The Virginian Hotel is a wonder to behold...alone on the nearly empty 7,000 foot plains of Wyoming's High Rocky Mountains...the last place one expects to find such a treasure.
SAM & ME
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
SAM GETS A TEST
AN OREGON MEETING OF TWO CROSS USA TREKERS...Mr. Brown & Mr. Maynard
SAM & ME PASSING THROUGH VANCOUVER, WASHINGTONHaving designed and built SAM, I am of course, biased.
Yesterday, SAM was treated to a road test by someone other than ME.
During a typical Bellingham Fall day of Liquid Sunshine a.k.a. RAIN, Shari and Josh were introduced to SAM. A brief inspection of SAM in all her updated finery was made, showing off her new rain covers, new Solar Panel arrangements, improved Control Station installation, new solid tires, and spacious interior storage.
So, out into the rain, SAM was taken on a one-mile or so test on the streets and pathways of Bellingham.
SAM is equipped with a fine-tuning accelerator capable of adjusting motor speed from a crawl to up to 16 miles per hour. On the flat, SAM needs only to be pushed...a finger-tip event because she rolls so easily.
To climb a hill, SAM needs a clockwise turn or so of her accelerator thumb screw conveniently mounted - for left-hand operation - on the her (upper) secondary PUSH bar.
To reduce power/speed, SAM's thumb screw is rotated counter clockwise a bit.
A total power reduction is made by counter clockwise thumb screw rotation to her positive-stop position...
COMPLETE POWER OFF is a snap by a right-handed click of SAM's Control Box switch located 6 inches in front of her lower primary PUSH bar.
Full Power Disconnect is available by unplugging the battery feed to the Control Box.
Sounds complex. Actually, SAM is quite easy to control in all modes...flat...up...or down hill.
Shari and Josh took turns "driving" SAM. Shari seemed to like SAM's shoe brakes to help drive down hill.
They took photos and made a video of each other driving SAM.
Perhaps I can convince them to share their comments and photos on this Blog.
Shari, you may recall, is Director of Marketing of SeeYourImpact.org, where 100% of $$ donations reach pre-selected recipients.
Shari also spent a couple hours programming this computer to make our Blog available on SAM & ME new Facebook page. In the first hour of life, SAM & ME Facebook Page received seven new "like" comments.
Passing through a series of recent challenges, I am encouraged by this new turn of events. They encourage ME to keep SAM & ME going. I can share that my Mother, when reaching my age pleaded for "...something to do...please give me a purpose..."
Being at that same stage of life, I am grateful for SAM & ME. WE seem to have stumbled upon a real purpose...a purpose apparently important in the lives of others.
SAM & ME plan to continue our walk in the near future..
WE invite you to join us...in person...through our Blog...or through SAM & ME Facebook Page.
Come WALK AND ROLL...With SAM & ME.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
SAM UPGRADES
Much of my time the past couple weeks has been sitting - studying SAM - with the object to refine and upgrade her Systems. So far, we have:
(1) Modified SAM's Solar Panel Installation by eliminating the "adjusting" supports. The Solar Panels are now fixed in position, sloping forward about 30 degrees to best catch light.
(2) Completely changed SAM's Solar Panel "Covers". The Solar Panels have no "ON" "OFF" switch. The vinyl covers do double duty: Eliminate Light - effectively turning the panels OFF; and provide weather protection - from dust and rain, keeping the panels "clean" when not in use.
The covers were previously held in place with Velcro - which was a failure in the 100+ degree temperatures -. They are now held in place with screws on one side and quick-release SNAPS on the opposite side, allowing quick positive hold down (important in heavy winds).
Last Summer the "covers" always partially covered the Solar Panel Cells, effectively limiting - and often turning OFF - the electrical flow. If a single row of cells is even partially covered, the entire Solar Panel is essentially turned OFF. This was a serious problem before I understood that part of Solar Panel technology. Battery charging should now be much improved.
