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.
Monday, June 29, 2009
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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Tuesday, June 16, 2009
6-16 Just Another Day In Paradise
To my niece, Shannon.
The train yard was just over the creek and past the cotton wood trees that looked to be older than the hills. Through the nite the whistle and rumble of the big boys would wake me up but only long enough to remember that, hay, I know that sound and that it was not the thunder from above. It was a warm nite and at 0500 I was up and getting ready. I left Gail @ 0620 and as I peeled off east on hwy 20, the first grade let me know that I will pay today for that century yesterday. My quads were heavy and not as speedy as they could be but I did kick down 71miles. Yea!!! The roads had them nasty crevices and I did take one pic just to show the world how some states have it in for us bikers. I just prey that the bike will hold together and that the tires don’t just blow apart. The towns have been monsters, like pop 40, 60, 120 etc. Elevation has been steady near 5000ft. but is now starting to lower. The sound that I hear the most is the song bird I believe is the western whippoorwill. Wild life is next to zero and the birds are few and far between. Since leaving Shoshoni, Wy, I have seen herds of antelope but now they are thinning out also. I did see one doe and her baby. There are miles and miles of hay fields and at this time of year they are green and it is super cool to see them waving in the breeze. I must also thank The Man for the wind at my back these past three days. Wow!!!
Tomorrow, I am changing bikes for awhile just to see how the road bike handles the different roads here in Neb. I wrapped more sponge around the handle bars to see if it would lesson the shock of them bad dribbles. We’ll see!!!!! I can say one thing for sure, if you ever ride this way be prepared for any breakdowns because to date there have been 3 people stop and ask if we needed any help as we were stopped along the road. One in Ore, one in Idaho,ho,ho, and one in Neb. Ha!Ha! Get it? If you ever plan to ride this way????? What? Who’s crazy enough to do that?????? Skywalker, Skywalker I think of you every day, love you and miss you, over and out.
My niece, Shannon, lives in Eugene Ore. She spent several summers when she was young and worked in the packing sheds for us. She was our stamper, extraordinaire. We have always loved her and her brothers and sisters. Her son, Josh, graduated from college and now lives in the S.F. Bay area and works in Oakland. Rachael is still in high school in Eugene. Through the years we have been very close to Shannon and made many visits to Eugene to hang out with her. She remains active as she has been over the years and we always have great times when we are together. Love You Shannon.
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The train yard was just over the creek and past the cotton wood trees that looked to be older than the hills. Through the nite the whistle and rumble of the big boys would wake me up but only long enough to remember that, hay, I know that sound and that it was not the thunder from above. It was a warm nite and at 0500 I was up and getting ready. I left Gail @ 0620 and as I peeled off east on hwy 20, the first grade let me know that I will pay today for that century yesterday. My quads were heavy and not as speedy as they could be but I did kick down 71miles. Yea!!! The roads had them nasty crevices and I did take one pic just to show the world how some states have it in for us bikers. I just prey that the bike will hold together and that the tires don’t just blow apart. The towns have been monsters, like pop 40, 60, 120 etc. Elevation has been steady near 5000ft. but is now starting to lower. The sound that I hear the most is the song bird I believe is the western whippoorwill. Wild life is next to zero and the birds are few and far between. Since leaving Shoshoni, Wy, I have seen herds of antelope but now they are thinning out also. I did see one doe and her baby. There are miles and miles of hay fields and at this time of year they are green and it is super cool to see them waving in the breeze. I must also thank The Man for the wind at my back these past three days. Wow!!!
Tomorrow, I am changing bikes for awhile just to see how the road bike handles the different roads here in Neb. I wrapped more sponge around the handle bars to see if it would lesson the shock of them bad dribbles. We’ll see!!!!! I can say one thing for sure, if you ever ride this way be prepared for any breakdowns because to date there have been 3 people stop and ask if we needed any help as we were stopped along the road. One in Ore, one in Idaho,ho,ho, and one in Neb. Ha!Ha! Get it? If you ever plan to ride this way????? What? Who’s crazy enough to do that?????? Skywalker, Skywalker I think of you every day, love you and miss you, over and out.
My niece, Shannon, lives in Eugene Ore. She spent several summers when she was young and worked in the packing sheds for us. She was our stamper, extraordinaire. We have always loved her and her brothers and sisters. Her son, Josh, graduated from college and now lives in the S.F. Bay area and works in Oakland. Rachael is still in high school in Eugene. Through the years we have been very close to Shannon and made many visits to Eugene to hang out with her. She remains active as she has been over the years and we always have great times when we are together. Love You Shannon.
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6-15.A Century Is How Far?
This Day is for Downhill Dave and his charming Wife, Ruth! Is that right Dave?
Wow! What is there to say??? I met a clear, cool morning and even after yesterday’s ride, my legs felt good and ready to churn! Give me the highway and let me go!!! Man, I am stomping at the pedals!!! My shoes are dancing, let’s go! I was kicking up the rocks along the bike lane and scootin on down that interstate 25 in the middle of Wy. Headed for Lusk, no not lust; although there may have been lust in my booties to cover some pavement but there is this spot in the road called Lusk?!!!Wy. Most of the traffic peeled off here and headed for the Black Hills. Cool, I had the road to myself at least until some rig zoomed by. I’ll have to say this, ifen I was a cussin and swearin dude, I would surely cuss and swear at them gutters along the road. Man! They are bruisers and Gail laughs and says, “hay honey, are they peanut butter yet?” But in spite of all the cryin I made the 101mi. mark today. I also made it into Nebraska. Gail had the movie camera on and was beating on the drum when I came to that milestone. Wow! A cool feeling. Downhill, you’ll appreciate this bit of info, 101 in 7:05. Bikers talk folks!
So tonight we are bedding down in the city park in Crawford, Neb. and doing another toast. Man, I enjoy these times and tks. to Downhill, more yummy bibes to toast the occasions. Here’s to Tommolo, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. There are thunder bumpers booming around us and tonight there are supposed to be a lot more but I’m sure once I have had my shower and layed these weary bones to rest, Gail can tell me in the morning what took place tonight(sounds like a song to me). I can see miles and miles of not much folks but I will keep you in touch. Skywalker, Skywalker I sure enjoyed seeing your graduation pictures, they are cool. Love you Buddy and Sure do miss you. Over and Out!!!!!!!!!!
Sandra and Ruth DeFalco have been the best of friends for several years and they both work for the same company. Through this friendship I have had the honor and privilege of being friends with Ruth’s husband, Dave. He has been an inspiration for me when it comes to pushing these pedals be it on a mountain bike or a roady. He has eased my cramped up legs along the Pedal Around the Puddle and held back and made sure my old body got to the finish line. We have enjoyed many miles together and he is the guy that loaned me his Trek Touring Bike to use on this journey and at this time I must say that I am sure glad for that. They also gave us a treasure chest full of bibes to take along on this journey and we have been very selective when we decide to toast some special blessing. Dave loves sailing and Ruth and Sandra enjoy the wine touring outings. It is friends like these two that make the many great memories and we look forward to many more. Love you two much!
