I have found myself in the present "low-blood" condition primarily because:
I drank so much water, I washed out many essential elements from my body through sweating and peeing (one an hour or MORE) during my demanding walk over the Rockies and through the Great Plains.
I did not find appropriate or adequate food while walking the High Mountains or the Great Plains to replace the essential elements washed from my body.
i.e., body functions have been compromised. The primary organs get what "food" is available first...to assure organ preservation. Left over, if any, goes to less priority body functions.
Since the Lamar ER event, I have been stuffing myself with food. Don't really know if I'm eating the right things, but have gained over 6 pounds in the past 10 days. The recent blood tests will, if and when they ever get completed, will answer that question.
Yesterday I visited my MD Optomotrist, Dr. Pan. She said I have some deterioration of both eyes - possibly because of poor diet. She advised me to take supplemental vitamins A, C, E, and Zinc to correct the eye deficiencies.
Last blog I wrote about PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE.
Dr. Pan's instructions are exactly what I am talking about. Why do I now, at age 75, for the first time, receive such BASIC INFORMATION about Preventive Maintenance.
And why, at age 75, do I not know which foods I should be eating to preclude loss of basic blood.
These are PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE issues.
I again repeat my suggestion that all PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE of our bodies be furnished from Conception to Ashes Free of Charge. My blood and eye conditions would never have happened under such a PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE program.
We cannot all be experts in all things. We do have such experts in our Medical System. Why is this knowledge not shared with us for our full lifetime...and Free of Charge.
It is a whole lot less expensive to implement PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE instead of going through extensive and expensive TREATMENT for conditions that should/could have been avoided in the first place.
Anyone else out there have any comments or experiences to share...I will gladly consider to print them in this blog. Just maybe, we can get the message into channels where some good can be done.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
RAIN, $$, RAIN $$
Rain may not be everyone's Forte', however, Rain has its advantages.
Pacific Northwest Forests are mostly green and carry a low fire danger rating - East of the Cascades exempted because of the extreme dry conditions normal to the Desert over there.
Water rationing is stilll required - my community requires "alternate day watering"-, because lots of folks like to have those "Green" lush lawns to show off to their neighbors. More and more folks are, however, foregoing the watering cycle for the nice "brown" grass of Summer. It comes back "green" when the rain returns in September, which it is now doing.
A few years ago, I, too, wanted a nice "green" lush lawn for an event. By the end of the Summer, my water bill averaged $300.00 per month. Kinda dumb, don't you think. So, the lawn is a nice lush "brown" this Summer.
I have been in Bellingham one week today (Friday). I visited my Primary Doctor last Saturday immediately upon my return from Lamar, Colorado. It took until yesterday morning for the "system" to get around to taking my blood samples...only to be advised that Bellingham has no facilities for testing...my blood samples must be sent to Oregon for testing; WHAT ?...what is the problem in Bellingham...now I lose an additional week - add in the week end - waiting for the "system" to work.
When I supported Obama for President, he asked for "suggestions" for his administration to embrace. I wrote Obama that my suggestion for Federal Health Care was for EVERYONE from Conception to Ashes, to receive FREE OF CHARGE, any and all "routine" preventative procedures for any and all medical conditions. The Medicare + Supplements to kick in only AFTER the Preventative Maintenance processes were completed.
After all, we would NEVER think to let our Car go without Preventative Maintenance. We would NEVER think to let our Home go without Preventative Maintenance. We would NEVER allow our Toys (Boat, Airplane, ATV, RV, etc. etc.) to go without Preventative Maintenance. Why in the world would our Government allow it's citizens to go without that same Preventative Maintenance. If you are going to throw Billions $$ at a problem, for crying out loud, put those $$ where they do the most good...Preventative Maintenance.
Preventative Maintenance identifies problems before they become acute. Non acute problems cost a heck of a lot LESS than treating a previously unidentified condition that could/would have been identified with routine and LIFELONG Preventative Maintenance.
What has this to do with my walk? It is the reason I sit here in Bellingham, waiting for the System to do it's thing, instead of being out on the road where I belong, and avoid writing these stupid comments.
I let the System do it's work for 2 days to get my reports from Lamar ER. When I, in abject frustration, took the matter into my own hands, I HAD HARD COPIES IN MY HAND WITHIN 30 Minutes. Attitude has a Lot to do with the System.
I fully expect the System is going to have some repercussions on me and my outspoken comments. So be it. I'm an old guy. I report what I see. I spent lots of years trying to make a difference...little good it did.
Now I just observe and report. Some still criticize me for my "disinterest" in the welfare of others...i.e., "...why, Bruce, do you not do something about that"...
I am on a different road... I am NOT out here to change anything.
I try to observe and share my observations on this blog.
Shaking the Tree DOES sometimes get an apple or two.
Pacific Northwest Forests are mostly green and carry a low fire danger rating - East of the Cascades exempted because of the extreme dry conditions normal to the Desert over there.