(3) Changed SAM's Auxiliary Battery (a single stand alone 12V 8 ah) installation. A "cigarette lighter" has been added to SAM's control panel for quick disconnect of auxiliary equipment, such as the GPS, chargers for small voltage batteries for flashlights, cell phone, camera, etc. Also, a separate hard-wired connector has been added as a charging point connection.
(4) SAM has also received an INVERTER (changes 12 Volt to 120 Volt electricity). This small item fits in the palm of one hand and can be used to borrow 12 Volt electricity from any passing motorist or other handy 12 Volt power source. Small 120 Volt appliances (hair dryer for example to quickly dry out that pair of wet socks) or battery chargers can be plugged into the Inverter.
(5) SAM's 36 V 8 ah secondary battery pack has been modified. All of the connectors on the three (3) 12 V batteries making up this 36 V system are SLIP-FIT Tabs. Last Summer, these slip-fit tabs, receiving constant vibration from road surfaces, came loose, shutting down the entire battery pack. We have soldered - and or crimped - SAM's electrical wire connectors to the battery slip-fit tabs and securely taped them to the batteries and each other. This makes a rigid wire harness which should eliminate battery connector failures.
Later today, Sunday, November 07, 2010, we plan to modify SAM's PRIMARY battery pack - the 12 amp hour system - in the same way.
(6) SAM has received all SOLID RUBBER TIRES. Last Summer, we had flats from such silly things Rose Bush thorns. Solid Rubber Tires - as used on performance Mountain Bikes - will effectively eliminate flats.
Changing to Solid Rubber Tires eliminates the need to carry: Spare Tires, Tubes, Kevlar Strips (reduces punctures), Jacks (to lift SAM up when servicing the tires), Tire Air Pump AND Tools needed to service the pneumatic tires. This makes for considerable weight reduction and space availability for really essential things such as food and that extra pair of socks.
We took SAM on a 10 - mile walk yesterday. The Solid Rubber Tires, even though with knobby tire tread, ran smoothly and actually made it much easier to steer SAM around corners.
(7) Yet to be accomplished is to purge SAM of un-needed STUFF. Last Summer, WE took along "extra THIS" and "extra THAT"...just in case. Fully 80 percent of that STUFF was never used. We were fighting at every stop trying to remember where WHAT was and digging it out of SAM's storage.
(8) Also taken along last Summer was a Rain Cover - much like a motorcycle cover - purchased especially for SAM. We never used it. We tried it out Yesterday. It is quickly zippered into place and is large enough for ME to sit on a box leaning back against SAM and be fully protected from the rain, wind, and COLD.
Because it fits into a wee bag hanging on SAM's side, it can be unpacked and installed over SAM in a minute or two. It will be used during short rest periods when confronted by the tempests we expect walking the Olympic Rain Forest and Pacific Coast this Winter.
(9) Brooks Walkers have served ME well. They are waterproof, comfortable and have almost no wear. Walking in inclement weather (lots of rain and wind expected), the Brooks will not suffice. I must obtain similar comfy "boots" to make it through the muck awaiting us.
(10) We are also looking into a waterproof "BAG" for our Sleeping Bag. It will not do for our Sleeping Bag to become muddy and/or wet. Some research will be needed here.
I read on the Internet a day or two ago about a fellow who has roamed the USA for the past 6 months without ANY money. He has subsisted using coupons and assistance from friendly folks met along the way. I believe he is taking part in a TV Show...must look more closely into his adventures. $$ is a major consideration for ME, and may be able to emulate this Guy.
So, One can see our time Home has not been lost to our walk. We have improved SAM's design and construction and have streamlined our walking technology.
(1) Modified SAM's Solar Panel Installation by eliminating the "adjusting" supports. The Solar Panels are now fixed in position, sloping forward about 30 degrees to best catch light.
(2) Completely changed SAM's Solar Panel "Covers". The Solar Panels have no "ON" "OFF" switch. The vinyl covers do double duty: Eliminate Light - effectively turning the panels OFF; and provide weather protection - from dust and rain, keeping the panels "clean" when not in use.
