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THE
JOURNAL
ONLINE
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QUIRE
ELEVEN:
CHAPTER
TWELVE
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The Quest for The Solace, Part Ten
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On Loving the
Brotherhood
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Journey of a Thousand Days, The Tenth One Hundred Days
Monday, 14 May 2018 through Tuesday, 21 August 2018
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The Sojourn in the
High Elevations
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The Sojourn in the High Elevations
14 May 2018 through 02 June 2018
(Day 901 TB) 41°F. 6:00 am
Overnighting in a parking lot
Arise, drive to the w-mart and sit down at my regular table for another day of key pounding. I plan on staying in Bozeman for the mid-week meeting Tuesday evening and then on Wednesday morning, drive into Yellowstone for a couple of days. Then on Thursday, I will drive to Missoula for the weekend so that I may attend the Be Courageous regional convention.
Until then, I keep pounding keys at the w-mart. I did go to the o-mart today to price a new sleeping bag. I also checked the price for a hat to replace my current one because that brown felt hat has faded to green, a color that I do not like. In fact, that is the only piece of green clothing that I own. The clerk told my about a 20 percent sale that begin when I get back form Missoula and methinks that I must needs wait until then.
The replacement hat was fifty dollars and I think I will first try to dye the green hat a different color before spending that much.
Then, I drive to the d-mart, park in the same area that I have for several days now and get ready for the evening.
(Day 902 TB) 49°F. 7:00 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot
After sleeping in, I rise to the bright sun shining into the jammer, dress and then drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and key pounding once more.
I have waited here to be able to attend the mid-week meeting, after which I will drive into Yellowstone for a short visit. It will be short because Sunday at the meeting, I learned that there are a couple of Conventions happening soon and have decided that I will drive to Missoula to attend the first one.
In the late afternoon, I put on my suit and then drive to the hall. In just the short time that I have been here in Bozeman, I have come to like the friends in this congregation, so much so that methinks I will stay in the area for a few meetings.
After the meeting, I drive to my space at the d-mart and get horizontal.
(Day 903 TB) 45°F. 7:00 am, sun. Elev. 4820 feet.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake, dress, drive, sip coffee and check com. After getting my second cup, I pack out and head for the Yellowstone north entrance. When I leave Bozeman, I drive east on IH 90 to Livingston where I turn south on US 89 for about fifty-eight miles to reach the parking lot for the
Boiling River hot springs trail. However, there is a gate blocking access with a sign which states Boiling River Area is Closed, because the Gardiner River is at flood stage and too dangerous to enter the pools.
I have found a page that gives current conditions for Boiling River and other features in Yellowstone:
https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Then, I drive across the highway to the picnic area and have something to eat and put on more of the new stickers. I will have to come back here to this location when the river is not so high. Especially now that I know where it is and that it is a free hot springs.
I drive through Mammoth Hot Springs, then past Norris Basin, Madison Junction and just past Midway Geyser Basin to the Fairy Creek Trail parking lot but it too has a sign stating Fairy Creek Trail is Closed and says the closure is do to there being several bears on the mountain where the trail traverses. I had wanted to walk this trail up onto the mountain so as to take photos of the prismatic springs from above.
Methinks, since both places where I wanted to go are closed, I will just have to come back later in the year with these features are open.
Leaving the trail head, I drive south to Old Faithful, park in the parking lot and then go inside for my supper. I have a vegetable wrap, a scone and lemon water. I notice that outside, it begins to rain, it has off and on all afternoon but now it is coming down harder. I sit by the fireplace and talk for a while to Bud and Pam, even share some verses from the Bible with them.
Later, I walk up to the second floor to say hello to Martha who is playing on the piano.
Finally, I come back out to the jammer, climb inside and finish writing today′s journal entry. The sun sets below the mountain at eight-thirty but since the mountain rises in the west, the actual suntouch is a little later than that. Soon, I am horizontal.
(Day 904 TB) 31°F. 6:00 am, sun. Elev. 7349 feet.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Rise, dress in my winter blues and walk inside the inn, climb the stairs to the second floor and set my computer up at my usual desk. After I have plugged it into the floor socket, I go to the shower room for a hot shower and see Bud there also taking a shower.
After that, I walk downstairs to the deli and purchase a cup of coffee and a scone, walk back to the desk and begin pounding keys.
At three this afternoon, I pack out to the jammer and then drive out of Yellowstone, out of Wyoming, and then into Montana and north about a hundred miles to IH 90, where I turn west and drive another 200 miles to Missoula, Montana.
I then find a parking lot to park for the night and get into the back to get horizontal.
(Day 905 TB) 54°F. 7:00 am, cloudy. Elev. 3209 feet.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Rising, I put on my suit, start the jammer and drive five miles to the Adams Event Center at the University of Montana in the eastern edge of Missoula. I park, walk into the center and soon after, I am learning how to be courageous in these last days.
During the lunch break, I walk out to the jammer to open a can of solid tuna, peal an avocado, and have with this a hand full of nuts. Then I drink a Spark drink after which, I head back into the center for the second half.
What a wonderful convention this has been, methinks as I am leaving in the late afternoon. I head to the w-mart to upload some photos of the convention on my Facebook post and then drive to the restaurant where I will eat tonight. I have lemon water, grilled trout, steamed broccoli, turnip greens, salad and two biscuits with butter. Not a bad meal, except for the bread and dairy, but the portion of those two items was small and I do so love bread and butter.
Then, I retire to the jammer, move it the the outlying parking area and set up for the night. It is after nine when I put up my window light blockers and get horizontal.
(Day 906 TB) 52°F. 6:00 am, overcast
Overnighting in a parking lot
When the alarm goes off, I lie here with my eyes closed for what seems to be a very long time but when I rise to get dressed, I see that the clock says ten minutes after six.
I turn on my computer and begin my day′s journal. Then, at seven this morning, I shut down the computer, put it in it′s bag, start the jammer and drive the four miles to the University campus for Day Two of the 2018 Convention
At then mid day break, I walk out to the jammer for my noon meal and have a salad, tuna and a glass of Spark. Afterwards, I walk back to my seat and enjoy the afternoon session.
Leaving the convention, I drive to the w-mart to upload a few photos of the first day of the convention. Then, I return to the same parking lot that I overnighted in last evening, go into the restaurant
1 to have the same meal as yesterday evening. After eating, I retire to the parking lot, pound keys for a while and then get horizontal for the evening.
(Day 907 TB) 53°F. 6:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake, dress in my suit, drive to the w-mart for coffee and com, then I drive to the convention to park. Once, I am in the parking lot, I wait until a little before eight o′clock until I walk to the front door. I talk with the friends while we wait for the doors to open at eight. Then we go inside to find a seat and await for the program to begin.
This third day is so
nonpareil.
I must say, this convention is exactly what we need before the great and awe-inspiring day of Jehovah. I have learned that there is so much I must do to gain the courage needed in order to survive that day. This convention has done much in the way to get me prepared for the upcoming events that the Bible describe.
In fact, there were many times during these three days when I became emotionally overcome with abundant tears. Even the circuit overseer, when he begins the final prayer, has to stop several times to wipe away his own tears. Yes, exactly what we need!
After the last session, I walk out to the jammer, start the engine and drive to the w-mart to upload photos from today. Then, I drive back to Bozeman, arriving during sunglow, and stop at the d-mart to assume the horizontal.
(Day 908 TB) 50°F. 8:00 am, sun. Elev. 4820 feet.
Overnighting in a parking lot
I sleep in late this morning in order to catch up on this weekends sleep debt. When I arise, I drive to the w-mart and begin working on a new page to show the cure for
gout. When I finish this page, I upload it and then begin working on Nutrition from Food, a new page that I have been wanting to create for a long time.
Then at seven-thirty this evening, I pack out and begin thinking about my supper.
(Day 909 TB) 47°F. 6:00 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot
Despite the rain last evening, the days here in Montana have been the best with temperatures soaring into the high sixties during midday and then dropping at night into the high forties and low fifties. This morning, I donned my winter blues but I know that by noon, my sweat shirt will come off.
I drive to the w-mart for a cup of hot and key pounding until three when the electricity fails. I then go to the o-mart and buy a new sleeping bag for my emergency bag. Next, I drive to the d-mart and work on organizing my gear. I also mix a new batch my spice mix and put it away.
Then, at six, I dress and get ready for the meeting. The brothers sure are great here in Bozeman, such a warm and friendly congregation. Afterwards, I walk outside and find it raining, so I drive back to the d-mart and get ready for my evening.
(Day 910 TB) 51°F. 6:00 am, rain
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake with it having rained all night, dress in my winter blues and drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and another day of key pounding.
The rain stops in the late afternoon and it dries up outside, which I am glad about because the entire state of Montana has received more than it′s share of rain this year as all the rivers have been at flood state for months.
When seven-thirty arrives, I find myself at a good stopping place for the day, so I upload what work I have done, pack out to the jammer and then drive to the d-mart to settle in for the night to await another morning to continue working on the Nutrition from Food section of the Burden.
(Day 911 TB) 49°F. 6:00 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot
I was waiting for the alarm to go off this morning as I had a full night of good sleep and now seem to be caught up on any debt that had developed over the weekend. Rising, I dress in my winter blues, drive to the w-mart, walk in with my computer and resume the work I had begun yesterday, that of pounding keys into oblivion.
(Day 912 TB) 55°F. 7:00 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up, drive, sip coffee, com, pound keys, and repeat.
(Day 913 TB) 55°F. 7:00 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot
Upon awaking, I drive to the w-mart for coffee but do not stay. Instead, I walk back out to the jammer, dress in a tie and head for the ministry meeting at the hall. I work with Gary, Warren and Ariel and we go out in the invitation work. I get to know all three a little better before we stop at noon.
Then, I drive back to the w-mart to go in where it is cool. It has become warm here in Bozeman and it is time to go to a higher elevation. I was telling the car group that after the meeting, I will be driving up to Yellowstone for a few day, where I know it is somewhat cooler.
(Day 914 TB) 57°F. 8:00 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot
Upon rising, I drive to the w-mart for a cup of hot and then return to the jammer to get dressed for the meeting. Then, I drive to the hall and enjoy one more meeting here in the Bozeman congregation. After it is over, I say good bye and then drive to the w-mart for another cup of hot and a sandwich.
At three, I pack out and drive to the d-mart for some shopping prior to my traveling to Yellowstone but do not buy any fresh vegetables or ice yet.
After packing away my supplies, I drive to w-mart, park but do not go in. Instead, I use my phone to get online and then when it becomes dark, put up the shades and get horizontal. It is somewhat darker in this parking lot.
(Day 915 TB) 54°F. 8:00 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot
Upon awaking, I go inside for coffee and com. Methinks it will be better to wait until after this worldly holiday is done before driving up to the park, so I resume the key pounding for another day.
At five minutes until eight this evening, I pack out, walk out to the jammer and after supper, read for a time, now in the book of Luke. Then, I recline but it is somewhat warmer than I like and can not get to sleep until late.
(Day 916 TB) 49°F. 6:00 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot
Arise and see the sun just above the distant mountains, dress in my fall blues, grab my computer bag and walk in for coffee and com.
After I walk up and get my second cup, about ten this morning, I pack out, drive west on SR 84, but before leaving town, I stop at the g-mart for a bag of ice and some vegetables. Then I continue west to US 91 and then turn south to West Yellowstone.
Turning left at US 20 takes me into the national park where I drive slow looking for wildlife along the Madison River. At one stop, I notice a pair of ducks but they are some six hundred or more feet distance from me so I use my camera to zoom in and take a few photos. Then, I get out my bird ID book and find out these two birds are
ring-necked ducks and will be a new addition to my gallery.
I continue upriver and come upon the Madison River flats
bison herd of buffalo and take photos of them as well. This visit, I find the herd spread out over a larger area than I found them last year.
Methinks the herd is much smaller this year, but that is just my opinion.
Then, I drive down the Firehole river canyon and notice the extremely high surging waters, stopping a several pullouts to take photos. Continuing along the park loop road, I stop next at the Fairy Falls trailhead, find it open and like most times when it is open, especially in the afternoon, find the parking lot full and the trail packed with day hikers. I do find a place to park and walk to the footbridge over the Firehole river but with wearing flip flops, I do not go any further.
(m2wa-riv.misso-fire.20180529.1627) Firehole River footbridge at Fairy Falls Trail
My previous concern of walking the trail to photograph prismatic springs was about bears, but now that the trail is well used, the bears should have vacated the area for a less crowded haunt.
Leaving the parking lot, I continue south on the loop road and stop one more time for today at
Old Faithful Inn where I go inside and sit in one of the overstuffed chairs near the fire place. I take this opportunity to talk with some of those also sitting by the fire place and even get to witness to a couple. Then, I hear Martha Colby playing music on the second floor and walk upstairs to listen for a while.
A little after nine this evening, I retire to the jammer to get horizontal but shortly after, I hear something thrashing nearby and so I stick my head out the window only to see a large bull buffalo right next to the front of the jammer. As I am slowly closing the window, I notice the moon rising up from behind the horizon.
This is when the realization comes that I am not done with taking photographs today. Grabbing my camera, I begin snapping photos of the full
flower moon.
At first is is the normal gray moon color but soon, it turns to near red and I get a photo of the entire transformation, taking some two or three dozen photo.
At about ten this evening, I return to the horizontal.
(Day 917 TB) 41°F. 6:00 am, rain. Elev. 7349 feet.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake at the alarm, dress and go inside for a cup of coffee and a scone. Then, I walk up stairs and set up my computer so I can record my journal entry for the last two days. A little later, I go into the men′s room to clean up and then return to continue pounding keys.
Just before ten, Ruth walks by with her tour group and I say hello to her. She is telling the group all about Old Faithful Inn, the architect Robert Reamer, the construction which took thirteen months beginning during May 1903 with the lodge opening on June 01, 1904 and many more features about this grand old lodge.
After I put a few of my business cards on the tabletop, I continue with key pounding most of this day but pausing to talk with any who stop by my office space. At ten this evening, I pack out and head for my sleeping birth.
(Day 918 TB) 47°F. 8:00 am, rain
Overnighting in a parking lot
After sleeping in this morning, I rise, dress in my fall blues and then go inside for coffee, a blueberry scone and key pounding. When I set up my office, I put out several of my cards. Soon, I overhear a nearby family talking about the tree house and how fire code prevents anyone for going up the stairs to the top floor in the lobby. I comment out loud to the family There is a way you can go to the top. The grandfather and his wife walk over and ask me how. He tells me that his name is Ron from Omaha, Nebraska and he is here with his family. After I tell him the secret to going to the tree house, I show them on my computer a few of my web pages and his wife comments, I see you have scriptures on your website.
This comment allow me to bring up a Bible subject which I choose the subject of living forever in paradise on earth. I then ask Ron a question, one I tell him that I have been asking for years, What is the paradise that Jesus spoke about when he was hanging on the torture stake?
While he is thinking about it, I tell him that I have found the answer in the Bible at which time I grab my KJV from my bag and offer to share a couple verses. I show him Luke 23:43 and Psalms 37:10,29, explaining that the paradise is the place the Jews had hoped to be resurrected to and the place that God will provide for many of those who are resurrected in the future.
He thanks me and says he has to go but hopes to talk with me again. I tell him to please contact me, my information is on the card that I gave to your wife. I then go back to pounding keys, working on my journal entry.
Shortly after that, Jeff walks up and asks about the availability of an electrical plug. We begin talking and soon, he pulls up a chair and sits down to talk with me. He says that he is working on a documentary of people working at national parks.
I tell him, I work her, in fact, this is my office and then show him a photo that I have taken of my office. He uses his camera to take a photo of my office.
(b1a11-12-09e.20180531.1105) An Official Office of www.thewayfarersjournal.com
Then at noon, I get up to go to the men′s room and two desks down from me, I see a man sitting doing some writing and I greet him, which starts a conversation. He tells me his name is Peter, and began working here as a bus driver in mid April.
We talk about photography and he then shows me some great animal photos he has taken while here. I tell him that it is all about being in the right place at the right time to which he readily agrees. I also give him my business card and tell him that I hope to hear from him.
(Day 919 TB) 41°F. 7:00 am, rain
Overnighting in a parking lot
Upon awaking, I see that it is still raining, so, I dress and walk inside for another day at the office. First, I set up the journal for today′s entry, and then continue where I left off last evening.
After much work on the work done on the mountain gallery, I notice a couple who sit down right across the isle. When a young many comes up and joins them, the man, they begin to converse and in the conversation I over hear the man say that he has a PhD and is wife has a Masters degree. It is not hard to hear because he is talking loud. Methinks that this is typical of the worldly wise, who brag on their wisdon. However, what perked my interest was when the man begins to slam Christians, in one way after another to this young man. I did not interrupt, just kept pounding keys.
Then, he begins to criticize God′s Word, say that it′s information it too old to be any useful. I want to speak up but I still hold my tongue. Next, he uses a for example from the Bible, saying that in the last chapter of Judges is an account of a man who takes in a traveler as was the custom them. Later that night, some men from the city come by and to demand that the resident hand over the man so as to have sex. The resident refuses and give them his virgin daughter instead. Then, when the daughter, returns, the resident kills her. I then overhear this person say that he had to kill her because in that culture he could not find a husband for her. Then he said, What kind of useful information can I get from such a story as this, and that is why the Bible is of no value today.
I then look up the account and read how he totally fabricated his own story about what happened which was nothing like the Bible account at Judges 19:1-31. Then, I pack out my computer, throw the bag strap over my shoulder and walk up to the man and say right to his face the same words Jesus said in replay to the Sadducdees at Matthew 22:29, You are mistaken, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God, and then walk out of the inn.
Once I arrive at the jammer, I first finish today′s journal entry, then I get horizontal for a very cold evening.
(Day 920 TB) 30°F. 7:00 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot
Upon rising, I dress in my winter blues, grab my shoulder bag and go inside for coffee, scone and key pounding. Once I get my computer set up, I go to the men′s room to clean up, after which, I return to my office and begin pounding keys.
In the late morning, I get a text from a friend in Oak Harbor telling me that she received a piece of mail that I have been waiting for. Also, she lets me know that she will be moving from Oak Harbor to live with friends in Mexico later this month. This tells me that I need to go to Oak Harbor to aquire a new mailing address for my legal papers and to pick up my mail before she leaves.
Too, I had already decided to leave Yellowstone today and drive to Idaho Falls to go to the meeting tomorrow, so shortly after eleven this morning I pack out to begin my drive out of the park. As I am approaching the Nez Pierce creek, there is a very large bear jam so I pull over to see what is making every one stop and gawk.
When I get out, I see that there is a large group of bison up the creek in the grassy fields. I wonder how many there are and zoom in with my camera counting between seventy-five and a hundred short horns. Also, I notice that there are quite a few red dogs in the herd.
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(m3anchm-unge-bobo-bison-18ymf.20180602.1256) Bison at Nez Pierce Creek
Methinks, could this be the missing 2017
Madison Flats herd? Did the herd move up the Firehole river here to graze on the Nez Pierce creek? At least, methinks, I have found a good number of the herd, but the is still shy of the two hundred short horns seen last year. I continue down the Firehole river, north to Madison junction, turn left on US 20 along the Madison river and head east towards West Yellowstone.
Immediately, when I come to the upper Madison river flats, I see that there is another large group of bison here. I pull into the turn out and begin taking photos and counting the short horns. To my surprise and delight, I count just under eighty short horns grazing, relaxing in the grass and many nursing calves. I take many photos and decide that the herd must have been out in the forest calving when I came through here on Day
916 TB.
Upon returning to the jammer and continuing west along the Madison river, I come to a second group of bison, nearly as large at the last one. I stop, get out, zoom in and begin counting and after doing it twice, I decide that there are about fifty short horns in this part of the herd.
This brings my total count of this year′s Madison river flats bison herd to over two hundred short horns. Seeing all of these bison today really makes my happy, because now I know that the herd is still doing well here on the Madison river flats, with a whole new group of calves.
Then, I spot a
coyote in the distance walking directly towards the bison herd and methinks that he is going to try to grab one of the red dogs to snack on. However, what he is doing becomes obvious as he continues across the field and goes into a stalking stance several times; He is hunting for small mammals. He continues across the field seemingly unaware that there several people taking photos on the rise just ahead of him. After a short time, he looks up and sees the people, reverses his steps, crosses much closer in front of me, crosses the highway and then disappears into the forest.
After getting my fill of photos, I pack out and drive west out of the park on US 20 but stop briefly in West Yellowstone, Montana to look for bumper stickers.
By four this afternoon, I arrive in Idaho Falls and drive to the w-mart to begin uploading files until it gets dark outside when I pack out, drive next door to the d-mart and park for the evening.
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The Journey to
Puget Sound, Washington
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The Journey to Puget Sound, WA
03 June 2018 through 17 June 2018
(Day 921 TB) 50°F. 7:00 am, sun. Elev. 4705 feet.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Last night was much warmer than I have been experiencing in Yellowstone, but quickly after dark, the temperature cooled off enough that I needed to pull up the cover and I slept good all night. I arise, drive to the w-mart to check the time for the meeting and find it to be at one in the afternoon. This will give me time to do my study before it starts.
At noon, I pack out to the jammer, change into my suit and drive to the hall. Several of the friends remember that I had come last month on my way to Yellowstone. Good talk and study and then I leave for the moon. Actually, I drive west on US 20 and drive to the Craters of the Moon National Monument arriving at four in the afternoon. I clean up the jammer some, then cook a pot of Repast after which I eat two cups and put the rest away in the ice chest.
Then, I walk to the amphitheater for a presentation about the moon, how the park came to be called what it is and even about how the earth and moon were formed. During the presentation, I was able to take a photo of Jupiter and the four Galilean moons.
(b1a11-12-09f.20180603.2101) Jupiter and the four Galilean Moons
Jupiter is so clear because this park has such good star gazing due to a lack of light pollution. For more about Jupiter and it′s moon, go to Day
599 TB. Afterwards, I walk back to my campsite, complete my journal entry and then get horizontal.
(Day 922 TB) 51°F. 7:00 am, sun. Elev. 5950 feet.
Lava Flow Campground, CRS: 5.0
It is after six this evening and I am camped at Emigrant Springs in Oregon. Since arriving, I have plugged in the electric, cleaned the jammer, showered in hot water and then only now started today′s journal entry and I will now go back and write about my day.
Upon arising this morning, I start the jammer, drive to the visitors center and find an information folder about volcanoes, purchase it and then drive out of the park. I retrace the same route back to Oregon, US 20 west to IH 84, then east along the Snake river plain, crossing the river to enter Oregon and continuing west past La Grande when I notice that the jammer seems to be swerving like one of the tires is low on air.
I pull over at a rest stop and look first at the drivers side tires and see that they are fine. Then, I walk around to the passenger side and see that the rear tire is the culprit.
Actually, I have been waiting for this to happen as I am carrying a replacement tire for this exact happening. After that double blow out in Missouri on Day
660 TB, I have been keeping two good spares. I get out my floor jack, change the tire with the spare, put the flat on top of the jammer and continue to the campground.
(b1a11-12-09f.20180604.1712) Emigrant Springs campsite
Arrive at the campground, set up and soon, I am pounding keys until dark thirty.
(Day 923 TB) 41°F. 6:00 am, sun. Elev. 3806 feet.
Emigrant Springs space A 25, CRS: 7
Rising, I walk the fifty feet to the shower building and see that there is a long line on the woman′s side, but I walk to the opposite side and find no one on the men′s side. I am just glad that these women do not know that the showers are unisex. I walk into the shower room, take a hot shower and then walk back to the jammer.
After unplugging, I drive out of the park and then east on IH 84 to La Grande stopping first at the d-mart to see if there is a tire store but it does not have one. Then, I drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and to upload web pages.
Then, by nine this morning, I am on the road looking for replacement tires and find two tires at the next d-mart I stop at in the town of Pendleton. An hour later and I drive out of that town with two new tires on the rear of the jammer. I also have two nearly new tires on the front of the jammer and a really good spare on the roof. You might say that I am good to go, well for another thirty or fifty thousand miles.
After a couple hours of driving, I pull in to the next state park before two in the afternoon, find a space which is easy to do this early in the day, park in the shade and set up my camp.
(b1a11-12-09f.20180605.1345) Deschutes River Campground
At four this afternoon, after it having been really warm through midday, I feel like taking a nap and lie down in the back of the jammer. Then, two hours later, when it has cooled off quite a lot, I rise, walk to the shower house and get in the hot water.
Then the rest of the day is spent resting, pounding some keys and even taking a walk by the river. There are trains that travel through the gorge which begins here at the Deschutes river.
I get into the sack early again tonight and read more of the book of Mark.
(Day 924 TB) 54°F. 6:00 am, sun. Elev. 240 feet.
Rising at six this morning, I walk to the shower house to get under the hot water before I head into Washington. Then, I drive west on IH 84 until I reach Cascade Locks, Oregon where I stop to take photos of the Bridge of The Gods crossing the Columbia river.
After crossing the bridge into Washington, I drive west on SR 14 to Vancouver and stop at the Fort Vancouver site, which has changed quite a bit since I was there over five years ago. Now, there is a historical airport as a separate unit of the park. After learning some about both units, I drive out of Vancouver and begin the drive north on IH 5 through all the metropolitan centers. At first, I do not even slow down but and the day progresses, when I arrive in Seattle, the traffic jam begins and it takes over two hours to get through the city.
Once in Everett, the highway speed returns to the speed limit and in no time, I am in Mount Vernon but instead of driving to the island tonight, I stop in Mount Vernon and go to a w-mart to upload files and check my com. After the sun sets, I drive to the d-mart for the evening, but the local store does not allow overnighting so I drive to a twenty-four hour g-mart and park there.
(Day 925 TB) 54°F. 6:00 am, sun. Elev. 180 feet.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake to an overcast morning, typical of the North Wet. I dress in my fall blues, drive to the w-mart, grab my shoulder bag and go inside for coffee, com and to work this morning on my web site.
At noon, I pack out and drive to the island so as to make it to the meeting there this evening. However, before then, I stop at the ap-mart and order a spare starter for the jammer, which will arrive Saturday and at that time, I will be carrying both a spare starter and alternator. I also check on the rear brakes for the jammer and find all the parts are kept in stock.
Next, I drive to the w-mart to wait for the meeting to begin.
(Day 926 TB) 5e°F. 6:00 am, sun. Elev. 92 feet.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up early, drive to the w-mart and spend the entire day working on updating my photo gallery.
At sunset, I retire to the jammer and get into the horizontal.
(Day 927 TB) 53°F. 6:00 am, overcast
Overnighting in a parking lot
It was overcast early this morning but my seven the sun makes a show and it stays sunny most of the day. At eight-thirty, I leave the w-mart, dress in my brown suit and drive to the hall for the ministry meeting. I go out with Dan and later Reva joins us; we do door to door witnessing and later some calls.
After the ministry, I drive back to the w-mart to work more on my computer. Shortly before the sun sets, I retire to the jammer and after reading several chapters in the Bible, turn of the electronics and close my eyes.
(Day 928 TB) 55°F. 6:00 am, rain
Overnighting in a parking lot
It had rained last night but by eight this morning, I see blue skies and sun. I spend the early morning inside of the w-mart and at nine, go out to the jammer to dress for the meeting and arrive at the hall by nine-forty. After the meeting, I check and see that Richard has sent me a text telling me that he is at his mom′s house. I drive there and visit with him and Patria, who then offers to cook some lumpia for Richard and myself.
However, she does not stop at lumpia but prepares a whole meal; a very good one at that. I then go out to the jammer and retrieve both the bottles of The Wayfarers Spice (TWS) and the bottle of the Meal Replacement Powder (MRP). I show them to Patria because I have already shown them to Richard when I was in California in March. Then, I ask Patria to provide me with a empty bottle so I can put some TWS in it for her. After filling her bottle, I then ask Richard about the eye drops that he got for his mother and he tells me about Can-C eye drops.
Lastly, I begin walking out to leave and they both come out to see the jammer, which I open up and show Patria the back end where I keep my food and supplement. Then, I leave, drive back to the w-mart and begin writing today′s journal entry.
At eight this evening, I pack out, drive to the g-mart parking lot and set up for another night here on the rock with the sea gulls screaming.
(Day 929 TB) 50°F. 7:00 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake first this morning at five-thirty but do not rise until later. When I do rise, I go into the w-mart for coffee and to check my com. Then, I begin pounding keys until late in the afternoon.
Some time after five pm, I check my com again and find that I have an invite to meet a friend at a restaurant for supper. Then in walks another friend who I also invite to the same restaurant.
The three of us meet at the restaurant and linger for a long time visiting and catching up. Afterwards the three of us go next to the laundry mat to clean clothes. Then, by eight, I am driving back to the g-mart to park for the evening.
(Day 930 TB) 49°F. 5:30 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up early, dress and drive north on SH 20 to Deception Pass state park to take a shower. I had checked earlier this week and the city beach shower house had been removed to make way for the new water treatment facility.
The shower at the state park is all that is left for any one in Oak Harbor who wishes to get into hot water and the water here at Deception Pass is hot but not steamy hot and the cost to camp here is much too expensive for this wayƒarer.
I return back into town and stop at the coffee shop to wait to meet with Richard for coffee this morning. The shop is actually a coffee roaster and their coffee is amazingly smooth, much better than all the other places I frequent. Then, at ten, we say goodbye and depart from there, myself returning to the w-mart, not for coffee but for the high speed WiFi that is provided there.
At seven-thirty this evening, the barista walks through the store and tells everyone that the store is closing, so I pack out and go for a meal at a Mexican restaurant, which I find does not have grilled fish but instead deep fries their fish plate, and because of that, I will not go back to that restaurant.
(Day 931 TB) 55°F. 7:30 am, overcast
Overnighting in a parking lot
Sleep in this morning, then drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and to begin my journal entry. At eight-twenty, I pack out, dress in my suit and then drive to the hall for the ministry meeting. I work with Bob, Julie, Vicki, and Brain today and I am able to speak to one man, Shawn, who expressed an sincere interest. Brian was my helper and I gave the call to him as I will not be here next week.
After the ministry, I driver back to w-mart to set up to work on my key pounding ability for the rest of the day, leaving when the store closes at seven-thirty. I then drive to a local fast food locations for something to eat, after which I return to the g-mart parking lot for the evening.
Today makes one week that I have been here.
(Day 932 TB) 53°F. 6:00 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot
This morning is much more comfortable for me that it has been most of the last week. Methinks summer is soon to arrive to the island. I drive to the w-mart and take my normal office seat and continue my work on the photo gallery.
At six-forty pm, I leave, dress in my suit and drive to the hall for the mid-week meeting. After the meeting, I return to the g-mart parking lot for the evening.
(Day 933 TB) 54°F. 7:00 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot
Another comfortable night sleep, not too cold but just enough to require that I cover with my down sleeping bag. Upon awaking, I drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and key pounding. In the afternoon, Pattie stops for her sugar drink and we walk for a short while. She asks about the seaweed that I gave her last week and I explain why the iodine it contains is so important.
At seven-thirty pm, the shop closes so I go out, still light outside, drive to the
(Day 934 TB) 55°F. 7:00 am, sun and clear blue sky
Overnighting in a parking lot
Another comfortable morning and same routine that I have here on the rock. Then at eight-thirty, I pack out, dress in my suit, and drive to the hall for the morning ministry.
In the afternoon, I continue writing until it approaches evening, then find a place to park and spend the night.
(Day 935 TB) 59°F. 7:00 am, sun and clear blue
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up for coffee and to study for the meeting today. Then, I driver to the hall for the meeting during which a visiting brother give an excellent talk. Too, the study is very encouraging on the subject Serve Jehovah, the God of Freedom.
After the meeting, I return to my work pounding keys.
Then at seven-thirty, with the sun still more than a hand width above the western horizon, I pack out to search for my evening meal after which, I will return to the g-mart for one more evening before I head east back to the mountains for the summer.
Methinks, this will be the last overnight I will do here on the rock because it is too warm for me to go to sleep until nearly midnight and has been too warm for several days for me to sleep past seven in the morning.
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The Journey on the
Northern Tier Route
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The Journey on the Northern Tier Route
18 June 2018 through 25 June 2018
(Day 936 TB) 64°F. 7:00 am, sun, clear blue. Elev. 92 feet.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Today, I will leave out of Oak Harbor and wend my way over 430 miles entirely on SR 20 to cross the Washington section of the Northern Tier highway
3
However, first, I drive to the w-mart for coffee and to begin my journal writing and then, after uploading several more files, I then pack out and drive to the d-mart for food supplies and then the af-mart for gasoline. Then I head east on SH 20, first north to
Deception Pass state park and stop at Coronet bay to take a shower. This facility is on Cornet Bay Road just past the Deception Pass Marina at the public boat launch and piers, all within the state park. The fee is fifty cents for four minutes but it seems to always last much longer.
(b1a11-12-09g.20180618.1356) Shower house at Coronet Bay
After my long soak in the hot water, I resume my eastward drive on SR 20, cross
Deception Pass bridge across the top of Pass Island and then onto Fidalgo Island, stopping at the turn out on the north side for a couple of photos. I know that I have taken many a photo from this viewpoint, but because this is such a beautiful spot, I just have to include it on this journey.
(b1a11-12-09g.20180618.1410) Deception Pass from Northside Viewpoint
Then, I continue east on SR 20, now on Fidalgo island, drive through the two new round-about′s which are still under construction, turn right and soon leave the island and continue through Burlington, then Sedro Wolley and up the Skagit river valley to enter the
North Cascade national park where I stop at the visitors center for a couple sticker for my rear windows.
Then, I drive a little further east on SR 20 to Diablo Lake overlook for a few photos here and also talk with some of the park visitors about some of the other wonderful sites on state route 20. On a reader boards, I learn why the lake water is this color.
(b1a11-12-09g.20180618.1720) View at Diablo Lake Overlook, elevation: 2200 feet
As glaciers slowly travel down the mountain, the grinding of rock against rock creates fine silt which is carried by melt water to the lakes below. This rock flour, suspended in the water reacts with the sun light to produce the lake water color you see.
Then, leaving the overlook, I continue east on SR 20, taking photos of lakes, waterfalls and snow topped mountains on this northernmost route, and this in June.
Much later, I arrive at Bridge Creek pass, pull off the highway into the PCT trailhead parking and then set up for the evening. I have a supper from my pantry while pounding keys to finish today′s journal entry.
Finally, at nine-twenty, I get horizontal despite there still being plenty of light in the sky. Soon, the mountain tops grow pink in color and the moon waxes crescent about three hands about the ridge of mountains west of me.
(Day 937 TB) 44°F. 7:00 am, sun. Elev. 4875 feet.
Bridge Creek PCT trailhead parking lot
Now, that was better, I had to cover with my down bag to sleep last night.
Arise, dress in my summer blues, and continue my drive east on SR 20, but in five miles pull out at the Washington pass viewpoint. However, the road is closed and so I did a turn around and instead get out to photograph an American
Goldfinch
Shortly, Ted on a bicycle rides up to take some photos and I approach and begin telling him that for two days now, we have been riding juxtaposing to each other. A discussion ensues but soon it veers to the subject of eating healthy, which of course most of my friends know that I have much to say on this subject.
Then, Ted comments It is sad thing, but most everyone has completely no idea about the truth of this subject.
I take this opportunity to reply, Yes, most all people are overweight and are at a loss to do any thing about. however, there is another subject which even more people are completely clueless about. Ted′s eyebrow raises and I take that as an indicator that he wants to know more about the new subject.
I tell him that the subject in not about physical health but is about spiritual health. Then, I tell him that I am one of Jehovah′s Witnesses and all of Jehovah′s Witnesses endeavor to tell every one possible the truth about our God, Jehovah. It is a truth that has been covered up for centuries, or even longer.
I ask him if he is a Bible reader and he says that he was brought up Catholic to which I reply, so was I. I continue, then you know the story about Adam and Eve, how they were told by God not to eat of the one fruit or they would die, to which he nodded yes. Then, I continue, the devil told Eve, You will not die, but you will be like God, knowing good and bad. Long story short, they ate, and they subsequently died and so does all of their children.
So, I continue, If God is the creator of the earth together with the people on it and if it was in fact his purpose to have a paradise with people living forever, is there any thing Satan, Adam, Eve or even you or I could do to keep God from achieving his purpose?
He looked me right in the eyes and said, No, I don′s believe so. I then say, Yes, the Bible is replete about this purpose God has for the earth and for people living forever upon it.
That my friend is the truth about God that more than ninety-nine point ninety-nine percent of the world′s population is clue less about.
He thanks me for sharing, says that he will check into this further, wishes me well, then, we both go our ways. A little while later, I say a pray that Ted will in fact look into this further and find the truth for himself and his family.
Shortly after leaving Washington pass, I come upon another beautiful location, stop, get out to photograph a small
mountain tarn and some amazing mountain peaks.
Upon arriving in Omak, I stop at the g-mart but cannot get online so I continue east on SR 20, drive over Sherman pass and find the campground still closed.
(b1a11-12-09g.20180619.1729) The Windjammer Sticker Collection Grows
(b1a11-12-09g.20180619.1730) The Windjammer Sticker Collection Grows
I continue east on SR20 and arrive in Colville, stop at the g-mart, go in and find the WiFi is usable but weak. Then, as the sun drops to the horizon, I drive back west to the d-mart to park for the evening.
(Day 938 TB) 50°F. 7:00 am, sun. Elev. 1614 feet.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Upon, arising, I dress in my summer blues, start the jammer and head east on SR 20, drive through several towns and finally come to the end of the four hundred and thirty six-miles of this east-west route in Washington state.
Then, I cross the Pend Oreille (which is French, pronounced Ponderay) river and continue on US route 2 eastward. US 2 in Idaho is the still the north tier route across this country. When, I arrive in Sandpoint, Idaho, I find a stand alone w-mart, not one like the several previous ones in eastern Washington which were inside a g-mart and did not have a very strong WiFi signal.
(b1a11-12-09g.20180620.1327) Sand Creek Harbor at Sandpoint, Idaho
However, arriving at midday, there is absolutely no place to park, so I drive across a bridge and park in the parking lot of a nearby park adjacent to Sand Creek Harbor to wait for the down town restaurants to clear. I see a young man sitting in the shade and eating his lunch so, I approach and strike up a conversation and he professes to be a Christion. In a short time, I have shown him from the Bible that God′s purpose for the earth is for it to be a paradise with people living for ever on it. He tells me that he is wowed with the new information. Then, we both leave the park and I drive back to the w-mart, go inside and begin working on my computer.
Then, inside the w-mart, another conversation begins with a different man, Brad and I try to help him learn about the paradise, but he is so wrapped up on going to heaven as the only hope for all Christians. Then the store begins to close and he says, if I can stay another day, he would like to talk more about my hope tomorrow at the w-mart. I conclude with we will see and then drive to the d-mart to set up for the evening.
(Day 939 TB) 00°F. 7:00 am, sun. Elev. 2096 feet.
Overnighting in a parking lot
It was a bit warm last night and there was mosquitoes buzzing me during the early evening but I rubbed on a some oil of anise which got rid of the pests. The temperature dropped to comfortable around eleven after which I slept good the rest of the night.
Rising, I dress in my summer blues, drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and some key pounding. At eight-thirty, Brad comes in to take his office desk and begin his work. He stays busy until six when I must leave to prepare my supper and get ready for the meeting tonight.
(Day 940 TB) 60°F. 5:30 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake and find it already warm so I rise immediately and drive north out of Sandpoint, Idaho on US 2 up to Bonners Ferry where I stop at the g-mart, go inside to buy a cup of hot at the w-mart. I do not stay but pack out and then use the highway bridge to cross the Kootenay River,
4 not the ferry.
Then, US 2 highway follows the Kootenay upriver, first east, then southeast into Montana. Then when it turns east again, I arrive at the Kootenay Falls where I park, walk around to the back of the jammer, get out my hiking shoes and after putting them on, begin a short trek first to the suspension bridge, then to the falls. What a beautiful location. I will upload the hiking photos that I took later.
I leave the location and continue my drive on the northern tier highway following US 2 to Libby, Montana and then left on SR 37 and take this highway north along the Kootenay river to the Libby Dam, where I take several photos.
Next, I continue upriver along the Koocanusa lake which now turns back north for some sixty miles and returns to Canada. I however, turn south on US 93 through Eureka and drive to Whitefish where I drive right past a Kingdom Hall and then locate a w-mart in town to upload some files to the internet.
However, the w-mart is inside a g-mart and there is no d-mart in this town, so I decide to drive the twelve mile south on US 93, find the w-mart and d-mart both located on the highway opposite each other. I pull into the d-mart, access the internet and watch a few viral videos before climbing into the rear of the jammer for the evening.
(Day 941 TB) 60°F. 8:00 am, overcast. Elev. 2956 feet.
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake, dress, wash my hair, and then drive across the highway and go inside for coffee and com. Once inside, the first thing I do is to do a search to find the hall which is less than a mile from my location. Wow, all of my needs within a miles distance. Methinks I will stay here for a couple of days, especially since it is raining outside now.
After a long day of pounding keys, I leave the w-mart, drive to the d-mart, park and get in the back to try to warm up. Methinks, odd, only a few days ago, I was trying to cool off at this time of the day. Life is tough and then you die!
(Day 942 TB) 49°F. 7:00 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake to an overcast day but at least the rain has stopped and yes, I did finally warm up last evening, even had to shuck the cover a little. I dress in my fall blues, drive to the w-mart for coffee and to study for my Bible study later today at the meeting. At nine this morning, I pack out, walk outside, put on my suit and then drive to the hall. The friends here are very nice, even meet a couple who lived in Washington and we have several friends in common.
After the meeting, I drive back to the w-mart to finish the next post of the Northern Tier route on Facebook. After I upload the second segment of the journey on, I head out of Kalispell towards Glacier National Park.
When I arrive in Hungry Horse, I stop to buy stickers and find several and then continue to Glacier, stopping to take photos along the way, first at Bad Rock Canyon to fill up my water bottles at Shepherd Fountain.
(b1a11-12-09g.20180624.1759) Bad Rock Canyon on the Flathead
(b1a11-12-09g.20180624.1816) Shepherd Fountain on the Flathead
Continuing east on US 2, I begin to get glimpses of the mountains in the national park, but do not stop remembering that there is a downhill section of the highway with the best view of Glacier.
The days are very long here on this northernmost highway and even though it is almost seven this evening, there is still a couple hours of daylight left today.
(b1a11-12-09g.20180624.1858) US highway 2, East of Glacier
I arrive at West Glacier Village, take a photo of Belton Chalet and the train depot, which is no longer a train depot but now is a park visitors center.
(b1a11-12-09g.20180624.1905)
Belton Chalet (Grand Lodge #03) on US 2
(b1a11-12-09g.20180624.1905a) Belton Railway Depot on US 2
Turning into the park, I drive to
Lake McDonald Lodge trail head parking. However, it is really warm here and with the location being right next to the lake, the mosquitoes are horrendous. I load up with oil of Anise and hope for the best.
(Day 943 TB) 60°F. 7:00 am, sun. Elev. 3215 feet.
Overnighting in a trailhead parking lot
Awake, dress, drive south out of the parking lot and stop at Sprague Creek campground picnic area to use the restroom and prepare a meal.
(b1a11-12-09g.20180625.0733) Sprague Campground on Lake McDonald. CRS: 2.0
Then, I leave out of the south end of Glacier and turn east on US 2 to drive along the Middle Ford Flathead river around the bottom of Glacier national park. There are two forks of the Flathead river that rise from the park waters, this one, the middle fork with drains from the south end of Glacier and the North Fork Flathead river which drains water from the east side of Glacier.
The third fork, the South Fork Flathead river flows out of the Hungry Horse reservoir south of Glacier park. All three combine to rise the Flathead before it arrives in Columbia Fall, Montana. Then, the Flathead river rises the Flathead Lake, flows south to rises the Clark Fork, then the Pend Orielle and finally the Columbia river. Thus, the Flathead is part of the Columbia river basin.
After driving east for some distance on US 2 along the Middle Fork Flathead river I see a good photo opportunity, so, I turn the jammer around, back track to a good parking area, then park the jammer and get out to take a few photos.
Upon returning to the jammer, methinks, wow, what could be better than this? I have had the opportunity to photograph the Middle Fork of the Flathead River with what I learn latter is the
Goat Lick trestle bridge, in the background.
I drive a quarter mile and see a turnoff for a view point and I can not help myself, I just must take some more photos of the train trestle. I park the jammer, grab my camera and snap a few more. I notice that there is a information board calling this the Goat Lick Overlook, take a photo of the board and then begin talking with a family who has also stopped at this overlook. Standing by the board, one woman asks me Where can I go to see a mountain goat?
I answer from what I have personally experienced, Mountain goats are usually high on the sides of the mountains which make them hard to see or photograph.
They begin to leave and I walk a little further down the paved walkway and another person asks Did you see the mommy mountain goat and the baby? When I tell her no, she points to where they are. I look through my lens and see that it is a mother and kid. I run to the parking lot and tell the previous family, There are mountain goats here, come see. We all begin to photograph the
mountain goats which include the mother (nanny) with two kids on the opposite side of the Flathead river and several more goats downriver on this side of the river.
After some one hundred and fifty lens actions, I pack out and head up the Flathead river only a short way when the highway leaves the Flathead and turns up Bear Creek, stopping briefly to watch two men offload rafts into the Flathead.
(b1a11-12-09g.20180625.1142) Bear Creek merges into Middle Fork Flathead River
Then I continue up Bear Creek on US 2 and soon arrive at Marias Pass at elevation 5214 feet and stop here to have something to eat.
The Great Northern railway was built through the Marias pass in 1891. However, it was not until 1930 that US highway 2 was completed over this pass and through the Flathead Canyon connecting the two sides of Glacier Park, which also completed the coast to coast northern tier route. The Going to the Sun Highway was not completed until 1933.
(b1a11-12-09g.20180625.1255) Marias Pass and the Great Northern Railway
A short way further east on US 2 is East Glacier Park Village and after stopping to buy a sticker, I turn north on SR 49. Along this highway, I make a brief stops at Glacier Park Lodge and Railroad Depot.
(m4gr.04.18.20180625.1256) Glacier Park Lodge, East Glacier Park Village
Before resuming my drive east on the Northern Tier highway I want to see Two Medicine Camp store and lake again.
Two Medicine Camp store, a general store since 1940, was once Two Medicine Chalet, used by horse travelers to overnight before continuing their horseback exploration of the park.
(b1a11-12-09g.20180625.1347) Two Medicine Lodge
(b1a11-12-09g.20180625.1344) Two Medicine Lodge
After the Great Northern railway was built, Two Medicine Chalet was built in 1914 and by 1925, more than a thousand horses and tens of thousands of visitors were coming to the park.
Resuming the Northern Tier Route
I drive north on SR 49 and connect to US 89 which I take to Browning where after stopping to look for stickers, I rejoin US 2 and continue east.
Immediately after leaving Browning, Montana, the land becomes high prairie and except for the occasional rolling hills is nearly entirely flat. I drive through Cut Bank on the Cut Bank creek which near the town the creek cuts a deep gorge. I then continue to Shelby where I decide that I have had enough of driving on the prairies, so I turn south on IH 15 and drive to Great Falls.
Upon arriving in Great Falls, I locate the w-mart to upload my journal pages and then retire to the nearby d-mart.
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The Journey back to the
High Elevations
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The Journey Back to the High Elevations
26 June 2018 through 15 July 2018
(Day 944 TB) 60°F. 8:00 am, sun. Elev. 3330 feet.
Overnighting in a parking lot
It was warm last night until late and after sleeping in this morning, I drive to the w-mart to continue working on new photo pages and keep working until after one in the afternoon. Then, methinks, I must leave if I want to make it to the mid-week meeting tonight in Bozeman.
After leaving, I still stop for gas and to wash the jammer before heading out on the highway, this time on US 89, the same one that I used yesterday upon leaving Glacier to get to Browning.
US 89 between Great Falls and IH 90 is marked in my atlas as a scenic highway and thus the reason for taking it. Not far after driving through Belt, Montana, I come to Sluice Boxes state park which has a viewpoint right on the highway, so I stop and take a few photos.
(b1a11-12-09g.20180626.1454) Sluice Boxes State Park, Montana
I then continue my drive south on US 89 and the GPS directs me on a twenty mile short cut down SR 86 through Bridgers Canyon which I take to save about fifteen minutes.
(b1a11-12-09g.20180626.1744) Bridger Canyon, Battle Ridge Pass. Elev. 6200 feet.
I arrive at the w-mart at six-twenty, change into my suit, drive to the hall and arrive at six-forty before anyone else arrives. I immediately thank Jehovah for getting me here safe and on time. Soon, I go inside for the mid week meeting and reacquaint myself with the friends.
Afterwards, I drive to the d-mart, see that the moon is very near full so I get out my camera and take a few photos of it and Jupiter.
(Day 945 TB) 48°F. 7:00 am, sun. Elev. 4820 feet.
Overnighting in a parking lot
The sun light and it′s warming effects awake me, I rise, dress in my fall blues, and drive to the w-mart to begin my post of the third section of the Northern Tier Route. It is shortly after noon when I have uploaded my journal entry and new post.
I pack out and head for Yellowstone in search of the overhead photos of
Grand Prismatic springs. This will be the third time that I have gone to Yellowstone this year to get these photos.
Arriving just after three in the afternoon, I park, open the windows and then climb into the back and lie down to try to sleep. Four hours later, I wake up and go inside Old Faithful Inn to buy a vegetable sandwich and a blueberry scone. After eating, I go upstairs to the men′s room and take a hot shower. Wow, does it feel good to get under hot water instead of my daily alcohol rub.
After the shower, I go out to the geyser deck and take a seat on one of the benches. I talk to a few people but it is Courtney who I am able to share my belief about Jehovah and his son, Jesus. She tells me that she was brought up as a Catholic but that she does not have to much faith in the church any more. I reply, that is what happened to me, and when I asked the priest a question, he just dismissed me. Then, I go on to tell here that I spent three years searching around the country for someone who could answer my questions. She then asks me Well, what religion did you find that could answer the questions? to which I told her Jehovah′s Witnesses. Then, she even let me show her several scriptures.
About that time, it was getting close to when the geyser would erupt so we got our cameras ready.
After the geyser blew, I walk back to the jammer and finish my journal entry for today after which I read in the book of Luke for a time before going to sleep.
(Day 946 TB) 44°F. 5:30 am, sun
Full Strawberry Moon
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up early, forego a cup of hot, dress in my fall blues and drive five miles north to the Fairy Falls parking lot, pull in and find it empty. After parking at the trailhead, I open the back, get out my hiking shoes to put on and then get my day pack ready.
(m2wo-pri.20180628.0456) The Jammer at Fairy Falls Trailhead Parking
Soon, I am taking steps on the
Fairy Falls trail, which after about one half mile, come upon the Prismatic Springs Overlook trail. The sign say the overlook is Uphill 400 yards which after a quick mental calculation is less than a quarter mile.
I continue up the hill and upon arriving for my first time at this overlook, I find an expansive view of the springs, the runoff channels, the boardwalks as well as the Firehole river valley and US highway.
However, the prismatic springs is completely covered with condensation steam.
(m2wo-pri.20180628.0604)
Grand Prismatic Springs, Fairy Falls trail Overlook
The rest of today′s story is at the Grand Prismatic Springs, Fairy Falls Trail overlook section. Just click on the above Grand Prismatic link. And yes, I did get the photos that I was wanting to take. Afterwards, I return to the inn parking lot, take a long nap, and when I awake, I go inside to purchase my supper.
After eating, I listen to Tom play piano before retiring to the jammer and getting into the horizontal for the night.
(Day 947 TB) 49°F. 7:00 am, overcast and rain
Overnighting in a parking lot
Upon awaking, I go in for my coffee and also purchase an egg and cheese sandwich and a scone. Then I go up to my
office to continue work on setting up the new photos and web pages.
All day I pound keys, and finally complete the
Grand Prismatic page just before nine this ever
Before I pack out, I catch up on my journal entries, both yesterday′s and today′s. I have been busy pounding keys all day, but during the entire time, I make the effort to talk to people about may web site and when the opportunity presents itself, about the Kingdom of God.
Today has been a good day for talking about the Kingdom, many have turned an ear to hear what I have to say about it.
(Day 948 TB) 39°F. 7:00 am, sun
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake, walk inside for a hot shower, then return to the jammer and head out of the national park, driving west on US 20 first to West Yellowstone, then north on US 191 to Bozeman, Montana. I stop first at a sandwich shop to get a veggy on spinach wrap, then next to the w-mart to upload photos and pages to my web site, and finally to make a new post on the book.
In the late afternoon, I begin feeling like taking a nap but must needs find a shady spot to do that. However, I persist in the key pounding and finish all the posting and journal updating. Then, I pack out drive to the d-mart, park the jammer and add all the stickers that I have obtained in the last week or so, after which, I climb into the jammer and prepare for the evening.
(Day 949 TB) 46°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up late this morning, drive to the w-mart and go in for coffee and to do my study for the meeting today. Then at eight-twenty, I go out to the parking lot, dress in my brown suit and drive to the hall for the weekend meeting.
Afterwards, I drive back to the w-mart and work on photos until the barista comes to my table to tell me that the store is closing in five minutes.
(Day 950 TB) 53°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake, dress in my fall blues, walk inside the d-mart to buy three of my staples: coconut flakes, coconut milk and pecans. Then, I drive to the w-mart and check my com while sipping coffee.
After playing a few games of solitaire, I return to working on Episode one, trying to finish the paperback version.
(Day 951 TB) 50°F. 6:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake, drive to the w-mart, coffee, pound keys.
At six-thirty, I pack out, dress in my suit and head to the hall for the meeting. Afterwards, I drive to the d-mart to overnight. The loud booms begin tonight.
(Day 952 TB) 49°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
It was somewhat cool last night and I slept good. Awake this morning, drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and to continue pounding keys. Too, I am waiting for the review of my book proof at the printers.
I sit in the w-mart until they close and then go for a salad at a nearby restaurant.
(Day 953 TB) 51°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake, dress, drive to w-mart for coffee, com, and to check the progress on the book publishers. I find that it has been approved for printing but after I download a copy of the print file, the book is missing ten pages at the end, so I upload the book file again. Now, I am back at the review stage and will have to wait again.
I work on the
Earth′s Mountains until late and then park outside the w-mart. It is a warm night and I do not get to sleep until late.
(Day 954 TB) 54°F. 8:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake, go inside for coffee and com. I keep checking the progress on my upload to the printer but nothing has happened as yet.
All day, I continue pounding keys and working on the Mountains page, stopping when the sun is very low to go out to the jammer.
(Day 955 TB) 59°F. 8:00 am, overcast
Overnighting in a parking lot
This morning, I get up, go in to the w-mart, and check my book progress but find it is not finished. After a cup of coffee, I dress in my suit and head to the hall for the ministry meeting. I work with Jason, Bailey, and Jordan all morning. Shortly after noon, we return to the hall and depart from one another.
