December 31, 2016; Bellingham, Washington

HAPPY NEW YEAR ..... 2016 - 2017

      from Bellingham, Washington

March 20, 2010 began Day One of the my Walk Across America.    It was my desire to divest myself of nearly all assets as I stepped into the unknown .... to discover what it would be like to start old age with a clean slate.

Limited to my Social Security $ as received from the U. S. government as my only support, I walked from the Canadian border the first 250 miles to the state of Oregon ...  on foot, pushing SAM, my home built Solar-Powered three-wheel Cart.  SAM proved to be helpful for short periods of time due to limited battery efficiency ... but performed flawlessly otherwise.

Over the next 5-plus years, SAM and ME crossed and recrossed AMERICA some 30,000 miles, with generous use of  our vehicle for logistical support.

One SAM and ME solo USA crossing was completed from COLUMBIA, NORTH CAROLINA to BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON.   A 80% solo crossing was completed on our return to COLUMBIA.
 
By way of explanation, our vehicle, when used while walking, was accomplished as follows.  We moved only in daytime for safety reasons.  Each morning, our vehicle remained parked while SAM and ME walked some twelve miles before returning to our vehicle.   We then moved our vehicle the 24 miles walked during the day.  The next day, SAM and ME repeated the process. 

New input:

My recent stroke continues to limit my typing as I press forward to improve.

POST 1531; JUNCTION CITY, KANSAS; SEPT 20, 2016

Recent Blogs have alluded to a number of confusing events and aimless travel  back and forth across America ... travels with no apparent purpose ... laced with costly expenditures designed to keep our back to the wall.

Not about to cry WOLF or look for excuses, I will admit only to having lost faith in some principles central to our WALK, including investments and expenditures made in and on behalf of individuals.

To be sure, plenty mistakes rest on my doorstep.  Curiously, most hurtful have been errors not of omission, but rather of commission; i.e., taking on too much ... not realizing when enough is enough.

Fraught with recent illnesses coupled with desire to excel no matter what ... or who ... might suggest otherwise, has caught up with me.   Yes, anything CAN be possible.  But at what cost.

I look around this morning from an unfamiliar place.  Expecting to find OZ,  I find instead lots of unfinished involvements.   I must polarize my energies and accept one reality .... I can no longer do this alone.

...nor must I !

... and I look around once again.  I have a full belly; I am of sound mind and spirit, I have a plan to  complete repairs to SPIA; reinstatement on my Washington Drivers License is imminent;  illnesses are under control ....

... AND I wish to share a magical reality:  I am not alone.








  

POST 1530; STRIVING REACH WASHINGTON STATE; SEPT 10, 2016

Update for our drive to Washington State from Kansas City, Missouri (via DENVER, Colorado)

Distance to travel is 1,500 circa miles.

We have some $60.00 available until October 03, 2016.

Obviously, we must selectively delay our arrival pending receipt of $$ from Social Security $$.

Weather conditions may become a factor as we must cross the 5,000 foot High Plains AND the higher Rocky Mountains.

A new factor is our need to replace all four tires to remain safe.

"Shame on me" might be the obvious retort.  I plead GUILTY.

2016 has not been kind to us.

Going "to ground" soon is necessary to stay safe.  We therefor plan to find a suitable resting spot within NEBRASKA - more than one if necessary - .  We could divert via I-29 and I-90 into South Dakota, but that gains us little and possibly looses to increased inclement weather.

Our decision was made for us when DALLAS withdrew his invitation to move into his apartment ... well, probably much sooner than that.  I keep coming back to his comment to me nearly one year ago when he pleaded:

....." ... forgive me, Bruce, but I'm just trying to stay alive ..."

No offense, DALLAS ... I'm on your side !!!

POST 1529; Driving To Washington State; Sept 09, 2016

Seems to be no end to surprises and to disappointments.  I have been one who looks to my own failures ... a single shortcoming is now and again expected ... but events since arriving at the home of DALLAS have been a bit much.

Our arrival - at the personal invitation of DALLAS and his new wife - has been over ruled by THE GARDNER.  Yes, DALLAS' 15 - year Gardner has taken exception to my arrival and presence.

