Online Journal. Quire Eleven, Chapter Fifteen. The Quest for The Solace: Part Eight On Loving God′s Son, Jesus

(Day 701 TS) 56°F. 6:00 am, sunny and clear

27,500 DA, or 929 full moons, -1921 DR70, 1722 DR80, NLJ: DAY 552

Winter Sojourn, Day 14

Coordinates: 26.5901100, -99.1541350

Elevation: 310 feet

Sleeping in the Jammer

Falcon State Park Campground # 68

Coastal Plains Region

Southern Inland Plains Ecoregion

Awake, arise, dress in my fall blues, climb forward, start the jammer and wait for a short time for it to warm up. Then, I drive out of the campsite to the shower house where I grab my towel and shower bag and go inside for a hot shower. After my shower, I then drive to the Recreation Hall, grab my computer bag and go inside for some hot coffee and a couple of cookies. I work on my computer for some time and visit with several of the campers as they come and go.

Then, at noon, since the Recreation Hall is closing, I pack out to the jammer and drive back to my campsite, and upon arriving, I back in to the campsite until the tires hit the concrete, step outside, walk to the rear of the jammer, step up onto the concrete, open the rear lift door and begin unloading the first storage box our of the rear passenger side. I first unload the contents onto the picnic table, then take the box out, clean the box and then set both the box and its lid in the sun to dry. While that box is drying, I unload the contents of the second box and stack them right next toe the contents from the first box. Then I take out the second box and because the box is clean enough, I only clean the lid, setting it in the sun to dry. Now that the two boxes have been removed, I can start to work on my primary reason for removing the boxes, that of taking the plastic wall panel out so that I can install a new light blocking shade over the rear window behind that panel. I want to remove the wall panel so that I will have access to the glass and the mounting areas around the window. Having this access allows me to install the light block shade against the window securing it by taping it to the metal body part. This way, the shade will not fall off of the window.

Once the wall panel is removed and outside on the concrete, I return to inside the jammer, trip the window shade, tape it to the metal body parts all the way around the perimeter of the window. When I have completed that portion of this job, then I carry the wall panel back into the jammer and begin to reinstall the panel screws back into their locations. It is funny, when I finished reinstalling the wall panel, I had two screws left over. I will hold on to them because you never know when you need an extra screw.

Next, I grab the now dry storage bins, put them in their places and then begin to carry the contents of these bins, which have been sitting on the picnic table the entire time. Once the contents are all back in their places, I the return the two lids onto the storage bins and put the bedding back on top of the bins.

The next step is to re-install the clothing hanger and then sort through and hang all of my clothing again. While doing this, I am able to set numerous pieces of clothing in a pile for donating or even tossing in a garbage receptacle. Also, I put all of the older hangers in a pile for the same destination. Finally, after nearly everything is back in its place, I take a couple of photos of my accomplishments. Then, I close up the rear of the jammer, climb back through the drivers door, set up my computer and resume my key pounding.

Later, because I am so tired from the work that I have done today, that I choose not the cook my evening meal and only eat some fruit and nuts while I am pounding keys. When the sun come near to the horizon, I step outside to take some photos, but my phone is truly not a great camera. Nevertheless, I take multiple photos hoping a few will come out clear. Then at about nine this evening, with me being complete done in, I get into the horizontal for the night.

Tuesday, 13 January 2026, Falcon Heights, Texas.

(Day 702 TS) 48°F. 7:00 am, overcast

Winter Sojourn, Day 15

Moon: Moon at Apogee (Farthest Distance From Earth)

Sleeping in the Jammer

Falcon State Park Campground

Campsite Number 68

Awake, arise, dress in my fall blues, start the jammer engine, let it warm up a little and then pull forward about twenty feet. I then step outside and check out the campsite and see all kinds of small pieces of debris on the ground but none of it is mine, so, I decide that it is not my responsibility to clean it up at this time. I return to the drivers seat and then drive out of the campsite to begin driving to the Recreation Hall. On the way, I see a northern crested Caracara but it is too far away to photograph it. I continue driving and as soon as I leave the loop and begin driving on the pard road, I see a lone coyote crossing the road, but it immediately reverses it direction and disappears in the thicket. Again, I am not able to photograph it and continue driving east until I arrive at the first stop sign. To the right is Catfish Lane leading down to the boat ramp. Straight across is east bound Cenizo Loop leading one third of a mile to the Recreation center and then to the park exit. I turn left, drive the length of two football fields and then turn right into the Full Hook Up Campsite section which road is now called the Javelina Run and includes sites 201 through 231 and drive to the shower house in this area. I pull into the shower house parking lot, stop out of the jammer, walk to the rear of the jammer, raise the rear lift door to grab my shower bag and towel. Then, I walk to the first door and walk into the handicap private shower room. Once inside, I take a shower with steamy hot water, so much so that I must needs add some cold water to keep the water from being too hot.

Afterwards, I leave the shower house, drive back to Cenizo Loop, drive back around it to the Recreation Hall where I pull into the parking lot there and park directly in front of the entrance door. Then, I must needs wait until nine this morning when the door opens. While I wait, I move my three cups and set them on the dash. I then grab my sierra cup, step outside, walk to the rear of the jammer, open the rear lift door and fill the cup with the ingredients of my Daystart™. Also, I grab two of my tea bags and put them in my pocket. Finally, I walk back to the drivers door and sit down on the seat to await for the volunteer host to arrive.

At nine, the volunteer arrives who is working today, turns on the open sign and unlocks the front door. I grab hold of my three cups, grab my keys out of the ignition and then walk inside for coffee and hot water. After preparing my three cup meal, I sit down at a table and begin eating. While I am still in the hall, several of the husbands walk in for coffee or just to say hello. I greet the ones that I know. Finally, after finishing my meal and cleaning the cups, I pack out to the jammer, climb into the drivers seat and start the jammer engine. Then, after two overnights, I back out of the parking lot, drive out of the campground, drive to US 83 where I turn southeast and drive the seventy miles to the w-mart in McAllen

Wednesday, 14 January 2026, McAllen, Texas.

(Day 703 TS) 48°F. 7:00 am, overcast

Winter Sojourn, Day 16

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Coastal Plains Region

Western Gulf Coastal Plains Ecoregion

Coordinates: 26.1901745, -98.2098190

Elevation: 113 feet

Awake, arise, dress in my fall blues, start the jammer engine, wait for it to warm up, drive out of the d-mart parking lot, drive across Jackson Avenue, enter the w-mart parking lot, back in to park, carry my computer bag inside, set up at the round table, coffee, com, key pounding and eat my Daystart™.

Then, at eight this evening, I pack out of the w-mart, drive across the street to the w-burger for a double meat, no cheese, all the way with extra onions. I sit down inside to eat and afterwards, I drive to the d-mart to park in the parking lot for the night.

Just another routine day during my the winter hiatus in the south Texas city.

Thursday, 15 January 2026, McAllen, Texas.

(Day 704 TS) 46°F. 6:00 am, sunny

Winter Sojourn, Day 17

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise, dress in my fall blues, start the jammer engine, wait for it to warm up, drive out of the d-mart parking lot, drive to the w-burger for coffee and egg wrap, then drive across Jackson Avenue, enter the w-mart parking lot, back in to park, carry my computer bag inside, set up at the round table, then more coffee, com, key pounding and later, some hot tea.

Just had to mix it up a little so that I could say: sometimes, it is not a routine.

Friday, 16 January 2026, McAllen, Texas.

(Day 705 TS) 45°F. 7:00 am, sunny

Winter Sojourn, Day 18

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise, dress in my fall blues, climb forward into the drivers seat, start the jammer engine and after waiting a short time, I pull out of the parking lot, drive to the wmart, which is really busy today, and park in the handicap parking space. I then grab my computer bag, walk inside, set up at the round table in the front corner and then walk to the counter to ask for a cup of coffee and a cup of hot water. After receiving my order, I then return to the table, sit down, prepare my Daystart™ and then begin eating while I pound the keys upon my computer, first to begin today′s journal entry and later to continue work on my web site.

Then, at four-thirty, the w-mat closes early due to a business meeting and I drive across Jackson Avenue for a w-burger, sitting inside eating and then just watching videos on my phone until dark arrives to the outside. I then pack out to the jammer but it is still fairly warm when I start the jammer and drive to my overnight location. After opening both side slide windows, a light breeze blows though and it is comfortable enough for me. I end up watching an old sci-fi series video and after, at about nine, get into the horizontal for the night.

Saturday, 17 January 2026, McAllen, Texas.

(Day 706 TS) 39deg;F. 6:00 am, sunny

Winter Sojourn, Day 19

Meteor Shower: Ursae Minorid shower

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake early, arise, dress in my fall blues and after starting the jammer engine, I drive to the w-mart, park in the front space and walk inside to setup my computer at the large round table in the corner. I then first begin today′s journal entry, after which I open more of the website files that I will be working on during this day.

After a day of upgrading many more of my pages from the Steps Afield category, I pack out long after it becomes dark, drive to my regular overnight location, read for a while and finally get into the horizontal.

Sunday, 18 January 2026, McAllen, Texas.

(Day 707 TS) 39°F. 7:00 am, sunny

Winter Sojourn, Day 20

Moon: New Moon

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise, dress in my fall blues, climb forward, start the jammer engine and drive to the w-mart where I will spend another day inside the cafe, sipping hot coffee, then hot tea, pounding keys to upgrade more of my web site files. At eleven-thirty this morning, I connect using the Zoom app to the Oak Harbor, Congregation and have to wait for fifteen minutes until anyone else connect to the congregations squares and I give a greeting to those when they do. When the meeting begins, there is a visiting speaker from Burlington, Washington who traveled to Whidbey Island to give the talk, which afterwards, we do the Watchtower study concerning those who performs as care givers in these last days and how they can endure with that work and how others in the congregation can provide help and/or encouragement. When the meeting ends, only myself and the Radke family stay to talk.

