Cheers !!

Today was a good day, not that all the others were anything else, but just a little "gooder" than the others. I found a new place to hang out called Cachacuaz. It is a health bar. It has a nice juice bar, a small swimming pool, lots of room in the sun or shade (whichever you prefer), and a masseuse.

This is a clean, healthy spot and the people are very nice. Some speak a little English and other speak only Spanish (or the Mexican equivalent of Spanish). I spent an hour or so getting to know the owner Ivone Armenta and the masseuse Carmen Munoz. I plan to take some of my friends there to enjoy a good healthy morning and see what they think of it. Imagine, a good health drink, a swim in the pool and a massage for under $40 US. I think I'm going to like this place. (Photos later).

Then, I made my way back to Zorros Spors Bar and found myself sitting next to a guy with a tattoo that said "Cheers" just like the logo from the sitcom. I asked him his name and he said "Norm, Norm Peterson and this is my wife Vera." I almost fell out of my chair laughing but it was half true. His name is Norm Peterson but his wife's name is Phyllis. I said "That's close enough for me. We had a nice time chatting and I look forward to seeing Norm and Vera again.

That is just a small part of the magic of Zihuatanejo, Mexico.

After Christmas sale ...

There are many people who look forward to the "After Christmas Sale" at just about any store around. For me, I'm so glad I don't have to suffer through that. I have had the luxury of not having to suffer through the Christmas buying frenzy and/or the after Christmas sale/return/re-gifting stuff.

Life on the beach has been a rich, rewarding experience and I never want to go back to the insanity of my past.

I love all my friends, new or old, young or young at heart, artistic or autistic, healthy or not. The gifts I received this year are too numerous to name and not one of them, I repeat, NOT ONE OF THEM was gift wrapped.

I love you all. I love life. I love the sun and the sand and the surf. I love the food and the drink. I love the little blue crabs that skitter through the rocks at the water's edge. I love the little dark eyes of the lovely Latin ladies and their beautiful smiles. I love .... therefore, I am.

Oops ... forgot my promise :)

So, the other day I hiked up to Punta Garrobos to view the lighthouse and was treated to a view of the mouth of Zihuatanejo bay as a pod of whales came down the coast. There was one humpback but the rest were sperm whales. Here is the link to the video I created from the experience.

http://vimeo.com/17732379

Little things mean a lot ...

Tonight I was hanging out at my favorite bar called Zoros Sport Bar. Ron, the owner, is Canadian and has become a good friend and advisor. Tonight, I was just hanging out with the rest of the local gringos and suddenly I was given a fresh beer that I did not request. I was told "it's on Ron". I looked over at Ron and he said "You are now in the club, cheers!" I don't know what I did or said but just the acknowledgement was worth more than I can say.

There are several guys who hang out at Zorros and we are all about the same age. The eldest of the group is David and I'm guessing that he is in his 70's. Today he was commenting on the group at the bar and he called everybody out by name until he got to me and called me "the young kid with the hat" which made me feel really special since I'm older than several members of the group.

Therefore, I would call this a real "red letter day". I feel privileged and honored. I have many friends in Zihuatanejo but I feel at home at Zorros.

What ???

It is now 2 am in Zihuatanejo. I have spent the evening with Darrin, Karen, Daniel, Victoria and Lisa. We were at Bandido's and danced our version of the salsa all night and just had a blast. Even so, I will be up early for a hike to the lighthouse on the far southern point of Zihuatanejo Bay.

Photos tomorrow, I promise.

A beer on the beach

Tell me now, what could be better than a beer on the beach?

At the southern tip of the 10 mile beach called Playa Larga there is a lagoon at Barra Potosi, lined with Mangrove trees and twisting water ways. Yesterday a group of 9 of us adventuresome laddies took to the kyaks for about 2 and a half hours of leisurely paddling through the channels, stopping for a beer break now and then and in general just enjoying the sun and each others company. We had a great time, thanks to Ron, our fearless leader and owner of Zorros Sport Bar. We saw several different kinds of birds, some fish and crabs but otherwise the only "wildlife" was our group. Afterward we went back to the restaurant and ate our fill of seafood. It really was an awesome day.

Full moon...

It was so very nice to be able to walk on the beach under a full moon in November in sandals, shorts and a tank top. The night was so very quiet except for the sound of the surf and somewhere, way off in the distance, Mariachi music was playing. The night was humid so the moon doesn't show in the photo the way it looked in person. But there it is anyway.