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Wow! What is there to say??? I met a clear, cool morning and even after yesterday’s ride, my legs felt good and ready to churn! Give me the highway and let me go!!! Man, I am stomping at the pedals!!! My shoes are dancing, let’s go! I was kicking up the rocks along the bike lane and scootin on down that interstate 25 in the middle of Wy. Headed for Lusk, no not lust; although there may have been lust in my booties to cover some pavement but there is this spot in the road called Lusk?!!!Wy. Most of the traffic peeled off here and headed for the Black Hills. Cool, I had the road to myself at least until some rig zoomed by. I’ll have to say this, ifen I was a cussin and swearin dude, I would surely cuss and swear at them gutters along the road. Man! They are bruisers and Gail laughs and says, “hay honey, are they peanut butter yet?” But in spite of all the cryin I made the 101mi. mark today. I also made it into Nebraska. Gail had the movie camera on and was beating on the drum when I came to that milestone. Wow! A cool feeling. Downhill, you’ll appreciate this bit of info, 101 in 7:05. Bikers talk folks!
So tonight we are bedding down in the city park in Crawford, Neb. and doing another toast. Man, I enjoy these times and tks. to Downhill, more yummy bibes to toast the occasions. Here’s to Tommolo, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. There are thunder bumpers booming around us and tonight there are supposed to be a lot more but I’m sure once I have had my shower and layed these weary bones to rest, Gail can tell me in the morning what took place tonight(sounds like a song to me). I can see miles and miles of not much folks but I will keep you in touch. Skywalker, Skywalker I sure enjoyed seeing your graduation pictures, they are cool. Love you Buddy and Sure do miss you. Over and Out!!!!!!!!!!
Sandra and Ruth DeFalco have been the best of friends for several years and they both work for the same company. Through this friendship I have had the honor and privilege of being friends with Ruth’s husband, Dave. He has been an inspiration for me when it comes to pushing these pedals be it on a mountain bike or a roady. He has eased my cramped up legs along the Pedal Around the Puddle and held back and made sure my old body got to the finish line. We have enjoyed many miles together and he is the guy that loaned me his Trek Touring Bike to use on this journey and at this time I must say that I am sure glad for that. They also gave us a treasure chest full of bibes to take along on this journey and we have been very selective when we decide to toast some special blessing. Dave loves sailing and Ruth and Sandra enjoy the wine touring outings. It is friends like these two that make the many great memories and we look forward to many more. Love you two much!
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Sunday, June 14, 2009
6-14 How Far Up?
This day is for our good friends, Danny and Sharon Vaars.
Sometimes I think that I know how those old Indians felt when they found a neat place to camp. Let’s just stay here and not leave for a long time. It was a very nice place and we held off leaving as long as we could, but!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Back to Shoshoni and along the way we got some good pics and some great sites. In Shoshoni they were having an old tractor gathering and we looked on for about 15min. then I was headed east on highway 20 again. Wow!!! It was 40 miles of steady peddling with not one down hill. It was gradual and most of the time I was 3-1, 3-2 but it never let up. I did good time in spite of them nasty, mean gutters across the roadway. In some places they call them frost heaves but I call them gutters across the road and they pound the heck out of your lower back. Where is my bone doctor? Dave! Dave! I could use you now. 67mi. and wouldn’t you know it! Another flat in the new tire and tube. Called Gail back and loaded up and we beat it on in to a place called Douglas, Wy. About 44mi. east of Casper, Wy. We layed over at the KOA and I got to work on the tire. What a pain! Three times I had to tear the tire down as the tubes kept growing new holes. No idea where they came from but they were frustrating to say the least. Next time, new tubes and no patched ones. Finally, dinner, hot shower, blog and ZZZZZZZZ.
I met Danny’s sister, Nancy in 1958. We worked in the packing house at the Old Blue Anchor. Later I met Danny. He and Sharon have been married for many years. Danny retired as the postmaster out of Lakeport. Sharon has had some health issues for many years but still gets around and enjoys life to the fullest. I have played music at many of their parties and they have cheered me on whenever I was playing somewhere. Danny is a Chevy man and over the years did a lot of engine building and racing. With friends like these folks, it adds to the greatness of being alive. See you on the next Cruise!
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Sometimes I think that I know how those old Indians felt when they found a neat place to camp. Let’s just stay here and not leave for a long time. It was a very nice place and we held off leaving as long as we could, but!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Back to Shoshoni and along the way we got some good pics and some great sites. In Shoshoni they were having an old tractor gathering and we looked on for about 15min. then I was headed east on highway 20 again. Wow!!! It was 40 miles of steady peddling with not one down hill. It was gradual and most of the time I was 3-1, 3-2 but it never let up. I did good time in spite of them nasty, mean gutters across the roadway. In some places they call them frost heaves but I call them gutters across the road and they pound the heck out of your lower back. Where is my bone doctor? Dave! Dave! I could use you now. 67mi. and wouldn’t you know it! Another flat in the new tire and tube. Called Gail back and loaded up and we beat it on in to a place called Douglas, Wy. About 44mi. east of Casper, Wy. We layed over at the KOA and I got to work on the tire. What a pain! Three times I had to tear the tire down as the tubes kept growing new holes. No idea where they came from but they were frustrating to say the least. Next time, new tubes and no patched ones. Finally, dinner, hot shower, blog and ZZZZZZZZ.
I met Danny’s sister, Nancy in 1958. We worked in the packing house at the Old Blue Anchor. Later I met Danny. He and Sharon have been married for many years. Danny retired as the postmaster out of Lakeport. Sharon has had some health issues for many years but still gets around and enjoys life to the fullest. I have played music at many of their parties and they have cheered me on whenever I was playing somewhere. Danny is a Chevy man and over the years did a lot of engine building and racing. With friends like these folks, it adds to the greatness of being alive. See you on the next Cruise!
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6-13 One Month Out!
Seems as though this one month has wheeled by!!Ha,Ha. Some kind of joke, I hope. I was up and peddling @ 0630 and it must have been the extra thrill of the one month but I was zipping on down to Riverton. The whole way seemed to be slightly downhill and the breeze was gentle at my back. As I reached the city limit sign of Riverton, the rear tire went caput!! That means it went flat. Called Gail back from the other side of town and got it fixed and went on through town and finally located a bike shop. Out Sportin was right on the main St. and we met Clay, a real down-home biker. He had a new tire and after some chatting I was off and headed for Shoshoni, another 22mi. Man! It was fast. I hit the 36mph bell as I cruised down the long grades. I stayed just ahead of the rain and caught up with Gail in Shoshoni.
I loaded the bike and we side tripped to the town of Thermopolis. Largest hot springs in the U.S. But not all that impressive to me. We found Merlin’s Hideout but he was not around as it was sat. and there were many things going on in this town. Merlin made our buffalo vests and did an excellent job. Two strikes and so we decided to buy some ribs off of a mobile bar-b-que and head back towards Shoshoni. We went through a canyon along the Wind River that was amazing. The cliffs showed that they were formed some 250-600 million years ago. We found a nice pullout and dry camped for the nite. We had a great dinner and a wonderful btl. Of Downhill bibes. A toast to the one mo. And to the 83mi. ride. Longest for this trip to date. More thunder and lightning as per Gail but that did not bother me, Lo! Skywalker, Skywalker I sure do love you and miss you. Over and out.
