Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Another 2,000 Miles in the History Books

Truckin' Got My Chips Cashed In       Keep Truckin'      Like The Do Dah Man    Together More Or Less In Line       Just Keep Truckin' On      Arrows Of Neon And Flashing Marquees Out On Main Street      Chicago, New York, Detroit And Its All On The Same Street       Your Typical City In A Typical Daydream      Hang It Up And See What Tomorrow Brings        Dallas Got A Soft Machine     Houston Too Close To New Orleans      New York Got The Ways And Means      But Just Wont Let You Be      Most Of The Cats That You Meet On The Street Speak Of true Love        Most Of The Time They Are Sttin' And Cryin' At Home        One Of These Days They Know They Are Goin' To Be Goin'           Out Of The Door And Down The Street All Alone


Truckin' - The Grateful Dead 

1970 American Beauty 


My body was flipping and a flopping under the covers and my mind was pretending that I really didn't have to whiz. Wishfully thinking it was only around midnight and a mere few hours before my alarm would be sparking me to life. Nope, my phone reads a digital output of 3:03am. 


So the happy feet hit the floor, coffee marker started doing its thang, and my lumbering body was once again in motion. Let The Adventures Begin


I was bounding west on I-70 at 3:45am and Mr Moon setting over Soldier Summit was pure magic. I was aware that the uHaul carried 35gals of fuel but the useless counter person falsely informed me that the truck averages 10 miles / 16km per gal. My first interruption was in Price UT, just in case. That stop allowed me to blow through Salt Lake City. I say blow through because I had a sweet tailwind pushing me towards Windover Nevada. My next fill up while averaging 18mi / 29km per gal. Thanx Mother Nature


This moving truck had a governor device installed. This means the motor/rpm would kick off at 80mph / 129kph. So I found the sweet spot at 78.9 mph and floated through the Northern Nevada Desert while tailgating 18 wheeler tractor trailers. Along the side of the freeway were loads of hippie art installations. Tons of alien sculptures as well. Highly entertaining when one drives for hours through the arid desert landscape of Northern Nevada. If any of you are familiar with Burt Munro and his Worlds Fastest Indian, the above photo is for you. 


I refueled again in the congenial little railroad town of Winnemucca Nevada. Once again I stretched out my hunched over body, Clorox Bleached the nozzle of my sufficient petrol desires, and unzipped my plastic bag containing another Peanut Butter and Honey Sandwich. That fill up put me at the average of 22miles per gal / 35km a gal. Mapquest calculated my arrival time to Reno Nevada in 11 hours from GJ. I figured that in a 16 foot / 4.8 meter moving truck, 15 hours behind the wheel of a large automobile. How about 12 hours and 23 minutes??? Overall, Pretty Damn Uneventful First Day 

An elementary school childhood friend and her husband offered up the best ever hospitality. A warm meal awaited my arrival, we walked the dogs around their 12 acre property, and shared stories for hours and hours. The back story here is that Bill and Chuck were railroaders, K and I are the same age and Heidi and my brother were the same age, and our little town had a population of about 600 back in the 70's. Everyone grew up with everyone. Like All Good Small Towns Hidden In The Woods


Their Canine Tribe were rather happy with my presence and welcomed me in only after a sat on the kitchen floor with them. They happily showcased their food containers, favorite toys, and where we would cuddle puddle during the night on the guest bed. Me, Couldn't Be More Content 


I mean just look at that face above. "Yo Human, We Could Eat Now." I was sipping my morning Joe as these two love bugs made the rounds. Also, for the record, I slept so good. I mean I crashed out. Yes, I was up early the day before and drove the day away but for me to "die" in someone else bed / home on the first night, highly unusual. I laid down face first and woke up in that same position with a massive pillow case crease across my cheek. Perfect Night


In the above photo, K proudly displaying her new painting of mine. Remember the water in the mason jar I set out for March's Full Moon?? Yes, it was incorporated into this acrylic painting. I have photo phoned a number of paintings to K&C and K jokingly asked me for one with purple in it. So this is what I came up with for them. Now, an evening with properly strong cocktails allowed us to visualize all kinds of inconceivable characters and what nots. It wasn't until a few days later that I realized what I had captured in this blink of an eye. Check out that ghostly lady with the white fairy dust elevating towards K's peering mischievous face. Unimaginable  


Yes, they hunt for their meals. And Yes, this would be the first night for the fountain feature. Oh Yes, they really have three purple lights underwater there. Dig It


Mid Morning, after a wonderful home cooked cheesy covered eggs, toast, and K's mothers home made Elderberry Jam, the deployment vehicle was rumbling on highway 395 north bound. I was already less than 50 miles from my home town so why not. My headphones provided a soundtrack by The String Cheese Incident as I made tracks. 

And here it is. The home that I was born and raised in. Actually, my great grand father, grand father, father, brother, and I were all born in the same hospital three streets down the hill from this house. Fun Fact, I was the last baby born in that hospital and my friend Chad Herman was the first baby in the new hospital. Yes, small town history lesson there for ya.  


