This is Sandra, Marilyn and Amber --
We have reserved time at The Boat House in Nice for Sunday afternoon, July 26th, 3:00 - 7:00. It is a NO-HOST party. Come by and congratulate Arnold on his amazing achievement!
We will provide some appetizers, but if you are hungrier than that, The Boat House has a full menu of food and bibes :-)
We know it's short notice, but Arnold is really making tracks on home!! He should be here late tonight or sometime tomorrow. We'll crack the whip over Arnold to get his pictures ready to share. I'm sure they'll be fantastic and really add to his stories.
We are really looking forward to seeing everyone!
xoxo,
Sandra, Mare and Amber
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Sunday, July 19, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
7-18 Where Am I Now????
Please, Please forgive me (sounds like a song to me) we had so much fun in Saco,Ma. And Old Orchard and I did absolutely nothing. I called my kids and that was about it and I never called the folks I should have but the mystery of the trip still hangs about me and I could not face up to the fact that I did it. We did meet some really great folks there and I will tell more about each of them at another time. We did manage to eat several lbs. of Lobster and did a number on some excellent bibes. Gail made a very cool chef’s cap for Allan, the super chef at the breakfast bar at the KOA where we stayed. He and his wife, Jan, are super folks and I do believe that we have made more life long friends. Jan is into weaving and she let me ‘try’ to so some spinning on the wheel but I’ll tell you now before you start to laugh, I made a terrific mess of things and she did let me keep a bundle of my masterpiece just so I could show the world that them rug makers know something I don’t know, Ha! Ha!. Soooo Muuuch fun we have! But like good wine, things came to an end on Thursday morning and after hugs and tears etc. we got underway at 1100 hrs. After so much rest I was feeling gooooood so I put in 13 hrs of road time and we beat feet to somewhere in Illinois and pulled into a truck stop a zzzddd out. We picked our way across Maine, N.H., Vermont, N.Y., Penn. And almost to Cleveland before my eyeballs cried out, I give!!! 600+mi. At some town in N.Y. we experienced something I had not been in before. It poured down and hail stones the size of golf balls and horrific wind, wind that went east to west. We were on intstate 90 and it was the 5 o’clock hr and the traffic was citified. The storm was so bad that as many cars that could fit under the overpasses just pulled over and parked along the road. We got on thru though after creeping along as fast as some of them ants I saw along the road during the trip and the rest of the day was in cloudy and rainy weather. We beat feet to westeren Iowa,wa,wa and last nite we finally stopped at a rest stop. 800+ miles for day 2 and my butt is feeling it. Bed felt sooo gooood though. Picked up some time too as we started crossing the date lines. Yahoooo! Let her go!!!!!!!!!!!! Skywalker, Skywalker good buddy, sure miss you and love you, should be home in a few days. Over and out.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Can' believe it
Well I was going to sign off for the night but just had to let everyone know that last night it rained on us after we went to bed. Guess what we are having dinner and here it comes again. It think the rainmaker just wants us to remember her. Old Chief over and out.
7-13 Chapter One, Done.
I put off doing the Ocean Ceremony until today as it is now 2 months since I left Lakeport. My cyclometer shows 3,211 miles. Last nite, after we finished crying, we went to Ken’s for the big dinner of Lobster and we toasted several times at camp and at the restaurant. This morning we slept in till 0730 then cleaned up and had strawberry waffles at the campground restaurant. We lazed around till about 12:30 then geared up and set off to do the official ending. We finally found the beach area that would allow us to have Lady on the beach and it turned out to be the same beach that we did our ceremony at while we were here last fall and I think that was too cooooool!!!!! It was 83’ and clear and there were many beachers enjoying the day but we went ahead and I rode my bike up the street and Gail got the camera set and so we have the last digit on record. I have been able to keep my cool so far, but again I think that I have not fully felt the ride is done. As I talked with my girls yesterday, I had a very hard time to keep from crying like a baby and I feel the same now. The messages I have gotten from some of you are just so awesome and I will still have to reach deep down inside to come up with the right and honorable response. We will stay in this KOA until Thursday morning before we start west and as each day goes by I will still comment on the blog so all can keep up with us as we head for home. Two different couples talked with us as we were at the beach and the one couple is also at the KOA but we have not seen them as of yet. The young couple we met as we were leaving the beach was very interested in what we were doing and we talked for quite awhile. Tim is a teacher and has taught around the Chicago area for seven years but now going to Law School in Portland, Ma. He is a tri-athlete and is training to do an Iron Man tri later this summer. He was interested in what I have done and hopes to do the same thing at some point in his life. Bridgett is from the Chicago area also and they both were so glad to have left the city life behind and now live in Portland. We will remain in touch thru the internet. Bless both of you and may your dreams become realities. We went to Bailey’s for the Lobster and Gail came out with a arm full and so the evening meal will undoubtedly be Lobster, French bread and Downhill Dave Bibes. Thanks Dave. Words are sure hard to find right now so for this evening, good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite, if they do beat them till they’r black and blue, love you, see you in the morning!!!! Skywalker, Skywalker good Buddy, today is the end of the bicycle part of this journey and I am looking forward to seeing you when I get home. Love you and miss you, over and out.
7-12 Are We There Yet?????
The morning at Hillsboro was warm and humid but clear and I was very slow at getting up and out. We fiddled around and took a short walk around part of the grounds. The parade was starting to form downtown and we escaped as the folks were lining up along the parade route. I think that in my heart I was seeing the end of this great ride and I was a little reluctant to face up to it. Flashes of the trip went thru my mind again and again like clips in a movie. I know now what some of the Old Folks meant when they would talk about the old days and you could see in their eyes the vision that flashed by and they would get tears and get chocked up. I did that very same thing and at times it was hard to just keep from crying. As I write these things down now, I have to keep the Kleenex box close by. I picked up hwy 9 at some point and the remainder of the trip thru New Hampshire was history as there are not that many miles across it and then the traffic got more horrendous as we snaked our way along the narrow and rough roads. We had made reservations at the KOA campground in Saco, Ma. And the road there was very similar to those in Iowa,wa,wa. narrow, rough and to add to it, the traffic was very heavy, fast and unfriendly as people flashed their lights, honked horns and passed on double lines and hills, very much like being in Ca. I had to keep reminding myself that it was a Sunday afternoon and people were going someplace but there were as many going our way(sounds like a song, again)as there were going the other way. The cops were having a field day too as they were out in force and every one we saw was handing out them little yellow tags. Another oddity that we are not used to is a toll road and as I crawled onto interstate 94 we had to pay $1.50 to careen along with hundreds of speeding machines that were hell bent on going somewhere and this was only for 10 miles. I believe that just because we were from Calif. And was towing a trailer every one of them figured us as being out of sink with their world and should be somewhere else instead of being in their way. Just my own thoughts, but I, being an old trucker from the west coast kept my cool and knowing that I have survived the rigors of driving thru Stockton, Ca. was able to peel off the thru-way and landed at the KOA like we knew what we were doing. Wow! Whew! We got parked just across from where we stayed last fall and as things got settled down, I took a short nap and Gail got the lap top into gear. I read over the notes she wrote and told her to go ahead and post it as I was still not ready to accept the fact that I am just a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean. We both had a good cry as she sent the words out to the world. I called my three daughters to let them know that I am ok and that the end is near and I got to talk for quite a while with my good Buddy. He asked if I was going to ride my bike back and when I said no, he said, good then it won’t take you as long to get home. Skywalker, Skywalker good Buddy, I finally made it to the East Coast and tomorrow I will finish my Bicycle Ride Across America. I love and sure do miss you, see ya soon. Over and out.
July 13, 2009 HE ENDURED
ONE JOURNEY ENDS ANOTHER BEGINS
[from Gail]:
How do you say a journey has ended? Is it just because you have reached a destination? What makes that journey end, or does it? Old Chief had traveled over 3000 miles to complete a bike trip that was supposed to be just that. Ride his bicycle across America. Well he did it and it turned out to be more than he thought. But yet it isn’t. He had no expectations on what this trip was going to be except doing the ride. He started out raising funds for the American Cancer Society, World Foundation for HIV, and a local church youth group. Boy it turned out to be that and more. He has since met people he will never forget and hopefully they won’t forget him. He doesn’t know what it means or if he will ever find out but I have seen and heard him. His passion for what he was doing showed all the time. People listened and were not only impressed but I felt the awe from them when he talked about what he was doing. For the past two months we have traveled from California to Maine. The creator challenged him with some of the hottest weather and humidity no person should have to endure and he did. Then there was the wind that would seem to want to push him backwards, that he could count the ants walking on the road. He endured. Then there was the rain, thunder and lighting that was enough to make anyone want to quit. He endured. We traveled the same roads and passed the same scenery yet we both saw different things. At the end of the day we would share what we saw and the pictures we took. Not always the same, but all wonderful. Then he would talk about someone else who was riding in another direction or someone he met and the light in his eyes and the enthusiasm are contagious. He says he doesn’t know if he made a difference or touched anyone else’s life but I know he did. Mine was one of them and I know those he talked to will remember him for a long, long time in the future. His compassion and inner strength shows thru as he talks to people and in his presentations to groups. He will always be on a journey be it just to the park with his grandson Beau or on a trip to Washington to see family his life will always be full and looking for that one thing that will be different and wonderful.
I couldn’t have been prouder of him than when we got to Maine. It made us both cry just to say he did it.
Thank you to all of the wonderful people who were so dedicated to follow the blog, you made him want to do it and it made the trip a blast to do. To those of you who would call on a regular basis even as you followed the blog that always brightened up his day. Hearing from home, family and friends was awesome. To those we or I called at all hours of the day and night to report on something that was a WOW factor to us thanks for answering your phones you made the trip some much fun and it made it like you were here with us.
Again our thanks and love to everyone who followed the blog in any form, you were always on the trip with us and in our hearts.
Today the ceremony of riding the bike into the Atlantic and exchanging the sands will be just as emotional as every thing else on this awesome trip. We have missed our families and friends and will be home before August.
We love you all.
Yes the blog will continue till we get home.
[from Gail]:
How do you say a journey has ended? Is it just because you have reached a destination? What makes that journey end, or does it? Old Chief had traveled over 3000 miles to complete a bike trip that was supposed to be just that. Ride his bicycle across America. Well he did it and it turned out to be more than he thought. But yet it isn’t. He had no expectations on what this trip was going to be except doing the ride. He started out raising funds for the American Cancer Society, World Foundation for HIV, and a local church youth group. Boy it turned out to be that and more. He has since met people he will never forget and hopefully they won’t forget him. He doesn’t know what it means or if he will ever find out but I have seen and heard him. His passion for what he was doing showed all the time. People listened and were not only impressed but I felt the awe from them when he talked about what he was doing. For the past two months we have traveled from California to Maine. The creator challenged him with some of the hottest weather and humidity no person should have to endure and he did. Then there was the wind that would seem to want to push him backwards, that he could count the ants walking on the road. He endured. Then there was the rain, thunder and lighting that was enough to make anyone want to quit. He endured. We traveled the same roads and passed the same scenery yet we both saw different things. At the end of the day we would share what we saw and the pictures we took. Not always the same, but all wonderful. Then he would talk about someone else who was riding in another direction or someone he met and the light in his eyes and the enthusiasm are contagious. He says he doesn’t know if he made a difference or touched anyone else’s life but I know he did. Mine was one of them and I know those he talked to will remember him for a long, long time in the future. His compassion and inner strength shows thru as he talks to people and in his presentations to groups. He will always be on a journey be it just to the park with his grandson Beau or on a trip to Washington to see family his life will always be full and looking for that one thing that will be different and wonderful.
I couldn’t have been prouder of him than when we got to Maine. It made us both cry just to say he did it.
Thank you to all of the wonderful people who were so dedicated to follow the blog, you made him want to do it and it made the trip a blast to do. To those of you who would call on a regular basis even as you followed the blog that always brightened up his day. Hearing from home, family and friends was awesome. To those we or I called at all hours of the day and night to report on something that was a WOW factor to us thanks for answering your phones you made the trip some much fun and it made it like you were here with us.
Again our thanks and love to everyone who followed the blog in any form, you were always on the trip with us and in our hearts.
Today the ceremony of riding the bike into the Atlantic and exchanging the sands will be just as emotional as every thing else on this awesome trip. We have missed our families and friends and will be home before August.
We love you all.
Yes the blog will continue till we get home.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
7-11 Was That Vermont?
This day is for Miranda Cleveland, Spencer’s Sister.
The spot along Hoosick Creek was 5mi. from the N.Y.-Vermont state line on hwy 7 N.E. of Albany. I thought that this road would be quiet and not too much traffic but it turned out to be the busiest little road that we have been on. There were trucks that worked all nite long and the traffic was like Santa Rosa at 3P.M. The shoulders along 7 were very tight and as I pulled up some of the grades, I really sucked it up but the traffic was friendly and pulled over or slowed down. At the Vermont line the shoulder got very wide and smooth and I was able to relax and kick it along. The ups were long and steep and the downs were long and fast. A few times I was able to keep up with the traffic and the looks on their faces made for a good smile and a wave and some finger pointing. At the Vermont line I left hwy 7 and picked up hwy 9 near Bennington, Vt. The trip across the Green Mt. Forest was all up and down and the last long pull was 5 mi from Marlboro up to Hogback Mt. that topped out at 2,400ft. It was a good, long downer from there to Brattleboro on the New Hampshire state line. Across Vermont in no time at all. Wow! This road is the same one we came home on last fall as we left Maine and started west so some of the places were like seeing old friends as we stopped and visited them again. I lifted thru Brattleboro and past Keene as the big roads do not allow bikes on them and at one point we found a very large pull out and decided that it would be a good place to camp out. As we got settled down we noticed that a patrolman was sitting on the road along the pullout and was ticketing the speeders as they zipped down the hill. He tagged at least half a dozen of them as we walked around and then he came over to us and politely informed us that this was a private area and no overniting, Sooooooooo!!! We beat feet on to the city of Hillsboro and found the Oxbow Campground located thru a maze of streets and there was one pull thru left so we settled in for the nite. There is a hot air balloon festival going on this weekend and so the place was very busy. A band was playing somewhere as we settled down and then, of all things, the rain started and then the fire works show started and Lady turned into a vibrating machine as she got all worked up at the noise. As we drifted off to the music of Mr. Cash, thunder crashed and the lightning flashed and Lady was up on the bed with us in one leap. I guess it rained most of the nite but again I missed most of the action, oh well!!!!!!!!!!!
Miranda is a quiet, layed back gal and has everything under control. She is Spencer’s older sister and very organized and neat. She can hike forever and loves the outdoors and the hunting and fishing trips. She has picked up on beading and is into the Native crafts and is ready to start dancing. It is always great fun to be with her and the rest of the family as they really enjoy life. She also loves to kayak and can handle that machine like a pro. A very cool gal. See you next trip.
The spot along Hoosick Creek was 5mi. from the N.Y.-Vermont state line on hwy 7 N.E. of Albany. I thought that this road would be quiet and not too much traffic but it turned out to be the busiest little road that we have been on. There were trucks that worked all nite long and the traffic was like Santa Rosa at 3P.M. The shoulders along 7 were very tight and as I pulled up some of the grades, I really sucked it up but the traffic was friendly and pulled over or slowed down. At the Vermont line the shoulder got very wide and smooth and I was able to relax and kick it along. The ups were long and steep and the downs were long and fast. A few times I was able to keep up with the traffic and the looks on their faces made for a good smile and a wave and some finger pointing. At the Vermont line I left hwy 7 and picked up hwy 9 near Bennington, Vt. The trip across the Green Mt. Forest was all up and down and the last long pull was 5 mi from Marlboro up to Hogback Mt. that topped out at 2,400ft. It was a good, long downer from there to Brattleboro on the New Hampshire state line. Across Vermont in no time at all. Wow! This road is the same one we came home on last fall as we left Maine and started west so some of the places were like seeing old friends as we stopped and visited them again. I lifted thru Brattleboro and past Keene as the big roads do not allow bikes on them and at one point we found a very large pull out and decided that it would be a good place to camp out. As we got settled down we noticed that a patrolman was sitting on the road along the pullout and was ticketing the speeders as they zipped down the hill. He tagged at least half a dozen of them as we walked around and then he came over to us and politely informed us that this was a private area and no overniting, Sooooooooo!!! We beat feet on to the city of Hillsboro and found the Oxbow Campground located thru a maze of streets and there was one pull thru left so we settled in for the nite. There is a hot air balloon festival going on this weekend and so the place was very busy. A band was playing somewhere as we settled down and then, of all things, the rain started and then the fire works show started and Lady turned into a vibrating machine as she got all worked up at the noise. As we drifted off to the music of Mr. Cash, thunder crashed and the lightning flashed and Lady was up on the bed with us in one leap. I guess it rained most of the nite but again I missed most of the action, oh well!!!!!!!!!!!