Later, I return to my key pounding work which I continue for the remainder of this day. At sunset, like all those days that I have stay here in this cafe, hordes of grackles fly into this area and take a place on the electrical wires and tree branches all about this area where they will roost for the night. After dark settles upon the evening, I drive to the w-burger for something to eat and afterwards drive to the d-mart to park for the night.

Monday, 19 January 2026, McAllen, Texas.

(Day 708 TS) 40°F. 6:30 am, sunny

Winter Sojourn, Day 21

Meteor Shower: Ursae Minorid shower

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake early, rise, dress, start the jammer, drive to the w-mart, walk inside, set up my computer at the round table and begin pounding keys not only before my first alarm sounds, but also before the grackles leave their nightly perch for their day of activity. As I pound keys to start today′s journal entry, the dim glow in the east grows lucent, slowly turning the night into the new day .

Suddenly, my phone bellows forth with my first wakeup alarm and after turning that off, I look up again to see that the plague of grackles have left the area, well, all but the half dozen or so whom decided to sleep in. I then returned to my key pounding and move to the work on the Roadpath formatting and documentation.

Tuesday, 20 January 2026, McAllen, Texas.

(Day 709 TS) 62°F. 6:00 am, sunny

Winter Sojourn, Day 22

Comet: C/2024 E1(Wierzchos) passes Periheion

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise, dress, start the jammer, drive to the w-mart, coffee, com, key pounding.

Later during this day, I register at Falcon State Park for two nights in an Electric and Water hookup site. I selected the nights of Sunday, 25 January and Monday, 26 January because during both nights, the temperature will drop into the 30s for the low. Also, I was able to acquire campsite number 111, which is the site closest to the restroom and shower house.

Long after the sun sets, I pack out of the cafe, drive across Jackson Avenue

Wednesday, 21 January 2026, McAllen, Texas.

(Day 710 TS) 59°F. 7:00 am, sunny

Winter Sojourn, Day 23

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake to a comfortable morning despite it being warm last evening when I got into the horizontal. I arise slowly, dress in my fall blues, climb forward to the drivers seat, start the jammer engine and after allowing it to idle for a short time, drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer.

I linger in the cafe until long after the sunsets, then, drive across the avenue and into the parking lot of the w-burger, park, walk into the restaurant and sit down to eat a double meet burger. After that, I driver to the d-mart and back into the same parking space that I have been overnighting in now for most of the last three weeks. However, the location remains very quite at night and I do not anticipate overnighting anywhere else, well, except for when I drive to Falcon State Park to camp for a couple of days.

Thursday, 22 January 2026, McAllen, Texas.

(Day 711 TS) 61°F. 7:30 am, sunny

Winter Sojourn, Day 24

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

After another warm night, I awake, arise, climb forward, step outside, dress in my fall blues, get back into the drivers seat, start the jammer engine and soon after, drive out of the parking lot, cross Jackson Avenue and enter the w-mart parking lot. Since I awoke late this morning, the w-mart is busy and I must needs wait for a parking space to come available. Then, after parking in my regular space, I carry my computer bag inside, sit down at the large round table in the corner, set up my computer and begin pounding keys.

During my key pounding, I took out some paper notes that I had recorded about how to kill internal parasites and created a section called Detox Tea on my recipes page.

I continue here all day long and then watch the sun set in the west with the sunglow settling upnn clouds across the entire surrounding sky. Soon after, I pack out, drive across the street for something to eat and finally, drive to the d-mart to park for the night.

Friday, 23 January 2026, McAllen, Texas.

(Day 712 TS) 65°F. 7:30 am, overcast

Winter Sojourn, Day 25

Moon: Close Approach with Saturn and Neptune

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake at the second alarm and arise see the sun already two fingers above the eastern horizon. I dress in my fall blues, climb forward into the drivers seat, start the jammer engine, leave the parking lot, cross Jackson Avenue and arrive at the w-mart with a full parking lot. I pull into a space a short distance away and wait for my preferred parking space to come available. After waiting almost ten minutes, that space becomes available, so I drive across the lot and park the jammer.

Then, I gram my computer bag, walk inside, set up my computer and then walk to the counter for a cup of hot coffee and a cup of hot water. Upon returning to my seat, I insert two tea bags into the hot water to steep, one of Dandelion root and the second one with lemon and echinacea.

I then resume my key pounding and working on my web pages while first sipping on my coffee and later the hot tea. Finally, this day, like all others, comes to its end and I proceed to pack out and retire to my nightly accommodations.

Saturday, 24 January 2026, McAllen, Texas.

(Day 713 TS) 44°F. 7:34 am, overcast

Winter Sojourn, Day 26

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise, and methinks, that with all the talk about the ongoing national winter storm that is sweeping over the continent, there would at least be some of it here in the bottom of Texas, but, no, it is still warm here this morning. I dress in my fall blues, climb forward and start the jammer engine and after waiting for a few minutes, begin my drive to the w-burger for a breakfast of eggs and bacon on a toasted tortilla, together with a free Veterans coffee. Once I finish my f-meal, I then pack out, drive across Jackson Avenue and park in my regular spot at the w-mart. I carry my computer bag inside and sit down at the large round table in the front corner and face the window looking out where the jammer is parked.

I remain here for several hours and shortly after noon, I pack out to the jammer and drive to a g-mart to purchase a salmon steak, some dried fruit, nut butter, fresh vegetables and other food stores to take with me to the state park where I plan to camp for the next three days. Upon leaving the g-mart, I drive to IH 2 turn right and head west, driving the seventy miles and then arrive at the state park entrance.

I tell the ranger that I have a reservation for Sunday and Monday night but need a campsite for tonight. She tells me that all the Electric Sites and Full Sites are booked up but have sites in the Primitive area as well as shelters available. I answer her, "I will take campsite number 68." and hand her my identification cards; my Texas Parks Pass and my credit card. She proceeds to process the purchase and then hands me back all my cards and the hang tag permit. During this process, the ranger informs me that the Recreation Hall will be open until midnight during the current winter storm. I attach the permit to the top left of the windshield and then drive into the park, stopping first at the shower house to take my first shower at the Primary Loop Shower house. Next, I drive to the Rec Hall to plug in my computer and finish today′s journal entry.

Then, after a couple of hours of key pounding, I then pack out to the campsite, back into the concrete slab and leaving the jammer engine running to keep the warmth going, prepare my sleeping birth by spreading out all three blanket. Finally, I turn off the jammer engine, climb into the rear of the van and get into the horizontal under the blankets.

Sunday, 25 January 2026, Falcon Heights, Texas.

(Day 714 TS) 37°F. 7:00 am, overcast

Winter Sojourn, Day 27

Moon: Waxing Crescent (04:47 UTC), Earthshine Evenings

Sleeping in the Jammer

Falcon State Park Campground #68

Coastal Plains Region

Southern Inland Plains Ecoregion

Coordinates: 26.5901100, -99.1541350

Elevation: 310 feet

Awake, arise, reach forward to start the jammer engine, dress in my fall blues, climb forward and drive slowly out of the primitive campsite, drive just past the Recreation Hall, turn right onto the road to the shelters, drive to the restroom and shower building, pull into the parking lot and park. Then, I get out, grab my towel, shower bag and walk inside for a hot shower. I am impressed that here too, the water is steamy hot, however, it gets the lowest rating score. See my Rating Notes on the State Park Campground pate.

Leaving the shower house, I drive back to the Recreation Hall expecting to have to wait until nine this morning, when it normally opens, but upon arriving find that the open sign is turned on and flashing. OPEN. I drive into the parking lot, park in front of the entrance grab my computer bag, walk inside and set up at one of the tables near to an electrical outlet. Here I sit for the next several hours pounding keys and awaiting for the day to enter the afternoon, so that I can drive to campsite number 111 and plug in for the next two days.

Nevertheless, I take every opportunity to preach the good news to anyone that will listen. One person whose name is Don, greets me and asks me a question about a movie that is playing on the large screen display. After I give him the answer, he asks me what I do. To answer this question, I direct my answer in order to begin talking about the Bible. Soon, I have shown him that the Bible tells us that Jesus is the firstborn of the creation, (Colosians 1:15), specifically the very beginning of God′s Creation (Revelation 3:14). Don seemed to accept this quite well despite it being contrary to the doctrine that he was taught in his church. Then, all of a sudden, my phone alarm begins to sound, telling me that the weekend meeting is about to begin. I tell Don that I want to connect to and listen to the public talk that is going to be shown and invite him to join me and He agreed. We both sat there and listened to the brother give the public talk in the Oak Harbor, Washington congregation. I would have wished that it was dealing with the same topic that we had been talking about, but really, that did not matter. So, Don sat through the entire public talk, but afterwards, he said goodbye and departed. However, he did also say, &quo/t;I hope to see your again soon." So, with that, I will make myself available when ever I can in order to be able to witness to Don again.

By this time, the day was well along into the afternoon, so I pack out of the Recreation Hall, say good bye to the volunteer workers and make my way out to the jammer. From this point, I drive to my next campsite, pull into the site and begin setting up my electric cords and turning on my chargers to bring the charge on my batteries back up to their high levels. While the batteries continue to charge, I get out the salmon steak together with several of the fresh vegetables and begin preparing my evening meal for this day.

After chopping up the vegetables, which include broccoli heads, a yellow onion, a fresh garlic bulb, some of the cilantro, and some of the tops of the green onions; I then steamed the broccoli and when they were soft, I begin to stir fry them in my skillet. Next, i add the rest of the chopped veggies into the skillet and continue to stir fry the mixture with some of my spice mix added. After they were done enough to eat, I put them in my titanium pot so that I could then stir fry my salmon steak, also with ample amounts of the spice mix. While the fish was cooking, I began eating the vegetables, which to my pallet was quite remarkable. Finally, the salmon was ready and so I began to eat the fish along with the remainder of the vegetable. I have to admit, even though the fish was extremely expensive, it was so tasty and methinks, worth the price.