For me standing there snapping this shot, I couldn't get over just how tiny this house is. As a child, I remember it being such a massive house. And check out the growth of those trees behind the place.


I strolled down the property line and to the right were I am facing the garage for this photo. As children, my brother and I would jump from the deck into the snow bank during the 1970's healthy wet mountain winter snow storms. That felt like such an endeavor as a kid and now I can touch the bottom of the deck while standing there flat footed. Perspective I tell ya. Another Fun Fact: across that brown beam still reads Bill And Peggy. Used to be painted in yellow, along with all the chiseled /carved highlights, it's all brown now. I vividly remember the construction of the room below, deck, and garage like it was yesterday. 


Back in the 70's, 5th & Colorado Street was known as the sledding hill. Obviously that little house on the right wasn't there. Bill used to wait at the bottom ( sledding started high right in the photo, make the right turn, and fly all the way down to the hospital parking lot ) in his 4x4 Jeep. He would throw a knotted rope off the back, all of the neighborhood kids would interlock boots onto the sled behind ya, and he would drive us back up to the top. Hours upon hours, storm after storm, those were the days. True Childhood Dreams And Memories 


I shot this above photo because the sun was shining on the remanence of our old tree house. Thats right, back in those four Ponderosa Trees, we had a tree house. Fabricated with a real trap door and custom wooden ladder. I loved spending time in that tree house. Now, just two lonely boards mounted to that mature tree is all that is left. None of the previous or current owners have this knowledge or even care. And Yes, that little house in the distance wasn't build back in those days. 


This front yard was the arena for everything. My brother taught me how to balance on his bike, competitive baseball games with the neighbors, Spooktacular Halloween theme projects, Christmas winter scenes, and countless years of imaginary play with Hot Wheels. This neighborhood was ideal for childhood living. All the neighbors back then, High School Principal BoB Wise lived a few doors over, participated in ALL holiday events and occasions. Fun Fact: legendary X-Games skier David Wise's Grand Dad was our Principal. Each house on the block rotated the hosting duty for every holiday, birthday party, and / or other adult reasons for getting together to mingle. Now that my brother has become the family albums treasurer, will dig out some of those photo and share with you all soon. Guaranteed, You Wont Believe Your Eyes 
 

This Is The Part Of The Story You Might Wanna Skip - Its Really Just For Me - Scroll Down To The Time Lapse - Be Well - Thanx For Checking In 


I drove on down to the Railroad Museum to pick up a few items for my grand nephew and niece. Nope, CLOSED due to COVID. And the whole town was basically closed. Once the Union Pacific Railroad pulled out, the town simply fell apart. Most homes are empty and stand dilapidating. Buildings that burnt down, never rebuilt. Homes with character have replaced busted out window frames with duct tape and cardboard. The old middle school building is just a lot full of weeds. The whole town resembles misery. Hard for me to comprehend a charming quaint little town nestled in the mountains was once full of delightfully responsible folk and today its become this boarded up trash pile of a town. 


In the above photo, left side on the bare naked hillside, marks the white P for Portola. Back in the day, every senior class would hike up there and fill in the P with white stone featuring the numbers of their graduating class. Today, Nothing!! Should Still Have 20 In It!! The class of 20BLK Jack should be planning for migrating up that mountain side in anticipating of leaving their mark. What Happened To The Tradition Of Excellence 


Why so much of the railroad talk?? Why all the traditions??? Easy for me to answer. My great grand father, grand father, and Bill were all engineers for Western Pacific Railroad. My brother & I were the first two Reed's of the family tree not to follow in those footsteps. Bill boogied when I was little and Mom remarried an evil Mother Phuc-R and we relocated to San Diego. Otherwise, Maybe Yes Maybe No 

So Bill still resides in this town and for weeks I wrestled with what to say. After 25 years, what do you say. I so wish Triple JJJ would have held their word because the support would have been diverting on this day. I struggled like crazy talking myself into going to bat for my brother and asking Bill to engage with him. My brother has always been the family man and strives for family harmony. Both of my oldies just cant wrap their selfish minds around that fact. My brother recently attempted zooming with Bill and his wife and Bill claimed he couldn't hear and just walked out. My gut brain continued to rise up and I had this sinking feeling that it wouldn't fly going to see Bill. So I Carried On 


Bill retired from the railroad after 30 plus or 35+ years of service. During his later years of his career he drove old unique trains, older engines that the younger generation of engineers had no idea how to operate, and coordinated special events that rolled through Portola. He was even in the movie The Magic of Lassie. That was a HUGE deal back in the late 70's. Our school closed early for the day, all of us walked from school grounds down to the train yard to meet Lassie. That was really big stuff for me because everyone knew that it was Bill driving the train. Again, small town living. Cant find those frigging sun glasses on top of my head but I can remember SH*T like that as if it were yesterday. I do this to my brother all the time and he says," No Way, You Remember That." Yup, I Sure Do 


