Up the back, down the front. Mt. Lemon

I awoke Friday morning with that yearning.

You know of what I speak, the yearning to ,,,,,

A different beginning such as B&G, eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, coffee, and milk, for breakfast not only that but Breakfast out. ie; I didn't cook it. So to Claire's Café I went which conveniently is next door.

Then, I wanted to go somewhere, somewhere away from the RV, not work, and not HOT. I looked at the mountains and thought, "that's where I want to go"

 

On the way I decided to stop at Peppersauce Canyon to check out the cave. Now, unofficially and supposedly this cave (which is quite large underground) was a refuge for outlaws back in the day.

 

It was a hike through beautiful country. Heck, I've been walking 2 miles everyday So I can do this. (did I mention the two miles was on flat ground alongside the road LOL)

 

I wasn't the only one going upstream through this dry wash. And neither of us had an ATV.

 

That's two, a sign? Or just glad I had ZOOOOOOM !!!!

 

Guess it was restricted to thin outlaws.

 

I don't think the snakes did this, nor the outlaws, or Indians before them. This type stuff really irritates me.

 

ummm, end of exploring the cave today. Guess I'll take their word on how big it is. But it was a really nice cool temp. in there.

So as they say, upward and onward. Literally.

 

road narrows or so the sign said, also unmaintained.

But hey I have a Jeep 8)

I ALWAYS follow the tow bar it's my aiming stake.

 

That's where we were, (we as in me and snakes) this is where we're at, and in a bit ,,,,

 

The fire damaged top.

Upward and onward is now down, down, down.

 

In 1906 Tim Barnum was the first Scout Leader in Tucson and during the summer his Explorer scouts would be posted on top of this rock to assist the Forest Rangers by watching for fires. thus the name Barnum Rock

 

This is lonely tree rock. Or balancing rock next to lonely tree. Or ,,,,

Either way certain scout leaders from Utah are not allowed up there

 

 

We would build pretty much impenetrable fences out of this when I was a kid. We'd wire the Ocotillo together in a shallow ditch. They'd grow, flower, and be strong. Nothing got through it

 

 

We called these jumping cactus because (I swear) you could be inches from them walking by and they'd jump out and get ya. Actually those pieces would break off just brushing against them. In cactus country you always want to carry a comb.

 

 

 

 

We'd burn off the thorns on the Prickly Pear on dry years and feed the cattle the flat part. I've eaten many jars of homemade Prickly Pear Jelly

The Prickly Pear is a hearty plant.

 When the girls and I lived in Patagonia there was a Prickly Pear next to the wall I wanted to get rid of. (kids and all)

 I dug, it came back,

I burned it came back.

 I chopped it came back.

 We found out we had termites (in a stucco house go figure) and the house had to be tented.

I asked the guy if he thought it'd kill a Prickly Pear. He said oh yeah, no problem so he put the tent over the Cactus, gassed it and the house.

A few weeks later the sucker bloomed. LOL

A lot of cactus are actually agave. I had a teacher in college on a field trip tell me I wrong when I referred to shin sticker (oops shindagger) as a cactus. I invited him to sit on it and then tell me it wasn't a cactus 8)

Don't you like all the desert plant names. They all sound painful.

 

 

If you remember a while back I did a post on living in a box canyon on Mt. Lemon.

The rules for my brother (11) and I (12) were pretty simple  Get up, do chores, eat breakfast, be back by dark. The world was different then and the miles around our cabin were my brother and my playground. We climb over the ridge behind us, then the next one to go see a couple of friends whose parents worked at the boys camp, we climb up the sides of the mountain and build forts, tumbled huge rocks down a canyon or found holes of water to swim in.

One time we were tipping boulders up at the end of the canyon by the (dry) water fall. We liked to watch then roll and bounce down the canyon wall and hit the big trees along the creek bed. One time we rolled a really big one and heard it cracking tree branches then my Dad saying something like hey boys I'm down here so be careful Your Mom says come eat. Or something like that, well, maybe not those exact words or that exact implied tone.

This was a favorite swimming hole. We'd climb down there and spend the sunny part of the day swimming. It was about 6 miles down the mountain from home so when the shadow crossed the water we knew it was time to head back.

Of course if we heard my parents car horn it was time to hi-ack-ko up to the highway.

If they needed to go down the mountain to town they'd begin honking the horn of the car. If we weren't back by the time they left they'd honk it as they drove. If they got past us we were in big trouble when they got home. usually if we missed them we'd high-tail it home and do something good like haul up some water, chop some wood, etc. to help mitigate the damage when they retuned.

Ever hear that saying spare the rod and spoil the child?