The return trip was just as beautiful.

Centennial of the Mexican Revolution

Nov 20, 2010 is the Centennial of the Mexican Revolution. On this date, in the year 1910 the revolutionary war to overthrow the dictator Porfirio Díaz, began. And this morning the celebration began in Zihuatanejo. I had no idea how many people lived in and around Zihuat. But the parade that filled the streets and the people who were there to watch showed just a sample of that fact. There were thousands, literally thousands of children in the parade and it lasted for over 4 hours. I also had no idea how many schools there are around here. Primary, Secondary, Normal (their terms) as well as Professional schools of all kinds. It was interesting to me also, just how many people would smile at the camera and how many refused even when asked. It was just like anywhere else I guess. Here are just a few faces and scenes.

Playa Larga

What a beautiful day. I took the bus out toward the airport and then the little shuttle to Playa Larga (Long Beach). The beach has to be at least 10 miles long with only a few working establishments (from what I have seen so far). Most are very weather beaten and it is hard to tell which ones are open. But if you like a long stroll on a mostly deserted beach, this one's for you (and me). I look forward to my next visit when I can walk more of the area.

One week?

Wow. It has been just over one week since I left PDX and yet it seems like much longer, a joyous much longer. In years past my stays here were only a few days at a time and it always seemed like it was over waaaaaay too soon. But now, with no real agenda, no schedule and no urgency, time seems to have slowed down to a crawl. It seems there is more time to visit with new and old friends. More time to discover new places and more time to read. I'm relaxed, happy and just plain content.

Zihuatanejo .... again

I must say that I really enjoyed Guadalajara and Manzanillo, BUT, Zihuatanejo feels more like home than anyplace I have been (so far). Everywhere I turn I meet someone who is nice and helpful. I have met Americans, Canadians, Australians and many Mexicans and this is just my first day here. I want to thank David Rice for his help in making some of the contacts. I have found a place to stay for the week (or so) in the downtown area just a few blocks from the beach. I'm looking forward to a really great visit.

Day 2 Guadalajara and Day 1 Manzanillo

November 8, 2010 - 8 am

I walked south from the hotel looking for a large park called Agua Azul. I found it but unfortunately it doesn't open until 10 am so I just took a couple of photos through the fence. It looks nice but I want to get to the main cathedral in the city center so I head back north.

The whole area around the cathedral is the historical district and there is so much to see. I just missed the October celebration including the Day of the Dead but that is probably best. Now that I have a little familiarity with the area I will probably be okay next visit.

It's time to check out of the hotel and head for Manzanillo Bay so I am off to the bus station.

5:30 pm I arrive at the hotel in Manzanillo and check in just in time to get a sunset photo on the beach. I had a nice dinner in their restaurant and tomorrow I'll be up early for a nice long walk on the beach.

Day one: Guadalajara

Guadalajara airport 9:00 am. I just barely made the flight but was fortunate enough to be seated next to Giovanni The Margarita King who is the founder of the beverage The Margarita King (a ready to drink margarita in a bottle). It was an absolute pleasure to spend a couple of hours with him, sharing stories and beliefs, understanding of the universe and how it works and so much more. His is a wonderful success story that was published in the book Starting From Scratch by Wes Moss. I look forward to keeping in touch with him as I make my way through this next phase in my life.

I arrived in Guadalajara about 2:00 pm and found a descent hotel. I then took a walk down to the Plaza de los Mariachi for a nice dinner of Pozole and a couple of Negra Modelos while being entertained by vocalists and dancers all in traditional dress. I walked several blocks around the area to get my bearings and made it back to the hotel before it got too dark.

Hereafter

Last night my friend Boyd and I went to see the new movie directed by Clint Eastwood. Hereafter will be a disappointment to many people and a source of anger to others. I found it to be thought provoking as well as rewarding. It is a very slow paced movie and for me, that is a good thing. I like to have a few moments to think about what has been presented before moving forward.

She asked me "Do you believe in the hereafter?" and I said "What do you mean by 'the hereafter?'" And she said "If you're not here after what I'm here after then you'll be here after I'm gone."

Mexico ... here I come.