Above is Beckworth Peak and I used to climb it every spring. Call me crazy but I loved hiking to the top of that sucker. That hike is only a few miles these days but was the adventure of a lifetime back in those days. That was something else that boggled my mind. Everything was so far away when I was a kid, the house was so big, the streets were so steep but not at all here in 20BLK Jack. I parked the moving truck and meandered down to the crystal clear flowing Feather River. My plan was to skinny dip but the ice cold snow run off water quickly changed that tune. Me without a towel and even though it's a blue bird day, it was only about 40F / 4.4C. So I opted for removing my shoes, rolling up my pant legs like the good old days, and soaking my feet in the river. It was bizarre, as soon as my feet softly made contact with the sandy rock bottom of the river, my emotional train took over. I uncontrollably cried my eyes out. Because I miss this town, because of remincing, witnessing the decline of what was, and who knows why else. I guess it was a necessary release but there I am, sitting on the grassy bank, butt white feet in the water, crying my heart out like a little school girl wishing that her little doggie hadn't just been hit by a speeding car.  
 

Something else about the Feather River, crawfish swim backwards. My cuz and I would use empty long plastic tubes that showcased beef jerky on the counter of Leonard's Grocery Store, slowly place the tube strategically behind the crawfish, and then dunk our open hand in front of the crawfish. Backwards they would shoot right into the container. Kids being kids. The above photo is of Gifford Webbers old place. Fun Fact: this house is in the opening scene of the 1984 film Hot Dog The Movie. A classic ski bum movie. I spent many a moons here on this farm. 
 

Donnor Summit ( Yes , The Famous Donnor-Reed Party ) was so far away when I was a kid. Hell, it's only about 30 miles from Portola. Truckee California is all right there with the 1960 Olympic Park in Squall Valley looming near by. It's all there in the middle of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Commanding Views 


Haven't stopped at this rest stop in ages. I believe that The Blue Z, Hippie Jim, and myself pulled over here back in about 2012 or so. I might have made up that year because of the polynomial opportunity. 2012 / 21

For whatever reason, I took this photo of the California State Flag. My bladder was full but I stopped for a photo op. Humans, what the flock of seagulls. 


Only a few miles up the road, had no real desire to make tracks to Sacramento, pulled off at this rest stop. The above photo is looking back east and below is a freight train a rolling along. The air was so fresh and I spent more time there than maybe I should have. Forcing myself back into the moving truck, onward I drove towards the valley of armpit hell below. 
 

As a kid, always admired this train tussle. I don't know why but I did. So I took a poorly shot photo of it at speed. You Know, Safety First


When I left GJ Colorado, everything was still dormant and brown. The lush green hillsides of California were a pleasant surprise. So Easy On Me Eyes 


And the State Flower of California is the Poppy and those yellow beauties were in bloom all along the freeway. Again, I was so thrilled to be surrounded by evergreen trees. Something about those tall dancing beauties. 


And then, that was just all a fainting moment in time. Passing Grass Valley opens to this never ending I-80 west towards San Fransisco. Thankfully, my destination was only the State Capital of California. 


The air pollution was atrocious and the freeway was littered with trash. Not just cigarette butts but trash of all matter. I synced with that crying Indian in that 1970's commercial as he looked down upon what white man has succumbed too. Sacramento wasn't at all like I remembered. Get Me Out Of Here 

The below photo is how I remember Sacramento. That is a shot of the downtown skyscrapers and the last of the open space. This used to be hundreds and hundreds of miles of rice fields. Now, its ALL apartments and new construction and box store complexes. And $4 a gallon gas stations!!


When I arrived at my final destination, I sat here for about an hour. I plopped down in front of the wild lavender plants and in the cool shade provided by these lovely American Red Cedar Trees. I was visually spent, I was emotionally drained, and in the 80 degree / 26.6 C heat ( felt like 108 to me ) I just sat. The moving truck was parked and leave me the Phuc alone. I Need Space!! Literally AND Figuratively 


But then, this poor freaked out cat was never so happy to see me. For five years in GJ, this cat wanted NOTHING to do with me. AJ was in Sacramento during the month of February 20BLK Jack and this cat finally acknowledge my presence. Even upon AJ's return, this cat still gravitated towards me. Then, after being a captive in AJ's car for two days, I walked in and that cat screamed for me and wouldn't leave my side. So I provided much needed comfort to the cat during my short stay. Cat Karma Coupons
 

Here is the reason why AJ moved back to Sacramento. Her one and only son had the American COVID Baby Dream. Meet Collin. Born December 2020. JT is actually a really solid father figure and always meets the needs of the baby and his wife. Rather proud of the kid for stepping up his game. Good On You Johnny Boy 


JT and his wife roasted up Ribs and Rice for dinner. I was super stoked as obviously everything for cooking was packed away in the moving truck and I still haven't been to a restaurant in over a year. The visit was fantastic and really a treat for me to meet the wife and two cats. 