Monday, 26 January 2026, Falcon Heights, Texas.

(Day 715 TS) 29°F. 7:00 am, sunny with light haze

Winter Sojourn, Day 28

Sleeping in the Jammer

Falcon State Park

Campsite Number 111, plugged in

Awake, arise, grab my towel-shower bag, step outside, walk to the restroom-shower house for my morning tasks and then afterwards, walk back to the jammer and begin the preparations for my f-meal. When the water boils, I pour it into my three cups, then, I stow my tea pot and climb back into the jammer to pound keys whilst I eat.

Continuing all day at the keyboard, I do stop just before the sun arrives at the horizon, step outside and take a few photos of the extremely vibrant suntouch and sunglow. Then, when the colors subside, I return to my computer and continue my key pounding until I am too tired to continue.

Tuesday, 27 January 2026, Falcon Estates, Texas.

(Day 716 TS) 30°F. 7:00 am, sunny

Winter Sojourn, Day 29

Sleeping in the Jammer

Falcon State Park

Campsite Number 111, plugged in

Awake, after having slept quite good, arise, dress in my winter blues, step outside and notice that today is a sunglow morning and so grab my phone to take a couple of photos. Too, I hear an owl hooting just to the west of me. Then, I walk to the mens room for my morning constitutional, after which, I return to the jammer climb in, open my computer and begin recording the events of this day as it unfolds. Now, with the sun having risen above the eastern horizon, my second alarm sounds indicating that the time is 0730. I continue here at the campsite for another hour working on my webpage updates and the at eight-thirty, I pack out, unplug, start the jammer, pull forward twenty feet, get out to check the the campsite and then drive to the Recreation Hall for my first meal.

I set my sweater on the back of a chair at an empty table, then I walk up to the kitchen food service counter, pour coffee in one of my cups, hot water into the second cup for tea and hot water into my Daystart™ cup. Next, I carry all three cups to the cups to the table. Also, I grab a paper plate and put a scone on it and then spread butter and current jam onto the scone. As soon as I finish with the scone, I look up and ask the kitchen volunteer a question about the currant jam, "Is this jam past the expiration date or is it current?" At first, she is confused and asks "What?" So, I repeat my question, "Is this jam past the expiration date or is it current?" She remains puzzled for a minute but finally begins to laugh, and says, "OK, I get it, funny."

I then walk back to the table and move my things to sit across from Tracy, who is a winter Texan from Wisconsin. Earlier, I had told her that I would show her my list of campground that I have reviewed and put on a page within my website. So, I show her my Campsite by Rating Number Page and, pointing to those the six campgrounds in those rated Nine of Ten, say to Tracy, "On a scale of Zero to Ten, these are my top favorite campground." After looking at the list, she asks, "So, you don′t have any 10s?", I reply, "No, that would be a perfect campground and I do not think that I will every find one. Also, I adjust the Rating System to keep the Top Rated Campground rated at no higher than Nine. " Since there are eight or more chairs at each of these tables, others have sat down and one man sitting at the same table asks me if I have been to Bug Beach campground on Possum Kingdom Lake. I tell him no, and then use my Goggle Maps app to locate the campground. Then, I make a mental note to search the campground later in order to find if it is worthy enough to create a page in my campground section of my website.

Wednesday, 28 January 2026, McAllen, Texas.

(Day 717 TS) 47°F. 6:00 am, sunny

Winter Sojourn, Day 30

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Coastal Plains Region

Southern Inland Plains

Awake, arise, drive, park, sit down at a table, coffee, com, computer. Sometime after midday, I Google the Possum Kingdom Lake and find it to be about twenty miles west of Mineral Wells, Texas, a town located about fifty miles west of downtown Fort Worth, Texas. Immediately, I thought that it is too close to the massive megalopolis area making it way too crowded at the campground most of the time, but then I recalled that the only time that I would likely visit any of the several campgrounds that are located adjacent to that lake would be during the winter, during which the crowds would be subdued to an extent that I would find camping there acceptable to my wants and needs. Then, I get busy and create a page on my website for the campgrounds at Possum Kingdom Lake.

Later, I pack out, w-burger, drive, back in to my overnight parking space, sleep.

Thursday, 29 January 2026, McAllen, Texas.

(Day 718 TS) 53°F. 6:00 am, sunny

Winter Sojourn, Day 31

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Coordinates: 26.1901050, -98.2098299

Elevation: 113 feet

Awake, arise, start the jammer engine, drive, park, walk inside, coffee, com and computer.

During my day here at the w-mart pounding keys, I text and or receive text messages from two of my friends who live in Oak Harbor and also my sister Susan. After those short text exchanges, I then pack out of the w-mart, drive to the w-burger for my regular sandwich and sit in the dining room to eat. After that, I drive to the d-mart to back into my space where I sit for a time waiting for the meeting in Oak Harbor to begin.

Then at nine this evening, I connected to the meeting to listen in but at about half way through, I am too tired to continue sitting up, so I lie down in my birth to continue listening to the second half of the meeting. I do not know if I dosed off but I remember the announcement of the last song, so I try to sing some of the words. Aftr the closing prayer, I say good bye to the friends and disconnect from the Zoom App, turn off my phone and get back into the horizontal for the night.

Friday, 30 January 2026, McAllen, Texas.

(Day 719 TS) 51°F. 6:30 am, sunny, some clouds

Winter Sojourn, Day 32

Moon: Conjunction with Jupiter

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnight in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise, dress, climb forward, start the jammer engine, drive out of the parking lot, cross East Jackson street, enter the w-mart parking lot and pull into an outer parking space because the police chief is parked in my space. I walk inside and take a table next to a side window because two college medical students are sitting at my table, and I know that they are medical students because both are wearing the same color scrubs; all the medical students in this area wear a light blue-gray scrubs. So, I just sit here next to the side window and pound keys because like what has happened several times before, and, yes, I just wait until they leave, and they all will leave much sooner than I do. First, the police chief, his wife and their young daughter pack out and drive out of my space. So, I walk outside and back the jammer into my space and then come back in to continue pounding keys.

Now, I just sit here at the table next to the side window and the pound keys on my computer. I become occupied with the section that I am working on and then, in the blink of a pounded key, I look up and the two medical students are packing out, so , I begin to gather my things, walk over to the large round table, set my computer bag down on one of the extra chairs, sit down on the chair facing the front of the cafe, plug my computer charger into the electric receptacle, then my phone charger, connect my devices to their chargers and the start my day of work on my website pages, one by one.

After the sun has sailed across the sky, begin its descent towards the western horizon, and then begun to cause the western sky to luminesce with the sunglow, that is when I decide to pack out myself and join those who left before me. I then walk to the jammer, drive to the w-burger for my e-meal, after which, I drive to the d-mart, back in to my parking space and methinks, Rarely do I ever find my parking space here in this parking lot occupied, no, this is one place that no one would want, well, except for this wayƒarer.

I sit with the jammer engine running in order to warm up the interior a little and then finally, I turn off the jammer, climb into the rear and get into the horizontal for the night.

Saturday, 31 January 2026, McAllen, Texas.

(Day 720 TS) 53°F. 6:30 am, sunny

Winter Sojourn, Day 33

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Last night, I was able to fall asleep rather quickly and then sleep right through until this morning when I awoke. As I sit up, methinks, "It must be about three in the morning because I must needs to pee and then I will go back to sleep, like I do every night." So, I grab my phone, push the side button to look at the time and see that it shows that it is 06:29 on Saturday morning. Again, methinks, "This can not be true!" and I reach forward to turn on the jammer engine. Then, when I see that the radio digital clock also has the same time, Methinks, "Wow, what is wrong with me, I just slept through the entire night without awaking even one time."

So, I grab my shirt and pull it over my head, don my trousers, climb forward into the driver′s seat and follow the same route I take each day here in the Rio Grande Valley to the w-mart where I begin an all new day with much of the same old routine. Too, this same old routine finds me gazing upon the sky once again as it transforms from the everyday sky blue to the beautifully colored red-orange sunglow that this area is noted for having. Soon after noticing that, I pack out of the w-mart, drive across East Jackson Avenue to the w-burger for my e-meal and I sit inside to enjoy the food. Also, the grackles are all beginning to take their individual perch upon the power company high wires for the night and there are a lot of birds everywhere in this area.

Sunday, 01 February 2026, McAllen, Texas

(Day 721 TS) 40°F. 6:30 am, partly cloudy

Winter Sojourn, Day 34

Moon: Full Snow Moon

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

After another good night of sleep, I awake, arise, start the jammer engine and drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. I continue working until about eleven this morning, after which, I open my WTLibrary app and finish my Bible study for this morning. Later, just before noon, using the Zoom app, I connect to the weekend meeting at the Oak Harbor, Washington congregations for the public talk and Watchtower study. I get to talk with the friends for a little while and then the meeting begins.

When the meeting ends, I talk some more with several of the friends, including Patty and find out that she is trying to get over her many maladies, but says that she is hanging in there. Then, I greet the friends good bye and shut down the Zoom app. Finally, I pack out of the w-mart and drive to the hf-mart to do some shopping. I purchase a loaf of Ezekiel sprouted bread, some nut butter, pumpkin seed with sea salt, avocado chips with guacamole, Brazil nuts and ginger tea. After shopping, I stop at an af-mart and fill my gasoline tank. When all my shopping chores are done, I return to the w-mart for a short time before packing out and driving to the d-mart to park for the night. I also, open up my food storage box and deposit the several different newly purchased item into there assigned places.

Finally, I get into the horizontal and retire for the evening.

Monday, 02 February 2026, McAllen, Texas.