The covers were previously held in place with Velcro - which was a failure in the 100+ degree temperatures -. They are now held in place with screws on one side and quick-release SNAPS on the opposite side, allowing quick positive hold down (important in heavy winds).
Last Summer the "covers" always partially covered the Solar Panel Cells, effectively limiting - and often turning OFF - the electrical flow. If a single row of cells is even partially covered, the entire Solar Panel is essentially turned OFF. This was a serious problem before I understood that part of Solar Panel technology. Battery charging should now be much improved.
(3) Changed SAM's Auxiliary Battery (a single stand alone 12V 8 ah) installation. A "cigarette lighter" has been added to SAM's control panel for quick disconnect of auxiliary equipment, such as the GPS, chargers for small voltage batteries for flashlights, cell phone, camera, etc. Also, a separate hard-wired connector has been added as a charging point connection.
(4) SAM has also received an INVERTER (changes 12 Volt to 120 Volt electricity). This small item fits in the palm of one hand and can be used to borrow 12 Volt electricity from any passing motorist or other handy 12 Volt power source. Small 120 Volt appliances (hair dryer for example to quickly dry out that pair of wet socks) or battery chargers can be plugged into the Inverter.
(5) SAM's 36 V 8 ah secondary battery pack has been modified. All of the connectors on the three (3) 12 V batteries making up this 36 V system are SLIP-FIT Tabs. Last Summer, these slip-fit tabs, receiving constant vibration from road surfaces, came loose, shutting down the entire battery pack. We have soldered - and or crimped - SAM's electrical wire connectors to the battery slip-fit tabs and securely taped them to the batteries and each other. This makes a rigid wire harness which should eliminate battery connector failures.
Later today, Sunday, November 07, 2010, we plan to modify SAM's PRIMARY battery pack - the 12 amp hour system - in the same way.
(6) SAM has received all SOLID RUBBER TIRES. Last Summer, we had flats from such silly things Rose Bush thorns. Solid Rubber Tires - as used on performance Mountain Bikes - will effectively eliminate flats.
Changing to Solid Rubber Tires eliminates the need to carry: Spare Tires, Tubes, Kevlar Strips (reduces punctures), Jacks (to lift SAM up when servicing the tires), Tire Air Pump AND Tools needed to service the pneumatic tires. This makes for considerable weight reduction and space availability for really essential things such as food and that extra pair of socks.
We took SAM on a 10 - mile walk yesterday. The Solid Rubber Tires, even though with knobby tire tread, ran smoothly and actually made it much easier to steer SAM around corners.
(7) Yet to be accomplished is to purge SAM of un-needed STUFF. Last Summer, WE took along "extra THIS" and "extra THAT"...just in case. Fully 80 percent of that STUFF was never used. We were fighting at every stop trying to remember where WHAT was and digging it out of SAM's storage.
(8) Also taken along last Summer was a Rain Cover - much like a motorcycle cover - purchased especially for SAM. We never used it. We tried it out Yesterday. It is quickly zippered into place and is large enough for ME to sit on a box leaning back against SAM and be fully protected from the rain, wind, and COLD.
Because it fits into a wee bag hanging on SAM's side, it can be unpacked and installed over SAM in a minute or two. It will be used during short rest periods when confronted by the tempests we expect walking the Olympic Rain Forest and Pacific Coast this Winter.
(9) Brooks Walkers have served ME well. They are waterproof, comfortable and have almost no wear. Walking in inclement weather (lots of rain and wind expected), the Brooks will not suffice. I must obtain similar comfy "boots" to make it through the muck awaiting us.
(10) We are also looking into a waterproof "BAG" for our Sleeping Bag. It will not do for our Sleeping Bag to become muddy and/or wet. Some research will be needed here.
I read on the Internet a day or two ago about a fellow who has roamed the USA for the past 6 months without ANY money. He has subsisted using coupons and assistance from friendly folks met along the way. I believe he is taking part in a TV Show...must look more closely into his adventures. $$ is a major consideration for ME, and may be able to emulate this Guy.
So, One can see our time Home has not been lost to our walk. We have improved SAM's design and construction and have streamlined our walking technology.