That night, I spent the evening with fresh Carmel Roasted Hopped Lagunitas I.P.A. six pack. And Yes, drank them all while tuning into the surrounding and fresh soundtracks by natures very own insects. Night owls talking it up in the distance. And a pleasant breeze over my exhausted body. The next day, its unloading the moving truck. But for that night, I relaxed with the best of them. Reflecting on my travels. Sipping a cold brew. So Thankful That I DO NOT Live Here 

By sunrise, I was up, Coffee was made, I sat here until the Calvary arrived to help unload. My morning cup of Joe never tasted so good. I kicked back for almost three hours in this spot. Fish were jumping, dog walkers thought I was some long haired homeless guy, and all I could do was smile and be thankful. 


It is Spring Time here in California and everything in nature was beyond sensational. I was far enough away from the busy traffic, I was removed from all the family dynamics, and I wasn't doing it wrong. Just enjoying my cup of coffee and listening to the morning birds sing happy little BoB Ross tunes. 


Unpacking the truck couldn't have gone any better. Two of my cousins and two of my uncles arrived on time. We laughed and shared tales from the past while unloading. Nobody was in a rush and we took as many breaks as we felt the need. And it was those insignificant moments that I truly relish. Like Uncle Steve holds up to his chest a couch cushion and pretends to call balls and strikes. Vintage ( old baseball ) home plate umpire reference there. 


After the unloading, headed over to the Uncles apartment to check out the train set. We threw a round of ultra soft sponge like frisbees in the apartment. Checked out some old photos of the grand parents and called it a successful afternoon. Again, Boys Being Boys 


I left their place and drove east until I came to the dead end on Watt Ave. A quick flip of the wheel to the left on Watt Ave and soon arrived on Whitney Avenue. Right on Whitney and at the second stop light, I was back at the old summer time stomping grounds. Below is the home that my Grand Father And Grand Mother from my mothers side owned. So Many Memories!! Wonderful Memories!! Really Gratifying Times 


I helped Papa T plant this California Redwood Tree during the Summer of 1990. I dug a hole and he says, "Little Deeper Please." I dug some more and he says,"Little Wider Please." I dug and he says,"Little Deeper And We Are There." So I dug wider and deeper and he says," Beautiful There Whipper Snapper." We settled that baby sapling into its home and he swore up and down that he would water it every day for me. Below is that tree some 30 years later. Flipping Amazing 


Finally shot a time lapse on my last evening of this adventure. Everyday was severely clear bluebird days with not much help from Mother Nature on the cloud front. But on my last night, mid level altostratus clouds began blanketing the setting sun. So I build up a quick tripod of empty tubs and the old GoPro3 Silver was hot in action.


After sipping some of the finest whiskey on ice, my air mattress never looked so inviting. Yes, AJ got a real kick out of me unboxing her Lava Lamp for creating some atmosphere. "Its all in the ambiance for sure." I Said. And when I was there, screen door was never closed off. I made sure that the living room was full of life. HELLO 

                                     Screen Shot Below, 5g on 4/3/21 @ 11:11 


Last day, running around town. Stopped by my Cousin's place to print boarding passes and say YO to this little guy. Dropped off the Rental Truck after filling it for the last time and with additional 1,130mi /1818.55km on them wheels. Not out of my pocket but the total fuel cost hit $348.19 for the one way trip. 


Below is a passing photo at about 140kph of the American River. A few miles before it merges with the Sacramento River. Flat And Green 


Next thing I knew, airborne and stirring through the smog layers. Admiring Sacramento from about 11,000ft / 3352 meters. So dang happy to be leaving California in the dust.


             Over Folsom Lake from about 22,000ft / 6705 meters above and climbing 



My favorite photo from the whole trip. This is between the border of California and Nevada and starring down at the ever so famous Lake Tahoe. Stunning 


I settled my sit bones into my seat as we cruised at 39,000ft / 11887 meters. I watched the animation film Soul in which Delta Airlines so graciously provided. Fairly entertaining and in a round about way was a theme to my own issues that I have been grappling with. Before I knew it, flight attendants take your seat, the ground of Salt Lake City quickly approached my window. One more leg and its the mean streets of GJ. 

   

Speaking of flying , ( HERE ) is the time lapse that I created while flying from SLC to GJ. As always, I really appreciate you all, possessing patience with me while I was absent, & for all of your positive feedback over the years. Thank You 

   

Enjoy Your April,

Cheers 

99 comments:

  1. Quite the adventure. Your description of your childhood home and the sledding hill brought back memories of my brother and his friends icing a path at 3rd Gate and making is a luge run. Exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. More so because we weren't supposed to play in the woods because of the hobos. In all the times, I played in the woods, I never saw a hobo or any signs that hobos had been there. Some beautiful scenery you showed on your trip. The tree you planted with your grandfather is awesome. Oh, and 11:11. Himself sees that number all the time. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So You Know What I Am Talking About - Remember How Our Faces Would Almost Freeze Off But We Couldn't Get Enough Speed - Its Funny, My Mother Was So Paranoid That We Would Be Kidnapped - In That Tiny Town, Come On - That Redwood Was Amazing And Still So Healthy - 12:34 And 11:11, Gotta Like It - Be Well

      Cheers

      Delete
  2. Yes, I know this 03-something. Adventures are good! Love driving through deserts.
    Sweet story with your friends from back then.
    Dogs seem to really like you, awww.
    Oh. Hubby took my water-color-paintings of rainy-bear to work. But never hung them up. Ups, should think about that - yours truly is great.
    Those "wild things" are too wild for me... "I´m chicken"! But it looks arty, too. As the lights in the open.
    The toast sounds YUM!
    Beautiful house. I was born in the hospital my Mum passed away. Small towns, eh.
    "Bill And Peggy", how very cute. Such sweet memories. You have me all smiles here.