Some time ago, while pushing SAM across the State of Texas, DALLAS contacted us through our Blog.  DALLAS was frantic, explaining that his ill Wife had just died, further explaining that he was now alone and asked if SAM and ME could quickly come to his CULLODEN home to help him.

He was, he explained, unable to care for himself and was facing amputation of his foot.

SAM and ME immediately changed our plans to walk to The Outer Banks.  Instead, we drove directly to DALLAS, finding him usable to walk or fend for himself.  In his own words, DALLAS announced to mutual friends that I "... saved his life."

During the many following months, DALLAS pleaded for me to stay in his home, where I assisted him on a daily basis with his doctor's directed treatment, including accompanying him to and from his medical appointments;

I prepared nearly all his meals - including purchasing most of the food;

I daily cleaned ... our home;

,,, and daily, I mowed his lawn - including his deceased wife's next door property -, even purchased a new powered lawn mower;

... and each Friday and Saturday night, accompanied DALLAS to the local dance.

One could easily say that I alone supported DALLAS and care of his property during the many months of his treatment and care ... all at his request.

During this entire time, I asked for NO $$ from DALLAS.  Neither, did I request or did I receive any $$ from DALLAS for my own costs expended on his behalf.

My continued assistance to DALLAS came to an end when DALLAS met and married his "new"  bride;  but, not until after she and DALLAS directed me as to how and where to move her furniture and belongings into her new home.

It came, therefore as a great pleasure that DALLAS and Mrs. DALLAS, jointly telephoned me a few days ago to return to their home and accept that I - at no charge - to move into the upstairs Apartment.

It came as a greater surprise that the "used to be Gardner" called the SHERIFF accusing me to be trespassing.  I was not allowed to plead my position, but was ordered to vacate the property by morning.

The SHERIFF also threatened me about my "Washington State License"  which he said was no longer valid...giving no explanation.

DALLAS, in the mean time retorted to me that he would do nothing about this turn of events, refused to speak to me, being replaced by the Mrs, who began yelling at me   ....

My (deceased) Mother once told me to avoid those did not want me.  I considered Mother's feelings for an few hours, but as darkness fell, I opted to heed good advice,

As of this moment I am enroute to The State of Washington to satisfy the question raised about my license.

POST 1528; HURRICANE' WV; SEPT 05, 2016

Good Afternoon from HURRICANE, West Virginia.

Traveling for over two months after leaving ISLANDO's ART QUARRY, SAM, SPIA and ME have strived to recover from the severe lack of funds ... coupled with a series of failures to properly repair SPIA ...

We experienced three weekly periods during the past two months when we ran out of $$ for food and gas to move forward on our continuing journey to reach DALLAS' home in CULLODEN.

We have now arrived at our destination.  Our first day has been filled with the pleasure to be again with our many friends.

Along the way, many old and new friends have come forward to encourage and assist us.  We parked for two weeks in LOVE'S Truck Stop in POST FALLS (COEUR d'ALENE), Idaho.  We again stopped for a week ... this time at WALMART parking lot in COLVILLE, Washington; followed by another week delay in the mountain community of REPUBLIC, Washington.

These "Rest Stops" were forced on us as available funds ran out.

Two times, $$ funds reached us from our Social Security U.S Government monthly checks.  Because  car repairs previously charged were due, not much was available for gas and food.  So, we halted again and again ... getting somewhat proficient at learning hunger restraint 

Reaching the beautiful city of BELLEVUE, Iowa on the banks of the MISSISSIPPI River, we again parked one week awaiting funds to catch up.   
  
Two weeks ago, we arrived at Sister Carol's.  Busy with medical appointments, Carol was to spend our visit pretty much alone as we again parked at WALMART.

On September 02, 2016, Uncle Sam's $$ again arrived.

We immediately drove the 500 final miles to West Virginia.   YES. we do have enough $$ to pay the final debt still owed.  Next month we can eat and drink.

 ......

5 years ago SAM, SPIA and ME embarked on our trek to meet and help SENIORS as we crossed and recrossed America.  We did this with intent to find our own limits.  Until our recent foolish effort to reach beyond our ability to help SENIORS, we did very well.  We had no business not sticking with our objective to limit our efforts to SENIORS.

* * * * *

And, with these words I move on ...

 










 

 

POST 1527; REPUBLIC, WASHINGTON, AUGUST 09, 2016

We have arrived at the mountain town of REPUBLIC, Washington, located some 50 miles West of COLVILLE, Washington.

