Travel Log: part 4

There were two little cowpokes driv'n a pink caddy around the place one morning. With cow dogs and barn cats scattering in all directions. The cowpokes were laughing, spinning hookers, and generally having a great time, they made you smile just to see how much fun they were having.  Someone asked why they were driving a pink barbie caddy, and not a manly camo jeep.  The answer, because it was the grand girls (now out grown) and runs just fine. Besides, the little guys are tough enough to handle it.

The gathering of the clan was interesting, so many from so many far flung places. Touching base with roots that run deep.  Those that have stayed with being stewards of the land, and those that have served our country in other ways. The bedrock of our being.

Three states later, Dad and I made it back to N Calif. in time to celebrate Independence Day at home...

Travel Log: part 3

With Wyoming in our rear view mirror, we made good time across the prairie of S Dakota. It was lush with yellow clover blossoms this time of year.  Giving no hint to how cruel the winters can be... 

One hundred and twenty miles of grassland and one lone abandoned homestead. I always wish these places could tell their stories.

Then, we were topping a rise and looking over the Cheyenne River and the ranch headquarters.  

A warm welcome awaited us.  These are the people that make the world right. They are smart, they work hard, and they play hard. They are doing their utmost to see that those traditions that matter are continued, at the same time they are looking forward.  I love'm, Oh, and the smell of grass, horses, cattle, and history...

  "Kick off your boots and stay a while..." 

Travel Log: part 2

Fish Camp, Wyoming

We were on the road bright and early each day, as we had many miles to cover in order to be at the family gathering in Dakota territory on time.

Either memory failed me or I had simply forgotten how utterly beautiful it is in that part of Wyoming.  Everything was green and all the creeks were running full. Damn, I should have taken a rod & reel. We stopped for a jogging (me, not Dad) break on the Madison, and watched a guy fishing with what looked like a PMD fly. 

 Madison River, Wyoming

 Was he catching any, Yep.  Was he a local, No. Newly retired, on vacation, fishing his way across Wyoming. Geez, I envied him that... From San Jose, Calif. I didn't envy him that...

Our next stop was the Museum of the West in Cody, WY.  It has expanded a great deal since the last time either of us was there. Well worth the time. 

(the LL special)

The firearms gallery was awesome, and I could have spent days in there studying and reading the histories...

Back on the road, the beauty of mother natures work is stunning.

 (to be continued)

Home of the Brave...

Today is such an important day in our history. Take a moment to consider all that went into making it possible.  Take a moment to consider what is a continual process to make it so today and into the future. Freedom isn't free, we must earn it daily.  

Celebrate, but don't forget the cost in lives & treasure that made it possible.

 I encourage you to take or take a son, daughter, grandchild, friend to a Project Appleseed.  Project Appleseed teaches the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship and the history and heritage of our country. It is the primary focus of the Revolutionary War Veterans Assn.  Much more than a rifle class it is a great short course in our history. (info@appleseedusa.org)

Have a good Independence Day!

 

Travel log: first three days

Dad and I are back home after the 3133 mile road trip.  We saw a lot of this beautiful country and bunches of FAMILY and friends.  It was a good journey.  

I took a few pics, so will share some of them. Starting out in N Calif. with the old barn just below the border into Oregon. (see above)

raking hay in Oregon's outback

Abert Rim in Oregon's Outback

 Abert Rim is an amazing place, and I'm sorry my pic doesn't begin to do it justice.  It has a rugged beauty all it's own, and I was happy to see it again. Wikipedia: Abert Rim in Lake County, Oregon is one of the highest fault scarps in the United States. It rises 2,490 feet (760 m) above the valley floor, finishing with a 820-foot (250 m) sheer-sided basalt cap. It was formed during the Miocene epoch.

On to Idaho to put mom to rest.  I put her ashes in a bright pink Victoria Secret bag, she would have gotten a kick out of that, I think.  Dad & Buzz thought so, too.

Dad, Buzz, and I at mom's grave

After a too short gathering with my brother's crew, it was onward across Idaho...

the Friar Mtns of Idaho

 They aren't really called the Friar Mtns but they reminded me of Friar Tuck, with their rings of black rocks like hair and bald tops, so that's what I call them.

(to be continued)