    Hubby once said, when waking up (in the car) - don´t look to the left. Don´t say that. A huge moth, CERTAINLY I looked. And trampled him down to get out on the right. Don´t say don´t.
    Sad. Same in my old hometown and even here, so many places closed down.
    Sad how a childhood can turn, too. 25 years?
    You even managed to make me giggle on the sunglasses. Same with my Bro. He even forgot he refused talking to me for a whole year after I (rightfully) talked his stupid then-girlfriend off...
    Why do... why? crawfish swim backwards? Not so clever.
    I remember a The Simpsons-episode of trash on the road and an Indian... yes. Sad people don´t learn, same here.
    "Cat Karma Coupons"! We have at least a neighborhood-cat that comes for cuddles - to anyone, such a brave one.
    The baby is cute, but the trousers steal the show!
    The unloading sounds fun. Like renovating with my Brother.
    Wow, what a tree! And the lamp! Gotta light ours, too!
    Wow, such money.
    Dumb question... mask on the flight?
    Nice video. I could SO bore you off. Last time we stood on taxi for over an hour cause they had to defrost the planes. Then a 115-hour flight on top. And this was not the first time. Germans are dumb.

    What a story. Full of good and bad and good in the end!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Those Dogs Were Something Else - Very Happy Pups - The Toast With Elderberry Jam Was Ideal For Sure - Smile Smile Smile - The Tail Of A Crawfish Fans The Water Under Their Belly, The Propulsion Sends Them Backwards - Just Saw That Clip From The Simpsons, Swear That Big Brother Is ALWAYS Watching - Unloading Was Fun - Everyone Wore A Mask Inside The Airport, On The Plane, And I Was The Only One In My Entire Row - Thanx For Watching The Video - Be Well - Talk With Ya Soon

      Cheers

      Delete
  3. 15! hours!!! 115 would be... sorry, my keyboard (or fingers)... got stuck!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What an interesting and thought provoking post. I can only say you live where you live for good reasons.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed - Totally Agree - Thanx For Hanging In There

      Cheers

      Delete
  5. Fabulous place, cute dog, nice flowers ♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Excellent - Very Cute Dogs - Delightful Flowers

      Cheers

      Delete
  6. Dearest Travis,
    Loved this journey of 2,000 km with you and give you kudos for delivering; such a labor of love.
    Also quite a trip back in time and a journey to your roots. In the end that’s all about what we are now!
    Just like that sapling you planted together with your wise Papa. Most people forget the deeper and wider and I jokingly call that planting shrubs/trees/plants with the roots folded under - forcing them to sit on their ‘knees’... That way they never van reach for the skies!
    Trains have always fascinated me/us as they opened up our nation and delivered goods to far remote areas. We rode the Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountaineer, see under my label of Travel by Rail...
    Always great when making memories with humans and pets!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
  7. Replies
    1. Yes, A True Labor Of Love - And A Journey Through My Roots - Papa T Taught Me So Much As He Lived A Long And Wise Life - His Passing Was A Difficult One To Shallow - Riding The Rails, Something I Dearly Miss - Thank You #9, I Can Always Count On You - Big Hugs

      Cheers

      Delete
    2. Fully understood WHY you wept at Feather River as the zoom experience that your brother had was an all-explaining event. In such a case, we MUST let go and live on; let in the end, our Creator deal with Judgement.
      In Dutch we have a saying; When I got to know humans/people, that’s when I started to LOVE animals/pets...
      No doubt you can understand that.
      Hugs again,
      Mariette

      Was early up this morning due to severe pain from mid back artritis, left from spine, could no longer lie down. But we both walked today in a fabulous botanical garden in N. Georgia. When we used the 7 bridges, crossing the creek I thought about you and in a nutshell told Pieter about your story...