I now have just about everything ready for my next big adventure. Next Saturday (Nov 6th) I will be flying down to Guadalajara to start my trip. From there I will follow the Pacific Coast southward on my way back to Zihuatanejo for a visit. I don't know where I will go from there but eventually I plan to make my way back to the Yucatan. I want to spend some time in the the town of Merida before heading east to Chichen Itza, Cancun, Isla Mujeres and then Belize. It may not take place in that order. Heck, it might not take place at all. I just know that I am going with an open heart and an open mind. I am ready for adventure.

Wow !!! Nice welcome home ....

Last night as I made my way towards the Deschutes River I was greeted with the most beautiful sunset of the entire trip. It was wonderful to see the sky lit up like a welcome home banner.

8,600 miles - let me tell you, it was a trip.

Lightning ... Ooooh yeah !!!!

I stopped just before Gap, Arizona to watch some of the storm action. I captured a few lightning strikes and they are slowed down to 1/8 speed for your viewing pleasure.

Sunday evening, Albuquerque, New Mexico

After my visit to San Antonio I made my way to Fort Stockton and then on to Albuquerque. There are storms all around but the road has been clear and it is clear here this evening. I've been watching the lightning in the hills but I don't have a good location to try to get any photos.

Tomorrow I will make my way back to Kanab, Utah and if the weather holds I might say two days there. If not, I will continue making my way back to Oregon City with some stops in central Oregon.

Nothing has really panned out on this trip. It has been fun, no doubt, but nothing came of the few "possibilities" that I had in the works. So the new plan is to get back to Oregon, put some of my stuff in storage, sell what I can and head for Mexico and/or Belize for the winter. It will be a good test of my flexibility. It has been way too long since I was in touch with my friends and I am sure that things have changed there too. Things always change. Always.

New Orleans French Quarter

I finally made it to New Orleans French Quarter and I'm glad I did not go during Marti Gras - WOW, it's easy to get lost there (even though it was daylight, I was sober and I was not chasing women - just imagine the opposite).

I only spent a few hours wandering the streets and I hope to get back there someday for more exploration.

I'm Movin' On ...

On the forth of July I had the pleasure of dancing with a beautiful friend and while we were dancing I heard the song I'm Movin On by Rascal Flatts. It was written by PHILLIP BRIAN WHITE and
DAVID VINCENT WILLIAMS. I bought the song (MP3) on Amazon the next day.

This Monday I was camping at the Three Rivers State Park on Lake Seminole (northwest of Tallahassee, Florida) and found inspiration there. I put the music together with some video I shot around the park and I am sure that those who know me understand the message.

I have posted the video @ http://vimeo.com/15412406

It is about 4 minutes long. I hope you will enjoy it.

Gulf Coast Beaches

I really do enjoy the Gulf Coast beaches much more than the Atlantic beaches. Today I was in Sarasota, Florida and started down at Siesta Key then made my way up to Lido Beach where I spent a good deal of my early childhood. The sand is not course like other beaches and is almost pure white. I love white sandy beaches. I spent a little time walking on the beach on Siesta Key but the sun was intense and the air temperature was 94 degrees. So I found a shady spot on Lido Beach and did a little people watching, read a bit in my current book, swam some and napped some. It was a good afternoon. As the day progressed a storm moved in from the east, slowly, and it gave me some time for a few sunset photos. It didn't start raining until I was well off the beach. It was a good day.

Long walks on deserted beaches ... I'm getting used to it.

Saturday afternoon, 88 degrees and a light breeze from off the Atlantic Ocean made it a perfect day for a long walk on a (practically) deserted beach. Time to think. Time to plan. Time to reflect. At breakfast this morning I read a sign on the menu that said "Indulge yourself, beginning to end". And I thought to myself; 'Self' I said, 'consider those three words, beginning to end - every day we are all beginning to end'. And then I thought of the fellow who stopped in a small town and asked an old farmer if he had lived there his whole life and the farmer replied "Not yet." No point here, just a musing.

Key West revisited 2010

I had a wonderful re-visit to Key West. My first visit two years ago was interrupted by hurricane Helen and was just long enough to wet my appetite and peak my curiosity. Being a little more familiar with the town I was able to enjoy much more sight seeing and yet there is still so much to see and do.