I return to the w-mart to check on my book progress and find it ready for revisions, quite a few. So, I begin pounding keys and do not complete the revisions until late, almost sunset and only after half a dozen submissions.
Now, I must wait again for the review, to see if the book is ready to print. Today begins the second week that I have been working to get the book ready to print and I suspect that it will be soon. Next, I must decide on a location to have the proof copy mailed to.
(Day 956 TB) 54°F. 7:00 am, overcast
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake, go to the w-mart for coffee and to do my study for the meeting at ten this morning. At nine, I am finished and go out to the jammer to dress for the meeting and then drive to the hall. After the meeting, I drive back to the w-mart to check the progress on my book but nothing has changed.
I return to pounding keys but just can not get motivated and then decide to go out and do laundry. I search online and fine one two hundred yards east on the same road as the w-mart, one with five star ratings. I drive there, do my laundry and I too gave it a five star rating. Afterwards, I return to the w-mart and continue pounding keys.
(Day 957 TB) 59°F. 8:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Another very warm evening which keeps me up until late. It does finally cool off and I then sleep very comfortable. Just after eight this morning, I dress, climb out of the jammer and go inside of the w-mart. Yes, I have for several days been overnighting here, simply because it is close to most everything I need.
The area is in the older part of town with a high school across the highway, which is mostly closed for the summer. Too, it is really quite here and I do not have to deal with the parking lot lights common to all the d-marts.
At five this afternoon, I receive an email telling me that my book passed their review process and is ready for my proofing. When I look at the online proof, I find it has the same problem as the last one, the last nine pages are missing. I contact the support and tell them about my problem. Now, it is time to wait again. I then go out to the jammer, see the sun setting, and grab my camera
(b1a11-12-09h.20180709.2014) Sunset in Bozeman, Montanna
There has been a lot of striking sunsets while here in Bozeman, but what I have found is that there are usually too many trees blocking the view.
(Day 958 TB) 60°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up, dress, go in for coffee, com and to pound keys until six this evening. Then I pack out, put on my suit and head to the hall.
I go in and tell several that this is my last meeting here this season, that I am going to find higher elevations for some cooler nights.
(Day 959 TB) 51°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Now, the temperature last night was a little better, but that cool will not be something that will continue here, so I will continue with my drive to higher elevation. I first stop at the w-mart for coffee, com and to check the book progress but there is nothing yet.
(m6fi-beartooth-03.20180711.1029) Yellowstone River East of Bozeman, MT
Leaving Bozeman at ten this morning, I drive east on IH 90 along the Yellowstone river which is mostly farm land, stopping only to photograph the river.
Arriving in Lulling, Montanna I turn south on US 212 and drive along Rock Creek heading upstream on the Beartooth Highway. After a short drive, I arrive in Red Lodge, Montana, a town built on summer tourism and winter snow sports.
I stop at a few stores looking for the ever elusive bumper sticker, but everything else this town has to offer does not interest me.
However, when driving south from town, I stop at a roadside board which reports how Red Lodge got it′s name.
To find out how native American art resulted in this naming of a town in Montana, please see the story at
Red Lodge on the Beartooth Highway.
I continue south on US 212 and the valley begins to turn into a canyon and then signs of ancient water wear show up, particularly hoodoos.
(m6fi-beartooth-03.20180711.1235) Hoodoos south of Red Lodge
Due to the higher altitude that this highway begins on, the hardwoods typical of the farmland quickly give way to evergreens which reach to the summits of the foothills. I continue up the Rock Creek canyon into the Beartooth Mountains.
As the mountain range reaches higher and higher elevations, the green forest grows right up into these higher elevations.
Also, the Beartooth highway makes it′s way up the valley wall and then begins a series of long switchbacks gaining elevation with each and every turn.
(m6fi-beartooth-04.20180711.1250) The Dark Green Forest
Rock Creek Vista View
More than half way through the switchbacks, the highway travels out to a rock precipice on which an overlook has been built.
(m6fi-beartooth-04.20180711.1258) Up Canyon View, Rock Creek Vista
(m6fi-beartooth-04.20180711.1259) Down Canyon View, Rock Creek Vista
There is a parking lot, restrooms and a walkway out to the point overlooking the Rock Creek both up canyon and down canyon.
Shortly after leaving the vista point, at the end of the switchbacks, the Beartooth Highway reaches the treeline.
If you were to scroll down to the bottom of any page on this website and you will find the words See Ya above the Treeline not once but twice.
This expression is one that describes the one place where a wayƒarer desires to take steps upon the way, yes, always searching for the next path above the treeline to take steps upon.
What is remarkable about this highway is that the number of miles of the highway above the treeline is more than most all other highways I have driven.
(m6fi-beartooth-05.20180711.1353) Above the Treeline
(m6fi-beartooth-05.20180711.1503) Above the Treeline
What is the most amazing thing about being above the treeline is that the views are unbounded in nearly all directions.
Summit Path Above the Clouds
Upon arriving at the summit, the view was totally amazing, mountains in almost every direction. The topography was void of any thing but rocks, grass and flowers.
(m6fi-beartooth-09.20180711.1518) Only Rock, Grass, Flowers and Mountains.
(m6fi-beartooth-03.20180711.1432) Oh yes, and the Jammer. Elev. 11,000 feet.
The
Decent Path into Yellowstone
During this very long descent, I find many ponds along the highway, that I begin looking for a nice one to stop at and take a bucket bath. There are so many that it is hard to choose from. I do find a perfect one, get out my bucket and find a nice rock to stand on to dip the bucket in the clear water.
Despite the water being fresh melt from the snow pack, it is amazingly warm, well, at least to me.
(Day 960 TB) 48°F. 8:00 am, sunny. Elev. 7349 feet.
Overnighting in a parking lot
The sleep last night was the best I have had in a week and I do not wish to return to the lower elevations until some time in the fall. However, only time will tell as to where I will be on the next morrow.
I go inside for coffee and key pounding and later in the morning, I got to the mens room for a hot shower. Returning to my office, I begin pounding keys and spend all day viewing, sorting, cropping and categorizing the over 1000 photos taken during the twelve hour drive. At six, a new face appears at the piano, she tells me her name is Megan and she is a music graduate from Indiana. I really like both her music and her voice.
Some time around ten this evening, I pack out and head to the jammer, however, it is a warm evening and sleep does not come quickly.
(Day 961 TB) 49°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up, walk into the inn, set up my computer at my desk, go down for a cup of coffee and sandwich, then return and begin pounding keys. At about nine this morning, I go to the mens room to take a hot shower, then return to the office and continue pounding keys.
At six this evening, Megan arrives and plays until ten. It is nice to have some good music while I work on my photos and journal. Then at ten, I pack out, walk out to the jammer and climb in to get horizontal.
(Day 962 TB) 51°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Exact repeat of yesterday.
(Day 963 TB) 48°F. 5:30 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Rise early, drive to the OF gas station to fill my gas tank and then drive south on the loop road out of Yellowstone and into the Grand Teton. I stop at the Coulter bay c-mart to purchase a bumper sticker and a cup of coffee. Then, I continue south through the park and stop at the Moose Junction visitors center for another sticker. Next, I drive into Jackson, Wyoming and stop at the hall to find the English meeting is at one this afternoon.
I drive back to the g-mart to park in the shade and after setting my alarm lie down to finish my sleep for last evening.
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The Journey to the
Red Desert
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The Journey to the Red Desert
16 July 2018 through 05 August 2018
(Day 964 TB) 60°F. 8:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up late this morning because I was not able to achieve sleep until midnight. Evenings are warm here also. I go to the w-mart for coffee, com and key pounding until one this afternoon. Then, I pack out and drive to the Arapahoe House to help Wayne and Summer work on their front yard landscaping.
At eight pm, I pack out and head for the d-mart. It is another warm night and it is late again before sleep arrives.
(Day 965 TB) 60°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up long after the alarm goes off, drive to the w-mart to repeat what happened yesterday, only it is a little earlier when I go the the Arapahoe House.
At three, I pack out and head to the city pool where there is a hot shower, hot tub and swimming pool. For a senior, it is $2.50 to entrance and you can stay as long as you wish. I take a hot shower first, then to into the hot tub for fifteen minutes. Then I go into the cold water swimming pool and after that, alternate between the hot and cold for several hours until I have swam eight laps in the pool which is 1/4 mile.
Finally, I take another shower, put on dry clothes, drive to the w-mart to check on com and find that my book is now ready for my proofing. I download a copy and then go out the the jammer to dress in my suit after which I drive to the hall for the mid week meeting.
A person who lives in Baytown, Texas texts me to let me know that he wants to buy all my vending product. I tell him that I need to contact my sister and then arrange with her to have it ready to meet him at the w-mart near her home at a specific time. He then texts me back to tell me that he can not make it then and will get back to me later. I would really like to get rid of the last of my vending stuff.
At about ten this evening, I have left the hall, driven back to the d-mart and got into the horizontal. However, it is hot again tonight and up late for another night.
(Day 966 TB) 59°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up, drive to the w-mart for coffee, and the first thing is to purchase four copies of my book proof to have shipped here to the Arapahoe house. By nine this morning, I have ordered the proofs and pay for the expedited shipping so that it will arrive by Monday, 23 July. I then continue pounding keys the rest of the day.
At shortly after five this afternoon, I get an email that the book proofs have been shipped. That is good news because maybe it will arrive early next Monday. It would be nice is it got here before Monday. Countdown, five days and a wakeup.
When the w-mart closes, I pack out, drive to the d-mart and climb into the back of the jammer. Although not as hot as it has been, it is still too hot to go right to sleep so I just read for a while.
(Day 967 TB) 57°F. 8:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Arise, coffee, com, key pounding. After leaving the w-mart, I drive to a Mexican restaurant and I am disappointed with what they call food. I return to the d-mart for the night. Still waiting for my proof books to arrive.
It is really hot this evening and I am up until after midnight before it cools off enough for sleep.
(Day 968 TB) 60°F. 8:30 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
It is quite this morning, so I rise, coffee, com and more key pounding while awaiting the proof books to arrive. At seven, I pack out and head to the Mexican restaurant that I wanted to go to last night but I arrived at closing.
Tonight, however, I arrive early enough to have a really nice meal, aftershock, I drive to the d-mart for then evening but it is after midnight again before it cooling off enough to sleep.
(Day 969 TB) 57°F. 8:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake, drive to the w-mart for coffee, then leave right away to put on clothes for the ministry and then drive to the hall for the ministry meeting. I work with, Jim, Vern, and Conner this morning. Afterwards, I drive to the Bitter Creek house and pick up my box of books that arrived. I leave there and drive back to the w-mart for some key pounding.
Then when the w-mart closes, I drive to the d-mart for the evening.
(Day 970 TB) 55°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake, drive to the w-mart and do my Bible study for the meeting today. At nine, I pack out put on my suit and head to the hall for the weekend meeting.
Afterwards, I drive to the Bitter Creek house to help Wayne and Larry build the fence around the front yard. At six this evening, we all go inside for a meal, a very tasty one. After that, we finish the fence, pack away the tool and then I return to the w-mart for more key pounding. At nine, I retire to the d-mart.
(Day 971 TB) 53°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake early today because it became cool enough for me to fall asleep before ten last evening. I drive to the civic center for a hot shower and then head to the w-mart for coffee, com and key pounding.