Friday, November 5, 2010
I AM ILLITERATE
Just returned from Seattle and an enlightening visit with Shari Goetsch, Director of Marketing of SeeYourImpact.org.
SeeYourImpact.org is the CAUSE I have been mentioning the past couple Blogs. It is, folks, for real.
Shari is putting together some Internet Magic for ME and our Blog. I don't fully understand what the details are, but essentially, seniorswalkingacrossamerica.blogspot.com will be linked to Facebook and SeeYourImpact.org providing easier access and versatility (gee, is that a real word?).
Premature at best for ME to try to give details at this moment. Suffice to say that ME is intrigued and excited at what is about to occur to enhance this Blog.
Now I go back to SAM and incorporate the next major change to her design; i.e., soldering ALL electrical connections. Loose "friction-fit" factory-supplied component connections caused much consternation for SAM & ME while walking over "washboard" roads. Connections came loose, causing "shutdown" of complete systems. By soldering all electrical connections, we should minimize if not eliminate that problem AND give better continuity (electrical flow efficiency) between electrical components - chargers, batteries, controllers, etc..
As I have so often admitted, I have NO electrical systems training or experience. SAM & I have learned together about this mysterious world...and obviously, we are still learning. When so-called "experts" guided us, distaster hit...but you have already read that in previous Blogs.
Fall has finally come to Bellingham. It is raining and promisses to continue wetting on us for the next few days...what a wonderful time to check out SAM's upgrades.
I must admit that I fear I will not last the Winter. Already I am getting itchy feet to return with SAM to the open road and the fascinating new World that has opened for us.
I truly hope you will be with us on our Journey renewal...by the way, did you know that our recently-sold-yacht name was JOURNEY. I do miss JOURNEY, but SAM is my new Mistress.
SAM has proven herself on our recent FALOVET (sp?) trip. (Falovet = Norweigen custom of taking a long intimate trip with your "Intended" (Fiance') before tying the knot...not a bad custom, Huh?
SeeYourImpact.org is the CAUSE I have been mentioning the past couple Blogs. It is, folks, for real.
Shari is putting together some Internet Magic for ME and our Blog. I don't fully understand what the details are, but essentially, seniorswalkingacrossamerica.blogspot.com will be linked to Facebook and SeeYourImpact.org providing easier access and versatility (gee, is that a real word?).
Premature at best for ME to try to give details at this moment. Suffice to say that ME is intrigued and excited at what is about to occur to enhance this Blog.
Now I go back to SAM and incorporate the next major change to her design; i.e., soldering ALL electrical connections. Loose "friction-fit" factory-supplied component connections caused much consternation for SAM & ME while walking over "washboard" roads. Connections came loose, causing "shutdown" of complete systems. By soldering all electrical connections, we should minimize if not eliminate that problem AND give better continuity (electrical flow efficiency) between electrical components - chargers, batteries, controllers, etc..
As I have so often admitted, I have NO electrical systems training or experience. SAM & I have learned together about this mysterious world...and obviously, we are still learning. When so-called "experts" guided us, distaster hit...but you have already read that in previous Blogs.
Fall has finally come to Bellingham. It is raining and promisses to continue wetting on us for the next few days...what a wonderful time to check out SAM's upgrades.
I must admit that I fear I will not last the Winter. Already I am getting itchy feet to return with SAM to the open road and the fascinating new World that has opened for us.
I truly hope you will be with us on our Journey renewal...by the way, did you know that our recently-sold-yacht name was JOURNEY. I do miss JOURNEY, but SAM is my new Mistress.
SAM has proven herself on our recent FALOVET (sp?) trip. (Falovet = Norweigen custom of taking a long intimate trip with your "Intended" (Fiance') before tying the knot...not a bad custom, Huh?
Thursday, November 4, 2010
MORE OPTIONS
Upgrading SAM is progressing very well. Her Solar Panels have been modified to make them more efficient and easier for ME to handle them while on the road. One of last Summer's problems was lack of panel input into the batteries. This has been corrected. Initial tests are encouraging.