      Delete
    3. I Could Use That As A Bumper Sticker - I Would Recommend You Research Ortho-Bionomist In Your Area - I Would Be More Than Happy To Call A Practitioner That You Might Wanna See For A Quick Interview - Spring Time Walking In A Botanical Garden Sounds Dreamy - Sign Me Up Please

      Thank You!!
      Cheers

      Delete
  8. Hello,
    Sounds like an adventure driving the rental truck, the scenery is beautiful. Stopping at your old home brought back lots of memories, fun times. I love that big old tree you helped to plant. Cute furbabies and the little baby is adorable. Take care, have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Its A Beautiful World Out There - Fun Memories - Fond Memories - Yes, That Is A Big Old Tree And Still Growing - A Home Is Happier With The Sounds Of Dancing Paws - Enjoy The Rest Of The Week - Be Well Shadow People

      Cheers

      Delete
  9. ...you are a traveling man!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rumbling , Stumpling, And Rambling Along

      Cheers

      Delete
  10. What a great visit. Old friends and a look at the old homestead. Great memories of childhood fun Padre!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well Rounded Childhood - Short Lived

      Cheers

      Delete
  11. Must have been an overwhelming visit to your roots! Lovely captures and wonderful time lapse video.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Overwhelming Is An Ideal Description There Magic - Thanx For Taking The Flight

      Cheers

      Delete
  12. I loved this post! The spirit of the road trip, the flight, the exploration and the excitement (and disappointment) of returning to your childhood haunts. I haven't been able to travel anywhere in more than a year, so tagging along with you on this adventure was a great experience, and it's cool to see some of the places that were meaningful in your life. Love those western landscapes!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fabulous Brother Reed - Will Happily Carry The Torch - The West Is Amazing - So Much To Offer - So Much To Explore - Rather Entertaining To Drive Through All Four Seasons In 20 Hours

      Cheers

      Delete
  13. A trip down memory lane for you. It's funny how our perspective of our surroundings is so different when we were young. Everything seemed bigger and places far away. Love that tree that you helped planted, it grew up to be big and beautiful. Love the time lapse video, the best ever! Enjoy your day, Padre.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Huge Trip For Sure - And I Can See Why I Was Always In The Back Seat And In Trouble, Those Were Windy Roads Of Our Old Cruiser - And NO Air Con Back Then, Just Second Hand Smoke - Such A Beautiful Tree - Thanx For All The Kind Words Mr Bill - Well Received

      Cheers

      Delete
  14. Gosh that was quite a trip Padre. So many wonderful memories and a bit of a cathartic moment also, brilliant! Love the tree that you helped Papa T plant, you did a good job, look at that baby now! You can't get away from dogs and cats can you, but then again I'll get you aren't trying too 😉 Enjoyed thec time lapse butcwax glad it was you up there and not me :) Enjoy April, it'll be gone before you know it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Reflecting Now That It Is In The Rear View Mirror, It Was Quite The Trip - I Mean That Literally And Figuratively - I Had Imagined That Someone Had Cut Down That Tree Years Ago But There It Stands - Healthy And Happy - So Much Better With Cats And Dogs Around - Thanx For Watching The Video - And Yes, April Is Flying By - Lets Make The Most Of It

      Cheers

      Delete
  15. Growing up here in the South, we rarely had snow so we used to slide down pine needle covered hills on cardboard and sometimes we hit trees on the way down it seemed like a mountain I imagine if I saw it now it is probably only a little depression in the ground...totally enjoyed this journey into your memory Lanes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No Way, We Did The Same And I Haven't Thought About That In Years - Thanx For Walking Down Memory Lane With Me - Such A Treat - Thanx For Checking In

      Cheers

      Delete
  16. Parece que has tenido un viaje que ha sido todo un reto. Te mando un beso
    Enamorada de las letras

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aventure-se e obrigado por acompanhar - Você me deixou muito satisfeito - Fique forte

      Cheers

      Delete
  17. You are on the road again, wonderful adventures, good friends.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Moving And Grooving - Great Humans All Around

      Cheers

      Delete
  18. Thanks for your journey! Like your photo series!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Stunning! The blue sky, mountains and a straight road made me excited.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Excellent - Straight Road It Was - Gorgeous Weather The Whole Way

      Cheers

      Delete
  20. Hi Travis!
    I am so jealous of you ... you can travel and we are still in lockdown!
    Baby Collin is so beautiful! And then the queen ♛ ... up there on his throne! I also had such a "tiger"!
    I thoroughly enjoyed your plane trip ... the adrenaline rises every time I sit at the board of a plane!
    Thanks for "checking in" my blog!
    I will be back on Monday with a statement ... I've been away for 3 weeks now!
    Big Hug for you! I really enjoyed your April post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Ella - Thankful That I Am Allowed The Open Roads At Anytime - That Cat Loves The Top Shelf - The Flight Was Marvelous - Will Check In On Ya Soon - OxoxoxO

      Cheers

      Delete
  21. Good morning, wow this was quite the travel journey-I enjoyed reading it all and the photos. Neat you could stop by your birth home. that can be an erie feeling-when my Mom had passed and I went back home-my brother drove me to our birth home-hadn't been there since I left college back in '69 and my parents had moved back to my Mom's birth home a farm. allot had changed and it was just kinda wierd for me.
    glad you had a good trip

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You Rock Kathy - Glad I Made The Effort To Stop In The Little Town Of Old Stomping Grounds - Yes, It Was Weird As Well - Overall, Outstanding Trip

