On the 4th of July I was floating on the river again. This time in the inflatable that I got from sail boats to go. I was having difficulty rowing and simply could not find a way to sit that would let me use the too small oars. This was not the boats fault but my own as I'll relate in a bit. Anyway, I was having problems when Daddy decided to open up the sky and dump down buckets of new water.
Got to a muddy bank, pulled the boat ashore and started unloading in the rain. I stomped down a patch of stinging nettles, pitched my tent and carried everything inside of it. I even dragged the boat inside the tent and used it as my sleeping mattress.
For most of the day and far into the night the pyrotechnics Daddy put on kept other folk indoors. I woke at about 4am and used some inner hickory bark, a few paper towels and a great deal of puffing breathe to get a fire going. I stretched my fish stringer between trees and hung my clothes up to dry. I went down to the bank, laid broken branches across the oozing mud and walked to the water. I washed my socks and trail running shoes before hanging them up to dry.
I cooked up a meal of beans and nothing else and went looking for raspberries to eat. There were many and if I had needed to stay there I saw that the rabbits had made many trails through the brush. But I did not need to say. At 1pm I reloaded the boat and tied to find a better way to row. No luck at first.
I pulled up on a sand bank and pondered the problem. it finally occurred to me that I may not be using enough inflation for the boat floor. I blew it up more and it worked much better as I could then use some of my equipment to sit up higher. still the oars were too short for my arm and especially for my less than perfect right shoulder.
Back on the water I moved downstream until I came to the Peppers Ferry bridge crossing. River traffic was forbidden at that point because the bridge was under construction. Two two lane bridges were being built to handle traffic for the Radford Military Arsenal. The river was to remain closed until the end of July. Stymied I rowed back upstream to the Radford Municipal Launch site and unpacked again.
I spent the afternoon and night reading and resting. I called Jammie to ask for a ride home. She came and got me with her mother the next evening.
So here I am back in Wytheville planning to get back on the river after my daughter, Liz has her wedding in August. It is a very good thing that I am in no hurry to complete this journey.
Showing posts with label rainy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rainy. Show all posts
Friday, July 15, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
May 24th Journal Entry
I spent Monday walking, sometimes in the rain, sometimes in the sun. I went to the library, to the U-Haul rental place and to the Dollar General store. Along the way I bought coffee and chocolate. What more could I want?
Today, i started up to the bank hoping to get some money so Lorrie could buy gasoline. I took a bag of aluminum can along for recycling. The heavens split on my way home from recycling. I had turned around and forgone the bank when the first drizzling started. My, by the time I reached the library, running and dodging under trees and awnings, I was soaked. The temperature dropped ten degrees in less than an hour.
I made it home during a storm lull, jumping streams flowing against and over the sidewalks. Mikey came home after the rain and I got a ride to the bank. During the afternoon, the temperatures climbed above 80 degrees and dropped hard as two ominous clouds passed to the northeast. The storm top anvil was towering and building on one.
Sprinkling now and more rain coming. Good by, sleep well.
Today, i started up to the bank hoping to get some money so Lorrie could buy gasoline. I took a bag of aluminum can along for recycling. The heavens split on my way home from recycling. I had turned around and forgone the bank when the first drizzling started. My, by the time I reached the library, running and dodging under trees and awnings, I was soaked. The temperature dropped ten degrees in less than an hour.
I made it home during a storm lull, jumping streams flowing against and over the sidewalks. Mikey came home after the rain and I got a ride to the bank. During the afternoon, the temperatures climbed above 80 degrees and dropped hard as two ominous clouds passed to the northeast. The storm top anvil was towering and building on one.
Sprinkling now and more rain coming. Good by, sleep well.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
May 22nd Journal Entry
The sun shown all day Saturday. The weather was very warm, and not too humid. I talked and talked, first to Bess, then to Nun, with the mailman and with Eric. Lovely day, Thanks!
I strolled to the Lutheran Church in a light, variable breeze this morning. The wind was smooth on my face. Four people without being asked said, I should not be floating for a while. Two worried about flood waters overflowing the Mississippi Valley. One thought the thunderstorm warning with 2 and 3 inch hail should be keeping me at home.
I had a fine time singing and Pastor Steve said I should stay around a while. On the walk home I thought about all that these people had said and about similar remarks made by folks at the Farmers' Market yesterday. Seems you are telling me to wait. I'll hold on at home for another week.
Lots of rain this afternoon. One burst put an inch of water on the ground in less than 20 minutes. Lorrie brought chicken home and the across-the-street neighbors had a dispute going that involved the police. A not boring day.
Good night, Lord.
I strolled to the Lutheran Church in a light, variable breeze this morning. The wind was smooth on my face. Four people without being asked said, I should not be floating for a while. Two worried about flood waters overflowing the Mississippi Valley. One thought the thunderstorm warning with 2 and 3 inch hail should be keeping me at home.
I had a fine time singing and Pastor Steve said I should stay around a while. On the walk home I thought about all that these people had said and about similar remarks made by folks at the Farmers' Market yesterday. Seems you are telling me to wait. I'll hold on at home for another week.
Lots of rain this afternoon. One burst put an inch of water on the ground in less than 20 minutes. Lorrie brought chicken home and the across-the-street neighbors had a dispute going that involved the police. A not boring day.