My favorite spots, so far, are the lighthouse, the customs house, the beach, Captain Tony's and all of Duval Street. I met some interesting people, listened to some fun music, learned some history and took quite a few pictures. The tropical breezes that swept across the town took me away to a time of pirates and adventure. I walked on the beach beneath a full moon and I even danced a few steps with an enigma.

So, where to next? I am heading up to the beaches along Florida's Atlantic coast. The weather is unsettled but it might provide some nice photo ops.

Reunion - Class of '65

We had a wonderful time at the reunion - so many old friends and so many new ones too. I drove down to Brooksville, Florida to spend some time with George and Janet (Cook) Williams. We rode down to Ft Lauderdale together for the reunion and it was good to let someone else do the driving for a while (Thank you George).

Friday night was busy with running around finding old friends. Saturday morning breakfast was more time to catch up and then I hit the pool for a couple of hours. I met some nice folks who were on their way to cruise on the new ship Oasis. Going back and forth through the hotel I was constantly running into classmates and those little conversations lead to meeting other classmates, kind of like a domino effect - great fun !!! The evening dinner and dance was lots of fun, too much food, not enough dancing, and just the right amount of laughter.

Sunday morning breakfast was too short and then we were on the road again back to Brooksville where I will stay through Tuesday morning before deciding which direction to go next. The road ahead is pregnant with possibilities.

MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH ...

Today in Carlisle, Kentucky I made a major breakthrough on the Walls family research. I found, thanks to Kimball Booth (a local research hobbyist), that I was missing one generation in my tree. And, as luck would have it, his name was James Walls (I'm still chuckling about that one). He was born here in Nicholas County, Kentucky in 1836 and his father's name was Zachariah Walls. Now I'm getting someplace ... just don't know where yet.

Goin' to Kansas City ....

How many times have I listened to , sung to, and just plain enjoyed the song Kansas City? It must be hundreds, and this morning I had the pleasure to stand at the (symbolic) corner of 12th street and Vine.

Power up ....

I spent the night in Rawlins, Wyoming last night, elevation 6,000 feet. It was a cool night but not uncomfortable. When I went to start the van it was obvious that the battery needed to be replaced so I drove into Cheyenne for a new battery and now I am powered up! I hope to make it to Kansas City by nightfall.

Road Trip 2010 ... Day one

I got a late start today but still managed to get 400 miles down the road. Caldwell, Idaho will do for the night and I hope to get an early start in the morning. The trip so far has been uneventful and that is a good thing, just a little rain coming through the blue mountains. I am very happy to report that I am getting 20 mpg which is better than the 18 mpg I was getting before I had the fuel pump replaced, and that's another good thing. I'm looking forward to lots of "good things" this trip.

Small town hoedown ...

I had a wonderful treat Friday night while visiting my friend at the First Friday Art Walk in Estacada, Oregon. There was live music in several stores and art shops but by 8pm most of the musicians were gathered in the shop on the corner of 4th and Broadway (I think it was called Mossy Rock). The room was small but it was filled with fun loving, music loving people who would join in singing when they knew the song and at least some of the words. There were at least 6 guitars, 2 mandolins, a ukulele, an accordion, an upright bass, a banjo, and one very good fiddle player, not to mention a guy harmonicas, one on a washboard and another playing spoons. This was not a bar or tavern, just the back room of a nice little shop. There was complimentary wine and snacks, iced lemon water and a jar for contributions. It was difficult to get a good video because the lighting was poor and the people who were there to socialize were constantly trying to talk over the music but I have included a 1 minute video, for what it's worth.

Central Oregon with good friends ...

I really enjoy visiting central Oregon and seeing good friends. Then there are the bonuses of good food, good golf and laughter and sharing. This is the best part of retired life for me. This trip I am visiting Gordon and Shelli and Lilli. They have a beautiful location in Redmond which is near Bend and not too far from Sisters. Bend has one of the best McMenamin's or maybe it was just the company.

Yesterday it was very sunny and warm. This morning it was cool and we enjoyed coffee in the hot tub before going out for breakfast. Right now it is overcast with a light rain and it feels good just to relax.

Providence Bridge Pedal 2010 ...

This year's bridge pedal was the toughest one so far (IMHO). The new route this year took us across the two highest bridges TWICE. The two trips across the Freemont bridge were not so bad but the second ride up the Marquam bridge from east bank to west bank was a very difficult pull for many of us. From there it was the long ride up to Saint John's bridge and that was another hard climb.

