POST 1469; PROSSER, WASH;AUG 11, 2015

Impossible but true that for two months I have been helping Bob Young move into his new (old) home and removing the jungle outside.

Have twisted Bob's arm to allow me to clear away his half-acre of jungle that has overgrown the entire place with berry vines, ivy, and just plain weeds ... some 20 feet or more tall.

Clean up came to an end this morning exactly when my West Virginia friend, Dallas asked me to return to CULLEDON by the 21st when he under goes full knee replacement.  I have been with Dallas, you see, since September 2014 helping fight his way through worsening Diabetis.

In lieu of walking so much, seems I am spending much more time helping folks.  For example, Bob Young invited me to hang out at his new (old) home as he moved in.  I kept busy helping the actual move in...AND spent a few weeks clearing away his "jungle".  I previously spent 8 months helping folks recover from Hurricane IRENE - devestation of Outer Banks, North Carolina.

Of course, I NEVER accept remuneration (payment - of any kind) for my meagre efforts.

I have enjoyed a fulfilled life of plenty.  As a 80 - plus year old man, I have chosen to Stop to smell the roses AND help others where I am permitted. 
 

My Host Bob only minutes out of eye surgery.  Bob received much improved sight while I was allowed to take some weight-lifting tasks off his hands.

Bob is now much improved and has agreed that I should be on my way to give Dallas a hand.

I actually attempted to drive to West Virginia a week ago, but an automobile accident cut that effort short.  Having survived that accident (see prior blog), I am again on my way driving to West Virginia.

The Oregon Scenery in the following images is from m prior effort to reach West Virginia.

Scene from Immigrant Pass some 15 miles South of Pendelton Oregon.

Each morning Bob Young is visited by up to four wild deer.  This young lady is sometimes stretched out full asleep as I go about my jungle clean up not more than 15 feet away.

* * * * * * * * * *

Am at McD in Prosser, Washington, which is open 24 / 7.  Unusual are the eight electrical outlets for Wi-Fi folks.  Many such electrical outlets are not available at McD ...Wi-Fi, yes, but not electrical outet.

Strange !!!

Tomorrow it is early to rise heading to connect up with I-80 just outside Salt Lake City for our continued drive to West Virginia.

POST 1468; BELLINGHAM, WA; 07-30-15

Yesterday morning, Bob exclaimed that SPIA had an exhaust leak

Yesterday, SPIA received new engine exhaust system parts to replace the broken tail pipe and small muffler, both severely damaged from an apparent (unknown) collision pushing the tail pipe clear into the innerds of the muffler. 

This discovery changed the apparent cause of our Saturday accident with SPIA.  It now appears that I did NOT fall asleep while driving, but more likely was OVERCOME by SPIA exhaust gasses, causing me to momentarily pass out, losing control of SPIA.  A similar "incident" happened on the freeway approaching Minneapolis, Minnesota some 4 weeks ago...and, I numerous times since, fought losing consciousness while driving.

 ... and Yes, I have for more than 1.5 years, experienced a growing general weakness and lethargic condition.  I contributed this degredation to ..."an old man perhaps overdoing...walking too far ... working too hard ... or becoming effected by increasing care taking responsibilities or growing concern for the care and safety of others.

My personal Doctor has taken this new information ... being overcome by Carbon Monoxide ... as serious and has ordered new bloods tests which I will take tomorrow (Friday) at 12:30 pm (noon)... this to verify no Carbon Monoxide remains in my blood.

About the new STRUTS ???  They will be installed tomorrow morning.  This task will return SPIA to known full operational condition.

The recent events, including a botched drive to YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, has incurred costs exceeding $1,000.00.  LES SCHWAB (provider of the new STRUTS) has gratiously extended monthly terms which is very much appreciated.  THANK YOU !

Bob is settling nicely into his new home . receiving LOTS of visitors.  I am very pleased for him, and have loaned many special paintings and some furniture pieces to fill out the comfort and beauty of his home.

Tomorrow SPIA and ME will be packed, ready to continue our Walk and Ride.  More than one has asked me to stay.  Will take a VERY special lady to pull that off ... but why not ?

* * * * * * * * * *

Talking to DALLAS back home in CULLODEN, both he and CAROL are doing well; doing OK for the time being says Dallas.  So, no immediate rush for me to return on their score.

My "Dancing" lady has left West Virginia with Claude; so, that relationship has been resolved.  I am very pleased for her as she has fought for their acceptence for a long time.  Must accept it, Suzie.  We care for her no less.

One more hurdle (tomorrow's Carbon Monoxide Blood Test) to vault; then my mind and body will be fully healed ready for any and all eventualities.

LISBON to BEIJING walk is becoming a high priority.

We Shall See.

POST 1467; BELLINGHAN, WN; 07-29-15

HAVE SOME INTERESTING PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE PAST WEEK OR SO.  IN LIEU OF IMAGES, MUCH NEWER HARD INFORMATION WILL BE SHARED HERE.