Good night, Lord.
March 18th Journal Entry
Wednesday, Again, I waited for the rain to stop. It took a lot of effort to get a fire started. Its good that I do not make large fires. I had to walk 1/4 mile to find a dead, still standing fir tree. I stripped dry bark slabs adn filled them with shredded inner bark. I used this to start the fire and make a small bed of coals. I called Jammie to ask for a ride home later. I can not stay out here and be this damp and cold. I will take my bedding home to dry it.
Gosh, I was cold last night on a wet futon mattress, under wet blankets. Even though I bundled up in a track warm-up suit, two pairs of socks and a sweater, I was cold.
I have walked all the trails in the State Park. I imagine that it really is time to leave here. Maybe by Saturday my raft will come. I'll launch from this dock are, cross the lake and then short portage around the dam. But it is more likely, I will exit the Interstate at exit 105 and launch from the Little River launch ramp. I will miss two miles of the lake, but I will not have to carry everything. Maybe Sunday or Monday if the raft comes from Jim Luckett by slow express.
Some sun! A mixed day now. I returned the red worms to the ground, packed all my things, wrapping everything in plastic as the rain began again.
Loaded up when Jammie came. She said I should stay in Wytheville until Lorrie's baby comes. Then I can be Auntie Dawn. I am not sure that is a good idea. I feel I should be letting Mikey and Lorrie have some space and a house for their own. I will go to check on assisted housing, but I don't expect much.
Good night, Daddy. Let me know if I am wrong.
Gosh, I was cold last night on a wet futon mattress, under wet blankets. Even though I bundled up in a track warm-up suit, two pairs of socks and a sweater, I was cold.
I have walked all the trails in the State Park. I imagine that it really is time to leave here. Maybe by Saturday my raft will come. I'll launch from this dock are, cross the lake and then short portage around the dam. But it is more likely, I will exit the Interstate at exit 105 and launch from the Little River launch ramp. I will miss two miles of the lake, but I will not have to carry everything. Maybe Sunday or Monday if the raft comes from Jim Luckett by slow express.
Some sun! A mixed day now. I returned the red worms to the ground, packed all my things, wrapping everything in plastic as the rain began again.
Loaded up when Jammie came. She said I should stay in Wytheville until Lorrie's baby comes. Then I can be Auntie Dawn. I am not sure that is a good idea. I feel I should be letting Mikey and Lorrie have some space and a house for their own. I will go to check on assisted housing, but I don't expect much.
Good night, Daddy. Let me know if I am wrong.
May 17th Journal Entry
Woke up to rain. Waited till a bit past 5am to head over to the shower in the dark. The rain had slowed to a drizzle then. By the time I shaved my legs and face the rain was striking the ground hard. I hurried under the awning to the lavatory, brushed my teeth and took my pills. I am running low on estrodol. I will need to go to the pharmacy soon.
At 7am the rain slowed enough for me to return to my tent and to cook some oatmeal. At 8am another short break in the rain allowed me to ask when my check would be sent to the bank. I was told, tomorrow, so I should avoid more overdraft charges.
At 9;30 the rain paused. I walked down the Popular Leaf Trail at 10am. I found wild strawberries and scattered some seeds around. I flipped leaves over and found a dozen red worms in 5 times as many tries. Not bad.
I returned to my campsite and rearranged the draping of my rain-fly so the tent could air out. My mattress and blankets were when I came back to camp last night. I took the bamboo to the lake and soon caught three fish on the red worms, two bluegill and one pumpkin. I had to stop fishing in the middle to take cover from another short rain.
Back at camp, I used the last of my dry wood to cook the fish and another serving of oatmeal. It did not rain for an hour and a half. Having put the rain-fly back on properly, I rite this while listening to more rain splatter on the tent. There are two small leaks on thoroughly saturated seams, that keep on dripping water. I am damp and cold, Daddy. Could you give the sun a chance tomorrow?
Good night, dear.
At 7am the rain slowed enough for me to return to my tent and to cook some oatmeal. At 8am another short break in the rain allowed me to ask when my check would be sent to the bank. I was told, tomorrow, so I should avoid more overdraft charges.
At 9;30 the rain paused. I walked down the Popular Leaf Trail at 10am. I found wild strawberries and scattered some seeds around. I flipped leaves over and found a dozen red worms in 5 times as many tries. Not bad.
I returned to my campsite and rearranged the draping of my rain-fly so the tent could air out. My mattress and blankets were when I came back to camp last night. I took the bamboo to the lake and soon caught three fish on the red worms, two bluegill and one pumpkin. I had to stop fishing in the middle to take cover from another short rain.
Back at camp, I used the last of my dry wood to cook the fish and another serving of oatmeal. It did not rain for an hour and a half. Having put the rain-fly back on properly, I rite this while listening to more rain splatter on the tent. There are two small leaks on thoroughly saturated seams, that keep on dripping water. I am damp and cold, Daddy. Could you give the sun a chance tomorrow?
Good night, dear.
May 16th Journal Entry
My laundry is dry and folded. I am reading and warming leftovers that have been in the refrigerator since last week. Packed all that I am taking back with me in black garbage bag. Curtis the cat immediately marked the bag saying "this is mine not yours." At least, he missed the clothes and only hit the outside of the plastic.