Miranda is a quiet, layed back gal and has everything under control. She is Spencer’s older sister and very organized and neat. She can hike forever and loves the outdoors and the hunting and fishing trips. She has picked up on beading and is into the Native crafts and is ready to start dancing. It is always great fun to be with her and the rest of the family as they really enjoy life. She also loves to kayak and can handle that machine like a pro. A very cool gal. See you next trip.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
7-10 Mohawk Connection.
This day is for my great nephew, Spencer Cleveland, from Beau.
My sights were set a little high as I overshot the crossroad and had to backtrack just a short distance to hwy 29S. I had remained a good, law abiding citizen and did not cross over the line that the kindly gentleman had reminded me about and at the same time I could not help but think that only a few years ago the Natives could have moved about and enjoyed this great country without this threat of great harm and incarceration and spiritual negation but then I figured, what the heck, this is now and not then so I bit my lip and drifted on down the fine path ahead of me. I read signs that noted that the great armies of the Americans used these old Indian paths and cut the trees down just low enough so that their wagons and cannons could go over them. As I came to the Mohawk Museum and Cultural center along hwy5, just out of Fonda, N.Y. I stopped to visit as Gail and I had stopped their last fall on our way home from Maine but the place was closed. As I clipped up and was ready to leave a little pick up pulled up and a young lady by the name of Amanda Holmes greeted me and we had a long chat about my trip and her connection with the Mohawk Tribe. She is a college student at Tucson, Ariz. And working on her PHD. She works for the Mohawk Tribe for the summer and I hope that she will continue her education before settling down on her dreams As you read this, Amanda, the history will always be there and it is us elders that always push education onto our young ones, so get that education first and the rest will fall into place. Your travels may take you to different places but it all has a purpose. As Gail picked me up in Glenville, we decided to grab a bite at Pasquariello’s, Pub and Restaurant. A taste of some of their beers, some Filet Migon and we talked briefly with Kim and Cathy who both work for a school district. She is a teacher and he is the Director of Maint. Same job I retired from, but we had a good chat and hope them the best. They had their honeymoon in Old Orchard, Maine. Very Cool. We had to boot for several miles before we found a place to stop over. These states are not traveler friendly, for sure. Along a cool little creek again and Skywalker, Skywalker I love you buddy and sure do miss you. Over and out.
My grandson, Beau, whom most of you probably know by now, is a great fan of Spencer and I think that it is mostly because of Spencer’s BIIIIIIIGGGG collection of toys. Beau thinks of Spencer as his most favorite cousin and I can’t blame him cause I think he is pretty cool too. Beau has spent several visits with Spencer over the years and every time that we are going on a trip up north, Beau has to be sure that we are going to visit his most favorite cousin, Spencer. Beau loves you Spencer and so do we. See Ya!
My sights were set a little high as I overshot the crossroad and had to backtrack just a short distance to hwy 29S. I had remained a good, law abiding citizen and did not cross over the line that the kindly gentleman had reminded me about and at the same time I could not help but think that only a few years ago the Natives could have moved about and enjoyed this great country without this threat of great harm and incarceration and spiritual negation but then I figured, what the heck, this is now and not then so I bit my lip and drifted on down the fine path ahead of me. I read signs that noted that the great armies of the Americans used these old Indian paths and cut the trees down just low enough so that their wagons and cannons could go over them. As I came to the Mohawk Museum and Cultural center along hwy5, just out of Fonda, N.Y. I stopped to visit as Gail and I had stopped their last fall on our way home from Maine but the place was closed. As I clipped up and was ready to leave a little pick up pulled up and a young lady by the name of Amanda Holmes greeted me and we had a long chat about my trip and her connection with the Mohawk Tribe. She is a college student at Tucson, Ariz. And working on her PHD. She works for the Mohawk Tribe for the summer and I hope that she will continue her education before settling down on her dreams As you read this, Amanda, the history will always be there and it is us elders that always push education onto our young ones, so get that education first and the rest will fall into place. Your travels may take you to different places but it all has a purpose. As Gail picked me up in Glenville, we decided to grab a bite at Pasquariello’s, Pub and Restaurant. A taste of some of their beers, some Filet Migon and we talked briefly with Kim and Cathy who both work for a school district. She is a teacher and he is the Director of Maint. Same job I retired from, but we had a good chat and hope them the best. They had their honeymoon in Old Orchard, Maine. Very Cool. We had to boot for several miles before we found a place to stop over. These states are not traveler friendly, for sure. Along a cool little creek again and Skywalker, Skywalker I love you buddy and sure do miss you. Over and out.
My grandson, Beau, whom most of you probably know by now, is a great fan of Spencer and I think that it is mostly because of Spencer’s BIIIIIIIGGGG collection of toys. Beau thinks of Spencer as his most favorite cousin and I can’t blame him cause I think he is pretty cool too. Beau has spent several visits with Spencer over the years and every time that we are going on a trip up north, Beau has to be sure that we are going to visit his most favorite cousin, Spencer. Beau loves you Spencer and so do we. See Ya!
7-9 Where The Heck I Am??????
For my old and good friend, Pat Renick, Pomo Renegade.
The fog really got my mind in a spin this day as I changed routes more than once. Poor Gail was very distraught by the time we finally connected in Fairmont shopping center. I eased along hwy 20/5 till they split and I stayed on 20. Then I met Barry and his wife and a friend going the same direction. Barry and I chatted for a time and he gave me some info that I figured would really benefit me so I changed my route again and that’s where the fun began.
I zipped along merrily thinking I was one cool dude on a bike and as I came to the end of 175 I began to think differently. I chanced upon another local biker that as we talked, found out that he had been on several cross country rides and was very familiar with the local routes. After some phone calls, Gail and I got our s?!’ together and just decided to get the heck out of Syracuse but even that was a chore. The detour signs were very poorly placed and as we drifted around the back streets and side streets of somewhere Syracuse, N.Y. we finally bounced on to hwy 81n out of the city. We floated around the east end of Oneida Lake and careened off at exit 32. We were both so upset by then that we decided we needed some lunch to calm the insides and that was a good thing.
After a good time out, I managed to bag a few more miles across hwy 49 and by then it was getting time to hunt for a landing spot so I lifted thru Rome, which turned out to be another fair sized township. Along the way we chanced upon a part of the old Erie Canal and we made a short stopover at the Erie Canal Village and checked it out. That was very cool and we got some history and artifacts and movies and pics and I learned that there are many miles of these old canals and you can ride the old pull trails. In fact, in about another week there is going to be a biiiiggg bike ride from Buffalo to Albany, like 500+ riders. Very cool if I do say so!!!! Turns out to be about a 400 mile trip. WoW!!!
We found a pullout along Hinkley Reservoir and decided to set up camp and as we settled down a very kind member of the New York Port Authorthy reminded us that it was a great sin to step over the railing and onto the Dam Property and we assured him that we were only staying for the nite and had no intention of violating their posted property. Joe talked for a time and told us some stories about his military career and that he trained attack dogs for the service. He said he would let the other patrolmen know that we were here for the nite. Thanks Joe. I am going to try to stay up long enough to see if there will be any lightning bugs as Gail bought me a small net to try and catch some??????? Think I’ll make it??? Tune in for the end of the story.
In 1976 we had a serious water problem on the rez at Big Valley and it was then that I met Pat Renick. We took on the Ca. State Dept. of Health and several other agencies and after a few years we got on the County system and the sewer system. Pat is a most remarkable guy and if it were not for his tenacity and wealth of knowledge, I believe that we would still be living in the dark ages on the rez. We became great friends over the years and he loved to stop by any time and have Judy cook up a big meal. A very robust fella but he could move around the basketball court like a globetrotter and to this day, his big smile lites up the whole room. He had a stroke a few years ago but has been able to continue along life’s journey and he settled in Willits, Ca. and I manage to stop in and visit but not as often as I will in the future. His daughter, Hillary, has a unique history all her own and I hope to cross paths with her again sometime. I knew her as a small child but over the years lost contact with her. Come to find out that she is now connected with one of my relatives from the Yakima Nation. Small World. There are a lot more stories about Pat and I and a few other Native Pushers like Dale Riesling to mention a few and I hope that Pat has written down many of his exploits as they are historic in their own right. We will get them abs this year, Pat, I know this to be true. Kudos Brother!
View Old Chief Bicycles across America in a larger map
The fog really got my mind in a spin this day as I changed routes more than once. Poor Gail was very distraught by the time we finally connected in Fairmont shopping center. I eased along hwy 20/5 till they split and I stayed on 20. Then I met Barry and his wife and a friend going the same direction. Barry and I chatted for a time and he gave me some info that I figured would really benefit me so I changed my route again and that’s where the fun began.
I zipped along merrily thinking I was one cool dude on a bike and as I came to the end of 175 I began to think differently. I chanced upon another local biker that as we talked, found out that he had been on several cross country rides and was very familiar with the local routes. After some phone calls, Gail and I got our s?!’ together and just decided to get the heck out of Syracuse but even that was a chore. The detour signs were very poorly placed and as we drifted around the back streets and side streets of somewhere Syracuse, N.Y. we finally bounced on to hwy 81n out of the city. We floated around the east end of Oneida Lake and careened off at exit 32. We were both so upset by then that we decided we needed some lunch to calm the insides and that was a good thing.
After a good time out, I managed to bag a few more miles across hwy 49 and by then it was getting time to hunt for a landing spot so I lifted thru Rome, which turned out to be another fair sized township. Along the way we chanced upon a part of the old Erie Canal and we made a short stopover at the Erie Canal Village and checked it out. That was very cool and we got some history and artifacts and movies and pics and I learned that there are many miles of these old canals and you can ride the old pull trails. In fact, in about another week there is going to be a biiiiggg bike ride from Buffalo to Albany, like 500+ riders. Very cool if I do say so!!!! Turns out to be about a 400 mile trip. WoW!!!
We found a pullout along Hinkley Reservoir and decided to set up camp and as we settled down a very kind member of the New York Port Authorthy reminded us that it was a great sin to step over the railing and onto the Dam Property and we assured him that we were only staying for the nite and had no intention of violating their posted property. Joe talked for a time and told us some stories about his military career and that he trained attack dogs for the service. He said he would let the other patrolmen know that we were here for the nite. Thanks Joe. I am going to try to stay up long enough to see if there will be any lightning bugs as Gail bought me a small net to try and catch some??????? Think I’ll make it??? Tune in for the end of the story.
In 1976 we had a serious water problem on the rez at Big Valley and it was then that I met Pat Renick. We took on the Ca. State Dept. of Health and several other agencies and after a few years we got on the County system and the sewer system. Pat is a most remarkable guy and if it were not for his tenacity and wealth of knowledge, I believe that we would still be living in the dark ages on the rez. We became great friends over the years and he loved to stop by any time and have Judy cook up a big meal. A very robust fella but he could move around the basketball court like a globetrotter and to this day, his big smile lites up the whole room. He had a stroke a few years ago but has been able to continue along life’s journey and he settled in Willits, Ca. and I manage to stop in and visit but not as often as I will in the future. His daughter, Hillary, has a unique history all her own and I hope to cross paths with her again sometime. I knew her as a small child but over the years lost contact with her. Come to find out that she is now connected with one of my relatives from the Yakima Nation. Small World. There are a lot more stories about Pat and I and a few other Native Pushers like Dale Riesling to mention a few and I hope that Pat has written down many of his exploits as they are historic in their own right. We will get them abs this year, Pat, I know this to be true. Kudos Brother!
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Wednesday, July 8, 2009
7-8 Downhill Dream
This day is for my sis-in-law, Lisa(Brutus) Bermudez.
I really tried to stay awake last nite long enough to see if there were any fireflies and to enjoy the really cool creek that ran just behind our tepee on wheels, but, after a clp of cool ones and a good shower and a very good dinner, I drifted away to the sounds of Johnny Cash. The next thing I know, it was lite out and the ringy, dingy was saying that it was time to get the heck on down the road and so I did just that.
The cool thing about this day was the looooong, downhill runs as we dropped down from the hill country to the lower valley and the breeze was at my back also and lent a big helping hand, a bike riders dream and to boot, the shoulders were very wide and very smooth, man, this is what it’s all about.
I stopped at a couple of rest areas to pig out on a energy bar and slam down some gator aid and read the sad stories of them early settlers that them rascally Indians kept pestering. But in the end, 5,000 soldiers destroyed all of their crops and burned down their villages and I guess that taught them a lesson!!!! The great Six Nations were living in the area at the time but there is no indication of this now. This piece of history is well depicted in the documentary by Kevin Costner, 500 Nations.
At Avon I again picked up on interstate 20 and 5 as #39 ended. Gail flagged me down at the 45-mile post and after a brief map check I booked on down to the outskirts of Canandaigua, N.Y. I lifted for a ways and we found Wal-mart where we spent some time as Gail did some shopping and I started tracking my route thru N.Y. and on east. Man! It’s getting closer and closer and I can start to smell that Atlantic Water. We slid past Seneca Falls and finally tracked down a campground several miles off of 5. There are fewer and fewer campgrounds as we get further east, at least where we are. I talked briefly with my daughter, Sandra, and it may be that we can meet up at the end of my journey as she has to be in Boston for her work so we are getting this lined out. Sure sounds good to me. Skywalker, Skywalker good Buddy, I am getting closer to the end of this trip and I love you and miss you, over and out.
Brutus was the Cardinal Bird in high school and is still as full of energy and laughter as she was then. She is Judy’s sister and has lived in Lakeport all of her life. She is a one-of-a-kind sister-in-law and works for the County and if one ever needs something done or a good ball player, call Brutus. I’m glad you are there Bruty.
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I really tried to stay awake last nite long enough to see if there were any fireflies and to enjoy the really cool creek that ran just behind our tepee on wheels, but, after a clp of cool ones and a good shower and a very good dinner, I drifted away to the sounds of Johnny Cash. The next thing I know, it was lite out and the ringy, dingy was saying that it was time to get the heck on down the road and so I did just that.
The cool thing about this day was the looooong, downhill runs as we dropped down from the hill country to the lower valley and the breeze was at my back also and lent a big helping hand, a bike riders dream and to boot, the shoulders were very wide and very smooth, man, this is what it’s all about.
I stopped at a couple of rest areas to pig out on a energy bar and slam down some gator aid and read the sad stories of them early settlers that them rascally Indians kept pestering. But in the end, 5,000 soldiers destroyed all of their crops and burned down their villages and I guess that taught them a lesson!!!! The great Six Nations were living in the area at the time but there is no indication of this now. This piece of history is well depicted in the documentary by Kevin Costner, 500 Nations.
At Avon I again picked up on interstate 20 and 5 as #39 ended. Gail flagged me down at the 45-mile post and after a brief map check I booked on down to the outskirts of Canandaigua, N.Y. I lifted for a ways and we found Wal-mart where we spent some time as Gail did some shopping and I started tracking my route thru N.Y. and on east. Man! It’s getting closer and closer and I can start to smell that Atlantic Water. We slid past Seneca Falls and finally tracked down a campground several miles off of 5. There are fewer and fewer campgrounds as we get further east, at least where we are. I talked briefly with my daughter, Sandra, and it may be that we can meet up at the end of my journey as she has to be in Boston for her work so we are getting this lined out. Sure sounds good to me. Skywalker, Skywalker good Buddy, I am getting closer to the end of this trip and I love you and miss you, over and out.
