(Day 531 TB) 55°F. 6:30 am, sun
Elevation 1535 feet.
Doris Campground, space # 21
Up late this morning, clean up, then walk to the faucet for more water and see Sue there talking with another man. I greet them both and the man tells me his name is Mike from Norman, Oklahoma. When Sue leaves, Mike and I begin to share our stories and soon we have become acquainted with one another. Noticing that Mike has a towel in hand, I tell him that I need to take a shower also and will see him at the shower house.
After we have done with the showers, we continue our discussion and soon, I have explained to him the
healthy path which will lead to getting off the cholesterol lowering pharmaceuticals.
Later, his wife Dot and son Brian show up and he excitedly shares with them the newly learned information about grape seed extract. When they head back to their camp, I pack out, leave the Wichita Mountains wildlife refuge and drive thru Cache, then Lawton, and on through eastern Oklahoma.
The GPS takes me east first on SR 7, up a short distance on US 81, then east on SR 29 to US 177 north to Stratford, east again on SR 19 to Ada, then east on SR 1, through McAllister all the way to Talihina where I continue SR 1 up onto the Talimena Drive towards Arkansas.
Upon climbing up to the ridge, I see the smoke coming out the rear, like what happened climbing out of Albuquerque up from the Rio Grande river on Day
526 TB.
However, this time I stop and check fluids to find it is not the engine oil that is low, but instead the transmission which fluid is not even showing at all on the dip stick. So, I will need to purchase transmission fluid soon, but first I must get off of this scenic drive and into a town where the fluid is available.
I do stop at one scenic vista and have last nights leftovers with a can of tuna for a meal while enjoying the view and after eating, continue east.
I make across the state line into Arkansas and soon arrive at Queen Wilhelmena state park at five-thirty pm, check in for the evening, park the jammer and walk to the shower house for a shower with only medium hot water. Then, I return to the jammer and catch up on my journal writing.
Tomorrow, in search for fluid, I will drive down off the Talimena and along the valley route the rest of the way to Mena, Arkansas. Hopefully, the transmission will not quit on me, and if I am able to fix the problem with fluid, I will endeavor to stay on a flat route, which means driving the interstate highways, or at least on highways across flat land the rest of the way to Tennessee.
Wednesday, 10 May 2017, The Talimena Scenic Byway, AR.
(Day 532 TB) 60°F. 6:30 am, sun
Full Flower moon, unseen.
Elevation 2681 feet.
Queen Wilhelmina State Park, space # 36, CRS: 9.0
I sleep in this morning, resting while I can and then after taking another shower, I check the transmission dip stick only to find it totally dry.
(b4wheels-1989-2017-0510.0640) Morning at Queen Wilhelmena State Park
With no other choice, I begin driving, first out of the park, then downhill on SR 272, east on US 270 the south on US 71 to Mena where I drive to town and into the first place that has transmission fluid.
During the entire trip from the state park to the store, about ten miles, the transmission continues to slip, so by holding the accelerator down only lightly, I am able to keep the speed at about thirty-five mph without the transmission slipping to much.
When I do finally pull into the ap-mart, I walk inside, buy two quarts of fluid and then proceed to slowly pour the fluid down the filer tube, checking often to see if it would register on the dip stick. As I am pouring the fluid, Matt from the store comes out and I tell him about my travels and online journal. It is not until I have added three quarts does the fluid rise enough to cover both holes on the stick indicating that there is enough fluid in the transmission.
Wow, it was really low and from this determined that the transmission has a leak somewhere, hoping that it is something simple like the pan gasket. I decide not to correct this until I make it to Spring Hill, Tennessee, but instead just keep a close check on the level the rest of the way there.
Before I leave the ap-mart, I buy one more quart of transmission fluid. Methinks, this is a no-brainer
life lesson for me, when you buy a car, always keep a close check on all the fluids, just in case it has a leak such as this jammer does.
Leaving Mena, the transmission doing good now, not slipping at all, I drive east on SR 88 to Pencil Bluff where I meet up with US 270 and continue east through Mount Ida and just below Lake Ouachita and then cross the Ouachita river. Soon after, I turn north on Blacksnake road a route that takes me into a back entrance to the very western edge of Hot Springs national park. This entrance also becomes very steep and winding back and forth all over the mountain. All the while, the transmission keeps up and does not slip once.
Again, with a chuckle, methinks, the transmission just has a leak.
Blacksnake road goes over the mountain and down the other side where it turns into Whittington Avenue, drives right past the alligator farm and then I stop at the Whittington Spring to fill up all of my empty water bottles. Next, I drive into town, turn right on Central Avenue and park at the free parking garage that the city provides. Then I gather my swimsuit, some business cards and head into the
Quapaw Bath house where I pay the twenty-two dollars for a towel and a locker key, walk into the dressing room and after putting on my suit, walk into the pool room and get into the hot spring water.
Here I soak in the 104 degrees water for fifteen minutes, get out and take a cold shower and then get back in the hot water for another fifteen minutes, and repeat with another cold shower, doing this same process over and over until I have been in the pool room for three and a half hours.
The reason I do this is to remove toxins from my body, which toxins are released because the hot water opens the skin pours to releasing them. Then, when you take a cold shower, the pours close and then the blood, carrying more toxins, is pumped back through the veins where it deposits the toxins at the pours to wait for the next opportunity to escape the body. This is not the exact science but it happens generally something like this and is called hydrotherapy.
At four pm, I have returned to the jammer and begin driving out of downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas and head to the w-mart to check my com and upload journal entries to the web site.
Then at six, I pack out, walk out to the jammer, change into my meeting clothes and drive to the hall for the mid-week meeting. It seems funny, but a couple of brothers ask me if I have been here before and tell me that they remember seeing me here. Afterwards, I drive to the d-mart for the evening and see lightning in the sky as I drive into to parking lot.
(Day 533 TB) 58°F. 5:30 am, overcast, thunder
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 597 feet.
After a warm night which cools off sometime in the early morning and becomes more comfortable I rise in the predawn, drive to the w-mart for coffee, to check com and upload my journal entry. Then, at seven, I get a refill of hot water in my cup, pack out an continue my ongoing eastward drive. Leaving the w-mart, I travel first north on Central avenue (SH 7) to the US 270 loop, turn east, drive to where it connects to US 70 and take this highway to interstate highway 30 on which I turn northeast to Little Rock where I take the IH 440 loop east and then continue east on IH 40. I make one stop for gasoline in Forest City and also check the transmission fluid level finding it still up to level.
Then, returning to the IH 40 east, soon after cross the Mississippi river at Memphis, stay on the 40 through the city and continue in a general northeasterly direction, passing Bucksnort, Tennessee at the Duck river and soon after that, take interstate highway 840 loop to avoid driving in Nashville, first south and then east until I reach IH65, turn south and drive about six miles to exit 53, which is the Saturn parkway. Turning west on the parkway, I stop first at a g-mart for some salad vegetables, then drive to the shop to see if Mark is home. I see both of his cats sitting in the windows, but he is out. So, I put a note on his door telling him that I will be in Spring Hill at the w-mart, then drive there.
At eight-fifty this evening, I retire to the d-mart, make and eat a salad, and clean up and get ready for sleep.
(Day 534 TB) 63°F. 5:30 am, cloudy
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 751 feet.
Awake to see a slight glow of light on the horizon, rise, dress and then drive to the w-mart for a cup of hot. At eight, I call Mark who says he will leave a door open for me to access the Stagecoach Auto Repair auxiliary shop and work on the jammer.
Then, at nine, I walk in the back door and immediately see that the floor needs to be swept, so I change into my work blues and get right to work. By ten this morning, I have the entire garage floor swept and then work at racking the jammer on the lift, which takes me just over a half hour because it is slightly different than the green Aerostar.
Once I get the rack set, I raise the jammer up about six feet, begin inspecting the underside and immediately find where the transmission has been leaking. It is not the gasket which I had thought but the fluid is coming from directly behind the engine, meaning that the leak is either the transmission front seal, the torque converter seal, or both.
While I wait to talk with Joe about this leak, I will accomplish some other necessary maintenance and repairs. I drain the coolant fluids and then add a chemical cleaner and rust remover. While the system is drained, I replace the temperature sender but do not replace the thermostat yet; I will replace it tomorrow when I do the final flush. Once the cooling system is back together, I begin draining the oil and soon have a new filter installed and new oil in the engine. The old oil was really dirty and from the date on the filter, it has been four years since it was last changed. However, since the last driver, a grandmother died in 2013, no one had been driving this Aerostar with any regularity and it has had less than five thousand miles during that time.
I continue to inspect the jammer and then I hear some one outside say "Well, if it isn′s Thom Buras." I look up and see my good friend, Joe walking into the garage. After we say a greeting to each other, I say, "Well, here is the new jammer" to which he replies, "It really is much shorter." I then show him where the transmission has been leaking and he agrees that it is probably the front seal. I ask him what I can do with this problem and he asks me how much fluid did you have to put in on the drive here. I tell him that I had to add four quarts, that the drive was about twenty-five hundred miles. He then states, "About one quart every six hundred miles." Then, he tells me that he has a business friend that rebuilds transmissions and says "I will ask him what kind of deal he will give me."
Joe then walks over to the shop to take care of some business and I return to the work that I am doing. I find where the oil pressure sender is located, squeeze and twist the connector, then start the engine and look at the oil pressure gauge, which now is reading at about fifty percent, much higher than it had before I tweaked the connection. This could very well be the reason the gauge has been reading so low. I put the old oil into the oil containers and clean up the small amount that I spilled during the oil change. Starting the engine, I check for leaks around the filter and drain plug but find none, then I use a socket wrench to remove the oil plug in the differential, stick my little finger into the hole but feel no oil. This tells me that I should pull of the inspection place, clean out the case, install a new gasket and the fill the differential with new oil, something that I can do on one of the upcoming day.
The Joe comes back to the axillary shop to tell me that he just talked to his business fiend and that if Joe pulls the transmission, the friend will replace all the seal and any clutches and bands that need to be replaced, and put a twelve month, twelve thousand mile warranty on it for six hundred. Joe then said to me that he told his friend, "When can I bring it over." I told Joe, "I agree!" Joe said that we can bring it over Monday, right after Bruce (Joe′s employee at Stagecoach Auto Repair) takes the transmission out. I thank Joe for his help, then he leave for the bank and other stops while I put the tools away, clean up the area, lower the jammer off of the rack and take a shower.
Next, I get in the jammer, drive out of the shop, lock the door and drive to town for supper at Don′s Mexican restaurant. After eating, I drive to the d-mart, park for the evening and complete today′s journal entry.
(Day 535 TB) 51°F. 5:30 am, clear
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 751 feet.
When the alarm sounds, I get right up, drive to the w-mart for coffee and com.
Then at seven-thirty this morning, I pack out of the w-mart, drive to the shop to work on the jammer and begin setting up for pressure washing the underside but find that there is no gasoline in the shop, so I decide to put off the pressure washing until after I do a parts run latter this morning.
Meanwhile, the neighbor, Wayne, tells me there is a poker run here this morning. After asking, he explains that a group of so called hot cars drive to different locations to receive cards for their poker hand. At the end of the run, the best poker hand wins a prize. There is an entrance fee and profits go to a charity.
(b1a11-12-05c.20170513.1730) Working on the Jammer at Stagecoach
Instead, I lube all the grease fitting, change the oil and then install new alternator and power steering belts. After the poker run leaves, I go for parts and gasoline. Upon returning, I flush the cooling system and then begin pressure washing the underside of the jammer. Then I pressure wash the shop floor, spraying all the debris out to the drive and then spay the drive way and clean up all the debris. Finally, I install the new bushings I purchased for the steering rack.
