(ice storm. Jan 2017. Carbondale, Illinois) A dear friend of mine in Carbondale who works in hospice and I were talking about the nature of loneliness. I find it somewhat ironic that I have felt far less lonely since I took off on this road trip alone than my last two years in Arizona. She talked about the loneliness of dying people and how nothing external seems to help someone who has that particular heartache. She told me about a…
Before I left on this journey a friend of mine asked me, “What’s your job? Everyone has a job so go do that!” Of course, he did not mean an office job. “What’s my role here? What am I here to contribute?” (LaRue Pine Hills) This is a thought that rumbles around my head often. Currently, I travel, I write, I take photos, I care for two dogs. But what am I contributing to a larger community? I’ve considered many…
Hot Springs is a neat town. Population around 35,000 and a pretty good arts community – in no small part due to the involvement of my friends who helped found the KUHS 97.9 FM community radio station, a community arts center and gardens, among other things. I got my camper popped up in their driveway and we set out for a hike. The national park is interlaced with the town proper, so it both runs through town in some parts…
Another glorious sunrise! “Red skies in morning, sailors take warning” Uh oh. After breakfast and coffee, we took Argos for a walk to the trailhead about a mile away. We broke camp and tried to meet up at the hot springs, but my new friends were leaving just as I pulled into the parking area. They said taking a dip was well worth the time, so I hiked in. There were a number of people in the large open hot…
I didn’t want to get up this morning. I didn’t sleep well and really just wanted to stay in bed. I could see the morning lights bleeding through the camper windows, so I opened one to peek out. Holy cow the sky was gorgeous! I leapt out of bed, shoved my feet into shoes, grabbed my camera, and ran outside. Some days I wake up and just feel like driving. At first I felt like I should leave Big Bend…
December 27, 2016 Twisted Shoe campsite Big Bend I wish I had my DR! 2 KTMs just rode by. Jealous! So many of these roads would be great for a little dual-sport or off-road motorcycle. I was sold my DR200 before I left town – it was just too awkward for me to load and unload on my own. I was considering getting a smaller dirt bike for the camper, but timing didn’t work out. My mountain bicycle also didn’t…