Brutus was the Cardinal Bird in high school and is still as full of energy and laughter as she was then. She is Judy’s sister and has lived in Lakeport all of her life. She is a one-of-a-kind sister-in-law and works for the County and if one ever needs something done or a good ball player, call Brutus. I’m glad you are there Bruty.
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7-7 A Shortcut ha, ha, ha, ha.
This day us for my brother in law, Pedro Landeros.
From the Stateline Campground on Lake Erie, at Ripley, N.Y. on hwy 5, to Wood Creek Campground on hwy 39 in Castile, N.Y.
The Stateline Campground was kinda like being at Ft. Bragg as there was a stiff breeze all nite and there were white caps on the lake. The lake is so big that you can’t see the shore on the other side. As I went on down hwy 5, I could not help but see that the mansions all along the roadway were absolutely awesome, if you like that kind of huge lawn and landscape, certainly a lawn mowers paradise. Ever since we tootled along the lakes, the homes were absolutely perfect pieces of landscape. I would not even think of walking on the lawns as they were golf course perfect and the only thing missing were people. I never once saw the folks that owned these places out enjoying what they had. Hummmm! Another thing that we noticed is that there are no fences. A few places had a little fence but for the most part they are not to be seen. I wondered how they knew where to cut the grass? It was hard to tell just where the property ended and the golf course started.
I have spent several hours trying to map out a route and today was interesting to say the least. I looked at hwy39 out of Dunkirk and thought that it would be a cross cut instead of drifting on to Buffalo and then east and it was, but, the flatland and distance was traded for some humpy hills and I got a heck of a workout, like being back in Nebraska. Steep, long, ups and some swift downs. It has been awhile since I had the hill work and my legs were letting me know it but I still kicked down 75mi. There were hundreds of them wind generators along a ridge and I knew that I had gone over the summits so I whipped on down some longer runs and as we got into Castile we started looking for a place to camp. We finally found Wood Creek Cmpgrd, a very pretty place, right on a creek. As I do this blog we again got rained on. Not too heavy but enough to get things wet and now the sun is again shining. ????!!!!
This morning as I sped along Lake Erie was the first time I felt tangs of missing home. I talked to my daughter, Marilyn, and she mentioned that she was missing me and I think that the feeling was mutual. I still have the desire to ride each day but as the coast gets closer (on the map at least!) I think more about the end of this journey and I just want to keep booking. Skywalker, Skywalker I hope your summer is going good and I am looking forward to seeing you again, love you and miss you, over and out.
Pedro Landeros is Judy’s brother and he is one neat guy. He is deaf and went to the Berkley School for the Deaf. He was an outstanding quarterback for the school and a very good athlete. We used to go visit him and enjoyed the times together. After school he worked for me in the packing houses. He learned to operate my labeling machine and spent several years doing that. He eventually ended up in Sacramento and had some good jobs. He moved back to Lake Co. and has worked for the Konocti Vista Casino for several years now and is liked by many people. He has a colorful history and is still as cool a guy as when I first met him. Keep up the great work Pete.
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From the Stateline Campground on Lake Erie, at Ripley, N.Y. on hwy 5, to Wood Creek Campground on hwy 39 in Castile, N.Y.
The Stateline Campground was kinda like being at Ft. Bragg as there was a stiff breeze all nite and there were white caps on the lake. The lake is so big that you can’t see the shore on the other side. As I went on down hwy 5, I could not help but see that the mansions all along the roadway were absolutely awesome, if you like that kind of huge lawn and landscape, certainly a lawn mowers paradise. Ever since we tootled along the lakes, the homes were absolutely perfect pieces of landscape. I would not even think of walking on the lawns as they were golf course perfect and the only thing missing were people. I never once saw the folks that owned these places out enjoying what they had. Hummmm! Another thing that we noticed is that there are no fences. A few places had a little fence but for the most part they are not to be seen. I wondered how they knew where to cut the grass? It was hard to tell just where the property ended and the golf course started.
I have spent several hours trying to map out a route and today was interesting to say the least. I looked at hwy39 out of Dunkirk and thought that it would be a cross cut instead of drifting on to Buffalo and then east and it was, but, the flatland and distance was traded for some humpy hills and I got a heck of a workout, like being back in Nebraska. Steep, long, ups and some swift downs. It has been awhile since I had the hill work and my legs were letting me know it but I still kicked down 75mi. There were hundreds of them wind generators along a ridge and I knew that I had gone over the summits so I whipped on down some longer runs and as we got into Castile we started looking for a place to camp. We finally found Wood Creek Cmpgrd, a very pretty place, right on a creek. As I do this blog we again got rained on. Not too heavy but enough to get things wet and now the sun is again shining. ????!!!!
This morning as I sped along Lake Erie was the first time I felt tangs of missing home. I talked to my daughter, Marilyn, and she mentioned that she was missing me and I think that the feeling was mutual. I still have the desire to ride each day but as the coast gets closer (on the map at least!) I think more about the end of this journey and I just want to keep booking. Skywalker, Skywalker I hope your summer is going good and I am looking forward to seeing you again, love you and miss you, over and out.
Pedro Landeros is Judy’s brother and he is one neat guy. He is deaf and went to the Berkley School for the Deaf. He was an outstanding quarterback for the school and a very good athlete. We used to go visit him and enjoyed the times together. After school he worked for me in the packing houses. He learned to operate my labeling machine and spent several years doing that. He eventually ended up in Sacramento and had some good jobs. He moved back to Lake Co. and has worked for the Konocti Vista Casino for several years now and is liked by many people. He has a colorful history and is still as cool a guy as when I first met him. Keep up the great work Pete.
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Monday, July 6, 2009
7-6 Three States in One Day! Jeez!
This day is for Matt and Carlene Yacinich.
From Geneva, Ohio to N.Y. State Line all on hwy 5.
Again Gail told me that the nite was filled with lightning and thunder and rain but I did not hear all of that. I did hear some rain drops thru the nite but to me it seemed like they were just the soft rain drops falling softly against the window. (Sounds kinda like a song) I didn’t even know that she got up and closed the vents and some windows but I guess I was building my energy up for the days ride, Ha! Ha! A good excuse I think.
I sat out for awhile last nite just watching the cool fireflies. They are just so neat, flashing little lites flipping all over the bushes and trees.
I lingered this a.m. for some unknown reason and finally got going at0730. The road was good and the traffic lite and I clipped along singing a song, I Hear a Train a Coming, etc. In the township of Ashtabula the signage got a little confusing but I finally got on track and before I knew it I sneaked up on Pennsylvania. The breeze really kicked up and it was all at my back and it steamed me along and before long I was going thru Erie, Pa. The signs were lacking and I ended up on a dead end street but not as dead as Gail went through later. I back tracked about I mile and finally found the path. Gail side tripped and went over some cobble stone streets that were tipped rather sharply and crossed a different bridge but we both got thru. Later thru the town of Erie, we both wondered if we would get thru. The bike path wound around and along some crazy routes but eventually we did meet at some side road tavern and just by luck I think. Makes for good laughs though. Ha! Ha! Ha! I kicked along and as I come over one small hump in the road, there was Gail parked near a golf course. I was at 76mi. so we decided to seek shelter and after I racked my bike we drove about ½ a block and there was the State Line Cmpgrd. The Lady got us a spot and we are beered, showered, fed, bloged and ready for dream land listening to our new co of Roy Orbison.
Skywalker, Skywalker good buddy, I went through 3 states today. I am in upper West New York now. Love you and miss you, over and out.
Matt is my nephew and is the second son of my sis, Janice. He is a journeyman electrician but he and his wife, Carlene, own and operate a road flagging business in WA state. He spent several years as a millwright in a packing house before getting into the electrical field. They both are very hard workers and will always succeed in whatever venture they may get into. They are proud grandparents now and I know just how they feel about the young guy. We will see you when we get back up there!
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From Geneva, Ohio to N.Y. State Line all on hwy 5.
Again Gail told me that the nite was filled with lightning and thunder and rain but I did not hear all of that. I did hear some rain drops thru the nite but to me it seemed like they were just the soft rain drops falling softly against the window. (Sounds kinda like a song) I didn’t even know that she got up and closed the vents and some windows but I guess I was building my energy up for the days ride, Ha! Ha! A good excuse I think.
I sat out for awhile last nite just watching the cool fireflies. They are just so neat, flashing little lites flipping all over the bushes and trees.
I lingered this a.m. for some unknown reason and finally got going at0730. The road was good and the traffic lite and I clipped along singing a song, I Hear a Train a Coming, etc. In the township of Ashtabula the signage got a little confusing but I finally got on track and before I knew it I sneaked up on Pennsylvania. The breeze really kicked up and it was all at my back and it steamed me along and before long I was going thru Erie, Pa. The signs were lacking and I ended up on a dead end street but not as dead as Gail went through later. I back tracked about I mile and finally found the path. Gail side tripped and went over some cobble stone streets that were tipped rather sharply and crossed a different bridge but we both got thru. Later thru the town of Erie, we both wondered if we would get thru. The bike path wound around and along some crazy routes but eventually we did meet at some side road tavern and just by luck I think. Makes for good laughs though. Ha! Ha! Ha! I kicked along and as I come over one small hump in the road, there was Gail parked near a golf course. I was at 76mi. so we decided to seek shelter and after I racked my bike we drove about ½ a block and there was the State Line Cmpgrd. The Lady got us a spot and we are beered, showered, fed, bloged and ready for dream land listening to our new co of Roy Orbison.
Skywalker, Skywalker good buddy, I went through 3 states today. I am in upper West New York now. Love you and miss you, over and out.
Matt is my nephew and is the second son of my sis, Janice. He is a journeyman electrician but he and his wife, Carlene, own and operate a road flagging business in WA state. He spent several years as a millwright in a packing house before getting into the electrical field. They both are very hard workers and will always succeed in whatever venture they may get into. They are proud grandparents now and I know just how they feel about the young guy. We will see you when we get back up there!
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7-5 Rock and Roll Forever, Yes Sir, Yes Sir.
This day is to Bill and Angie Baker.
Sandusky, Ohio,o,o,o on hwy 5 to Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio,o,o,o on hwy 5 just miles apart. I do not care for the city travel so I lift through the bigger cities. We left the KOA in Sandusky and beat it on to Cleveland (Hummm! That’s a familiar name!) Man! What a large place that one is but we cruised on to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame like we’d been on auto pilot. The traffic was really lite and we left camp at 0800 and parked next to the Hall at 0930. 1000hrs the doors opened and we were in and going for it. Wow! What a place. The first thing we saw parked out front was the Tour Bus of Johnny Cash! He traveled in that rig for the last 20yrs of his career. The JC1 was black and polished alum. After we went thru the museum we were able to actually tour through the bus and I had my picture taken sitting in the drivers seat. What a thrill. Made me feel like singing a song. John sold the bus a couple of months after June passed away and the folks that bought it donated it to the hall of fame after John passed away. Sooooooooo Coooooooooool!!!!! We spent 5 solid hours in the museum and scurried thru 6 floors of neat stuff. There were just about all Gibson and Fender guitars that all of the groups used. Could have spent a lot more time if you wanted to read every detail, Man, so awesome.
We followed the Erie Lake on hwy5 to Geneva-on-the-Lake and found a state campground where we landed for the nite. Tom Gimmarro and his sons, Nicolas and Bryce, were riding their bikes by and we started chatting and I adjusted the cables on their bikes so that they would shift a little better. Tom and his wife work for the Ford Motor Co. in Mich and he is looking forward to being able to retire next year and do a lot of traveling. Hope all works out for you Tom. We exchanged blogs so that we can track each other. More rain through the nite but before we sacked out I sat out and watched them fireflies. They are soooo coooool.
Angie is my niece via my sis, Janice, and her husband is Bill Baker. Bill is a retired sheriff from central Ca. and works at the Mill Bay Casino at Manson, WA. Angie works for her brother Matt and his wife Carlene who have a flagging business. They have a home in Omak, WA. They like riding his Harley and Bill is into gold panning. They are fun to be with and we enjoy them when we are up north.
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Sandusky, Ohio,o,o,o on hwy 5 to Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio,o,o,o on hwy 5 just miles apart. I do not care for the city travel so I lift through the bigger cities. We left the KOA in Sandusky and beat it on to Cleveland (Hummm! That’s a familiar name!) Man! What a large place that one is but we cruised on to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame like we’d been on auto pilot. The traffic was really lite and we left camp at 0800 and parked next to the Hall at 0930. 1000hrs the doors opened and we were in and going for it. Wow! What a place. The first thing we saw parked out front was the Tour Bus of Johnny Cash! He traveled in that rig for the last 20yrs of his career. The JC1 was black and polished alum. After we went thru the museum we were able to actually tour through the bus and I had my picture taken sitting in the drivers seat. What a thrill. Made me feel like singing a song. John sold the bus a couple of months after June passed away and the folks that bought it donated it to the hall of fame after John passed away. Sooooooooo Coooooooooool!!!!! We spent 5 solid hours in the museum and scurried thru 6 floors of neat stuff. There were just about all Gibson and Fender guitars that all of the groups used. Could have spent a lot more time if you wanted to read every detail, Man, so awesome.
We followed the Erie Lake on hwy5 to Geneva-on-the-Lake and found a state campground where we landed for the nite. Tom Gimmarro and his sons, Nicolas and Bryce, were riding their bikes by and we started chatting and I adjusted the cables on their bikes so that they would shift a little better. Tom and his wife work for the Ford Motor Co. in Mich and he is looking forward to being able to retire next year and do a lot of traveling. Hope all works out for you Tom. We exchanged blogs so that we can track each other. More rain through the nite but before we sacked out I sat out and watched them fireflies. They are soooo coooool.
Angie is my niece via my sis, Janice, and her husband is Bill Baker. Bill is a retired sheriff from central Ca. and works at the Mill Bay Casino at Manson, WA. Angie works for her brother Matt and his wife Carlene who have a flagging business. They have a home in Omak, WA. They like riding his Harley and Bill is into gold panning. They are fun to be with and we enjoy them when we are up north.
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Saturday, July 4, 2009
7-4 Bang,Bang,Boom,Boom. Sounds like distant drums.
This day is for our Veterans!
The Family Campground became a memory as I wound them pedals and wheeled on down 66. It did rain again though not too much. The short distance I went today made me feel sorta short-lived but I really wanted to get to Sandusky, Ohio,o,o,o.
Gail pulled up behind me as I received a small flag from a guy getting ready for the day. I loaded the bike and we careened on down 66 to Ohio,o,o,o and jumped back on interstate 20. At one of the rest areas I met Richard (Smitty) Smith. He enjoys biking and we spent several minutes talking biker talk. He lives in Clayton MI. He still works so when time permits he will do more and longer rides.
I thought it would be interesting to tell about another guy at a station where we were filling up one of our propane tanks. A young, very robust dad -- waiting for ma to change the baby’s diaper -- saw me getting ready to ride. They had American and Southern flags tied to their rigs and flying in the breeze. At first I kinda thought I should not say too much to them but as I was reeling my bike out to get going, he axed me in that drawl, “how fer ya’ll ridin dat dere bike?” I told him, Maine, and he bobbed his head a couple of times and said “Where?” and I told him, southern Maine. He said “ya’ll mean out o’ state Maine?” and I replied, Yes sir. His tobacco-filled jaw opened wide and he said “Why man, that’s a fer distance to be going. Where ya’ll from?” When I told him, he really got big eyed and a large smile on his face and said “Why man, that is totally awesome. Ya’ll have a great trip.” Whew! Had me going there for a bit. Pretty cool though after all.
My biggest thought today was that some celebrating fellas might go by and throw a cracker or two but the ride was quiet and good. There was a lot more cars on the hyws today as I thought most everyone would be where they wanted to be but!!!!!!! Also, there were more yard sales than I have ever seen along any hwy. I’ll have to admit that today was the longest distance that I have lifted but I wanted to get out of dodge, if you know what I mean. We found the largest KOA that I have ever been in at Sandusky, Ohio. It has over 600 sites for campers and tents and lots of kids. Very cool place. We are buckled down for the nite and ready for the fireworks. Lady is sorta yancy, but I think she will survive.