I would give this day to The Creator! Thanks for giving me this opportunity to make this journey. For the rest of my life I will see things in a different way and I will always smile at every thought of this incredible sojourn. Lo!
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I loaded the bike and we side tripped to the town of Thermopolis. Largest hot springs in the U.S. But not all that impressive to me. We found Merlin’s Hideout but he was not around as it was sat. and there were many things going on in this town. Merlin made our buffalo vests and did an excellent job. Two strikes and so we decided to buy some ribs off of a mobile bar-b-que and head back towards Shoshoni. We went through a canyon along the Wind River that was amazing. The cliffs showed that they were formed some 250-600 million years ago. We found a nice pullout and dry camped for the nite. We had a great dinner and a wonderful btl. Of Downhill bibes. A toast to the one mo. And to the 83mi. ride. Longest for this trip to date. More thunder and lightning as per Gail but that did not bother me, Lo! Skywalker, Skywalker I sure do love you and miss you. Over and out.
I would give this day to The Creator! Thanks for giving me this opportunity to make this journey. For the rest of my life I will see things in a different way and I will always smile at every thought of this incredible sojourn. Lo!
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6-12 What a high!
A day to Anita Lopez, my sister-in-law.
Hi Beau, I want to say just how proud of you I am today because now you are a first grader. The next year will be even better than this year and you will be doing many more things and learning much more. Now for today. Again there was rain and some thunder last nite but as usual I slept thru it. Gail tells me these things in the morning and I just have to believe her. When I got up it was cloudy but the sun was trying to shine in some areas. I dressed in warm gear and was on the road @ 0700. The first six miles was a gradual up and it was about 40’. At 6mi. it dropped into 1-1 and stayed there for the next 20mi. There was about 8mi. of really rough road work so I lifted thru this part and then I puffed the last bit to the summit. Man! Half way to heaven! 9,658ft. It was a great site with snow all around and the sun was shining. We got movies, and pics. Had a warm snack and finally rolled on down, down, down (sounds like a song to me). There was some road work going on but nothing too bad. Finally got to the good shoulder area and moved on at a much faster clip, like 20-25. At Dubois I spotted an antler shop and had to stop and take a look. I have never seen antler work like Kurt Gordon creates. He has a “Bull Elk Named Sue” made entirely of antlers, a most unusual statue and really unique. Lyn Smith displays her pottery and photos here also. Check out, antlergallery.com. Caught up with Gail at the Big Horn sheep museum where they had an awesome display of bighorn sheep info and pics and goodies. On down the road. Gail chanced upon a very nice pullout along the Wind River. It is also on the Wind River Reservation. So for the nite, Skywalker, Skywalker, sure am proud of you and I love you and miss you, over and out.
Anita Landeros Lopez, my sister-in-law, is one neat lady. She spent many summers with us in her younger years and did a lot of baby sitting of our girls. Later she worked for me in the packing house sorting them pears. She married Jamie Lopez and lived in Omak, WA. for a time. They spent several years in Mexico with Jamie’s family. They moved back to Lake Co. and put up residence next to us and they have lived there since. Anita survived a tumor in the brain and it is a miracle that she got thru it without complications. She has a great family and looks out for my place when I go traveling. Her son, Little Jamie, is an outstanding athlete. I thank you Chich, for being there and keep the road warm.
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Hi Beau, I want to say just how proud of you I am today because now you are a first grader. The next year will be even better than this year and you will be doing many more things and learning much more. Now for today. Again there was rain and some thunder last nite but as usual I slept thru it. Gail tells me these things in the morning and I just have to believe her. When I got up it was cloudy but the sun was trying to shine in some areas. I dressed in warm gear and was on the road @ 0700. The first six miles was a gradual up and it was about 40’. At 6mi. it dropped into 1-1 and stayed there for the next 20mi. There was about 8mi. of really rough road work so I lifted thru this part and then I puffed the last bit to the summit. Man! Half way to heaven! 9,658ft. It was a great site with snow all around and the sun was shining. We got movies, and pics. Had a warm snack and finally rolled on down, down, down (sounds like a song to me). There was some road work going on but nothing too bad. Finally got to the good shoulder area and moved on at a much faster clip, like 20-25. At Dubois I spotted an antler shop and had to stop and take a look. I have never seen antler work like Kurt Gordon creates. He has a “Bull Elk Named Sue” made entirely of antlers, a most unusual statue and really unique. Lyn Smith displays her pottery and photos here also. Check out, antlergallery.com. Caught up with Gail at the Big Horn sheep museum where they had an awesome display of bighorn sheep info and pics and goodies. On down the road. Gail chanced upon a very nice pullout along the Wind River. It is also on the Wind River Reservation. So for the nite, Skywalker, Skywalker, sure am proud of you and I love you and miss you, over and out.
Anita Landeros Lopez, my sister-in-law, is one neat lady. She spent many summers with us in her younger years and did a lot of baby sitting of our girls. Later she worked for me in the packing house sorting them pears. She married Jamie Lopez and lived in Omak, WA. for a time. They spent several years in Mexico with Jamie’s family. They moved back to Lake Co. and put up residence next to us and they have lived there since. Anita survived a tumor in the brain and it is a miracle that she got thru it without complications. She has a great family and looks out for my place when I go traveling. Her son, Little Jamie, is an outstanding athlete. I thank you Chich, for being there and keep the road warm.
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6-11 Thur. A good day for Rod Skelton and Andy.
Started out kinda slo and lazy. Packed it up and left KOA @ 0800. I lifted thru the park and out the south gate and there were several miles of heavy duty road construction. It was drizzly parts of the time. As we were waiting in one spot do to construction, a small brown bear crossed the highway about two cars in front of us. Of course everyone was going wild about that. We did get several stills and some movie shots ourselves. We stopped at coulter bay visitor center and they had a very nice Indian Museum. Two Indian ladies form Fort Hall Rez. Were working in a small area. They told us that about every two weeks they have different tribal members in and they show and sell their goods. They also work on their pieces for the tourists. Lela Teton and Josie Broncho visited with us for some time and Josie said that she would get my blog to her daughter as her grandkids were doing a travel documentary for school. I thought that would be a great project
We booked on into Jackson Hole and it was sure a surprise for ea. of us. I passed thru there in 1966 with Judy on our way north after the pear season in Lake Co. Sandra was a baby and Mare was on the way. Gail passed thru there in 1976. There are at least 10,000 bodies running amuck now and most drive like them Californians. It was raining heavy but we did a quick pass thru and found some stacks of horns, the only cool thing that I saw. The elk refuge was empty but we have seen many buffalo. We drove north on the Teton loop rd which took us just under the mighty mts. Too bad they were pretty much clouded over but we were able to see parts of them. We crossed the mighty Snake River several times as it starts out of Jackson Lake. It is rolling pretty good now because of the amount of rain. Several people stated that this is the heaviest and longest rain system that they have seen. We started east on highway 26 at the Moran Junction north of Jackson Hole. After leaving the Teton National Park, we found a wide spot along Buffalo Creek and there we bedded down for the nite. I called and talked to Rod Skelton for some time and mentioned that we had met one of Randy’s students. Rod was happy about that and we talked for several minutes. He and his wife, Andy, are going to be in Weiser, Idaho in a couple of weeks at the Fiddle Gathering. Sorry I will miss them as I am going to be farther east. Skywalker, Skywalker, Love you Buddy and Miss you, over and out.
