BEM #2
Folks that leave their shopping carts in parking lots (usually in a parking slot) when the return corral is only a short distance away. BEMs !!!!
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Trip Day 3
Day 3 Needles, Ca - Arizona City, Az
Had a good night's sleep, interrupted at 3am by Quam's whining. Got up, took both dogs out and both had "business" to do. I don't mind the wake up. It's better than the consequences. A quick trip and back to bed. Up at the usual 6ish to take them for a walk. Then back to the house for breakfast. Then it was breakfast, for the humans and showers before packing up to hit the road. Hwy 95 south to Parker. Then south and east on a two lane to Vicksburg where we caught I - 10 to Buckeye, 85 south to Gila Bend, and I - 8 east back to 10 ( avoiding Phoenix for obvious reasons). We enjoyed viewing the Saguaros and chollas along the way.
Arizona City is a little burg just a few miles west of the merging of I -8 and I - 10. Reached our friends house about 4:30 and was parked and set -up by 5:15. It was good to be parked for a while. The trip is half over. :)
The truck and trailer got a bath today. Boy ! They really needed it! The spray and dirt and pumice gave the rig a patina that showed we had been "on the road", but it was time to remove it. I was looking at clean vehicles going passed us on the highway and cringing. They look better and I feel better as well. I must admit to feeling a bit guilty about using water, though.
Had a good night's sleep, interrupted at 3am by Quam's whining. Got up, took both dogs out and both had "business" to do. I don't mind the wake up. It's better than the consequences. A quick trip and back to bed. Up at the usual 6ish to take them for a walk. Then back to the house for breakfast. Then it was breakfast, for the humans and showers before packing up to hit the road. Hwy 95 south to Parker. Then south and east on a two lane to Vicksburg where we caught I - 10 to Buckeye, 85 south to Gila Bend, and I - 8 east back to 10 ( avoiding Phoenix for obvious reasons). We enjoyed viewing the Saguaros and chollas along the way.
Arizona City is a little burg just a few miles west of the merging of I -8 and I - 10. Reached our friends house about 4:30 and was parked and set -up by 5:15. It was good to be parked for a while. The trip is half over. :)
The truck and trailer got a bath today. Boy ! They really needed it! The spray and dirt and pumice gave the rig a patina that showed we had been "on the road", but it was time to remove it. I was looking at clean vehicles going passed us on the highway and cringing. They look better and I feel better as well. I must admit to feeling a bit guilty about using water, though.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Traveling south Day 2
Woke up to 2 inches of snow. Hunter did not know what to make of the stuff. He wanted to run. Quam did not like the wetness under his feet. I thought it look beautiful. The snow covers all and makes everything clean and fresh.
Did not leave Ashland until the snow started to melt. We wanted to make sure that I-5 was open and the traffic was moving freely. Also we were up in the hills behind the college so I wanted to wait for the plow to come by and the snow to melt a little. Both events happened and we were off.
Fog, spray and traffic up and over but no problems. One hundred miles later we were out of the mountains, the clouds were thinning and the road was drying. It seemed to take forever to get through it, but we did. On the way down we were deciding whether to stop in Ashland or go over the top and down the mountain before the storm hit. I am glad that we stayed in Ashland. Even after a night's rest it seemed like a long ways to Anderson.
I-5 was better than I remember it from last time south. The condition of the road was better. I remember bump, debump, debump.
The rest of the trip, dry pavement, blue sky, and California. I-5 to Sacramento, then 99. Tried to f to find a rv park but ended up in the parking lot of a WalMart in Manteca. Time for bed.
Did not leave Ashland until the snow started to melt. We wanted to make sure that I-5 was open and the traffic was moving freely. Also we were up in the hills behind the college so I wanted to wait for the plow to come by and the snow to melt a little. Both events happened and we were off.
Fog, spray and traffic up and over but no problems. One hundred miles later we were out of the mountains, the clouds were thinning and the road was drying. It seemed to take forever to get through it, but we did. On the way down we were deciding whether to stop in Ashland or go over the top and down the mountain before the storm hit. I am glad that we stayed in Ashland. Even after a night's rest it seemed like a long ways to Anderson.
I-5 was better than I remember it from last time south. The condition of the road was better. I remember bump, debump, debump.
The rest of the trip, dry pavement, blue sky, and California. I-5 to Sacramento, then 99. Tried to f to find a rv park but ended up in the parking lot of a WalMart in Manteca. Time for bed.
Traveling South Day 1
Finally we got the last minute items loaded in the trailer. There seemed to be three times as many as I figured so most of them got piled on the bed. We fueled up at the Space Age for 1.99/gal and hit the road. It was cloudy but not raining. It was about 10 o'clock.
Lots of people on the road. Sunday after a four day Christmas holiday. People coming back from relatives in ......
About Albany the weather changed and rain greeted us. The rain was thick, with some fog, and road spray, and traffic. It was not fun. Of course the BEMs were out there as well. Zooming down the road with not a care in the world.
Rain through Eugene. Passed the turn off for Hwy 58 which is our usual route. Too much snow in the passes so we have opted to go down I-5. More rain, more fog. more road spray.
By the time we got to Roseburg we were out of the rain and the road was drying. No rain for the rest of the day. On to Ashland. Spent the night with our good friends in Ashland. Ah, good friends.
That evening, as I was walking the boys, I noticed little flakes coming down. Snow ! They got more numerous. It might be an interesting trip over the Siskiyous tomorrow.
Lots of people on the road. Sunday after a four day Christmas holiday. People coming back from relatives in ......
About Albany the weather changed and rain greeted us. The rain was thick, with some fog, and road spray, and traffic. It was not fun. Of course the BEMs were out there as well. Zooming down the road with not a care in the world.
Rain through Eugene. Passed the turn off for Hwy 58 which is our usual route. Too much snow in the passes so we have opted to go down I-5. More rain, more fog. more road spray.
By the time we got to Roseburg we were out of the rain and the road was drying. No rain for the rest of the day. On to Ashland. Spent the night with our good friends in Ashland. Ah, good friends.
That evening, as I was walking the boys, I noticed little flakes coming down. Snow ! They got more numerous. It might be an interesting trip over the Siskiyous tomorrow.
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Packing Day
Yipes !! It is time to pack the truck and trailer for our trip to Texas. There are a million things going through my mind right now. " Don't forget this. Be sure to load that."
I'm sure that R is doing the same thing right now. It was great to see the sunrise this morning as I walked the boys. It was frosty and cool, but I enjoyed it much more than a walk in wind and rain like I have been doing for most of December. The dogs enjoy it more as well. Especially, Quam. He does not like to be out in the rain. He is always ready to turn around and head for home while out in the rain. (Wimp)
With the trip in mind, I am keeping my eye on ODOT (Oregin Dept of Transportation) