December 29, 2017

Didn't get my prescriptions until after dark. I'll be heading back up to Grants Pass, Oregon to catch Interstate 5 to come back down to Shasta. Thought what the heck I'll do part of it in the dark but decided why miss anything. So got up early instead and went to say good bye to the Pacific and was on my way. Some heavy fog through the mountains. Very beautiful through Oregon but sorry, no pictures. There could have been some spectacular ones if only I weren't driving. And so many of those you can't stop and walk back on the highway and by the time you get to a pull off it's a view that doens't compare. Oh well.

After stopping in Yreka and Weed to check them out, the two towns just north of Shasta, I made it to Shasta just after 1. It's interesting what's going on. I feel as if I'm home. This indeed is where I'm supposed to be right now. Walked up and down main street. Some incredible shops like in Sedona. Met some people. Yes there are weirdos like me here so it's wonderful. After three months of a feeling of lostishness yet knowing that was supposed to be, so good lostishness, it seems this new year should be quite exciting. Dang. Hard to put into words. An interesting journey so far.

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• Feels good
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Feels good

 

 

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  Hey it's that lighthouse again.
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  It works!
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  Wood
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  Would ya look at that
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  Aw. Beyond the burger king...
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  Sun was warm today, Dec 29.
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  Aw. Jesus Rays
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  Hey is this a branch of Hinckley?

December 28, 2017

A powerful day today spent once again in the magical forests. Happy to say I felt done.

When the robins left I never had any idea where they really went. Well some of them come to Crescent City, CA. Last night it was wet and cool, not cold, and felt like a midwest late spring night. Add that to the robins and it's just like spring where I am. Yeah I know it's way below there. Best wishes and next thing you know those robins will be back.

If you've had enough redwoods skip these.

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• My thanks to the magic
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My thanks to the magic

 

 

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  The light house from Dec 20 this morning.
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  Dang this guy gets around. Last time I saw him was Bemidji MN now in Klamuth CA
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  A little tunnel under a fallen tree if you look through
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December 27, 2017

Well today is the day I can reorder prescriptions and with my 2017 out of pocket paid it's critical. So good ol Walmart transferred them from Arizona where I last ordered them and they'll have it all tomorrow.

I'm back down in Crescent City, California and what's right down the road? The land of magic, the redwoods. There was still learning there for me, loose ends, energetic completions, so I visited them. Dang dang dang. So glad I did. What an honor.

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• Storybook Magic
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Storybook Magic

 

 

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  Well snow yesterday and today I'm in this moist area and my feet did not get cold. I like it.
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  Hey it's that van again.
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December 26, 2017

I read the chances for a white Christmas in the Seattle area are 7 in 100 so I found myself feeling quite honored to be able to take part. And it was the snow and wet that caused me to choose not to visit Seattle and get the heck back to the coast. It was lovely but yuk. As I got to the coast the snow was no more but it sure made Christmas seem official. Dang.

Washington and Oregon are so beautiful. Gorgeous. I'm getting so spoiled. I've been experiencing so much, so many variations of this beautiful planet and I'm so grateful for the time and opportunity to do so. So so so it will take some time to realize all that I've taken in at all levels.

The Christmas Spirit does still exist. Christmas day I went to a Jack in the Box (only thing open) and as I was pulling up in the drive thru a woman had pulled in to the alley behind cutting in line per se. So I messed with her a little bit but let her in, I was in no hurry. When I got to the window he told me the lady ahead had already paid for it. Dang. Then I got a coffee while gassing up and the guy said Merry Christmas it's on me. Dang. Today I found a good deal on a hotel room and reserved it online. When I got here the young lady said Merry Christmas you've been upgraded to a king bed and a room with a view. Dang.

Since I've been reporting on agriculture what I've noticed up here is cranberries and, of course, seafood. Clams and oysters seem to abound and I didn't even try to find any oyster stew for Christmas Eve and that is a family tradition.

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• Washington - Oregon
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Washington - Oregon

 

 

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  Christmas morn.
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  One of those really long bridges.
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  Honkin gooses
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  The old bridges in Oregon have these odd little art deco things on them. The lift bridges also.
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  Cranberries
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  Okay there is a picture sign. The truck is tilting left but the arrow sez it's gonna go right.
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  Well, Cape Dissapointment State Park.
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  Forget that here's Cape Foulweather
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  The view that came with the room off the balcony. Can here the waves but it's ONLY 52. Minus teens elsewhere I hear.
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  I even have a little gas heater.

December 24, 2017

A Merry Christmas to All!

Well as far as the Pacific coast goes I've run out of north 101. It's now heading east. In northwest Washington now.

It is very beatiful here yet since the redwoods nothing has that flavor, the magic. My heart certainly wasn't left in San Francisco but may be with them big ol trees. There are rain forests here and so many rivers and creeks, waterfalls off the sides of mountains. SO powerful it all has been this highway 101 and the offshoots. Much going on energetically at many levels. All while I enjoy the journey.

I do want to say I appreciate Oregon's simplistic signage. Cut the verbage and no pictures. The sign says Speed with the huge numbers. Elk crossing? Diamond yellow with huge letters ELK. There was no confusion.

I'm even having a white Christmas.

Much Love and Blessings to all and to all a good night!

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• Oregon Washington
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Oregon Washington

 

 

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  Interesting.
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  Saw this place and had to go back. Bugs again. I told her I made a left turn in Albuquerque and she said "good yoiu get it". She even had a little mallet in case lots and lots of lumps. Good coffee and good laughs for about an hour.
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  Oregon dunes.
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  That is a big one.
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  Hey, it's that van again
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  Oregon morning beach walk.
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  Going across a bridge to a bridge. So many crazy bridges, high, skinny, creepy.
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  Washington morning beach walk.
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  ok.
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  A little snow.
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  Sea frost.
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  This looks more like an experimental forest than the official one in Flagstaff.
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  Hey, it's that van again.
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  Hey it's that van again. Santa can now get to it. Whew just in time.

December 20, 2017

Well yesterday was funky. The rain was kind and waited until I left camp to start. The first precipitation I've seen since September. As I got further north it was cooling. The frequency of humanity seemed to be lessening. It had a familiar essence, meth, spare change askers, fights, victim consciousness. Yuk. Things I've been reading sound as if the Shasta area may be similar. But I know what it is I'm to do. Nothing is permanent.

