Jimmy + Fishing = Breakfast

Yesterday morning I was awaken by a boisterous Jimmy singing dancing, and being ,,,,,, an Elf. He said he woke up really happy and was doing his happy dance. (I think it was all the Fudge he ate at work). He said he wanted to go fishing since he had never been and we had just purchased him a fishing rod and gear.

Since the Box was still having health issues (going into shop today actually) as well as the little box we decided to walk to the fishing hole on the river. It's only a couple of miles taking "normal" steps however taking Elf steps it seemed forever.

We passed a place called the Town Pump in town where one of our hosts works and said "Hi, we're going fishing" She told us a couple of good places to go and let us use her Jeep.

After driving out to Mary's River Park we hiked through the woods to a nice spot to fish. Jimmy got his gear out. I helped him get it all together and a-fishing-he-did-go.

You can tell by the smile on his face how happy he was out there in the woods alongside the river with a hook in the water like so many boys of the world. There is a part of Jimmy that wishes he was real like Pinocchio. But this is real life and I keep telling him he's pretty special like he is and besides how many Plaster Elves did he know that actually has a fan club? Huh?

Jimmy fished, and I sat in a lawn chair watching him totally enjoying what he was doing. We talked about our trip, his trip to Montana in the box (because he was afraid to fly I put him in a box and shipped him down) How much he enjoyed meeting friends along the way, and what was in store after the Big Box was fixed. He was a little disappointed that the Yeep wasn't getting repaired as we had hoped and kidded me about my driving in Tucson that contributed to the repairs needed on the Big Box. We discussed how much he missed the friends we had met, and the life in Juneau. However he agrees with me that as much as we miss Juneau having sunshine everyday was mucho bettero than rain every day. We agreed that a mixture of both was best and not solely one over the other.

After awhile we were getting ready to ,,,,,,,, oh wait,      wow, he got a bite. Jimmy is so totally excited he dropped his pole. I told him to grab it and he did and brought in a nice little Perch. Boy, there was no leaving now, we were here and Jimmy was so excited. He had caught his first fish.

It took me back in time to when I was 7 or so. We lived outside Dallas Texas and my step-brothers Mike and Jerry had come to visit. Mike had taken me fishing and we were standing on a little bridge over a creek, I had a cane pole, and was fishing with a float or bobber. I had a massive strike and, just like Jimmy, was so excited. I remember Mike was equally excited and when my pole bent almost in half he was yelling at me to pull it in, it was a big one. Just as my pole snapped he reached out and grabbed the line and saved my catch. We had a rule at our house you catch it, you clean it. (that was my Mom's rule) so I don't remember what everyone else had for dinner (probably Armadillo Stew or something just as scrumptious) but MOI? I had fish, and a dang good fish it was.

After a while jimmy hooked three fish and we decided it was time to go as he still had to clean them, and he wanted them for breakfast.. So a-home-we-did-go. There is a sign in the RV that says "Home is where I park" so that's where we headed, to where we were parked.

While jimmy cleaned his fish. I explained the cooking part since that was a first for him as well. We could have baked them, but pan-fried, ummm, ummmm, ummm so much better.

Being that he had caught three I was invited to share and we had a good breakfast of pan fried Perch, corn pones, fried potatoes with onions, with the mandatory Root Beer. Henry Wiengards of course. And some Fudge for desert.

Time for work Jimmy, he whined a bit and said he wanted to go catch lunch and I said no you have a responsibility and they are depending on you so ff to work you go. I even cleaned up the mess. And what a mess, I should have got a picture, but the grease from all the frying, the cornmeal from corn poning, the smell from onion-ing, etc, etc, etc. I had a job to do. (He didn't want to use a lid on the frying pan because he couldn' t see his fish.

But Jimmy, and I had an amazing morning, now it's time to prep the big box for a day at the car doctor.

Day 5 in Philomath Oregon, or laundry day.

I awoke to a beautiful, 54 degree morning. It was so pleasantly cool that I slept with the a/c off which made it even better.