(Day 972 TB) 55°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake, drive to the w-mart, and continue pounding keys.
At six, I pack out, drive to the c-mart to put on my suit and then head to the hall for the midweek meeting. Afterwards, I drive back to the d-mart for the night, a really hot one.
(Day 973 TB) 57°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Upon rising, I drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and to pound keys. Then, I upload all my work to the web site.
A windstorm blows through stirring up a lot of dust but the wind also cools everything off. At eight, I pack out and drive to the d-mart for the evening expecting another hot one. I lie down and read for a while but I am able to get to sleep quite early tonight.
(Day 974 TB) 54°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
I sleep good during the night, especially since it was not a hot night. I awake, wet my hair and comb it, then put on my jeans and head to the w-mart for coffee, com and key pounding. Also, I have been thinking about the fact that the current journey of a thousand days in nearing it′s end and must needs begin getting the web page for the next one ready. That, in fact is what I will work on starting today.
At six this evening, I pack out, drive to the Bitter Creek House and find Wayne painting the house foundation a dark charcoal gray, nearly the same as the facia and soffit color. I tell him the old house is looking good.
(b7-wy-bittercreek-18.20180726.2035) The
Bitter Creek House at dusk
While still at the Bitter Creek house, I see that the moon is rising, I turn and on the opposite horizon, see a dark red sunset. Then, the moon disappears into a low cloud cover, so, I leave and head for the d-mart parking lot.
Upon arriving, I grab my camera and photograph the full buck moon that is rising into the night.
(m5he-ch.fu-07.20180726.2126)
Buck Moon, also know as the Thunder Moon
Afterwards, I climb back to the jammer and because it is not as hot as it was last week, it is not too late when I fall asleep.
Full Buck Moon
(Day 975 TB) 56°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up earlier today than many in the last eleven days here in Rock Springs and it is nice that I am able to get to sleep earlier too. I drive to the w-mart for coffee and to await for a call from Summer to meet her at the h-mart to buy and outdoor receptacle for the front porch. At noon, I still have not hear from her so I continue to pound keys. Then, in the early afternoon, she come in for a glass of caffeine and tells me that she has too much to do today. I continue pounding keys and update the chapters in Quire eleven.
At eight this evening, I pack out, drive to the d-mart to buy a salad and then retire for the evening. I will be looking for the moon again tonight.
(Day 976 TB) 54°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Up to a nice morning after having slept good last night and drive to the w-mart for coffee and com. I do not stay long but soon leave to put on my suit and drive to the hall for the ministry meeting. There is a crew of maintenance inspectors that have driven in from Salt Lake city and the friends here have made a breakfast buffet ready for them. After the ministry meeting, we all visit for a few minutes before we all get to work.
I go out with Kenedy, Allie, Norma and we do calls for two hours before heading back to the hall. Then, I drive back to the w-mart for some more key pounding.
Then at eight this evening, I pack out and retire to the d-mart for the evening.
(Day 977 TB) 55°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake early this morning, well, earlier that I have been for several weeks because of the cooler temperature last evening. Yes, finally, I am able to catch up a little on my sleep debt. Rising, I drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and to finish my study for the meeting today. Afterwards, I pack out, put on my suit in the parking lot, begin driving to the hall and because I still have a little less than an hour before the meeting, I stop at a aw-mart to clean the outside of the jammer. Then I drive to the hall for the weekend meeting.
After that, I drive to the park on Pearl street because it has some large shade trees next to the street, park and take a nap, the first one I have had in, oh, about a month. Then I drive to the Bitter Creek house and check on installing a outside receptacle but we do not find a existing one to connect to, so Wayne tells me that instead, he will put in a photo cell panel that he can run the pond pump .
After that, I drive back to the w-mart to get into the air conditioning and pound keys until the sun goes down.
(Day 978 TB) 56°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Another comfortable night, awake early and head to the w-mart to upload files. After the upload, I continue working on the last proof.
At eight this evening, I pack out and head to the d-mart for the night.
(Day 979 TB) 58°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
It was a little bit warmer last evening, and I get up later this morning, and since the w-mart parking is packed, I drive to the civic center to take a hot shower first. Afterwards, I return to the w-mart, park, go inside and do my coffee, com and key pounding.
Then, at six this afternoon, I pack out, put on my suit and drive to the hall for the midweek meeting which is very encouraging. I then drive to the d-mart and park for the night.
(Day 980 TB) 50°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Last night was quite nice because at the end of the day, a wind storm blew in and cooled the air. I was able to get to quickly and sleep comfortably all night. This morning, I arise early, drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and another long day of key pounding
At eight this evening, I pack out, drive to the d-mart and park for the night.
(Day 981 TB) 57°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake early, drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and key pounding. Today, I spend the entire day working on the proof of episode one.
Just before eight this evening, I have complete the proof to the end of Passage Three, The Me. Too, as I complete the proof, I also print a digital copy in .pdf format and at the end of the day complied the several digital copies into single volume, one for the paperback version and another for the digital version.
Gordon, calls me to tell me that he has found a van for seven hundred dollars but it is about three hundred miles distance. I tell him that I can come Monday to take him there after my package arrives.
At eight, I drive to the d-mart, go inside and buy a salad, return to the jammer to chop up an onion and then eat my supper before retiring for the night.
(Day 982 TB) 58°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Sleep comfortable again last night even though it was a little warm until about ten. Awake this morning having a very nice dream Arising, I dress, drive to the w-mart and go in for coffee, com and another day of key pounding.
(Day 983 TB) 56°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake, drive to the w-mart for coffee, read the text and some of the study article it is take from, but do not stay long. Instead, pack out, dress in my suit and then drive to the hall for the ministry meeting. I am assigned to work with Ernest, Virginia and Lenny. We do a lot of calls and during the morning, Lenny tells me about the springs here in this desert town.
Afterwards, I return to the w-mart and work on a few more chapters of proofing. When each chapter is completed, I then attach them to the growing digital and paperback book files. By the end of today, I have completed the books through chapter twenty-two.
Then, shortly before eight this evening, I pack out, drive to the d-mart for the night and as I pull in, the sun begins to set over White Mountain, so I get out my camera and take several photos.
(m2cont-nam-geol-de-red.20180804.1912) Sunset over White Mountain, Rock Springs, WY
It is at this moment that I realize I have been spending this month in the Red Desert and should add a page to my Desert Gallery. I will begin soon and next year, I will spend time photographing some of the sights.
(Day 984 TB) 56°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Upon awaking, I drive to the w-mart for coffee and to finish studying for the meeting today. Then, I pack out, dress in the parking lot and drive to the meeting. Both the talk and the study are exceptional and sharing the study with the congregation here in Rock Springs is a special privilege as these friends have such a outstanding understanding of the scriptures.
Afterwards, I return to the d-mart to shop for a few pantry items and then drive back to the w-mart start the journal entry for today. Then at three-thirty this afternoon, I pack out and drive to the Bitter Creek house to see if I can help Wayne set some posts in concrete.
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The Journey to the
Coast in search of Cool
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The Journey in Search of Cool
06 August 2018 through 21 August 2018
(Day 985 TB) 49°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Sleep well last night with it very being the first time to drop below fifty degrees for nearly a month, in fact, on Day
963 TB, but that was when I was last in Yellowstone for four days to escape the heat that had arrived in Bozeman. I am glad it has cooled off, at least for a day or so, but the cool temperature is going to be short lived as later in the week, it will return to the nineties for the highs and the mid sixties for the lows at night. Even so, mid sixties is not too hot to sleep in, however, the problem is that it takes until ten or eleven in the evening before it cools of enough for me to be able to sleep. This summer is much hotter here that it was last year.
At two this afternoon, I drive to the Bitter Creek house to await for my package, wait for about an hour until it arrives. Then, after I check the contents, I then say goodbye to my friends, leave Rock Springs and begin my drive to the Oregon Coast, where I hope to find a much cooler location to stay during rest of summer this year.
Driving north on US 191 takes me through the
Red Desert, over the Rim pass (8000 feet) and down along the Hoback river to the Hoback junction just south of Jackson, Wyoming. Here, I turn left and follow US 26 west along the Snake river and shortly thereafter enter Utah. It is somewhat of a long drive, about five hours and arrive in Idaho Falls just before sunset, drive to the d-mart and take up a space near the other overnighters.
(Day 986 TB) 50°F. 6:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake early and try but can not get back to sleep, so get out of the sack at six-thirty. I then drive to the w-mart in the adjacent parking lot and go in for coffee, com and some key pounding to create and then upload the newest desert page to the
Earth Gallery.
I continue working on my computer until noon when I pack out and head west to the
Lava Flow campground for the night arriving before three, find space 33 open and set up camp here. I meet Larry just across the road who says he has been here for a week and we talk briefly. Then, I begin preparations of my Repast finishing by four, climb inside and eat while I pound keys. I had charged all my batteries on the drive here so I have ample time to work on my computer.
In the afternoon, I take a nap and as soon as the sun goes down, it begins to cool off, so I get out my bucket, walk to the water spigot to fill it and return to the jammer and take a bucket bath. Wow, does that make a difference in how I feel.
Not long after the sun sets, the planets come out, first Venus in the west about three hand above the sunset then Jupiter south by southwest. I check with my camera to confirm that these planets are what I say they are.
I am able to get one photo that shows Jupiter with two of it′s moons, the other two could be behind the planet or even in front of it, I just am not sure. But to see any moons confirms that it is Jupiter, the only planet that the moons are big enough to see with a telescope or a zoom cameral such as I have.
(b1a11-12-09g.20180807.2059) Jupiter and two of the four Galilean Moons
As the dayglow diminishes even more, I see Saturn low in the southeast and what looks like could be Mars due south
What a clear moonless night and after the even, when it is fully dark, I see Cassiopeia, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, Draco and then the summer triangle with Vega, Denab and Altair. Also, I make out the Milky Way. By ten this evening, I call it good and get into the horizontal. Still, I stick my head out all night long to see how the stars are progressing.
Finally, at four in the morning, I look out and see the waning crescent moon about three hands above the horizon, with the dayglow just beginning beneath it.
(Day 987 TB) 55°F. 6:00 am, sunny
Lava Flow Campgroundd, # 33, CRS:5.0
Awake, dress, start the jammer and begin my drive to Oregon by continuing on US 20 west to Mountain Home, gas up and drive west from there on IH 84 through Boise, into Oregon and keep driving until I reach La Grande where I stop at the d-mart for some spinach, an onion, a avocado and some coconut milk. Then, I get back on the interstate and drive about ten miles when I realize that I forgot to buy gasoline and I was needing some badly. I turn around, drive back to La Grande and fill up.
Then, I return to driving west on IH 84 the twenty-nine miles to Emigrant Springs campground, check in and set up my camp. Then because it is so hot, I take a nap, wake up right before sunset and walk to the shower house for a hot shower first and after rinse with a cold shower. I walk back to the jammer and wait for dark hoping that it will cool down somewhat.
(b1a11-12-09g.20180808.1926) Jammer parked in space B13 at Emigrant Springs
Tomorrow, I will drive to the coast, hoping to find a campground but if they are full as I suspect they will be at this time of the year, i will drive down the coast to where there is a d-mart and stay there at night, going to the w-mart during the day.