(Day 722 TS) 50°F. 6:00 am, sunny

Winter Sojourn, Day 35

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise, start the jammer engine, dress in my fall blues, climb forward and drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. Too, I bring in a cup of my dry Daystart™ ingredients and then walk up to the counter to purchase a cup of coffee and ask for my second cut to be filled with hot water. Next, I return to my seat at the large round table in the front of the cafe and pour half of the hot water into my Daystart™ and begin to enjoy my f-meal whilst I sip on my cup of coffee. Later, I return to ask for more of the hot water into which I put my two tea bags, after which I sip on hot tea whilst I continue to pound upon the computer keyboard for the rest of the day. .

Tuesday, 03 February 2026, McAllen, Texas.

(Day 723 TS) 50°F. 6:00 am, sunny and clear

Winter Sojourn, Day 36

Moon: Moon at Aphelion

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Start of the Circuit Overseer′s Visit

at Oak Harbor, Washington Congregation

Awake, arise, start the jammer engine, dress in my fall blues, climb forward and drive to the w-mart for coffee, com, computer and my f-meal. While I enjoy my breakfast and sip on my cup of coffee, I pound the keys on my computer to begin today′s journal entry. Then, I return to my work on updating my first book, which is takes no short encounter, but has transformed into a lifetime effort.

Then, in the late afternoon, a man and his wife, who are regular patrons here at the cafe, walked up to me to introduce themselves. They comment that they have seen me here working all day and ask what I am doing. I disclose that I am an author, working on my books and showed them my paper copy. When Sonny asked about it, I showed him my web address and he took a photo of the address. Sonny′s wife tells me that her name is Pretty and says we are Pretty Sonny. Then, as the conversation continues, I find out that they are Sikhs and I told them that I thought they were Mexican. I did try to witness to them but did not persist because I felt that I must needs research the JW Library to find the best way to proceed. Then Sonny receives a phone call and he says they must go now, but will see me again.

Right after that, I pack out to the jammer, drive across the street to purchase my e-meal and then drive to the d-mart to back into my space for the night. Then, at eight-fifty, I connect to he Oak Harbor congregation of Jehovah′s Witnesses for the midweek meeting and the first talk of the circuit overseer. After the meeting, I leave right away because it is close to eleven o′clock and I am totally exhausted.

Wednesday, 04 February 2026, McAllen, Texas.

(Day 724 TS) 59°F. 7:00 am, partly cloudy

Winter Sojourn, Day 37

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise, dress, start the jammer engine, climb forward, drive to the w-mart for coffee, com, computer. I walk back out to the jammer and fill my sierra cup with the ingredients of my f-meal, bring it inside and then walk to the counter to purchase my cup of coffee and another of hot water. I continue to pound keys awaiting to connect to the Oak Harbor congregation for the morning ministry meeting which will be at eleven-thirty, my time. So, while waiting for that, I open my book and continue the updating work on it.

Well, eleven-thirty comes and leaves, still, there is no meeting provided for those of us who would like to attend but are not able to be their personally. Thus, at just before noon, I turn off my Zoom app and return to work on updating the digital copy of Episode One, Journey to Katahdin, which is currently version release number: BK11151-D10.6, and when this new version is available, I plan to release it as BK11151-D11, which I hope will be the final release of this edition.

Continuing inside the air-conditioned cafe, the outside soars to the high seventies and when looking at the forecast, the highs during the next ten days will be in the mid to high eighties. So, methinks, that by the end of the second week in February, I will have pointed the front of the jammer north and have begun my northbound migration for the seventeenth time and have been migrating northbound full-time now for thirteen years.

Yes, during the first four years after beginning my migration, I had a grass mowing job awaiting my return to Oak Harbor each year. So, at that time, when I returned to Washington each summer, I would spend time preparing my home for its eventual sale.

Thursday, 05 February 2026, McAllen, Texas.

(Day 725 TS) 45°F. 7:00 am, sunny and clear

Winter Sojourn, Day 38

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise, dress in my fall blues, start the jammer, climb forward, wipe the condensation from the inside of the windshield and then drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. Once I have set my computer up at the large round table, I walk back outside to the jammer and fill my sierra cup full with Daystart ™. Returning to the round table, I grab my other two cups and walk to the service counter to purchase coffee and a cup of hot water. Then, I return to my seat and pour half of the hot water into my sierra cup and put two tea bags into the remaining hot water to steep.

At this time, I return to my key pounding whilst I eat my breakfast.

Friday, 06 February 2026, McAllen, Texas.

(Day 726 TS) 52°F. 7:00 am, sunny and clear

Winter Sojourn, Day 39

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise, drive to the w-mart, park, walk inside, coffee, com and computer.

Afterwards, I drive to the s-burger for my evening meal and then drive to the Cracker Barrel restaurant to overnight in their parking lot.

Saturday, 07 February 2026, Harlingen, Texas.

(Day 727 TS) 50°F. 6:5 am, sunny and clear

Winter Sojourn, Day 40

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Coastal Plains Region

Western Gulf Coastal Plains Ecoregion (South Texas Coast)

Coordinates: 26.1906298, -97.7200391

Elevation: 42 feet

Awake, arise, dress in my fall blues, start the jammer engine, drive out of the f-mart parking lot and under the interstate highway to the w-mart where I back into the handicap parking space. After that, I grab my computer bag, my three cups and walk inside to take a seat at an empty table and set up my computer on the table. Next, I walk back outside to the jammer, open the rear lift door and fill my sierra cup from the several food containers. Then, I walk back inside to order my cup of coffee and cup of hot water, which afterwards, I walk back to my table, prepare my three cup meal. Next, I turn on my computer and begin pounding keys but I find that my mouse is no longer working, which I figure is due to the battery going dead.

I walk out to the jammer to retrieve a new battery but when I look in the under-seat glove compartment, I do not find them and go back inside to try to work on my computer without the mouse by using the mouse pad. However, doing so is something that I am not only very unpracticed at doing, but I even inadvertently deleted my documents folder. It took me some time before I was able to restore all of those files from backup. However, this is why I make backups, because we never know what is going to happen in our life journey.

Later in the day, I drive down Tyler Avenue to the w-burger for my evening meal. I had just arrived when someone calls out my name saying, Brother Buras, is that you? I turn to look and see a sister that I do not recognize and tell her so. She and who I believe is her son sit down for their meal while I purchase mine. After I pay for my burger, I walk to the table where the sister is sitting and she invites me to sit down and join them, so, I do. Soon, my meal arrives and I begin eating and we spend the time visiting while we eat. She also tells me that the Kingdom Hall where the congregation normally goes is being remodeled and the congregation is meeting at the Kingdom Hall located at 23610 Stuart Place Road in Harlingen, Texas and that their midweek meeting is on Friday evening at seven PM. I tell her that I can not come tomorrow for the weekend meeting because my home congregation is having a circuit overseers visit, but that I am hoping to be their this Friday evening for the midweek meeting.

Finally, I leave the w-burger and drive to the Cracker Barrel parking lot to park for the night.

Sunday, 08 February 2026, Harlingen, Texas.

(Day 728 TS) 50°F. 6:20 am, sunny and clear

Winter Sojourn, Day 41

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise, dress in my fall blues, climb forward, start the jammer and drive to IH 69E and drive onto the south bound entrance ramp drive south on the interstate for just over three miles and then exit to the North Ed Carey Drive, and then drive one mile north to the w-mart here. I had always believed that this cafe was cleaner, larger and even much newer. I park, carry my bag inside and begin pounding keys whilst I sip on my cup of coffee.

After spending a whole day here working on my computer, I pack out just after dark and drive to the w-burger a short distance south of the w-mart where I eat my evening meal. Then, I look for a close by location to park for the night, but end up not saying in San Benito, Texas and driving three miles north on the interstate highway back to the Cracker Barrel parking lot for the night.

Monday, 09 February 2026, Harlingen, Texas.

(Day 729 TS) 50°F. 7:00 am, sunny and clear

Winter Sojourn, Day 42

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise, dress, climb forward, start the jammer engine, drive out of the CB parking lot, enter the southbound entrance of IH 69E and drive the three miles to the Ed Carey Drive exit and then drive north to the w-mart where I pull in and park in the same space that I have chosen on many occasions before. Too, in this space, the front of the jammer faces east and allows the sunlight to shone upon the solar panel that I keep atop the dash and plugged into the control to charge my 12 volt battery.

I then walk inside, take the round table adjacent to the front door and get out my computer and begin pounding on the keys to compose the start of my journal entry for today. Then, I work on updating my Angiosperm phylum of the Kingdom of Plants page as well as some of the downstream pages, and I am able to get a lot of it completed. Still by six this evening, I am totally done and must needs turn off my computer and retire for the evening. I must say that this part of my website is mostly mentally tiring for me as now, my mind is completely depleted of the ability to keep the key pounding steady.

Thus, I will close up shop for today and start fresh again tomorrow. I leave the cafe with light still in the sky, drive south of Ed Carey Drive and just before arriving at the interstate highway, see the sign for the hw-mart on the left side of the roadway. I turn into the driveway and find a new place to overnight which is much closer to the current cafe than driving back to the Cracker Barrel each night. I find a good location to park, put up my window shades and get into the rear of the jammer.

Tuesday, 10 February 2026, SW Harlington, Texas.

(Day 730 TS) 65°F. 6:10 am, sunny and mostly clear

Winter Sojourn, Day 43

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Coordinates: 26.1601800, -97.6783307

Elevation: 40 feet

Awake early, arise, dress in my fall blues, climb forward into the drivers seat and then begin my new day. Soon, I am siting in the cafe sipping coffee and eating my Daystart™ I have noticed that the night-time lows are slowly increasing; last night′s temperature was 65° F. Also, by Friday of this week, the low is forecasted to be 69°F.

Still, I am hanging out here in order that I may attend the midweek meeting at the Airport congregation here in Harlingen, Texas before I begin my northbound migration for this year.

Then, at seven this evening, after the sky has gone dark, I pack out to my evening overnight location.

Wednesday, 11 February 2026, Harlingen, Texas.