I was looking forward to a nice walk in the cool morning air but when I arose and stepped on my foot, I was reminded of how painful the last two miles of yesterdays walk hurt so mucho baddo. LOL

I had looked for a church to walk to but that didn't work partly due to feet issue but mainly due to 20+ miles distance so what to do?

Seems, according to the kids Mom Judy, I have neuromas on my feet. ewww, uggg, disgusting you, and I, thought when you read it. Like a fungus or some other dasterdly contagious thing. Actually it is a swelling inside the nerve endings usually happening in the feet and usually at the ball though occasionally the heel. The nerve endings swell from compression of the nerves.

Ball of foot, compression, walking, fat guy, you figure it out. LOL So I went for a shorter walk doing so avoiding the balls of my feet and walking on my heels. Now THAT looked funny but it worked.

When I got back I realized that maybe it's getting time to go ahead and "do-it" re my wanting a bicycle. So, i'll be looking. Decided to go do laundry which I havent done since Arizona, Jerry also needed some paint picked up for his painting project so I borrowed thier car and went to get paint and find a laundry.

Got paint, found laundry. Laundry was nice and clean, but no restrooms and the vending machines weren't cutting it. I had yet to eat so went looking for breakfast. No resturants, or fast food just an Albertsons.

Now, I posted this on Facebook and some aren't convinced I had a good/typical breakfast so I will diagram it a bit here so follow along and you be the judge.

2 thighs = 2 eggs , both chicken
Jo Jos'  = Hashbrowns, both potatoes
Polish sausage on a stick = sausage no stick
 Pepsi  = Coffee, both caffiene
So in a round about way I had 2 eggs, hashbrowns, sausage, coffee. A typical breakfast. 8)

I've been thinking what the next leg of my trip should be. As you know my plans change multiple times before implementation, so this is the plan of the moment, subject to considerations.

On Wednesday August 31 the big box is scheduled for a new alternator and exhaust issues to be dealt with in the shop. (The little box will probrably wait til later due to expenses etc) So,

1) Wednesday, repairs to Big Box
2) Thursday, hang out with Tracey and Jerry last day.
3) Load up, hook up, and pack up. Tracey goes to work at 2pm so probrably follow her there. She works at the Chevron where I will get gas and they have a dump station. (maybe I can con her into not charging me the $5 to dump LOL)
4) Head west to the beaches. Hwy 34 or 20. Leaning towards 20 to Newport.
5) Couple days traveling North along those beaches on Hwy 101
6) Head east to Portland contact Maddison see if lunch or dinner, or coffee is an option.
7) Head North to Olympia to see Sasha, Jack and family for some more coffee or ??
8) maybe Bremerton to see Lea Purvis and meet Hubby. Time will decide this one since I have to be in Missoula 9/16
9) Marysville to see Carri, Nathan and family.
10) Missoula see Amanda, Jason, and family

So, depending on time/money thats the plan subject to change at a moments notice while driving down the road. I am truly liking the briskness of the mornings but it brings up one important factor. Winter arrives in the high country before the lower elevations and there is a lot of high country regardless of the route I take. I've driven in wintery weather a lot but do not relish the thought of Big Box,  towing little box, down an ice covered highway or over a mountain pass. The mountains are on all routes east, north, and south from here and the mis-west likes ice soon. So,,,,, my quandry. I know Randy's slab awaits me whenever I return to the land of the baking sun but I have concerns re; timing.

The trip is going well, the repairs are partly my own fault. While fueling up in Tucson to leave I was leaving the station at an appropriate angle for the downslope to the road when someone in a hurry caused my to need to swerve to avoid delaying them with an accident report. Result I went off the slope at the wrong angle dragging the Box's rear. It caused an exhaust leak at the manifold and ruined the generator exhaust. I was actually headed North to repair the clutch in the Yeep. So that added a couple more isses to that plate.