Wow I thought it was Tuesday. It's Wednesday. Yikes. Started this day heading to Crescent City California then on in to Oregon. Barely into Oregon and have made a couple stops and took too many pictures. The ocean, the waves, are so beautiful but like the redwoods what was so spectacular in person isn't at all in the picture. Oh well.

What I can say is true, even before the rain, redwood country is moist.

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• Cali end Ore start
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Cali end Ore start

 

 

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  Hey, it's that van again
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  In Eureka no speed bumps
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  OMG cosmic... wait a minute that's rain and flash
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  The ferns
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  Hey, it's that van again
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  Hey it's ferns again
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  Jetty in Crescent City
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  Lighthouse in Crescent City
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  Aw Caw
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  Aw
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December 18, 2017

Heading on up 1 which then ended into 101 which then had the Avenue of the Giants option. How could I pass that up? It's incredible. like a storybook, you feel so small. it's so beautiful, magical. Moss, ferns, fallen giants. Daylight was about to end, there was a campground reasonably priced. Two showers in two days. Dang.

Forty years ago I made this trek. It was really weird how it seemed like yesterday. It caused me to remember someone that had died went through the tube where your whole life goes by. All right there. She chose to stay by the way.

These photos don't even come close to capturing it.

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• The Redwoods
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The Redwoods

 

 

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  See... it is true.
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  Hey it's that van again.
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  I stood in the bottom of that and sang.
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  The view from inside.
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  A wee one.
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  I slept under a big one.
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  The view looking up.
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  Ramone over there soaking it up.

December 17, 2017

Well got up yesterday morning after not being hassled for sleeping in the van. As I headed back north I saw the guy who told me about the road. I stopped since I hadn't taken a picture of his snail car. I wanted to get this out there in case someone might search burning man snail car and find the really cool steampunk one. This isn't it. But the guy has fun. When it's lit his programming of the LED's is pretty crazy. He said he's working on 360 degree photography and stays up nights taking pictures of the stars, meteors. Since he's working and not sleeping they let him stay in the pull off all night.

California is a very agricultural state and it's interesting to see the mass production and how the crops change in the different regions. I saw a truck with a big sale sign and decided to stop. I got twelve mandarin oranges, four pears, six avocados and a grapefruit for $7.76. The avocados have a little ripening to do, the rest are wonderful. Fresh. Later I stopped for gas and decided to wander a little. I found a town whose main crops seemed to be artichokes and strawberries. Further south was cauliflower and broccoli. Yes, the broccoli stinks even when growing.

I then made it to San Francisco as the day began to end. I stopped in Pacifica where my dad lived with his third wife and visited the Safeway and bought some Bourbon Praline Haagen Dazs to celebrate dad who died of serosis. The Golden Gate Bridge is part of the pacific coast highway so that would be the thing to be done there and keep going. Traffic and people were annoying me. I saw a lot of San Francisco forty years ago and think it probably hasn't changed for the better.

I made it across the bridge and it turned into 101 (this happens quite a few times) so I exited to stay on 1 (PCH). I was in the wrong lane for north so I went up a ways and came back. It started getting goofy. I couldn't find it again. Ok. Remember my previous posts about ending up the same place over and over? Well here we go again. I ended up way up a mountain in a very exclusive area, really narrow roads, hairpin curves. I was nervous with the trailer of getting to a point and not being able to turn around. Being Christmas time the homes were lit and looking in the windows it was crazy. Homes like you see in the movies/TV. Another world. Old money and lots of it.

When I was in Beverly Hills and in the energies of all that wealth I felt uncomfortable. Spirit told me to be okay, allow it with no judgment. Money is just energy. As I cleared judgment, guilt, and whatever else was there it was quite interesting. Just to be okay and be a part. It felt good. A good thing that I need to accept. The same thing was true in this area. I had to be okay with it. I'd then end up in a cute little old town downtown that circled around the town square. Full of high end shops. People of a reality I know nothing of. Foo fooishness on parade. I kept ending up there. The gps kept taking me there. It was bizarre. I just had to be entertained with it all, as I'm learning to do, and hope I'd finally get out of the loop. Eventually I got going north on 1 again which then involved detours and all sorts of goofiness. A spectacular view at its heights of the city and beautiful in the darkness. Making it to the highway I drove quite a distance even though I knew I was missing some spectacular scenery. Very winding roads in these parts. If you screw up you are dead. Easy as that. Even the non-cliff side can have quite a drop off the edge of the road where the shoulder has washed away and would cause extensive damage if you dropped in. But at least I got out of San Francisco.

I had read online that they weren't as strict further north with sleeping at the pull offs with no signage. So I thought I'd try it and seems true. Climate is changing. Cooling and very few palm trees. Sad about that. Continuing north and it is quite spectacular in a different way. Redwoods creating tunnels, very winding roads, only average 30-40mph. Cliffs, tall pointy rocks, crashing waves, the ocean is a beautiful bluish green. I'm not photographing while driving.

Lots of hawks and turkey vultures everywhere. It's crazy.

I ended up in Fort Bragg. Found a good deal at a hotel. Time to splurge I guess... and shower.

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• North to Fort Bragg
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North to Fort Bragg

 

 

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  Another sunrise
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  Signs at the turn of the road where I slept
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  More signs
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  Hm.
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  California cattails
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  The snail car I spoke of previous entry
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  More cattails
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  Hey it's that van again. Chased by Jesus rays.
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  Weirdishness
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  Monterey Bay from Monterey
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  Hey I should check that out.
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  Glad I did
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  Painting on the fence.
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  Harvested
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  Artichokes
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  Strawberries
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  It's that bridge
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  Quite a few wanting to jump today
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  Dang.
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December 15, 2017

An interesting day. Since no overnight parking "camping/sleeping" is allowed I ended up at a truck stop that was twenty three miles east of the coast but gas is much cheaper than tickets. The city laws don't allow Walmart camping either and this is true in most of California.

So I got up, got going, and drove back to the coast and headed north. It's changing from beach level to cliffs. I'm not so good with heights. I keep seeing scenes from those old black and white movies with the big old car hurling over the cliff hundreds of feet to the sharp rocks and rough waters. That's what this is.

I stopped and observed some elephant seals. There were only two playing out in the surf but two beaches full soaking up the early morning sun. It almost looked like a huge slaughter.