CURRENT (07-29-15):

ME:  I have received a rather complete battery of medical tests initiated by my Primary Doctor, SHIRGILL, who has been monitoring my health as I walk America the past 3 years or so.

Test results of TODAY:  in all aspects, my body test results are fully and completely NORMAL.

SPIA received a good battering in the accident of Saturday last ... and has emerged with NO physical damage.

IMMEDIATE STEPS TAKEN:

SPIA and I have received in depth tests and inspections ... ALL of which have concluded NO injury or DAMAGE.

 SPIA shock absorbers are being replaced after wear and tear of some 275,000 miles on the vehicle...at a cost of $625.00.

NEW INPUT: 

This morning I gave Bob a ride to the hospital for some not-so-minor surgury..  Bob immediately exclaimed that SPIA had an exhaust leak.  Though I could not smell any Carbon Monoxide, I had been feeling blase' and disoriented for some months.  During my drive to Washington State, I fell asleep while driving in Minnessota,  barely avoiding an accident.  LAST SATURDAY, DRIVING TO YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, I AGAIN FELT SOMEWHAT OUT OF SORTS and was fighting to stay awake when I fell asleep. crashing SPIA.

Today Sister Carol tells me that she was on the phone with me when I said I could not stay awake.  She said to pull off the road and STOP !

I remember telling Carol I was looking for a wide spot to pull off the road.  Carol says the phone went "dead"...   was concerned but was afraid to call back or check this blog... and has not done so waiting for me to contact her today, her 73rd birthday.

It appears I was talking to Carol ...went to sleep in mid conversation, and lost control of SPIA for a split second ...recovering with SPIA airborne. 

From that moment I was fully cognizant of and in control of the vehicle guiding her through the incident to a successful stop some eighth of a mile out in the desert.

Motor in neutral and still running I looked back at the highway thru a huge cloud of dust.  No less than eight vehicles were passing by, making no effort to stop to help me.



* * * * * * * * * *

Four hours after the accident, sitting next to DANIELLE in Mc Donalds at West Yellowstone, I went into shock ... recovering normality this morning, some 36 hours and 700 miles distant.

Bob has kindly invited us to hang out for a bit.

POST 1466; BELLINGHAM, WA; JULY 27, 2015

  ARRIVED SAFELY AT BOB'S IN BELLINGHAM.

SPIA HELD TOGETHER NICELY ROLLING ALONG AT 65  MILES PER HOUR.

Darn lighting.  I am slowly losing my low light vision, and Bob's lights leave something to be desired.

I am very tired from the drive from ONTARIO, Oregon to Bellingham.  Something is certainly effecting my body.  Will chat with ny doctor tomorrow.

Will also have a major check up for SPIA.

SPIA performed very well since the accident.  Tire tread wear appears to be normal ... even with the gimpy shocks.

Thank you for the good wishes.  The more I mentally review our accident , the more fortunate I realize WE have been.  I could easily have ended it all right there.

POST 1465; ONTARIO, OREGON; JULY 26, 2015

The "Flying Leap" taken by SPIA yesterday has resulted in a major new direction for our walk and ride.  SPIA and ME have turned around, driving back to Bellingham.  Friends in West Virginia and North Carolina will have to wait a bit longer.

FIRST ME :  Although I was NOT injured physically in our incident.  I did go into SHOCK some three hours later and continue a bit shaky today.  Even so, I chose to bypass medical advice until I see my personal Doctor back in Bellingham.

NEXT SPIA :   Upon early cursory inspection by LES SCHAWAB of Idaho Falls, has identified one front shock absorber to be broken, with the mounting plate of the second shock absorber to be bent.  Replacement parts are not immediately available, but may be found second hand from a wrecking yard.  SPIA is fully and safely drivable.  Driving her with front end misalignment MIGHT cause undue wear on the tread of the front tires.

DECISION:   It is not prudent to continue driving a damaged SPIA some 2,000 miles to the East Coast at this moment.  It is not prudent to conduct a tour of YELLOWSTONE just now ... even though we were already in Yellowstone.  My heart would not be in it and SPIA could receive further damage in any off-road travel.

ACTION:  Bob Young has welcomed me back into his home (Oh, Boy ... I get to finish up the remaining work).  It is now 6:00 PM.  Driving all day, includIng two half-hour naps, we are settled in at LOVE's Truck Stop in the city of ONTARIO, Oregon. 

* * * * * * * * * * 

In the morning, we will continue on I-84, I-82, I-90, and finally I-5 back to Bellingham.
First up will be to visit my doctor for a look see.  Repair of SPIA is next up.

Will report here of our progress.

POST 1464; W. YELLOWSTONE; JULY 25, 2015

Today I used up another of my dwindling supplies of lives.
I crashed SPIA and lived.

At 75 miles per hour, I fell asleep, allowing SPIA to cross oncoming traffic lane, fly off the 15 foot bank, smashing down on the side of the bank, nearly rolling over.