I am also seriously considering adding a third (3rd) battery pack. So doing will add 25 # weight, but will also give 6 - 8 hours added energy for SAM's Hub Motor. During Winter months, with shorter and overcast days, additional power will be crucial to SAM & ME. SAM can easily carry the added weight...a bit of a added chore when ME must push SAM.
We have had NO response(s) to our offer to use SPIA for 3 - 4 day mini-walks/vacations. We must face reality...folks have their own priorities and while may WANT to participate with SAM & ME, are unable to do so for a variety of reasons...all valid.
We have, therefore, opened new OPTIONS.
SAM & ME made a great team for the first 1 - 2 months of our Summer 2010 walk. We can do so again. With SAM's upgrades, and our learned experiences, we are looking to options for the Winter. Primary on our list is to start again - SOON - from the Peace Arch BLAINE, Washington, with the objective to follow the Pacific Ocean Coast Road to reach Southern California by mid Winter. Then head EAST into Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma; reaching Fort Supply, Oklahoma in early Spring. Then continue (where we recently left off with Jodi and SPIA)) ...just SAM & ME...on to Key West as originally programmed.
If we take US 101 from PORT TOWNSEND, Washington all the way to ASTORIA, Oregon, through The Redwood Forests, transiting The Coast Mountain Range to Napa Valley (Wine Country) thence to STOCKTON, California and down the SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY on US 99 to BAKERSFIELD, California, then up and over the TEHACHAPIE, visit the Space Port at Mojave, across DEATH VALLEY, and on to PHOENIX, Arizona, and points East, we will avoid Winters Worst Weather(s), and walk exciting new territory.
SAM & ME have proven we are capable to walk incredible distances with and without help.
If help comes along, we will welcome and use it/whomever (and we hope it does come along). If it does not, we are prepared to go it alone.
I know I am rattling on...nothing like it was a year ago this time when I was starting to build SAM and formulating the realities of the 2,000 + mile walk we so recently completed to Fort Supply.
We now have a good idea how to go about walking long distances, SAM & ME. Truthfully, my biggest challenge is to start "cooking" appropriate foods to sustain this aging body of mine.
Anyone have some magic solution(s), I am your attentive pupil.
Discouraged??...not in the least. Jodi, bless her kind efforts for me, was a disappointment, but as one of my Secretaries - many years ago - said to me..."...after all, Mr. Maynard, it is NOT the end of the World". And, No, it is not.
I do not know how many years ( capable years) I have remaining, but by golly, each MOMENT is precious...I will never again have THIS moment. I will do my very best not to waste it.
POST SCRIPT...CAUSE: At 9 pm, I received e-mail confirmation from the CAUSE I mentioned in my Post of November 01.
I have been invited to their SEATTLE, Washington (a 170 mile drive) offices tomorrow morning at 10 am to give me a first hand look at their organization...how they help folks around the world and how WE can become a part of that help...with 100% of our donation going to the SPECIFIC item we choose...with photo/narrative confirmation from the RECIPIENTS back to us within 14 days.
On the surface, seems to be what I have been looking for...we shall see.
I am also seriously considering adding a third (3rd) battery pack. So doing will add 25 # weight, but will also give 6 - 8 hours added energy for SAM's Hub Motor. During Winter months, with shorter and overcast days, additional power will be crucial to SAM & ME. SAM can easily carry the added weight...a bit of a added chore when ME must push SAM.
We have had NO response(s) to our offer to use SPIA for 3 - 4 day mini-walks/vacations. We must face reality...folks have their own priorities and while may WANT to participate with SAM & ME, are unable to do so for a variety of reasons...all valid.
We have, therefore, opened new OPTIONS.
SAM & ME made a great team for the first 1 - 2 months of our Summer 2010 walk. We can do so again. With SAM's upgrades, and our learned experiences, we are looking to options for the Winter. Primary on our list is to start again - SOON - from the Peace Arch BLAINE, Washington, with the objective to follow the Pacific Ocean Coast Road to reach Southern California by mid Winter. Then head EAST into Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma; reaching Fort Supply, Oklahoma in early Spring. Then continue (where we recently left off with Jodi and SPIA)) ...just SAM & ME...on to Key West as originally programmed.