At six pm, I put away all my tools, pack up the jammer, take a shower and get ready to drive to the d-mart for the evening. Then I hear Mark arrive home and go in to say hello, after which I head to town.
(Day 536 TB) 51°F. 6:50 am, clear and cool
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 751 feet.
After the alarm goes off I close my eyes for just a moment and wow, suddenly, it is almost seven o′clock. I put on my fall blues, walk into the d-mart to purchase a sun shade and windshield wipers. Then, I drive to the w-mart for coffee, to check my com and to upload my journal.
At noon, I pack out, put on my suit and head for the meeting at the hall. When I enter, several people greet me, calling me brother Buras and it gives me a good feeling that some of the friends remember my name. I wish I could remember some of theirs.
Afterwards, I go to the ap-mart and buy the two front shocks, then head for the shop to install them but can not take the bottom bolts off because the speed nuts have broken from the bracket. I return to the ap-mart to buy a package of the nuts and return to finish the installation of the second shock. I also install the two tie-rod ends that I had purchased while in Oak Harbor. The tie-rod ends were much easier than I had expected.
The next part will be the rear shocks, then the windshield wiper motor, both of which I have ordered from the ap-mart. Also, I have ordered a gasket for the differential because I want to take off the inspection plate, drain and glean the gears and install a new gasket and new fluid.
After I complete the two front shocks, I leave the shop, drive to the d-mart and park for the evening; it is after ten pm.
(Day 537 TB) 55°F. 5:30 am, clear
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 751 feet.
Up quickly upon hearing the alarm, dress, drive to the w-mart and purchase a cup of coffee. I am only here for an hour because I must need have the jammer racked and raised before eight this morning for Bruce when he arrives to remove the transmission.
So, at seven this morning, I pack out of the w-mart and drive to the shop. Since first working on this jammer, the many times that I have racked and raised the jammer here has brought the time down from my first time which took more than thirty minutes to just less than five minutes today.
At eight, Bruce, pushing his tool box walks into the axillary shop and places his tool box next to the front of the jammer. As he begins checking the rack supports, I greet him good morning to which he replies in kind. Then he raises the jammer, walks up to the underside of the transmission and gets right to work.
I take up a position in my living room, which is an area in the garage where I rolled out a piece of carpet and set three chairs on the edges of the carpet facing inward. I have been taking my breaks here, eating meals and now, use this location as a place to watch the transmission being pulled out of the jammer.
Yesterday, I had cleared a rolling table and tell Bruce that he can use it to put all the parts and he starts by putting several nuts on it. I am totally amazed because Bruce had the transmission out of the jammer and supported on a transmission stand in just over thirty minutes and then he goes back to the main shop.
(b1a11-12-05c.20170515.0826) Bruce removes the transmission in record time
I walk over to the shop office where Sarah is doing her paper work and ask if she has seen Joe. "He is at the house." I then call Joe and tell him that he transmission is out and he tells me that he will be there in a few minutes. Returning to the auxiliary shop, I begin cleaning and painting the support and brackets that were removed to take out transmission. A short time later, Joe arrives and I help him lift the transmission off of the stand onto the bed of his truck. Then, we both get into his truck and head to the transmission shop in Columbia.
Once the transmission has been delivered, we return to Spring Hill and stop first at the ap-mart where I purchase the two rear shocks, some differential oil and gasket maker. Next, we drive through a ff-mart, buy tacos and head back to the shop. After I eat, I begin installing the rear shocks, which old ones come out so much easier that those shocks on the green Aerostar. In fact, I had both new shocks installed in less than and hour. Next, I remove the cover from the differential, drain the oil and then wipe it dry. Joe is still in the main shop and had previously said he would show me how to make a gasket with the sealant. I walk over and tell him that the rear end is ready for him and he comes right over, applies the gasket sealant and closes up the differential.
Next, I begin unloading one of the cabinets from the jammer to change it from a horizontal cabinet to a upright one. I use the lid to make a shelf, screw the inverter to the underside of the top shelf, drill a hose for the lead wire and then put it into the jammer. Once I finish my down size, the upright cabinet will serve as my desk for working on my personal journal, the next episode and the website.
As for now, it is still cluttered in the jammer and needing much more dispensation of my possessions.
It is not until after eleven this evening when I get everything back into the jammer and put my bed back together. Finally, I walk to the shower and lather up for the clean effect; after that, I get into the horizontal.
(Day 538 TB) 54°F. 7:15 am, clear
Overnighting in the auxiliary shop, Elevation 751 feet.
Upon rising I get out my stove, carry it and my cups and set up in my living room. Then, I prepare both coffee and tea; and while sitting in the living room sip on the coffee. When I am finished with my coffee, I examine the window in the rear lift door and see that I must first set up a stick to hold the lift door so that I can remove the two hydraulic lift shocks so that I can then remove the plastic window cover. The cover is held in with only screws and comes off easy, only one of the corners has previously been cracked and needs to be repaired. Next, I remove the eight 9 mm nuts that hold the window secure, and then use a screwdriver to separate the window from the lift door which is being held with butyl glue. Working from underneath, I work completely around the window, insert wood dowels to hold the glass away from the door and also disconnect the two defroster connections. Then I lower the lift door, grab the glass and move it to a table that I had previously cleaned to use as a work station. Cleaning the glass and the door of all the old butyl from both involves nearly five hours of my time.
I do stop twice during the morning, once for a MRP, and later for a cup of day start. Then, in the afternoon, I begin cutting, painting and taping a sun shade to the inside of the glass, so that it will block out all the light even when I overnight in a parking lot. The next task is to spread the urethane glue around the inside of the glass and I also use my finger to spread some of the glue on the edge of the window for a better seal. Once the window is all glued up, I lift it and drop it into its place on the outside of the rear door. Immediately, I lift the door, and from underneath, screw the 9 mm nuts onto the bolts but do not tighten them yet. Next, I prop the stick under the door to hold it open because I need to put some weight on the top edge of the window to press it tight against the door. There are three wood rounds that I find nearby and set these on the glass after which, I look at the time and see that it is nearly six pm. Wow, this day went by fast. In the late afternoon, I call Joe and he tells me that he has not heard anything from the transmission shop.
A short time later, Mark and his son Tyler arrive home from work and Mark comes outside to sit in my living room and we talk for a time. He tells me that he has some fiberglass resin that I can use on the broken plastic window cover, walks over to the large work bench to retrieve it and sets it down by my tools. Then, he goes back into his bedroom, (the shop office) while I cut the fiberglass cloth and then mix the resin and hardener together. After I finish the plastic repair, I wash up, grab my vegetables from the refrigerator and make a salad. I walk into the office and join Mark and Tyler to eat supper. Finally, I go back into the shop, clean up, take a shower and finish my day making my journal entry. It is after nine-thirty when I get into the horizontal.
(Day 539 TB) 60°F. 8:00 am, clear
Overnighting in the auxiliary shop, Elevation 751 feet.
Methinks it is having light at the flip of a switch is the reason I have been ignoring my wake up alarm, together with being inside of the shop where the lighting is subdued. I rise late, make a cup of coffee and then, on my new office table, catch up on my journal writing.
While searching to dispossess more of my possessions in my latest down size, I start a pile of things on the carpet which I will no long continue to carry. If I can not find a new owner, then these things will go into the garbage.
In the process, I remove the cabinets on the passenger side, then pull off the inside trim panel around the rear window exposing the 9 mm nuts only to find that all are very loose. So, I decide rather than pulling the window to reseal it, I will first try tightening the nuts. After that, I reinstall the trim panel over the window and then return the cabinets to their places.
As I am finishing, I get a call from Joe who tells me that the transmission is ready for pickup. He then says he still has a couple of errands and that he will be there in an hour or so. I tell him "No problem, I am not going anywhere, at least until the transmission is reinstalled."
I return to the reorganizing of the jammer and after an hour, I walk over to the shower and get into the water. When I get out, Joe is here and I ride with him to the ar-mart in Columbia, load the transmission in the back of Joe′s pickup and pay Mark, the owner, five hundred and seventeen dollars. Then Joe drives back to the auxiliary shop and we off load the transmission. He tells me that Bruce will be in first thing in the morning to put it back in. Then he asks me, "What else are we doing to the van, just the alignment?" to which I reply, "Yes, the alignment and the air conditioner."
When Joe then heads for home, I go inside the shop and using engine degreaser, to try to clean as much of the grease off the outside of the transmission as I can. When Stagecoach closes down, I get out the pressure wash and clean the transmission, floor and driveway. Then I set the jammer to make my supper, chop up most all of my remaining veggies, and then sit down at my computer table and pound keys while I eat.
(b1a11-12-05c.20170517.1836) Preparing a salad in the Jammer Kitchen
(b1a11-12-05c.20170517.1858) Sitting at the computer in the Jammer Office
When I finish my meal, I look at the clock and the clock says "Nine-thirty!" Wow, where did the day go. Finally, I shut down for the evening and get horizontal by ten.
However, it is long after midnight before it is cool enough for me to sleep.
(Day 540 TB) 65°F. 7:30 am, clear
Overnighting in the auxiliary shop, Elevation 751 feet.
I am awaken by a banging on the shop door, rise, open the door to see Bruce and tell him that I will be out in two minutes. After putting on my summer blues and sandals, I open the overhead door, look for Bruce but he has gone back to the main shop.
Then, I get out my stove and make a cup of coffee for now and a cup of tea for later. By eight am, Bruce returns and begins work on the transmission while I sit in my living room and check my com on my phone.
At nine this morning, Bruce has the engine running and is checking the fluid level in the transmission. Next, he raises the jammer on the lift to check for leaks and although there is not one drop of red fluid on the concrete, there is a small pool of green liquid under the radiator. Bruce looks to see where the leak is coming from and says, "Your radiator is leaking." Then, he goes for a test drive, returns and says, "There you go!", packs out and rolls his tool box back to the main shop.
(b1a11-12-05c.20170518.0840) The rebuilt Transmission in the Jammer
I thank him and then call Joe to tell him the diagnostics. He says "If you purchase the radiator, I will have Bruce install it." He also tells me to pick up a air conditioning converter kit and he will service the ac unit this afternoon.
I leave the shop and drive to the ap-mart, find the converter kit and buy it with some vacuum lines, then order the radiator and a new ignition key tumbler. The store clerk who has been helping me through this entire week, whose name is Cotton tells me that the radiator will be here at five this afternoon, but the key will not arrive until tomorrow. I reply to him the same that I have each time, "That is no problem, I am here until I am done." Then I drive to the d-mart of buy some 15 amp fuses but that is the only one they do not have and methinks, "that is ok, I will pick some up at the next d-mart another day."
Next, I drive back to the shop and watch Joe vacuum the ac system and then fill it with the R-134 freon. It starts immediately blowing cold air and I tell him that I never really had cold air for very long in the green Aerostar, that I hope this one last for a while. Then I drive back into town to get the radiator from the ap-mart. After that, I dress in my new gray suit, drive to the hall and go inside for the meeting. I see several of the friends who I remember their names. Soon, I am driving back to the shop and park outside hoping it will be cooler than it was last night.
Horizontal by eleven pm.
(Day 541 TB) 70°F. 5:40 am, clear
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 751 feet.
Up to the daylight shining into the jammer which makes me realize one of the reasons I have been sleeping late the last three mornings, parking in the shop does not allow the daylight to reach me sleeping in the jammer. I rise, open the overhead door to the auxiliary shop, walk in to the living room and set up my stove to make a cup of hot for now and tea for later.