I cut flowers today and filled the vases, setting some in each room. Read some, answered my email and now wait for Jammie to take me back to the campground. She got me back here at around 7pm. I put things away in time for another rain shower. Jammie had told me on the way back that the weatherman was predicting five more days of rain for this week.
Good night Lord.
I cut flowers today and filled the vases, setting some in each room. Read some, answered my email and now wait for Jammie to take me back to the campground. She got me back here at around 7pm. I put things away in time for another rain shower. Jammie had told me on the way back that the weatherman was predicting five more days of rain for this week.
Good night Lord.
May 15th Journal Entry
Rained so hard the day I left... All night long, everything is wet outside of these cloth walls. I walked to the shower house with tiny streams rolling beside me. Even more coming back. I will need to go back for grooming later, but I am hoping you'll show me a piece of blue sky first.
You did! I went to the docks and back. I am now sorting stuff. Some I will load onto the raft when it comes, the rest I will store in the house basement in Wytheville. Stopping that now because it is raining again. Found that several strings of my seeds ans seed pod jewelry had started to mold. Guess, I'll be using plastic and wood only on the rest of the trip.
The rain stopped just long enough to cook lunch. It took a lot of scurrying through the woods to find enough dry kindling, tipping rotting logs and rubbing sloughing bark. Twice gusting wind shook my sheltering oats to rain big droplets on the barely started fire. Poof and start over. But it did get done.
Jamie is coming to get me maybe? I have most of my equipment sorted, but I have had no text of call from her about when she can come here. Most of the time, today, I have had only one reception bar on my cellphone. Oh, well.
Jammie called at five and said she would be here at 6pm. I recon I can sleep on my memory foam mattress tonight. When she came I loaded two totes of clothes and papers into her pickup. There is also a bag of laundry. She told me that she had forgotten about getting me until after her second job. She told me that Lorrie and Mike were on their way home from Puerto Rico. They had an exciting trip.
We unloaded my stuff at the basement door and Jammie said she could not come in. I dried the white quilt which had bee dripped on and started doing my laundry. I fried sliced potatoes for supper.
Mike and Lorrie made it home at 9pm. They were tired, from too many activities and had not rested on the cruise. Still, they were sun-kissed. They went right to bed, they must work on Monday.
Night, daddy.
You did! I went to the docks and back. I am now sorting stuff. Some I will load onto the raft when it comes, the rest I will store in the house basement in Wytheville. Stopping that now because it is raining again. Found that several strings of my seeds ans seed pod jewelry had started to mold. Guess, I'll be using plastic and wood only on the rest of the trip.
The rain stopped just long enough to cook lunch. It took a lot of scurrying through the woods to find enough dry kindling, tipping rotting logs and rubbing sloughing bark. Twice gusting wind shook my sheltering oats to rain big droplets on the barely started fire. Poof and start over. But it did get done.
Jamie is coming to get me maybe? I have most of my equipment sorted, but I have had no text of call from her about when she can come here. Most of the time, today, I have had only one reception bar on my cellphone. Oh, well.
Jammie called at five and said she would be here at 6pm. I recon I can sleep on my memory foam mattress tonight. When she came I loaded two totes of clothes and papers into her pickup. There is also a bag of laundry. She told me that she had forgotten about getting me until after her second job. She told me that Lorrie and Mike were on their way home from Puerto Rico. They had an exciting trip.
We unloaded my stuff at the basement door and Jammie said she could not come in. I dried the white quilt which had bee dripped on and started doing my laundry. I fried sliced potatoes for supper.
Mike and Lorrie made it home at 9pm. They were tired, from too many activities and had not rested on the cruise. Still, they were sun-kissed. They went right to bed, they must work on Monday.
Night, daddy.
May 14th Journal Entry
Saturday, May 14th. Woke up before 10 pm as three motorbikes pulled up in site C-12. I promised the three me dry wood from my tent in the morning as it was raining hard. Came back to bed.
Up at 4am, reading by lantern light (electric battery of course), until the sun made gray in the sky. I built a fire for my neighbors when I heard them begin to stir. A three snore so it was easy to tell.
John Hodd and a co-worker came my with a pickup at 7am. We drove down to the docks to load the canoes. John decided he would need to separate the hulls to load them. He will bring tools tomorrow.
I hitched a ride to Walmart with them bought some fruit and condensed milk. Then walked to the Interstate ramp to hitchhike back. I came back to camp just as the three motor bikers were leaving. We waved to each other and I started unpacking my loot. As I approached my picnic table, i noticed that the bikers had left me an egg, some gummy bears and a baggy of granola bars. I really appreciate their gifts.
I scrambled the egg, sliced in green pepper and had my breakfast. I walked down after to the docks to fish. I bought 20 night crawlers and used one to catch some sunfish. I then emptied the container on some fallen oak leaves on my way back to camp. I trust you will multiply this start and have night crawlers all over the park in two years. This ground could use more aeration to control run-off with all this rain.
I climbed up the hill with my pole and the fish swinging behind me. I was going to cook the fish immediately, but I had to wait for another rain to pass by. The fish were still delicious after a half hour wait.
Don and Marion are going to visit cousins this evening and say they will bring me more oatmeal when they come home. They did. I had just buttoned up the tent, putting everything undercover except firewood. You did not let any of it get un-damp today. The moon is hiding tonight behind more rain clouds. It is pouring rain.