Well my Dad never had any spoiled children, well except the one sister. She may have been the second from the youngest but she may as well have been the baby. LOL

 

Can you see Lonely Tree by Balancing Rock?

It's right up there.

 

Oh, and a comb?

 

Not to look good.

 

But you could slide it between the Cholla cactus and your body with the splines going between the teeth then you grit your teeth and flip the comb. Out pops the cactus. Much easier than grabbing it with your other hand, then grabbing that one with your other hand, then ,,,,,,  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







oops, forgot the title. LOL

I had to re-spell the word title 3 TIMES LOL !!!!!!

Well, I left the Queen of Renegade Raceway, Denise and her family,  Monday morning (Oct. 30) heading to Arizona.

As you read in my previous post I had issues in Twin Falls from running over something on the highway.

The good part, I was able to spend a week in Twin Fall and explore the snake river.

This view of Shoshone Falls is much more impressive at high flow but is still pretty cool.

 

The Hwy 93 bridge over the snake. This was a popular B.A.S.E. jump off point. Almost daily you could drive up there and watch someone bail off of it. The first time I saw it was a bit of a shock as I didn't know what was up. I just saw a guy jump off of the railing, not until his chute opened was I aware of what was happening.

There is a target alongside the river below they shoot for.

Looking downriver from the bridge.

Evil Knievel's failed attempt to jump across the snake river was here in 1974 aboard the steam powered Skycycle X-2 Rocket. He made it into the Guiness Book of records for breaking over 400 bones in his career.

Leaving Twin Falls and heading south on Hwy 93 was a nice scenic drive through the high desert of Nevada. Another long day of almost 700 miles to Kingman AZ. I did fall behind schedule due to a 1/2 hour wait at a construction site and a 2 hour wait at an accident.

I wont post that photo as it was fatal but did make a point that you don't play chicken with a Semi at 70 mph on a two lane road.

My main objective was to get through Vegas during light traffic. But I did want to cross the Colorado river during the day as they had a new bridge rather than crossing on top of the Hoover Dam. But it was dark thus nothing could be seen.

However the glass bottom observation deck 4,000 feet above the floor of the Grand Canyon is also up there so a short weekend trip to see that as well as the bridge over the Colorado may be in the plans while down here.

I made it to the RV Park in Arizona about 25 miles North of Tucson.

And have had the air conditioner on since arriving.

This place is just like Juneau except for there being as many sun filled cloudless days here as the are cloudy rainy days there. LOL

Oh yeah and it's a desert while Juneau is a Rain Forest. Otherwise just the same.

I MUST post this picture right after a hot dry desert picture.

Sammie swimming while visiting in Juneau.

I can not wrap my head around it. See that white stuff? That's a glacier, otherwise known as ICE.

I remember while living outside of Haines how Ashleigh and Amanda would swim in the ocean. I love Alaska and playing in snow but dang this is just WRONG. LOL

One of the things that makes my visit here enjoyable is being able to Facetime Dan and Ashleigh.

Sometimes I read to the kids from a couple of books I have here, sometimes I get to play with them like here where I was playing Trains with Ruby.

With Mommy's help Ruby made a pretty impressive layout this evening while Imogen slept. I turned my camera towards the inside of the RV. Didn't want to scare anyone LOL

One evening I called on the phone and said Hi to Ruby. I could hear her saying "but I cant see him"

I trimmed myself out of this one. Its so fun to facetime with Imogen. She's getting into it and gets real happy when she sees me and of course this makes me real happy.

Samantha and Taylors Mom, Amanda, just got a mini ipad. I am trying to get her to set it up so I can facetime these two.

20 years ago this month was my last night working at TRP in Tucson.

At that time I was an EMT/Deputy for the small town of Patagonia where we lived.

I took the kids to a race night and they loved it as much as I already did so I offered to volunteer to  work on the ambulance if they would give us all free pit passes and let the girls have free concessions.

So for a couple of seasons I sat in that ambulance in the center field of the track.

When Jessica turned 16 they let her work the track crew which meant she cleaned up after crashes. I actually envied her because I only got to work when there were injuries but she got to get out there all the time.

When we started all three girls would stay in the stands (at least that's where they were supposed to stay) But they were 15, 11,and 7. so it was good.

Like the driver of ol number 5 here there was a 16 year old girl who drove a car that Jessica envied. She wanted to drive but it just wasn't in the budget.

By the time she was 16 and got onto the track crew we knew lots of drivers and their families so leaving Amanda and Ashleigh with families in the stands was ok. I have no doubt that the talks id get about how much they got from concessions included kids in of those families or just in the stands in addition to the girls.