Rod Skelton lived next door to my Dad away back when. I got to know him at that time but just barely. He was a teacher in Kelseyville for many years and He started the 5th graders on their way into the musical world. I had, and still have, a baritone ukulele that Sandra played in the group. I braided a strap for it and now the uke hangs on the wall in my music room. Beau gets it down every now and then and strums on it. As the years eased along, I played music at Rod’s gatherings and for awhile we had a round robin type of gathering where we met every Thursday and each week would be at one of our homes. I really enjoyed that. Rod had a Christmas tree farm and had a lot ea. Year to sell them trees. After the New Year, he would have a party and many of his musical friends would gather for dinner, music, gift exchange. His son, Randy, is a professor at the U. Of Montana. Rod’s wife, Andy, is a long standing member of the Lake Co. Symphony and teaches violin. She and Rod also play a lot of fiddle music and hoedowns. Rod has many interests and has made some violins also. Rods wife, Joyce, passed away several years ago. It has and is a great honor and pleasure to have a friend like Rod, Andy and Randy. Bless all of you for letting us be a part of your great circle.
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We booked on into Jackson Hole and it was sure a surprise for ea. of us. I passed thru there in 1966 with Judy on our way north after the pear season in Lake Co. Sandra was a baby and Mare was on the way. Gail passed thru there in 1976. There are at least 10,000 bodies running amuck now and most drive like them Californians. It was raining heavy but we did a quick pass thru and found some stacks of horns, the only cool thing that I saw. The elk refuge was empty but we have seen many buffalo. We drove north on the Teton loop rd which took us just under the mighty mts. Too bad they were pretty much clouded over but we were able to see parts of them. We crossed the mighty Snake River several times as it starts out of Jackson Lake. It is rolling pretty good now because of the amount of rain. Several people stated that this is the heaviest and longest rain system that they have seen. We started east on highway 26 at the Moran Junction north of Jackson Hole. After leaving the Teton National Park, we found a wide spot along Buffalo Creek and there we bedded down for the nite. I called and talked to Rod Skelton for some time and mentioned that we had met one of Randy’s students. Rod was happy about that and we talked for several minutes. He and his wife, Andy, are going to be in Weiser, Idaho in a couple of weeks at the Fiddle Gathering. Sorry I will miss them as I am going to be farther east. Skywalker, Skywalker, Love you Buddy and Miss you, over and out.
Rod Skelton lived next door to my Dad away back when. I got to know him at that time but just barely. He was a teacher in Kelseyville for many years and He started the 5th graders on their way into the musical world. I had, and still have, a baritone ukulele that Sandra played in the group. I braided a strap for it and now the uke hangs on the wall in my music room. Beau gets it down every now and then and strums on it. As the years eased along, I played music at Rod’s gatherings and for awhile we had a round robin type of gathering where we met every Thursday and each week would be at one of our homes. I really enjoyed that. Rod had a Christmas tree farm and had a lot ea. Year to sell them trees. After the New Year, he would have a party and many of his musical friends would gather for dinner, music, gift exchange. His son, Randy, is a professor at the U. Of Montana. Rod’s wife, Andy, is a long standing member of the Lake Co. Symphony and teaches violin. She and Rod also play a lot of fiddle music and hoedowns. Rod has many interests and has made some violins also. Rods wife, Joyce, passed away several years ago. It has and is a great honor and pleasure to have a friend like Rod, Andy and Randy. Bless all of you for letting us be a part of your great circle.
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Saturday, June 13, 2009
Beau Graduates from Kindergarten
I am putting these here so Dad can enjoy them!! Dad, Beau graduated from Kindergarten yesterday--and got an award. He was "Best Friend to Everyone" and Amber says it was a nice time. it lasted about an hour as the teacher told stories about every kid in her class.
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Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Far Out Man! Yellowstone National Park
For Pat Garcia, son of Gail
I met Carson, a recent graduate of Nebraska U. and a new employee of the KOA here in West Yellowstone and he presented me with a question that had a different twist to it and really got me to thinking. He has a degree in journalism and is going to graduate school in the fall. He asked me what was the best thing that I have seen on this journey? Man! I could not answer this one. I put him off and changed the subject and have spent a long time trying to get the answer. I may have found it today! We finally left camp at 0900 and had a good breakfast at Mike's Grill. Very great food and we split a big omlette. On to the park and from there it was one WOW factor after another. I have seen the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns and several other National Parks, but I'll have to say this, this park is something to behold! The first thing we saw was one old buffalo limping along and further up the way was a herd of his companions but he was way behind and having a tuff time moving along and I could not help but to think that this is the truth of life and that the old slowly sink into the past. We made the trip around the southern loop which was about 180mi. and I'll tell you, I just marvel at the things that are here. The steam gysers, rivers, meadows, bisons, birds, trees, eagles and sooooo much more. We got to see Old Faithful blow off some steam and an otter catch an eat a fish under the boiling water falls. Buffalo rubbing along the trees to scrape off their old winter coat and hundreds of fish feeding at the hatch and elk just laying around and chewing their cude. The young buffalo calves running around like a school yard of young kids at recess time. Every stream had several fly fishermen flipping their lines out over the water and hundreds of other tourists doing just what we were doing. Met the newley weds, David and Chelsey Petersen from Nebraska. He has a bicycle shop and so does his dad. We stood and visited for quite some time at the Continental Divide as the hail and rain fell down around us. Later at dinner at the brewery in W. Yellowstone we met Petra Brown and of all things she goes to the U. of Montana and Randy Skelton is her mentor/instructor. Randy's father is Rod Skelton of Kelseyville. Small world!!! Bruce and Shelly of Louisville, Ky. were having dinner there also and we chatted with them for a short time. Good pizza and great brews. Finally back to camp where Gail went to do some laundry and came back mad and frustrated cause the laundry was not performing as it should. Several dollars later and things were still not dry and it took twice to clean them. It is now past midnight and I am still blubbering on but the day was certainley worth it. Amen!!! Some of my old religous training coming out. Ouch!! Skywalker, Skywalker, Love you buddy and sure do miss you, over and out.
Pat Garcia is Gail's son. He lives in Ukiah, Ca. and has two daughters, A.J. and Andy Rose and a son, David. He has kept us informed as to when and how many abs he has been able to get this year. Hope he shares with us as we have not been abing this year. He put time in Desert Storm and was happy to get back home. His older brother passed away several years ago. We have become good friends and I am glad that we has accepted me into his fold and let me be a part of his family. Thanks Pat for accepting me into your world.