I have kept a bed of coals going with wood stacked over them, so some could dry. If it rains this hard much longer there will be no dry wood in the morning. Well, it will tamp down the fire index and lets the park sell bundles of banded firewood. It will also give those night crawlers a chance to settle in.
Blessings, dear, and good night. Reading then I will snuggle down.
Up at 4am, reading by lantern light (electric battery of course), until the sun made gray in the sky. I built a fire for my neighbors when I heard them begin to stir. A three snore so it was easy to tell.
John Hodd and a co-worker came my with a pickup at 7am. We drove down to the docks to load the canoes. John decided he would need to separate the hulls to load them. He will bring tools tomorrow.
I hitched a ride to Walmart with them bought some fruit and condensed milk. Then walked to the Interstate ramp to hitchhike back. I came back to camp just as the three motor bikers were leaving. We waved to each other and I started unpacking my loot. As I approached my picnic table, i noticed that the bikers had left me an egg, some gummy bears and a baggy of granola bars. I really appreciate their gifts.
I scrambled the egg, sliced in green pepper and had my breakfast. I walked down after to the docks to fish. I bought 20 night crawlers and used one to catch some sunfish. I then emptied the container on some fallen oak leaves on my way back to camp. I trust you will multiply this start and have night crawlers all over the park in two years. This ground could use more aeration to control run-off with all this rain.
I climbed up the hill with my pole and the fish swinging behind me. I was going to cook the fish immediately, but I had to wait for another rain to pass by. The fish were still delicious after a half hour wait.
Don and Marion are going to visit cousins this evening and say they will bring me more oatmeal when they come home. They did. I had just buttoned up the tent, putting everything undercover except firewood. You did not let any of it get un-damp today. The moon is hiding tonight behind more rain clouds. It is pouring rain.
I have kept a bed of coals going with wood stacked over them, so some could dry. If it rains this hard much longer there will be no dry wood in the morning. Well, it will tamp down the fire index and lets the park sell bundles of banded firewood. It will also give those night crawlers a chance to settle in.
Blessings, dear, and good night. Reading then I will snuggle down.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
May 13th, Friday Journal Entry.
Good morning, dear. It is shortly after 6am. I am clean and I have a soup can to heat water in. It did not rain much last night against my expectations. High humidity and warm, the sky still rumbles.
The park staff will be arriving soon. I have one night neighbors, Don and Jennifer from Massachusetts on their way home from Florida. I made them a small fire this morning but let it go out after it had dried them some wood for later. If they want a fire, they may lay some tinder and have near instant coziness.
My friend the woodpecker i, he is large and mostly black, is tatting away. The raven caw and a bird I cannot see kerloos. . Less humid today than yesterday.
I let Don know how to restart their fire when they got up, but Don said they were going to leave quickly. Harrisburg is not far but they are meeting friends there. When they come back from the showers I will give them direction if they need them.
Another bird has shouted Karroo and squirrels have started their morning barking. The sound like tiny teacup Chihuahuas. A dark backed, cream breasted, red headed flicker, woodpecker, is climbing tree after tree from bottom to top. I thought the doe might pass by this morning. She hasn't.
Told tales to Don and Jennifer before they left. Jennifer told me that Cape Cod is becoming a LGBT mecca. I'll check as I pass by. The park staff are coming in. They turn for the employee only area.
Going for a walk down the Lake Trail, back soon. Walked that way and started back on the Popular Leaf Trail, which passed a burn from last year. I turned off onto the Bent Tree Trail. Did a few feet on the ground pull-ups, beginner's level and then rejoined the Popular Leaf Trail to come back to C-11. A nice walk. Met a rust colored, but brighter, three inch long lizard. He looked to have a tiny black beak, but it may have been a half-swallowed beetle. I did not pick him up to find out. I did not want to risk hurting him. I'll wander over and down to the visitors' center in an hour to discover his name and lineage.
Jon Hodd will be by at 7am tomorrow to pick up the canoes. Maybe I can get a ride from him on Monday into Wytheville?
I have been paddling, exploring in long skirts. When they get wet, I have a time getting into and out of the boats. I trap the material under my knees. I pull it up but then the scars and scuffs on my legs would show. Shame, thy name is woman.
I had a bit of dead bird on a hook tied to my 25 foot long bamboo. This morning a Green Sunfish was on the hook. She was excellent for lunch. Plopped her right down on the gum wood coals. Flipped her over when hear tail fin curled. Just a hair longer on the other side. Scales and skin stay on the coals and I used a fork to flake sweet white flesh from the bones. After lunch I took some of her entrails (That's how I know it was a she)put them on hooks and walked down to the docks to try catching another fish. I've walked five miles today. I'll have over seven before evening.
I could use the extra meal as I am running low on food again. One serving of oatmeal, several bananas, two apples and one pound of easy melt cheese will last until Monday. State Park rules forbid the harvesting of any kind of plant or animal except fish. So fishes beware I will catch you.
Another flicker with a long beak flew up. He is gray breasted, yellow-cream on the belly with brown on the back and head. He looked me over and inspected the tree that the black woodpecker likes. He flew off for other parts.