Todays races were fun to watch. Some would say boring because there was only one crumpled hood, three spin outs (one of which was Alison who drove ol number 5. She was towed because it wouldn't restart)

This little cutie kept getting in trouble for not having the ear protectors on her ears. She didn't want to give up her hat but eventually did so they could be moved from waist to ears.

Now her three brothers, well lets just say that saying boys will be boys fir them so well.

 

The sun is setting on another beautiful, stress free, fun day in Southeastern Arizona.

I am looking forward to my return home but am enjoying the warmth, sunshine, and exploring of this desert while I can.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Drags, and an amazing young lady 8)

I left Missoula and went to Spokane to visit a traveling buddy and good friend Dale.

Spent a relaxing week at his house basically eating good food, relaxing, and gaining weight. LOL

Dale lives with his Portuguese Water Dog Sydney so when we hang out whether in his home in Spokane or one of the RV's in Arizona out biggest accomplishment is getting off the couch. He's not going to Arizona this winter so I decided to stop by on my way. While there he said his granddaughter Denise was racing that weekend and that, I wanted to see.

I'd heard a lot about his son Rick and family and really was interested in meeting them.

Rick use to drag race a Monte Carlo at the Renegade Dragstrip in Wapato Washington with his oldest daughter as his "crew". Now Rick has "retired" the Monte Carlo and is crew to his daughter.

 

Meet Denise Jarnicke an un-assuming college freshman who drives a 6 litre, 550 hp, chevy rear engine, dragster that crosses the finish line in 9 secs at 148 mph on the 1/4 mile. She drives for Hayseed Racing out of Harrah Washington which consists of her Dad Rick, herself, and sometimes "Gumpa" Dale. (and that weekend me)

Denise began racing when she turned 16 and now at 18 is an old pro.

Speaking of Pro that is the class she races in. Not only did I have the privilege of watching her race I watched her win every race that weekend (they said I was their good luck charm LOL) she clinched the National Points title with her nearest competitor 140 points behind her.

On Sunday, the last race day of the season they had the runoff for King of the track. She beat a Super Pro Class 1969 Chevy El Camino.

Later in the day when she received her two trophies, $1,000 in prize money and the King of the Track hat someone commented it should say Queen of the track. She said she liked being the King

I enjoyed meeting Denise and her family very much they are all hardworking un-assuming people and Denise multiplies those characteristics x 10. She is a great kid.

She has a hard record to break next year but is hoping a promise to get her into a funny car, a jet car or Super Pro has her excited. She has lots of fans not just because she's only 18, a female, and the top point gainer in the nation but because she is simply a great young lady and I am very happy to have spent a weekend getting to know her, her family, and watching her race.

 

The Hayseed Racing Team

Rick Jarnecke, Denise Jarnecke, Dale McCollum (Gumpa)

of Harrah Washington

 

Getting ready for the race weekend at Renegade.

 

This Super Pro Chevelle was a treat to watch as well as the white S-10 behind it and a Jr. Dragster which are driven by 8 - 15 year olds and were pumping 78 mph in a 1/8th mile all on the same team.

Note the 4 post lift in the trailer where the S-10 rides above the Chevelle while traveling.

The Jr. Dragster and golf cart ride in the front section of the trailer.

 

The funny cars are always fun to watch.

There was one called Artic Thunder. The guy used to live in Anchorage but only used that as an advertising gimmick. He lives in Washington now.

 

This sled was class champion for the Sled/Bike class in the King of the track runoff.

The barstool however was to ride around and visit. No barstool class.

 

There were 8 Jr. Dragsters

Some quite elaborate some quite simple but all this style

 

A sled and a Motorcycle

 

 

Super Pro's. That 55 Chevy wagon was fun to watch.

 

1950 Chevy, 6 cyl, 2 door. Ran Pro Class

 

 

I had a great weekend. Probably if not the best, one of the top 1 weekends I've enjoyed in my adventures.

(other than visiting family of course)

 

The winners circle. The official picture has moi in it. Afterall if not for the good luck charm ,,,,  LOL

That ones on the tracks website

 

CONGRATULATIONS to the

King of the Track 2013

Good Luck Denise, looking forward to Gumpa's reports on your racing next season.

 

I left Harrah, and the Jarnecke's Monday morning headed south to Catalina Az for the winter.

I decided to take a new route down the eastern side of Nevada to save time and some concerns re; weather

Since I was rested and in the mood for traveling I decided to do a 500 mile day compared to my normal 300.

I was headed for the Flying J in Twin Falls Idaho at mp 173 on I-84

 

At mile 172 I hit something in the road. It was black and about 3' square. It was dark and I didn't see it until it went under the box.