Skywalker, Skywalker I think this is the first 4th of July that you and I have not been together. Sure do miss you and love you. Hope you have a great 4th. Over and out.
All veterans should be thanked this day. We have offered to put ourselves on the line to keep this country great and give each of us the freedoms that we have. A special thanks to all of the Native Veterans. Keep America Singing!
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The Family Campground became a memory as I wound them pedals and wheeled on down 66. It did rain again though not too much. The short distance I went today made me feel sorta short-lived but I really wanted to get to Sandusky, Ohio,o,o,o.
Gail pulled up behind me as I received a small flag from a guy getting ready for the day. I loaded the bike and we careened on down 66 to Ohio,o,o,o and jumped back on interstate 20. At one of the rest areas I met Richard (Smitty) Smith. He enjoys biking and we spent several minutes talking biker talk. He lives in Clayton MI. He still works so when time permits he will do more and longer rides.
I thought it would be interesting to tell about another guy at a station where we were filling up one of our propane tanks. A young, very robust dad -- waiting for ma to change the baby’s diaper -- saw me getting ready to ride. They had American and Southern flags tied to their rigs and flying in the breeze. At first I kinda thought I should not say too much to them but as I was reeling my bike out to get going, he axed me in that drawl, “how fer ya’ll ridin dat dere bike?” I told him, Maine, and he bobbed his head a couple of times and said “Where?” and I told him, southern Maine. He said “ya’ll mean out o’ state Maine?” and I replied, Yes sir. His tobacco-filled jaw opened wide and he said “Why man, that’s a fer distance to be going. Where ya’ll from?” When I told him, he really got big eyed and a large smile on his face and said “Why man, that is totally awesome. Ya’ll have a great trip.” Whew! Had me going there for a bit. Pretty cool though after all.
My biggest thought today was that some celebrating fellas might go by and throw a cracker or two but the ride was quiet and good. There was a lot more cars on the hyws today as I thought most everyone would be where they wanted to be but!!!!!!! Also, there were more yard sales than I have ever seen along any hwy. I’ll have to admit that today was the longest distance that I have lifted but I wanted to get out of dodge, if you know what I mean. We found the largest KOA that I have ever been in at Sandusky, Ohio. It has over 600 sites for campers and tents and lots of kids. Very cool place. We are buckled down for the nite and ready for the fireworks. Lady is sorta yancy, but I think she will survive.
Skywalker, Skywalker I think this is the first 4th of July that you and I have not been together. Sure do miss you and love you. Hope you have a great 4th. Over and out.
All veterans should be thanked this day. We have offered to put ourselves on the line to keep this country great and give each of us the freedoms that we have. A special thanks to all of the Native Veterans. Keep America Singing!
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Friday, July 3, 2009
7-3 Back In the Saddle Again (sounds like a song to me, Aye?)
This day for my nephew Mike and his wife, Sharon.
I think that the few days off gave my bod a new lease on the bike life as the 70mi melted away like snow in the sun. I was wet and very cool the first 20 miles and then the rain eased off and the drizzle let up and at the 35 mi post, it actually started to warm up.
I happened to see the trailer at the junction of 10/66 where there was a Huge flea market in progress and there I had Gail buy me a burger and coke. She checked the place out as I kept the wheels turning and about 12mi down the road there was another flea market and I’ll be darned if I didn’t find her looking around there. She had been good up to this point and never even stopped at an antique shop but she was making up for lost time I guess. Good thing the pickup and trailer are stuffed or else who knows what would be going along with us????
At Six Lakes I loaded up and we looked for a lay over spot but our first attempts were not successful and the signage along the roads was meager or non existing. As we were backtracking Gail spotted a sign and we found The Family Campground at 2851 Edgar Road, Edmore, MI. 48829. The grounds are set around several small ponds and there were many children swimming and fishing and running around and riding bikes and it was a very neat place. We were let in by Cindy Stratton and Carole Nevills talked with us for some time. They were very pleased to hear about my ride and opened the grounds to us. They own and operate the campgrounds. Mr. Nevills started the camp several years ago and daughter Cindy worked with him and when he was taken by cancer she continued to run the grounds and has done an outstanding job with it and our thanks to all of you for your hospitality.
Mike Yacinich is the son of my elder sister, Janice. In high school he was an outstanding swimmer and collected many ribbons over the years. He can consume a hefty meal to this day but also works at the level that he burns these calories to zero. He is one neat guy to have on your side and when we go hunting he always has the snacks to fill everyone around. He has some very cool acreage on the Rez and really enjoys going out and being in and with nature. His wife, Sharon, faces some health problems that slow her down some but always has a smile and a welcome. Her son, Ryan, is in college in the Spokane area and is an outstanding golfer to boot. I enjoy being with Mike and he always checks on me to make sure I can keep up with him. "Hay, Unc. Are you alright?" as we hike along the ridge in the snow and wind and cold. Pow!! "Wow! That’s a great shot!" Love You Guys.
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I think that the few days off gave my bod a new lease on the bike life as the 70mi melted away like snow in the sun. I was wet and very cool the first 20 miles and then the rain eased off and the drizzle let up and at the 35 mi post, it actually started to warm up.
I happened to see the trailer at the junction of 10/66 where there was a Huge flea market in progress and there I had Gail buy me a burger and coke. She checked the place out as I kept the wheels turning and about 12mi down the road there was another flea market and I’ll be darned if I didn’t find her looking around there. She had been good up to this point and never even stopped at an antique shop but she was making up for lost time I guess. Good thing the pickup and trailer are stuffed or else who knows what would be going along with us????
At Six Lakes I loaded up and we looked for a lay over spot but our first attempts were not successful and the signage along the roads was meager or non existing. As we were backtracking Gail spotted a sign and we found The Family Campground at 2851 Edgar Road, Edmore, MI. 48829. The grounds are set around several small ponds and there were many children swimming and fishing and running around and riding bikes and it was a very neat place. We were let in by Cindy Stratton and Carole Nevills talked with us for some time. They were very pleased to hear about my ride and opened the grounds to us. They own and operate the campgrounds. Mr. Nevills started the camp several years ago and daughter Cindy worked with him and when he was taken by cancer she continued to run the grounds and has done an outstanding job with it and our thanks to all of you for your hospitality.
Mike Yacinich is the son of my elder sister, Janice. In high school he was an outstanding swimmer and collected many ribbons over the years. He can consume a hefty meal to this day but also works at the level that he burns these calories to zero. He is one neat guy to have on your side and when we go hunting he always has the snacks to fill everyone around. He has some very cool acreage on the Rez and really enjoys going out and being in and with nature. His wife, Sharon, faces some health problems that slow her down some but always has a smile and a welcome. Her son, Ryan, is in college in the Spokane area and is an outstanding golfer to boot. I enjoy being with Mike and he always checks on me to make sure I can keep up with him. "Hay, Unc. Are you alright?" as we hike along the ridge in the snow and wind and cold. Pow!! "Wow! That’s a great shot!" Love You Guys.
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7-2 See Ya, Friends at Traverse, Mich
The day is for all of those that made our visit a great experience!
0822 Del and Sharon stopped by our camp and we had another good visit with them and they gave us 2 cases of water for the trip and their daughter, Dana, also left us 2 cases of water and some neat going away presents. Thanks! We said see ya later to Tom and Phyllis and after getting our truck and trailer in order, we slowly got on down the road and made a stop in Traverse City to shop and then on down hwy 31, cross 44 to 66 and south to Lake City.
We found a neat state campground at Goose Lake and holed up for the nite. It stayed overcast and slightly drizzly and the breeze kept up most of the nite but it made for good sleeping. It was still raining in Kewadin when we left there but had let up a little along the way. The loons on the lake were again very neat to listen to.
Lady has been getting spoiled as we travel along and the fire crackers going off really get her heart rate up and so I let her lay on the bed with us but lo and behold, sometime during the nite she did the same number that she had done before and so it was down on the floor again with her. Dang! Gail was upset as she had to strip and wash all of the bedding again along with the rest of the laundry. There was a laundry mat in Lake City and Gail said the gentleman running the place was very nice and was a bike mechanic and was very interested in our bikes. He is 74 years young and his wife has had a stroke and he takes care of her and runs the laundry mat. She had a great visit with him and he gave her plenty of info on places to stay.
I dressed for the ride and left from Lake City and I think the few days off really gave my old bod a rest as the next 70mi. slipped away like the contents of a cool Bud after a long day in the saddle.
I cannot think of the words to express our visit to the Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. It was a very moving and lasting connection and the friendships made during this time will always be with us. This is the first time in my life that I have had an opportunity to express my feelings and the experiences of a journey in the way that was given to me at the gatherings. I have played a lot of venues but it was just set up, warm up and play. These meetings were totally different and to be able to convey the journey and play the music was a most rewarding and heartwarming time. My most gracious thank you to each of you. You will always be in my heart and prayers.
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0822 Del and Sharon stopped by our camp and we had another good visit with them and they gave us 2 cases of water for the trip and their daughter, Dana, also left us 2 cases of water and some neat going away presents. Thanks! We said see ya later to Tom and Phyllis and after getting our truck and trailer in order, we slowly got on down the road and made a stop in Traverse City to shop and then on down hwy 31, cross 44 to 66 and south to Lake City.
We found a neat state campground at Goose Lake and holed up for the nite. It stayed overcast and slightly drizzly and the breeze kept up most of the nite but it made for good sleeping. It was still raining in Kewadin when we left there but had let up a little along the way. The loons on the lake were again very neat to listen to.
Lady has been getting spoiled as we travel along and the fire crackers going off really get her heart rate up and so I let her lay on the bed with us but lo and behold, sometime during the nite she did the same number that she had done before and so it was down on the floor again with her. Dang! Gail was upset as she had to strip and wash all of the bedding again along with the rest of the laundry. There was a laundry mat in Lake City and Gail said the gentleman running the place was very nice and was a bike mechanic and was very interested in our bikes. He is 74 years young and his wife has had a stroke and he takes care of her and runs the laundry mat. She had a great visit with him and he gave her plenty of info on places to stay.
I dressed for the ride and left from Lake City and I think the few days off really gave my old bod a rest as the next 70mi. slipped away like the contents of a cool Bud after a long day in the saddle.
I cannot think of the words to express our visit to the Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. It was a very moving and lasting connection and the friendships made during this time will always be with us. This is the first time in my life that I have had an opportunity to express my feelings and the experiences of a journey in the way that was given to me at the gatherings. I have played a lot of venues but it was just set up, warm up and play. These meetings were totally different and to be able to convey the journey and play the music was a most rewarding and heartwarming time. My most gracious thank you to each of you. You will always be in my heart and prayers.
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Thursday, July 2, 2009
7-1 Two Neat Gatherings
This is a new day and the start of another month and the year is now half over. The anticipation for the holiday coming up is growing and the town of Traverse is having their annual National Cherry Celebration and it feels like it is going to be one big event. I would rather not be caught in the throngs of celebrants so we are going to try to be down the road. The rain has been around every day and so the folks have been happy for that as it has added to my reason for lingering.
The elders’ picnic gathering at the Traverse Center was another very special event and the food was great. There were elders from several of the outlaying communities and once more I was given the floor and I made the most of it. It has been a good feeling to be able to tell the stories and play the music for such appreciative folks. The time flew by and as the footsteps of the folks leaving, echoed down the hall, we visited with several of them and then it was time to pack ‘em up.
We met Del and Sharon at the Leelanau Sands Casino for diner and as we gorged ourselves, again, on the great buffet Pat and some other members joined us.
1800 hrs. had us at the Museum for the Wed. evening jam. I got to join George on the keyboards, Jack on guitar/mandolin and Ruby on Fiddle and mandolin. The ladies set up their craft table and beaded and created to the rhythm of the music and others kept beat to the music with their foot, hands, head and some got up and danced up a storm. Another good acoustical gathering. Some gifts were exchanged between us and them and again the evening was coming to a close. After 2 ½ hrs of great jamming, we headed for the nest and around midnight we put our old bods to rest. I would like to thank these musicians for the great circle and the young lady, Ruby, has a musical career ahead of her as her talent is very good and I know that she will do very good things. Jack, her mentor, should be proud of her as he has given of himself to help her grow. Bless all for the very great stopover we have had here in Mich. It will be sad to have to move along but I know that in the future we will see each other again. See Ya.
The elders’ picnic gathering at the Traverse Center was another very special event and the food was great. There were elders from several of the outlaying communities and once more I was given the floor and I made the most of it. It has been a good feeling to be able to tell the stories and play the music for such appreciative folks. The time flew by and as the footsteps of the folks leaving, echoed down the hall, we visited with several of them and then it was time to pack ‘em up.
We met Del and Sharon at the Leelanau Sands Casino for diner and as we gorged ourselves, again, on the great buffet Pat and some other members joined us.
1800 hrs. had us at the Museum for the Wed. evening jam. I got to join George on the keyboards, Jack on guitar/mandolin and Ruby on Fiddle and mandolin. The ladies set up their craft table and beaded and created to the rhythm of the music and others kept beat to the music with their foot, hands, head and some got up and danced up a storm. Another good acoustical gathering. Some gifts were exchanged between us and them and again the evening was coming to a close. After 2 ½ hrs of great jamming, we headed for the nest and around midnight we put our old bods to rest. I would like to thank these musicians for the great circle and the young lady, Ruby, has a musical career ahead of her as her talent is very good and I know that she will do very good things. Jack, her mentor, should be proud of her as he has given of himself to help her grow. Bless all for the very great stopover we have had here in Mich. It will be sad to have to move along but I know that in the future we will see each other again. See Ya.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
6-30 See Ya June, 2009
Many feelings and thoughts were in my mind as I tried to get to sleep during the nite as the events of Tue left an everlasting impression in my memory and I thought about what would transpire today. I must have drifted off ‘cause the next thing I knew, it was 0830 and time for a cup of go juice. We had a 1030 time to be at the Sutton Bay Casino and we met Pat there and got set up and ready for the members. There was a great turnout and again I had the opportunity to divulge the essence of my journey. The gathering again was most receptive and as most of them were the Elders of the Tribe I did my best to address them. Some drumming, flute music, and a few songs with my guitar and a few laugh making lines and then it was time to end the set and, it is true, time sure goes by when your having fun. I amaze myself at these times as I seem to be able to get long winded and to think that in school l never got through one class of public speaking! Over the years I have always had a poor memory for names and so it remains the same today. As my grandson, Beau, tells me, Hay Arnold, you need to go to memory school. We have met many and I could not name them all, but those that I can, I will. Bro. Louie’s’ aunt Frieda was so happy when I gave her one of my cds and she said to tell that Louie hello and come and visit sometime. Cousin, Sandra, presented Gail with one of her handcrafted Indian Angle pins, Phyllis passed a bracelet on to Gail, Mary Ann hosted the group and took great care to see that all of us had drinks etc. Del and Sharon left a present of the Grand Tour they took us on, Tom and Phyllis shared some moving stories with us and I them, the elders were most respective and put out a collection box that resulted in a neat and heartwarming response. The veterans were glad to hear some of the old songs and as I looked out over the crowd, I could see and feel the energy and the spirits and it was hard to keep the tears back. A big, special thanks to Pat Putney, Elders and Cultural Department Manager, for all of her care and concern as she put events together and got us into their very nice museum and Strongheart Center. The eagles, locked in flight, in the museum was one of the more awesome things we have seen. The story is even more moving. The two eagles were locked in one of their ritual flights when they fell in some power lines and were electrocuted and died. They were found by a young tribal lady and after some finagling with the powers that be, the birds were given to the Tribe and they are displayed in the same manner that they were locked in flight. A totally awesome sight. After agreeing to be at the gathering on Wed evening, Gail and I had diner at the “Tuscan Bistro” 12930 S. W. Bay Shore Dr. Our waiter, Daniel LaBonte, was most helpful in our selections of bibes and food and the food and presentations were excellent. Chef and owner, Mickey Cannon, visited with us briefly as he had heard about my journey and this was the first time that I can remember that the owner of any of our eating stops came out to meet us. Thank you. Daniel also rides and we were able to talk briefly about things that bikers talk about. Keep riding!! We are invited to another picnic at the Traverse Center @ noonish, so off we go. Skywalker, Skywalker good Buddy, it is still raining but in the next day or two I will be moving on down the road, Love you and miss you, over and out.
