us the tea and caffeine to keep us going, and donating another amazing prize pack. Thank you again Jared and the entire team behind JagaSilk!
Last night on Zeta, we played Mystery Date, and seemed to always get the dud. You know what doesn't have a dud? Desert Bus for Hope! We were inspired by our time playing for tonight's art challenge!
We'd like to see what shift of your choice would look like as a dream date, but that's not all. You can't go on your date if you aren't ready, so also include what outfit pieces you'd need to go out!
To enter, we're asking for an image of your dream date, and all three outfit pieces you need to go on that date. Send your entry by 4:30am PST to contest@desertbus.org to enter, and make sure it's in png, jpg, gif, or tif format. PLEASE NOTE: AI entries will be disqualified.
The winner will be announced on the stream and on the blog, and will receive a Desert Bus for Hope loot box!