Water rationing is stilll required - my community requires "alternate day watering"-, because lots of folks like to have those "Green" lush lawns to show off to their neighbors. More and more folks are, however, foregoing the watering cycle for the nice "brown" grass of Summer. It comes back "green" when the rain returns in September, which it is now doing.
A few years ago, I, too, wanted a nice "green" lush lawn for an event. By the end of the Summer, my water bill averaged $300.00 per month. Kinda dumb, don't you think. So, the lawn is a nice lush "brown" this Summer.
I have been in Bellingham one week today (Friday). I visited my Primary Doctor last Saturday immediately upon my return from Lamar, Colorado. It took until yesterday morning for the "system" to get around to taking my blood samples...only to be advised that Bellingham has no facilities for testing...my blood samples must be sent to Oregon for testing; WHAT ?...what is the problem in Bellingham...now I lose an additional week - add in the week end - waiting for the "system" to work.
When I supported Obama for President, he asked for "suggestions" for his administration to embrace. I wrote Obama that my suggestion for Federal Health Care was for EVERYONE from Conception to Ashes, to receive FREE OF CHARGE, any and all "routine" preventative procedures for any and all medical conditions. The Medicare + Supplements to kick in only AFTER the Preventative Maintenance processes were completed.
After all, we would NEVER think to let our Car go without Preventative Maintenance. We would NEVER think to let our Home go without Preventative Maintenance. We would NEVER allow our Toys (Boat, Airplane, ATV, RV, etc. etc.) to go without Preventative Maintenance. Why in the world would our Government allow it's citizens to go without that same Preventative Maintenance. If you are going to throw Billions $$ at a problem, for crying out loud, put those $$ where they do the most good...Preventative Maintenance.
Preventative Maintenance identifies problems before they become acute. Non acute problems cost a heck of a lot LESS than treating a previously unidentified condition that could/would have been identified with routine and LIFELONG Preventative Maintenance.
What has this to do with my walk? It is the reason I sit here in Bellingham, waiting for the System to do it's thing, instead of being out on the road where I belong, and avoid writing these stupid comments.
I let the System do it's work for 2 days to get my reports from Lamar ER. When I, in abject frustration, took the matter into my own hands, I HAD HARD COPIES IN MY HAND WITHIN 30 Minutes. Attitude has a Lot to do with the System.
I fully expect the System is going to have some repercussions on me and my outspoken comments. So be it. I'm an old guy. I report what I see. I spent lots of years trying to make a difference...little good it did.
Now I just observe and report. Some still criticize me for my "disinterest" in the welfare of others...i.e., "...why, Bruce, do you not do something about that"...
I am on a different road... I am NOT out here to change anything.
I try to observe and share my observations on this blog.
Shaking the Tree DOES sometimes get an apple or two.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
YELLOWSTONE
MUD VENTS - NEAR GRAND CANYON - YELLOWSTONE
MUD VENTS - NEAR GRAND CANYON - YELLOWSTONE
GRAND CANYON - YELLOWSTONE
GRAND CANYON - YELLOWSTONE
GRAND CANYON - YELLOWSTONE
GRAND CANYON - YELLOWSTONE
GRAND CANYON - YELLOWSTONE
YELLOWSTONE RIVER TUMBLES DOWN SECOND CATARACK OF GRAND CANYON
YELLOWSTONE RIVER CASCADES DOWN SECOND FALLS OF GRAND CANYON
YELLOWSTONE RIVER GOES OVER SECOND FALLS ONTO GRAND CANYON
YELLOWSTONE RIVER FALLS INTO GRAND CANYON
YELLOWSTONE RIVER FALLS INTO GRAND CANYON
YELLOWSTONE RIVER FALLS INTO GRAND CANYON
1,000 SMOKES AND WALKWAY - YELLOWSTONE
YELLOWSTONE RIVER
YELLOWSTONE RIVER
YELLOWSTONE LAKE - PANORAMA
YELLOWSTONE LAKE AND STEAM VENTS - YELLOWSTONE
VERY HOT POOL - YELLOWSTONE
VERY HOT MINERAL WATER POOL - YELLOWSTONE
OLD FAITHFUL INN - YELLOWSTONE
MINERAL RUNOFF - YELLOWSTONE
LAND OF 1,000 SMOKES - YELLOWSTONE
OLD FAITHFUL AND OLD FAITHFUL INN - YELLOWSTONE
OLD FAITHFUL INN - YELLOWSTONE
OLD FAITHFUL - FROM INN PARKING LOTI spent a cold uncomfortable night in the Van. Washed up in Old Faithful Inn Men's Room and ate their Breakfast Brunch - a bowl of hot cereal and two French Toast with Crisp Bacon and Coffee ($12.50).