Monday, June 29, 2009
A sad story
I have a story to tell that is so sad. This happened Sat. as we were setting up the trailer but this is the way that nature goes. A circle of life episode.
A raven and two little birds were in a tree,
The two little birds were chasing the raven
As they always do
There came such a racket from the tree
Many more ravens came to see
The tree is large and green like a
Pine should be
But the sad part is when we came back
The raven was now free
For some reason unknown to us
The raven was lying at the foot of the tree
Of all places to be under that tree
For you see it was in the cemetery
The title of this is
A Raven Died Today
But mostly I think he just went away.
I know it is sad but it had to be told.
A raven and two little birds were in a tree,
The two little birds were chasing the raven
As they always do
There came such a racket from the tree
Many more ravens came to see
The tree is large and green like a
Pine should be
But the sad part is when we came back
The raven was now free
For some reason unknown to us
The raven was lying at the foot of the tree
Of all places to be under that tree
For you see it was in the cemetery
The title of this is
A Raven Died Today
But mostly I think he just went away.
I know it is sad but it had to be told.
6-29 Traverse Sr. Center.
To the Traverse Sr. Center Staff
I can understand why there are so many lakes around here and some big ones to boot! Man! During the nite it poured down again and one would think that there could only be so much rain in them there clouds but it keeps leaking out and during the day it did just that but only in spurts. The breeze has been steady all day and the ladies at the center kept saying that this weather pattern was going to be this way for the next few days? We got to sleep in again and I was up and on the blog around 0800. We had a date at the center for 1030 and I found the place in good time and met Anna Harwood at the front door. As we continued to meet some of the staff, it was apparent that, again, we were in for a good treat and I was correct.
A homey feeling was all about and as we got into the heart of the gathering I felt a calm and nurturing group and I again proceeded to melt into the event. A couple of flute pieces for the intro and I opened up the story of my journey. In my mind I always hope that my story lines convey the inner feelings that I have and that the travels are really opened to them as I attempt to give the group a feeling of being on the road also. I finally got around to getting the guitar going and sang the songs that a troubadour enjoys doing. A friend told me long ago that, a song is the same as telling a story, you just add some music to it and so I try to do that whenever I present the songs to the people. I enjoy seeing the response of the group when I see them tapping their foot or hands to the beat of the music and laughing at the comical pieces that I may slip in every now and then or a tear in their eyes as the last cord of a seemingly sad story closes. I was not booed out or sent packing so I feel that the story line went well.
In fact, Pat and Anna and Liz really played on my soft side and strongly suggested that the Sr. Center at the Casino would Reaaaaallllyy!!!! enjoy my presentation, so, you guessed it, I threw in the hat and said, you bet! I would love that! And so as this day blends into the nite, I am looking forward to meeting with the group tomorrow. Gail had a very good time meeting with the staff and members also, and her and Pat have mentally bought out the Pendleton Outlet in Portland. I feel very happy when these meetings create such awesome times. Bless All of You.
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I can understand why there are so many lakes around here and some big ones to boot! Man! During the nite it poured down again and one would think that there could only be so much rain in them there clouds but it keeps leaking out and during the day it did just that but only in spurts. The breeze has been steady all day and the ladies at the center kept saying that this weather pattern was going to be this way for the next few days? We got to sleep in again and I was up and on the blog around 0800. We had a date at the center for 1030 and I found the place in good time and met Anna Harwood at the front door. As we continued to meet some of the staff, it was apparent that, again, we were in for a good treat and I was correct.
A homey feeling was all about and as we got into the heart of the gathering I felt a calm and nurturing group and I again proceeded to melt into the event. A couple of flute pieces for the intro and I opened up the story of my journey. In my mind I always hope that my story lines convey the inner feelings that I have and that the travels are really opened to them as I attempt to give the group a feeling of being on the road also. I finally got around to getting the guitar going and sang the songs that a troubadour enjoys doing. A friend told me long ago that, a song is the same as telling a story, you just add some music to it and so I try to do that whenever I present the songs to the people. I enjoy seeing the response of the group when I see them tapping their foot or hands to the beat of the music and laughing at the comical pieces that I may slip in every now and then or a tear in their eyes as the last cord of a seemingly sad story closes. I was not booed out or sent packing so I feel that the story line went well.
In fact, Pat and Anna and Liz really played on my soft side and strongly suggested that the Sr. Center at the Casino would Reaaaaallllyy!!!! enjoy my presentation, so, you guessed it, I threw in the hat and said, you bet! I would love that! And so as this day blends into the nite, I am looking forward to meeting with the group tomorrow. Gail had a very good time meeting with the staff and members also, and her and Pat have mentally bought out the Pendleton Outlet in Portland. I feel very happy when these meetings create such awesome times. Bless All of You.
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6-28 A Grand Tour
This day is to Del and Sharon
Kewadin to Kewadin, another circle full of life and beauty!
Mother Nature erupted during the nite again and beat a heavy tune on the trailer and awning but we awoke to a clear and very nice day. The congregation gathered at 0900 in the very unique mission church and it’s a wonder that it is still standing ‘cause I was there also. Wow! Reverend Tom made the mistake of letting me have the talking stick and I proceeded to max out the time with it. I revealed the nature of my journey and some of the events that have taken place as I have traveled along. I think the question I could not answer is,(Why did I come to Traverse, Mich?) Ever since Bro. Louie has talked about his home place, I just kept thinking that it would be a good place to visit sometime, and so here I am. Maybe in some other time ????????????????? After the service there was some chow in the meeting room and there I played one of my flutes and sang a few songs
Skywalker, Skywalker I didn’t ride the bike yesterday or today as I am resting for a few days so the Bakugons get a rest too, Love you and Miss you, over and out.
Del and Sharon invited to take us around and show us some of the country and places. There home is gorgeous and very full of collectables of every nature. They lived in WI. For many years and after Del retired they moved back here as Sharon is a member of the Tribe. The tribe is slightly scattered about but they have done very well in their ventures and own some prime land, casinos, golf courses and convention center. The evening ended at The Outback! One of my favorite eating haunts and I thought about trying something different but when the waitress came to take our order it just came out before I could say anything, rack of lamb, well with baked potato et. All. MMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!! Tried catching up on some of the blog but my mind and eyes gave out so ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!
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Kewadin to Kewadin, another circle full of life and beauty!
Mother Nature erupted during the nite again and beat a heavy tune on the trailer and awning but we awoke to a clear and very nice day. The congregation gathered at 0900 in the very unique mission church and it’s a wonder that it is still standing ‘cause I was there also. Wow! Reverend Tom made the mistake of letting me have the talking stick and I proceeded to max out the time with it. I revealed the nature of my journey and some of the events that have taken place as I have traveled along. I think the question I could not answer is,(Why did I come to Traverse, Mich?) Ever since Bro. Louie has talked about his home place, I just kept thinking that it would be a good place to visit sometime, and so here I am. Maybe in some other time ????????????????? After the service there was some chow in the meeting room and there I played one of my flutes and sang a few songs
Skywalker, Skywalker I didn’t ride the bike yesterday or today as I am resting for a few days so the Bakugons get a rest too, Love you and Miss you, over and out.
Del and Sharon invited to take us around and show us some of the country and places. There home is gorgeous and very full of collectables of every nature. They lived in WI. For many years and after Del retired they moved back here as Sharon is a member of the Tribe. The tribe is slightly scattered about but they have done very well in their ventures and own some prime land, casinos, golf courses and convention center. The evening ended at The Outback! One of my favorite eating haunts and I thought about trying something different but when the waitress came to take our order it just came out before I could say anything, rack of lamb, well with baked potato et. All. MMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!! Tried catching up on some of the blog but my mind and eyes gave out so ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!
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6-27 Destination, Traverse Mich. Home of Bro. Louie..Yahoo!!
This day is given to Tom and Phyllis John
Old Grade Campground to Kewadin, Mich.
Gee! Slept in til 0800. Pancakes for b’fast and lazed around till 1100 and finally got on up the road to Traverse City, just a 44mi. roll. We found a shopping mall and pulled in to get our bearings. Brother Louie had given us a number to get in touch with Tom John, a good friend of his and also the Preacher for one of the Indian Churches in Kewadin. Tom gave us directions and 17mi. north of Traverse we found the Church and grounds. Cousin Allen was setting up for a picnic at the Lakeside and got us lined up to park the trailer for a few days.
Right off, we felt comfortable and we were invited to join in and we had a great bar-b-que picnic with plenty of very good food. Met several of the tribal members and they ended the picnic with a name drawing and prize pick. I got a cool floatee for one of our grandkids. Rain! Rain? Yes, rain started down just as we were finishing and so we headed for cover. Later that evening, Gail and I mushed off to find one of Bro. Louie’s singing hangouts. We found the Hayloft where there was a large crowd and very good country music. Later, I got to sing a few songs with the group and finally gave up the nite around 11. Had a great time dancing also. Meeting members and relatives of Bro. Lou was a very nice experience and we knew that this is a good place.
As soon as I met Tom I knew there would be a good friendship and as we met the other members this feeling grew. Tom invited us to stay at the church grounds and por gratis. They opened up the hall for us to use and this provided water, showers, electrical and a private paved area set back off of the street. Thank you Tom and your wife and family for opening your doors to us and thank you brother Lou for steering us to this fine place. Lo!
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Old Grade Campground to Kewadin, Mich.
Gee! Slept in til 0800. Pancakes for b’fast and lazed around till 1100 and finally got on up the road to Traverse City, just a 44mi. roll. We found a shopping mall and pulled in to get our bearings. Brother Louie had given us a number to get in touch with Tom John, a good friend of his and also the Preacher for one of the Indian Churches in Kewadin. Tom gave us directions and 17mi. north of Traverse we found the Church and grounds. Cousin Allen was setting up for a picnic at the Lakeside and got us lined up to park the trailer for a few days.
Right off, we felt comfortable and we were invited to join in and we had a great bar-b-que picnic with plenty of very good food. Met several of the tribal members and they ended the picnic with a name drawing and prize pick. I got a cool floatee for one of our grandkids. Rain! Rain? Yes, rain started down just as we were finishing and so we headed for cover. Later that evening, Gail and I mushed off to find one of Bro. Louie’s singing hangouts. We found the Hayloft where there was a large crowd and very good country music. Later, I got to sing a few songs with the group and finally gave up the nite around 11. Had a great time dancing also. Meeting members and relatives of Bro. Lou was a very nice experience and we knew that this is a good place.
As soon as I met Tom I knew there would be a good friendship and as we met the other members this feeling grew. Tom invited us to stay at the church grounds and por gratis. They opened up the hall for us to use and this provided water, showers, electrical and a private paved area set back off of the street. Thank you Tom and your wife and family for opening your doors to us and thank you brother Lou for steering us to this fine place. Lo!
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6-26 Sailing, Sailing!!Whhheeee!
This day I send to Lu DeCristofaro, Son Jim’s mother.
Duck Creek became history and a memory as I glided on down the road headed for the next pick-up point somewhere over there! Gail had to wait for the laundry to open and by the time she got rolling I was in Waupun, WI. Another 10,000 plus size city. We had decided that I would wait for her and from there I decided that we should try for Manitowoc and the ferry as it only crosses twice a day, at 1:15P.M. and again at 12:30A.M. I lifted from Waupun and we had to make a detour for some reason and when we reached Manitowoc we got to the ferry with 10 min. to spare. We paid the ransom and the next 4 ½ hrs we lounged around and pretended to be Marines at Sea. We could not get to our rigs so we had nothing to work on as we crossed. A good relaxing trip with plenty of water to look at but the weather was great and clear, warm with the breeze enough to keep things cool and bearable. It is always amazing to me just how many people, cars, trucks etc can fit on one of them ferry’s with out toppling over or sinking into the water!!!
We picked a route on the map and drove on to the Old Grade, State Campground along hwy 31 where we paid the $6.00 and settled down for the nite. Man! Them skeets, biting flies, and bugs were as thick as the leaves so we broke out the bug gettum and them critters still found places to bite you that were not covered or maybe just barely covered. Lo! Another warm, clear nite but I did sleep good and it was dark.
Sandra and Jim met at Northridge College in L.A. and we met his parents, Joe and Lu, later. At the time they lived on Guadalupe Dr. in S. San Jose. Joe was a bigwig at a semiconductor company and for a time Lu worked at a Dental Office. Eventually they moved to the east side of Sacramento, Ca and there Joe was taken by cancer. Lu moved to Sequim, WA with her daughter and son-in-law, Danni and Jerry. It is hard to think of how many years have passed since I first met them and how little contact we have had since they moved north but Jim keeps in touch with her and we get our reports from him. Sometimes in life we are close to one another yet so far apart. I still respect Lu and I am so very thankful that she gave my girl such a great guy. Thanks. An added note, seems Lu is from Mich. also, am I correct Jim? No idea where though.
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Duck Creek became history and a memory as I glided on down the road headed for the next pick-up point somewhere over there! Gail had to wait for the laundry to open and by the time she got rolling I was in Waupun, WI. Another 10,000 plus size city. We had decided that I would wait for her and from there I decided that we should try for Manitowoc and the ferry as it only crosses twice a day, at 1:15P.M. and again at 12:30A.M. I lifted from Waupun and we had to make a detour for some reason and when we reached Manitowoc we got to the ferry with 10 min. to spare. We paid the ransom and the next 4 ½ hrs we lounged around and pretended to be Marines at Sea. We could not get to our rigs so we had nothing to work on as we crossed. A good relaxing trip with plenty of water to look at but the weather was great and clear, warm with the breeze enough to keep things cool and bearable. It is always amazing to me just how many people, cars, trucks etc can fit on one of them ferry’s with out toppling over or sinking into the water!!!
We picked a route on the map and drove on to the Old Grade, State Campground along hwy 31 where we paid the $6.00 and settled down for the nite. Man! Them skeets, biting flies, and bugs were as thick as the leaves so we broke out the bug gettum and them critters still found places to bite you that were not covered or maybe just barely covered. Lo! Another warm, clear nite but I did sleep good and it was dark.
Sandra and Jim met at Northridge College in L.A. and we met his parents, Joe and Lu, later. At the time they lived on Guadalupe Dr. in S. San Jose. Joe was a bigwig at a semiconductor company and for a time Lu worked at a Dental Office. Eventually they moved to the east side of Sacramento, Ca and there Joe was taken by cancer. Lu moved to Sequim, WA with her daughter and son-in-law, Danni and Jerry. It is hard to think of how many years have passed since I first met them and how little contact we have had since they moved north but Jim keeps in touch with her and we get our reports from him. Sometimes in life we are close to one another yet so far apart. I still respect Lu and I am so very thankful that she gave my girl such a great guy. Thanks. An added note, seems Lu is from Mich. also, am I correct Jim? No idea where though.
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Thursday, June 25, 2009
6-25 Hop, Skip and a Jump! More heat!
This day to my niece LaVonne Fuller.
Man! Did I ever give a sigh of relief as I left the campsite and aimed north on hwy 80 out of Platteville because there was a good 3’ shoulder and it was very smooth. There were some ups and downs as far as the terrain went but nothing my peddles could not handle. About 10mi. out I crossed into another county and I just about fell off of the bike because it was, get this, Iowa,wa,wa county!!! How bizarre is that? And then to add even more laughter to this scenario, the roads were the widest and smoothest roads I have been on since I started riding. Man! Could not believe this! I thought about a really cold beer at the end of the day and as you finish that you tell yourself, UUUMMM!! That was so good, let’s do it again! I racked up some miles though but as I reached the 30mi mark I was heating up and had to take several stops just to pour water over my bod and cool off just a little. Gail caught me at the 40mi post and I took another breather and headed on down the hill to a state campground. I made a couple of side road stops to see what was there but not much so found Gail and Lady at the info center and took another good break. I added 12 more very hot miles and packed it in.