I searched through by purse and found 22 dollars that I did not know I had. I am flush! If I get a ride to town tomorrow I can buy more oatmeal and some canned vegetables. I can also pay for another day here. My SS check should deposit so I will be able to stay until my rubber raft arrives. Kim or Mikey can take my extra clothing and equipment back to Wytheville. I'll go on without another break in the journey.
I wonder if I can find a church service somewhere close? I'll ask at the visitors' center. Feeling anxious about still being here, even though I am in no hurry. How dumb is that, daddy? I guess it comes from having appointments to keep all my working life. I'll try to relax. Maybe, its because I discovered money? Poisonous, insidious money.
Tons of people will be here on Saturday. Because today is Friday, the thirteenth, not many campers are arriving. Well, here come more rain. Going inside my tent. Bye, daddy.
The park staff will be arriving soon. I have one night neighbors, Don and Jennifer from Massachusetts on their way home from Florida. I made them a small fire this morning but let it go out after it had dried them some wood for later. If they want a fire, they may lay some tinder and have near instant coziness.
My friend the woodpecker i, he is large and mostly black, is tatting away. The raven caw and a bird I cannot see kerloos. . Less humid today than yesterday.
I let Don know how to restart their fire when they got up, but Don said they were going to leave quickly. Harrisburg is not far but they are meeting friends there. When they come back from the showers I will give them direction if they need them.
Another bird has shouted Karroo and squirrels have started their morning barking. The sound like tiny teacup Chihuahuas. A dark backed, cream breasted, red headed flicker, woodpecker, is climbing tree after tree from bottom to top. I thought the doe might pass by this morning. She hasn't.
Told tales to Don and Jennifer before they left. Jennifer told me that Cape Cod is becoming a LGBT mecca. I'll check as I pass by. The park staff are coming in. They turn for the employee only area.
Going for a walk down the Lake Trail, back soon. Walked that way and started back on the Popular Leaf Trail, which passed a burn from last year. I turned off onto the Bent Tree Trail. Did a few feet on the ground pull-ups, beginner's level and then rejoined the Popular Leaf Trail to come back to C-11. A nice walk. Met a rust colored, but brighter, three inch long lizard. He looked to have a tiny black beak, but it may have been a half-swallowed beetle. I did not pick him up to find out. I did not want to risk hurting him. I'll wander over and down to the visitors' center in an hour to discover his name and lineage.
Jon Hodd will be by at 7am tomorrow to pick up the canoes. Maybe I can get a ride from him on Monday into Wytheville?
I have been paddling, exploring in long skirts. When they get wet, I have a time getting into and out of the boats. I trap the material under my knees. I pull it up but then the scars and scuffs on my legs would show. Shame, thy name is woman.
I had a bit of dead bird on a hook tied to my 25 foot long bamboo. This morning a Green Sunfish was on the hook. She was excellent for lunch. Plopped her right down on the gum wood coals. Flipped her over when hear tail fin curled. Just a hair longer on the other side. Scales and skin stay on the coals and I used a fork to flake sweet white flesh from the bones. After lunch I took some of her entrails (That's how I know it was a she)put them on hooks and walked down to the docks to try catching another fish. I've walked five miles today. I'll have over seven before evening.
I could use the extra meal as I am running low on food again. One serving of oatmeal, several bananas, two apples and one pound of easy melt cheese will last until Monday. State Park rules forbid the harvesting of any kind of plant or animal except fish. So fishes beware I will catch you.
Another flicker with a long beak flew up. He is gray breasted, yellow-cream on the belly with brown on the back and head. He looked me over and inspected the tree that the black woodpecker likes. He flew off for other parts.
I searched through by purse and found 22 dollars that I did not know I had. I am flush! If I get a ride to town tomorrow I can buy more oatmeal and some canned vegetables. I can also pay for another day here. My SS check should deposit so I will be able to stay until my rubber raft arrives. Kim or Mikey can take my extra clothing and equipment back to Wytheville. I'll go on without another break in the journey.
I wonder if I can find a church service somewhere close? I'll ask at the visitors' center. Feeling anxious about still being here, even though I am in no hurry. How dumb is that, daddy? I guess it comes from having appointments to keep all my working life. I'll try to relax. Maybe, its because I discovered money? Poisonous, insidious money.
Tons of people will be here on Saturday. Because today is Friday, the thirteenth, not many campers are arriving. Well, here come more rain. Going inside my tent. Bye, daddy.
May 12th Journal Entry.
Good morning! I listened for the rain to stop for a couple of hours. I doze under my blankets and then wake up to more thunder and lightening. The storm has passed or is at least in temporary remission so I am hurrying down to my morning toilet. Back.
There is no dry wood in the neighborhood so I'll happily munch a banana and an apple for breakfast. I left the Dean Koontz book I had finished on the picnic table last evening. It is drying inside the tent along with me. A woodpecker is finding grubs with a ta-ta-ta-ta-tak. We will be breaking fast together. By the way, the camp hosts are the Youngs, not the Williams. I misremembered. Don and Marion Young.
I covered the picnic bench with a plastic bag, made a brunch of oatmeal and decided to head for the docks. I have been reading and listening to rain for a few more hours.
I paddled over to the rental cabin docks and tried to sail back. Not good. I need a daggerboard according to a photographer, who once sailed his own 20 foot boat. We talked about fetch and other things that I had to ask explanation for and why.