At eight-thirty, Bruce walks in to ask for the keys to the jammer, drives it into the main shop and begins removing the old radiator to install the new one. He also puts the jammer on the alignment rack to check the wheel alignment. Meanwhile, I spend the morning creating life events on my face book page.
In the early afternoon, I go on a test run for the transmission, drive north towards Nashville and stop at a hg-mart to purchase a couple of items for my pantry. Then, I return to the main shop to meet Joe who is doing repairs for two brothers. Then at six, every one heads to the house and I walk back into the auxiliary shop, grab my vegetable from the fridge to cup up for a salad. Once my meal is complete, I join Mark and Tyler who are sitting in their home and just playing on the game controller.
After I finish my meal, I leave to drive to the d-mart to spend the evening. It is a really hot evening and I must leave soon.
(Day 542 TB) 75°F. 6:00 am, sun, haze
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 751 feet.
Awake after the sunrise, actually, it is the sun aglow in the jammer that wakes me. Another hot night but I was so tired that I was able to get to sleep right away. After dressing, I drive to the w-mart for coffee and com but only stay until eight when I pack out, dress in ministry clothes and drive to the hall. I had during the mid week meeting made arrangements with John, a friend from when I first came to the area in 1985. I was visiting the Franklin congregation then and John and his brother came to work with me ask helpers. Our paths have since crossed several times through the years.
In the ministry, I work with John, Ron and Janice who are all in the Thompson Station congregation. Afterwards, I work with John, Everett, Mark and a couple others to do the lawn maintenance. Right after we put away the riding mowers, I get into the jammer and drive north on US 31 to IH 840, then east to the next exit, Carter Pike highway where I get off and drive into the Burwood community center for the Thompson Station congregation 1950′s theme gathering.
There are over fifty at this meal, dance and general fun time and I get to know several of the friends a little better.
(b1a11-12-05c.20170520.1923) Evening Sunglow over Middle Tennessee
(b1a11-12-05c.20170520.1944) Evening Sunglow over Middle Tennessee
Then at six-thirty this evening, I walk out to the jammer, start the engine and point it in the direction of the northwest, which direction I will be driving for the next several days until I arrive in Aurora, Colorado for the regional convention there.
Transmission Apprehension Over, Journey On Resumes
I take IH 840 east to IH 40 and then further east to Jackson, Tennessee where at eight this evening, I pull off the road and park for the evening in a d-mart parking lot. I go inside, buy some ice cream and return to the jammer to eat my desert and complete my journal entry for the day. Then at nine pm, I shut down the computer and close my eyes.
(Day 543 TB) 59°F. 5:20 am, overcast
Parking in a parking lot, Elevation 410 feet
Up early today and get out of the jammer to stretch. Then, I drive across the street to the w-mart for coffee, com and to upload my journal entry. At seven-thirty, I drive back to the d-mart to have my front tires balanced. Then, at nine this morning, I head to the hall here in Jackson for the weekend meeting. Many of the friends approach and give me a greeting.
Afterwards, I leave the hall, then Jackson on US 412 northeast to Dyersburg where I stop to have my front tires balanced. However, the poor quality of work and lack of customer service is going to get this d-mart a zero star review on goggle guides. Then I take IH 155 west across the Mississippi river into the boot heal of Missouri, continue west on US 412 until I arrive in Kennett where I turn north on SR 25 to SR 53 and continue northeast to Poplar Bluffs where I stop and buy two burritos. Then I take US 60 west and drive first to Van Buren intending on stopping at Big Springs campsite but find both the campground and the entire town closed due the the floods about two weeks ago.
So, after looking at my map and checking the GPS, I decide to drive to a d-mart in Springfield, Missouri and in the morning stop at the w-mart. Then, I drive the rest day arriving at the parking lot of the d-mart less than and hour before the sun sets. I walk inside to buy some grapes and return to park the jammer on the perimeter neat the other RV′s. The sun sets at eight-fourteen and due to being really tired, I get in the sack by eight-thirty this evening.
(Day 544 TB) 55°F. 6:00 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 1299 feet.
Awake after suntouch, rise, dress and leave out of Springfield directly. I continue driving on US 60 west until it turns into IH 44 and continue until Halltown, Missouri where I get off and follow the old historic Route 66 west. This route take me over some ancient bridges and past an old gas station from that era. I can only remember as far back to when the price of ethyl gasoline was 17.9 cents a gallon.
(b1a11-12-05c.20170522.0658) Spencer Gas Station, Missouri
I finally arrive in Joplin, Missouri where I stop at a bank to deposit a check, then on to a g-mart, go inside to a coffee bar to use the WiFi but can not get online with my computer. So I just check my email on my phone and do not stay very long.
Leaving Joplin, still on Route 66, I soon cross into Kansas, which only has 13.2 miles of the route in this state. The first stop is for gas in Galena, Kansas at the corner of Front street and Main street at a gas station called Cars on the Route.
(b1a11-12-05c.20170522.1022) Stopping for Gas on the Route, Route 66, Kansas.
(b1a11-12-05c.20170522.1023) Old Truck Line Up at Cars on the Route, Kansas.
Next, I stop at one of the small towns called Riverton, Kansas at the local Old Riverton Store, sit down at a table on the front porch and talk with Gary. He tells me that this store has been open since 1925, which would be ninety-two years. After having some of the free radishes, I pack out and drive west through the entire Route 66 in Kansas.
(b1a11-12-05c.20170522.1042) The Old Riverton Store on Route 66, Kansas.
Then, I back track through Baxter Springs, leave the 66 and drive north to Columbus, take US 160 west through Independence, Burden, Winfield, Wellington to Harper where it the dark storm clouds from the south have moved in front of me and it begins to rain. Then, I turn north on SR 14, leave the clouds behind and arrive in Kingman on US 400 where I turn west and continue on the 400 through Ford, and then pull in to Dodge, but never see Chevy, Kansas.
After driving through the old front street area, I head north to the d-mart, pull into the parking lot and find a space for the evening. I can see lightning high in the sky to the east were I came from earlier today. It is ten pm before I get horizontal.
(Day 545 TB) 46°F. 6:00 am, wet
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 2493 feet.
I awake from a very comfortable sleep due to the much cooler temperature, start the engine and drive west on US 50 for about fifty miles, then park in a d-mart parking lot and go inside to the w-mart where I work on my journal and web page for several hours.
At two pm, I pack out and head for Denver, continuing on US 50 and crossing the Arkansas river several more times. I had not caught on to the fact that the route I have taken since before Dodge City has been the old Santa Fe route and when I left Dodge on US 50, I began what is called the mountain route, which route includes Old Bent′s Fort on the north bank of the Arkansas river.
I continue west on US 50 until it reaches Pueblo, Colorado and turn north on IH 25, through Colorado Springs and then get of the 25 at exit 196 to Arapaho Road, taking it east to Smoky Hill road, turn left and immediately I see the g-mart where I overnighted last year during the convention. I pull in to the parking lot and find a cozy spot, shut down the engine, complete today′s journal entry and then climb into the back to get horizontal, all just before nine pm.
(Day 546 TB) 40°F. 5:40 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 5280 feet.
I walk inside, connect to the WiFi, and begin pounding keys. I spend the day working on A Wayƒarer′s
Sustenance, going over the pages one at a time and updating the information.
This is a long day of pounding keys and the barista comments to me how long I have been here; I tell her what I am doing and give her one of my business cards. At ten this evening, I pack out to the jammer and, eat and the retire to the back area.
(Day 547 TB) 53°F. 6:50 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking, Elevation 5280 feet.
After sleeping in this morning, I rise and go in for a cup of hot, check my com and then begin pounding keys on this my second full day off.
In the early afternoon, Gordon calls to say he is leaving Grandby, Colorado and heading here. I ask him how long it takes to drive and he says "Just over two hours." Then I tell him that I will see him later.
A short time after five he calls again and says that he is in the parking lot and will be in shortly. I make room for him at my table, he sits down and we talk for a long time. After we eat dinner, we both head out to our vehicles for the night.
(Day 548 TB) 57°F. 5:30 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 5280 feet.
Sun shining in through the cracks wake me, I dress, walk inside for a cup of hot and to check com. I see a couple in line wearing convention badges, approach, greet them, and find out they are from Kansas. At seven this morning, I pack out, return to the jammer, dress for the meeting and drive to the assembly hall for the first day of the convention.
While waiting in line to enter the hall, I met Ron who says that he would love a cup coffee, to which I reply, "I will make you a cup." We walk out to the jammer, I get out the stove, pot and water and in a short time he is sipping on his cup of hot. While we are waiting for the water to boil, he tells me about his business that he is presenting to the TV series, Shark tank. I tell him that I do not watch TV but I have heard about that show. I tell him that it is a good idea and hope the show funds his business.
(b1a11-12-05c.20170526.0837) First day of Regional Convention in Aurora, CO
I ask him to take my photo; I am wearing my dark brown suit. Then we go in and sit together to enjoy the program.
Wow!
Afterwards, I head back to the w-mart, go inside and have a large glass of water and blueberry scone while I pound keys. Gordon comes in to eat supper and work on his tablet. At eight-thirty, we both retire to our sleeping births.
(Day 549 TB) 55°F. 5:30 am, rain
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 5280 feet.
Awake, dress in my fall blues, drive a little closer to the w-mart and then go inside for a cup of hot. Soon after, I pack out to the jammer, put on my suit, drive to the assembly hall and park. Then, I go and wait at the front door until it opens. When the door opens, I walk in and find a place to sit, put my books on the arm and then sit down for the second day of the convention.
Double Wow!
After wards, I pack out to the jammer, drive to the w-mart and go inside to pound keys for a couple hours. Shortly after the sun sets, I retire to the jammer for the evening.
(Day 550 TB) 40°F. 5:20 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 5280 feet.
Up early but still after the sun rise, I walk into the d-mart to buy some instant coffee sticks for the next time I offer to make somebody some coffee, return and pack it away. Then, I grab my computer and go inside to pound keys to begin today′s journal entry while I sip on a cup of hot.
(b1a11-12-05c.20170528.1300) Lunch, Day 3 2017 Convention in Aurora, CO
(b1a11-12-05c.20170528.1305) Lunch, Day 3, Convention Hall in Aurora, CO
Today is the third and final day of the convention and methinks that it has gone really fast, but I hope to return to attend this convention again on a later weekend.
When the last song is sung and last prayer is said, I say good bye to Ron and Gordon telling both that I hope to see them again soon. Then, I walk out to the jammer, take off my suit coat and drive to the w-mart where I change into my fall blues. Then, I go inside to buy water and some vegetables. After packing the groceries away, I head out on the highway and drive the interstate passage through Denver and when I make it through the city traffic, but sill on IH 25 north, I pull off the highway, drive to a w-mart hoping to get online and upload my web pages, but something is not cooperating.
At seven-thirty pm, I leave and head north on IH 25 towards Wyoming and after the sun sets, stop at a d-mart with a w-mart in the parking lot. I go into the w-mart to upload my journal entries and everything works great. Then I park in the overnight area of the d-mart and climb into the back.
(Day 551 TB) 46°F. 5:40 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 7349 feet.
Up after the sun, move to the w-mart, go inside for coffee and superior WiFi. This is why I like coming to this named store, the signal is very strong. Their coffee is strong as well but I am striving to limit myself to one cup of coffee or less a day.