It was cold enough for a sweater at 8,000 feet in the early morning. I strolled out to Old Faithful, only 100 meters from the Inn Front Doors. A small group was receiving a guided tour. I was asked to join them. I wanted to...then remembered..."no walking", so I watched them disappear down the path into the Land of 1,000 Smokes...a vast area surrounding the entire Inn with steam vents rising from the Earth. Old Faithful is only one of these many "Smokes".
It is interesting that the Inn has sat there for over 100 years, the cauldron of one of the World's Great Volcanoes bubbling and smoking all around it. I overheard the guide mention the ...hundreds of earthquakes...open and close the underground vents...Old Faithful used to blow every 60 minutes, but it now takes over 90 minutes between performances.
Reminded me of the two volcanoes of Naples, Italy...yes, two. The Famous One Vesuvius which buried Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the "Other" volcano, "SOLFATARA" located in POZZOULI (sp?)on the NorthWest Corner of the City. When one is active, the other is quiet, apparently being connected UNDER the City of Naples.
My apartment (lived there 3 years) looked pretty much down on Solfatara, which I visited many times. Solfatara is a small Volcano, resting at nearly Sea Level. It is about 1,000 meters in Diameter, has a "roof" over the bubbling Lava which spurts through small openings into wee lakes random over the sandy floor. The floor is about a meter thick and is HOT when you scrape away an inch or so of sand. Jump on it and the entire 1-meter thick membrane vibrates like the skin of a drum...fascinating !
And yet, it is for hundreds of years, a favorite vacationing spot of Europeans. They (and I) drive their cars / campers right out onto the hot sand, lava bubbling just a few feet away, and set up camp. A 100 - foot rim of lava surrounds Solfatara, which is littered with caves. Favorite among visitors is to set up camp inside the caves and receive constant therapeutic heat.
So, Old Faithful Inn is NOT so unusual in its position after all. We Humans seem to enjoy teasing Mother Nature by cavorting within her boiling innards.
I then started my driving "Tour" of Yellowstone. Yellowstone is primarily the "Cone of the Crater" of one of the Worlds Greatest Volcanos. The "Caldera", or active volcanic portion is roughly a circle some 50 miles across. This circle is pierced by hundreds (if not thousands) of lava, mud, hot water, and steam vents, most of which visitors can drive right into, park, and take a stroll through the belches of a VERY active volcano. It is exciting. Kinda gives you the same stimulus you receive when you see / touch something you are not supposed to.
A large lake Yellowstone Lake, sits partially within the "Caldera". Recent reports have the lake floor rising to volcanic pressure from below. Seems like a good thing to keep an eye on.
Flowing out of Yellowstone Lake is a pristine meandering shallow river. A favorite for fly fisherman, the river has numerous steam vents rising from it's waters. A short distance to the NorthEast, Yellowstone River takes a plunge. Literally, the tranquil river waters fall hundreds of feet into what the maps call the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Visitors can stand on either the North or South precipice of the Grand Canyon, watching Mother Nature carve artistic monoliths hundreds of feet high (deep) as the waters of Yellowstone River plunge and boil below. Must admit it is exciting standing on overhanging outcrops looking DOWN between your feet into the maelstrom below.
Not to be "walking", I held back a bit, but was still able to get some (hopefullly) nice pics.
There are many places along the caldera where one can park and walk among the vents. But, I find that when you seen one, you seen one, not much different from the next one. There is another major feature on the North edge of the Yellowstone...MAMMOUTH HOT SPRINGS
Mammouth Hot Springs sits well away from the Calderas...an example of the extensive area of Yellowstone Basin where the ongoing process of surface water percolating down to the hot magma below, being heated - sometimes to steam - as it rises back to the surface, to endlessly repeat the process.
The real attraction(s) of Yellowstone are the many transformations of the rock and deposits of minerals through the heating - cooling process of this vast Steam Kettle (my term). Because of continuous earthquake activity, the transformations are in nearly constant flux - always a bit different than before that last quake -, making Yellowstone a favorite place to visit and wonder.
I mentioned in an earlier Blog that the North Entrance is the most accessible into / out of Yellowstone. Yellowstone is a BIG place. It sits at about 8,000 feet. It is surrounded by massive / precipitous mountains to the East and South-SouthWest. To the North and West, the land is relatively flat. The North is bordered by I-90 via Billings, Montana and is by far, the most direct - if the LEAST picturesque - route into Yellowstone. The West Entrance (I left Yellowstone through the West Entrance ) is via US 20 at the energetic town of West Yellowstone. The next town, Ashton, is 60 miles to the SouthWest, towards Pocatello, Idaho.
I have not mentioned the abundant wildlife of Yellowstone. That is because the only wildlife I saw was small groups of Buffalo. Upon leaving via the West Entrance, I did see a couple Elk munching grass along the roadside. If I wanted to find the wildlife, I am certain, I could have with little effort.