Another warm evening and it is not until midnight before it cools down inside the jammer.
(Day 988 TB) 50°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Although I wanted to rise and begin on the road early, I was still in the sack at half past seven this morning. I stow my extension cord, start the jammer and drive to the men′s room before leave out of the park and heading west on IH 84. I stop at the bottom of the mountain to purchase a cup of coffee and then continue until Cascade Locks to take another photo of the Bridge of the Gods, thinking that the light on the bridge will be better but it is still not what I would like to have. Methinks I must come in the late afternoon for the lighting to be just right.
Continuing on IH84 to IH5 where I turn south through Portland and take exit 294 at Tigard west on SR99W, following this state route southwest to the Dayton bypass, SR18 west over the coast range, all awhile with the temperatures in the high nineties and possibly low 100′s. After seven hours of driving the jammer, I turn onto US 101, drive through Lincoln city, then south for another twenty-five miles, stop at the w-mart and check my com and reply to several messages.
As I sit there at the w-mart, I can not believe how much colder it is here on the coast that it has been for me during the entire last two months, that is all of June, July and the first week of August. This has truly been a hot summer and the jammer does not have air conditioning.
Despite my searching for higher elevations in the mountains of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho, nothing compares to the chill that I now am experiencing here in Newport on the Oregon coast. Being here in this area just makes me think that I need to find a warm place to go.
This is exactly what I have been looking for this entire summer, a place where it is not so hot that I can not get to sleep when the sun sets.
At six, I leave the w-mart, drive to the d-mart to put on my suit and then at seven, I drive to the hall just north of town for the midweek meeting.
Then, after the meeting, I drive back into town stopping at the d-mart and set up for the evening. Outside the jammer, it is already below sixty degrees, but it is also very wet from the thick fog that is covering the coast.
5
(Day 989 TB) 49°F. 8:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake after a very comfortable sleep to a sunny morning. The dew from the thick fog last night is heavy on the outside of the jammer. I dress, start the jammer and drive to the w-mart for coffee, com, and key pounding.
Continue my work on the proof of episode one. As the day progresses the clear blue sky gives way to the marine layer as I remain inside pounding on keys.
During the mid day, the fog lifts and the sky becomes blue for a few hours, but then returns and everything is wet again. At nine-thirty this evening, I finish the first section of the Journey of the I in episode one, print it as a pfd and then add it to the back of new copy of episode one.
Finally, I pack out and head to the d-mart for the night.
(Day 990 TB) 52°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake, dress, drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and more key pounding as I continue working on the proof. At noon, Steve, dressed in motorcycle gear approaches me and asks why I am working on my day off. I tell him, This is not work, I converting my journals into books, and hand him one of my cards and show him the proof copy of episode one. He looks at the card and asks Where can I buy a copy of this book?
I smile, point to the jammer and tell him, I have one right out there in my van. We go outside and I sell him a proof copy, my first sale of this July 18, 2018 printing. I use some of the money to buy a chocolate chip cookie and then return to my key pounding.
By one this afternoon, as the temperature rises just above sixty, the fog is gone and the sky has turned blue again.
(Day 991 TB) 55°F. 8:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
I sleep late this morning, then rise, drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and to prepare for the meeting today at one this afternoon. After the meeting, I return to the w-mart but the power adapter for my computer is not in the carry bag. I ask one of the barista if it has been turned in but they did not see it under the counter. Since without it I only have one charge to continue working on my computer. So, I pack out, drive to the state park campground, check in and get assigned site c-03.
After I set up camp, I then do a spring cleaning on the jammer and burn all the paper trash and put all the plastic in garbage bags. Then, just after sunset, I walk to the shower house and take a hot shower. Returning to the jammer, I turn on the computer and finish writing today′s journal entry. Until I acquire a replacement power adapter, I will limit time to just journal writing. At nine-thirty this evening, I turn of the electronics, the light and get into the sack.
(Day 992 TB) 53°F. 6:30 am, fog
Rising, I pack out and head into town to the w-mart, go inside for coffee and ask the barista if my computer power adapter has been found. After looking under the counter, she says that she does not see it. I then decide that I need to buy a replacement one, leave the w-mart and begin the two hour drive to Salem where there is an e-mart that most likely will have a replacement power adapter. Upon arriving at the store, I ask the clerk who must ask the department manager who take us right to where there is a 90 watt adapter for forty dollars. I buy the adapter and then stop at a nearby o-mart to get a flashlight to replace for one that has quit working.
With both of these items in hand, I then head to the w-mart here in Salem and try out the new power adapter. Immediately, upon plugging it into the computer, I get a message stating HP recommends you use the power adapter that came with your PC. I click ok and only wish I had that power adapter. I continue working on the final proof of episode one and once all but the appendix is done, I pack out and head back to Newport.
Arriving in Newport shortly after ten this evening, I go directly to the d-mart, climb into the back to get horizontal. A few minutes later, someone knocks on the outside of the jammer. Upon looking out the window, I see two store employees, one with a clipboard. I open the door and the one with the clipboard tells me that the store is now required to enforce a town ordinance against overnight parking. I get up, start the jammer and drive north out of town, stop at large parking area aside the highway right above Otter Rocks and park for the night.
It is very dark here and also noisy from the highway but I am able to get right to sleep because I am so tired. Methinks, the west coast is becoming ever so unfriendly to overnighters. Too, I will stick around long enough to say goodbye the the friends here at the hall.
(Day 993 TB) 50°F. 8:00 am, fog
Overnighting in a roadside park
After a late night and sleeping late, I drive back into Newport to the w-mart for coffee, com and some key pounding with the computer being charged by my new power adapter. Each time I plug it in with the charger, I get the same message, HP recommends you use the power adapter that came with your PC. Duh, I only wish that I had that power adapter.
A little later, the store manager comes out to check the front dining area and I ask him if he has seen the adapter that I forgot here in the store. He goes back and asks the other baristas and then comes out to tell me that no one has seen it. I thank him to which he says that he will keep an eye out for it and then he goes back to work. I too return to my key pounding. About ten minutes, he comes back to where I am and says, I found it in the back of the store. I unplug the generic adapter and plug in the one that came with my computer and do not get the message again.
Then, I continue my key pounding until dark-thirty, pack out and drive to the Otter Crest roadside park for the night.
(Day 994 TB) 55°F. 7:00 am, foggy
Overnighting in a roadside park
Up to a very foggy morning, dress, start the jammer and drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and to continue with the proof work. Once it is done, as least complete enough for me to do a proof print, I pack out and drive to the state park to secure a campsite for the night.
Even though both the sign on the highway and the one at the campground entrance both say Campground is Full, I still drive up to the range pay station and ask if there is an electric site open. The ranger looks on her computer and two minutes later, she says, yes, I have one for you. I give her my special access card and she hands me the camping certificate to hang on my rear view mirror. I am in!
The campsite is all the way to the back section of the campground, Loop E and my site is number 27. I pull in, connect the electric, and get out my cooking gear to cook a pot of Repast. I share a taste with the lady in the site next to mine and she says that it taste pretty good. Then, I sit down at the board and have supper. The day comes to an end and as the campers settle in to there RV′s for the night, it becomes both very quite and very dark. In the backgound, the foghorn near the lighthouse sounds every ten seconds and the muffled sound of harbor seals barking along the river inlet continue all night.
(Day 995 TB) 50°F. 7:00 am, foggy
South Beach State Park, space E27 CRS: 7.0
(m4camp-07-sou.20180816.0914) Overnighting at South Beach State Park
Awake after a good night′s sleep, rise and dress, then walk to the shower house for a hot shower. After coming back to the jammer, I eat the remaining Repast from last night and then turn on my computer to begin today′s journal entry. By eight-thirty, there are a lot of people out and about in the neighborhood. Yes, the state park is so much like an inner city neighborhood. At nine, I unplug and drive into town and stop at the w-mart. I continue all day checking for the indication that the printer has completed the review but by six this evening, I have not heard from them so I pack out and begin getting ready for the meeting.
First, I put on my suit, then drive to the hall and complete my study for this evening. Finally, at about seven pm, I go inside to enjoy the meeting. Afterwards, I drive north on US 101 to the roadside park at Otter Rocks, change out of my suit and then get into the back of the jammer for the evening.
(Day 996 TB) 50°F. 7:00 am, foggy
Overnighting in a parking lot
Upon awaking, I dress, start the jammer and drive north of US 101, stopping in Lincoln City for a cup of coffee and then proceed north cup in hand. I drive until noon and arrive at Fort Stevens state park but it is full so instead will park in the d-mart tonight. Next, I drive to the w-mart to check on the status of the print review and find it ready for ordering a proof copy. I call Gordon to check with him and when he give me the ok, I order proof copies and have them shipped to him.
I continue the afternoon working on the next book. At seven, I head for the d-mart, set up and then begin cooking a pot of Repast. When it is done, I clean up the kitchen, move inside the jammer to eat and work on the computer for a short time. Then by nine this evening, I put away the computer and get into the horizontal.
(Day 997 TB) 50°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Upon awaking, I drive to the w-mart and find that the proof order has shipped and on its way to Bend Oregon. I resume my work on the next book.
(Day 998 TB) 55°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake, dress, drive, sip coffee, study for the meeting. At noon, I put on my suit and then drive south on US 101 to Seaside, Oregon to the hall and go in for the meeting. Several people call me by my first name because they remember me. This always makes me feel good.
Afterwards, I drive across the street to the w-mart to continue pounding keys until just before dark, then drive back to the d-mart in Warrenton. I go in to buy a new pair of jeans because the one I am wearing is disintegrating, now after having purchased these two pairs only ten years ago.
(Day 999 TB) 59°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Overnighting in a parking lot
Awake, dress, drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and key pounding, continuing with the next story. At five this afternoon, I pack out and drive to the d-mart to begin my supper preparations.
I make my Repast, a double portion again, clean up my kitchen, then get into the jammer to eat and turn on my computer to play some solitaire. By eight this evening, I am done eating, put away the computer and get into the horizontal. I have been thinking about tomorrow being the end of another journey of a thousand days and Wednesday starting not only a new journey but also one with a little different way of doing things.
Sometime after midnight, a police officer knocks on the outside of the jammer and tells me that there is an ordinance in Warrenton against overnighting in the city. Since there are so many other RV′s here, he does allow me to sleep here for the night. He did comment that he has seen me here for a few nights, which makes me think that the police are looking for those who are sticking around in the parking lots, not just spending a night or two.
(Day 1000 TB) 50°F. 7:00 am, sun through the fog
Overnighting in a parking lot
Arise, dress, and immediately see that that sun is red, grab my camera and take a few photos. Methinks, it must be red because of all the fires in the western states this summer.
(b1a11-12-09j.20180821.0710) Red Sun seen through the Fog and Smoke
After that, I drive to the state park and stop at the shower house for a hot shower.
Afterwards, I drive south on US 101 to Seaside and stop at the w-mart for coffee, com and some key pounding.
I continue in the w-mart until six, when I pack out, dress in my suit and drive to the hall for the mid-week meeting. Afterwards, I return to a g-mart to overnight.
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This Page Last Updated: 31 May 2026
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