(Day 731 TS) 64°F. 6:20 am, sunny with some clouds

Winter Sojourn, Day 44

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise, dress, turn the ignition key, drive to the w-mart, coffee, com, computer, f-meal. I stay inside all day long as the temperature soars into the low 80s. So far, it has not been so hot at night but methinks that very soon, the nighttime temperatures are going to increase as well. I just looked at the forecast and see that it will be 70° for the low Friday evening, but then, it will drop back to the low 60s for the weekend. Wow, it has not been to hot at all this year. Still, I will start my 2026 northbound migration sometime during the weekend or at the latest, Monday morning.

When the light in the sky begins to fade, I begin getting ready to pack out, but still wait until it is after seven this evening before leaving, which by then, the sky will be mostly dark. I drive to the hw-mart

Thursday, 12 February 2026, Harlingen, Texas.

(Day 732 TS) 66°F. 7:00 am, fog

Winter Sojourn, Day 45

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise and notice that the surrounds are thick with fog which is the first time that I have seen this since arriving at the bottom of Texas. I dress in my fall blues, climb to the drivers seat, start the jammer engine and then begin slicing the fog along the path to the w-mart. Once I arrive, I walk inside and grab the front round table and set up my computer. After a while, I return to the jammer to load my sierra cup with my f-meal, after which, I return to order coffee and hot water.

Friday, 13 February 2026, Harlingen, Texas.

(Day 733 TS) 70°F. 6:00 am, sunny and clear

Winter Sojourn, Day 46

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise, dress in my fall blues, climb forward and start the jammer engine, and soon after, I pull out of this parking and drive to the w-burger for two of the bacon and egg wraps and a free cup of coffee. When I finish my breakfast, I then refill my insulated cup with hot coffee and walk back out to the jammer. With it still being quite early, I wonder where I might go today to park so that I will have access to a restroom and be able to work of cleaning the jammer and preparing it for the start of this years northbound migration.

Suddenly, methinks, I should Google "Parks near me" and I opened my phone to do so. The results are at least three city parks here in Harlingen, Texas, so I clicked on the first one, McKelvey Park on the Arroyo Colorado which does have a restroom and is less than two miles from my location. Methinks, Perfect, set the driving app on my phone and in only seven minutes, I am turning right into the park parking lot. I espy a nice space located in the corner of the parking lot and then back into the space. I walk to the restroom and find it to be fully operational and equipped with TP. After that short excursion, I return to the jammer and notice that there are also trash receptacles in the parking lot, with one only ten feet from the jammer. Soon, I open the rear lift door and begin going though my things to determine the value of each item; whether it is of the Want or the Need. Like the countless similar reckonings of my posessions prior to this one, when I have completed this task, there is always a large pile of things I would discard in order to perform the down-sizing of the totality of my belongings, which for many decades now is what I call The Burden.

At about three this afternoon, I close up the jammer, walk to the mens room and upon my return, I start the jammer engine, and proceed to turn it around and pull forward into the same space, now with a view of the many mature Oak and Tamarind trees in the park. Then, I grab my phone to call my friend Frank to let him know that I will be at the meeting tonight in the Kingdom Hall where he goes. We talk for quite a long time about things to do in the future paradise and how that time will be soon grand, agreeing the we both just have to be their. I the tell him "See you at the meeting tonight" and then tell him good bye. Then, I return to my key pounding and work on my journal entry for today.

Then, at six-fifty, I don my meeting clothes and using my GPS, drive to the address the meeting is being held. When I arrive, I do so before any of the friends and so, I park in a location not to far from the front door and then begin waiting. After a short time, the cars begin to arrive, park and those inside exit the vehicle and walk to the front door of the hall. After several have arrived, I too exit the jammer and walk to the front door, enter the hall and begin greeting each of the friends, most of whom remember me as Brother Buras. Myself, I have absolutely no recollection of anyone′s name. After the meeting, I hang out for a short time, but since the hour is late, I then, pack out to the jammer and drive to the same parking lot where I have been overnighting at for several days.

Saturday, 14 February 2026, Harlingen, Texas.

(Day 734 TS) 63°F. 6:00 am, sunny and clear

Winter Sojourn, Day 47

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake long before the time for my alarm, arise, dress in my fall blues, start the jammer and drive to the w-burger for my f-meal. I have a free veterans cup of coffee and purchase two egg and bacon breakfast wraps, sit down at a table eat and when finished eating, refill my cut with hot coffee. I carry the cup out to the jammer with me and then drive south on Ed Carey Drive about half a mile and then turn right onto the frontage road along side IH 69E and soon after enter the interstate heading northbound, on which I drive for 120 miles where I get off at the exit for SH 44. From this juncture, I then travel east for about 12 miles and take the exit for SH 358 to Padre Island and after driving 19 miles, I turn left onto Aquarius Cove and then immediately right into the parking lot of the w-mart.

After parking, I carry my computer bag inside, obtain a table, set up my computer and then begin pounding keys, first to catch up on my journal writing and second to resume the work that I have been doing to other web pages on my website.

Since the cafe closes at eight this evening, I decide to pack out just before that time, drive to my parking spot and get into the horizontal right away.

I first drive the short distance south, just past the D-mart where during the last week, I haven been overnighting, then take a right onto US 82, and drive west for thirty-two miles to De Kalb, Texas. Here I turn right onto US 259 and begin my drive north, first through the remainder of the South Central Plains Ecoregion (Pine Belt Area) in Texas, then across the Red River into Oklahoma, which roadpath in this state will have me drive along two state scenic byways (SSB). But before I arrive at the first SSB, I must needs first drive through the South Central Plains Ecoregion (Pine Belt Area) in Oklahoma, which just like the same ecoregion in Texas is unmistakenly flat. In fact, is is not until after driving through Idabell, Oklahoma did I even begin to see the start of any rolling hills. Then, by the time that I had driven through Broken Bow, Oklahoma and had arrived deep into the Native American lands, I finally begin to see the Blue Ouachita Mountains everywhere in the distance ahead of my route.

Furthermore, at about this same time, while driving north, I begin to see several National Forest Signs, always on the right side of US 259, indicating that the Ouachita National Forest is only to my east, all along considering this drive to be scenic byway worthy and enjoying the heavily forested scenery. As I continue to drive further north on US 259, deeper into Oklahoma, I finally arrive in Broken Bow, Oklahoma but not stopping, I continue northbound on US 259 and onto the first scenic byway. Although I do not see any signage indicating that I have begun my drive along the Mountain Pass State Scenic Byway, my map shows that immediately after leaving Broken Bow, the SSB does officially begin. Now, with the Ouachita Mountains all about me, I suddenly realize that I have now passed into a new Geographical Region. Yes, north of the town of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, I have entered the Interior Highlands Region within Oklahoma, which link shows this region on a map and which map indicates that just above the Coastal Plains (12c) in the southeast bottom of Oklahoma is the Ouachita Mountains Ecoregion (11c).

Ever since arriving in the Texas Coastal Plains Region on Day 656 TS, nearly four months ago and one entire season I have remained within that same Geographical Region ever since and finally today I have moved into a different region, the Interior Highlands Geographical Region. And yes, this is where I am currently in my Journey On.

And yes, it is in this new Geographical Region where the Ouachita Mountains (11c) Ecoregion, where I will find both the Mountain Pass State Scenic Byway (MPSSB) and the Mountain Gate State Scenic Byway (MGSSB). However, this roadpath journey for me will begin as soon as I cross the Red River and enter the state of Oklahoma, but officially, the first SSB does not begin until after driving some thirty-three miles and arriving in the town of Broken Bow, Oklahoma. This first scenic byway is about sixty-seven miles and continues north until arriving at the junction of US 259 with US 59. ³

Also to my east was the Mountain Fork of the Little River and the earthen dam that impounds Broken Bow Lake, providing recreation: boating, camping and the like, but neither of which was I able to get glimpses of from US 259, only signage pointing east to the locations. Still, the state scenic byway continued northward until passing the Lake areas, turned eastward for a time around the north end of the lake where I did see some water ways. I suspect that these were some of the upper shallow bays and channels of the lake. ⁴ After seeing that waterways, US259 turned northward again through more lush green forests abounding with both pine trees and the fall leaf droppers which were now replete with bright green buds.

The US 259 highway continued north through called the Mountain Pass State Scenic Byway and next along the Mountain Gate State Scenic Byway.

From there, I will begin the second state scenic byway with begin on US 59 and continues northbound. Then, after driving along the second state scenic byway, my route from that location is still undecided. As for now, I have connected my Zoom app to the congregation in Oak Harbor and expect for the meeting to begin very soon.

Monday, 23 March 2026, Talimena Scenic Drive, Oklahoma

(Day 771 TS) 47°F. 6:00 am, sunny and clear

Journey On™, Day 37

Sleeping in the Jammer

Winding Stair Campground # 23

Interior Highlands Region

Ouachita Mountains Ecoregion

Coordinates: 34.7146303, -94.6756326

Elevation: 1921 feet

Arise, awake, climb out of the jammer, open the rear lift gate, get out my backpacking stove and cookpot, carry it to the picnic table, fire the stove up and then start a pot of water to boil. I then take my sierra cup from the rear end of the jammer and load the cup with my Daystart. Too, I grab two coffee packets, two tea bags, which I put into my pocket and also grab my two insulated cups to carry and then walk back to the table and begin preparing my f-meal. When the water boils, I turn off the stove, pour the measured amounts into each of the three cups, and while my f-meal begins to cool, I begin breaking down the stove and stowing it back into its stowage bag, as well as putting the cookpot back into its stowage bag. Next, I carry the bags to the rear of the jammer and put each in its place. Finally, I carry the three cups, consisting of two cups of hot and a cup of Daystart to the drivers door and put them in their place.