We lifted through a couple of townships as we looked for a campsite. They are far and few between around here but we ended up at Duck Creek Campground, Wyocena, WI. A very nice place with lots of trees and shade. It was 94’ yet and so humid and after one cool one, I took a nap while Gail clipped Lady and really spruced her up. I met another young fella bikin it to the Dakotas and then on to Oregon. He has traveled all over on his Cannondale and talked about his trip from Alaska to WI. Took a couple of summers but he did it and enjoyed it.
We are hoping it is cooler tonight than last nite as it was tough sleeping when it is so hot. I have been slamming the water and gator-aid and energy bars and getting good vittles every evening. I think my middle has shrunk some but my legs have pumped up and my sunburn makes for interesting trails on my face, arms and legs. Gail laughs at my raccoon eyes and I do the same when I see my face in the mirror. Crazy!!! Skywalker, Skywalker good Buddy, it has been very hot and I wish I could go swimming but for now I love you and miss you, over and out.
Tony and LaVonne Fuller live in Cottage Grove, Ore. And have since childhood. LaVonne is my niece by our oldest sister, Martha, who passed away many years ago. I and Judy attended their wedding away back when and I have some of them old super 8 movies of that and their 56/57 Chevy. It still looks and runs great and not too many years back we attended their son's wedding and they used the old Chevy in the get away scene also. Sooo Cool! LaVonne is the head cook at the high school and Tony has worked most of the years at one of the mills. We have enjoyed many a good time and dances with them over the years and look forward to more.
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Man! Did I ever give a sigh of relief as I left the campsite and aimed north on hwy 80 out of Platteville because there was a good 3’ shoulder and it was very smooth. There were some ups and downs as far as the terrain went but nothing my peddles could not handle. About 10mi. out I crossed into another county and I just about fell off of the bike because it was, get this, Iowa,wa,wa county!!! How bizarre is that? And then to add even more laughter to this scenario, the roads were the widest and smoothest roads I have been on since I started riding. Man! Could not believe this! I thought about a really cold beer at the end of the day and as you finish that you tell yourself, UUUMMM!! That was so good, let’s do it again! I racked up some miles though but as I reached the 30mi mark I was heating up and had to take several stops just to pour water over my bod and cool off just a little. Gail caught me at the 40mi post and I took another breather and headed on down the hill to a state campground. I made a couple of side road stops to see what was there but not much so found Gail and Lady at the info center and took another good break. I added 12 more very hot miles and packed it in.
We lifted through a couple of townships as we looked for a campsite. They are far and few between around here but we ended up at Duck Creek Campground, Wyocena, WI. A very nice place with lots of trees and shade. It was 94’ yet and so humid and after one cool one, I took a nap while Gail clipped Lady and really spruced her up. I met another young fella bikin it to the Dakotas and then on to Oregon. He has traveled all over on his Cannondale and talked about his trip from Alaska to WI. Took a couple of summers but he did it and enjoyed it.
We are hoping it is cooler tonight than last nite as it was tough sleeping when it is so hot. I have been slamming the water and gator-aid and energy bars and getting good vittles every evening. I think my middle has shrunk some but my legs have pumped up and my sunburn makes for interesting trails on my face, arms and legs. Gail laughs at my raccoon eyes and I do the same when I see my face in the mirror. Crazy!!! Skywalker, Skywalker good Buddy, it has been very hot and I wish I could go swimming but for now I love you and miss you, over and out.
Tony and LaVonne Fuller live in Cottage Grove, Ore. And have since childhood. LaVonne is my niece by our oldest sister, Martha, who passed away many years ago. I and Judy attended their wedding away back when and I have some of them old super 8 movies of that and their 56/57 Chevy. It still looks and runs great and not too many years back we attended their son's wedding and they used the old Chevy in the get away scene also. Sooo Cool! LaVonne is the head cook at the high school and Tony has worked most of the years at one of the mills. We have enjoyed many a good time and dances with them over the years and look forward to more.
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Wednesday, June 24, 2009
6-24 Good Bye to Iowa,wa,wa. Am I glad for that!!
This day is for Beau’s grandma, Banana and Grandpa Bud.
The Twin Bridges Campground was not easy to leave. The big wind buster did not take place and that was fine with us. The nite was really nice and I put away some ZZZZss. After the big hula-ba-lu, I slept in and never budged until 0625. I figured that it would be a day of wait and see but when I checked the outside, wow, it was clear, cool and time to go. I think my mind was in go slow gear cause I spent about 20min. chatting with the two fishermen before saying adios.
As I clipped along the endless bumps and narrow road I met another cycler going the other way. I stopped and we, rather I, lipped on for some time. Janet lives in Colesburg with her husband and children and they are avid cyclers. She was riding a very nice bike and told me that her husband had built it and that he builds bikes. They have biked in some other countries as they had been in the Peace Corps. They are going to move to Colorado Springs before too long.
On to or towards Dubuque, Iw. I can’t wait to get out of this State. The roads they can keep and as I talked at another bike shop, they said that most of the bike clubs from Iowa,wa,wa, go to Wis. To ride and I surely do not blame them. Amen!!! Ooops! Some of my old reservation training leaking out.
I checked with the Hwy. Patrol and tried to set a course for Manitowoc, Wis to ride the ferry across to Mich. We lifted to Platteville Wis. Found wal-mart. And found a nice city park to hang out for the nite. I must plan another route as no bicycles on the interstate. Hay!! Went for pizza in town but only a 4 as are used to pizzas like D’Aurelio’s. Another 90’ day and the index is 103. Learned that from the patrolman. We bought a clipper set to give Lady a haircut and so now she looks kinda like she may have some kind of disease but in another day or two she should be looking good. At least she is a lot cooler now. Right now it is 8:30 and still 80’ and there are some ominous looking dark clouds lurking in the southwest skies??????? By now we can handle whatever comes our way, Hay!!
Skywalker, Skywalker Buddy, I heard that you crashed and burned on you bike but that you were strong and kept riding. I’m proud of you Buddy cause I have had some very bad crashes on my bikes and you just have to remember to wear your helmet and gloves and elbow and knee protectors and they will help you form getting hurt really bad. Just keep your eyes on the road and always pay attention to what you are doing. Love you Buddy and miss you. Over and out.
When Beau was learning to talk good, Grandma Judy wanted him to call her Mema. His Grandma June wanted him to call her Manana but Beau came out with Banana and so from then on it has and probably will remain, Banana! Grandpa Bud is older than I am but has the energy of one that is much younger. They both graduated out of school in Wis. And I am not sure where but hopefully they will let us know. And June, let me know if we are close to where you folks are from. I am going from Dubuque,IA to Manitowoc and I have to travel along the side roads. I am looking at hwy 80 n. out of Platteville to hwy 60 and Portage and then easterly towards Fond du Lac and then Manitowoc. Let me know. Bud and June operate The Snack Shak at the Lakeport Speedway. For several years they had a restaurant in Lakeport at the Old Water Wheel. Their son, Mark is the father of my #1 Buddy, Beau. My wife, Judy, remembers when Mark first started school in about the second grade each of his drawing was always a red race car with the #16. He now owns and operates a auto repair shop and has a red, super modified race car with the #16. So very cool. Bud keeps busy,busy, busy and I am very pleased to be a part of this family.
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The Twin Bridges Campground was not easy to leave. The big wind buster did not take place and that was fine with us. The nite was really nice and I put away some ZZZZss. After the big hula-ba-lu, I slept in and never budged until 0625. I figured that it would be a day of wait and see but when I checked the outside, wow, it was clear, cool and time to go. I think my mind was in go slow gear cause I spent about 20min. chatting with the two fishermen before saying adios.
As I clipped along the endless bumps and narrow road I met another cycler going the other way. I stopped and we, rather I, lipped on for some time. Janet lives in Colesburg with her husband and children and they are avid cyclers. She was riding a very nice bike and told me that her husband had built it and that he builds bikes. They have biked in some other countries as they had been in the Peace Corps. They are going to move to Colorado Springs before too long.
On to or towards Dubuque, Iw. I can’t wait to get out of this State. The roads they can keep and as I talked at another bike shop, they said that most of the bike clubs from Iowa,wa,wa, go to Wis. To ride and I surely do not blame them. Amen!!! Ooops! Some of my old reservation training leaking out.
I checked with the Hwy. Patrol and tried to set a course for Manitowoc, Wis to ride the ferry across to Mich. We lifted to Platteville Wis. Found wal-mart. And found a nice city park to hang out for the nite. I must plan another route as no bicycles on the interstate. Hay!! Went for pizza in town but only a 4 as are used to pizzas like D’Aurelio’s. Another 90’ day and the index is 103. Learned that from the patrolman. We bought a clipper set to give Lady a haircut and so now she looks kinda like she may have some kind of disease but in another day or two she should be looking good. At least she is a lot cooler now. Right now it is 8:30 and still 80’ and there are some ominous looking dark clouds lurking in the southwest skies??????? By now we can handle whatever comes our way, Hay!!
Skywalker, Skywalker Buddy, I heard that you crashed and burned on you bike but that you were strong and kept riding. I’m proud of you Buddy cause I have had some very bad crashes on my bikes and you just have to remember to wear your helmet and gloves and elbow and knee protectors and they will help you form getting hurt really bad. Just keep your eyes on the road and always pay attention to what you are doing. Love you Buddy and miss you. Over and out.
When Beau was learning to talk good, Grandma Judy wanted him to call her Mema. His Grandma June wanted him to call her Manana but Beau came out with Banana and so from then on it has and probably will remain, Banana! Grandpa Bud is older than I am but has the energy of one that is much younger. They both graduated out of school in Wis. And I am not sure where but hopefully they will let us know. And June, let me know if we are close to where you folks are from. I am going from Dubuque,IA to Manitowoc and I have to travel along the side roads. I am looking at hwy 80 n. out of Platteville to hwy 60 and Portage and then easterly towards Fond du Lac and then Manitowoc. Let me know. Bud and June operate The Snack Shak at the Lakeport Speedway. For several years they had a restaurant in Lakeport at the Old Water Wheel. Their son, Mark is the father of my #1 Buddy, Beau. My wife, Judy, remembers when Mark first started school in about the second grade each of his drawing was always a red race car with the #16. He now owns and operates a auto repair shop and has a red, super modified race car with the #16. So very cool. Bud keeps busy,busy, busy and I am very pleased to be a part of this family.
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6-23 The Heat Goes On!!!!
This Day is for Wayne and Kay of Red Bluff Ca.
Clarion to Colesburg IA
The nite at Clarion was warm but clear, tons of stars and a few fireflies. Gail cooked up them great pieces of Iowa,wa,wa, bovine pieces of steak and beans and a great bottle of Downhill Treats. We ate outside as the pesty little bugs were less bothersome than the heat in the trailer and besides, they added some protein, I think, to the meal. Oh!!!
I tried a new tactic by setting the alarm for 0500 and that was the trick. I performed the a.m. rituals and was jetting along the obnoxious hwy at 0550. Man! I was going to set a new record! I did alright! At 0600 in Clarion, it was already 74’. Storm warning, Storm warning, it is now 4:45pm.and the fire department just came by and gave us the severe thunderstorm warning with winds up to 70mph. till 5:45. They said we could come to the fire department if we wanted to. I am going to sign off for now and buckle down till this event clears. Skywalker, Skywalker I’ll talk to you later and let you know how it goes. Over and out.
Well folks, it blew for awhile but I had moved our rig to another more open spot and it sure was a good thing because right where we had been parked a very large limb fell. Whew! Years ago a large oak tree fell on our mobile home and wiped out the front end and since then I have had my utmost respect for the trees when the wind gets to puffin up. Two other guys were tenting near us and they had not got the warning so after I told them they moved around also and set up in one of the covered shelters. Things are quiet now but the warning is still in effect till midnight and also for tomorrow, so!!!!!!!!!! We’ll see. I only cranked off 52mi. today but it was pushing 100’ and I began to feel the heat so I called it a day. We booked on down the road to a neat campground near Colesburg, Ia. The humidity is high and I know that I could not live in this type of weather. Maybe that’s why the corn grows so good!! The roads are still rotten but I have word that in Wis. They are much better!!!??? Bud and June could tell us more about that. Skywalker, Skywalker good Buddy, we are fine now and I am going to shower and sleep and see what tomorrow brings. Love you and miss you, over and out.
GAIL SAYS: Today is dedicated to Wayne and Kay Mac Donald. I met them while I was working with the Senior Housing and they managed some of the complexes up in Willits. Over the years we became good friends and we would all look forward to having lunch every time I had to go to Willits on business. They have since transferred to another complex in the Red Bluff area and we don’t get to see each other as much, but are always in touch via the internet and the phone. They keep up on the blog and are amazed at the trip Arnold is doing. We always have great laughs about the dumbest stuff as only good friend can. Sure miss you but we will be home some day. Now for my mushy part!!
ARNOLD SAYS: Through Gail, I met Wayne and Kay while they were in Willits and whenever we were there we had lunch together and we sure do miss them times, especially at Anna’s Asian for war won-ton. I gave Wayne my old SLR camera and he has had a ball using it. Now that they are in Red Bluff we may not see them as much but we know how to get there! Keep that film going. See Ya.
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Clarion to Colesburg IA
The nite at Clarion was warm but clear, tons of stars and a few fireflies. Gail cooked up them great pieces of Iowa,wa,wa, bovine pieces of steak and beans and a great bottle of Downhill Treats. We ate outside as the pesty little bugs were less bothersome than the heat in the trailer and besides, they added some protein, I think, to the meal. Oh!!!
I tried a new tactic by setting the alarm for 0500 and that was the trick. I performed the a.m. rituals and was jetting along the obnoxious hwy at 0550. Man! I was going to set a new record! I did alright! At 0600 in Clarion, it was already 74’. Storm warning, Storm warning, it is now 4:45pm.and the fire department just came by and gave us the severe thunderstorm warning with winds up to 70mph. till 5:45. They said we could come to the fire department if we wanted to. I am going to sign off for now and buckle down till this event clears. Skywalker, Skywalker I’ll talk to you later and let you know how it goes. Over and out.
Well folks, it blew for awhile but I had moved our rig to another more open spot and it sure was a good thing because right where we had been parked a very large limb fell. Whew! Years ago a large oak tree fell on our mobile home and wiped out the front end and since then I have had my utmost respect for the trees when the wind gets to puffin up. Two other guys were tenting near us and they had not got the warning so after I told them they moved around also and set up in one of the covered shelters. Things are quiet now but the warning is still in effect till midnight and also for tomorrow, so!!!!!!!!!! We’ll see. I only cranked off 52mi. today but it was pushing 100’ and I began to feel the heat so I called it a day. We booked on down the road to a neat campground near Colesburg, Ia. The humidity is high and I know that I could not live in this type of weather. Maybe that’s why the corn grows so good!! The roads are still rotten but I have word that in Wis. They are much better!!!??? Bud and June could tell us more about that. Skywalker, Skywalker good Buddy, we are fine now and I am going to shower and sleep and see what tomorrow brings. Love you and miss you, over and out.
GAIL SAYS: Today is dedicated to Wayne and Kay Mac Donald. I met them while I was working with the Senior Housing and they managed some of the complexes up in Willits. Over the years we became good friends and we would all look forward to having lunch every time I had to go to Willits on business. They have since transferred to another complex in the Red Bluff area and we don’t get to see each other as much, but are always in touch via the internet and the phone. They keep up on the blog and are amazed at the trip Arnold is doing. We always have great laughs about the dumbest stuff as only good friend can. Sure miss you but we will be home some day. Now for my mushy part!!
ARNOLD SAYS: Through Gail, I met Wayne and Kay while they were in Willits and whenever we were there we had lunch together and we sure do miss them times, especially at Anna’s Asian for war won-ton. I gave Wayne my old SLR camera and he has had a ball using it. Now that they are in Red Bluff we may not see them as much but we know how to get there! Keep that film going. See Ya.