I made my way to Ragged Point to find out the road was closed. Went in and got an americano (espresso with water - darned good one at that) and to find out what to do. The detour? Right back to where I began the day - the highway I woke up next to at the truck stop. I got back there again and headed north a bit. I chose to take a county road to get back over to the coast. As I started my way I ran over something laying in the road and realized it was a wallet as I saw the stuff coming out of it. I stopped and started collecting the stuff. Suddenly a truck pulled up and a guy got out and started grabbing stuff also. I looked at the id and he was the owner. Was glad it was him. He handed me the cash and told me to keep it. So nineteen dollars ahead was a good way to begin the journey.

The landscape has been changing to vineyards on the hills. This was the case on this very beautiful winding county road. Sections with the California oaks covering it almost like a tunnel. The pictures I did get don't begin to capture the magic of it. Felt like a storybook. Not much traffic so I could take my time. One thing I like about California is they have pull overs all over. So if someone got behind me I could easily get out of their way.

Luckily I started the day early because the backtracking took some time. Ragged point is the beginning of Big Sur and I had been told the parts of the highway from Big Sur to Monterey are some of the best. I made it to Carmel and decided I'd head south back down the PCH to see what I'd missed. I started my way down and the homes - mansions - were crazy. There are redwoods and they are so majestic and smell so good. I tend to think of redwoods as only the huge ones but the small ones are excellent trees. So much beauty in so many ways.

Some of the pull overs have the signs saying no overnight parking and others didn't. As I came up to one without signs a guy was parked and looked as if he'd be a good one to ask. He said no, a sheriff and highway patrol had just stopped to be sure he knew even if there weren't a sign it's not allowed. He was a local guy, a character, and knew the game. Talked with him for a while. He told me the county road I took to Carmel is used in a lot of the Toyota commercials. He is a photographer and knows the guy that produces them. He had a funny little vehicle with him he had at burning man that lit up with flashing lights that did crazy stuff. He said they have a car show in Monterey for truly bad/weird cars. Only four of these shows in the world. He won a prize for tacky or something of that category. Evidently the reason the road had been closed was a huge landslide. So huge they decided to "let it settle" and build a new road on top of it. May be a while for that. He told me of a side road where you will not be hassled for staying the night. That's where I am right now. A smaller road with very steep edges and no guard rails or anything. Luckily it was dark when I got here? Yikes.

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• Detour Day
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Detour Day

 

 

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  Hey it's that van again
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  A hawk.
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  A little home up there.
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  Cows by the sea
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December 14, 2017

Once again time to skeedaddle. I thank the Haymakers so very much for their generosity and allowing me to be a part of their home(s).

So on the 8th I headed out. For the first time since this all started I have no place to be. This has all flowed so beautifully. My previous wanderings gave me a taste of vagabond as I began to learn a few things yet I then had plans and a time be somewhere. Now that is not so. Mt. Shasta is ready for me whenever I show up but right now I am enjoying an easy journey up the California coast. This is what people dream of. Heck.

Heading north from San Diego I wandered through an exclusive area of coastal La Jolla. I squeezed by a Bentley convertible on a tight road. Glad that went well. I made my way to the pacific coast highway. It's interesting because it intersects with many major highways along the way. When you are in no hurry it's quite fun - and quite an adjustment for me as I'm starting to catch on to it all. I also am only making my way during daylight hours. These days there isn't a whole lot of that. Being one from a place where warm weather is associated with long days this is weird. Start a project two o'clock thinking I have lots of time then I realize I only have three hours left.

There is so much to see and I've seen so much. Have not taken too many pictures because I'm usually driving. You can take so much more in when the time limit is not there. There is much more than what appears here.

It was rush hour time and heading into Los Angeles I decided to exit at Newport Beach as it was now dark. One of my favorite Kryon channelings took place there so it seemed like a good place to be. It was dark and the Christmas lights were beautiful on Balboa Island. Spent the night in Santa Ana. Got up early and headed towards LA. Went by the oldest McDonalds still open and the third ever. Since it was historic I had my breakfast there - not as if the food were any better. Moved on up the coast and had fun in all the suburbs I remembered hearing the names of on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Once again the cars. Dang. Cars are pretty beat up as there is so much parking on the streets.

Was heading into LA on the interstate through an industrial area. Having watched West Coast Customs I wondered where it may be. Found it was nearby with my cyber Monday excellent deal gps that has voice command and will link to the phone. Will be greatly utilized. The WCC crew were very nice, very accommodating, wandered a bit, glad I stopped. Television definitely glamorizes things.

Ended up on Hollywood Blvd, Wilshire, once again the cars. Stayed over a little north in Thousand Oaks. While at the Walmart it was quite interesting. Instead of the majority of cars being beaters (which is what I'm used to) there were Land Rovers, both cars and suvs by Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, Infinity, Acura. Big pharma wealth there, gated communities.

I'm sitting by the ocean now. The smells, the waves crashing. The sun is setting, it's only 61 degrees, I put on a hoody so I won't freeze (ha ha ha). I'm between Ventura and Santa Barbara. It's quite smoky. The helicopters were flying over with their big buckets they fill. The planes were also going over. They have one 747 they have been using when the winds aren't too bad to drop the retardants. Saw some fire when I detoured east through the Simi Valley to San Canista for the heck of it. Yet another area of ridiculous wealth. That was tech wealth I believe.

Ok. It's the next morning and it's quite smoky. There is ash on the van. Smoke and ashes, brings back old casino memories (another hahaha). The smoke does create beautiful sunsets and rises. I just checked the internet and looks like I'm on the coast side of a big one. Dang. Not my intention. Oh well it's cheap here and I'll hang around a while. Early there were six dolphins not too far out. When they would surface the sunrise would reflect off of their dorsals. It appeared they had lights on them. Quite cool. A visit by dolphins is a nice way to start the day. Feels of a blessing. Lots of ash in the air now, too much smoke for the helicopters. Dozed off for a little while then back to the beach. I was wading and thought I'd call the dolphins. A couple of minutes later there they were. A little bit after that a seal went by.

Happened into a campground in Goleta and spent the night there. Showers. A good thing. Thought I'd head down to the beach the next morning. Just for fun I thought I'd call the dolphins again. Made it down there and guess who were swimming by. Dang. Whatever their reason I felt so honored. Headed further north and will spend the night here in Arroyo Grande. On to Pismo Beach in the morning.

Per Bugs Bunny mistakes I did make the left turn in Albuquerque, the right in La Jolla and arrived at Pismo Beach. It was great and Bugs was the reason I felt I needed the visit. Moved on to Morro Bay another great place with lots to visit and see. Spending the night at a truck stop in Paso Robles.