If we take US 101 from PORT TOWNSEND, Washington all the way to ASTORIA, Oregon, through The Redwood Forests, transiting The Coast Mountain Range to Napa Valley (Wine Country) thence to STOCKTON, California and down the SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY on US 99 to BAKERSFIELD, California, then up and over the TEHACHAPIE, visit the Space Port at Mojave, across DEATH VALLEY, and on to PHOENIX, Arizona, and points East, we will avoid Winters Worst Weather(s), and walk exciting new territory.
SAM & ME have proven we are capable to walk incredible distances with and without help.
If help comes along, we will welcome and use it/whomever (and we hope it does come along). If it does not, we are prepared to go it alone.
I know I am rattling on...nothing like it was a year ago this time when I was starting to build SAM and formulating the realities of the 2,000 + mile walk we so recently completed to Fort Supply.
We now have a good idea how to go about walking long distances, SAM & ME. Truthfully, my biggest challenge is to start "cooking" appropriate foods to sustain this aging body of mine.
Anyone have some magic solution(s), I am your attentive pupil.
Discouraged??...not in the least. Jodi, bless her kind efforts for me, was a disappointment, but as one of my Secretaries - many years ago - said to me..."...after all, Mr. Maynard, it is NOT the end of the World". And, No, it is not.
I do not know how many years ( capable years) I have remaining, but by golly, each MOMENT is precious...I will never again have THIS moment. I will do my very best not to waste it.
POST SCRIPT...CAUSE: At 9 pm, I received e-mail confirmation from the CAUSE I mentioned in my Post of November 01.
I have been invited to their SEATTLE, Washington (a 170 mile drive) offices tomorrow morning at 10 am to give me a first hand look at their organization...how they help folks around the world and how WE can become a part of that help...with 100% of our donation going to the SPECIFIC item we choose...with photo/narrative confirmation from the RECIPIENTS back to us within 14 days.
On the surface, seems to be what I have been looking for...we shall see.
Monday, November 1, 2010
OPTIONS
It seems a very long time to March.
My office is nearly all cleaned out. My final Company Financial Statement should be filed this week. I may have an interested party to assume my Office Lease, offering me a small space to keep and work on SAM til March.
In the meantime, I am upgrading SAM. Already, a couple improvements have been made to SAM's electronics package. I am looking into more efficient lighter weight solar panels. I have today taken delivery of two SOLID RUBBER 20" rear tires...yippee...no more flat tires...that means I can leave spare tires and tools behind, making more room for other essentials (like decent food).
I am searching for drivers for SPIA. If I do NOT find suitable drivers, I am leaning heavily to return to square one; i.e., just SAM & ME, tent, sleeping bag, and all.
Also, I am seriously considering starting again from the Peace Arch. This will mean retracing my steps of last Summer. I know a few folks who would welcome my dropping in.
Also, I MAY have found a CAUSE. The CAUSE I am considering guarantees 100% of ALL $$ goes to our chosen recipient...not one red penny goes to the Organization for overhead.
I have said if such a CAUSE is found, I will put my whole effort into supporting it. The next few days should clarify some questions I have...I feel confident we will have a CAUSE worthy of us all.
My plan is to donate to this CAUSE, $0.05 of my own funds for each mile I walk . I will invite my followers and friends to offer the sum of $0.01 (one penny) for each mile I walk. I plan to hold a lottery...each contributor to receive one "chance" for each $0.01/mile contributed. The lottery winner to chose the receipient of the $$ received for that period (day, week, or whatever time period WE decide).There will be many choices available, which can be changed weekly or even daily. Proof is furnished identifying the actual individuals, item, event, or activity receiving our $$.
I will disclose the CAUSE I have in mind when I know everything is on the UP and UP. Be assured, that it is promoted by someone we ALL know and admire, and administered 100% by volunteer CEO's from a broad selection of World Renouned Companies.
Needless to say, I am excited at this development.