Noticeable throughout Yellowstone Park is the massive destruction of the fires of the 1980's. I saw Yellowstone shortly after those fires. To see the burned areas now, reminds one of how resilient Mother Nature really is. Burned over areas have re-seeded themselves. Evergreens have grown profusely in a short time. As a visual reminder, the Park has left the burned-out trunks of millions of trees, standing tall over the new nursery brood below.
I have many pics, but must add them from the Mini-Computer (am using my tabletop at the moment). I will up-load them later today.
It was cold enough for a sweater at 8,000 feet in the early morning. I strolled out to Old Faithful, only 100 meters from the Inn Front Doors. A small group was receiving a guided tour. I was asked to join them. I wanted to...then remembered..."no walking", so I watched them disappear down the path into the Land of 1,000 Smokes...a vast area surrounding the entire Inn with steam vents rising from the Earth. Old Faithful is only one of these many "Smokes".
It is interesting that the Inn has sat there for over 100 years, the cauldron of one of the World's Great Volcanoes bubbling and smoking all around it. I overheard the guide mention the ...hundreds of earthquakes...open and close the underground vents...Old Faithful used to blow every 60 minutes, but it now takes over 90 minutes between performances.
Reminded me of the two volcanoes of Naples, Italy...yes, two. The Famous One Vesuvius which buried Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the "Other" volcano, "SOLFATARA" located in POZZOULI (sp?)on the NorthWest Corner of the City. When one is active, the other is quiet, apparently being connected UNDER the City of Naples.
My apartment (lived there 3 years) looked pretty much down on Solfatara, which I visited many times. Solfatara is a small Volcano, resting at nearly Sea Level. It is about 1,000 meters in Diameter, has a "roof" over the bubbling Lava which spurts through small openings into wee lakes random over the sandy floor. The floor is about a meter thick and is HOT when you scrape away an inch or so of sand. Jump on it and the entire 1-meter thick membrane vibrates like the skin of a drum...fascinating !
And yet, it is for hundreds of years, a favorite vacationing spot of Europeans. They (and I) drive their cars / campers right out onto the hot sand, lava bubbling just a few feet away, and set up camp. A 100 - foot rim of lava surrounds Solfatara, which is littered with caves. Favorite among visitors is to set up camp inside the caves and receive constant therapeutic heat.
So, Old Faithful Inn is NOT so unusual in its position after all. We Humans seem to enjoy teasing Mother Nature by cavorting within her boiling innards.
I then started my driving "Tour" of Yellowstone. Yellowstone is primarily the "Cone of the Crater" of one of the Worlds Greatest Volcanos. The "Caldera", or active volcanic portion is roughly a circle some 50 miles across. This circle is pierced by hundreds (if not thousands) of lava, mud, hot water, and steam vents, most of which visitors can drive right into, park, and take a stroll through the belches of a VERY active volcano. It is exciting. Kinda gives you the same stimulus you receive when you see / touch something you are not supposed to.
A large lake Yellowstone Lake, sits partially within the "Caldera". Recent reports have the lake floor rising to volcanic pressure from below. Seems like a good thing to keep an eye on.
Flowing out of Yellowstone Lake is a pristine meandering shallow river. A favorite for fly fisherman, the river has numerous steam vents rising from it's waters. A short distance to the NorthEast, Yellowstone River takes a plunge. Literally, the tranquil river waters fall hundreds of feet into what the maps call the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Visitors can stand on either the North or South precipice of the Grand Canyon, watching Mother Nature carve artistic monoliths hundreds of feet high (deep) as the waters of Yellowstone River plunge and boil below. Must admit it is exciting standing on overhanging outcrops looking DOWN between your feet into the maelstrom below.
Not to be "walking", I held back a bit, but was still able to get some (hopefullly) nice pics.
There are many places along the caldera where one can park and walk among the vents. But, I find that when you seen one, you seen one, not much different from the next one. There is another major feature on the North edge of the Yellowstone...MAMMOUTH HOT SPRINGS
Mammouth Hot Springs sits well away from the Calderas...an example of the extensive area of Yellowstone Basin where the ongoing process of surface water percolating down to the hot magma below, being heated - sometimes to steam - as it rises back to the surface, to endlessly repeat the process.
The real attraction(s) of Yellowstone are the many transformations of the rock and deposits of minerals through the heating - cooling process of this vast Steam Kettle (my term). Because of continuous earthquake activity, the transformations are in nearly constant flux - always a bit different than before that last quake -, making Yellowstone a favorite place to visit and wonder.
I mentioned in an earlier Blog that the North Entrance is the most accessible into / out of Yellowstone. Yellowstone is a BIG place. It sits at about 8,000 feet. It is surrounded by massive / precipitous mountains to the East and South-SouthWest. To the North and West, the land is relatively flat. The North is bordered by I-90 via Billings, Montana and is by far, the most direct - if the LEAST picturesque - route into Yellowstone. The West Entrance (I left Yellowstone through the West Entrance ) is via US 20 at the energetic town of West Yellowstone. The next town, Ashton, is 60 miles to the SouthWest, towards Pocatello, Idaho.