Some 71 years ago, I was a somewhat often visitor to REPUBLIC situated high in the pristine NorthWest mountains on US Highway 20 in the State of Washington.

During the years from 1945 through 1953, my parents owned and operated the trucking company
TRI -CITY Freight Lines, serving eastern Washington.  Among cities often visited was the thriving mining and logging community of Republic, from which our trucks transported finished lumber products to the cities of KENNEWICK, PASCO, and RICHLAND.

Richland, the "home" of  HANFORD ATOMIC WORKS,  produced "BIG BOY", the ATOM BOMB which the USA dropped on NAGASAKI, JAPAN in 1945.


EDITORIAL UPDATE:

This update has been interrupted by the WIFI connection at the public library.  Because I did not SAVE my work in short spurts, my work of many hours was lost when WIFI was intentionally turned OFF without my knowledge.

We learn as we go forward.


Frustration is mounting with each blip in WIFI connectivity.  REPUBLIC townspeople, being at the end of the wagging INTERNET TAIL, appear to be as frustrated as I. 


If this is the future of INTERNET, we are in for BIG troubles !

POST 1526; COLVILLE, WASHINGTON, AUGUST 07, 2016

Back at McDonald's ...

Year 2016 has been for SAM, SPIA and ME, one to commiserate and ponder.  Shortly after leaving Dallas and his new Bride, we made a  swing East to West circumnavigating America.  Mostly to put space between the many months of our time with Dallas, it became clear that we had lost our "edge".  My body had become "soft".  Concentration on "walking" became nigh on impossible. 


I dived into a new project ...;  Friend BOB invited me to crash his couch.  The property, after many years' of miss use and abuse while acting as a rental, had become a veritable Jungle.  Bob gladly turned me loose on his property.  The next few weeks drew Ooos and Aahs from neighbors, passerbys, and Bob himself, as Bob's home turned into a showplace.


It was about this time that events began to change ... starting with the night I fell off the commode
in pitch blackness, striking my head on the bathroom sink.  Stunned, it was a few moments before I moved.  My spine was rearranged from being pushed DOWN into my neck.  My left shoulder still rides a bit askew.  No, I made no complaint to Bob or my Doctor.   I am reluctant to assume that a concussion may have resulted, but a twitch continues to "pinch" my neck from a sudden twisting movement. 

Had it not been for the purported STROKE which closely followed the unfortunate COMMODE event, I would not be so curious about the STROKE coincidence.  Beasitmay, I was admitted to the hospital in BELLINGHAM, with an apparent stroke.

Two days later,  I was discharged from the hospital.  My Primary Doctor suggested she arrange for on-going tests, to which I agreed.  Two days later I was notified that no test arrangements had been made.

I became disgruntled ... first with the hospital staff who took no interest to my STROKE ... then to my own primary doctor's apparent disinterest.

I decided to let events flow as they may.  I packed up SPIA, feeling really good, and departed BELLINGHAM.  

Many weeks later I returned to BELLINGHAM. having once again circumnavigated America.

In May 2016, the hospital called my personal phone,  a mechanical sounding voice asking ... how was I doing .  I responded that if the voice really was interested it would have not waited from February thru May to ask.  I hung up on the voice. 


Walking across the local BELLIS FAIR MALL parking lot, a not so young lady asked for my help to load her car with a bulky item.  The lady then asked if I wanted to earn some money to help her move from her present home to her new "Senior" apartment.  I agreed to help her move, but would not accept any remuneration.  She agreed.  The next 3 weeks, I worked each day for the lady, accepting no payment ... except when she insisted that I accompany her a time or two for dinner in the new apartment dining room.


In April, 2016, I accepted a "job" with The Art Quarry of Alger, Washington.   For three months I worked for The Art Quarry.  My "position" consisted of a kinda "GUY FRIDAY".  For the duration of our association, I "lived" in my car ... began work daily by 6:00 am, working without breaks through 4:00 pm EACH AND EVERY DAY, taking not a single day off .

For my effort, I PAID THE ART QUARRY $175.00 per month.

Yes, I said it correctly ... I PAID the ART QUARRY $175.00 per month for the privilege of working for them !

 ... and I was happy to do so.
 