I kept seeing Turkey Vultures. They are a very good sign.~

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• Los Angeles and Area
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Los Angeles and AreaWest Coast CustomsOld RestaurantsVentura CountyVentura County Next DayGoletaPismo BeachMorro BaySunset

 

 

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  Reminded me of an old Warner Brothers cartoon so had to take a picture
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  Just so you can see the view in the rear view of the new backup camera mounted higher.
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  Early morning Balboa Island
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  Cool trees very common
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  A BMW clown car
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  Ripleys Beilieve it or Not with Jesus rays.
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  Hollywood Blvd the world premier of the lastest Star Wars film.
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  Hollywood
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  Hollywood Clinic
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  Wilshire Blvd
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  I realize they did a remake of Shelby's but this an original?
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  Smoke in Ventura
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  Beachy
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  Someone left the cake out in the rain. McArthur park closed for an event.
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  Smoke
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  Another BMW clown car
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  Cars in the Walmart Lot Thousand Oaks
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  Walmart lot Thousand Oaks
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  Lnad Rovers Walmart Lot Thousannd Oaks
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  Walmart Lot
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  Malibu welcome sign
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  Smoke
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  Santa Ana winds

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  When I first drove by and didn't know if they'd moved to a different spot.
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  Other side
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  Things look so different on tv.
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  Will I Am's corvette made from old body on a new
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  Most everything run from the iPad
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  This car is on a 72 volkswagon base. All the body/glass was designed on a 3d printer and then the body was wrapped.
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  Looking into the area where they do the wrapping. The old cadillac is for a chiropracter. It has a spine going down the side. More green chrome to be added.
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  Will I am's Bentley Convertible being done.
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  Museum under construction.
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  The sign is pretty cool. Hey look it's that van again.
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  Plaque under the sign
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  Bob's Big Boy
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  Smoke
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  Smoke - this is the Thomas Fire
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  Fillmore a little town I decided to visit.
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  Those winds blowing the palms
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  Not smoke signals
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  Back to the coast.
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  Helicopters come over this way to fill their buckets. Not sure where/how they do it.
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  A couple of surfers showed up.
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  Didn't those shoes go out in the 90's?
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  Smokey
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  Hey it's that van again.
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  The plane The plane. The fire plane.
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  Kelp.
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  More kelp.
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  Kelp leaf. Know your kelp.
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  A smokey morning.
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  Ashes too.
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  Dolphin
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  Dolphins
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  Hey it's that van again. Looks like it's going to get rear ended. A train.

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  California Oaks. They're a bit different than what I'm used to.
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  Hey there's an ocean down there.
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  Kinda looks like a turtle.
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  A big one.
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  That is a heavy duty sub commisioned in 1972 after a nuke sub incident and no way to respond.
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December 1, 2017

Enjoying San Diego.

Here until the morning of the 9th then I think I'll head up the pacific coast highway which sounds both beautiful and fun. Will eventually make it up to Shasta but being December I'm in no hurry. Take my time and enjoy, connect, be.

Haven't been up to a whole lot. A cool cloudy week and helping out around the house. Energetics have been crazy leading to all of the sudden being wiped out then not being able to sleep. I'm going through my own process and riding along as the world goes through its own craziness. Dang.

Had a fun 90+ degree Thanksgiving. Didn't make it to pie breakfast but enjoyed the leftovers when we got there. Yum! The couple that put it on are very nice people. They have young people stay there during the summer who attend an opera camp so they're quite good at pulling these things off. There was a table for 55+ and another for the middle aged. My desiganted table was full and Zack who is 5 was sitting by himself so I joined him. He had his kindle, was watching whatever he was watching, and I annoyed him with my talking so he moved. I finished my delicious meal - juicy wonderful turkey and all the sides were scrumptious. So on over to the middle aged table. I'd heard them stating they were not American, they were Californian. Amongst the whole spectrum I met a writer, clinical psychologist, carpenter, transsexual, Tai Chi instructor, banker, respiratory therapist, nurse, two women who were wed, wine guy, and a few others I didn't know well enough for a label. All very nice people. Had a good time, very happy I went. Talked with the writer for quite a while, who is also a historian, and has delved into a local mystery. He's managed to write multiple books, some fact, some fiction. Very interesting.

I've not been taking pictures but will have to do so as I venture about again. Until then...

November 21, 2017

Still in beeyouteeful San Diego. Looks like I'll be here a couple more weeks thanks to such generous friends.

I've never spent the holidays in this type of climate. Yeah winter is wonderful blah blah blah but I don't find myself missing it. Decorated palm trees are kinda cute.

Just been chillin. Went to Encinitas, CA, today and enjoyed the meditation gardens there. Created by the Paramahansa Yogananda they are quite beautiful on a November day. Did a little meditation in a couple of spots, enjoyed the lizards, hummingbirds, sounds of the ocean. The site is maintained incredibly. Not a lot of flowers this time of year.

Wandered the strip quite a while then took the Pacific Coast Highway up to Carlsbad to stop in at Gematria whose products I've used for many years. Dr. Todd (amazing man) wasn't there, pretty much no one was, and it's not really a place to drop in on. Felt kinda silly but what the heck.

Been invited for Thanksgiving with a family who always was frustrated with the fact they were all too full for pie after the meal. So their tradition is now a pie breakfast to precede the Thanksgiving meal later in the day. Seperate occasions, I'll probably skip the former.

Got the mixer, Osterizer and pan out of the trailer and made a cheescake the other day for whatever that's worth. It was very good.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.

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• Meditation Gardens
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Meditation Gardens

 

 

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  Ok let's get them Jesus rays.
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  Dang.
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November 16, 2017

Been in San Diego a week now. It is so very beautiful here. A nice relaxed time with Ed and Susan. Have done some wandering and just as I've stated in previous posts I keep covering the same routes, driving the same roads and it's not my intention. In fact I think I'm going somewhere else but I end up in the same certain places from completely different routes. San Diego is huge and here I am "back on that road again - I didn't even know I was near it".

So Susan scheduled me for today and we were out and about. The odd thing was the places she felt nudged to take me were places I'd ended up at twice already. We left one of these to go to an appointment of Susan's and suddenly she said "why am I driving down here?" I didn't know but it was yet another road of those I kept ending up on. She had intended to go a completely different way. I told her she's part of whatever it is that keeps running me over the same routes. Spirit was chuckling, as was I, and happy for me to know there's something to it. I'm not the crazy nut I sometimes think I am.