I have not mentioned the abundant wildlife of Yellowstone. That is because the only wildlife I saw was small groups of Buffalo. Upon leaving via the West Entrance, I did see a couple Elk munching grass along the roadside. If I wanted to find the wildlife, I am certain, I could have with little effort.
Noticeable throughout Yellowstone Park is the massive destruction of the fires of the 1980's. I saw Yellowstone shortly after those fires. To see the burned areas now, reminds one of how resilient Mother Nature really is. Burned over areas have re-seeded themselves. Evergreens have grown profusely in a short time. As a visual reminder, the Park has left the burned-out trunks of millions of trees, standing tall over the new nursery brood below.
I have many pics, but must add them from the Mini-Computer (am using my tabletop at the moment). I will up-load them later today.
Friday, September 3, 2010
GLAD I'M WALKING - NOT DRIVING
From South-East of Colorado, I have driven 500 miles or so to Yellowstone...stayed a night & half-day under the shadow of Old Faithful Geyeser...and driven another 7 hours to Boise, Idaho, and today, another 12 hours to Bellingham.
I have witnessed some of the most dangerous crazy driving in my entire life during the above sojourne.
I don't know where everyone is going, but I do believe that most of them want to get there first and be damned the other guy(s). Especially, the truckers.
I was driving at 70 mph. An 18-wheeler came up on my tail. I could not see the lower half of his front end and the upper half extended over the roof of my Van. He was all of 6 inches away from my vehicle ( at 70 mph), and PUSHING me out of his way. I slowed down to 55 and held him at bay for over 5 minutes. At a hill, he had to slog it up.
I, too, learned to drive in an 18-wheeler ( when I was 12 years old) and I know how they think. I am NOT intimidated by them or any-one-else on the roadways. I can safely put them in their place and it really pisses them off.
I have a suggestion for the DOT (Department of Transportation):
EVERY commercial vehicle and every new private vehicle must, within the next 6 months have installed, tested and operational subject to heavy fines:
A laser.
The laser will be mounted in the front of the vehicle, electrically connected to the speedometer, brakes, and gas pedal.
When approaching another vehicle from the rear, the laser will read the distance between vehicles.
The laser computer will be fed it's "host" vehicle speed and if the distance/speed ratio is under 1 vehicle length for every 10 miles per hour, the brakes are applied and the gas pedal is inactivated from the driver.; i.e., he / she, is FORCED to slow down and back off the vehicle being approached.
If one vehicle wishes to pass another, it MAY NOT approach the rear of the "overtaken" vehicle. It must begin it's pass the minimum number of vehicle lengths back (calculated by the laser computer).
If there is not enough room for all this to take place, then NO PASS takes place either.
TAILGATING is eliminated.
It MUST also be prohibited that two trucks pass each other on any hill more than 1/8 mile long. To do so, effectively blocks the entire roadway and stops ALL vehicles from moving in a reasonable manner.
ALSO, the maximum speed of ANY roadway MUST be lowered. relative to the roadway engineering, design, location, maintenance, weather and traffic load.
It is crazy to allow 100,000 pound vehicles ( and 7.5 litre brutes) to push around Grandma & Grandpa & Kids for the sake of a few extra miles before DOT takes them off the highway to rest.
I make these comments in all seriousness...both as a driver of 65 years and as a walker across America. There is no purpose in pushing pushing pushing all day every day. We all get to December 31 together and most would like to know when that happens.
I am well aware that the Teamsters Truckers Union would kill to keep such restrictions out of law (My Dad was a Teamster and associate with Dave Beck - before he was sent up the River)...they have been prone to such tactics in the past, so let's give them a chance to help make our roadways safe for everyone. Truckers are basically good folks and I believe they will support my Laser proposal.
I have witnessed some of the most dangerous crazy driving in my entire life during the above sojourne.
I don't know where everyone is going, but I do believe that most of them want to get there first and be damned the other guy(s). Especially, the truckers.
I was driving at 70 mph. An 18-wheeler came up on my tail. I could not see the lower half of his front end and the upper half extended over the roof of my Van. He was all of 6 inches away from my vehicle ( at 70 mph), and PUSHING me out of his way. I slowed down to 55 and held him at bay for over 5 minutes. At a hill, he had to slog it up.
I, too, learned to drive in an 18-wheeler ( when I was 12 years old) and I know how they think. I am NOT intimidated by them or any-one-else on the roadways. I can safely put them in their place and it really pisses them off.
I have a suggestion for the DOT (Department of Transportation):
EVERY commercial vehicle and every new private vehicle must, within the next 6 months have installed, tested and operational subject to heavy fines:
A laser.
The laser will be mounted in the front of the vehicle, electrically connected to the speedometer, brakes, and gas pedal.