So a free week exploring southern Idaho while the entire exhaust system on both box and generator and the drivelines are replaced.

Could have been worse I was 1 mile from my destination and the tow was only 2 1/2 miles

 

til next time 8)

Remember to comment

 

 

 

 

 

Is it sadly excited or excitedly sad? is it 8) or 8( ?

The morning of September 16, 2013 I performed a , by now routine, preparation for a new adventure. I slept poorly, "got up" early, packed, and with a sad heart but a mind full of excitement I got out of Jessica's car and turned to the airport to begin another adventure.

Sad? Well duh, I was leaving family and friends. True I had been home 9 weeks and for the first time my Granddaughter Samantha had come up alone with me for the first 8 or so. We did a lot of fishing, sightseeing, and other adventures then her mother and younger sister came up for a week. Sad, absolutely, but excited because this evening I would be at their house in Missoula Montana for a week. During which we would celebrate Sam's 11th birthday.

The week was fun, the evenings spent at Amanda's house visiting and having dinner. The days getting stuff done I needed to do in preparation for hitting the road.

Two of her friends, Maddie and Ray, rode the bus home from school with Sam and Nick was to meet us at the pool.

 

The pool was at a hotel that I cannot remember the name of. Amanda rent it for 3 hours. It had two of the biggest slides I've seen indoors.

 

 

Taylor even went down the slide all by herself. Yet another first for her on the visit.

 

The kids swam so long I was getting all wrinkely sitting on the side LOL

 

I was sent to get the pizza's while they did gifts and cake.

 

Samantha wouldn't let me take pictures of her eating.

 

So I did anyway

As they say being a Grandparent is a lot more fun than being a parent.

I read that somewhere, I think it was the introduction to the job description summary page.

 

Everyone had a good time.

Then it was home again and back to the routine.

 

I was asked to stay Monday and watch the girls because Amanda and Jason had a meeting that morning. So that weekend the girls spent the nights with me and we did the regular stuff to get the RV ready for me to head for Spokane.

 

Don't ask me why but Samantha and Taylor actually like helping me dump the sewer, get gas, propane, and fresh water.

 

Go figure !!!!!

 

 

 

 

Have you ever awaken and the thoughts in your mind are racing around like a Demolition Derby. I mean running around every which way, no rhyme or reason, not like a recetrack where they are all going the same direction with some sort order to the chaos. Instead going every direction, crashing into each other, totral confusion. That was my wake up call today.

Ever craved a cleaned or empty mind, no thoughts, no concerns, no fears, hopes, dreams, just total mental silence? Scary idea huh?

Well, while dealing with my Demolition Derby thoughts this morning I realized my car was quite dirty and it was about time to put her away for the winter and she should be clean before that. So, I went to the carwash. In fact I went to the "touchless", "high pressure" carwash where you put in your credit card and sit and enjoy the machine doing all the work. I like the smell of the wax and protectorant it sprays on, so much in fact I will turn the fan onto vent at low speed to suck the smell inside even more.

So, I put in my card, listened to the mechanical "female" voice say "your credit card information has been processed please select the wash that you want and proceed into the wash bay"
While sitting there listening to the machine start it's thing, and concentrating on the dash of the car my mind began to clear. Not of all thoughts but of the important stuff you know things like work, relationships, stress, etc. A nice calmness came over me only to realize that no matter how clean my mind became it was still cluttered.

Cluttered by trivial stuff like that word Chaos above the thought popped into my mind were wasted thoughts like did you know  thaqt there are 31,536,000 seconds in a year, of course that isnt counting the extra 86,400 seconds to make a leap year. To put that in perspective we know that the Earth is 28,000 miles in circumferance, which would equal 296,680,000 plastic water bottles laid end to end. Give or take a couple.

I received this "sign" from a friend the other day. Now growing up with my name I've heard Batman many many times,

and now I finally know who it is. Here kitty, kitty or should it be Batty, Batty 8)

 

The other day I went over to my youngest daughters house and watched the kids while she went to have a few hours doing whatever. De-stressing so to speak. Walk, shop, sit, read, but some alone time.

 

Drew some tats onto Ruby's hands

 

They don't last long so drew some more. 8)

 

 

Went for walk around Auke Lake r at least along one side. LOL

 

Shopping with Ruby and her new puppy. Quite little guy and light on his feet almost like he's just floating along

 

And of course the ever present Daddy-do chores.

 

I've been visiting at home for 9 weeks and have enjoyed it immensely.

 

I leave for Missoula Monday, spend a week and get to celebrate Sammy's birthday the head out in the RV.

 

I deleted this blog 12 days ago because I wasn't finding time to keep it current.

So, here I am again promising o try and do so on this new adventure.