      Cheers

      Delete
  22. Great post as ever. Something for every one of your readers. Family, travel, nostalgia, food, photos and fun. That house sure looks a little overpowered by the trees now. Such a shame - you need a lumberjack to restore the glory of that home on its own.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanx Phil - Really Appreciate Your Perspective There - Always Nice To Hear From Ya - Enjoy The Work Week

      Cheers

      Delete
  23. Very interesting post;) beautiful cat and dog on the photos;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You And Wait Until You See The Dogs That I Have Been Hanging Out With - Be Well

      Cheers

      Delete
  24. I enjoyed your trip and the reminiscing of your childhood days. What an adventure!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me Too - Action Packed For Such A Short Time Frame

      Cheers

      Delete
    2. Outstanding And Thank You - Plus, Its Been Raining All Day - YES - Think Snow Hootin

      Cheers

      Delete
  25. wonderful to get away!! i am still concerned about flying and i am a little jealous of your trip!! i love arriving at a friend or families home to a nice warm meal and big beautiful smiles!!

    the pictures in the air and the video are amazing!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So Wonderful Yo Get Out Of Dodge - I Totally Understand Your Concerns - I Was As Well Until I Did It - No Worries And Felt Very Safe AT All Times - Thank You So Much For Watching The Video - Much Appreciated

      Cheers

      Delete
  26. Great adventure!
    Love all photos and your story! Glad to know your old friends, cute baby, and dogs. The purple flowers are beautiful.

    Take care!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Spectacular Adventure - Thanx For Reading And For The Feedback - Go Purple Go

      Cheers

      Delete
  27. You have had quite an adventure. Those cycling panoramas and views are wonderful as always. You took some lovely photographs. The acrylic pour painting by your teacher friend is really beautiful. Nice she used your purple water for it. Good to hear you had a good night sleep at your friends' home, that's the best feeling. It's always nice to catch up with friends. Nice to follow along as you revisit your childhood places. It must have been bittersweet seeing your childhood memories and how the town has changed (not for the better sadly).
    Everything looked bigger to us when we are kids, didn't it? I never revisited the flat I grow up in before we moved to a new one, but I walked past that building a few times. On overall, the area I grow up hasn't changed terribly much, not yet. Interesting to know that so many people from your family worked for the railroads. I always found trains fascinating. I went to a vocational traffic high-school so we studied a bit about history of traffic.
    I feel that I can't really give you any valuable advice about Bill, I don't know much about him and probably it's something you need to figure out on your own. What I can say from my own experience is that there is only as much we can do if someone doesn't want to connect/reconnect.
    It's nice to see flight photos. It's been ages since I flew anywhere. I don't think I ever had an off duty flight, you know just as a passenger. I worked as a flight attendant for more than a year but I never flew anywhere after it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You - Stoked On The Painting And They Were As Well - Yes, Totally Bitter Sweet - It Sure Did, Far Away As Well - Agreed - I So Enjoy Flying The Friendly Sky's - And That Tree Still Blows My Mind When I Think About It - Take Care Ivana

      Cheers

      Delete
  28. P.S. Kudos for planting that tree with Papa!

    ReplyDelete
  29. An epic post, that painting really is fabulous!
    Oh to be able to travel again and have adventures.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really Pleased With That One - Traveling Will Happen Soon - Thanx For The Kind Words Craftytrog

      Cheers

      Delete
  30. Thanks a lot =)

    Really interesting post, the nature looks beautiful =) I hope to travel soon again ^^
    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mother Nature Is Amazing - You Will Be Traveling Soon - Be Well

      Cheers

      Delete
  31. WOW...what a trip!!! Certainly had me wishing I could follow in your footsteps! Such stunning sights...and I love your other photos too: aww, such a cute baby your friend has...and sweet little dog and cat!😊😊
    Such a pleasure to visit...

    Have a great day and stay safe!

    A hug.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You Did Follow Along And I Am Thrilled To Hear From You - You Have Been On My Mind And Hope Your Feeling Stronger - Pets Make The World Go Around - Pleasure Having You Aboard - Big Hugs

      Cheers

      Delete
  32. Now THAT is an adventure! I am so so so happy you shared this to us brother Padre because I really really am craving for some travel and this quenched that thirst in a way! Lovely friends who took you in and also those beautiful views that changes from state to state was amazing! But I have to say the most amazing part of it for me was that redwood tree! I was born Summer of 1990! So that means I am the same age as that redwood, or at least when it was planted there! Oh that is so cool, like seeing a tree version of me! Have an awesome new week brother padre!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right On Brother Stevenson - So Nice To Hear From Ya - Stoked You Could Live Vicariously - The Summer Of 1990, Do I Ever Have Stories From That Summer - However, Dig Your Vibes And Relating To The Tree Of Life - Looking Forward To The Week - Will Be Way Busy

      Cheers

      Delete
  33. Wow such a fantastic adventure _ I totally love it- thank you so much sharing with us this story and pictures- they are fabulous xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Actually , It Really Was A Fantastic Adventure - Thanx For Following Along

      Cheers

      Delete
  34. The house where you were born has a beautiful exterior, as well as the surrounding atmosphere - Captivating Lake Tahoe views - Beautiful journey.