I work on my Quill Strokes in the Appendix, trying to get each section as least started. I have a MRP for my morning meal but the rest of the day eat from the food counter in the w-mart. When the sun drops to the horizon, I retire to the jammer and sleep.
(Day 552 TB) 45°F. 5:28 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 4867 feet.
Up after the sun rises again today and follow the same routine as yesterday. Gordon calls and says that he might be coming to stay the night at the d-mart here in Timnath. I tell him that I will be at the w-mart most all day long but will move to the truck parking area of the d-mart tonight.
At three this afternoon, I pack out to the d-mart, go inside to buy two avocados and a cucumber, then have my hair cut. After that, I walk back outside to the jammer, open the rear lift gate and hear some one speaking to me. When I turn around, see that it is Gordon pulling in to a parking space for the evening. We sit under the jammer tail gate in the shade and talk. Later, we retire to our own births and I call it a day. I get into the back of the jammer and resume the horizontal.
(Day 553 TB) 44°F. 5:23 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 4867 feet.
After getting dressed, I drive to the w-mart, walk in and purchase a cup of coffee. Then I sit down, turn on the computer and check my com. In only a short time, I pack out and leave Timnath, heading north on IH 25, enter Wyoming and stop at the visitor center. And I might say that this is one of the nicest visitor center that I have ever stopped at.
The receptionist there asks which way I am going and when I tell her she suggests taking the Snowy Range highway, SR 130 out of Laramie instead of the IH80 west route. She assures me that it is open because she drove it last weekend.
Heading west, I soon arrive at SR 130 (Snowy Range Road) and take it towards Medicine Bow Mountains. It does not take long to arrive in Centennial, Wyoming where I stop and check the jammer fluids before I begin the steep haul up onto the mountain. After finding the fluids all topped off, I continue upwards, at times only pulling forty miles per hour.
Then the terrain changes from hardwood to evergreen, the ground snow appears, I feel the cold air coming in through the window and finally the jammer pulls onto Snowy Range Pass at elevation 10,847 feet; and that without a hitch.
(b1a11-12-05c.20170531.1252) Snowy Range Pass with Medicine Bow Peak, WY.
I stop and park the jammer to allow it to rest while I walk out to the overlook for the view. The air here is clear, cold, fresh and feels good when I breath it in which makes me reminisce about my recent quill strokes recording the research I have recently done concerning the need for
fresh air.
(b1a11-12-05c.20170531.1244) The Overlook at Snowy Range Pass, WY.
(b1a11-12-05c.20170531.1246) The View at the Overlook, Snowy Range Pass, WY.
Wanting to continue to the hot springs in Saratoga, Wyoming, I do not spend too much time at the pass and begin the drive down the west side of Medicine Bow Mountain. Immediately, I notice that the west side has much more snow and stop several times for photos.
(b1a11-12-05c.20170531.1253) The West side of Medicine Bow Mountains, WY.
(b1a11-12-05c.20170531.1259) Jammer against a Snow Bank, Medicine Bow, WY.
Continuing west on SR 130, I arrive in Saratoga, Wyoming, located on the North Platte river, turn east on Walnut Avenue and follow it to the hot springs. The Saratoga Hot Springs is open to the public and is free. The hot springs is next to a swimming pool and except for seniors, charge an entrance fee to swim. I take clean clothes with me because after I soak in the hot water, I use the adjacent facility to take a hot shower.
Next, I go into town to Lollipops restaurant to use the WiFi to acquire the address of the hall in Rawlins where there is a meetings tonight and while there have a bowl of chipotle black bean soup. I then leave Saratoga, drive across the Platte river and the north on SR 130 to IH 80 were I continue west to Rawlings stopping at the hall. Later, a brother and his wife stop by the hall, greet me, and let me know that there is no meeting because this weekend, their congregation is going to the convention. Leaving Rawlins, I continue west on IH 80, cross into the continental divide basis, cross the basis and then cross the continental divide onto the west side of the continent.
Arriving in Rock Springs just before sunset, I drive to the w-mart and see a rainbow to the east and then go inside and check my com. However, the coffee shop soon after closes so I pack out to the jammer. Another young man also is returning to his car and greets me. A conversation ensues and I find out that he is a wayfarer also, only not a Bible toting one. However, in our conversation, he makes several comments that indicates to me that I should try to witness to him. When I do begin speaking about the paradise hope for the future, he warms right up to the subject.
After showing great interest in what I have been telling him about then need to study the Bible, I make the comment "Now I know why God directed my here to this parking lot." He smiled and then four hours later, we give each other a good bye, he departs, and I drive to the d-mart parking lot for the evening.
(Day 554 TB) 55°F. 8:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 6388 feet.
After staying up long past midnight, I rise late, make a MRP and then drive back to the w-mart to some of the morning on my quill strokes. Before the morning is over, I pack out and begin my drive to Yellowstone.
From Rock Springs, I head north on US 191 through Pineville where I gas up and then continue. I stop in Jackson to check the schedule at the hall but the English congregation had their meeting on Tuesday evening. I do stop at the g-mart to buy a head of romaine lettuce and three tomatoes because I do not think I will leave Yellowstone until Saturday night when I hope to drive to Bozeman, Montana for a weekend meeting. At six pm, I enter Great Teton NP, continue up to Yellowstone and drive around the west side of the grand loop and arrive at Old Faithful In just before sunset.
I walk inside an see that Martha is playing the piano, walk up to her and greet her, then I stop at the coffee bar and purchase a Yellowstone biscotti. After that, I retire to the jammer and climb into the back.
(Day 555 TB) 40°F. 6:00 am, sun
Old Faithful Inn, Elevation 7349 feet.
Up at the alarm, rise and walk in to the cafe for coffee. Then, I set up my computer at the same desk that I have used in past visits, only someone has changed the desk to one without a light. The wall plug is still here so I attach my cord and begin pounding keys. There are several things, by the way of key pounding that I desire to accomplish during my stay here. Too, I would like to be at a geyser each sunset with hope of being able to take photos of a geyser bow.
I continue to work all day, only going out to the jammer once at about one in the afternoon to retrieve something to eat. At seven, I check the sky and see that it is clear which is the first condition for a rainbow, coming back in, I stop to see when then next geyser will be, finding the next show to be at two minutes after eight. Then I walk back to the office, pack out my computer and head to the jammer where I put the computer away, grab my camera and then check the battery only to find it needing a charge. So, I put that battery in the place to be charged and grab a fresh one.
Finally, I lock up the jammer and head to the geyser viewing deck and see that we are goes with the next two conditions for a geyser bow. The wind is blowing out of the south and perpendicular from the direction of the sun and the sun is about one hand above the raised horizon but still less than twenty-two degrees. So, together with the clear sky, all that is needed now is a good geyser blow with plenty of spray. I take a place and begin waiting with the crowd, most likely a hundred in number.
It goes off at eight-ten, reaches only a hundred feet with a duration of just lest than two minutes, with no where near enough spray for a rainbow to show. While the crowd pulls away from the viewing deck, I stick around to watch if Bee Hive goes off, which it doesn′s, so while the sun drops to the horizon, I walk back to the jammer, get out my veggies and begin making a salad. In short work, I am sitting in the jammer, eating my salad and pounding keys composing today′s journal entry. It is nine-thirty when I shut the computer off, there is still daylight on the horizon. As I lie here, methinks how beautiful the earth is in this location and yearn for that day when the Kingdom comes and the whole earth becomes as beautiful as it is here.
(Day 556 TB) 37°F. 7:00 am, sunny and clear
Old Faithful Inn, Elevation 7349 feet.
Up at the second alarm because I was not able to sleep until well after ten pm last night. After dressing, I walk to the shower room and get into the hot water, then purchase a cup of coffee and take up my position at my desk and sip on the hot liquid while pounding keys. When I return for a refill, I purchase a Yellowstone biscotti, which are baked right here in the Old Faithful Inn kitchen.
Soon after midday passes, I pack out and begin my drive to Bozeman, Montana so that I will be able to attend the weekend meeting of my brothers there. Arrive about three in the afternoon, I go directly to the w-mart which has great WiFi service, get right on and upload all my files the the web.
(Day 557 TB) 54°F. 6:00 am, sunny, clear
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 4820 feet.
Awake and rise at the first alarm, dress, drive to be closer to the d-mart and then go inside to replenish the waning ice and veggies in my cooler. I also stop at the blood pressure machine and find my bp to be 117/73, which as the machine reports is great. Then, I pack away the ice and veggies, drive to the w-mart to finish my study for today. At nine, I pack out, dress, drive to the hall and wait. Another couple from New Mexico arrives and asks if there is a meeting to which I answer "I don′s know." Then, two Spanish brothers arrive for their ministry meeting and tell that the English are away at the convention.
I pack out, and head back to Yellowstone and soon, I am at my desk pounding keys.
In the afternoon, a thundershower rolls through, replete with five count lightning. At six-thirty pm, with the rain pummeling Old Faithful, I return to the jammer to prepare my supper. After eating a can of salmon and some veggies, I pound keys for a short time before going to sleep.
(Day 558 TB) 40°F. 6:00 am, clearing
Old Faithful Inn, Elevation 7349 feet.
Up to the alarm, go inside for coffee and set up my office to continue my key pounding. Today, I am in the Mountain Passage,
The Earth, starting with the Canyons Gallery, begin by creating the Canyon pages and then add some of my photos to the pages. While here in Yellowstone, I hope to do the same with all the other Earth Galleries.
I retire to the jammer, prepare and eat a salad, put up my curtains, get into the back to read the Bible and then turn over to sleep.
(Day 559 TB) 35°F. 6:00 am, sunny
Old Faithful Inn, Elevation 7349 feet.
Rising at first bell, I walk into the lobby and set up my computer, then walk to the shower room for a hot shower after which I go downstairs to the cafe for coffee, and walk back up to the office to pound keys
With my legs aching, at five pm I pack out, walk to the jammer and begin cleaning house. Then, I make a MRP after which I sweep the concrete at the doorways. Just before seven pm, I see people taking their seats on the OF geyser viewing deck, so I close up the jammer, grab my camera, walk to the deck and take a seat.
When I arrive at the seating area, I ask one man if the space next to him is open and he answers yes. I take a seat and greet him by telling him my name. His wife on the opposite side says I am Amy and this is Doug. I find out that they are vacationing from Ohio and go on to tell them that I am not here for photos of the geyser which is a wonder. Instead, I am here for photos of the wonder of wonders, and he replies I have no clue as to what that is. So, I tell him that I am here for the
geyserbow.
While waiting, I tell them that I am a full time RV′er and he says that they have just retired and want to RV also and asks if I have any information about traveling in an RV. I tell him Yes, plenty and it is all free on my web site. He then ask for my web address.
Then, I tell them how I have lost one hundred pounds, and that loosing weight is all about what food you eat and what food you avoid. Growing up, we have been taught lies by the commercial companies, for example the food pyramid is a total lie created to help the wheat growers and bread backers. I go on to mention that bread is one of the foods that is inflammatory and should be avoided.
The geyser burps several times as is very common for it to do, then begins to erupt. I here someone say "There′s the rainbow." I look more intensely and see a very faded one and begin taking photos as quickly as I can hoping for a good one.
(b1a11-12-05c.20170606.2026) Old Faithful Geyserbow, Yellowstone Park, WY.
Then, Amy and Doug walk with me to the jammer to see my RV and for me to give them my card. Then they leave and head to their car while I begin preparing a cup of daystart. Soon, the sun sets, I climb into the back and after reading in the Bible, close my eyes and sleep.