When approaching another vehicle from the rear, the laser will read the distance between vehicles.
The laser computer will be fed it's "host" vehicle speed and if the distance/speed ratio is under 1 vehicle length for every 10 miles per hour, the brakes are applied and the gas pedal is inactivated from the driver.; i.e., he / she, is FORCED to slow down and back off the vehicle being approached.
If one vehicle wishes to pass another, it MAY NOT approach the rear of the "overtaken" vehicle. It must begin it's pass the minimum number of vehicle lengths back (calculated by the laser computer).
If there is not enough room for all this to take place, then NO PASS takes place either.
TAILGATING is eliminated.
It MUST also be prohibited that two trucks pass each other on any hill more than 1/8 mile long. To do so, effectively blocks the entire roadway and stops ALL vehicles from moving in a reasonable manner.
ALSO, the maximum speed of ANY roadway MUST be lowered. relative to the roadway engineering, design, location, maintenance, weather and traffic load.
It is crazy to allow 100,000 pound vehicles ( and 7.5 litre brutes) to push around Grandma & Grandpa & Kids for the sake of a few extra miles before DOT takes them off the highway to rest.
I make these comments in all seriousness...both as a driver of 65 years and as a walker across America. There is no purpose in pushing pushing pushing all day every day. We all get to December 31 together and most would like to know when that happens.
I am well aware that the Teamsters Truckers Union would kill to keep such restrictions out of law (My Dad was a Teamster and associate with Dave Beck - before he was sent up the River)...they have been prone to such tactics in the past, so let's give them a chance to help make our roadways safe for everyone. Truckers are basically good folks and I believe they will support my Laser proposal.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
AWSOME ROAD TO YELLOWSTONE
US 287 RAWLINS - YELLOWSTONE
US 287 RAWLINS - YELLOWSTONE
US 287 YELLOWSTONE - RAWLINS
BIG CAT THROWING MUD ON US
HEAVY EARTH MOVING EQUIPMENNT AT WORK
SOFT LIGHTING OF OLD FAITHFUL INN - YELLOWSTONE PARK
MUD RAIN & HEAVY EQUIPMENT
9 MILES OF CONSTRUCTION ON US 287 & US 26
OLD FAITHFUL INN CONSTRUCTION DETAIL - YELLOWSTONE PARK
OLD FAITHFUL INN - YELLOWSTONE PARKMore than a year ago, I was all set to walk with SAM on US 26 from Idaho to Jackson Hole & Yellowstone, then South on US 287 to Rawlins. Today, I Drove that exact route in reverse; i.e., from Rawlins to Jackson Hole & Yellowstone.
Had I stayed with my initial choice, disaster would have been my reward.
The route is unbelievable beautiful. It is also nearly 200 miles of desolation...
SAM & I could NOT have succeeded to reach Rawlins.
A few days ago I was chatting with some Bikers (motorcycles) about mud and muck on a route up North. Many bikers dropped their gorgeous cruisers in foot deep mud, sometimes lying on top of themselves squished into the muck. Sounded just awful.
Today I drove through that mud and muck. Impossible for a biker to get thru unscathed.
US 287 joins US 26, climbing to nearly 9,000 feet heading to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone. A full 9 miles is fully torn up. Every type of large roadbuilding equipment works around the clock building a new high speed Roadway...the road is CLOSED most of the night to traffic .
Sporadically, a few civilian vehicles are convoyed thru. During my transit, I nearly stuck in foot deep mud and was sideways more than straight...all the while dodging an unending stream of earth working / moving equipment.
A MOTORCYCLE...never...NO THANK YOU...AND YET i saw at least two make it.
I have entered Yellowstone from the North
From the East
And now from the South.
I will exit tomorrow thru the West.
In my experience the ONLY read... O N L Y way in or out is via the North out of Billings, Montana. No steep hills...Services nearby, and main Yellowstone attractions immediately upon entering.
My trip up from Jackson took hours with near nothing to see along the way all the while climbing and descending the 8,000 + foot Continental Divide 3 times.
Tomorrow I will tour all of Yellowstone, taking lots of pics which I hope to upload into this blog.
Right now I am in the Balcony of the beautiful Old Faithful Inn listening to concert piano and two young Soprano Girls belting out Pop-Classical tunes...piano is 20 feet behind my chair.
Earlier I tried (3 times so far) and failed to find a room. So, I reserved a spot for early dinner. Ate Idaho Trout Amadine with Julienne of steamed veggies, Hot Buns, a large glass of Sauviogne Blanc finished with a double Brownie with 3 scoops topped with a full cup of creamy hot chocolate, hand whipped cream all topped by a single long stem maraschino cherry.
Trout was exquisite. Wine was a wee sharp. Veggies were NOT limp. Rolls were firm. Dessert was...well G O N E. All for $32.00. My Server, Danny, from Pocatello ( I walked right by his house a few weeks ago), was pleasant, efficient and helped me get this balcony writing table to do my computer.