There were a few accidents along the way, sometimes an individual spill and sometime a crash of two or more bikes got tangled up. I was taken down by some railroad tracks on Water Street near OMSI. I wasn't the only one to fall victim to that location and fortunately just two blocks away was a first aid truck that was patching up the fallen.

After the ride I put away my bike and made my way over to the Bite of Portland. It is always a busy event and it was nice to put my feet up and enjoy a glass of wine after the 36 mile bicycle ride. I had hoped to meet some friends there but after 4 hours I decided it was time to go.

My wounds will heal and I may have a small scar on my right knee and right shoulder as a reminder of what can happen if you are not careful.

I feel very alone once again and it is my own fault. I will shake this off and try not to let it get to me. Now I am preparing for my next road trip which I hope will bring me closer to where the Walls family entered the United States and where they came from. So I am heading back to Carlisle, KY and then on to the Richmond, VA area. And from there .... who knows where ....

Photography and friends ...

Happy birthday Heather. In 1983 I had the pleasure of photographing Heather and her mom Julie in my studio. Heather was about 3 years old and the wicker chair was one of my favorite props. I was tickled to be able to attend Heather's 30th birthday party this Saturday and in the dining room I saw a wicker chair. It was almost identical to the one I used in the original photo and was a serendipitous purchase that Julie had made last summer. When I saw the chair I knew that I had to attempt the recreation, and I think it worked.

1983

2010

Dear friends ...

Yesterday I was able to have a long, leisurely breakfast with a group of dear friends that I haven't seen in quite a while. All of us were part of the Portland Metropolitan Photographers Association (PMPA) at its inception 20 years ago. Time and tide has moved us along our individual paths but once we got together is was as if it was only last week that we were focused on a workshop or some other project together. Those were fun times and so are these - just different.

Michael Henley, Nancy Ratliff, me, Melissa Jackson and Boyd Holloway

Independence Day 2010

Sometimes, when you least expect it, a little blue sky comes your way. It brightens your day, lightens your heart and brings a quiet joy to your spirit.

Thank you Kim BlueSky

Update: August, 2010 blue sky doesn't always bring a promise of things to come. Sometimes it is just a vision of what might be some day. Holding out hope that there will never be another cloudy day is a fools dream. I am still thankful for the respite but now I'm back to reality.

Bike riding ...

Yesterday I dusted off my bicycle and threw it into the van. I drove to Boring to to take my first ride of the season on the Springwater Corridor. I made it to 122nd before I had to turn around and head back. That was about 24 miles round trip.

So this morning, with renewed vigor, I headed for Boring again. I started the ride at 10:00 and, despite detours, I made it to downtown PDX at about 12:20 I took a break for a bowl of soup and a tall iced tea and left there at about 1:30. Springwater Corridor comes all the way to the Willamette River at Oaks Park and then heads north along the waterfront. I rode north up to the Steele Bridge and crossed to the west side there. I took my time riding down the waterfront to the Salmon Street Fountain and took the same route back. It took a bit longer to get back to Boring but all in all it was a great trip and I'm glad that I did it. Total ride today 50 miles. MAP

I am now ready for the Bridge Pedal in August - that's just a little 42 miler.

Father's Day

For those who need a special day dedicated specifically to them, this is a special day. For me, any day I see my darling daughter is Father's day. Through all the ups and downs of life I am proud to say that we are friends. I am a lucky man.

Missing in America

Thanks to my friend, Ken Crawford and the Pharaohs Street Rodders, I was introduced to the Missing in America Project (MIAP). It is a nation wide search for veterans who have died, after their military service, with no one to claim them for burial. Their remains have been sitting on a shelf in some storage room, some for decades, without receiving their proper final honor. Veterans are assured a place in one of our National cemeteries. MIAP representatives are searching these storerooms for Veterans, documenting their service records through cooperation with the Veteran's Administration and then arranging a proper military burial.

Funds are raised for this project by individual contributions, fund raising groups, service donations and volunteer activities. I am very proud to a small part in their mission by providing photo and video documentation for the promotion of that mission.

You can view the first of two videos that I have posted HERE

Kris and Amanda Walls

The family continues to grow.

Yesterday, my grandson and his lovely bride were wed in Vancouver, Washington. Amanda is such a lovely, lively addition to our family which is a direct reflection on her wonderful family. Kris is a lucky man to have found such a treasure.