(Day 560 TB) 48°F. 8:00 am, early rain
Old Faithful Inn, Elevation 7349 feet.
I awake, dress and then walk to the second floor of the lobby to set up my office, after which, I head to the cafe for a cup of hot. Next, I return to the desk and begin pounding keys to create more photo pages in the
Canyons Gallery and
Caves Gallery, adding photos as I go. My hope is to have most if not all of the Earth Galleries added to the website before leaving Yellowstone.
I continue after my normal evening respite because Martha, who plays cello and piano is exceptionally deft, playing many song that are much recognizable for me. Too, as the crowds depart the lobby for their births, many of the remaining patrons climb to the second floor, walk to the right corner and take up a chair to sip on their favorite drink and listen to the lively tunes.
Some time after nine pm, when Martha is between sets, I excuse myself telling her that it is hours past my bedtime, pack out and head to the jammer. There, I have a can of sardines and walnuts for supper, read a chapter and then close my eyes.
(Day 561 TB) 45°F. 7:00 am, sunny, clear
Old Faithful Inn, Elevation 7349 feet.
Another day with the routine developed during the week that I have been here, that of pounding keys to create pages for my Earth galleries. I will continue for yet another couple of days doing likewise.
It has been a grand day of pounding keys and listening to the live music, first violin music by Tara, then piano and cello by Martha, both of which are really good musicians. I get a lot of work done on the photo galleries. At nine-thirty pm, I pack out and head for my my birth.
(Day 562 TB) 42°F. 7:00 am, sun
Old Faithful Inn, Elevation 7349 feet.
Full Strawberry moon.
I have been watching this moon for several day, during which it has looked very much like full each night. I go to my office space and pound keys and outside it begins to rain, hard at times and I do not even go out at sunset knowing there will not be a rainbow.
I continue at my office until ten pm which is not like my usual routine as normally on most nights I am in the horizontal long before ten. However, I have been enjoying Martha playing the piano and cello here in the lobby of the inn so much that I do not leave until after she finishes.
She plays until ten on most nights and shortly after ten tonight, I pack out and head to my birth, get horizontal and close my eyes.
(Day 563 TB) 44°F. 7:00 am, sun
Old Faithful Inn, Elevation 7349 feet.
Again, I sleep until the second bell, rise, dress and walk up to the second floor to set up my office. Next, I go for a cup of hot and then return to begin my last day of pounding keys during this visit. During a long day , I am able to finish the Geological Wonders Gallery by seven pm but stay to listen to the music for a little longer.
Even though Martha has been playing exceptionally since six pm, I pack out and head for the jammer. After loading my gear, I start the engine and begin driving out of the park towards Bozeman, Montanna, a drive of about two hour, arriving at the d-mart shortly after ten pm. I climb into the back and get horizontal immediately.
(Day 564 TB) 47°F. 7:00 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 4820 feet.
Up at the second bell and drive to the w-mart to upload files to the web server. Then, at nine am, I pack out to the jammer where I change into my suit and then drive to the hall for the weekend meeting.
Afterwards, I go to the o-mart to look at backpacks because I have found that my Kelty pack weighs over six pound and have heard that there are new packs weighting less than two pounds. I do not find one that I like so I leave the store, drive across the street to the w-mart and pound keys until it closes. Leaving the w-mart, I drive the mile to the d-mart, set up for the evening and get horizontal.
(Day 565 TB) 50°F. 5:50 am, rain
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 4820 feet.
Up early, make a MRP in the parking lot and then drive to the w-mart for a cup of hot and another day of pounding keys.
Just before suntouch, I pack out drive to the d-mart and set up for the evening. Then I make a salad and sit inside reading while eating my supper. After cleaning up the dishes, I get horizontal.
(Day 566 TB) 41°F. 6:00 am, rain
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 4820 feet.
Rise at the first bell, dress in my winter blues and drive to the w-mart to begin pounding keys while waiting for this rain to cease. At six pm, I pack out and dress for the meeting and then drive to the hall for the seven-thirty meeting. Wow, are the friends nice here, many coming up to me to meet me.
Afterwards, I drive to the d-mart and climb into the back. it is still raining.
(Day 567 TB) 53°F. 7:00 am, sunny and warm
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 4820 feet.
Awake late this morning and glad to see that the rain has stopped, still, I think I will stay one more day here in the city to work on uploading photos to my Mountain Gallery and creating pages for the numerous families of mammals that I currently have photos of.
At nine pm, I pack out drive to the d-mart and park for the night..
(Day 568 TB) 49°F. 5:40 am
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 4820 feet.
Up early after a short nights sleep, or at least it seemed that way because as soon as I fell asleep, I open my eyes and it is morning. Last night, when I was driving a different to the d-mart, I saw a second w-mart and this morning, I drive there and upon walking inside find it much better, (at least with many more receptacles and tables) than the one I have been frequenting the last several days.
I take a table with a view of the jammer, purchase a cup of hot and go to work pounding keys. By three-thirty, I have completed most all the animals with hooves and begin uploading the files to the web server and by four-thirty, I have uploaded all the files.
I look up satisfied with the accomplishments of today′s work, gaze out the window to the north and see snow covered mountains. Methinks, "This is June and there is still snow?" Suddenly, I realize where I am and tell myself, "You are in Montana, the elevation in Bozeman is just under five thousand feet, and it is not summer but still spring, at least for another five more days on the 20th of the month.
At five-thirty, I pack out of the w-mart and head to the l-mart that I saw last night but when I arrive, the place is packed with dirty clothes so I leave and go for Mexican food instead. After eating, I drive to the d-mart, read until I am tired and then get horizontal.
(Day 569 TB) 59°F. 6:00 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 4820 feet.
I arise at the first bell, drive to the w-mart for a cup of hot and then head west out of Bozeman on SR 84, cross the Madison River and turn left in Norris, Montana on US 287. I drive south on the US highway following the Madison but on a higher level plateau until I see the river palisades and then the highway drops to river level. Soon, I arrive at SH 87 and turn right, drive over the continental divide at Raynolds Pass into Idaho and follow the state highway south to connect with US 20. Next, I take US 20 south to Idaho Falls where I stop at an e-mart to purchase a USB WiFi adapter to use with my computer.
After getting the adapter, I drive to the local w-mart to try it out an it works better than I had expected. During the drive down into Idaho, I tried Dad′s ring on my little finger and find that it fits me now, probably because I have loss so much weight.
From Idaho Falls, I head east on US 26 to Alpine, Wyoming and then south on US 89, then south on a couple state highways to connect to US 30. This takes me east to IH 80 and I drive east on the 80 to Rock Springs, Wyoming and stop at the d-mart just off the interstate. The last time I was at this d-mart was on Day
554 TB or actually, it was the night before. I try my new nano WiFi Adapter in the parking lot across the street from the w-mart and it sees the signal but it is too far away to connect. Much better than my internal one that only can see the signal when I am inside of a w-mart. It is about nine-thirty when I shut down and get horizontal.
(Day 570 TB) 59°F. 5:35 am, cloudy, windy
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 6388 feet.
Up early after sleeping good, dress, drive across the street to the w-mart for coffee but only stay long enough to drink one cup. Then I pack out, start the jammer, drive to IH 80 and head west. In a couple of hours, I have driven through the Continental Divide Basin and arrive at the exit for Saratoga. I drive the short distance to the hot springs but do not get in the pool but instead take a hot shower in the dressing room. I put on clean clothes, head back out to the jammer and continue south on SR 130, cross into Colorado on SR 125 and continue south through Walton, then Rand and finally climb up to Willow Creek Pass.
On the down side, as I drive along Willow Creek, I keep an eye searching for any moose that might be browsing in the water on the green bottom growth. At about ten miles above the junction with US 40, just above Cabin Creek road, I see a juvenile standing in the water with his head under the water surface, but I pass up the spot and have to drive about a half mile downstream before finding a spot to turn around. When I return back to where I spotted him there is another woman taking photos and he is still knee deep in the creek. I park, grab my camera and begin taking photos. Soon others stop to take photos but nearly nothing stops this yearling from getting his fill of the tender green water plants. His being a yearling tells me that he could have been the calf that was nursing last summer during my first visit here.
I take a seat and keep taking photos as the moose slowly works his way closer following the curve along the road and getting as close as forty feet from the growing crowd of passer byes who have stopped to take a photo. He continues walking the creek until he walks right out of sight. Then, I get back in the jammer, continue down the state highway, turn right on US 40 and drive to Hot Sulphur Springs. When I arrive in town, I drive over the bridge crossing the Colorado river, turn into Pioneer park and begin looking for Gordon. I find him in space number nine and when he sees me, he gets into his truck and moves it to make room for me to pull in beside him.
I get out, greet him and soon after begin cooking my Repast for supper. He also prepares his but opens a can of wienies, another of veggies dumping both into his cook pot and then cuts up a sausage into the soup. His meal is ready long before mine and it does not take him long to eat. I share mine with him and he says that it tastes good, a strong six out of ten. After we both have eaten, done dishes and put then away, we sit at the picnic table and talk for over an hour until the sun sets. Then we both climb into our vehicles and tend to our nightly tasks.
I finish my journal entry and then read a chapters before sleep.
Sunday, 18 June 2017, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.
(Day 571 TB) 40°F. 7:00 am, sunny and dry
Pioneer Park on the Colorado River, Elevation 7680 feet.
Rise at the second bell, dress, make coffee and a cup of tea and sip on the hot while doing the study for today. At eight this morning, Gordon rises and begins his morning preparations and soon after leaves to buy coffee and to go to the hall. I turn the jammer on to charge batteries and then at nine-thirty leave for the meeting at the hall. It has been many months since last here and it is hard to remember names.
Afterwards, I leave for the campsite, eat the leftover Repast and then begin working on installing the left headlight, and the battery charging wires for the deep cell battery and inverter. I have to take off the front bumper cover to access the headlight cover screws but it does not take long to remove all three covers. Soon I have the red and black wire run through the fender, into the interior behind the right side kick panel, under the floor trim across the door and under the carpet where I will install the deep cell battery. With the wires routed, I then begin to reinstall every thing back into its place, the headlight covers, the bumper cover, the kick panel and floor trim. Next, I disconnect the battery to install the charging wires onto the isolator and it takes four tries before I get the wiring configuration correct.
Once it is connected, the engine starts and the green light is shining on the inverter, I tighten everything under the hood, start the engine and begin charging the deep cell battery. Soon everything is charged up and I shut down the engine and begin making my supper. I have a salad and a package of albacore but eat inside the jammer with the engine running and air conditioner on because it is humid and the air outside is thick with mosquitoes.
Monday, 19 June 2017, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.
(Day 572 TB) 39°F. 7:00 am, sunny and dry
Pioneer Park Campground
Rise again at the second bell, turn the jammer around because yesterday I had put the front end where I was working up against the picnic table for a place to sit while I was removing and re-installing parts. Then , I open the tail gate, get out my stove and make myself and Gordon a cup of coffee. We sit at the table while sipping on the hot and talk.
Then, at ten this morning, we head into Granby to do our chores and shopping. I first stop at the hw-mart to purchase stainless steel screws for reinstalling the windshield cowl after I remove it to replace the wiper motor. Next, I stop at a Mexican restaurant for fish tacos and chips, after which I meet Gordon at the w-mart for WiFi and because he had asked me how to do something on Facebook.
I work on my new Facebook post, upload it to Facebook and to my website. Then I pack out and head to the campsite arriving just at sunset and park in space nine next to Gordon.
Tuesday, 20 June 2017, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.