I came up to the campsite at 1:30 and ate more oatmeal. I'll be going back down with a plastic tote lid for a daggerboard. I must find a way to seal the front edge of the folded pain cloth I use for my sail. Maybe I can find some tape for that? The opening fills and acts like a brake.
Got the daggerboard in place, but did not seal the front edge of the sail. Did bail out the boats with an empty plastic pop bottle. Set a bit of dead baby bird on a hook and left the bamboo pole and line in the water. Maybe a fish come morning?
I put two of the gum log pieces that don't burn well on top of my little oak oatmeal fire. i am cooking now with a can I recycled from the dumpster near the dock. The logs may smolder all night so there will be coals at 4am. Just in case this doesn't work, I put dry twigs in the tent. Once again I can see more rain coming. Tonight I'll bring in my still damp running shoes and two skirts. I hope not to leave any books outside.
Wind is gusting, thunder rubbing against the hills. Time to pick up. Kim called today, during her lunch break. She is working at Gatorade. Her wife (girlfriend?), passed out this week and the hospital doctors suspect multiple brain lesions. Not a fun report. Please get to fixing, sir.
One of the neat, but annoying things about living in the forest, dear, is the leaves and creatures that land in my water cup. Just heard a roar from the sky, like a male lion announcing his intent to defend the pride. All is undercover, two gum logs are wedged together.
I went back out and put another gum log on the other two, that may last. Saw a doe moving through the forest. She stopped to look at me before deciding I was not a threat. She slipped slowly until she disappeared into the brush. It is time for the does to drop their fawns. The does leave each other in the way of Whitetails and now travel solitary. I hope she does well.
I noticed that the campground sign map is a mirror of what it should be. The D campground is shown to the north instead of the south. The marked trails shown going in the wrong directions. Walked a little as the wind builds. Mosquitoes found me in every wind shelter. I am smorgasbord. I will go back in the tent now. Some of them are as fat as I am.
Good night, Father.
There is no dry wood in the neighborhood so I'll happily munch a banana and an apple for breakfast. I left the Dean Koontz book I had finished on the picnic table last evening. It is drying inside the tent along with me. A woodpecker is finding grubs with a ta-ta-ta-ta-tak. We will be breaking fast together. By the way, the camp hosts are the Youngs, not the Williams. I misremembered. Don and Marion Young.
I covered the picnic bench with a plastic bag, made a brunch of oatmeal and decided to head for the docks. I have been reading and listening to rain for a few more hours.
I paddled over to the rental cabin docks and tried to sail back. Not good. I need a daggerboard according to a photographer, who once sailed his own 20 foot boat. We talked about fetch and other things that I had to ask explanation for and why.
I came up to the campsite at 1:30 and ate more oatmeal. I'll be going back down with a plastic tote lid for a daggerboard. I must find a way to seal the front edge of the folded pain cloth I use for my sail. Maybe I can find some tape for that? The opening fills and acts like a brake.
Got the daggerboard in place, but did not seal the front edge of the sail. Did bail out the boats with an empty plastic pop bottle. Set a bit of dead baby bird on a hook and left the bamboo pole and line in the water. Maybe a fish come morning?
I put two of the gum log pieces that don't burn well on top of my little oak oatmeal fire. i am cooking now with a can I recycled from the dumpster near the dock. The logs may smolder all night so there will be coals at 4am. Just in case this doesn't work, I put dry twigs in the tent. Once again I can see more rain coming. Tonight I'll bring in my still damp running shoes and two skirts. I hope not to leave any books outside.
Wind is gusting, thunder rubbing against the hills. Time to pick up. Kim called today, during her lunch break. She is working at Gatorade. Her wife (girlfriend?), passed out this week and the hospital doctors suspect multiple brain lesions. Not a fun report. Please get to fixing, sir.
One of the neat, but annoying things about living in the forest, dear, is the leaves and creatures that land in my water cup. Just heard a roar from the sky, like a male lion announcing his intent to defend the pride. All is undercover, two gum logs are wedged together.
I went back out and put another gum log on the other two, that may last. Saw a doe moving through the forest. She stopped to look at me before deciding I was not a threat. She slipped slowly until she disappeared into the brush. It is time for the does to drop their fawns. The does leave each other in the way of Whitetails and now travel solitary. I hope she does well.
I noticed that the campground sign map is a mirror of what it should be. The D campground is shown to the north instead of the south. The marked trails shown going in the wrong directions. Walked a little as the wind builds. Mosquitoes found me in every wind shelter. I am smorgasbord. I will go back in the tent now. Some of them are as fat as I am.
Good night, Father.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
May 10th Journal Entry
It is Tuesday and I have no idea where one day disappeared. My phone calendar claims Tuesday should be the 10th of May. Good morning Lord. The day promises to be filled with adventure. Dew on the ground and chocolate bar wrapping paper spread under and around the picnic table. here at site C-11 the blackbirds and ravens like chocolate. They pecked into my plastic bag and took out my one and only candy bar. They ate it without a thank you or a by your leave. They did not even clean up the wrappings.
I picked up and started my fire with the wrapping for fire starter. I cooked up a can of oatmeal. I suppose I need to walk to a store in Dublin later. The map shows it to be just shy of 4 miles. The hike will firm my thighs and help me to grow curvy and svelte.