On day 2 of trip the alternator quit so I jumped the box off the "house" batteries and drove on through. I need to repalce the alternator so may as well go for a bigger one so it puts out more and I can add accesories such as driving lights etc.

Between repairs, airplane tickets to Alaska, gas, weather, etc. I have a lot of things to consider on this next leg. So, if it changes happen and it affects you I truly do apologize. I really hope to do it all but ,,,,,,  8(

Day 2 in Phlomath OR, or Jimmy's Day

Well, we found out that the Box will be in the shop next Wednesday and so we will be here at least a week.

So Jimmy being the cool, reponsible Elf of this party found himself a part time job. I'm proud of him afterall there's not a lot of jobs for someone who is only 18" tall and made of plaster of paris. But he did and today was his first day at work. He is SOOOO excited.

So I took him to the Cozy Cafe on main street here in Philomath where he had French Toast, hashbrowns, sausage and milk. Then for something to tide him over til lunch he had 3 eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, a biscuit and ice water. I paid since he only has Elf money and they dont take that around here.

After breakfast we followed the directions written on a piece of tree bark by his new boss Zack. Down a dirt trail, deep into the woods, we walked and walked. Zack said the place was secret because they didnt want to be disturbed and the product they made was really, really, really special thus the long twisted walk.

We crossed a footbridge as you can see here, we walked more and I understood why Zack told him to eat 2 breakfasts, I only wish I had, and besides I had to walk back out. But the walk was gorgeous, the sun was shining, it wasnt to hot, the moss on trees looked cool, the squirrels, and a fox, (pretty girl, ha ha you thought ,,,, LOL) actually there were more people than I expected.

We crossed this creek and I was told it was the local swimming hole thus the crowds, I was concerned about the secrecy of the location with all the people walking and swimming.

Then we crossed this bridge and was back walking along the highway. It wasnt as pretty but I have to say the walk was easier so we walked, and walked and walked, some more.

Eventually, we turned a corner and ,,,,,,,, 

I said Jimmy???? He shrugged and walked over to the elf standing beside the limo with a sign that said JIMMY !!!!

So, we got in the limo, I was introduced to Zack who it turns out, is the Foreman of the Fudge Room at Keeblers Cookie Factory and being Elves and all they were just having fun. Thier factory was actually very close to the courthouse in the town square, everyone knew it was there and the city loved them one and all.

So, we arrived at the entrance to the Kebler Cookie Factory where we were told that Jimmy would be Leonardo's assistant and clean the brushes that Leonardo used to paint the perfectly straight stripes on all the Keebler Fudge Striped Cookies. Jimmy says it is a very tasty job. And, no, he would not need lunch. We're hoping he gets paid in Fudge.

Jimmy's at work, but he just texted me the joke of the day told to him by Zack, the Fudge Shop Foreman. Q: "How many Elves does it take to screw in a lightbulb?

A: If we had lightbulbs we wouldn't live in a hollowed out tree" LOL, LOL, LOL

So after a long, hard day of cleaning brushes filled with Fudge Jimmy is home. He is tired, and covered in Fudge. 8). Oh, and Leonardo showed him how to make me a gift of Fudge. Since my Family knows me as Bruce the Moose ,,,,,,,,,,





3 days, 1,400 miles late

Yep, you read it correctly. I am 3 days and 1,400 miles late on updating this blog. But the trip was, ummm, interesting and this is the first chance I've had. Not because I was driving like a banshee (I actually am trying to take Ashleigh's advice and slow down and see the sites) I didn't have a set arrival time but,

Thanks going to where they belong to "The Man" (otherwise known as God to me and others) my trip was enjoyable and nice. It certainly could have been worse but thanks to man, (as in human) and the things made by him, it had a less than enjoyable side.

It is Thursday morning bright and early. I am sitting here facing East so in a bit when the sun comes up I can actually see it. The sky is clear other than a few clouds hanging on the eastern horizon. For the first time in weeks I awoke to being cold. I left the a/c on low, as I have since arriving in Arizona, all night. Well, this morning I most certainly did not need it, in fact it was cooler than chilly, it felt really good.