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Monday, June 22, 2009
6-22 -- 20 Centuries Later!!! Wow!
This day is for Niece Teresa and her husband Chris.
From Meriden to Clarion, about 100mi.
When the alarm buzzed at 0400 I thought about them days of long ago when each morning started with roll call and a 5mi. run through the sandy hills of Camp Pendleton. Whew! Was I glad to finally come to my senses and zero in on the day ahead of me? Well, let’s see!! Heck! It’s too dark to even find the floor so I may as well stay right here for just a few more minutes. Wow! It’s 0530, up and at ‘em cowboy, oops, I mean old Chief, so I went thru the daily’s and headed off into the sunrise at 0630 and I do mean the sunrise. It had just opened up over yonder horizon ‘cause here in Iowa,wa,wa, there are no hills or mtns to rise over.
I cursed the next 70 miles for several reasons. Want to hear my side of the story? Well!!! The traffic was heavier then I thought it was going to be and it must be the route for them big rigs cause them daddies kept rolling by like the rocks along the road. They hauled pigs, cows and corn seed, gravel, cement, tractors, mowers and the lord only knows what else but I could have sworn I was on interstate 5 in Ca. The nice thing today was that they could not spray me as each passed. Then the fog set in for about 5mi. and I cringed each time I heard a rig coming up behind me. I chugged into Cherokee, Iowa,wa,wa and it was here I turned the 2,000mi. notch on my cyclo. Wow! Chee Wizzzz! Man Alive! I did it! Downhill will appreciate this one. 20 Centuries in a row!! Hip! Hip Hoo Ray! And I can still stand up after a little effort, Ha, Ha. And no leg cramps Dave! Yes!!! Celebrate this evening, Maybe??? By 1000 it was warming up, rather heating up. Gail caught me at 40mi. and it was already 85. By 11:00 it was in the low 90’s. and of course, humid. I eased along ‘til I came to a detour so I lifted around this and we stopped for an ice cream, banana split break. We zipped on to Clarion and found another road side rest where there was a natural spring flowing and as several guys stopped to fill their water jugs we got a lesson on the spring. Seems it has been flowing for as long as any of them remember and it is cold and good. The temp peaked out @ 98’ and we just hazed away the afternoon. The breeze is still moving over our sweaty bodies and cools us and I have set up the table on the lawn and got the gen going so I could get this blog posted.
I’ll have to mention last nite as it was quite the site. I had never seen fireflies! They put on such a spectacular display of illumination that I was amazed and so glad that I had this opportunity to see them in their glory. The evening turned out to be so great it is amazing how the weather changes around here. By 2000hrs. it was absolutely clear, not a breeze to move the leaves, gazillion stars out and them fireflies put on their show all nite long. Cooled off to about 55’. Steaks just about ready and I am ready for that, Skywalker, Skywalker good Buddy, Sure do love you and miss you. Over and out!
My niece Teresa is one cool gal. Her Dad, Lucky was a great brother-in-law and had to leave this world way too soon. He could do amazing things to any auto and paint them to show quality. Teresa got her talent from Him and can do amazing things with decorating and colors. She and her husband, Chris, live in Lower Lake, Ca. and she has a neat Native Curios shop in Lower Lake and Chris has an auto, boat repair shop. I have always cared for her and we have been close over the years. They both are involved in their Church and Recovery Group work and I can only applaud each for their great works. Love you folks and the girls too.
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From Meriden to Clarion, about 100mi.
When the alarm buzzed at 0400 I thought about them days of long ago when each morning started with roll call and a 5mi. run through the sandy hills of Camp Pendleton. Whew! Was I glad to finally come to my senses and zero in on the day ahead of me? Well, let’s see!! Heck! It’s too dark to even find the floor so I may as well stay right here for just a few more minutes. Wow! It’s 0530, up and at ‘em cowboy, oops, I mean old Chief, so I went thru the daily’s and headed off into the sunrise at 0630 and I do mean the sunrise. It had just opened up over yonder horizon ‘cause here in Iowa,wa,wa, there are no hills or mtns to rise over.
I cursed the next 70 miles for several reasons. Want to hear my side of the story? Well!!! The traffic was heavier then I thought it was going to be and it must be the route for them big rigs cause them daddies kept rolling by like the rocks along the road. They hauled pigs, cows and corn seed, gravel, cement, tractors, mowers and the lord only knows what else but I could have sworn I was on interstate 5 in Ca. The nice thing today was that they could not spray me as each passed. Then the fog set in for about 5mi. and I cringed each time I heard a rig coming up behind me. I chugged into Cherokee, Iowa,wa,wa and it was here I turned the 2,000mi. notch on my cyclo. Wow! Chee Wizzzz! Man Alive! I did it! Downhill will appreciate this one. 20 Centuries in a row!! Hip! Hip Hoo Ray! And I can still stand up after a little effort, Ha, Ha. And no leg cramps Dave! Yes!!! Celebrate this evening, Maybe??? By 1000 it was warming up, rather heating up. Gail caught me at 40mi. and it was already 85. By 11:00 it was in the low 90’s. and of course, humid. I eased along ‘til I came to a detour so I lifted around this and we stopped for an ice cream, banana split break. We zipped on to Clarion and found another road side rest where there was a natural spring flowing and as several guys stopped to fill their water jugs we got a lesson on the spring. Seems it has been flowing for as long as any of them remember and it is cold and good. The temp peaked out @ 98’ and we just hazed away the afternoon. The breeze is still moving over our sweaty bodies and cools us and I have set up the table on the lawn and got the gen going so I could get this blog posted.
I’ll have to mention last nite as it was quite the site. I had never seen fireflies! They put on such a spectacular display of illumination that I was amazed and so glad that I had this opportunity to see them in their glory. The evening turned out to be so great it is amazing how the weather changes around here. By 2000hrs. it was absolutely clear, not a breeze to move the leaves, gazillion stars out and them fireflies put on their show all nite long. Cooled off to about 55’. Steaks just about ready and I am ready for that, Skywalker, Skywalker good Buddy, Sure do love you and miss you. Over and out!
My niece Teresa is one cool gal. Her Dad, Lucky was a great brother-in-law and had to leave this world way too soon. He could do amazing things to any auto and paint them to show quality. Teresa got her talent from Him and can do amazing things with decorating and colors. She and her husband, Chris, live in Lower Lake, Ca. and she has a neat Native Curios shop in Lower Lake and Chris has an auto, boat repair shop. I have always cared for her and we have been close over the years. They both are involved in their Church and Recovery Group work and I can only applaud each for their great works. Love you folks and the girls too.
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Sunday, June 21, 2009
6-21 Happy Father’s Day to All Fathers!
I give this day to all my Family! Thanks for being there for me!
We found the city park in Le Mars, Iowa about 27mi. north of Sioux City. The park was packed with kids and people and as we checked in and found a spot we learned that there was a kid’s fishing contest taking place. A cool thing to happen on this day because two days ago we just missed a tractor parade in Laurel, Neb. As I tanked along that day I kept seeing guys and gals putting along on tractors of all sizes and colors. Most were John Deere Green (sounds like a song) I stopped to chat with a couple that were having a road side sale of stuff. They said the parade would start at 1100hrs. So I beat it on thru town as people were getting ready. Later I thought I should have stayed and joined in. Oh well, gotta keep moving along!
Back to Le Mars, during the nite the heavens again did their thing and let loose with a good downpour. We were up and closing vents, windows etc. In the morning as I was prepping to leave it was still coming down but it didn’t seem too bad so I dressed for the test and hit the road. Wow! What a beating I took this a.m. To start with Iowa does not like us bikers at all. There is no shoulder and what there is are these baseball size rocks which are not conducive at all with my skinny roady tires. The edge of the pavement has a lip that is about a foot drop so I am riding on or inside of the fog line leaning into the wind at about a 10degree tilt. As I left the shelter of the city trees the wind hit me on the right shoulder and stayed that way the rest of this short ride. The rain drenched me and my feet were squishing inside my shoes. The traffic was tolerable but I had my own thoughts on just what they were thinking as they zoomed by. The big rigs sent a gusher of water over me as they bounced by on the same bumpy type roads that were in Neb. I tried to turn myself into Razor Man as I attempted to stay on the fog line whenever a vehicle would go by. The visibility was poor as it was pouring down and then started to hail. Gail pulled into a good rest area and I had to say a thank you for that. Almost three hrs. And I just made 20mi. so I waited for about an hour and thought that it was clear enough to go some more but I only got another 5mi. and called for the chase wagon. Whew! Found this nice rest area and set up camp. Decided to hang it up for today. Heck! It’s Father’s Day anyway and I need a little rest. It is now 9p.m. and it is still sputtering drops so tomorrow will be another day. Skywalker, Skywalker hope you had a great day with you Dad and I love you and miss you. Time for angel food cake and black berries, MMMMMMMMMMMM!! Over and out.
Thank you kids for being so supportive of my biggest venture yet. Sandra for setting up the blog so that I can share some of this journey with whomever. Marilyn for taking care of my business and for being concerned about my diet and health. Amber for giving me the Buddy of a life time. This may be the first time we have been apart on father’s day but I know that we all are one on this neat journey. Love Each of You. Thanks. Dad.
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We found the city park in Le Mars, Iowa about 27mi. north of Sioux City. The park was packed with kids and people and as we checked in and found a spot we learned that there was a kid’s fishing contest taking place. A cool thing to happen on this day because two days ago we just missed a tractor parade in Laurel, Neb. As I tanked along that day I kept seeing guys and gals putting along on tractors of all sizes and colors. Most were John Deere Green (sounds like a song) I stopped to chat with a couple that were having a road side sale of stuff. They said the parade would start at 1100hrs. So I beat it on thru town as people were getting ready. Later I thought I should have stayed and joined in. Oh well, gotta keep moving along!
Back to Le Mars, during the nite the heavens again did their thing and let loose with a good downpour. We were up and closing vents, windows etc. In the morning as I was prepping to leave it was still coming down but it didn’t seem too bad so I dressed for the test and hit the road. Wow! What a beating I took this a.m. To start with Iowa does not like us bikers at all. There is no shoulder and what there is are these baseball size rocks which are not conducive at all with my skinny roady tires. The edge of the pavement has a lip that is about a foot drop so I am riding on or inside of the fog line leaning into the wind at about a 10degree tilt. As I left the shelter of the city trees the wind hit me on the right shoulder and stayed that way the rest of this short ride. The rain drenched me and my feet were squishing inside my shoes. The traffic was tolerable but I had my own thoughts on just what they were thinking as they zoomed by. The big rigs sent a gusher of water over me as they bounced by on the same bumpy type roads that were in Neb. I tried to turn myself into Razor Man as I attempted to stay on the fog line whenever a vehicle would go by. The visibility was poor as it was pouring down and then started to hail. Gail pulled into a good rest area and I had to say a thank you for that. Almost three hrs. And I just made 20mi. so I waited for about an hour and thought that it was clear enough to go some more but I only got another 5mi. and called for the chase wagon. Whew! Found this nice rest area and set up camp. Decided to hang it up for today. Heck! It’s Father’s Day anyway and I need a little rest. It is now 9p.m. and it is still sputtering drops so tomorrow will be another day. Skywalker, Skywalker hope you had a great day with you Dad and I love you and miss you. Time for angel food cake and black berries, MMMMMMMMMMMM!! Over and out.
Thank you kids for being so supportive of my biggest venture yet. Sandra for setting up the blog so that I can share some of this journey with whomever. Marilyn for taking care of my business and for being concerned about my diet and health. Amber for giving me the Buddy of a life time. This may be the first time we have been apart on father’s day but I know that we all are one on this neat journey. Love Each of You. Thanks. Dad.
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Saturday, June 20, 2009
6-20 Hello Iowa, Finally.
This day is for our friends, Joe and Joanna, motorcycle friends.
The daily routine began at 0600. I was informed by my chase crew that I should put on a new, clean set of riding gear as the current one’s were starting to have the same odor as the surrounding environment??? Hay, just what are you trying to tell me??? Ok! Ok! Man, I even added some baby powder for extra kudos. Ha! Ha! But it does help your butt to hold onto the seat!! And did I ever need that! The first 15 miles out of Osmond was the roughest I have been over yet. I actually was converted and I have to fess up, folks, I turned into a hardcore cusser. I did justice to myself though cause at one point on the Blankety, blank, road I actually stopped and cussed up a storm at the poor, old, beat up piece of hwy. Dad burn, dirty rascal. I was really pouring it out and finally realized, heck, it wasn’t the roads fault so I apologized and as I clumped on down the un-fazed road, I couldn’t help but wonder, who the heck could I cuss out????? Oh, Well, suck it up and get to it or I’ll never get there.
I'm finally there, Sioux City, Iowa, wa, wa. I lifted to Wall Mart and as Gail picked up some more goodies I decided on the route we should take for the next phase of this state of travel. Lift north on interstate 75 to Le Mars and hope that the next course will be as enjoyable as the past???!!! We’ll see.
Joe and Joanna are good friends with Ray and Betts and they have been riding motorcycles together for several years. Joe and Joanna used to live in Lake Co. and Joe was partners in business with another fella from Upper Lake. We have all been on several cycle rides together and have had great times together. They ride a tryke and have had some rough times out on the road. Some time back, Joe was attacked by a moose outside of Coeur d’ Alene Ida. While on the bike. Was in ICU for some time but has had a good re-covery and is back riding. We just heard that at this time they were in Dodge City, Kan, with a breakdown and were waiting for parts. Hope all works out. There are always more stories but I will say that we really enjoy their company and look forward to more rides.
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The daily routine began at 0600. I was informed by my chase crew that I should put on a new, clean set of riding gear as the current one’s were starting to have the same odor as the surrounding environment??? Hay, just what are you trying to tell me??? Ok! Ok! Man, I even added some baby powder for extra kudos. Ha! Ha! But it does help your butt to hold onto the seat!! And did I ever need that! The first 15 miles out of Osmond was the roughest I have been over yet. I actually was converted and I have to fess up, folks, I turned into a hardcore cusser. I did justice to myself though cause at one point on the Blankety, blank, road I actually stopped and cussed up a storm at the poor, old, beat up piece of hwy. Dad burn, dirty rascal. I was really pouring it out and finally realized, heck, it wasn’t the roads fault so I apologized and as I clumped on down the un-fazed road, I couldn’t help but wonder, who the heck could I cuss out????? Oh, Well, suck it up and get to it or I’ll never get there.
I'm finally there, Sioux City, Iowa, wa, wa. I lifted to Wall Mart and as Gail picked up some more goodies I decided on the route we should take for the next phase of this state of travel. Lift north on interstate 75 to Le Mars and hope that the next course will be as enjoyable as the past???!!! We’ll see.
Joe and Joanna are good friends with Ray and Betts and they have been riding motorcycles together for several years. Joe and Joanna used to live in Lake Co. and Joe was partners in business with another fella from Upper Lake. We have all been on several cycle rides together and have had great times together. They ride a tryke and have had some rough times out on the road. Some time back, Joe was attacked by a moose outside of Coeur d’ Alene Ida. While on the bike. Was in ICU for some time but has had a good re-covery and is back riding. We just heard that at this time they were in Dodge City, Kan, with a breakdown and were waiting for parts. Hope all works out. There are always more stories but I will say that we really enjoy their company and look forward to more rides.
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6-19 Poolside at Osmond, Neb.
This day is for our friends Bob and Bernie.
Newport, Neb. - Osmond, Neb. Poolside Park. 95mi. As we set up camp at Newport, we found a turtle and Gail brought it to our site and it just sat in one place for the longest time. We had our chairs out for the first time since we left Newport, Ore. Lady was very curious over this little guy and kept pawing it and just looking sideways at it. We sat around enjoying the evening and of course sipping on a cold one. Or was that #2. Finally decided to get some vittles and as we were eating I noticed that the turtle had finally moved. Gail went out to look for it but it was no where in site. She and lady looked and looked for this little critter but had no success. I think it just flew off into the wind and turned into the fireflies that came out. An unsolved mystery. We still shake our heads and wonder????