I will hang here most evening & when folks move on, try to grab a few winks in the Van ...prohibited I am told, except in designated Park Ranger alloted spots....dear-o-me...here I go pushing the envelope once again.
Oh, by the way, Old Faithful Geyser is just out the Inn Doors. Will take it all in tomorrow.
I AM SAD, THO...I am allowed to partake of the best our World has...and yet, I AM SAD...without a "someone by my side...without a "someone to hold my hand...without a "someone" to share the moment...I AM TRULY SAD... It is all so unnecessary the absences...and moments like these once lost are forever lost.
Had I stayed with my initial choice, disaster would have been my reward.
The route is unbelievable beautiful. It is also nearly 200 miles of desolation...
SAM & I could NOT have succeeded to reach Rawlins.
A few days ago I was chatting with some Bikers (motorcycles) about mud and muck on a route up North. Many bikers dropped their gorgeous cruisers in foot deep mud, sometimes lying on top of themselves squished into the muck. Sounded just awful.
Today I drove through that mud and muck. Impossible for a biker to get thru unscathed.
US 287 joins US 26, climbing to nearly 9,000 feet heading to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone. A full 9 miles is fully torn up. Every type of large roadbuilding equipment works around the clock building a new high speed Roadway...the road is CLOSED most of the night to traffic .
Sporadically, a few civilian vehicles are convoyed thru. During my transit, I nearly stuck in foot deep mud and was sideways more than straight...all the while dodging an unending stream of earth working / moving equipment.
A MOTORCYCLE...never...NO THANK YOU...AND YET i saw at least two make it.
I have entered Yellowstone from the North
From the East
And now from the South.
I will exit tomorrow thru the West.
In my experience the ONLY read... O N L Y way in or out is via the North out of Billings, Montana. No steep hills...Services nearby, and main Yellowstone attractions immediately upon entering.
My trip up from Jackson took hours with near nothing to see along the way all the while climbing and descending the 8,000 + foot Continental Divide 3 times.
Tomorrow I will tour all of Yellowstone, taking lots of pics which I hope to upload into this blog.
Right now I am in the Balcony of the beautiful Old Faithful Inn listening to concert piano and two young Soprano Girls belting out Pop-Classical tunes...piano is 20 feet behind my chair.
Earlier I tried (3 times so far) and failed to find a room. So, I reserved a spot for early dinner. Ate Idaho Trout Amadine with Julienne of steamed veggies, Hot Buns, a large glass of Sauviogne Blanc finished with a double Brownie with 3 scoops topped with a full cup of creamy hot chocolate, hand whipped cream all topped by a single long stem maraschino cherry.
Trout was exquisite. Wine was a wee sharp. Veggies were NOT limp. Rolls were firm. Dessert was...well G O N E. All for $32.00. My Server, Danny, from Pocatello ( I walked right by his house a few weeks ago), was pleasant, efficient and helped me get this balcony writing table to do my computer.
I will hang here most evening & when folks move on, try to grab a few winks in the Van ...prohibited I am told, except in designated Park Ranger alloted spots....dear-o-me...here I go pushing the envelope once again.
Oh, by the way, Old Faithful Geyser is just out the Inn Doors. Will take it all in tomorrow.
I AM SAD, THO...I am allowed to partake of the best our World has...and yet, I AM SAD...without a "someone by my side...without a "someone to hold my hand...without a "someone" to share the moment...I AM TRULY SAD... It is all so unnecessary the absences...and moments like these once lost are forever lost.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
OUT OF ADVERSITY...ETC.
Plan For The Best...Prepare For The Worst...That, Brian is NOT a Swiss Weenie.
Up early after throwing my entire Month budget down the Motel Rathole in Lamar, Colorado.
Fill the gas tank. Force down unwanted Porridge & Rye toast. and drive North back up US 287.
Initial objective...get home, settle in, rest, eat well, and return one month.
Secondary objective...continue my Saga...just work around the NO WALKING part, take me meds, eat well, keep taking pics downloading into entertaining blogs.
Secondary objective won out. NOT going home...not directly anyhow.
Drove US 287 til it melds with I-70 til it meets I-25. North on the 25 to Ft Collins - which is back on US-287. Drive up Sentinal Valley...Both Sentinals still stand tall and alert a I pass below. Up and over "Windy" Pass. Stop at the Fireworks Store for some 2011 skyrockets & Hugs; then on to Laramie for gas...onto The 80 (I-80) and off again at Rawlins, Wyoming, where I force down another unwanted meal and to the motel to blog a bit. Now nearly 10 pm & I am a bit bushed....BUT, I have NOT WALKED, took my Meds and ate two full meals.
So Happens US 287 (cannot get rid of that Highway...is always where I am...going to where I wanna go) runs North out of Rawlins to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone. Both are kinda on the way to "home", so decided to rest up a bit doing some pics up thataway for a day or two.