I made some coffee and sit here with it, and a breakfast consisting of Hummus and multi-grain baked crackers. (Dang it Judy and Ashleigh. I tried that stuff because you guys liked it. I never ever thought I'd be eating it, by choice no less, for breakfast. LOL)

My thoughts are on my family, spread around the country. I wish I could teleport myself, then I could just pop in every few days, like for breakfast at Tammy's, then a hike and lunch with Ashleigh & Dan & Jessica (tongue stuck out at Miss Welcome for all the & signs LOL), Dinner with Amanda, and watch a movie with Carri, then back to the RV in Judy's front yard and watching "The Office" with her. And it would be cheaper on my travel budget. Mooch meals daily, no gas to buy, or repairs to make, could slow down and smell the Roses as Ashleigh suggests by actually speeding up and smelling a lot of Roses. 8) Well anyway back to my update.

Bright and early Monday morning I bid fare-the-well to my host and friend Judy in Tucson. I had been camped in her front yard for a couple weeks enjoying the Arizona heat. "It's a dry heat" they say. Well, I was there during the monsoon season and it was a very humid heat. But humid, wet, or dry, heat is heat and that's spelled H O T. I did get caught in the rain one evening on my walk, and enjoyed that not because it was rain. Heck, I live in Juneau Alaska where if it isn't raining people worry. The rain was warm, walking in it was a joy especially since it ended the blistering heat for a few minutes and a few minutes is what I mean because a short time later you could see the rain steaming on the ground as it dried up and the heat returning only now the dry part is history.

The exit was pre-arranged so I headed out to the TTT Truck Stop to meet my brother Randy and accompany him to the V.A. for some tests and reminisce, and say later dude. The test went well, he must have studied all night, we had a nice visit and I hit the road as they say. Mainly it was to check his upper vascular system to see if he could handle dialysis which he now needs every coule days.

I filled my water tanks, dumped my ex-water tanks, checked the box and little box, and basically got ready to drive 1,400 miles. Jimmy reminded me to take a picture of him saying goodby in front of the TTT sign.

A few days earlier the clutch went out in the Yeep. It was much to expensive to repair in either Tucson or Douglas (where Randy lives) and even though Judy offered her carport for me, and the guy across the streets friend Chuy to do it, he never showed so. I called my friends Tracey and Jerry in Oregon (Jerry is a mechanic at a local shop up there) He said they could do it and the price was more acceptable..

So, me and Jimmy, oops sorry Miss Welcome (The librarian at my High School who always corrected every one's speech)

So, Jimmy and I, headed North West on a leg of my journey that was earlier planned, but postponed.

It was at least 1,000 degrees, though some would argue it had cooled off, like say down to 999. LOL My plan at that time was to drive up to Salome, spend the night, and the next morning check out some land I have there, then move on.

While driving out of Tucson I called my daughter Ashleigh who convinced me that I should go see the Grand Canyon on the way. To slow down and take in the sights. After all I was retired not on a two weeks vacation trying to cram as much in as I could. I had NO set arrival time. So, Grand Canyon it was ,,,,,,,,,, until ,,,,,,,,,,

I hit Phoenix, in rush hour, and still 1,000 degrees. (officially 110+ but it felt more like 1,000 on that pavement, not moving, car exhaust, etc) Time for a new plan because I was leaving this heat, period.

The Grand Canyon still appealed to me, but the mountains worried me, but we lived there for a lot of years, but those mountain passes, but it's cooler, so I called them. (Yes, while driving) the entry fee had been increased to $25 AND if your RV was over 30' you couldn't stay in the camp ground and you couldn't park overnight in the lookouts or Babbitt's etc., but there were a lot of memories to relive, but to leave was still desert whether in Southern Utah (very steep climb to North Rim) or Vegas way. So, the Canyon was out, back to original plan of Salome.