Anyhow some incredible views. Very warm lovely day - I say with a snicker to my friends up north.

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• Out and about
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Out and about

 

 

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  The Hodad Burger VW mini-ized van outside the restaurant in Ocean Beach. Guy Fieri loves this place.
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  The fishing pier at Ocean Beach
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  The beach at Ocean Beach
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  From the other end of the pier.
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  The pacific ocean.
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  Some hibiscus.
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  Shelter Island
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  The Marlins have been fished out for some time. From the past it seems. Shelter Island
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  A fishing pier on Shelter Island
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  A nice view from Shelter Island.
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  Nice view Point Loma
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  There's stealth fighters in them huts.
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  That gray thing will submerge and nuclear subs will pull in. It is then raised and provides dry dock for them for maintenance etc. Covers drop over the ends so nothing can be observed. Diving is prohibited in this area and there are dolphins, who are naval officers trained by the navy, inside the surrounding nets to take out any divers who may try to get in.
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  Point Loma
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  Point Loma
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  Point Clouds
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  View from Mt. Helix
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  From the stage looking at the seating.
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  From the top of the seating looking down at the stage.
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  Blowing his horn at the sunset.
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  Blowing two other horns simultaneously at the sunset.
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  The sunset from Mt. Helix. The skyline can be seen just to the right of the sun's reflection in the water.
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  A little later.
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  Model Susan, model

November 10, 2017

Headed here to San Diego yesterday. Great day for a drive. Up this morning appreciating the beautiful plants, blooms. Quite wonderful to be here - especially when I hear of weather elsewhere.

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• California here I come
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California here I come

 

 

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  Those crazy dunes just over the border on Interstate 8
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  Well I made it. Ed and Susan's.
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  A beautiful morning
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  The hibiscus blooming.
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  My new friend Peanut.

November 8, 2017

Well I left the ranch yesterday and am once again in Flagstaff, yes my favorite hotel, better rate again. While at the ranch I felt nudged to get on craigslist. Not to be entertained by the personals but browse the for sale. So I put in transit connect for the heck of it. First thing listed - an aluminum roof rack made specifically for it - there are mounts built in the roof. And the price? One third the price of a new one. Got it this morning and it is nice, excellent shape. Just so happens last week I was thinking I should probably look into one of these - and the universe hands me one. Dang.

Well some of the final day pictures and of course the rack. Nothing better than a van with a nice rack.

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• Last shots
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Last shotsLook at that rack

 

 

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  Soakin up sun, downloads from central sun
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  Ambitious cactus
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  Yes mom, a ranch junco
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  Susan & Ed found they need to put in exit ramps for the lizards.
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  Buh bye, I'll be back.

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  Think the train traffic helps rates?
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  Just so you northerners know it was frosty this morning in Flagstaff
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November 1, 2017

Still at the ranch. Probably a few more days.

I went for a wander today. Cool clouds.

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• A Wander
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A Wander

 

 

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  A powerful set there
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  The other two times I've been here has been on Labor Day weekend. Monsoon season, flowers and all sorts of surprises pop up. Quite different now. Still beautiful in a different way.
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  Around the bend, the other side, of the canyon.
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  Butter was a very loved dog of Susan and Ed's. When he passed they put a bench overlooking the canyon in memory of him.
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  His tags.
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  Nice view.
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  Ok, just to prove I'm really here.
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  Juniper are the only "trees" you'll find around here.
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  I wish I could find some of the desert varnish rocks... so many many beautiful stones here.
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  Junipers are unique.
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  The ants here end up with huge hills, all small stones.
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  Is them roots or bush leftovers?
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  Settlers and their litter. Not only pans you would not believe all the cans around here.
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October 28, 2017

I took off for the ranch. I've spoken in my previous expeditions about being "guided" where it is I'm to go. The GPS can be a player in this. On a previous stay I'd placed the coordinates in my GPS. I thought with that it would get me in the general area. Susan advised coordinates will not work. The ranch is not far from Sedona. So I took off and exited I-40 at Winona (thought that was cute since there's also one in Minnesota) thinking maybe it was taking me in via backroads which I enjoy. After driving for some time across a Navajo reservation, no phone, I just kept going. I knew I was a bit north. So eventually I came to a town and I was an hour north of Winslow. This meant I was far away. I eventually arrived, hours late, and made it in time for a beautiful ranch sunset. Evidently that was the route I was to take. Luckily it humors me.

I've mentioned Ed and Susan before. Very special people that live in San Diego but have land in the high desert in a partly easterly mostly central area of Arizona on the rim of a huge canyon. The Haymaker Ranch. Some rough roads getting in here but it's worth it. This is where they plan to retire off the grid on a truly quiet, peaceful, beautiful piece of sacred land in the midst of so much land and the best part - very little else. This most certainly is the land of the stone people - all the faces in the walls of the canyon.

The main (original) building is of stone dating back to the mid to late 1800's. Rumor has it that it was once was a Pony Express station. A little research revealed the Pony Express route came nowhere near Arizona. So much for that rumor. Spoilin the fun I am.

Over the years things have expanded. Ed is a carpenter and stays quite busy here. After a new roof was installed that extended out the back about six feet on the main building another roof was constructed that overlaps. Both cover what is now the outdoor kitchen and additional area that provides space for lots of seating just to chill out or you can relax in the hammock if you wish. There also is the big round table for big meals with markers to comment and sign the table top. Susan regularly puts another coat of urethane on to preserve it all so be careful. There is also a gazeboish area on one end to accommodate the mud/straw oven (Ed makes great pizza's!) with a grill beside it created by the Haymaker's. Moving to the opposite end of the main building there is an open area where a wall was built to block the wind. There is an open area where Susan actually uses the old type plunger and a tub to do the laundry. She has a crank wringer which makes it a bit easier. Behind that you will find a very nice enclosed round shower area. All around you'll find solar lighting. There is a two burner cook top, lp refrigerator, rv water heater for hot water, a water pump for the the shower and kitchen sink. Ed has a small portable generator for his tools and to charge two twelve volt batteries he has for an inverter to charge things, run some low voltage lighting and the water pump. Quite a setup. That Ed. Susan does just as much hard work and has contributed her great share to the construction of this all. Her creativeness is found all about. I must also say there has never been a meal made by Susan that isn't fabulous.

There are two other cabins and a to be cabin that currently is for storage and Ed's work area. Same was true of the other two before they became cabins. All very nicely done. Ed does good work.