The wedding was a beautiful affair and everyone had a good time.

Congratulations! I wish you both all the happiness and success that life has to offer.

Good times, sad times ...

It was a beautiful morning for golf and I was so glad when Dan called and invited me to join him at the Oregon City Golf Club at Lone Oak. It was my first round of the season and I did well enough but most of all it was just good to be outside, in the sun, sharing a good time with a good friend.

The afternoon was spent pulling weeds - and even that was good. All in all, not a bad day :)

The trip to Canada I had planned to take with my friend Boyd never came to pass which was probably for the best. I will take this trip later in the summer as I want to visit the Dakotas as well and I would not have been able to do that on this trip.

This Saturday will be the memorial service for our friend David Miller who lost his battle with cancer. He will be missed and our hearts go out to his wife, family and all those who loved and respected him.

Jo Anna and David - anniversary party - Cuernavaca, Mexico 1995

There are many special people in this world ...

Several years ago in the comic strip Peanuts, by the late, great, Charles Schultz, Charlie Brown was enamored of "the little red haired girl" but he was too shy to approach her directly. One day she passed by and dropped her pencil which Charlie picked up and as he was trying to build up the courage to give it back to her he noticed that she had chewed on the pencil. He clutched the pencil to his chest and cried out "She's human!!" I think that is what we (I) sometimes forget. While we are all human with our faults, baggage and frailties we also have our gifts to share.

Thank you for the reminder Charles, Charlie and Kim.

Springtime in the great Northwest ....

Rowena Crest, Tom McCall preserve

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest, Woodburn, OR

I love springtime in the great Northwest. Scenes of wildflowers and breathtaking vistas are all around and I plan to take in as many of them as I am able.

Saturday I spent up at Rowena Crest on the Tom McCall preserve (plateau). The wildflowers are just beginning their displays and I will be going back in the next few days to see if the Lupine are blooming. Sunday I spent most of the day at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest near Woodburn. It was one of the first days outside that I hadn't worn my cap, so my forehead got a little too much sun but that's okay as it will heal quickly. Later this week I hope to make a trip through Bend and the high desert plains near Wasco. It's a good time to be out and about.

Highlights of Road Trip 2010 (leg 1)

I'm home now after 5 weeks and 10,315 miles on the road. I hit the road the day after my aunt Ivy passed away and was in a very contemplative mood. Even though I wanted to see friends along the way I avoided visits for the next few days. I spent two days in the San Angelo State Park (Texas) waiting for my mood to change and the storm to pass.

My first visit was with my two half-sisters in Waco and Seymour, Texas and along the way I payed my respects at the Walls family graves in Cleburne, Texas.

Then I made my way up into northeast Kentucky to the town of Carlisle where I found documents that confirm that my family lived there and that my great, great, great grandfather, Thomas Walls was in the Revolutionary war and lived near Richmond, Virginia.

Then I was off to visit Margie and Mason at their RV Park in Elkton, AL before heading to Charlotte, NC to visit my cousin Kay and her family.

From there I made my way to Atlanta to pay my respects at aunt Ivy's and aunt Frances's graves.

I then made my way to Clearwater, Florida to pay my respects to my fraternal grand parents graves and then I had 3 wonderful days off the road with my friends George and Janet in Brooksville, Florida.

From there I made my way to pay my respects at my mother's grave in Shreveport, Louisana. All of these visits to family graves were, in part, to document their locations (GPS coordinates) for the genealogy research I have been working on for the last 15 years. This work will continue as I find more relatives locations, especially those of the Walls line.

From there I drove straight across Texas and then zig-zagged through the southwest visiting Carlsbad Caverns, Chaco Canyon, Four Corners, Monument Valley, Zion National Park and so many other little places along the way. It was cool driving some of the old Route 66 again.

I headed home from Kanab, Utah by way of Las Vegas and Los Angeles because the route through Salt Lake was pretty bad at that time.

All in all it was a great trip even though the weather did not cooperate (stupid weather !). It is good to be back in Oregon City so I can begin to plan leg two of Road Trip 2010.