It was 5pm rush hour in Phoenix, and Salome was west of there on the cutting edge of some major desert driving. If I spent the night then I would cross that desert in the middle of the day then have to deal with Los Angeles traffic while hot, humid, and tired. So, plan 3 or 4 or,,,,,,,, whatever. I would drive all night, cross the desert at a balmy night time temp of 97 degrees, hit L.A. in the middle of night so no rush hour and not a lot of heat, get about 100 miles North of L.A. where it is cooler and sleep awhile (that turned out to be 2 whole hours LOL) So, West it was then North. Did I mention that Jimmy now had a new puppy? We named him George after my last dog who was a girl and appropriately named George after her predecessor who was named ,,,,,,,, see the trend here?

Driving West into the setting sun I headed for L.A.. While headed that way I remembered some things since this use to be a route I took often back in the day when I was a Marine Stationed at Camp Pendleton in Southern California. This was a change of scenery route to I-8 which went to San Diego those Marine years and after. I use to do what is called Swooping. That means to go home for a period of time that was generally shorter than the time to drive it. Swoop down there, visit, and swoop back with minutes to spare. I would leave Friday after duty drive the 560 miles to Douglas Arizona then leave Sunday at midnight in uniform with just enough money to make pre-set gas stops and arrive 10 min. early for formation. See why I travel the way I do? I swoop, constantly LOL

I passed under a bridge which sent me back in time to a day when I had a van and a dune buggy. Some friends and I were headed out to Indio to meet up with other clubs to play in the mountains. A cop was sitting on that bridge watching traffic (and me) then chased me down. Don't know why he was so upset, was it the black Dune Buggy being towed at night with no taillights (even though you could still see the van lights) ? Or was it the fact I was clocked at 93 mph towing that black dune buggy with no lights. 8) Either way the ticket costs more than the trip (Remember 35 cent gas?)

Then I went down that long grade at the Arizona / California Border and remembered when I "got out". I was driving a 1957 Thunderbird (my friends and I (HA, got it right the first time Miss Welcome LOL) called it a Thunder Chicken) I headed up that grade and the car not only overheated but the fan went through the radiator and it was around 8 pm. I drove it steaming to the top where i found a wrecking yard. They wanted more than I had for a new radiator so I called my Mom who was, by then, fast asleep. She groggily listened as I explained my problem and asked her if she could come up the next day and tow me home.

Ever hear stories about the sacrifices parents make for their kids? Well my Dad had to work the next day so my Mom said she was leaving NOW and heading up. So, I removed the driveshaft and prepared for the 500 mile tow home. She arrived in what seemed like an hour (she taught me to drive LOL) We tied the rope on and headed southwest at 70 or so mph on the end of a short rope. I remember hearing and feeling the driveshaft falling off somewhere past Tombstone (you have to disconnect it on a car with an automatic transmission to tow. and the wire I had tied it with obviously came loose) I was on the end of the rope and it was before cellphones and dark so waving didn't help. Besides I think she was on auto pilot after all she had spent a day working, drove 500 miles to get me, and now,,,,, never doubt a mothers love or get between a momma bear and her cub. We arrived safe, sound, and just a little rattled. Untied the car, I went to bed while she headed for work. Remember those two words MOMMA + LOVE + determination + always there + beating your butt when needed but only through LOVE>

I drove through Ehrenberg (on the Arizona side of the border) and scoffed to the $3.45 gas and headed for Blythe (the California side of the border 3 miles further) where gas was $3.95 so I returned to Ehrenberg and bought that scoffed at gas.. Go West Young man Go West, so on to L.A.

Remember up top I had a picture of a cross that I had taken the night before? And that I was guided and blessed on this trip? Well as it turned out I finally listened to that guidance for once because not only was it cooler in L.A., there was zero traffic which was extra good because I-10 was closed and a detour of almost 20 miles weaving through surface streets was required, Now, imagine doing that in 1,000 degree heat, unheard of traffic, driving a box on wheels and towing a little box. Though not to be out done by heavenly guidance I still had to exert my human frustrations and be stupid. I had purchased a cup like thing that fit in the cup holder to hold/charge the phone with a couple other 12 volt outlets So my phone was plugged in charging, you know for that call that always comes middle of the night, oh wait that only happens when your asleep not driving. Anyway the thing started smoking so I grabbed it and threw it out the window but in frustration ($20 and only 3 hours) and part because I didn't want a fire at 60 mph while booking down the freeway. I watched in the mirror as it impacted and exploded into a million pieces.