(Day 573 TB) 39°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Pioneer Park Campground
Summer Solstice
Arise, dress and prepare my morning MRP and add the new ingredient recently acquired, FOS which is a prebiotics powder. Gordon rises and he takes a bucket bath while I drink my morning meal. Then we both head into town for coffee and WiFi. After grocery shopping, I head to the laundry to wash my clothes, then back to the campsite.
It is a hot day, much too hot to stay here tonight. So, after the meeting, methinks I must needs drive up to Willow Creek Pass for the evening but before making the final decision, I will see if the evening cools off any.
Something that Gordon has done with his vehicle, that is to tape window screen material to the inside of his two front door windows so that he can roll his windows down to get a cross breeze during the heat of the day. I just sit here inside the jammer with my windows rolled up to keep the mosquitoes out but it is way to hot and then go back out and sit in the shade. Then, a six-thirty pm, we both dress and drive to the meeting.
Shortly after nine pm, I walk outside and it is raining with thunder and lightning and find it much cooler outside, so much so that I decide not to go up to the pass but drive to the campground. Upon arriving at the campsite, I park, and as I change out of my suit into my street clothes, Gordon shows up and does his change thing too. Soon, I am in the jammer and pounding keys to complete today′s entry.
With darkness upon me, the length of the light on this has been the longest of the year. I then turn off the computer, lie down and read before sleep.
Wednesday, 21 June 2017, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.
(Day 574 TB) 49°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Pioneer Park Campground
Rising, I get out my stove and boil water for coffee and as the water begins to steam, Gordon shows himself. I offer him hot water and two packages of coffee for his cup. We then sit and sip while talking. Soon, we both begin to dress for the ministry and then drive to the hall to arrive just before nine.
Later, I drive to Grandby to purchase bushings and bolts to use for installing the new wind shield wiper motor after which I return to the campground and begin taking out the old motor. First, I remove the cowl cover, scrub it with a stiff brush and then paint it with primer. Next, I remove the electrical connectors, then the bolts holding the motor and take it to the table to compare with the new one. I do have to change a couple parts and move a bracket to the new motor. Also, I check to see if the primer is dry and since it is, put the top coat of paint on the cowl. Finally, I begin installing the new motor into it′s place using the new bushings and stainless steel hardware. About this time, a young man, walking across the field greets me and says that his name is Matt. I tell him that Gordon has told me about him and he says likewise about me.
Soon, Gordon arrives and helps me by holding the motor in place while I attach it with the bolts and nuts. Then, I connect the electrical start the engine and turn on the windshield wipers which work like new. Next, I reinstall the cowl over the windshield wiper components and afterward begin to pack away the tools and close up the bin where I keep the paint and other like items.
Earlier, Gordon had told me that Matt was going to cook Elk steaks for all of us and when he asks "Are you guys ready to eat?" Gordon answers, "Yes" and I say, "I will bring a salad." Matt leaves to get the meal prepared, and I get out my cooler, cutting board and knife to begin making a salad. Soon, it is even and we are all sitting at the table in campsite five enjoying a great meal and story telling. At about ten pm, Gordon and I head back to space nine and turn in for the evening.
Thursday, 22 June 2017, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.
(Day 575 TB) 51°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Pioneer Park Campground
Up to a warm morning, get out the stove, boil water for coffee and tea and while sipping on the coffee, Gordon rises and greats me. I put on another pot to boil for him to make a cup of coffee.
Then, I leave the campground and drive to Grandby, arrive at the g-mart and go to the w-mart inside. I spend the day pounding keys; Gordon arrive in the early afternoon but does not stay long. I am able to finish the page on solar eclipses and upload it to the internet. Then, I drive back to the campsite in Hot Sulphur Springs and take up a position next to Gordon′s Rodeo. Here, I once again begin pounding keys, this time to write my journal entry for the day.
As I sit her in the jammer, I watch as the suntouch behind me decreases the light all about me. In front of me, swollen and over it′s banks from the spring thaw rushes downstream into Beyer Canyon. A little while later, I hear the loud whistle of the Union Pacific trains pushing up from the low side of the canyon and then the loud rumbling of wheels on the metal track as it makes it way in front of me and the hot spring resort opposite the campsite. Then, it is quite again, and the day has give way to the even as the light quickly fades from the river, then the hills and trees and finally the sky.
I put away the computer and the keypad, stop pounding for the day and climb into the back of the jammer to read from the Bible and then sleep.
Friday, 23 June 2017, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.
(Day 576 TB) 46°F. 6:30 am, sun
Pioneer Park Campground
Up before the second bell, make coffee for me and then a cup for Gordon. Then I take a bucket bath, dress in my suit and head for the ministry meeting at the hall. I work with Joe, Jenefer and Ginny doing some door to door. At noon, we head back to the hall. I then drive to Grandby and stop at the w-mart to pound keys.
After a day of pounding, I stop, turn around and look out the window to see that the sun has already set. I pack out and head for the campground for the evening.
Saturday, 24 June 2017, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.
(Day 577 TB) 44°F. 6:40 am, sun
Pioneer Park Campground
Up soon after the first bell, rise and begin making coffee, this sit and sip until it is time to dress for the ministry meeting. I am assigned to work with Malcom and Sivol and we work door to door in Grandby, where we find several people who have an interest.
Sivol is the speaker tomorrow and he and his wife are up from Aurora to stay with one of the friends and go out in the ministry here. After the morning in the ministrey, we stop briefly at the w-mart for a break and then head back to Hot Sulphur Springs.
Arriving back at the jammer, I start the engine, drive back to the w-mart to access WiFi on my computer. At six this evening, I pack out and head to the campground, find Gordon already here. We start a fire in the fire pit due to the large amount of mosquitoes flying about us. Gordon goes to the railroad track to pick some sage plants to put on the fires because as he tells me, the sage smoke repels mosquitoes.
At ten, we both climb into our births and the day comes to an end.
Sunday, 25 June 2017, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.
(Day 578 TB) 44°F. 6:52 am, sun
Pioneer Park Campground
Another day of camping at the Colorado river headwaters. Rise, make coffee, take a bucket bath and then dress for the meeting. At nine-thirty this morning, I head to the hall for the meeting. Sivol give a great talk about religions role in the world today. He discusses first false religion then true religion.
After the meeting, I go to the town park to join a group who are having lunch and then playing kick ball in the ball field. When the game is over, I head into Grandby to the w-mart for a coffee and key pounding.
Monday, 26 June 2017, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.
(Day 579 TB) 51°F. 6:30 am, sun
Pioneer Park Campground
Upon rising, I make coffee for Gordon and myself, then I pack out. I had told Gordon last night that I was going up to Saratoga, Wyoming to take a hot shower. Upon leaving the campground, I drive towards Grandby on US 40, then north on SR 125 and when approaching the national forest see a cow and calf moose but they jump into the woods as soon as they see me and do not get a photo. This Willow Creek roadway is truly a good one to see moose. I continue up the highway cross over into Wyoming onto SH 230 and soon after arrive at Saratoga.
Grabbing my day pack, I put in it my towel, washcloth, shower bag, clean shorts, laundry soap and then head in to the free hot shower. Before taking a shower, I walk out to the hot spring pool, stick my feet in and strike up a conversation with a couple from Chattanooga, Tennessee who are camping for their vacation. I mention that I have a list of my favorite campgrounds on my web site and Ron asks what my address is, so I hand him my card. Then, I go in for my hot shower, wash my dirty under clothes, dry off an then pack out.
Leaving Saratoga, I drive north on SR 230, turn west on IH 80 and drive the couple hours to Rock Springs, Wyoming and stop to replenish my foodstore, return the windshield wiper motor for the deposit, buy a oil pressure sender for the jammer engine, and some stainless steel screws.
I arrive in Rock Springs before four in the afternoon, go into the d-mart and shop for groceries, after which, I drive to the w-mart and check my com. When the w-mart closes at nine, I retire to the parking lot of the d-mart and join what seems like a hundred other overnighters.
(Day 580 TB) 57°F. 7:00 am, sun
Overnighting in s parking lot, Elevation 6388 feet.
Up at the second bell, drive to the w-mart and begin pounding keys with a cup of coffee to sip on. I begin working on my previous journals,
(Day 581 TB) 55°F. 7:23 am, sun
Overnighting in s parking lot
Up late, drive to the w-mart for coffee and see Sharon, a sister from a Seattle Spanish congregation visiting her son Austin who works here at the w-mart. We talk for a short time before she says good bye to Austin and then she leaves for her flight back to the northwest. I go up to the counter and Austin takes my order for a tall pike.
I then take my position at my desk to pound keys, hoping to make a dent in
Quire Six today, but when days end comes and I leave off key pounding to head for the parking lot, I still have two chapters left to do.
Retiring to the overnight space, I check the distance to Ogden, Utah and find it to be 140 miles, about two and a half hour drive. Also, I find a d-mart about two miles from the convention location where I should be able to overnight. Then, I slowly drift off to sleep using deep breathing.
(Day 582 TB) 43°F. 7:11 am, sunny
Overnighting in s parking lot
Awaken by the sunlight, walk into the d-mart and purchase a block of ice, repack my cooler and then drive across the street to the w-mart for coffee.
Like yesterday, I work in Quire Six and get close to finishing chapter 31, but at five, I pack out and begin my drive to Qgden, Utah so I may attend the 2017 Don′t Give Up regional convention for my second time.
Leaving Rock Springs, I travel west on IH 80 right to the southeast corner of Wyoming, cross into Utah and after thirty miles turn northeast on IH 84, a section of the interstate highway system I have never driven upon and is it a treat because the roadway and railway both run along the Weber river canyon which is nothing less than beautiful and like the Glenwood canyon on IH 70 near Glenwood Springs, both of which I now want to add to my
Canyon Gallery in the Mountain Passage.
The canyon is named for fur trapper, John Henry Weber and the river of the same name flows west from the Wasatch range to the Great Salt Lake. At one big turn in the canyon, just above Morgan, Utah I stop to photograph the Devil′s Slide.
This is an unusual geological formation of two parallel limestone layers which have been tilted vertical, protrude out of the mountain some forty feet with the intervening layer having eroded to form a channel twenty-five feet wide running the length of the Devils slide.
(b1a11-12-06a.20170702.1724) Devils Slide in Weber Canyon, Utah
Arriving in Ogden just before the sunset, I first locate the convention center, then a d-mart and find a space to park for the night. then, I go inside and buy a bottle of S. Pellegrino sparkling water which has all of the requirement for really good water. It is bottled at the source, has a pH of 7.5 and is in a glass bottle. I walk back out to the jammer, sit in the drivers seat with both front windows open and finish today′s journal entry while sipping the bubbly water on a warm summer evening. Too, there is a waxing crescent moon descending into the wonderfully orange horizon.
At nine thirty, I shut down the computer, raise the windows and prepare for my nights sleep, looking forward to a weekend of spiritual upbuilding and fellowship.
(Day 583 TB) 59deg;F. 6:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 4300 feet
I awake and drive to the convention center arriving before most every one else, park and wait for the convention to begin.
(b1a11-12-06a.20170630.0837) Early Arrivals, Ogden 2017 Don′t Give Up Convention
At seven-fifty, I walk up to the door which opens at eight for the elderly. I go in an claim my seat and wait for the program to begin. The convention center looks to be about two thirds filled and at the end of the morning session, the announcement says there are 4450 people attending. I glean quite a few points from the first morning of my second time attending this convention.
(b1a11-12-06a.20170630.0920) Video, Ogden 2017 Don′t Give Up Convention
Shortly after five, I leave the center, walk out to the jammer and drive a short distance down the street to a w-mart for WiFi and to check com. Then I work on Quire Six until sunset after which I drive to a 24 hour g-mart to park for the evening.