Once everything is packed and stowed in its place, I start the jammer and pull forward about twenty feet, stop, get out and do one final walk through the campsite only to find that I did not leave anything behind. I then get into the jammer, drive out of the campground, drive back to the Talimena Scenic drive, turn left and head east. It does not take long to drive the two miles back to US 259 where I take the US highway exit and then drive south. Then, in about one and a half miles, I stop at the Pipe Spring Picnic Area and fill up one of my gallon containers with spring water. for about five miles to Oklahoma State Highway 63, turn left and then drive east twenty-seven miles to Mena, Oklahoma where I then turn on to State Highway 88 and drive to the entrance to the Talimena Scenic drive. Only a short way after beginning the scenic drive, I come to the Ouachita National Forest Visitor Center (34.6015802, -94.2428211) and stop to acquire some maps, but the center is closed. I am not there more than five minutes and the host arrives, parks and walks up to the entrance and opens the center. After a short discussion, I am back on my way, now replete with the necessary maps for the area.

I continue westbound on the Talimena Scenic drive for only a short distance, less than twelve miles and I arrive at the Queen Wilhelmina State Park were I drive into the campground, stop at the shower house for a hot shower.

Tuesday, 24 March 2026, Poteau, Oklahoma

(Day 772 TS) 48°F. 6:50 am, overcast

Journey On™, Day 38

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Coordinates: 35.09409709127059, -94.63027546589322

Elevation: 479 feet

Awake, arise, and start what proves to be a very long day of countless occurrences upon my Journey On along the roadpath in Eastern Oklahoma I start this day

Wednesday, 25 March 2026, Van Buren, Arkansas

(Day 773 TS) 51°F. 6:00 am, sunny and clear

Journey On™, Day 39

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Coordinates: 35.46725580903776, -94.3551027160536

Thursday, 26 March 2026, Van Buren, Arkansas

(Day 774 TS) 54°F. 7:00 am, sunny and clear

Journey On™, Day 40

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Coordinates: 35.46725344373395, -94.35511041160112

Elevation: 490 feet

Awake, arise, dress in my fall blues, climb forward, start the jammer engine and pull slowly forward out of the parking space. I then drive into the adjacent parking lot to park in front of the w-mart, grab my computer bag and walk inside to take up a residence at the corner table looking out towards the parking lot where the jammer is currently parked.

I remain here all day working on my computer and greeting different store customers endeavoring to strike up a conversation wherein I may be able to give a witness about Jehovah God and His son Jesus.

Friday, 27 March 2026, Van Buren, Arkansas

(Day 775 TS) 59°F. 7:00 am, overcast

Journey On™, Day 41

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise, dress in my fall blues, climb forward, start the jammer enginge, pull forward slowly and drive through the parking lot to the front of the w-mart and park the jammer in the same spot that I had done yesterday. Then, I step out and walk to the rear of the jammer, raise the lift door and proceed to fill my sierra cup with my morning Daystart ™. I then pick two tea bags from the several different ones that I have within my food stores, then close the lift door, walk back to the drivers door, gather my computer bag and walk in to the d-mart for coffee, com and computer, oh yeah, and f-meal, I remain here for the entire morning, and then at about one in the afternoon, I pack out, drive out of the parking lot, out of Van Buren, Arkansas, cross the Arkansas River on US 64/71 Business into Fort Smith, Arkansas, continue on US 64/71 Business through downtown to Garrison Avenue during which time, I see several Wall Murals. Then, after taking photos of the murals, I turn right leaving US 71, but continue on US 64 northwest to cross the Arkansas River a second time, but this time into Oklahoma. I then drive on US 64 westbound as it parallels IH 40, crossing under the interstate several times first to the north side, the to the south side at which time I drive through Sallisaw, Oklahoma and soon after arrive in Vian, Oklahoma. When driving through this town, I see a sign indicating that my choice for driving north, SH 100 and the start of the Cherokee Hills Scenic Byway had a detour onto SH 82. However, because I had driven past the detour, not fully recognizing what I must needs do, I drove through Vian after seeing a building wall mural and actually found a few murals to photograph. All of these murals will ultimately end up in my Architecture page, hopefully sooner rather than later. Time will tell!

Leaving Viam, Oklahoma, I drive north on SH 82 until I reach SH 100, about eighteen miles and at this juction, for me to continue northbound on both state highways, I must needs turn right, which then becomes a very winding roadpath with a brand new highway being constructed through the same region, but with very few curves. This is just like what the world does, that is, it takes a Scenic Byway, takes all the scenic out of it and changes it from a byway to a Highway. I continue north on the 82/100 state highway until I arrive at Tenkiller Lake on the Illinois River where I begin to see signage for the Snake Creek USACE recreational area with campgrounds (one that was not listed on my road atlas). I take the exit, drive to the campground but then decide that because the shower houses are all still locked for the winter, I will just leave and continue north. However, after I get back on the State Highway and begin morth, methinks, "What am I doing? It is already after five in the afternoon, I will likely not find another campground beter than this one, and besides, it is only twenty-three dollars for the overnight, an amount which I readily pay for a campground in Texas. Furthermore, because this is a Federal campground and I have my Federal Pass, I will get half off of the camping fee. I then stop, turn around, drive back to the Snake Creek campground pay the camping fee, drive to the site, back in and then plug in my electrical cord.

Then, I get out my computer and begin composing my journal entry for this day. Finally, at just after eleven this evening, I turn off the electronics, the light, turn up the electric heater and get under the covers.

Saturday, 28 March 2026, Cookson, Oklahoma

(Day 776 TS) 39°F. 7:00 am, sunny and clear

Journey On™, Day 42

Sleeping in the Jammer

Snake Creek Campground, Campsite 75

Interior Highlands Region

Boston Mountains Ecoregion

Coordinates: 35.6499695, -94.9710670

Elevation: 674 feet

Awake, arise, step outside to get my water kettle out, plug it in and boil wate. Next, I go through the motions of boiling a pot of water and making my morning Daystart. Then I climb back in to eat my f-meal whilst I work on yesterdays journal entry and continue pounding keys until about noon. Next, I step outside again and find that this day has warmed up just a bit and because I am not going to stay here for another night simply because there is not hot shower, I unplug my electrical cord, put in into its place and the climb back into the drivers seat of the jammer. Finally, I drive out of the Snake Creek campground, turn left on State Highway 82 and drive 23 miles north to my next stop, the city of Tahlequah, Oklahoma and original Capital of the Cherokee Nation prior to Statehood in 1907.

I drive to a local w-mart, pull into the parking lot and after parking in the handicap space, walk inside and resume my key pounding and web page composing, I remain here until after the sun sets, after which I drive to the local d-mart, find a good place to park and then get into the rear of the jammer for the evening.

The land here consists of the rolling foot hills descending from the Ozark mountains just to the east, and there are no mountains what so ever. The topography is primarily rolling plains with an elevation of a little over one thousand feet. The forest that were thick and dense further to the south have all given way to open fields with wooded hills all about in the distant backdrop. Grasslands and white fences have replaced the woodlands and commerce has encroached the cities and towns now intersected with highways and roadways which are lined along either side with all the modern businesses. In fact, this town of Tahlequah is no different than any other city I have traveled through in recent years and neither are the people here different than any other town in North America.

Sunday, 29 March 2026, Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

(Day 777 TS) 52°F. 6:00 am, sunny and clear

Journey On™, Day 43

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking lot

Still in the Boston Mountains ecoregion

Coordinates: 35.8888612, -94.9777321

Elevation: 762 feet

Awake, arise, dress in my fall blues, start the jammer and drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. I work on my website for most of the morning and then at eleven-thirty, I connect to the congregation with my Zoom app for the weekend meet. The brother, David, who gives the special talk, "Who Will Restore the Earth", does a very good job of presenting the talk. After a song, we continue into the Watchtower Study and then after, no one sticks around to visit, so I too, exit the application and return to my key pounding work.

I have arrived in the northeast corner of Oklahoma, a location of the Cherokee Native American people and begin to look at all of those coming into this coffee shop trying to imagine which individuals are Native Americans and which are not. I find this to be quite confusing to me as except for a large number of individuals with dark black hair, I see no difference in the people here from any other town I have visited during this Journey On. Too, everyone here speaks English; I have not met anyone speaking Tsalagi Gawonihisdi, the original eighty-five character language of the Cherokee.

I remain here in the coffee house working on my computer for hours and then at about six this evening, I pack out, drive to the nearby Cherokee Casino for the purpose of exploring but the minute I enter the building I am overwhelmed with the Stench of Death in the air, a strong order of cigarette smoke and I find that I can not remain long inside, but immediately return to my vehicle in the parking lot. Then, thinking about Bible prophecy, I can′t help but recall the verse at Revelation 16:2 There fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image. Methinks, there is absolutely nothing holy within that casino, so I depart property and drive to th location where I have been overnighting, pull into the same parking space, put up my window shades and open the rear slide windows to allow the cool breeze to pass through while I have my e-meal.

Tonight, like several during the end of this month is a warm one and as I assume the horizontal position, I must needs not pull the cover up over me.

Monday, 30 March 2026, Tahlequah, Oklahoma

(Day 778 TS) 65°F. 7:00 am, sunny and clear

Journey On™, Day 44

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise, dress in my fall blues, climb forward, start the jammer engine, drive out of the paring lot, then south along US 62 to the w-mart where I park, grab by computer bag and go inside for coffee, com and key pounding. For another day here in northeast Oklahoma, I persist in the warming spring temperatures by remaining inside the coffee house and continuing to pound keys. I remain here in the city of Talahquah for another day, not wanting to leave due to the fact that here in this community do exist most of the essentials amenities or my comfortable stay. Furthermore, I have just secured a camping reservation that will begin in five days hence, whereat I should be able to take a hot shower.