You might wonder about human waste, or not, but it's interesting. After initially trying to use a chemical tactic, which was quite smelly and not easy to maintain, they have found a very simple and amazingly clean and stench free solution. Five gallon buckets under the commodes, initially with hay in the bottom. Another bucket contains dried leaves, a little dirt, and what comes from raking the yard. When one is finished they place the leaves over the deposit in the commode. There is little to no smell except of course when emptying in the compost area Ed has constructed out of range from the breezes. The buckets are emptied and the water from compost building roof rain that's collected in a drum is used to rinse the buckets before their next round. He says he has never run out of water. What comes off the roof provides what they need. So now you know about that.

We hiked into the canyon a couple of days ago. There are petroglyphs I haven't seen yet but things have to be just so to get to them. Level of water and growth. But they're not just so right now. Guess I'll have to come back again for that.

Right now I'm looking at a beautiful sunset. It is so wide open here you can see the horizon 360 degrees. The opposite side of the sunset is just as beautiful and a half moon shining above. Feeling quite blessed.

They departed today but said I may remain a bit longer. Dang. I think I'll do that.

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• Main Building
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Main BuildingThe RanchCasey DorfyThe CanyonSunsets

 

 

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  A friend carved this stone with the name and also petroglyphs found in the canyon. It also resembles a bison which has significance to Ed.
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  The door to the building. There is just that door and one very small window on each of the other sides. Musta been fer shootin outta. Betcha the door had one too. To the right is where the oven and grill are.
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  There are shades on each end of the roof extension that can be lowered if needed.
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  Darned settlers left trash all over the place. Horseshoes, bullet casings, cans.
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  The walls were constructed of hay bales and mud which provide a wind break.
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  The area where water is available for washing to be done.
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  The shower.
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  The back side of the shower.
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  The original fireplace is still there and used.
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  The fire pit
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  The oven and grill.
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  The back wall nicely decorated and a couple of windows to block the wind.
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  The kitchen.
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  Wind blockers
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  The table to leave your mark.
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  More leftovers from the years gone by.
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  And yes, the compost building.
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  Whats left of the old corral.

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  There is a sign in front of the van - Julies parking only. Had to park there and send it to her. My very good friend from Iowa
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  The three cabins. Haymaker Dry Goods on the left where I'm staying, Julies Cabin - the first built, and the current storage area that will become another cabin one day.
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  Ed now has a weather station with a wind thingee
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  The lights come on at sunset
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  The cooktop in the kitchen area. The bright lighting is very low voltage.
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  The butcher block area on the other side of the cooktop
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  Ed didn't cook - doin the dishes. I offered to help but he refused. I have done the dishes...
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  The east side of the main building, the entrance
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  Viewing the main building from the other side where the cabins are
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  The current storage area - and the tractor.
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  Ed getting the oven prepped for pizza tonight
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  Once again from the westish and back. The round area on the right is where the shower is.
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  Don't matter how ya button out here
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  The garden outside of the "patio" and the old corral out there. To the left of the corral is the compost building.
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  The whole darned thing. Main building left future cabin right.
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  Compost area left, corral right.
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  The cabins
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  Once again bloggin by the fire

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  Ed startin her up. A new and very welcome addition. Will make so much so much easier
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  It's a Case tractor so Ed likes Casey. The lift is a Westendorf and Susan likes Dorfy. Hence Casey Dorfy is her name.
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  Susan getting acquianted
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  Watch out world she's got it.
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  Beeyouteeful

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  Susan, Ed, and Oggy
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  Got to the bottom and now a boat ride. Oggy is getting older, loves the water, but wears a life jacket so he has enough energy to get back up out of the canyon.
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  Those beavers! Just this spring they saw beavers on the game camera. How'd they get down here? Who knows but they are definitely busy. New to these parts.
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  The tunnel. Seems the beavers like to hang out in here.
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  Yep beavers
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  Is that an eager beaver or a busy beaver? Maybe both.
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  The boat. It leaks a bit. Susan seemed to like me in front and her in back - for some reason all the water was in the front. Hmmm.
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  Three weeks after orthoscopic surgery on her knee (and the other needing it) Susan treks out of the canyon.

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  Aw, that's where I'm stayin
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  That ol half moon up there.
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October 23, 2017

Last night got settled in the tent and Ramone (the skull) was telling me he wanted to sleep with me. Yeah sounds strange but he does a lot of work and I also wake so relaxed and peaceful. So I went and got him out of the van, once again got established, and off to sleep with the sound of crickets. When I awoke something was shown to me. I previously mentioned I had gotten what I was supposed to at the gem show with some reluctance. It was an odd piece of moldavite, curved, with a couple of indents on the inside. Moldavite is from Czechoslovakia and is from the fusion of a meteor when it hits the earth. It is very powerful. This piece looks as if it were raised off of something underneath which is why the indents or pockets are there. I have a skull face that is made from moldavite. What I was shown is her resting in one of the pockets. Gave it a try and she fits perfect and she absolutely loves it. Her rejuvination spot... and I got an unbelievable deal on it. Much gratitude to Clay. This was a raw stone but he is a master at what he does - check it out here.

Ended the day with good mexican food. Thank you Craig and Marica.

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Another day

 

 

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  Late October... beautiful morning.
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  Hey what's that notch for?
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  I think she likes it.

October 21-22, 2017

Back in Sedona.

Enjoyed a wonderful potluck put on by Barb (from Minnesota) and my host. I thank you both for all the time and effort you put into it. Met many fun, interesting, amazing people that attended. Fantastic stories, much wisdom and knowledge. Delicious eats and a good time had by all.

Spent Sunday with Barb, Craig and Marcia also from Minnesota - they were the fortunate ones who were stuck with me as a roommate on the Hawaii trip in 2011. Craig is also the one who spotted Sophia at the farmers market. She is one I've known forever (star family) and came to be a good friend, teacher and mentor. Had a very good time at the annual gem show at the Sedona High School. I got what I was supposed to. Of course Craig's german/farmer lineage/knowledge was helpful in the decision process. Later met two friends of Barb's that do some incredible work.

Sedona is a very expensive place. Rents are so high for shops and spaces for people to practice it's driving them away. From what I've heard just a few own a whole lot of the retail real estate. Greed will be greed. Sounds as if housing is just as bad. Sad thing. It may be spiritual Disneyland and the land has been exploited but it will never lose it's true dynamic powerful essence, it can still be found.