As I was being dismissed, the OWNER, Heather, handed me $200.00, as she said, ..."to help me on my way...".  


I immediately departed BELLINGHAM, driving some 500 miles to BURNS, Oregon, home of my daughter.  In BURNS, I was overcome by the heat ... and I must say from exhaustion from toiling for THE QUARRY ... .   As the result, I fainted, was transported to the hospital, and subsequently released
without prejudice
.

Leaving my Daughter in BURNS,.  I drove to near SPOKANE, Washington, where I parked in a Truck Stop, sleeping in SPIA.


For two weeks. I stayed with SAM and SPIA, parked in the Truck Stop.  Leaving BURNS, Oregon, I was without any $$.   As I received NO remuneration from THE QUARRY, my only option was to sit tight at the Truck Stop, waiting for arrival of my U.S. Government Social Security Bank
Deposit, expected on August 03, 2016.

During this two week period, I accepted two McDonald Hamburgers from a kindly employee.  I rationed my dwindling supply (10 packs) of Instant oat meal, using water from LOVE"s Truck Stop.
Yes, I could have asked for help, but I opted to accept my self-imposed ration.


On August 03, 2016, my SS $$ arrived.  I paid outstanding debts.


On August 03, I opted to reverse my previous destination of NEW YORK CITY ... which by now was too far to reach from some 3,000 miles away.  All day, I studied the map, finally accepting the wisdom to stay in the State of Washington ... , walking and rolling within our home state.


Two days ago, I had my first real meal in two weeks. 

Two days ago, I again fainted.

Being transported to ER, the attending ER Doctor and I opted for me to check out of the hospital.

I checked out of the hospital, apparently none the worse for wear.


I am hoping AT&T will help us post this blog update.


I truly apologize for failing to maintain my commitment to this, our Blog ... and to YOU, who have stood by while we worked through these unfortunate months.


It is now 3:51 pm in COLVILLE, Washington.  This Blog update has been presented for PUBLICATION ... and once again been rejected.

On August 06, 2016, a similar POST request has been refused.

POST 1525; COLVILLE, WASHINGTON; AUGUST 06, 2016

From the NE corner of the State Of Washington, some 100 miles North of SPOKANE, Washington, SAM and ME are settling into a corner booth of McDonald's in the mountain town of COLVILLE, Washington.

A few short hours ago we extricated ourselves from the clutches of Colville's MOUNT CARMEL Hospital.

In shorts and skimpy T-Shirt, we navigated our way through darkened streets following the North Star as it guided us along US Highway 395 ... .    SPIA was waiting, as we had left her, parked under lights of WALMART.  

Once again, SAM, SPIA, and ME were together ... together and SAFE.


It was sometime a year or so earlier that DALLAS contacted us as we walked and rolled across desert wastes of central TEXAS.  "My wife has died ...", Dallas lamented to our Blog, SENIOR's WALKING ACROSS AMERICA.   "I need your help, Bruce..."

Arriving in HURRICANE, West Virginia, we found Dallas alone in his home, suffering from constant fear and pain.  His wife whom we knew from our previous visits, recently passed,  leaving Dallas alone to fend for himself as Diabetes ravaged his body and mind.

 

INTERLUDE !!!!

A full day creating this update abs been wasted  !!!

Working with McD which I created today has refused by AT&T (McD) to post.  Working with McD Computer Guy, the problem is a AT&T McD wide problem of over 3 week duration.  

So, what you see posted above must be recreated thru McD ... i.e., starting from scratch.

Will try again tomorrow.

For now. NO, I am NOT fully well, but am working on it...

Will now try to add to my prior POST ... and hope for some AT&T / McD progress.


















































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POST 1524; BURNS' OREGON; JUNE 23, 2016

I passed up a lake fishing trip plus MUSHROOM gathering among Oregon's High Desert this afternoon .....

.....Instead. been at our computer for 7 hours continuous struggling to remember how to relearn to use computer systems after so long from it all

We are rewarded with more than 500 personal blog responses.  SAM and ME can hardly believe you ...

...and we are nearly ready to walk and roll.   Heather slipped a small token to SAM AND ME as we drove away.  Her token has enabled our search of the internet off and on today become the straw on which our new CABBELLA's  COT will warm and comfort our journey.