Did you read anywhere in the last paragraph the words or anything near "I removed my IPhone"? LOL

It seemed to be a lot of pieces flying in the air as I watched in the mirror. Then, a moment of clarity, (lets me get this right the way the good people say it) H E double hockey sticks, or was it POOP, or maybe *&^% anyway I suddenly became phoneless. It's funny, it wasn't that long ago I didn't even have a cellphone in fact when I come home I routinely look for the flashing message light on the answering machine I haven't had for awhile. Realizing i was now phoneless, I suddenly NEEDED to call or text someone, anyone. Now you know the truth about the demise of my IPhone. Well, no longer an IPhone but a California Freeway phone. Oh and before you spend all that money of the Otter Box Defender thing. My phone exploded and that Otter Box thing didn't protect it for ____ beans.

After being up for 26 hours and driving for 16 hours straight I was ready for sleep. (As you can see Jimmy and George didn't have that problem) Imagine my frustration when I saw the much sought after rest area sign with another sign that said CLOSED next rest area 48 miles. That had to have been the longest 48 miles I can remember.

Finally reaching it and the only parking spot had the right side of the box facing East (wonder why I would mention that? But, like a good movie you use a scene to set up the next one or two) and I was so dang tired I just went to bed, after closing the blinds above the bed so the rest of the travelers didn't have to see me asleep. 2 hours, let me say that again, 2 HOURS later the sun which was rising when I parked was now blistering those blinds radiating heat that got me up. So, in the immortal words of Willie Nelson I was "on the road again".

So, day 2 began with a bang, or a heat wave, or realizing that people who care and call couldn't reach me and would be worried and ,,,,,,  Using my trusty computer (which hasn't even been allowed near a window) I located an AT&T store hoping I could afford to replace my phone. That little map program took me right there, it was cool. So, I was able to get the exact same phone for 50 bucks then I got another Otter Box Defender (Yeah, I know), and one of those things that go in your ear so I could drive with 2 hands, and another thing that mounts in the A/C vent to hold the phone exactly where I wanted it. Total $200, but that's what I thought I was going to be spending anyway so it fit into the planned shortfall budget wise.

I don't know if I mentioned it but when getting gas to leave in Tucson I was pulling out of the station and there was a sharp incline to the street. In cases such as this you want to cross at an angle because otherwise you could drag the rear of the box on the ground and depending how hard you dragged possibly cause damage. Well someone in a hurry cut me off causing me to swerve back to straight and scrapping my way onto the street. I decided to check it out before getting on the road again.

Seems that the dragging had pushed on the exhaust pipe enough to loosen the attachment to the manifold which has now blown out the gasket commonly called the doughnut. I didn't have the proper tools so,,,,,, as I was rolling out from under the bus I happened to notice the exhaust on the generator look odd so I checked it. Seems it is now trashed and needs a total replacement. And that is why you always cross inclines at an angle children.

Day 3 started out well. I got a decent nights sleep, took a shower (yes my box has a shower AND hot water) shaved etc. coffee, oatmeal, and a nice, cool, morning. When I started the bus I noticed the alternator wasn't charging very well. Charging but just below minimum. I figured it must be recharging the "house" batteries and kept driving. It was early, like 4 a.m.'ish so I had the headlights on.