October 16, 2017

I woke up in Flagstaff again and had no idea what to do. I'd tallied my finances and my mind/ego were having a hay day trying to scare me. I still had a few days to adventure before returning to Sedona and at that point was in a bleak state of mind. Go to the south rim again? Didn't seem right but didn't know what else to do. No cost since I had my pass which had already paid for itself in three days. So I headed out of Flagstaff and as I was driving I noticed mile marker 222 as I passed it. I know when to pay attention. A little further down the road was a forestry road sign 222 so I turned in. Pretty rustic but there were camp sites. I got online and found out it is an "experimental" forest and camping is free. Thank you Source and thank you mind/ego for doing your jobs - freaking on me - but please notice there are things beyond you.

I looked up the number 222 and the message was "Trust that everything is working out exactly as it’s supposed to, with Divine blessings for everyone involved. Let go and have faith." Went back into Flagstaff to shop at the Walmart.(instead of sleeping in the lot) Not sure what category of Walmart this one was but yikes. Got some things I needed and headed back. I had put the coordinates in the gps of my campsite. As I drove by mile marker 222 the gps lady said "conntinue 2.2 miles".

So peaceful, so quiet. Well it is elk season so there are some booms now and then. My ears are probably not all there at the altitude of 7444 either so that helps. Anyhow been here all week and loving it. Personally a lot of ceremony, connection, downloads, uploads, a whole bunch of goodness going on. I'll probably pack up in the morning and head back to Sedona for a get together tomorrow night the 21st. Then maybe further west.

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• Campsite 222
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Campsite 222

 

 

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  There are no fire bans.
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  Maybe there should be. Have no idea why that turned out like that. Just a selfie while looking at the fire.
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  There see I have been working on that blog I said I'd do.
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  Aha Tricked into it with the good ol cajun trail mix.
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  Good morning.

October 12, 2017

After staying with my host in Sedona over a week and someone else having been there the prior week I realized and completely understood that someone living alone needs their space. So today was the day to skee daddle... yet a weird day of just goofy things happening. I'd almost be gone, or even would be, and have to go back. But eventually I departed. I was able to leave the trailer there (much gratitude). In the midst of it all I did manage to get a National Park annual pass. Only four more years and I can get a senior pass!

I got started late in the day not really knowing where I was going but knowing it would be just where I was supposed to be. Sounds good but isn't that easy to do. Grid work is the emphasis of my purpose at this time. I headed up to Flagstaff and decided I'd head over towards the Grand Canyon. I got about forty miles and stopped to eat. It was getting dark and I wasn't sure what to do. Where would I hang out until it was light? I hadn't slept in a bed since Iowa so I thought what the heck I'll get a room. I went back to Flagstaff and got online to look for going rates. I went by a place and got a nudge. So I checked it out and a great price. The rooms had been recently remodeled, very clean, a comfortable bed with no bugs. Slept very well. Check out was 11 so I left at 11.

Headed out again towards the Grand Canyon but it just didn't feel right. I had a very strong push to go to Las Vegas. What? I knew it to be what I was supposed to do yet had to ponder it a bit. I'd only seen it in the daylight and I'd be getting there after dark and who knows maybe have a little fun. So Las Vegas here I come.

Ok it's well known but I have to say it is an extremely funky, weird, deep myriad of everything energetically place. I had no desire to take part. I drove up the complete strip and back down. The energetic experience/exchange was significant I guess is the word to best describe it. I continued to just drive around. It's odd if you're open to being guided how you end up in the "wrong" lane or get cut off or find yourself saying "I didn't want to be here, how'd I get here?". It seemed much was going on energetically and in the midst of all this it seemed I kept driving the outskirts of Mead Air Force Base. Well as much as I could, it is huge. I asked "them" to show me what was going on. They did and it was, well, amazing. A busy time it was. It was late and I was ready to get outta town. I headed towards Lake Powell and there was a Walmart. I decided to catch some sleep in the lot.

Slept well. I was originally thinking Grand Canyon again, maybe the south rim first, but ended up on the interstate and was heading back the way I came. How'd I do that? It felt right so I continued. It was an odd route but a good one. I went through the Antelope Canyon area in Arizona but it seemed the only way to get to the good stuff was with tours. Didn't want to do that. I ended up in Utah at Zion National Park. It was completely unintentional. This was the most spectacular amazing place I've ever seen. Dang. Did I take pictures? No.

Utah is an odd place, the deeply religious essence. Decided it was time for a bed again and stayed in a little log cabin near Bryce Canyon. A nice little place and a book of Mormon in the drawer. I woke up, enjoyed a hot shower, and headed on down the highway. I stopped at a hiking/coffee shop in Escalante, Utah. The woman there was very nice, made wonderful coffee, and told me about an easy trail not far away that was only a six mile round trip. She also suggested a great place to eat a little further up the road. I hiked the trail it was very nice. Great scenery and the fall colors. There was a beautiful waterfall at the end. After wearing crocs for years my heals aren't too sturdy. I love the hiking boots I wore but it had been a while. Along with the wrong socks I ended up with quarter size raw spots on the back of my heels and the many layers of skin came right off when I took off the socks. Ow. I think they call that hikers heal and I saw something for that in the hiking shop. Nudge nudge ya goof.

I then proceeded to find the place she had mentioned to eat. Got there and they kicked me out. "We're having a private party tonight. We didn't put up signs." No kidding. I shrugged my shoulders and left. There was another place next door. I went there. Hells Backbone Grill. It seemed nice and as I looked around I was looking at awards. 2017 James Beard Best Southwestern Chef and a bunch of others national and local. Mind/ego kicks in - uh oh, you can't do this, run as fast as you can. I disagreed and made it clear to them this whole new life of mine will be different. If I just happen to end up here then I'm supposed to be here. I was seated out on the patio, it was so nice. It was cooling down so the heaters were lit. The hostess said she'd have the dry leaves swept up. I assured her it was no problem I liked them. It faced west, the sun was setting, the Aspen trees bright yellow leaves glimmering, and the cat. A perfectly content cat that sat up on a railing, mellow as can be, just chillin, enjoying life. It has been a part of the place for thirteen years. More people came out to the patio, fun conversations, excellent food, a nice ending to the day... and the prices were quite reasonable.