In a couple days from now, SAM & ME will take to the road. We will walk daily to areas surrounding Bellingham. If a driver - or drivers - come forward to drive SPIA, I plan to take 3 - 4 night mini-walks throughout Washington, and perhaps Oregon. SPIA will become our vacation home during these mini-walks. There would be room for 3 people to be comfy in SPIA for each walk...and they need not originate or end in Bellingham...they can be on-going depending on the desire(s) of the driver(s) - SAM & ME will walk where the driver chooses. I will pay SPIA operating costs and we will split food and other costs.
I encourage participation. For that reason, I give my cell # 360-303-5493, and will privately give my e-mail to callers so plans, logistics, etc. can be worked out.
So, if you are over 21, have a valid drivers license, and looking for a few days off, please consider SAM & ME.
By the way, anyone know from whom I learned Ballroom Dancing ...way back in 1954/1955...Upon receiving my "diploma", I performed during a well known "Party" at the Mark Hopkins Hotel Ballroom in San Francisco ... my Parents and Grandparents looking on.
Now I go watch Dancing With The Stars .
My office is nearly all cleaned out. My final Company Financial Statement should be filed this week. I may have an interested party to assume my Office Lease, offering me a small space to keep and work on SAM til March.
In the meantime, I am upgrading SAM. Already, a couple improvements have been made to SAM's electronics package. I am looking into more efficient lighter weight solar panels. I have today taken delivery of two SOLID RUBBER 20" rear tires...yippee...no more flat tires...that means I can leave spare tires and tools behind, making more room for other essentials (like decent food).
I am searching for drivers for SPIA. If I do NOT find suitable drivers, I am leaning heavily to return to square one; i.e., just SAM & ME, tent, sleeping bag, and all.
Also, I am seriously considering starting again from the Peace Arch. This will mean retracing my steps of last Summer. I know a few folks who would welcome my dropping in.
Also, I MAY have found a CAUSE. The CAUSE I am considering guarantees 100% of ALL $$ goes to our chosen recipient...not one red penny goes to the Organization for overhead.
I have said if such a CAUSE is found, I will put my whole effort into supporting it. The next few days should clarify some questions I have...I feel confident we will have a CAUSE worthy of us all.
My plan is to donate to this CAUSE, $0.05 of my own funds for each mile I walk . I will invite my followers and friends to offer the sum of $0.01 (one penny) for each mile I walk. I plan to hold a lottery...each contributor to receive one "chance" for each $0.01/mile contributed. The lottery winner to chose the receipient of the $$ received for that period (day, week, or whatever time period WE decide).There will be many choices available, which can be changed weekly or even daily. Proof is furnished identifying the actual individuals, item, event, or activity receiving our $$.
I will disclose the CAUSE I have in mind when I know everything is on the UP and UP. Be assured, that it is promoted by someone we ALL know and admire, and administered 100% by volunteer CEO's from a broad selection of World Renouned Companies.
Needless to say, I am excited at this development.
In a couple days from now, SAM & ME will take to the road. We will walk daily to areas surrounding Bellingham. If a driver - or drivers - come forward to drive SPIA, I plan to take 3 - 4 night mini-walks throughout Washington, and perhaps Oregon. SPIA will become our vacation home during these mini-walks. There would be room for 3 people to be comfy in SPIA for each walk...and they need not originate or end in Bellingham...they can be on-going depending on the desire(s) of the driver(s) - SAM & ME will walk where the driver chooses. I will pay SPIA operating costs and we will split food and other costs.
I encourage participation. For that reason, I give my cell # 360-303-5493, and will privately give my e-mail to callers so plans, logistics, etc. can be worked out.
So, if you are over 21, have a valid drivers license, and looking for a few days off, please consider SAM & ME.
By the way, anyone know from whom I learned Ballroom Dancing ...way back in 1954/1955...Upon receiving my "diploma", I performed during a well known "Party" at the Mark Hopkins Hotel Ballroom in San Francisco ... my Parents and Grandparents looking on.
Now I go watch Dancing With The Stars .
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