I decided to take some of Ashleigh's advice and take it my surroundings. I stopped at Lake Shasta but couldn't get any closer than this pic because of construction and not wanting to get the box somewhere i couldn't get out of. When I got back into the box and turned the key to start there was nothing. 8(

So, needing a jump I got out the cables and waited? Nope, I got out the cables, opened the hood, and jumped myself from the "house" batteries. Seems I now also need a new battery. See what I meant by heavenly guidance and protection vs. my human stupidity and luck. LOL
Now i cant stop because I cant shut the box off so other than getting gas I drove straight on the Philomath Oregon where I was going to visit Jerry, and my friend from Haines, his wife Tracey.

I am glad to be here to visit, when she gave me directions she said to look for a post in this neighborhood that said Carroll Lane and turn right. I found it and said no way, that's a sidewalk not a street, so I turned into this skinny little lane then about 100 yards in it dead ended into their yard. Now here i sit with a Yeep on a tow bar behind this box in a driveway needing to back out a skinny sidewalk and turn a very tight turn to escape. LOL

Here's Tracey and Jimmy saying Hi. She lived in Haines with a previous husband and was a good friend of mine so I look forward to visiting a bit and meeting Jerry the mechanic and her husband.

So 1,337 miles, 157 gallons of gas, and 1 phone later I have ARRIVED !!!!!  LOL

Today was a day, was a day, was a ,,,,,,,

I think I have mentioned before that I try to walk a mile every morning and every evening. Well last evening I was at the half way point and one of those Arizona Monsoon gully washers came through. Amazing lightning (one hit so close the flash was still bright when I felt and heard the thunder), warm rain, and I was litterally dripping when I got back to the RV.

This morning however, was a different story. The sun was coming up behind the clouds and making for a nice golden, orange, red, and yellow sunrise. The colors were streaking across the sky just like on the Arizona Flag being trapped by the dark grey clouds that were blocking thier path. The effect was amazing to the untrained eye that only knows to enjoy beauty when you see it because in a minute it will be gone.

As some know my Yeep is a sick little Yeep these days. It started making a grinding noise in the bellhousing area. I originally thought it was the bendix (starter gear) not retracting fully. But being alone it is hard to get under there and rev it up at the same time. I bought a new starter and replaced it but the noise was still there. Some times it was a clank and sometimes a major grinding so I began to play with it and test it. I had the guy across the street from where I am camping rev it up and am now convinced that something broke loose in the clutch assy. Either a bolt broke or came loose or the pressure plate, either way it needs the transmission and transfer case removed and a new clutch assemply installed, maybe a new flywheel as well. I just did this on Jessicas Jeep in Juneau, actually I helped Jeremy do it and so I know whats involved and it isnt a one person job without the right tools. So, the across the street guy has a friend "Chuy" who is a mechanic and was going to do it today for only a leg instead of an arm and a leg and your first born like the shops. So this morning I had the Yeep all ready to go (Yes, I know I am typing a Y for yeep) but Chuy had a job interview so didnt make it. Hopefully tomorrow or I make other plans such as towing it somewhere else to have it done or get help and do it myself (Ketchikan?? LOL)

So, here I sat looking at another triple digit temperature day and already bored. I measured for a project at my hosts house but couldn't get parts so, what to do. A friend from high school called and during our conversation mentioned the bus so I looked it up and lo and behold a bus stop was right where I turn around on my walk and an all day pass was only $3.50. So a bus riding we did go. Originally I had no destination just liked the a/c, not driving, and sighseeing. A lot of places were the same and a lot changed. I could only remember one mall, the El Con so I headed that way. On my way we passed Der Wienerschnitzel and I couldn't get off the bus. Not only did they have amazing chili cheese dogs but Banana Splits were only $1.99. You can't imagine the overwhelming sadness I felt as we drove by. LOL When we got to El Con I saw an in and out burger place which is Ashleigh's husband Dan's favorite place here to eat at so I took a picture to tease him. I went in but it was lunch time and really packed.

Since I was on a no destination, no time of arrival, and no time of departure day I found a movie place. After paying and going inside I enjoyed a hot dog, and soda for only $9.50 and pretzel with dipping cheese for another $5. $25 bucks to see the movie Cowboys vs Aliens. Fortunately the movie was good, funny, and fun to watch. Then the bus back.