Home again ..... for a while

I left Kanab, Utah the day before yesterday and made my way through Las Vegas then bypassed Los Angeles to the east. I spent the night in Santa Clarita and then continued up I-5. I got through the Shasta and Ashland passes with no problems. There was a little blowing snow at the 4,000 foot level but nothing was sticking to the roads. I spent the night in Sutherlin, Oregon and then had a good breakfast before driving the rest of the way home with only one stop for gas. 10,315 miles on this leg of "Road Trip 2010". The next leg will begin sometime this summer - probably in August.

Now it's time for a shower and a nap.

What's up with that ?????

So, after a wonderful day at Chaco Canyon I decided that since I had never been to Four Corners I would go out of my way, just to say I had been there. Well, as you can see, "close" is about as close as I got. What's up with that ????

What a difference a day makes !!!!

It was actually 20 degrees last night in Gallup but I was "snug as a bug in a rug" and woke to a sunny morning. I had a good breakfast at El Rancho (Huevos Rancheros) and went outside to survey the sky 360 degrees. I had several directions I could go but decided on Chaco Canyon. I did have to backtrack a ways to the east but as I turned north the sky began to look threatening and I was about to turn back, but something kept pushing me toward Chaco. The wind picked up a bit and there were several times that there was a light snow fall.

The last 20 miles into Chaco was unpaved, sometimes rocky, sometimes washboard but it was worth it. I won't be able to post my photos on flickr until tomorrow but I have to say, in spite of the 37 degrees and windy conditions IT WAS A PICTURE PERFECT DAY !!!!! I spent a good deal of the afternoon there and still there is so much more to see. I will be back.

Gallup, NM

6 pm after the storm has passed

The Gallup Cultural Center

Statue of the Wind Talker

The snow finally stopped about noon so I was able to go out for a nice late lunch and enjoy some sights too. It is now about 6 pm and the wind is dying down. The sky is clearing too so it looks like the worst of the front has passed through and tomorrow should be a good travel, sight-seeing day. I won't hit the road until I'm sure the temperature is above freezing and then only after a good breakfast. If you look closely at the photos you will see some traces of snow, especially on the statue of the Wind Talker. (click on any photo and it enlarges)

Yuck !

It was a little chilly in the van when I awoke this morning. I could tell that the wind was still whipping around so I looked out the window to find it is raining and snowing. It's sticking in some places but the roads are clear so getting around town is no problem. I would have to go through Flagstaff to get to Casa Grande but they say it is worse there so I will hunker down here for another night. They are predicting a low of 22 tonight here in Gallup, Brrrrrr, so I will see what it's like tomorrow after lunch as they say the roads will be clear by then and the front will have moved through. It's quite a difference from the 88 degrees that I enjoyed just a couple of days ago in Carlsbad. That's traveling for you!

One thing leads to another ....

This morning I visited old town Albuquerque and found that it is much quieter and easier to enjoy in the springtime than it is in Summer.

I have been fighting the wind all the way from Shreveport, LA and today was the worst so I am seeking "Shelter From The Storm" (wind) here in Gallup, NM.

I am very fortunate to have with me on this trip my XM Satellite Radio so that I can choose the music that fits my mood or just choose a station and find new or old, almost forgotten music. Along the way one of my favorite stations has been "The Village" which focuses on folk music both new and old. This includes a little bluegrass, a little county and music from other countries as well. One song that really touched a chord with me was a song written by Carol Elliott and Wendy Waldman and performed by Michael Martin Murphy . This song is normally played only at Christmas time and is called Corn, Water and Wood. I have been researching the song and it has lead me to visit the Casa Grande National Monument in Arizona. It's just something I need to do, like this road trip. It will be cloudy and rainy tomorrow but then will turn sunny again as I head up through California on my way back to Oregon and the cold, wet, rainy, dull, dreary, gray weather - you know, Oregon springtime.

The concept of Corn, Water and Wood is as simple as it is complex. Corn is food. Water is drink and Wood is fuel. Simple. However, Corn is also seed. And Water is the catalyst to make the seed grow. And Wood is a tool to prepare the ground for planting.

In the desert areas of New Mexico and Arizona, if you eat all the corn, drink all the water and burn all the wood then you are done. However, if you eat some corn and plant some corn, drink some water and use some to water the corn, burn some wood and use some to dig the ground for planting, then you continue to thrive. It's all about the wisdom of conservation, propagation and survival. Basic wisdom that seems so very simple when you give it some thought.