I put up my window shades to block the parking lights and climb into the back.
(Day 584 TB) 59°F. 6:00 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up early, drive to he convention center and find a place to park. Later, I walk up to the entrance and wait for the door to open. I find a seat in the same section and put my book down on the armrest. Then I go back to the jammer to make a MRP and sit in the drivers seat to drink it. Afterwards, I go back in to wait for the morning session to begin but then take some more photos before the morning session begins.
(b1a11-12-06a.20170701.0804) Saturday Theme, Romans 12:12
(b1a11-12-06a.20170701.0805) 2017 Don′t Give Up Convention
(b1a11-12-06a.20170701.0830) Look who showed up, Caleb and Sophia.
At then noon break, I walk out to the jammer to make a fresh salad and eat it under the shade of the tree directly behind the jammer. Then, I walk back inside for the afternoon session.
When the last prayer is said, I leave for the w-mart just down the road and get online to check my com.
(Day 585 TB) 68°F. 6:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
I repeat my routine for the third and final day of the convention here in Ogden. I really enjoy the second time through and have met a lot of really nice friends during all three day. I even saw Larry and Leuanna, who lived in Oak Harbor for many of the years I was there; what a nice family reunion!
During the noon break, I go again to the jammer to make a fresh salad, and like yesterday, many of the friends sit under the trees in the shade to have their lunch.
(b1a11-12-06a.20170702.1231) A Salad, Albacore Tuna and Spark drink
(b1a11-12-06a.20170702.1228) A Picnic Lunch under the Shade Trees
After the last prayer, I leave out to the jammer, start the engine and drive south back to IH 84, then east to IH 80, west to US 40 and then take the US highway south at first, then it turns west and crosses Utah through the Ute reservation and I finally stop in Vernal, Utah in the very east side of the state just below the Flaming Gorge national recreational area.
Because the maps on my GPS has not been upgraded in over a year, it did not show a w-mart in Vernal, but when I drive through town, I find one right on US 40. Then, I drive back to the d-mart, go inside and buy a carton of cold almond milk and go back outside to photograph the sunset and drink the almond milk. After it gets dark, I update my journal with the air conditioner running and also charge the batteries.
(Day 586 TB) 67°F. 6:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot5,328
Up early and drive to the w-mart, go in for coffee and for WiFi. I spend most of the day working on Quire Six but then at six pm, I pack out, walk outside in the heat, start the jammer and drive north on US 191 out of Vernal. Soon, I enter the national forest and immediately gain quite a bit of elevation and notice that the temperature drops drastically.
It is a beautiful drive in this northeast corner of Utah and then I come to the Flaming Gorge national recreation area, a place I have been before but only in the late fall when it was very cold and socked in with fog and rain. After crossing the Green river on the gorge bridge and then gorge dam, I continue the traverse across the very large canyon that the Green river has cut through the Unita mountains and the surrounding plateau.
The last stretch on US 191 is across the high elevation plateau just above the east rim of the Green river canyon which on my left to the west. It really amazes me how grand this canyon actually is as it is many miles across to the west rim and the opposite side of the canyon.
Arriving in Rock Springs, Wyoming, I drive directly to the d-mart and take my place for the evening.
(Day 587 TB) 53°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot, Elevation 6388 feet.
It is cooler here in Rocks Springs at an elevation of 6388 feet than it was yesterday morning in Vernal, Utah which is just over 5300 feet. The elevation does make a big difference but it still gets hot during midday and does not cool off until well after sunset.
I drive to the w-mart and work pounding keys all day. Instead of working on the Quires, I change to the photo gallery and begin setting up the
Volcano Gallery
At six-thirty this evening, I pack out, get dressed for the meeting and then drive to the hall. I see Larry, Leuanna and their extended family and talk with them for some time after the meeting.
(Day 588 TB) 55°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up when the sun begins to warm up the jammer, dress, and drive to the w-mart for another day of key pounding. I am getting a lot done on the photo gallery but I still have Quire Six open in the html-editor so I will resume working on the journal soon. Nevertheless, today, I will continue with the gallery.
At nine, I leave the w-mart, drive back to the d-mart and set up for the night. It is still somewhat warm and it takes a while before falling to sleep.
(Day 589 TB) 57°F. 5:57 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up before the alarm, rise right away, dress and drive to the w-mart, purchase coffee and check my com. Then, I begin work on the photo gallery and don′t stop until four when I get a call from Leuanna telling me that supper is at six. Then I send a text to Summer and she tells me that I can come by her home to look at the layout.
I drive to their home near Bitter Creek, go inside and really like their home. It is two stories with the first floor half way below ground and is in the process of being gutted leaving the studs. They are remodeling it this summer and currently live in their travel trailer at a local campground.
Later, Wayne shows up and the three of us talk about what they are doing here. At five-thirty this afternoon, we all leave and I follow them to the campground where Summer has told me is a hot shower that I can use. I tell her that I am go to Saratoga tomorrow and ill get one there and instead take a quick bucket bath to get ready for supper.
Then, I meet Larry, Leuanna, Wayne, Summer and the kids at the Open Range restaurant where we have our supper together. Afterwards, I follow them to Larry and Leuanna′s home to watch the monthly JW broadcast. After that, I drive back to the d-mart and park for the evening.
(Day 590 TB) 50°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Rise, dress and then drive to the w-mart for coffee and to check my com. At noon, I pack out and drive east on IH 80, cross the continental divide to the eastern side, continue west to the Walcot exit, drive south on SH 230 and stop in Saratoga for my hot shower. I meet two other men who are loggers working near Gould and have driven up from Colorado to take showers here also. So I see that I am not the only one who uses this free hot shower.
Leaving the hot springs and Saratoga, I drive south on SH 230, cross into Colorado and continue on SH 125 over Willow Creek pass and the continental divide back to the west side, down to the Colorado river headwaters and then west on US 40 to Hot Sulphur Springs drive through town, cross the bridge over the Colorado and enter Pioneer Park.
(b1a11-12-06a.20170707.2151) Returning to find the back four spaces now open.
After I drive into the south section of Pioneer park and find it to be full, I then drive upstream along the west side of the river to find the last four campsite are now open and take campsite 14 for the evening. The first thing I do is to clean up the campsite, gather all trash and down branches, light a fire and burn the debris. Then, I take a bucket bath, prepare my evening meal and eat while completing today′s journal entry. Finally, I put everything away and climb into the back of the jammer, read for a while and then close my eyes.
Saturday, 08 July 2017, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.
(Day 591 TB) 40°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Pioneer Park campground, space # 14. Elevation 7680 feet
Full Buck Moon (after midnight)
I rise to a cold morning, get up, drive to the hall and fill my three potable water bottles and when finishing, two brothers arrive for the yard maintenance. I then dress for the yard work and begin pulling weeds. We keep working until eleven and then the remaining brothers clean up and put away the tools. When the last two brothers leave, I park the jammer at the end of the parking lot, drain the radiator fluid, add a quart of radiator flush and then use the newly filled bottles to refill the radiator with water.
Next, I drive to Grandby and go into the w-mart, purchase coffee, connect to the WiFi and begin pounding keys. I continue working until seven and then drive back to Pioneer park but find the in town area full. I drive through the canyon and pull over along the river and find a place to park.
It gets cool quickly here, it must be because the area is above 7700 feet. I get to sleep quickly.
Sunday, 09 July 2017, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.
(Day 592 TB) 43°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Riverside Camp, Colorado Headwaters
Upon rising, I drive back through Byers Canyon to town, stop at Pioneer park, find a space open where I park and then wait for time to drive to the hall. At least here, there is a porta-potty if I need to go. At nine this morning, I wash up, put on my meeting clothes and then drive to the hall.
Afterwards, I drive into Grandby to the w-mart and spend the afternoon working on the
Full Moon Gallery. At seven-thirty this evening, I pack out and head for the Riverside Park again.
Monday, 10 July 2017, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.
(Day 593 TB) 44°F. 7:23 am, sunny
Riverside Camp, Colorado Headwaters
I sleep past the first alarm, rise, drive to Grandby and with a short list of tasks, stop first at an ap-mart to purchase a tail pipe and clamp for the jammer. These parts which need to be ordered, only cost thirty dollars, a lot less than I had expected. I notice yesterday that the pipe was hanging lower than before and when I crawled under to inspect it, found the hanger bracket had broken away from the pipe leaving a gaping hole of over an inch in diameter.
I know that replacing the tail pipe requires much to do, but for me to take it to a garage would most likely cost ten times as much (if not more) as I just paid for the parts. However, I have replaced tail pipes before and know what is in store. Still, working on the exhaust system is not one of my favorites tasks on the jammer but is still just as necessary as changing the oil.
Next, I drive across the street to the aw-mart and clean the outside of the jammer. Then because it is a new month, I stop at my bank and go in to withdraw some cash. After all my in town chores are complete, I head for the w-mart arriving at ten, buy a cup of coffee and sit down at the table next to the electrical outlet and begin the key pounding again.
Gordon sends a text telling me that he is in Fort Collins and will stay at the d-mart tonight. I tell him that I have a cooling system leak and don′t want to drive over the mountain until I get a better grasp of the problem. Then Joann from Oak Harbor sends a text and tells me that she was in a auto accident but besides being bruised, is doing ok. I tell her that I will be back in Oak Harbor at the end of this month.
Then, at seven-fifty, I pack out, drive in the rain to Pioneer park to look for an open space and find four of the sites open. I pull into space 5 and set up for the night. At nine this evening, it begins to rain much harder but stops in less than an hour.
Tuesday, 11 July 2017, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.
(Day 594 TB) 46°F. 6:39 am, rain
Pioneer Park campgrouond, space # 5
Rise, step outside, grab my car towel and wipe down the outside. Once it is wiped clean, I get on the road and head for Grandby, stopping at the w-mart for coffee and WiFi. Then, I get a text from Gordon who is at the laundry in Fort Collins. I ask him what the temperature is like there and he replies "Hot!"
I work until five and then go to the ap-mart to pick up my tail pipe, then on to Hot Sulphur Springs and stop at the campground finding three open, park in one to clean up and dress for the meeting. Then, shortly before the meeting, I drive to the hall and go inside.
As soon as the meeting is over, I leave and drive to Pioneer Park to see if there is still a space open and yes, I find space eight available. I park and while it begins raining, I change into my evening clothes, climb in and write the final paragraphs of my journal entry before shutting down and going to sleep.
Wednesday, 12 July 2017, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.
(Day 595 TB) 51°F. 6:23 am, rain
Pioneer Park campgrouond, space # 8
Up almost at the first bell, drive to Grandby and stop first at the l-mart and do wash. I have divided my clothes into two loads: in one load, all cotton fabrics which include bedding, jeans, towels; and in another load, my nylon clothes and the few poly clothes I still own. My goal is to continue to reduce the amount of cotton that I own because cotton takes twice to three times longer to dry.
After leaving the l-mart, I drive to the w-mart for coffee and to continue on my photo gallery until seven p.m. when I pack out, drive to Pioneer park and pull into space number eight again. Three other larger spaces were available but I still take space eight to leave the larger spaces for those trucks pulling large trailers.