As you already know, our Love for you is limitless.

...   And so, here WE go again

... with a few new welcome faces and hearts riding SHOTGUN over WE HAPPY FEW ...

POST 1523; JUNE 23, 2016; BURNS, OREGON

Yes, it really is SAM AND ME again back among the living.

I have recovered a major part of the Stroke suffered some months ago, but I am still cautious when  negotiating uneven / unfamiliar ground..

Since the Stroke, I have driven cross country four times alone and without incident.

I have volunteered to help a friend move from her home, including cleaning of her large palatial home and into a Senior residential community apartment.

 The last three months have found me volunteering as grounds-keeper with a "ART" Community of some 20 performers - CIRCUS Oriented - living and working to perfect routines taken on the road nationally and internationally.  My work has been not only "voluntary". ...   I "donated" $175.00 monthly to the Community  for the privilege to work with them.

These activities allowed me to stay "employed" during my recovery period of the past 6 months.

I felt it has been appropriate to take time to work through the injury period of two concussions and the stroke before resuming this blog.  My (your) BLOG has therefor suffered from SILENCE.

During this same calendar time, my doctors turned away from me; i.e" ALL my medical (Medicare) activity has STOPPED.   I receive NO Doctor appointments, or medication, including prescription medication.  Since hours after the stroke, I have been "medically" on my own.

AND SO,  this brings us to today :

Friends and family have been standing by to see what SAM AND ME do next.

We are in BURNS, Oregon.  MONICA, BEN and the Girls are helping prepare SAM to once again return to the Highways and Byways of America.  We are searching for a small folding COT to add to SAM's equipment.  As things are, I will sleep sitting up in my itty bitty folding chair.

Within the next few days, SAM AND ME will Walk And Roll across America to New York City where we will add that grand city to our saga.

For now, I will renew my own attitude to tune in with psychology of America.

ED NOTE:

A very short time ago, I was alone ...  adrift ... knowing not who I was and aware of little else.  With  Love and support of those known and unknown we have begun find our way back.

Thank You

POST 1522; BURNS. OREGON; MARCH 21, 2016

To be beyond reasonable is asking quite a lot of this sometime walker.

Walking is turning out to be something quite different these past several months.

Taking one more try at the injuries I have suffered, I am not myself at the moment.

I may take a bit more time, but intend to fully recover

POST 1521; BELLIINGHAM, WA. 03/16/2016

A major ...

A major series of stumbling blocks have been been thrust into the works of SAM AND ME during the past few weeks.

POST 1520; BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON; 02/14/16

 Hello all of Bruce's followers!  My name is Niki and I am Bruce's nurse.  Bruce asked me to write a short message to all of you.  Bruce had a stroke about a week ago.  He is at St. Joshephs hospital in Bellingham in the Rehab unit.  Bruce is recovering very well. He is walking independently around the unit and many of us wouldn't guess that he is a patient.  He has aphagia and has diffuculty finding the words to express himself.  This has been very frustrating for him. 
Bruce has been very concerned about all of you not knowing why he hasn't updated his blog.  So I am helping him a bit. 
It has been an extreme pleasure to get to know Bruce and an inspiration!  I'm sure he would love to hear from any of you.

POST 1519; BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON; 02-06-16

Near BELLINGHAM, Washington are a number of Native American Villages.  Virtually on Bellingham's doorstep are Villages of The LUMMI NATION.

At once, the villages are prosperous energetic ... and sometimes having lost residents and once thriving businesses, where time has shown it's handiwork.

The following images are of the once thriving village of MARIETTA, Washington;  ...today nearly overtaken by dense growth bordering Marine Drive.

The main village of LUMMI is a couple miles distant ... LUMMI Village ... a populated thriving home to a major CASINO, a Car Ferry to nearby LUMMI Island, and many lovely homes; ... a subject for another day.

Hand - Carved TOTEM POLE, an historic feature of the Village Park of MARIETTA.

Only one mile from the City of BELLINGHAM, nearly all the land in the above image belongs to The LUMMI NATION, including the estuary of the NOOKSACK River which flows through MARIETTA which borders the trees visible top right.

MARIETTA has the above view of Bellingham Bay, looking South toward SEATTLE, some 100 miles distant.

 ... and looking South East, MARIETTA residents look on neighboring BELLINGHAM.