Ok. What now. Oh yeah never made it to the Grand Canyon. So off I went. Taking the back roads. Stopping at a couple pull off spots to catch a few z's. I ended up at the north rim very early in the morning. This was great since there were no crowds and it was the weekend. I liked it as it had the old national park feel to it. Stunning yet being one not fond of heights... yikes. Met a nice family with hilarious little kids. The boy who was six had gotten a camera and insisted I pose with the rest of his family. My hair was a mess but how could I say no. His sister was a character. Went down to the overlook thing I'd taken pictures of. Kinda creepy, very beautiful with the early morning sun.

Then off to the south rim. Over a three hour drive so I got there kinda late, the sun was setting, and it was quite different than the north rim. Had an amusement/theme park feel to it - exploited. So I made a couple stops but didn't see it all by any means and had no desire to. I decided to go back to Flagstaff and get a room at my new favorite hotel. They remembered me and a I got an even better price this time.

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Calf Creek UtahGrand Canyon North RimGrand Canyon South RimBryce Canyon Cabin

 

 

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  See I really was there
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  And so were they.
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  Black water. Weird. The hiking boots that ate the back of my heels.
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  Hey look
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  A fun family I met (dad's getting something from the car).
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  Aw
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  See just a good ol National Park
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  I'm not making my bed.
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  A tv?

October 11, 2017

Just to let you know those weird clouds that showed up often over the farm in Wisconsin show up over Oak Creek in Arizona.

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Here we are

 

 

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October 10, 2017

Normally when in Sedona I spend quite a bit. Not able to do that this time... but it's quite incredible to go into the shops and be able to hold amazing stones, allow them to do their work, and put them back letting go of the notion I have to have them... is a healthy thing. Therapeutic non-spending!

While in a shop I began talking to the woman working there. A wonderful woman and artist named Gray. We got along quite well and I knew looking into her eyes we had known each other for ever. Very galactically connected we seem to be, part of my star family. We understood each other quite well. There were no customers and I did a quick session for her. In return said she would she do an astrological reading for me.

As many of you know I am a skull keeper.

I was browsing around the shop and saw what was thought to be a stone with pink opal and calcite but was indeed a natural skull. I asked if I could hold it. Yep, an activated skull, of the grandmother energies, funny as could be. A heavy duty download started. I went over to a corner and allowed it to continue. Wow. Intense. I was a bit wobbly which isn't good in one of those places but got my bearings. So much love, so much wisdom. I felt great, a recalibration of sorts took place. I called her Sally.

I went back to the shop for the reading which was very nicely done, spot on, Gray put a lot of work into it. I couldn't leave without visiting Sally again. I had also brought Ramone along to introduce him to both Gray and Sally. All was well between Sally and Ramone. I knew she was to be with me, part of the "team", and... as it is with things that are to be... it just so happened things fell in place and I returned again to get her. I wanted to do the "proper" thing and ask if she would care to join me and be a part of the team. Is she a character. She just said "cut the shit" in a lets get on with it tone, When grandmother energy is spoken of for me it is Native American grandmother. They don't mess around, are right to the point, do cut the shit, and get things done. She made it very clear she is Grandmother Sally - not grandma.

She's not pretty but she's beautiful, Pics aren't the best.

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Grandmother Sally

 

 

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  Love that snaggle tooth
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October 8, 2017

Went for a nice walk this morning down by the creek. When I got back a new friend had been discovered.

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• Acquaintance
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Acquaintance

 

 

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October 6, 2017

Had a wonderful drive to Sedona a week ago. A small engine in the little van which makes the mountains interesting but all good - I absolutely love it.

Normally my timing would have me going through Colorado and New Mexico in the dark. This time I was able to hit it all in daylight and I had missed much. Took side roads and an absolutely beautiful day, beautiful venture.

Staying with a friend who is one of the kindest, gentlest people I've ever met. Very much an elemental. So in touch with all of nature, so in love with all of nature, and to be able to do so in such an incredible place. An incredible setting he has created with heart. It is such an honor to be a guest.

I am sleeping in a tent (because I snore so well) connecting with Mother Earth. Luckily it is a four season tent, a perfect sleeping bag, and I have a thermarest pad so it is all good. It gets down into the 40's this time of year.

Sedona's power and energies are crazy. Takes me a few days to acclimate, some days I'm completely wiped out. That's all good as I know the work needing to be done is being done. Learning to relax as I never realized how this is something I really don't know well. Quieting the mind.

I was able to attend a sound session on the night of the full moon. Just what I needed! Felt so much more balanced afterward. It was quite interesting because the man is a musician and sound healer. They can do so much with the sound.

Friends from Minnesota are coming in a few days. Will go wander the southwest a bit to do things I've never bothered or had time to do before, then come back.

After that since I missed Ed and Susan at the ranch (north central AZ) just might have to visit them in San Diego if that works out.

All is well.

All is good.

Gooder than good.

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Sedona

 

 

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  Hey nice tent.
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  We've been on a few excursions.
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  Dang. Jesus rays on my tent. Dang.
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  Not a bad view to wake up to.
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  Don't tell Mark they also make these for women.
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  I've walked by here many times and never noticed the big ol face.
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  Handsome.
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  A little further down the trail by the house.
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  I'm gonna miss winter. This is awful.
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  The creek

September 29, 2017

Well I finally left Wisconsin on the 17th after ending my employment the 1st.

It took until the 17th to get the loose ends wrapped up, give away a whole bunch of stuff, ceremony, closure. Yet no regrets it worked out perfectly.

Traveled to Iowa to visit mom and sister. My car "the happy car" wasn't too happy. A bit too much of a load for her. Wasn't too sure about things at that point.

After arriving thought I'd try to leave more stuff in Iowa to lighten the load but really there wasn't much. My sister asked if I'd like to go to her favorite Starbucks for a coffee. On the way she was commenting about a car lot and when I looked there was a Ford Transit Connect mini cargo van. I'd been seeing these for a while and thought one would be perfect for my endeavors.

It felt to be. It was. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined. Everything about the whole thing, vehicle, money, was unbelievable. I kept reminding myself about a reading I had recently where she told me, "You've been serving up energy for many years, energy you didn't even like, you did your job. Now it is time for you to be on the other side of the table, the menu is yours. You may have everything on it if you like." I kept reminding myself of that which made the whole process go with ease and grace (i.e. I wasn't fighting it!).

Was able to spend moms 88th birthday with her and my sister now has the "happy car".

yay,

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Finally

 

 

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  I think I've taken this route before only it was dark. I seriously missed a lot! A beautiful route.