Then, believe a swing thru the Tetons would be relaxing...and more photo Opps. From there, believe my next rest stop will be Snake River Hells Canyon. Intended to do that route when first planning my walk, but opted for the easier US 30 Southern Route. Now, WE get to enjoy both
OUT OF ADVERSITY COMES>>>ETC.
A quick ride through Hells Canyon on a Jet Boat or Rubber Raft (NOTE: NO WALKING) should offer some unique pics which I would LOVE to share...I know Suzanne's Kids back in B'ham will get a boot out of them & might maybe perhaps give 'em a bit of stimulus even Mr. President would have to stretch a bit to match.
Oh, before I forget...On my way up the 25, (I-25), I stopped in at "THE WORLD"S LARGEST INDOOR RV SHOWROOM", "RV AMERICA" Introduced myself. Handed 'em my SAM & ME Card, and explained what I am doing and why I simply MUST find a Real Good Motor Home at little or NO $$.
They pulled up OUR Blog...did some OOOhs and AHHHs, and went into a huddle. They came up with an offer I simply could NOT refuse - and DID NOT refuse. Kevin Hawkins and his Staff are now proud participants in SAM & ME walking America...Their "near" gift is shown here...
Well ??? !!! WaddaYaThink ?
Well ??? !!! WaddaYaThink ?
We now have the Wheels...All we need do is entice the driver and for Brucie Baby to get and STAY healed. It is waiting in Johnstown, Denver suburb (no offence folks) along with SAM in her trailer. At the proper moment, I will fly to Denver, put the "train" together and with (hopefully) our new member - our Driver, get back on the road.
Monday, August 30, 2010
DOCTOR'S ORDERS
Bit the bullet this morning and checked myself into Emergency ER at the Lamar Hospital.
Did an EKG. Did Chest x-Rays, Did massive Blood work, as well as "breathe deep" and an occasional Thump Thump. Also examined my "Lumpy" Scalp.
Bottom Line
Lumpy Scalp is extensive hair follical infection...probably from my dousing my self from running irrigation system waters - to keep Cool. Fix: Antibiotic CIPROFLOXACN. (& use "clean" water)
Drowning Lungs, Incessant cough, and Sinus Infection. Sinus drains into my Lungs, creating a Swimming Pool, which I fight to stay afloat enough to breathe. Fix: Same CIPROFLOXACN.
Blood Work: Blood Tests turned out great...no problem...EXCEPT:
A full 25% of my "RED" Blood Cells have Vanished. Dr. was on edge of ordering a Blood Transfusion, but held off; PROVIDED...
NO WALKING FOR AT LEAST ONE MONTH.
I EAT SENSIBLY
I TAKE FERROUS SULFATE (Iron Pills) FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH>
AFTER ONE MONTH HAVE ANOTHER GO WITH BLOOD TESTS>
So, I am "grounded" for the moment.
In the morning, I will drive the Van & Trailer back home (hope I still have a home) and regroup.
Will diligently look for a suitable SMALL Mobil Home that will comfortably sleep two. Am discussing possible "driver" to help complete my walk beginning Early October.
This is not at all what I planned. I ALWAYS plan for the "Best", but am equally ALWAYS ready for Options. Life would be kinda boring if ALL things went according to plan.
SO, Bore ME, Please.
Did an EKG. Did Chest x-Rays, Did massive Blood work, as well as "breathe deep" and an occasional Thump Thump. Also examined my "Lumpy" Scalp.
Bottom Line
Lumpy Scalp is extensive hair follical infection...probably from my dousing my self from running irrigation system waters - to keep Cool. Fix: Antibiotic CIPROFLOXACN. (& use "clean" water)
Drowning Lungs, Incessant cough, and Sinus Infection. Sinus drains into my Lungs, creating a Swimming Pool, which I fight to stay afloat enough to breathe. Fix: Same CIPROFLOXACN.
Blood Work: Blood Tests turned out great...no problem...EXCEPT:
A full 25% of my "RED" Blood Cells have Vanished. Dr. was on edge of ordering a Blood Transfusion, but held off; PROVIDED...
NO WALKING FOR AT LEAST ONE MONTH.
I EAT SENSIBLY
I TAKE FERROUS SULFATE (Iron Pills) FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH>
AFTER ONE MONTH HAVE ANOTHER GO WITH BLOOD TESTS>
So, I am "grounded" for the moment.
In the morning, I will drive the Van & Trailer back home (hope I still have a home) and regroup.
Will diligently look for a suitable SMALL Mobil Home that will comfortably sleep two. Am discussing possible "driver" to help complete my walk beginning Early October.
This is not at all what I planned. I ALWAYS plan for the "Best", but am equally ALWAYS ready for Options. Life would be kinda boring if ALL things went according to plan.
SO, Bore ME, Please.
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