I get out and say hello to Jim in space ten and we talk for a bit. I endeavor to witness to him but he tells me that he is a Buddhist while smoking a cigarette. He tells me that he is his own creator and that he can have as good a live as he wants. Methinks, that is a really self centered mindset, just do your own thing no matter what God wants. I do tell him what is in store in the near future but he is clearly not sighing over the conditions on the earth, in fact, from the way he talks, every thing is just fine. He then uses the old expression I have heard many who are not interested in learning God Will, "We will just have to agree to disagree!" I always felt that that expression was just a cop out, so the person does not have to deal with the truth of the matter.
I return to the jammer and with some daylight left, work on my map book and later after loosing the light, finish today′s journal entry.
Thursday, 13 July 2017, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.
(Day 596 TB) 51°F. 7:50 am, overcast
Pioneer Park campgrouond, space # 8
It was the loud train whistle that gets me up out of the sack this morning. It is overcast but looks to be drying up for a change. I have found a new leak through the front windshield during this rain, not to mention the cooling system leak which I suspect is the water pump but have not proved it to be the pump yet. I add more water to the cooling system and drive to Grandby for another day of key pounding and uploading files to the web site. I keep creating and populating the photo galleries, mostly in the animals section.
By six-thirty this evening, I pack out and head to the park, this time finding space one open. This space has gravel on the parking space and does not get everything dusty like the other spaces. I think that I will stay here for a couple of days and work on some of the things that must needs be done. I spend the evening cleaning up the jammer and then shut down and get horizontal by ten p.m.
Friday, 14 July 2017, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.
(Day 597 TB) 53°F. 7:23 am, clear, sunny
Pioneer Park campgrouond, space # 1
After sleeping in, I rise and make a cup of hot and a pot of Mela tea for later. I begin setting up the cut off switch so that I will be able to use the deep cell battery without drawing from the starting battery. I know that the isolator that I installed should have done this but I can not connect it up so that it works. Thus, until I can find someone to show me how to connect it correctly, I will use a switch to disconnect the charging circuit which will thus keep the starting battery from being drained.
Walking around the outside of the jammer, I see my new neighbors and greet them hello to which the man returns the greeting. Later, he says something and I move closer to heat him clearer. He then walks to where my car is and we continue talking during which I learn that, Joaquin and Erica are from Sonora and moved to Denver two decades ago. They have two daughters and a son, all still living at home. Then, Erica comes over and asks me if I would like to have breakfast with them, Of course, I never turn down home cooking and especially with beans, chili, fresh salsa, and of coarse a fried egg all on two freshly made tortillas. Joaquin offers a second one but I tell him one is enough for me and shortly after return to my work on the jammer. The afternoon temperatures reach into the nineties and I just open window and wait on the incoming breezes.
Later, Joaquin bring me one of the hamburgers that Erica prepared and I really enjoy it. In the afternoon, I jack up the back of the jammer and determine that instead of replacing just the tail pipe by trying to separate the old pipe from the muffler, I would do better if I replace the muffler at the same time, especially since there are small holes in the bottom and will most likely need to be replaced in the upcoming year. Then I open the hood, put water in the radiator and see water leaking right in the middle of the engine, what looks like coming from the water pump. Too, it is having the same symptoms (the location of the leak and how it leaks down to the level of the water pump, about a gallon before even turning on the engine) that the green Aerostar had just before I found that it was the water pump that was leaking. I was able to replace that pump at Richard′e home in southern California, who allowed me to use some of his tools.
Once I accept that I need to do a water pump replacement, I begin thinking about where a good place would be. I can not do it here because there is no access to a good parts supple store. Maybe, I could do it in Rock Springs, WY because I would have a driveway to work on. Ideally, it would be best for me to do it in Oak Harbor or Spring Hill, but either direction is a drive of over one thousand miles and would require me to carry a lot of water and make many stops keeping it from overheating. So, neither would seem to be the path I should take in this instance. No, the repair needs to do be done before I arrive in Oak Harbor but my concern is that I do not have all the tools to do this repair myself. The only solution is for me to stop at a Ford dealer and pay the three or four hundred dollars to have them do it and then I could drive the rest of the way to Oak Harbor mostly care free.
Yes, methinks, this is a better path for me under these circumstances.
(b1a11-12-06a.20170714.2028) The sun sets about eight-thirty at Pioneer Park.
The sun sets, the temperature cools down to below sixty and when this hot day finally ends, I climb into the back to get horizontal.
Saturday, 15 July 2017, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.
(Day 598 TB) 48°F. 6:00 am
Pioneer Park campgrouond, space # 1
Up at the alarm, make a cup of hot, then walk to Joaquin′s camp site to bring my extra firewood and find that they are trying to start a five but without success. With all the fire building skills I have learned from my Scouting years, I volunteer to start it for them. Soon, the fire is ablaze and I head back to my camp to clean up from the smoke. Before leaving for the ministry meeting, I set out a few of my possessions on the picnic table. I think that I will leave the items that I need the less, or can replace fairly inexpensively. I first take one piece of my green outdoor carpet and spread it out as a table cloth. Then I put a one gallon bottle of tap water on top next to my empty ice cooler. I also take a bath towel and hang in on the Camp Site 1 sign. Methinks, if anyone wants these things, well, I can do without them, but if this works, then I have a place to sleep tonight.
Then, I drive to the hall and fill my four empty water bottles, store then in the back of the jammer and then wait for the brothers to arrive. I am assigned to with Ted, and together with two other brothers, we drive to Winter Park, Colorado which is a city in the congregation territory. We meet up a the g-mart there, drop off some of the cars and then go into the territory to work house over. While in the ministry, Gordon texts to tell me that he will be at Pioneer Park tonight. By noon, we are done and head back to Hot Springs where I drive to the campsite and find my things undisturbed. I park, put up the shades and begin recording my journal entry for yesterday and today when Joaquin knocks, peaks around open rear end and tells me that he brought me some of the Carne Asada they had and that they were packing out.
I get out of the jammer and thank him for the meal, tell him good bye and then wave as Joaquin and Erica drive out of the park. After eating my lunch, I climb into the back of the jammer and try to take a nap. When it cools of a little bit, I climb out of the jammer, walk around to the back and sit on the picnic table. Later, Gordon arrives, pulls in and parks next to me. The first thing he comments about is how many mosquitoes are here.
We both sit on the table and catch up on all that has been going on. At nine, we both retire to our births for the evening. I set out my candle lantern to attract any mosquito inside the jammer to the flame. It worked well last night but got stuck and bled all the wax out onto the floor below where it was hanging.
Sunday, 16 July 2017, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.
(Day 599 TB) 45°F. 6:50 am, sunny
Pioneer Park campgrouond, space # 1
Up to a brisk morning, walk to the porta-pot and then upon return, put on a pot of water to boil and soon I am sipping a cup of hot and like my routine when in camp, make three, one for drinking right away, a second one of Mate tea in my insulated cup to sip on during the morning and a third pot of Mela tea for drinking later during the day when it cools. Next, I make a one serving portion of my MRP but I put it in a large cup and fill it with almond milk and then drink it while starting my journal entry this morning.
Then at eight this morning, I add water to the radiator and close the cap, all along, Gordon seems to be sleeping in. Last evening, when we were talking, he was telling my how hard he has been having it this summer, between all the doctors, dentists and the system that requires him to make separate appointment on different days even if the doctors are in the same building. He has told them that he has to drive long distances for his appointment but they will not concede to his requests. He expressed to me that even in Hot Sulphur Springs, he is not receiving the help with all of his concerns and as he put it, "I am done with all this!" I feel headache for him because of his trials but can do nothing but listen to him expressing his concerns.
At eight-fifty, Gordon rises and takes his morning constitution, then comes back into camp. We both begin getting dressed for the meeting and soon each drive to the hall. There are a lot of visitors at the meeting including one sister from Russia who is here visiting her fiends. Also, several who came up for the ministry yesterday are here at the meeting. I also meet a couple who were here last summer, who told me their names but with my advance case of CRS, I can not remember what there names are.
After the meeting, I drive to Grandby, go into the w-mart for a cup of coffee and connect to the WiFi to upload files and check my com.
A short time before sunset, I pack out, drive to the campground and park in the space next to Gordon. Because it is such a beautiful, clear sky tonight, we sit outside at the picnic table to talk and watch the light of the day fade to gray. Soon, we see the first celestial body.
Gordon says "It is an airplane because it keep changing from green to red," but when I look at it, I say, "no, that′s a planet because it doesn't move like an airplane."
Then I too notice the strange color changes about the object. After focusing on it, I say, "No, it is not moving in the sky and it must be a planet. Of the ones that we can see with our eyesight, Mars is red, Venus is yellow, Jupiter is orange, and Saturn is pale gold, but I have never known a planet to change colors like this."
I retrieve my camera from inside of the jammer and use the zoom to look at the planet but the normal Nightscape setting does not work at all. Then, I have an idea and turn to the Moon setting, focus the camera and soon, I become amazed how well this setting works for this celestial body. With a bit of persistence, I am able to determine that the planet is Jupiter with some of it′s moons visible.
By this time, Gordon retires to his birth but I stay up a while longer to continue taking photos of Jupiter hoping to get a clearer shot.
After a short time, I too retire for the evening thinking that I will go to the w-mart tomorrow, get online and find out exactly what we were looking at tonight.
Monday, 17 July 2017, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.
(Day 600 TB) 47°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Pioneer Park campgrouond, space # 1
I rise, put a pot of water on to boil and in no time, I am sipping on a cup of hot. Soon after, Gordon rises and I make him a cup also. Gordon had previously put out his umbrella and tarp to secure the sight, so we both pack out and head to Grandby, Gordon to the g-mart to replenish his pantry and me to the ap-mart to see if they will take the new starter previously purchased for the 1994 Aerostar in exchange for one to fit the 1989 Aerostar I am driving now. The clerk at the ap-mart says that because I purchased the starter at another one of their stores, he can not give me a refund, so I leave the ap-mart thinking that because of this discrepancy in their customer service, in the future, I will never buy any more parts from the NAPA chain of ap-marts.
I then drive to the g-mart, find Gordon and offer to buy him a cup of coffee. We both get our personal cups filled, sit at a table and talk for a while. Then, Gordon leaves to go to the library were there is better and faster WiFi, but I tell him that the WiFi here is fast enough for what I am doing. He heads out and I tell him that I will see him tonight at he campground. I begin researching about the planet that was in the sky saw last night and find out that I was correct in saying that the planet was Jupiter.
Further, what I learn today is that the four moons that were visible last night are known as the Galilean moons, the first observation of the moon called Io was by Galileo Galilei in 1609 and he had sighted all four of these Jupiter moons by 1610. These four moons (in the order of increasing distance from Jupiter) are: Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto.
These four moons were in fact the mysterious flickering colors that both Gordon and I saw last night.
Today, there are sixty-nine known moons orbiting Jupiter. To sight the four massive moon of Jupiter, Galileo used a 30x magnification telescope; my camera has a 60x magnification zoom. I can only wonder what it was like back in his day.
From left to right the moons are Ganymede (largest), Io, Europa and Callisto.
The at five this evening, I pack out of the w-mart and head west on US 40 to drive the ten miles from Grandby to the campground for one final evening this summer alongside the headwaters of the Colorado river. The water pump leak has grown worse and the engine gets hotter than it has before because when I pull into the campsite space, warning light flashes on the dash. I turn the engine off and wait for the radiator to cool. Once it has cooled enough to remove the cap, I refill the radiator with anti-freeze and that helps the engine to run better.
Then, I shut down the engine and begin supper preparations. I have a chopped salad with lettuce, green onions, mushrooms, yellow squash, zucchini, TWS, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. After eating, I retire into the jammer, light my candle to flame the bugs, write my journal entry and then go to sleep.
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