Tuesday, 31 March 2026, Tahlequah, Oklahoma

(Day 779 TS) 65°F. 6:00 am, sunny and clear with som haze

Journey On™, Day 45

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a parking lot

Awake, arise, dress in my fall blues, climb forward, start the jammer, leave out of the parking lot, turn right and drive south on US 62/SH 82 just one mile and arrive at the w-mart where I park the jammer, grab my computer bag and walk inside for coffee, com, computer and my cup of Daystart™ After I sit down, and connect my electronic devises, I then step up to the counter and purchase a cup of hot coffee and ask for another cup of hot water. Once I have returned to the table, I proceed to pour most of the hot water into my the Daystart, stirring until all the ingredients is fully saturated. Then, as I begin pounding the keyboard to compose today′s journal entry I continue to take sips of hot coffee and bits of my f-meal. All along, the baristas are fulfilling orders from a constant flow of customers coming to the drive-through window.

I remain here in the cafe until about six this evening, the pack out and drive to a local Mexican restaurant, ordering the fajita plate for thirteen dollars and because they do not have fish, I select chicken. I enjoy my meal and afterwards, I remain in the air conditioned restaurant for nearly an hour using my phone to watch videos. Finlally, I drive south on US 62 to the d-mart, park in the same space I have been using, put up my window shades and climb into the rear of the jammer.

Wednesday, 01 April 2026, Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

(Day 780 TS) 50°F. 6:50 am, sunny and clear

Journey On™, Day 46

Planet: Makemake at Opposition

Moon: Full Pink Moon

Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, start the jammer engine, drive out of the parking lot and head to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer.

Today, I spend some time updating my 2026 Celestial Events page, adding events for the next couple of months, May and June, doing so to stay ahead of the current month.

Thursday, 02 April 2026, Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

(Day 781 TS) 50°F. 6:30 am, sunny

Journey On™, Day 47

Sleeping in the Jammer

Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, start the jammer engine, pull out of the parking lot and drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. I continue my work on my web site and later when checking my communications again, I notice an e-mail from Bob, a brother in Oak Harbor who has been sending me the meeting links. This time, he has sent me a link to several talks dealing with the Memorial of Jesus′ death and I take the time to watch the first one which is quite well done.

Also, I send an e-mail back to Bob to let him know that I will be going to the local Kingdom Hall tonight for the Memorial. Then, at about six this evening, I pack out of the w-mart and drive to the local Kingdom Hall. There are several brothers wearing parking attendant vests and directing traffic into the parking lot. I then drive to a spot, park, grab my Bible, walk inside and join the local congregation for the Memorial of Jesus Christ′s Death. Afterwards, I drive back to the d-mart, park, climb into the rear of the jammer and get into the horizontal for the night.

Friday, 03 April 2026, Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

(Day 782 TS) 50°F. 6:55 am, sunny

Journey On™, Day 48

Planet: Mercury at GWE, Dichotomy, Aphelion

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise, don my spring blues, climb forward, start the jammer engine, remove the window shades, pull forward from the parking space and drive south on US 62 the one mile to the w-mart and turn into the parking lot. After parking the jammer in the hankicap space, I grab my computer bag, walk inside, plug in my computer and begin pounding keys in order to catch up on my journal writing. Then, I turn my attention to updating my 2026 Celestial Events Index for the months of April through June, but stop before working on July 2026 because the day is fast approaching its end.

I am hungry and it is too bad that there is no a What-a-burger in this area of Oklahoma. So, I pack out of the w-mart, drive south out of town to look for somewhere I buy my evening meal but do not find anything except for the Sequoiah School, which I have been reading about, so I turn back northbound towards town and only then see a roadside advertisement for the What-burger. Then, I use my GPS app to seach for the burger-mart and find one about two miles to the north. So, I drive there for a double meat without cheese and sit inside to enjoy my meal. Afterwards, I drive to the d-mart for the evening and after a short time, I get into the horizontal and close my eyes.

Saturday, 04 April 2026, Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

(Day 783 TS) 51°F. 7:00 am, rain

Journey On™, Day 49

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, after a long night of heavy rain, arise to find a couple of locations where the jammer has been leaking. Methinks that the leaks are because of failing rubber window gaskets and I am not sure how to correct that problem. Well, not yet; I will keep thinking about it. I arise, start the jammer engine, dress, climb forward and begin wiping the condensation from the inside of the windows. Once the windows are all clear, I pull out of the parking lot and drive south again on US 62 to the w-mart where I park, carry my computer bag inside and ask the barista for a cup of coffee and a cup of hot water.

After driving down from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, I arrived at about four in the afternoon, drive directly to the shower house for a medium hot shower. Then, I drive to my campsite, back the jammer into the space, plug in my electrical cord, take a few photos and then climb into the office to begin pounding keys.

At about five this afternoon, I step out grab my hot plate, set it up on a step stool and plug it in. Next, I get out my cookpot, add a liter of water and set it on the hot plate. After about seven minutes, the water begins to boil and then I add a one Sierra cup full with sprouted grains to the water and let it return to a boil. When that happens, I turn the heat down from 5 to 2, add one cup of quinoa, 1/3 cup of my spice mix, 1/3 cup of seaweed. Finally, I let it cook for about ten minutes, which actually is determined when all the liquid has been absorbed by the grains.

I then us my cookpot handle to carry the hot pot into the jammer and set it down on the floor between the front two seats. While the food is cooling off, I step back to the rear of the jammer and put my hot plate back into its container and then stow it in the back of the jammer. However, I leave the electrical plug and step stool outside because I will use them repeatedly for the next several days. Finally, I climb into the back of the jammer, return to my key pounding whilst I enjoy my evening repast.

I stay up until very late tonight, long past nine this evening pounding keys and then I call it good, turn off the electronics and get into the horizontal.

Sunday, 05 April 2026, Cookson, Oklahoma.

(Day 784 TS) 40°F. 7:00 am, sunny with a light mist over the lake

Journey On™, Day 50

Moon: Moon at Aphelion

Sleeping in the Jammer

Snake Creek Campground, Campsite 75

Interior Highlands Region

Boston Mountains Ecoregion

Awake, arise, climb forward and begin wiping the condensation from the interior of the windshield. Next, I turn on my computer and begin my journal entry for this day and notice some squirrels out and about early this morning. This early part of the is is filled with a variety of bird calls, including the constant loud harsh caws of several crows. Also, there is the repeating calls of many small song birds, most of whom I am not familiar with, nonetheless, there are several. Occasionally, the passing of low-pitched, nasal honks come from a pair of Canada goose as the pair fly rapidly across just above the tree tops.

This morning starts after the first of two overnights that I will stay here in this campground. Soon after, I get out and begin my morning f-meal preparations and slowly, this day begins to warm up. When I have finished preparing my three cup meal, I stow the cookpot, stove and water bottle back into their places, carry my three cups into the jammer offices and then climb into my seat at the office table to resume my key pounding whilst I eat my f-meal.

Later, my alarm sounds to let me know that it is time for me to connect with the Oak Harbor Congregation for the weekend meeting.

After the meeting, I see an addition to the group of birds that come into the area. Several finches arrive in the nearby tree and travel back and forth from there perch to the ground to search for seed. A little further away, closer to the water, a wake of black vultures assemble around an old carcass. All along, the crows continue to make their constant presence known. Then, after dark falls upon the scene, the Canada Geese continue honking for several hours before they too determine to call it good for this day. And I thought that the crows were the noisy ones. I enjoy my leftovers from yesterdays supper cookpot.

Next, I work on my computer until late, after which, I turn up the thermostat on the electric heater and watch some videos for even longer.

Monday, 06 April 2026, Cookson, Oklahoma.

(Day 785 TS) 40°F. 7:00 am, sunny and clear

Journey On™, Day 51

Moon: Lunar Occultation of Antares

Sleeping in the Jammer

Snake Creek Campground, Campsite 75

Second and final Overnight

Awake, arise, raise the temperature on the electric heater a couple of degrees, dress in my summer blues step outside to take my morning constitutional walk and when I return, open the rear lift door, get out the water kettle, add one liter of water and turn the switch on. Next, I grab my three cups and begin adding those necessary ingredients for my Daystart™ and two cups of hot. When the water kettle clicks off, signaling that the water is boiling, I then grab the handle and pour the hot water into all three cups, after which, I carry the cups in through the drivers door and set the cups on the floor between the two seats.

Next, I leave my shoes outside on the door mat and climb into to the office to begin composing today′s journal whilst I enjoy both my f-meal and the beautiful spring morning. I have noticed that both the crow and the geese are quite at the start of this day, likely because of last night′s late night party with the crows. However, from my view through my vehicle side portal I do see several smaller birds, likely a chickadee and then see and hear a red-winged blackbird. Then, at nine-twenty, the geese flys through the campground screaming its call out to everyone, Hello, I am hear! and Wow, was that a rough night after that party! Too, the crows also make a sound to let everyone know that they are up as well. At about this same time, I have nearly finished my f-meal, the day has warmed up to a comfortable 45° and the sun has climbed almost four hands into the sky.

I continue here pounding keys until about noon, the temperature outside is rising, so much so that I have already unplugged my electric heater, coiled the wire and stowed the heater in it place. Next, I step outside, grab my wash bucket, brush and powdered surface cleaner and begin scrubbing my four tires and wheels. Too, I use one of my step stools to sit on to give me the low attack angle for this scrubbing job. I first clean around the top two/thirds of each tire, then start the jammer engine, pull the jammer forward about four feet and then turn off the engine, get out and to the rest of the tires, which are not facing upward. This tactic is one that I learned early on when I obtained my first car, which was a 55 Chevy two door sedan which I had purchased during the summer of 1969 not long after I graduated from high school.

The Burden, The Shelters Those with Wheels, , 1955 Chevy Bel Air Two Door Sedan

(b4wheels-1955-1969-0929) 1955 Chevy Bel Air 2 Door Sedan VS 1970 Dodge Dart 2 Door Coupe

Well, enough reminiscing, back to the current job at hand, that of cleaning the tires and wheels of my 1996 Ford Aerostar minivan. I then finish the tire cleaning job, put away all of my gear, unplug the power cord, roll it up and put it in its place. Finally, I close up all of the doors, climb into the drivers seat, start the jammer engine, drive out of Snake Creek Campground and return to my northbound Journey On. Let′s see, what was I doing and where was I headed when I decided to take the weekend off for my present Journey On? Oh, yeah, I was driving north on the Cherokee Hills Scenic Byway! Well, I must needs get back to that task, and continue my drive on this Scenic Byways in northeastern Oklahoma.