I met Carson, a recent graduate of Nebraska U. and a new employee of the KOA here in West Yellowstone and he presented me with a question that had a different twist to it and really got me to thinking. He has a degree in journalism and is going to graduate school in the fall. He asked me what was the best thing that I have seen on this journey? Man! I could not answer this one. I put him off and changed the subject and have spent a long time trying to get the answer. I may have found it today! We finally left camp at 0900 and had a good breakfast at Mike's Grill. Very great food and we split a big omlette. On to the park and from there it was one WOW factor after another. I have seen the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns and several other National Parks, but I'll have to say this, this park is something to behold! The first thing we saw was one old buffalo limping along and further up the way was a herd of his companions but he was way behind and having a tuff time moving along and I could not help but to think that this is the truth of life and that the old slowly sink into the past. We made the trip around the southern loop which was about 180mi. and I'll tell you, I just marvel at the things that are here. The steam gysers, rivers, meadows, bisons, birds, trees, eagles and sooooo much more. We got to see Old Faithful blow off some steam and an otter catch an eat a fish under the boiling water falls. Buffalo rubbing along the trees to scrape off their old winter coat and hundreds of fish feeding at the hatch and elk just laying around and chewing their cude. The young buffalo calves running around like a school yard of young kids at recess time. Every stream had several fly fishermen flipping their lines out over the water and hundreds of other tourists doing just what we were doing. Met the newley weds, David and Chelsey Petersen from Nebraska. He has a bicycle shop and so does his dad. We stood and visited for quite some time at the Continental Divide as the hail and rain fell down around us. Later at dinner at the brewery in W. Yellowstone we met Petra Brown and of all things she goes to the U. of Montana and Randy Skelton is her mentor/instructor. Randy's father is Rod Skelton of Kelseyville. Small world!!! Bruce and Shelly of Louisville, Ky. were having dinner there also and we chatted with them for a short time. Good pizza and great brews. Finally back to camp where Gail went to do some laundry and came back mad and frustrated cause the laundry was not performing as it should. Several dollars later and things were still not dry and it took twice to clean them. It is now past midnight and I am still blubbering on but the day was certainley worth it. Amen!!! Some of my old religous training coming out. Ouch!! Skywalker, Skywalker, Love you buddy and sure do miss you, over and out.
Pat Garcia is Gail's son. He lives in Ukiah, Ca. and has two daughters, A.J. and Andy Rose and a son, David. He has kept us informed as to when and how many abs he has been able to get this year. Hope he shares with us as we have not been abing this year. He put time in Desert Storm and was happy to get back home. His older brother passed away several years ago. We have become good friends and I am glad that we has accepted me into his fold and let me be a part of his family. Thanks Pat for accepting me into your world.
Mon. 6-9 Yahoo! Yellowstone National Park
The nite at Ashton was a thunderous, rainey, hailing kind of nite, I guess. Gail told me that all of this took place through the nite but once I hit the hay, man I was out! Not only was my butox worn but I think my brain was also. I was up and gone @ 0700 and I'm glad I had my heavy duty gear on because it was @ 40'. The first 7mi. turned out to be up and out of the valley and I stopped several times as I did not have a chance to really get my legs in a circular groove. Up and down and at 20mi. I saw a very gorgeous river that turned out to be the Henry's Fork River. What a great looking place and there were a couple of fishermen sitting on their lounge chairs. I stayed here about an hour just talking with them and taking pics. Hated to leave but!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Another 10mi. and a bowl of soup and off to West Yellowstone.
Another long pull and when I finally reached the top, lo and behold, the sign said, Welcome to Montana!???? Geez, did I go up the wrong hill? Is my old age catching up? Maybe the elevation is getting to me! Looked back and a sign said Welcome to Idaho,ho,ho. Continental Divide. 7,072 ft. I thought out loud, man I should be leaving Idaho,ho, ho. Maybe I should just flip a coin and oh,well, I came this far, might as well see what's down the udder side so had a sandwich and a short break and started down the udder side! Yahoo! Man I'm flying! This is fun! Before I knew it I saw that big KOA sign and had to kick in the jake brake to make the turn into the camp. Spotted the rig and when my mind cleared up I was sitting on a bench drinking a cool Bud.AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!??????????
We settled in and headed for the hot tub and had a grt. din din and now the fun begins. I called Sandra and tried to get some pics loaded but!!!!!!!!!!!!!!finally decided to e-mail them to her and she will load them. I will not give up, one day UUUUUUUUUUUUUrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggg!
We decided to spend tomorrow just driving around and seeing parts of the Stone and spend another nite before heading to the Tetons. Skywalker! Skywalker! hope someday you get to see this place cause it is very cool. love you and miss you, over and out.
Several years ago a friend called me and said, hay arnold, I know this indian fella that works at the school and he plays the same kind of music that you do and i think that you two should get together and play some tunes. We did and again another great friendship grew as now we have been down that musical lane ever since. Brother Louie loves the music and he started late in life but has picked it up and since he picked up the bass, he has really turned it up several notches. His wife, Diana, sings also and we really enjoy the gatherings. He drives the airporter bus out of Santa Rosa. I am looking forward to meeting with some of his family in Michigan. Keep singing brother.
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Another long pull and when I finally reached the top, lo and behold, the sign said, Welcome to Montana!???? Geez, did I go up the wrong hill? Is my old age catching up? Maybe the elevation is getting to me! Looked back and a sign said Welcome to Idaho,ho,ho. Continental Divide. 7,072 ft. I thought out loud, man I should be leaving Idaho,ho, ho. Maybe I should just flip a coin and oh,well, I came this far, might as well see what's down the udder side so had a sandwich and a short break and started down the udder side! Yahoo! Man I'm flying! This is fun! Before I knew it I saw that big KOA sign and had to kick in the jake brake to make the turn into the camp. Spotted the rig and when my mind cleared up I was sitting on a bench drinking a cool Bud.AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!??????????
We settled in and headed for the hot tub and had a grt. din din and now the fun begins. I called Sandra and tried to get some pics loaded but!!!!!!!!!!!!!!finally decided to e-mail them to her and she will load them. I will not give up, one day UUUUUUUUUUUUUrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggg!
We decided to spend tomorrow just driving around and seeing parts of the Stone and spend another nite before heading to the Tetons. Skywalker! Skywalker! hope someday you get to see this place cause it is very cool. love you and miss you, over and out.
Several years ago a friend called me and said, hay arnold, I know this indian fella that works at the school and he plays the same kind of music that you do and i think that you two should get together and play some tunes. We did and again another great friendship grew as now we have been down that musical lane ever since. Brother Louie loves the music and he started late in life but has picked it up and since he picked up the bass, he has really turned it up several notches. His wife, Diana, sings also and we really enjoy the gatherings. He drives the airporter bus out of Santa Rosa. I am looking forward to meeting with some of his family in Michigan. Keep singing brother.