Hopefully tomorrow will see the little Yeep getting fixed. Til later. LOL

took the trash out again ,,,,,

for the third time. at the house, where I am visiting in Arizona. I took it out the morning I arrived and twice more, meaning I've been here 2 weeks. Time to move on? Somedays i think yes somedays no. I would however pay heavily to go to the Antartic about now. The A/C in my RV rebels with these 100+ temps. I feel like the wagon in that picture today. LOL

However for those interested the cactus in front is a barrel cactus and travelers of history could cut off the top and get a water of sorts, rather bitter but it would keep you alive. The Saguaro cactus behind the wagon I call the Desert Sentinel, supposedly the arms represent approx. 50 years of age each so this fella was there way before the wagon. The wagon is just plain cool, it's old and well, cool. LOL

I try to walk a mile every morning and evening and the other morning ventured off the trail and found this little gem of a photo.

Last week I went to Douglas and on the way while in Sierra Vista jimmy wanted to get out, stretch, and say Hi so i took a pic. of Jimmy for you. (may need your glasses he is rather short and standing right in front of the rear tire)

Doulgas is a small border town in the very far Southwest corner of the state. It's also where I went to High School but it was so miserably hot. plus I was asked to run back to Tucson so I didnt stay. I will be returning though to visit my brother and his family for more than a couple hours, and look around at the old homestead.

Speaking of old homesteads I lived 5 places in Sierra Vista and not a single one was standing. I did visit an old friend and her husband. The kids know her as Donna Pratt and it was a nice visit. Her husband Mike is an old car buff like me and also retired. My next trip down there will include a Sunday in S.V. so I can have lunch with donna and her daughter and her family> Other than the heat I am enjoying Tucson, nice seeing old friends and others.

My trip down was fun, did 2,000 miles in 2 1/2 days and that included visiting Jack Carver in Colorado Springs for a few hours. (Jack used to work with my but had a major stroke at work, he's doing mucho bettero and is living in Colorado with his daughter and her family.

I was going to go visit Sasha's parents in the mountains of Northern New Mexico but got to the area to late and it was small mountain roads the fun kind to drive in a vette or something but not a big box on wheels towing a little box on wheels at night with all the wildlife romping and jumping across the road. So, I left the New Mexico / Colorado border Tuesday morning  and arrived in Tucson Az. around 10 that night.

I stopped in a place called Wagon Mound in New Mexico. A really small place but saw a bunch of restored old vehicles traveling the highway, must have had a show or something going on. I guess that Butte is what the name refers to.

After a morning of driving in the triple digit heat I had mixed feelings about seeing this sign. I spent a lot of my life living in Arizona and as such was happy but I also knew what the next couple hundred miles were like to travel especially in the middle of the day at the beginning of August. HOT, it started here and still hasn't ended. LOL The drive to Flagstaff was just plain hot, I stopped at Little America and got gas and enjoyed the much cooler temps then started south on I-17 a road I had traveled a lot since we lived at the Grand Canyon for a long time. Was going to go up there on the way but I was rushing because my brother was in the hospital so ,,,,  arrived Tucson Arizona 10 at night and still 1,000 degrees or so, 8) Maybe a small exageration but didnt feel like it that night. Saw my brother the next day at the V.A. as they were letting him go home so had a brief but nice first visit in 15+ years. Will go see him at his home later after he settles back in.

When you drive through the desert and see this, it's every drivers dream, Awww rain, cooler temps, right in front of me but its a teaser because (at least in my experience) it always follows the mountains AROUND you. LOL Anyway here I am in Arizona three trash days later. I want to go see my 80+ Mom in Texas but hotter and more humid there so will be later. Maybe go see my brother again in Douglas and actually stay a few days. Missing Montana and Alaska so will go there for a bit later in Sept and early Oct. then maybe Texas to see my Mom. Still have to make Marysville Wa, Portland and Philomth Or, and out near Chicago then can settle down for a long winters nap.