Better days visited this, the center of the village of MARIETTA, Washington.  The Post Office once stood here.

Across the street from the Post Office is the current home of Grandma MAGGIE.

Standing in the front yard of Grandma's gaily painted home is a decorated horse drawn Carriage looking very much like a GYPSY Mobile Home right out of Eastern Europe.

Mother Nature has hidden this home from Marine Drive.

ARIES is a yacht on blocks awaiting some TLC ( TLC = Tender Loving Care).

A well kept home next to ARIES, the yacht.

Please note the pile of recently chopped fire wood.

On another distant place and time, once was heard Indigenous Americans (Indians) quip that severity of the coming Winter could be judged by seeing how much fire wood the White Man chopped.

This trail is the MARIETTA Access ROAD to the NOOKSACK River ...

...leading to the "Beach" on the other side of the Berm.

At High Tide, Fishing Boats are launched and beached at this spot.

The waterway is one of two arms of the NOOKSACK River as it flows into Bellingham Bay only a few Meters to the left of this view.

The NOOKSACK River as it flows into Bellingham Bay.

Ed. note: ... in another nearby river I have seen such a river packed so full of Salmon returning to spawn, that NO WATER WAS VISIBLE ... so thick with Salmon as to be able to WALK across them.

The access road (Trail) pictured in above pics, is only ten feet behind this children's playground equipment.

The land, equipment and labor has been gifted by local residents and companies.

... such as this Gentleman, who lives next door to the playground / park.

Village Park TOTEM POLES are accompanied by a number of art pieces carved by MARIETTA Residents.

Recently planted tree Seedlings are located and protected by the blue markers.

Engraved Stone Monument honors MARIETTA Residents.

LUMMI NATION School Bus bringing Children home from School.

Marine Drive (FORT BELLINGHAM) DELI a couple hundred feet from MARIETTA.

This business is VERY old, once including a Gas Station.   Named after the Pre-Civil War "Fort BELLINGHAM"

FORT BELLINGHAM will be the subject of a later Blog Update, giving details of the PIG WAR, an historic WAR between the United States and Great Britain which resulted in the current International Border between the USA and CANADA

* * * * * * * * * *

On Monday, we will recerive a CT (Cat SCAN) to establish injury - if any - from my two recent falls which may have resulted in a CONCUSSION.

While waiting for this bit of medical magic, I have been volunteering my assistance to RICCI, a 62 year old handicapped lady, to move from her 3-story Victorian Home into an Assisted Living Apartment Complex.

We ( SPIA, SAM, and ME ) should be back on the road shortly !

With "Slight of Hand", VERIZON has eliminated my computer access to VERIZON SIGNAL TOWERS.. Must now use WI-FI service from the likes of Libraries, MAC D, etc.. ...not easy to find in the American Out-Back.

NO, I AM NOT PLEASED 

POST 1518; BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON; 01-22-16

BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON ....... ONE OF THE FINEST SMALL CITIES IN AMERICA.

Population growth from 35,000 in 1987 (when I first arrived - to 80,000 + in 2016.

A depressed neighborhood is not to be found.

A trail IS found to lead wherever one may wish to go.

Tranquil lakes are fed by tranquil streams of crystal waters in all directions.

Want to meet Indigenous residents ....?   We share a common town boundary.

Desire SCUBA DIVING ... SAILING ... SKIING ... KAYAKING ... MOUNTAIN CLIMBING ...

EXCELLENT CUISINE ... TRAVEL BY CRUISE SHIP (10 minutes from downtown)  ... BY AIR (10

minutes from downtown) ... BY CAR ( 30 minutes to CANADA)

 ... GLACIERS ???   Ten Glaciers grace the tops of our nearby OLYMPIC MOUNTAINS

 ... EXPLORE INLAND SEASHORES ( Begin downtown and keep going for hundreds of miles ...

picking CLAMS, OYSTERS, and how 'bout a few varieties of CACTUS for good measure on theway

TO SAY NOTHING OF BIG GAME HUNTING and EXTREME FISHING in SALT WATER and

FRESH a short WALK from your FRONT DOOR !   and in our DESERT a 2 - hour DRIVE distant.

OH YES,  TWO Active VOLCANOES are VISIBLE from our modest in-town hills .