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Monday, June 8, 2009
mon.6-8 To the Tracy Fruittramps
on sat. nite we went to an ice cream social. really cool. had a mixed green concoction that was yummmmmy! Tried some more bloging then ready for beddy bye. I was was up early and got on my heavy duty gear and was ready to take on whatever the skys were going to give me,but wouldn't you know it, scattered clouds, part sun and about 42`. Dang! I swhoosed on down the road and really made some decent time. I zipped onto hywy 33E and before long I had gone 40mi. It was cool and my hands were the only parts that got numb. Some hot soup at 42mi. and on to Rexberg. Made several stops as it was another 40+mi. I thought I had it made as it warmed up to about 62' and I had peeled of some gear and put it in the p.u. Gail went on down the road to wait for me. Lo and behold. Behind me popped up a big black cloud and as I attempted to outrun it, I soon found out I could not go that fast, even downhill. I was glad to see Gail parked about 2mi. down the road. Hurry,Hurry,Hurry.
Whew! Lifted on to Rexberg, found Wall Mart, on to Ashton. Found a great food spot that had tons of stuffed animals, log interior, the biggest chicken fried steak I have ever seen and an Idaho,ho,ho, twice baked potato. Gails trout was the size of an icicle fish. Ho! A weird twist here, they did not sell beer or alcohol but you could bring in your own bottle!! So we got our Bud and enjoyed the meal. brought half of it home. Very nice campground for the nite. The black clouds are several miles away but we can still hear the thunder!!!Todays ride got me to the 1221mi.mark. Wow! Thanks everyone for the comments on the bolgs. Skywalker, Skywalker, I sure love you and miss you buddy. Over and out.
In the very old days I was running a packing job in Winters,Ca. and we were packing and shipping apricots. A group of young hippie looking kids came along and wanted a job. I was still carrying that Marine attitude and so ignored these dudes till I really had to use them. When I went to find them they were no where in site. I asked my wife and she told me they had got down to their last bits of money and had gone to call their parents to come get them. I put them all to work and that was the start of another life long friendship. Louie Dituri met and married Donna and they had Ellen. They still live in Tracy and Louie owns a Deli in New York just across the main entrance to the Yankee Stadium. Ellen married Chris who is in the Air Force at this time and getting ready to be transferred back to the U.S. from Germany. Louie is a computer guru and a great musician also. I can't put into words what he and his family mean to me but I believe that we all know just what a great friendship is. Thanks for always being there Lou. See ya in N.Y.
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Whew! Lifted on to Rexberg, found Wall Mart, on to Ashton. Found a great food spot that had tons of stuffed animals, log interior, the biggest chicken fried steak I have ever seen and an Idaho,ho,ho, twice baked potato. Gails trout was the size of an icicle fish. Ho! A weird twist here, they did not sell beer or alcohol but you could bring in your own bottle!! So we got our Bud and enjoyed the meal. brought half of it home. Very nice campground for the nite. The black clouds are several miles away but we can still hear the thunder!!!Todays ride got me to the 1221mi.mark. Wow! Thanks everyone for the comments on the bolgs. Skywalker, Skywalker, I sure love you and miss you buddy. Over and out.
In the very old days I was running a packing job in Winters,Ca. and we were packing and shipping apricots. A group of young hippie looking kids came along and wanted a job. I was still carrying that Marine attitude and so ignored these dudes till I really had to use them. When I went to find them they were no where in site. I asked my wife and she told me they had got down to their last bits of money and had gone to call their parents to come get them. I put them all to work and that was the start of another life long friendship. Louie Dituri met and married Donna and they had Ellen. They still live in Tracy and Louie owns a Deli in New York just across the main entrance to the Yankee Stadium. Ellen married Chris who is in the Air Force at this time and getting ready to be transferred back to the U.S. from Germany. Louie is a computer guru and a great musician also. I can't put into words what he and his family mean to me but I believe that we all know just what a great friendship is. Thanks for always being there Lou. See ya in N.Y.
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Sunday, June 7, 2009
To My Long Time Best Friend ,Bob Hammon, I am going to miss you for sure.
This day started out great as I left Wood River campground @ 0640. The first 12 mi. set an all time record for me as only 1 pickup went by me that whole time. That’s like driving from Lakeport to Kelseyville and back and seeing only one rig. Yea! Sure! Uh Huh! Maybe in a dream. But I did go through Picabo, Idaho, ho, ho, ho. Yep, right by that one gas station and sports store. There were a few other buildings but the place was smaller than Finley. Remember Picabo anyone? Also along the Silver Creek made famous by Mr. Hemingway. The fishing destination in N. America. A guy told me a story about all of the fishermen that come from all over just to fish where Mr. Hemingway did and they have the grey beards, hats, waders, fly rods etc. Kinda like the Elvis imitators I guess. Oh well, as my uncle used to say, (not Uncle Allen though) every fox for his own hole. Craters of the Moon! Man what a place. I think the aliens would be the only folks that could like this place. Never saw so much lava stacked in one 75sq.mi. area. But! Again! 40mi. and Booooommm! Wind, rain, hail and cold. I left Gail at the visitor center of the Craters and thought I could make it to Arco. Wrong. The weather was not too bad at the center but 5mi. along and I had not dressed for this. Another 6mi. and Gail pulled up and I lifted into Arco. Another KOA. Thank you creator! Arco has grown some since Gail used to live just up the road in Challis. Found a pizza to go and settled down for the night. I did gather up my rain and cold gear as it looks like the weather is going to be about the same for the next few days. Cherry pie for desert, ummmmmmm! See Ya.
A few days before I left on this journey I went and spent a short time with Bob. He was having a difficult time but we got to visit and he was happy for me to be doing this and as we hugged and cried he told me,” I don’t think I’ll be here when you get back, partner.” I scoffed at him and said, “Oh, hell partner, I’ll see you when I get back” He passed away June 5th.
A few days before I left on this journey I went and spent a short time with Bob. He was having a difficult time but we got to visit and he was happy for me to be doing this and as we hugged and cried he told me,” I don’t think I’ll be here when you get back, partner.” I scoffed at him and said, “Oh, hell partner, I’ll see you when I get back” He passed away June 5th.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
A Seventh Day? To my Neph. Dana.
Wow! I slept in!!! After finally getting up, Gail cooked up some pancakes. Juice, coffee, milk, butter, syrup, peanut butter, Urrph! Excuse me. Sure was good though. Golly felt a little weird to just do nothing but as the day went on it got a lot easier. Ha. The rain came down all day but in spurts. Spent the day on the lap top and it sure is one confusing thing to get it to do what I want it to do. Kind of like someone I know. Hee! Hee! Can’t say any names though. I tried loading pics, uumm, not too bad but when I tried the movies, uugghh! Hit the wall. Finally gave it up. Now the day is just about over and I am still in the dark on the blog pics but I will keep trying. Bear with us. Lady found a good size hole to dig in and came in looking like a mud ball. Gail stuck her in the tub and now she is restricted to the room, no roaming around. Bad dog! I read up on the blog and the comments and for being one big, bad tough Jarhead, I couldn’t help but have tears. Shame on you, Sandra, for making your Dad cry like that. Sure is one great way to keep this journey interesting though. I used my Specialized bike for the first 800mi.as the roads were good and smooth but after Burns I have used Downhill Dave’s Trek and it has been great for the road conditions. I have about 295mi. on this bike and it is much easier on my old bod. I feel the extra weight on the up hills and it is not as loose on the fast downhill and I seem to not tire as much by the 60+mi. but after this I start feeling the grind and that’s for each Bike.