I found a Geo-treasure capsule stashed in a tree that has three joining trucks next to this site. I added a cigarette lighter and a note about this journey. Walked to the visitors' center and then back here to do laundry in the shower. Step and stomp while shampooing my hair and I have a double use of the soap and water. My cable knit sweater is drying on the table, properly blocked at site C-12. I chose this site for its shade, rain and wind shelter. That one has sunshine and a breeze.
I could go down to the lake as there is a breeze and I could try sailing, but I would rather walk into town. No, I think I will wait until morning. Trees need to be stripped of squaw wood for fire tinder. There appears to be another storm coming.
I have been picking up mostly dry branches and breaking dry dead ones off of trees. I wandered over to campground A, no one is at B. A is closed but the hosts Don and Lynne Carpenter are in site A-1. They have been in retirement for two whole weeks.
They have four children and seven grandchildren, with another due in June. Lynne leave in the morning for the Carolinas to pick up two of her grandchildren. The youngsters are 8 and 4. Don worked for the Navy and is a military brat grown after being in eleven schools in twelve years.
As I flipped my drying sweater over on the C-1 table some of the conservation workers came to cut down a dead and leaning tree a short distance away. I asked if I could pick up some of the dead branches after the tree fell. In a short while they brought over some logs cut to firewood size. We talked about the troubles in Africa.
I pointed out that the people there were like our pioneers with automatic weapons, and that we were not civilized enough ourselves to criticize their actions. I said that only a hundred years ago here bride price in the form of a dowry was common. Henry, my son-in-law's, grandfather offered me hundreds of goats when Henry proposed to Heather. We should be patient and not upset and angry when we don't see life the same way. it is not our place to judge others by our standards.
I have enough oatmeal for today and the morning, so I will have to walk to a store in the morning after the rain. Most of the clothes I washed have dried, so it is time to fold them. Maybe when I get back from Dublin, I can go sailing. But right now, I will get the kindling, wood and my books under cover. The sky is rumbling as if it had eaten a plateful of garlic sauce. I will go over to the shower house for a jug of fresh water and call it a day. Thank you, Daddy.
I picked up and started my fire with the wrapping for fire starter. I cooked up a can of oatmeal. I suppose I need to walk to a store in Dublin later. The map shows it to be just shy of 4 miles. The hike will firm my thighs and help me to grow curvy and svelte.
I found a Geo-treasure capsule stashed in a tree that has three joining trucks next to this site. I added a cigarette lighter and a note about this journey. Walked to the visitors' center and then back here to do laundry in the shower. Step and stomp while shampooing my hair and I have a double use of the soap and water. My cable knit sweater is drying on the table, properly blocked at site C-12. I chose this site for its shade, rain and wind shelter. That one has sunshine and a breeze.
I could go down to the lake as there is a breeze and I could try sailing, but I would rather walk into town. No, I think I will wait until morning. Trees need to be stripped of squaw wood for fire tinder. There appears to be another storm coming.
I have been picking up mostly dry branches and breaking dry dead ones off of trees. I wandered over to campground A, no one is at B. A is closed but the hosts Don and Lynne Carpenter are in site A-1. They have been in retirement for two whole weeks.
They have four children and seven grandchildren, with another due in June. Lynne leave in the morning for the Carolinas to pick up two of her grandchildren. The youngsters are 8 and 4. Don worked for the Navy and is a military brat grown after being in eleven schools in twelve years.
As I flipped my drying sweater over on the C-1 table some of the conservation workers came to cut down a dead and leaning tree a short distance away. I asked if I could pick up some of the dead branches after the tree fell. In a short while they brought over some logs cut to firewood size. We talked about the troubles in Africa.
I pointed out that the people there were like our pioneers with automatic weapons, and that we were not civilized enough ourselves to criticize their actions. I said that only a hundred years ago here bride price in the form of a dowry was common. Henry, my son-in-law's, grandfather offered me hundreds of goats when Henry proposed to Heather. We should be patient and not upset and angry when we don't see life the same way. it is not our place to judge others by our standards.
I have enough oatmeal for today and the morning, so I will have to walk to a store in the morning after the rain. Most of the clothes I washed have dried, so it is time to fold them. Maybe when I get back from Dublin, I can go sailing. But right now, I will get the kindling, wood and my books under cover. The sky is rumbling as if it had eaten a plateful of garlic sauce. I will go over to the shower house for a jug of fresh water and call it a day. Thank you, Daddy.
May 6th Journal Entry
I packed up my tent and gear, laying damp clothing on top of the stowed cargo. Then I ate two apples for breakfast and started. Just after untying i spoke with a gentleman who has been fishing this river since the sixties. That's fifty years on the same waters. He told me which tiny fish, bream, could be caught and then used for bait to catch the bigger catfish. He would be taking his fishing boat downstream to the Lowman Ferry Road bridge. He was going to fish in the shallow water next to the deep channels for blue catfish.
We wished each other your blessings and then I crossed the river on a bend to stay in the main currents. The river is slowing as it nears the body of the lake. I found a 25 foot long bamboo floating near the shore where a small creek entered the river. I paddled and cut away at the tiny branches until I had a long green pole. Maybe it can be a fishing pole?