How to find such a bountiful place ???

From ANYPLACE in the LOWER 48 STATES of America ...

      - Drive - or walk North to the CANADIAN BORDER ...

      - Hang a Left Turn

      - Follow the Setting SUN until reaching Salt Water

      - YOU HAVE ARRIVED IN BELLINGHAM !

BELLINGHAM is a SEAPORT.  We are, in fact, the last undeveloped DEEP WATER SEAPORT on the West Coast of America.

YACHTS - Motor and Sail crowd our constantly improving and expanding Pleasure and Commercial MARINAS ... Yes we have many in various locations.

Not to worry about BOATING SEASON.  Boating is a YEAR-ROUND pursuit, with hundreds of miles of uninterrupted waterways and 172 of our own idyllic ISLANDS chock full of Marine Life  ...

Marine Life of the kind to EAT and to ADMIIRE up close and personal.

One of our city POLICE Boats.  WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON STATE, USCOAST GUARD, and US NAVY are plentiful with latest technological equipment to keep us all protected and tranquil at night.

These Folks call BELLINGHAM "HOME" Too.

Above image is a tiny piece of just one of our local high-tech Marinas.
The shaded distant mountain is our local VOLCANO, Mount BAKER.

Mount RAINIER is 150 miles South and a bit to the right.  Three more Washington State Volcanoes, including the recently EXPLODED Mount St. HELENS, lie some 200 miles South of us.

We have some rather classy Hotels gracing our Town, Sea Shore and International Airport.

If you wanna, you can WALK all day in town and our waterfront without covering the same ground more than once.

"ISLE A'HOY "

LUMMIE ISLAND, one of the largest , but by no means the closest to BELLINGHAM.  This small Island lying in front of LUMMIE Island sports it's own airport and is a treasure Store for DUNGENESS CRABS (in SEASON, of course)

BELLINGHAM BAY looking WEST and a bit South ... or as we mariners say ..."a heading of South West...";   which just happens to be the direction from which the "Prevailing Wind" blows ... called by locals "...The PINEAPPLE EXPRESS."

Another view of BELLINGHAM BAY.  the City extends to include that distant Peninsula of land.

RIP RAP Rock forming the SEA WALL protecting our yacht Marina.

Winds in excess of 100 miles per hour are not uncommon on BELLINGHAM BAY.

MONUMENT Dedicated to BELLINGHAM Commercial Fishermen. 

BELLINGHAM Commercial Fishing Fleet.

These "BOATS" are "GILL NETTERS" which spread floating nets around migrating SALMON as they cross BELLINGHAM Bay on their way to local rivers in which they spawn after spending 3 to 5 years in the deep Ocean Waters ... often traveling to waters off the East Coast of RUSSIA's SIBERIA before returning to the river in which they were hatched ... often, to the exact spot they began life.

BELLINGHAM's New FIRE BOAT.

Pile of GILL NETS ready to load aboard the boats.

A Marina Waterfront Restaurant...one of many from which to choose in BELLINGHAM Marina District.

Private yacht fleet in "SLIPS" in front of the two Yacht Club Houses.

SQUALICUM YACHT CLUB HOUSE.  BELLINGHAM YACHT CLUB HOUSE is next door.

WELCOME to the FAIRHAVEN District of BELLINGHAM...

FAIRHAVEN is a true HISTORIC villige joining BELLINGHAM over 100 years ago.

FAIRHAVEN is today the WATER and LAND transportation HUB of the City.

The Airport is some 5 miles North of the more "Commercial" district of BELLINGHAM.

Following images are of FAIRHAVEN, which is growing like a young teenager ... retaining the historic image and culture everyone finds so desireable.

Took a few moments to visit one of BELLINGHAM' many Breweries...a good "Old German DARK Beer".

A HAWK Nest along the 3 - mile Marine ( over- the- water)"WALKWAY" connecting FAIRHAVEN with downtown and Marina District of the larger part of BELLINGHAM.

A MASS of BLACKBERRY VINES.

In JULY, one can pick a gallon of delicious Blackberries in as little as 10 minutes OR LESS !

Blackberry Vines grow profusely on EVERY SINGLE AVAILABLE SUN DRENCHED BIT OF HILLSIDE ... literally trillions of berries for any who wish to pick them.

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