My nephew, Dana, has had some very interesting paths in his life. In his early years in Lake Co. he used to run with Dick Canright and Roy Disney. He followed his brother
6-5 Auntie Bud
0530 up and get started. Wind and rain most of the night but now it is good to go. Yea! 14mph the first hr. Slowed some after that but not much. Cloudy but good going for 25mi. Oh! Oh! Yonder she blows. Big black cloud and wind coming up. Help! Gail, where are U? I crossed the Wood River Bridge. And after ½ mi. the wind turned me right around and pushed me back to the bridge. The rain started and at that time Gail appeared, Tks. I flagged her into the campground and we buttoned up quickly. After some warm soup and rest it cleared up and became very nice but I decided to just stay put for today. I spotted a couple of guys working at the river and went to check them out. Met Pete and Bob. They work for the U.S. Geological Survey. They were setting up to get some river flow measurements and they were good enough to let me hang around and watch. Very cool stuff. They have some very sophisticated equipment and Pete had to cross the river several times in a rubber kayak with some of the equipment strapped on. He did this by going hand over hand across a rope tether line they had strung across the water while setting in and guiding the kayak. I got some of these moves on the video. Very cool. I left them to their work and fired up the generator and got to work on my lap top. Finally got my pics loaded to the hard drive and some Journey pics ready to broadcast so look out, they should be there before too long. !!!!!!!!!!!! 1700hrs. man it let loose again and performed like the cows on the tin roof. Wind again and we just laughed and had dinner and kept the computer burning and looking forward to a good night. See Ya.
Auntie Bud,(weiser)Ha. Ha. Met her quite a few yrs. ago, she can tell that story. She lucked out and married my brother, Avery, and gave the world Chad and Dana. After my bro. moved to WA. We kept Betts and over the years she has always been very close to us. She is the one we rely on for info on people or things. She has put together some of the best cruises ever. She kept Lake Co. in line for many yrs. and now does some free lance stuff. When she moves north we are going to miss her. I know you will, someday. A new Rez. Mamma. Ha. Ha. Love Ya.
Auntie Bud,(weiser)Ha. Ha. Met her quite a few yrs. ago, she can tell that story. She lucked out and married my brother, Avery, and gave the world Chad and Dana. After my bro. moved to WA. We kept Betts and over the years she has always been very close to us. She is the one we rely on for info on people or things. She has put together some of the best cruises ever. She kept Lake Co. in line for many yrs. and now does some free lance stuff. When she moves north we are going to miss her. I know you will, someday. A new Rez. Mamma. Ha. Ha. Love Ya.
Thr. 6-4 This Day for Chad, Marnee, Miranda, Spencer
2230, finally hit the hay. Time flies by so fast, kind of like life. At the end of the day I find it hard to get everything done. Whah! Whah! Suck it up Chief!! 0645 on the trail for somewhere east! The road from Mt. Home, east, goes up,up,up,up, for 30mi. The first 20 was 1-3/1-5 then eased up to 2-1/2-3. At 12mi. my ‘ol telescopic eyes started working again and I spotted 10 antelope across the canyon at a range of 1.25mi. Yep! There they were. 3 bucks, 4 does and 4 young ‘uns. I sure felt a lot better and later on I saw a muley sprint up the hill and a badger along the road. Whew! My vision returned. I was steaming up a 1-1 huffer and saw something I had not seen since I left Ellensburg back in ‘56. A real west cattle drive. I kept wondering as I weaved up the grade why there was so much fresh fertilizer all over the road. As I topped the hill, finally, I saw cows scattered along the road for 2mi. There were cops galore and real live cowboys on horses, herding these bovine along. I eased on by them and I think my bright vest kept them moving away from me. I wanted to take some pics but when I stopped to get my camera, one big ‘ol bull looked at me kinda sideways and so I moved quite quickly on up the road. At one grade, a cowboy was drooped over the saddle and was really laughing up a storm. I eased over and asked, “what’s up?” and he spit out a stream of skoal and said “man, ‘em dere cows ain’t nebberr seen anyone on a b’cycle.” He was still chuckling as I pushed on up the road and I had to laugh too. Something out of a movie. 5,212ft. was the summit and Gail caught my there. At 40 mi. the lightning, thunder, wind and rain dropped out of the sky and at 43 mi. we checked up at a wide spot and battened down. Wow! The weather changes faster then you can change a diaper. The radio weather reported winds up to 70mph and a storm watch was out. I guess!!! Din, shower, Nity Nite. Another night of rock and roll and wind whistling all around the trailer. Fun, Fun.
My nephew Chad: What can I say? If I could have a son, this guy would be him. While in K.V. he worked on a X-mas tree farm for Rod Skelton. He came to work for me at Rickabaugh Orchards and turned out to be my left and right hand man. While there, he perfected “That Cleveland Look” and uses it to this day. I missed him and Dana after they moved to WA. State but that was what had to be. He married a great gal, Marnee, and some summers they came back to Ca. and worked at Scotts Vly. We never went N. that we did not spend time with them. His mechanical skills are great and he is called on by both family and friends to get things fixed and he gets it done. Monumental memories of hunting trips, fishing, shooting, sharing a beer or two etc.etc. He works for Ok. Co. Marnee works at the hospital in the Rx. Dpt. Miranda and Spencer (Beau’s favorite Cousin) are in school. Chad got into competitive shooting and works with some youth clubs. We had many great times at the Omak Stampede and River Float. I could go on but heard someone say, hay, that’s enough, give it a break, chill. O.K. We always look forward to being with you guys. Love You Man, and Marnee and you lucky kids.
My nephew Chad: What can I say? If I could have a son, this guy would be him. While in K.V. he worked on a X-mas tree farm for Rod Skelton. He came to work for me at Rickabaugh Orchards and turned out to be my left and right hand man. While there, he perfected “That Cleveland Look” and uses it to this day. I missed him and Dana after they moved to WA. State but that was what had to be. He married a great gal, Marnee, and some summers they came back to Ca. and worked at Scotts Vly. We never went N. that we did not spend time with them. His mechanical skills are great and he is called on by both family and friends to get things fixed and he gets it done. Monumental memories of hunting trips, fishing, shooting, sharing a beer or two etc.etc. He works for Ok. Co. Marnee works at the hospital in the Rx. Dpt. Miranda and Spencer (Beau’s favorite Cousin) are in school. Chad got into competitive shooting and works with some youth clubs. We had many great times at the Omak Stampede and River Float. I could go on but heard someone say, hay, that’s enough, give it a break, chill. O.K. We always look forward to being with you guys. Love You Man, and Marnee and you lucky kids.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Post by Sandra, Arnold's daughter
Well, I see that Dad didn't get a chance to post tonight. I thought I'd share a little info about him.
This photo: Betsy (the deer Great Grandma took care of), my cousin Debbie and Great Grandma Ida Nason Aronica at the Ranch in Ellensburg WA. I think it's around 1960, 61.