The road was fast and warm and I clipped off the miles with out too much to see except miles and miles of fields and some up and down, rolling hill country. The second little bird tried to see if it could fly through my tires as I chugged along but alas! The spinning wheel had the upper hand and the bird ended up on the road with its feet facing the sky. I stopped and checked it out and it was only dazed and after a little tlc and a good talking to the bird up and flew off. Crazy! The same thing had happened a couple of days ago.
The smell along the route was that of ethanol, spoiled hay and cow pens. I haven’t figured out how something that smells so obnoxious can taste so good when it is bar-b-qued??? The road eventually leveled off nicely and in spite of them nasty bumps I picked up the pace and cruised into the big city of Osmond. Pop 600 or so. I had just turned 95mi. but Gail had found a neat city park again so I agreed to call it a day. Almost another century! Shoot! As I checked the parking it was full and I talked with Bill for awhile and then large drops of rain started coming down. I decided I had better scoot on down the road towards the next place that was about 12 more miles. Bill come over and suggested that I just back in beside another rig and set up so I agreed quickly. Turns out he grew up in Osmond and his Mom and brother live there and his brother, Marty, is on the park board. Told us of the best place to eat in town and later we had dinner at the Tiger Bar and Grill. Very Good. I visited for a time with Bill and Marty and their families and went directly to beddy bye. A good day, ZZZZZ
A few years ago, before zoom cameras with 8gig chips, I had a super 8 camera. I liked taking movies of a lot of things that we did and over the years we used to set up the little screen and projector every now and then and watch these silent movies. The projector finally gave up the ghost and so for years we could not see these fantastic pieces of reelmanship. Hay!! One year at a gathering at the Boat House in Nice, Ca. I met Bob and Bernie. A great couple and good friends of Ray and Betts. Bob offered to let me use his good working projector whenever I needed it and so we get to see them classics again whenever the occasion calls for it. We also meet every Tue p.m. at the Boat House for dinner and sometimes I will set up and play a few tunes. These folks are priceless and thanks for the good memories and a good working projector.
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Newport, Neb. - Osmond, Neb. Poolside Park. 95mi. As we set up camp at Newport, we found a turtle and Gail brought it to our site and it just sat in one place for the longest time. We had our chairs out for the first time since we left Newport, Ore. Lady was very curious over this little guy and kept pawing it and just looking sideways at it. We sat around enjoying the evening and of course sipping on a cold one. Or was that #2. Finally decided to get some vittles and as we were eating I noticed that the turtle had finally moved. Gail went out to look for it but it was no where in site. She and lady looked and looked for this little critter but had no success. I think it just flew off into the wind and turned into the fireflies that came out. An unsolved mystery. We still shake our heads and wonder????
The road was fast and warm and I clipped off the miles with out too much to see except miles and miles of fields and some up and down, rolling hill country. The second little bird tried to see if it could fly through my tires as I chugged along but alas! The spinning wheel had the upper hand and the bird ended up on the road with its feet facing the sky. I stopped and checked it out and it was only dazed and after a little tlc and a good talking to the bird up and flew off. Crazy! The same thing had happened a couple of days ago.
The smell along the route was that of ethanol, spoiled hay and cow pens. I haven’t figured out how something that smells so obnoxious can taste so good when it is bar-b-qued??? The road eventually leveled off nicely and in spite of them nasty bumps I picked up the pace and cruised into the big city of Osmond. Pop 600 or so. I had just turned 95mi. but Gail had found a neat city park again so I agreed to call it a day. Almost another century! Shoot! As I checked the parking it was full and I talked with Bill for awhile and then large drops of rain started coming down. I decided I had better scoot on down the road towards the next place that was about 12 more miles. Bill come over and suggested that I just back in beside another rig and set up so I agreed quickly. Turns out he grew up in Osmond and his Mom and brother live there and his brother, Marty, is on the park board. Told us of the best place to eat in town and later we had dinner at the Tiger Bar and Grill. Very Good. I visited for a time with Bill and Marty and their families and went directly to beddy bye. A good day, ZZZZZ
A few years ago, before zoom cameras with 8gig chips, I had a super 8 camera. I liked taking movies of a lot of things that we did and over the years we used to set up the little screen and projector every now and then and watch these silent movies. The projector finally gave up the ghost and so for years we could not see these fantastic pieces of reelmanship. Hay!! One year at a gathering at the Boat House in Nice, Ca. I met Bob and Bernie. A great couple and good friends of Ray and Betts. Bob offered to let me use his good working projector whenever I needed it and so we get to see them classics again whenever the occasion calls for it. We also meet every Tue p.m. at the Boat House for dinner and sometimes I will set up and play a few tunes. These folks are priceless and thanks for the good memories and a good working projector.
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Thursday, June 18, 2009
6-18 Newport, Ore./ Newport, Neb. -- 1,300 Miles Later!
To my drummer boy, John T.
Our nite in Valentine was a booming experience to say the least. When we landed and a local cop gave us directions to the city park, we settled in to clear, hot, creek side settings among more cotton wood trees. We dry camped again and after working on the water pump, again, I took a nap and later dinner was consumed. I was still too beat to get the generator going so we just went into r/r mode. It was very warm and as the nite replaced the day we sorta settled down but lo and behold! Booooom! Boooooom!!! Baaarrroom! Man, the skies lit up and kept lighting up and booming! Gail ignored most of this and just kept sawing them trees down. Lady, a different story! She got so scared I finally let her up on the bed with us and she finally calmed a little but not until the storm had blown over. I got some of the thunder on my little recorder but could not get the flashes of lightning. There were several warnings over the radio station that we were listening to and I recorded them also. Finally calmed down and the morning was clear, humid and warm. I did the routine and left out @ 0600. The roads leveled off and after the 20 mi. post it became very flat but there was a right shoulder wind that kept a slight brake on me as I huffed and puffed to keep a 10mph avg. going. Gail caught me at the 40mi. post and I told her I would keep going till I couldn’t go any more. At 50mi. the road eased more easterly and the wind let up but the heat came up and I was able to clip off another 25mi. We came to the oldest park in Neb. Established in 1938 it has served travelers since and is kept up as a preserve and forest for all of us weary travelers and so we are spending the nite here. Thanks Folks. Skywalker, Skywalker not too many days we will be in the state of Wisconsin so I will see if I can see any Cheese heads. Love you and miss you, over and out.
In 1963 I got my discharge from the U.S.M.C. and headed north from Camp Pendleton. I stopped in Winters, \Ca. to visit my Dad and ended up working for him and with him for the next several years. When I got to Lake Co. that summer I met up again with my old buddy Bob Hammon. He lived on Sylar Lane and had a motorcycle shop along the creek. We used to sit around evenings and share stories and a beer or two and play music. John White was in high school and was learning to drum so he would come around and sit in with us. The Prather Brothers also had a band and so we had some good times even back then. As the years went by, John and I began playing more music together and eventually we ended up as a duo. The Indian and the Cowboy. What times we had over the years and after about 16 years we finally gave it up. Age has something to do with it but I thank this cowboy for all the years and great music. He just recently retired from the County after umpteen years of driving the road sweeper. Bless you Buddy and your wife Carol. She works for a dental office in Clearlake. We’ll play more tunes down the road.
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Our nite in Valentine was a booming experience to say the least. When we landed and a local cop gave us directions to the city park, we settled in to clear, hot, creek side settings among more cotton wood trees. We dry camped again and after working on the water pump, again, I took a nap and later dinner was consumed. I was still too beat to get the generator going so we just went into r/r mode. It was very warm and as the nite replaced the day we sorta settled down but lo and behold! Booooom! Boooooom!!! Baaarrroom! Man, the skies lit up and kept lighting up and booming! Gail ignored most of this and just kept sawing them trees down. Lady, a different story! She got so scared I finally let her up on the bed with us and she finally calmed a little but not until the storm had blown over. I got some of the thunder on my little recorder but could not get the flashes of lightning. There were several warnings over the radio station that we were listening to and I recorded them also. Finally calmed down and the morning was clear, humid and warm. I did the routine and left out @ 0600. The roads leveled off and after the 20 mi. post it became very flat but there was a right shoulder wind that kept a slight brake on me as I huffed and puffed to keep a 10mph avg. going. Gail caught me at the 40mi. post and I told her I would keep going till I couldn’t go any more. At 50mi. the road eased more easterly and the wind let up but the heat came up and I was able to clip off another 25mi. We came to the oldest park in Neb. Established in 1938 it has served travelers since and is kept up as a preserve and forest for all of us weary travelers and so we are spending the nite here. Thanks Folks. Skywalker, Skywalker not too many days we will be in the state of Wisconsin so I will see if I can see any Cheese heads. Love you and miss you, over and out.
In 1963 I got my discharge from the U.S.M.C. and headed north from Camp Pendleton. I stopped in Winters, \Ca. to visit my Dad and ended up working for him and with him for the next several years. When I got to Lake Co. that summer I met up again with my old buddy Bob Hammon. He lived on Sylar Lane and had a motorcycle shop along the creek. We used to sit around evenings and share stories and a beer or two and play music. John White was in high school and was learning to drum so he would come around and sit in with us. The Prather Brothers also had a band and so we had some good times even back then. As the years went by, John and I began playing more music together and eventually we ended up as a duo. The Indian and the Cowboy. What times we had over the years and after about 16 years we finally gave it up. Age has something to do with it but I thank this cowboy for all the years and great music. He just recently retired from the County after umpteen years of driving the road sweeper. Bless you Buddy and your wife Carol. She works for a dental office in Clearlake. We’ll play more tunes down the road.
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6-17 The Life of a Turtle!?
To our musical friends, Ray and Gloria Laiwa. Keep Strumming Ray!
From Gordon to Valentine,Neb.
It was a warm nite and I slept very well. A dry camp at another historical site pull-out but it was nice. Every morning starts the same, I force my eyes open and look around to get my bearings and remember where I am and why I am out on these wide open spaces. Lady crawls out from under our bed and needs a good head rub and is ready to go out and do her duty. I bound, yea, right! out of bed and head for my duty post and then feed the starving mutt. The coffee is warming up and I start chomping on my banana to get the energy flowing.
As I check the weather and decide what to wear for the morning Gail starts to move around and asks,”what time is it?” and when I tell her she says a few words to her god and rolls over and keeps stacking wood. I proceed to pack my riding bags and get all the water, gator aid, power bars, camera, recorder, cell phone, cyclo, what if kind of gear, and etc, etc etc. By now I’m kinda waking up and start gearing my brain to the day. Go! Go! Go! Go! Stroke! Two, Three, Four, Hut, Two, Three, Four, something from the past I think, Ha! Ha! As I dress and drink my java, I can’t help but reflect on yesterday and then today. What’s up ahead? What will I see? Will the weather clear? Will the road be flat and the wind at my back? Will I ever get out of Nebraska? Can my legs actually move in circular motions? Will the tires hold up to that incessant pounding of them monstrous cracks along the road? Hay! Relax man, just take it as it comes. Whew! Had me going there for a moment. Check the bike over and load up. Ready to roll! Gail asks the same question every a.m. Where will I meet you? Down the road, dear, just pull over after you pass me at the next good pull out. Ok! ZZZZZZZZZ! Lady is getting hep to the daily routine because after she eats she just gets into her bed and starts’ doing the same thing that Gail is doing. Oh well, life is good! See Ya! Wings on your feet, be safe, I love you.
The first critter I saw on the road was a small turtle and I immediately thought about Marilyn and I lifted the critter and got him headed out in the field. A few miles later I saw the largest turtle I have ever seen in the wild. This grandpa of a guy must have weighed 60-80 lbs. on the hoof but he made one big mistake when he tried to outrun a big ol’ semi. Bless his heart he went to be with the maker! I decided not to take any pictures of this guy as I felt that it would mess with his journey to the next world. Sorry there big guy! I have seen several of them small guys since and each has made that one fatal mistake of trying to cross the hwy at the wrong time. I have also taken several that were speeding along and put them back into the fields. The beat goes on! It did clear and the afternoon got up to the mid 80’s and my tan is really looking good! Ha! Ha! Gail laughs at my raccoon eyes. Oh, well, the life of us hard core bikers.
Along about 1978(sounds like another song to me) there came into our lives, a guy that had a drafting business in Lakeport. In fact, he designed the layout for our room addition at home. Ray Laiwa became another life long friend and a great lead guitar player for me for several years. His wife, Gloria, has been a constant companion for Ray and has always taken the best of care of him. We have played many a tune over the years and they now live in Myrtle Creek, Ore. We stop by there and usually stay for a short time so that we can jam. Recently, Gloria found a new talent that she had that she had not known about. Painting! She can paint a very cool picture and enjoys it and it shows in each piece that she does. Ray is a veteran and has some health issues but I believe that is the music that keeps the beat going and to these great friends I thank each of you for all the great music and memories. Love You.
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From Gordon to Valentine,Neb.
It was a warm nite and I slept very well. A dry camp at another historical site pull-out but it was nice. Every morning starts the same, I force my eyes open and look around to get my bearings and remember where I am and why I am out on these wide open spaces. Lady crawls out from under our bed and needs a good head rub and is ready to go out and do her duty. I bound, yea, right! out of bed and head for my duty post and then feed the starving mutt. The coffee is warming up and I start chomping on my banana to get the energy flowing.
As I check the weather and decide what to wear for the morning Gail starts to move around and asks,”what time is it?” and when I tell her she says a few words to her god and rolls over and keeps stacking wood. I proceed to pack my riding bags and get all the water, gator aid, power bars, camera, recorder, cell phone, cyclo, what if kind of gear, and etc, etc etc. By now I’m kinda waking up and start gearing my brain to the day. Go! Go! Go! Go! Stroke! Two, Three, Four, Hut, Two, Three, Four, something from the past I think, Ha! Ha! As I dress and drink my java, I can’t help but reflect on yesterday and then today. What’s up ahead? What will I see? Will the weather clear? Will the road be flat and the wind at my back? Will I ever get out of Nebraska? Can my legs actually move in circular motions? Will the tires hold up to that incessant pounding of them monstrous cracks along the road? Hay! Relax man, just take it as it comes. Whew! Had me going there for a moment. Check the bike over and load up. Ready to roll! Gail asks the same question every a.m. Where will I meet you? Down the road, dear, just pull over after you pass me at the next good pull out. Ok! ZZZZZZZZZ! Lady is getting hep to the daily routine because after she eats she just gets into her bed and starts’ doing the same thing that Gail is doing. Oh well, life is good! See Ya! Wings on your feet, be safe, I love you.
The first critter I saw on the road was a small turtle and I immediately thought about Marilyn and I lifted the critter and got him headed out in the field. A few miles later I saw the largest turtle I have ever seen in the wild. This grandpa of a guy must have weighed 60-80 lbs. on the hoof but he made one big mistake when he tried to outrun a big ol’ semi. Bless his heart he went to be with the maker! I decided not to take any pictures of this guy as I felt that it would mess with his journey to the next world. Sorry there big guy! I have seen several of them small guys since and each has made that one fatal mistake of trying to cross the hwy at the wrong time. I have also taken several that were speeding along and put them back into the fields. The beat goes on! It did clear and the afternoon got up to the mid 80’s and my tan is really looking good! Ha! Ha! Gail laughs at my raccoon eyes. Oh, well, the life of us hard core bikers.
Along about 1978(sounds like another song to me) there came into our lives, a guy that had a drafting business in Lakeport. In fact, he designed the layout for our room addition at home. Ray Laiwa became another life long friend and a great lead guitar player for me for several years. His wife, Gloria, has been a constant companion for Ray and has always taken the best of care of him. We have played many a tune over the years and they now live in Myrtle Creek, Ore. We stop by there and usually stay for a short time so that we can jam. Recently, Gloria found a new talent that she had that she had not known about. Painting! She can paint a very cool picture and enjoys it and it shows in each piece that she does. Ray is a veteran and has some health issues but I believe that is the music that keeps the beat going and to these great friends I thank each of you for all the great music and memories. Love You.
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