Tuesday, 07 April 2026, Round Hollow PUA, Oklahoma.

(Day 786 TS) 49°F. 7:00 am, sunny

Journey On™, Day 52

Sleeping in the Jammer

Round Hollow Campground

Interior Highlands Region

Springfield Plateau Ecoregion

Coordinates: 36.095125, -94.831759

Elevation: 814 feet

Awake after a very quite night, arise and dress in my spring blues, climb forward and start the jammer engine. After a few minutes waiting for the engine to warm up, I pull slowly out of the campground, turn right onto SH 10 and continue my northbound Journey On. Today′s drive leads me through the town of Kansas, Oklahoma were I complete the drive on the Cherokee Hills Scenic Byway

Wednesday, 08 April 2026, Grove, Oklahoma.

(Day 787 TS) 50°F. 6:30 am, sunny

Journey On™, Day 53

Planet Conjunction: Venus and Ceres

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise, start the jammer engine, drive slowly out of the d-mart parking lot, drive across US 59/SH 10 to the w-mart, park, carry my computer bag inside and my three cups. Then I ask for a tall pike and a cup of hot water, and as usually, I am only charged for the coffee and use the hot water for my Daystart™ and hot tea.

Susan just sent me a text asking about me, where I am and even How is the Weather? I answered the last question with: "Mostly perfect, with occasional scattered nasties. She replied Lol. Then as quickly as she appeared, she did abruptly said, Gotta go for now.

I remain inside until about two this afternoon, when I pack out and continue driving northbound on my current Journey On. When the two highways split right in the middle of town, I take a right turn leaving US 59 (which is a left turn) and continue driving northbound on SH 10. Although the Cherokee Hills Scenic Byway ended some distance to the south, I decided to continue diving on the State Highway and it has not disappointed me whatsoever. So, I plan on continuing my drive today on the same Oklahoma State Highway 10 as far as I can go into the northeast cornier of the state.

Finally, I pack out of the cafe, start the jammer and drive north on SH 10. The roadpath north takes me across the Lake of the Cherokees, an arm of the impounded Neosho River, the across Sycamore Valley, an upper draw of another arm of the lake. I enter the Seneca-Cayuga Nations reservation lands. Next, I continue north, entering the Wyandotte Nation reservation land until crossing the east-west US 60 at Wyandotte, Oklahoma and her. After traveling north for another section, I arrive at an intersection where SH 10 turns left and begins traveling east through the Eastern Shawnee Nation reservation, the cross Spring River and continues eastward until arriving at Miami, Oklahoma. Here the upper Neosho River flows down from Kansas and encircles the west side of Miami, Oklahoma. Rather than crossing the river, I turn right on to US Historical Route 66, drive north through Miami, Oklahoma and the Miami Nation reservation lands and stop to photograph numerous building wall murals in the downtown section.

Leaving Miami, Oklahome, I drive on US 66 north through a couple of communities, the east for about five mile and then north again through the Quapaw Nation reservation lands and finally cross into Kansas, entering Baxter Springs. I continue driving north on the old US 66 Historical route until arriving at Riverton, Kansaa where I turn right and drive east, continuing to follow US 66. I drive through one more Kansas town, Galena, Kansas before crossing inton Missouri. In another nine miles, I arrive in Joplin, Missouri and drive first to Natural Grocers, a hf-mart to replenish some of my health food stores, specifically sprouted rolled oats, which I was out of and a couple containers of herb teas. Now, I have enough food to keep me going for possibly more than a month.

After loading my groceries into the jammer, I then drive to a w-mart, carry my computer bag inside and connect to the internet and work on my web pages. I have found out that that there is also a d-mart very close by to the w-mart and that is where I will stay tonight. Now, the question that I am asking myself, is where is my next stop? I had planned on going to Hot Springs Arkansas, but now, that is three hundred miles to the south of me and I am not sure if I really want to go back that far in that direction. Methinks that I will just have to make do without the hot pool this year. Still, I have not made that decision as yet, and I will remain here in Joplin for a day of two, or, when I do make that decision.

It is eight-thirty now and I know that the w-mart will close soon, so I best be packing out to the jammer and move it to the d-mart where I can overnight.

Thursday, 09 April 2026, Joplin, Missouri.

(Day 788 TS) 50°F. 6:50 am, sunny

Journey On™, Day 54

Moon: Waning Crescent Earthshine Morming

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Coordinates: 37.0735893, -94.4752711

Elevation: 1067 feet

Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward, start the jammer engine, pull slowly forward, the out of the parking lot, turn left onto US Historical Route 66 and drive south on S. Rangeline Road for about one hundred yards and turn right into the What-burger parking lot and park in front of the entrance. I then walk inside and have two of the breakfast wraps and a cup of hot coffee. After eating, I walk back out to the jammer, drive out of the parking lot turn north and drive about one mile to the w-mart where I park in front of the entrance, grab my computer bag and walk inside for a cup of coffee and another of hot tea. I sit down at one of the tables against the wall, get out my computer and begin pounding keys. Today, I spent much of my time working on the Footpath Journey Index page, updating the National Scenic Trails map and information. Too, I am able to update my journal with today′s entry.

Then, as the sun drops below one hand, I begin to wrap up my key pounding because I plan to drive back south on US 66 to the what-burger for a double meat, no cheese sandwich, all the way with extra onions. I do finally leave the w-mart just as the sun is just above the horizon. After eating my evening meal, I then drive across US Historical Route 66 to the d-mart to park for the evening. I will not be connecting to the Oak Harbor Congregation using the Zoom app this evening because brother Robert Beckner has sent me a recorded version of tonight′s meeting, which I will be watching. The only down side of watching a recorded version is that I do not get the opportunity to raise my hand and comment. Finally, I get into the rear of the jammer and get into the horizontal.

I have been thinking more about the question about driving back south to Hot Springs, Arkansas, but I have yet come to a final decision about the matter. I will spend more time in thought about this, maybe even some prayer too.

Still, I have found that the town I am currently in has much of everything I must needs in my existence, even a hair salon that I use, which tomorrow I hope to use. Also, I need to return to the Natural Grocery for some sprouted grains, which I forgot to purchase yesterday when I was there. However, when I did go back, this store no longer stocks sprouted grains. I leave there and drive back to the d-mart to park for the night.

Friday, 10 April 2026, Joplin, Missouri.

(Day 789 TS) 50°F. 7:00 am, rain

Journey On™, Day 55

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise, start the jammer and drive to the what-burger for a breakfast wrap and free hot coffee, sit down inside to eat the food and then carry my cup with me out to the jammer. Then I drive out of Joplin, Missouri heading first north to Carthage to locate the US Historic Route 66 and once I locate the roadpath, I drive east along the historic route (now known as Missouri State Highway 96) to Springfield, Missouri where I use my GPS app to locate the next hf-mart where I hope to find some packages of sprouted grains. After I park near the front entrance, I walk inside, locate the sprouted grains and select five of the packages, as I am completely out of all of those that I regularly eat. Next, I leave out of Springfield and drive south along US 65 until I arrive in Ozark, Missouri where I find an w-mart conveniently located adjacent to a w-mart. Methinks, this is where I will spent the day and as soon as the sun sets, I will drive next door and park for the evening.

Saturday, 11 April 2026, Joplin, Missouri.

(Day 790 TS) 50°F. 7:00 am, sunny

Journey On™, Day 56

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward, start the jammer and drive to the what-burger for a breakfast wrap and a free cup of coffee. After eating the food, I carry my cup out to the jammer and then drive northward out of Joplin, Missouri in search of the US Historic Route 66 and once I locate it, I begin driving on it east bound on the highway (now known as Missouri State Route 96), first through Carthage, Missouri and continue east until I arrive at Springfield, Missouri where I use my GPS app to locate the next Natural Grocery store because I found out on line that they have one of sprouted grains products that I eat. When I arrive there, I park near the front entrance, go inside, locate the sprouted grains product, select five of the packages because I am completely out of all of these sprouted grains. Too, I find a couple other food items and then I go to the checkout line to pay for my selected items. Next, I walk out to the jammer, stow my food and then leave out of Springfield, driving south on US 65 for about ten miles at which time, I arrive in Ozark, Missouri, exit the highway and pull into a w-mart and park the jammer. Finally, I grab my computer bag, walk inside, set up at a window table and then begin pounding keys so as to compose my journal entry for the last two days.

Conveniently, this cafe is located adjacent to a d-mart, and, methinks, this is where I will spent the day and as soon as the sun sets, I will drive next door and park for the evening. Too, I have already acquired a reservation for two nights of camping at Alley Springs Campground in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways park near Eminence, Missouri, and will drive there tomorrow morning. Finally, I pack out of the w-mart, drive to the adjacent parking lot and park for the night.

Sunday, 12 April 2026, Ozark, Missouri.

(Day 791 TS) 65°F. 7:00 am, overcast

Journey On™, Day 57

Sleeping in the Jammer

Overnighting in a Parking Lot

Coordinates: 37.0035251, -93.2275581

Elevation: 1,261 feet

Awake, arise, start the jammer and drive back to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer, but I am very slow at acquiring my get up and go, as today has turned out to be one of those daze.

Then, I finally get up, walk to the counter and order my hot coffee together with a large glass of ice, which I will use to make iced coffee. Later, I go back to the counter to acquire a cup of hot water in which I use for my Daystart ™.

Tuesday, 21 April 2026, City, State.

(Day 800 TS) 50°F. 6:30 am, sunny

Journey On™, Day 66