This photo: Arnold's mother, Helen Nason Cleveland (and Uncle Allen's older sister)
I am now the age when Dad took up running. I can only marvel at that in total wonder as I can barely get around the softball bases, and most certainly have no desire to run marathons!! I also remember Dad playing basketball with the teachers in a league and doing barbershop singing. It was quite interesting to be at marathons one weekend and a barbershop gathering another.
In early 1987, Dad had to have some surgery. Running was never quite the same for him after that. I guess we all figured the activities were over. Boy, were we wrong!! He took up mountain biking! It sure made Mom nervous. Me, too, a little bit. But he did it and enjoyed it. Took my husband out -- I think once or twice before Jim packed it in because he couldn't keep up with the old chief :-) Mare and Mom eventually got Dad dog tags for identification purposes after a visit or two to the emergency room. Mom was so completely supportive of Dad, even when she was scared for him to be biking up in the mountains alone. Crazy, I know.
Then he took up triathlons!!!! Nearly 6 years ago when Beau was 5 months old, he and Dad competed in a triathlon!!! It was in Ukiah. Dad pulled Beau in a specially rigged inner tube/car seat for the 1/2 mile swim, biked with him for 21 miles and then pushed him in a jogger stroller for 3 miles cross-country. Beau was the youngest "competitor" ever. It was very cool!!!
This photo: Dad, Beau, Mom. The swim is done and now they're off on the bike part.
While we all miss Dad very much while he undertakes this journey, we're also quite proud of him and happy that he has this opportunity. We appreciate your support for him and hope you enjoy his blogs as much as we do. Admittedly, we do get to talk to him now and then on the phone, but there's just something so cool about reading his words. He makes the experience come alive for me -- I hope he does the same for you!
And while we do all miss Dad very much, I think Beau James Marek is just itchin' to join Arnold out there on the road. He told Dad: "Arnold, you need to buy that bike piece that attaches to your bike so I can help you!" When Dad is in Lake County, Beau spends as much time as he possibly can with His Arnold (and believe me, Beau makes it *quite* clear that it is HIS Arnold).
Dad, We Love You and miss you. Take care out there!!!
I want to share photos from my Dad's 70th birthday celebration back in March. We had a great time and I had the pure pleasure of seeing my Dad Indian dance for the first time ever!!! It was very cool. Uncle Allen, Marilyn and I joined him. Mare made both of our outfits, including the moccasins and headpiece.
Me, Dad, Amber, Uncle Allen, Mare
My cousin Melissa and my best friend Ruth -- man, they were such a GREAT help at the party!!
Brother-by-choice Louie and cousin Kellie
Uncle Allen -- Mmm mm, his salmon is awesome!
Mare in the foreground; Dad, me and Amber in the back
The eatin's good!
My sister Amber and my husband Jim
My nephew Beau and my cousin Kellie's grandson (rats! I'm totally blanking on his name -- urgh)
My cousin Kellie and my sister Mare
My Mom's sister Anita (how could you not love that Chich-malich?) and her daugher Melissa
Left to right: sister Amber, my cousin's daugher Toni (standing), her mom Theresa, my Dad's sister Janice
My cousin Kellie, Dad, my cousin Cissy (Kellie and Cissy's mom is Evelyn), my Aunt Janice
Danny Shupe!!!! He's Mare's husband.
This photo: Betsy (the deer Great Grandma took care of), my cousin Debbie and Great Grandma Ida Nason Aronica at the Ranch in Ellensburg WA. I think it's around 1960, 61.
This photo: Arnold's mother, Helen Nason Cleveland (and Uncle Allen's older sister)I am now the age when Dad took up running. I can only marvel at that in total wonder as I can barely get around the softball bases, and most certainly have no desire to run marathons!! I also remember Dad playing basketball with the teachers in a league and doing barbershop singing. It was quite interesting to be at marathons one weekend and a barbershop gathering another.
In early 1987, Dad had to have some surgery. Running was never quite the same for him after that. I guess we all figured the activities were over. Boy, were we wrong!! He took up mountain biking! It sure made Mom nervous. Me, too, a little bit. But he did it and enjoyed it. Took my husband out -- I think once or twice before Jim packed it in because he couldn't keep up with the old chief :-) Mare and Mom eventually got Dad dog tags for identification purposes after a visit or two to the emergency room. Mom was so completely supportive of Dad, even when she was scared for him to be biking up in the mountains alone. Crazy, I know.
Then he took up triathlons!!!! Nearly 6 years ago when Beau was 5 months old, he and Dad competed in a triathlon!!! It was in Ukiah. Dad pulled Beau in a specially rigged inner tube/car seat for the 1/2 mile swim, biked with him for 21 miles and then pushed him in a jogger stroller for 3 miles cross-country. Beau was the youngest "competitor" ever. It was very cool!!!This photo: Dad, Beau, Mom. The swim is done and now they're off on the bike part.
While we all miss Dad very much while he undertakes this journey, we're also quite proud of him and happy that he has this opportunity. We appreciate your support for him and hope you enjoy his blogs as much as we do. Admittedly, we do get to talk to him now and then on the phone, but there's just something so cool about reading his words. He makes the experience come alive for me -- I hope he does the same for you!
And while we do all miss Dad very much, I think Beau James Marek is just itchin' to join Arnold out there on the road. He told Dad: "Arnold, you need to buy that bike piece that attaches to your bike so I can help you!" When Dad is in Lake County, Beau spends as much time as he possibly can with His Arnold (and believe me, Beau makes it *quite* clear that it is HIS Arnold).Dad, We Love You and miss you. Take care out there!!!
I want to share photos from my Dad's 70th birthday celebration back in March. We had a great time and I had the pure pleasure of seeing my Dad Indian dance for the first time ever!!! It was very cool. Uncle Allen, Marilyn and I joined him. Mare made both of our outfits, including the moccasins and headpiece.
Me, Dad, Amber, Uncle Allen, Mare
My cousin Melissa and my best friend Ruth -- man, they were such a GREAT help at the party!!
Brother-by-choice Louie and cousin Kellie
Uncle Allen -- Mmm mm, his salmon is awesome!
Mare in the foreground; Dad, me and Amber in the back
The eatin's good!
Uncle Allen at the house
My sister Amber and my husband Jim
My nephew Beau and my cousin Kellie's grandson (rats! I'm totally blanking on his name -- urgh)
My cousin Kellie and my sister Mare
My Mom's sister Anita (how could you not love that Chich-malich?) and her daugher Melissa
Left to right: sister Amber, my cousin's daugher Toni (standing), her mom Theresa, my Dad's sister Janice
Good old what's-his-name, my cousin Cissy, my sister Amber
My cousin Kellie, Dad, my cousin Cissy (Kellie and Cissy's mom is Evelyn), my Aunt Janice
Danny Shupe!!!! He's Mare's husband.
Mare and her daughter Ashley
Getting ready to dance with Dad
Uncle Allen dancing
Dad dancing
Dad, Beau, Aunt Janice, Uncle Allen
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