Made good time until the wind began to blow in my face. I crossed under the Hiwassee railroad trestle, which is part of the New River Trail State Park. This is where the trail leaves the river and heads toward Pulaski.
By the time I could see the Lowman Ferry bridge, both white and rust dark, in the distance my arms were sore and my right shoulder ached. I slowed down and drifted by the largest house I had seen on the river. So much glass looked out across the water, I bet it is dazzling in the morning light. The man mowing the huge yard said a large thunder storm was coming. I double stroked with the kayak paddle until I came to the boat landing at the Shop-Ez store where State Road 672 crosses the New River. I tied up and went in to ask where I could camp.
I bought a hamburger and went to the back of the store where a dining area looks out over the river. Lo and behold, there was Jim, the eighty year old gentleman who had given me a much needed ride on Thursday. He and his friend, a Mr. Williams, who had grown up with him, were working out a scramble puzzle. Jim was trying to convince Mr. Williams that the answer was a pun using furlong instead of "for long."
I went back to the cash register to ask permission to camp there as Jim said there was no other place for more than two miles ahead. The young clerk, an eagle scout, gave me permission and so i set up camp just as it was darkening to night.
Jim came out of the store and sat in his pickup, talking a while before going to see his girlfriend. Every once in a while he would load the sling shot he had made from a maple branch with a sinker and try to shot a blackbird. He never came close to hitting it, not even close enough to frighten it.
I went up to the store at 9:30 to use the ladies' room and at 10pm the skies cracked open like they were draining your bathtub. I wind blew rain under the vent and it leaked right above this notebook lying on the floor. That's why the pages have curled over. Put on my Coaltown Dixie shirt and went to sleep.
We wished each other your blessings and then I crossed the river on a bend to stay in the main currents. The river is slowing as it nears the body of the lake. I found a 25 foot long bamboo floating near the shore where a small creek entered the river. I paddled and cut away at the tiny branches until I had a long green pole. Maybe it can be a fishing pole?
Made good time until the wind began to blow in my face. I crossed under the Hiwassee railroad trestle, which is part of the New River Trail State Park. This is where the trail leaves the river and heads toward Pulaski.
By the time I could see the Lowman Ferry bridge, both white and rust dark, in the distance my arms were sore and my right shoulder ached. I slowed down and drifted by the largest house I had seen on the river. So much glass looked out across the water, I bet it is dazzling in the morning light. The man mowing the huge yard said a large thunder storm was coming. I double stroked with the kayak paddle until I came to the boat landing at the Shop-Ez store where State Road 672 crosses the New River. I tied up and went in to ask where I could camp.
I bought a hamburger and went to the back of the store where a dining area looks out over the river. Lo and behold, there was Jim, the eighty year old gentleman who had given me a much needed ride on Thursday. He and his friend, a Mr. Williams, who had grown up with him, were working out a scramble puzzle. Jim was trying to convince Mr. Williams that the answer was a pun using furlong instead of "for long."
I went back to the cash register to ask permission to camp there as Jim said there was no other place for more than two miles ahead. The young clerk, an eagle scout, gave me permission and so i set up camp just as it was darkening to night.
Jim came out of the store and sat in his pickup, talking a while before going to see his girlfriend. Every once in a while he would load the sling shot he had made from a maple branch with a sinker and try to shot a blackbird. He never came close to hitting it, not even close enough to frighten it.
I went up to the store at 9:30 to use the ladies' room and at 10pm the skies cracked open like they were draining your bathtub. I wind blew rain under the vent and it leaked right above this notebook lying on the floor. That's why the pages have curled over. Put on my Coaltown Dixie shirt and went to sleep.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Saturday morning back on land-waiting for bio report
Rainy Saturday morning, blustery, with a very Pacific rainforest feel. Not a good day for fiberglassing boat repairs. Humidity is way too high and the temperature will drop down too low for a good resin set.
Daddy, you seem to be engaging in delaying my journey. This and that flowed together well in the design and building process. Every slow down or stop leading to another project that needed doing. There was no real delay, just temporary adjornments. Now, even the cats seem intent on slowing things down. Ernie insists on being petted and held. My lap and this notebook have become a regular feline paradise. Could you maybe give me a heads up about what is coming next? Not a vision, because you know how those frighten me.
Had offers to use two cars today to go out and bring back the damaged boats. I thought I should get up early. I did and discovered that Tom Bombadillo's Goldberry had begun her Spring washing of the world. No money for gasoline, so it all works together to make me sit quietly petting. Best get back to doing it before Ernie gnaws my hand off.
Love, Dawn.
Daddy, you seem to be engaging in delaying my journey. This and that flowed together well in the design and building process. Every slow down or stop leading to another project that needed doing. There was no real delay, just temporary adjornments. Now, even the cats seem intent on slowing things down. Ernie insists on being petted and held. My lap and this notebook have become a regular feline paradise. Could you maybe give me a heads up about what is coming next? Not a vision, because you know how those frighten me.
Had offers to use two cars today to go out and bring back the damaged boats. I thought I should get up early. I did and discovered that Tom Bombadillo's Goldberry had begun her Spring washing of the world. No money for gasoline, so it all works together to make me sit quietly petting. Best get back to doing it before Ernie gnaws my hand off.
Love, Dawn.
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