    Cheers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amazing Shape For An Old House Under Heavy Weathering Conditions - The Lake From That Perspective Was Outstanding For Sure

      Cheers

      Delete
  35. Sempre gostei de ouvir de você - prazer, você gostou das minhas fotos - Tudo de bom

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  36. What an adventure! I like it when your trip consisted of not only nature but also human touch (with relatives and friends) and especially old house of childhood. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good Eye - Thank You For That - Take Care

      Cheers

      Delete
  37. Road trips are so much fun! Nice that you were able to take the trip down memory lane too. Isn't so sad about the loss of small towns? The downtown in the small town that I grew up in was ruined by the WalMarts etc that popped up on the outskirts. I have good memories of this little town and I prefer to keep them that way. Everytime I go back, it just makes me sad to see it.

    Anyhoo, what a lovely drive to California. Thanks for sharing your journey!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love A Good Road Trip, Always Have - I Was Surprised By The Loss Of Charm As So Many Folks Are Fleeing The Big Cities Along The Coastline And Heading For The Hills - Thankfully There Are NO Box Stores There But I Hear What You Are Saying - Thank You For Following Along - Always Enjoy Hearing Your Perspectives - So Stoked Coca Is Healing Up Well - Dogs, Where Would We Be Without Them

      Cheers

      Delete
  38. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I loved the painting that you offered to your friend, it's spectacular.
    How beautiful the house where you were born, how many childhood memories must have come to your memory from times gone by there. It was another great and good adventure, full of good memories.
    Reviewing and being with friends is all good.
    Cheers and all the best

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That Painting Turned Out So Much Better Than I Could Have Dreamed - Now That I Have Had A Few Days To Reflect, Its A Pretty Cool Little House In The Woods - So Many Wonderful Memories And So Many Strange Occurrences In That Little Neighborhood - Turns Out, It Was All Meant To Be - Thank You For Checking In Maria - Take Care

      Cheers

      Delete
  40. Enjoyed your post. We drove from Lake City to El Dorado CA last summer. So we know that road you traveled. Wish we could have flown back. Going was an exciting adventure...retracing our route was long and tedious. What sweet memories of your childhood home...It is in a beautiful setting. Amazing how big that tree is now. How nice to be around friends and family...We have all missed that in the last year. Looking forward to CO. Probably arrive in June. Our last summer. After 20 yrs we have sold. Never thought we would age out as they say. Tom’s recovery hasn’t been as easy as mine was. There is just a possibility that women can endure more pain than men.
    Maybe we can meet before we make our big exit....Janey

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Flying Back Was The Best - I Can Only Take So Much Of I-80 - Or 50 For That Much - Had No Idea You Sold Your Place - Will Plan On July For Sure As I Will Be Right Down The Road - Where In Texas Are You And I Will Find An Ortho Bionomist For Ya Both - And Yes, Women Are Smarter - Will Be In Touch Soon - Hang In There And Stay Strong

      Cheers

      Delete
  41. What an adventure! It must have felt great to do something totally different from this whole past year. Good job!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Like Shedding My Skin Different - Thanx For Checking In - Go Team Human

      Cheers

      Delete
  42. Buena ruta a seguir y en buena compañía. los paisajes don ideales para disfrutar de la cantidad de belleza que hay en el entorno.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Comentário muito curioso - Gostaria de ouvir mais sobre esta rota de viagem e por quê - Sempre bom ouvir de você - Aproveite o resto de abril e fique forte

      Cheers

      Delete
  43. Replies
    1. Thanx For Checking Them Out And Pleased You Find Them So Beautiful

      Cheers

      Delete
  44. Lovely painting and amazing photos... such a great adventure!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself


    My Instagram

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanx For The Kudos On The Painting - Turned Out Much Better Than Anticipated - Looking Back, Righteous Adventure

      Cheers

      Delete
  45. Awesome that you were on the road again! So cool...these mountains with snow peaking. 😍

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Excellent Road Trip - Dig The Adventurous Lifestyle - The Snow Capped Mountain Ranges Were Impressive - Be Well

      Cheers

      Delete
  46. That's a very cool looking house where you were born, and amazing that you have such deep family roots in the area. Isn't it weird how our childhood homes seem much smaller when we go back to visit as adults? My grown son said the same thing about our house.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So Weird - Felt Very Giant Like - Might Be A Place That I Never Step Foot Near Again - Maybe Yes, Maybe No - Great Hearing From Ya

      Cheers

      Delete
  47. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Nice trip, cute dogs and perfect nature❤

    ReplyDelete
  49. Scored This Weekend - Enjoy Your Week Ahead

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  50. Que aventura tus días!! Geniales las fotos y que lindo los recuerdos de la infancia, la casa y los afectos. Muy bueno el cuadro!! Un abrazo

    ReplyDelete