Through the entire maneuver, I , securely strapped in, gained control of SPIA, experiencing each moment in true slow motion.

Bouncing over clumps of desert plants, I let SPIA coast to a stop, motor still running.  A dense cloud of dirt and dust enveloped us.  I got out, surveyed vor damage.  Finding none, got back behind the wheel and drove back to the roadway embankment.  Being much too steep and high to climb back to the asphalt roadway, I drove first one way   ...  then the other way. 

After driving the rocky desert a mile or more, found a sloping spot where I gunned SPIA's motor, flying over the final four foot high steep spot ... and plopped back on to the roadway.

SPIA and ME both seemed uninjured, so let her run at 65 mph the final 25 miles to the city of IDAHO FALLS.  Had SPIA inspected, discovering both shocks broken or bent.  SPIA can still be driven, although with the alignment surely to wear out the front tires.

There are some saying I am being closely looked after.   No arguement from me on that score.

Highway 20 from Mountain Home to Idaho Falls, some 200 miles of desert mountains and valleys.

Water Water Water ..a problem every where in America.

MOON Crater Park....many miles of lava fields, simulating a Moon Scape.

Dropping down into the valley leading to Idaho Falls.

The distant mound (small mountain) is where I allowed SPIA to fly off the roadway.


* * * * * * * * * *
Both front shocks must be replaced soon on SPIA.

POST 1463; BURNS, OREGON;JULY 24, 2015

Today we traveled with SPIA from central south Washington State across Oregon State to the western border of Idaho, where plan to stay the night in the LOVES Truck Stop at Ontario, Oregon.

Making many stops to visit an air museum, small businesses and family members, our new attempt to continue and enhance some six years of producing our blog seems to be a worthy effort.

MADRAS, Oregon Air Museum features nearly two dozen World War Two WAR BIRDS ...nearly ALL in flying condition.

Above is the P-39 AEROCOBRA fighter aircraft.  The Red Star of the Soviet Union appears on the fuselage as this aircraft was enroute to Russia when it crashed ... later recovered from a lake bottom, fully restored, and now on display ... at the $9.00 entrance fee.

One of thousands of semi trucks traveling America's roadways.  Passing within 6 inches of my right elbow emphases the danger and excitement of walking across America.

US Highway 26 approaching magnificent Mt. Hood some 60 miles East of Portland, Oregon.

Mt. Hood peeking above the distant evergreen covered hills.

The American Flag reflection from lying on SPIA's dashbord.  Apologize fo my carelessness.

Bridge on US 26 over a deep gash in the desert some 35 miles East of Mt. Hood.

Looking into the Gash of MILL CREEK.

Highway 26 as it begins to drop into the mountain valley of Warm Springs, Oregon.

From the Canadian Border, some dozen majestic Volcanoes rise into the crystal Pacific Northwest skies as does this central Oregon beauty.

...and a few miles further South lies yet another.

Much of Central Oregon is "High Desert" country where every tree is precious.

More WWII restored - in flying condition - military aircraft on display at the MADRAS, Oregon Airport.

B-25 Bomber as used by Jimmy Doolittle's 1942 raid on Tokyo.

US Navy shipboard aircraft used folding wings to squeeze maximum number of planes on board the US Aircraft Carriers fighting Japanese forces during World War Two.

Crop Duster aircraft still used today.

Historic HAMPTON STATION on US Highway 20 exactly half way between Bend , Oregon and our destination of today, Burns, Oregon.

US 20 as it approaches BURNS, Oregon, home of my Daughter and family.

Son in LAW, BEN, surveying  the family property 20 miles South of BURNS, Oregon.

Double Wide home of Monica and Ben, fronted by their veggie garden about to deliver a bumper crop.

BEN's toys !

Many types of useful - and VERY USED - farm machinery patiently awaiting Ben's magic to put them back into operation.

MALHEUR REFUGE is a vast waterway for migrating waterfowl sited immediately below Ben and Monica's vast sagebrush property.  Normally many square miles huge; today, July 24, 2015, one can find only a few tiny pools of liquid gold ...WATER.

Following the lead of MOST of America, fresh water at MALHEUR REFUGE has disappeared.

BEN's modest fresh water well is showing signs of SALT.  Next door farms equipped with numerous "Rotary traveling sprinklers have "helped" lower Ben's well water level by 6 feet in the recent couple years.

Please say HELLO to Grand Daughter, KAITLIN and 1-week old RICHARD.

Please say HELLO to Grand Daughter, JESSICA with family, Husband KEN and children (my Great Grand Children), TYLER, KAIRI, and wee EMMA

Please say HELLO to Grand Daughter JENNIFER with 7-month old ANIKI.

Last GAS for 68 miles as one leaves the MALHEUR Valley on US 26 East.



* * * * * * * *
In the morning we continue our current trek toward YELLOWSTONE National Park and beyond.

As too often happens, $$ is once again going the way of farmers water wells...becoming somewhat scarce.

WE are, however, OK for now.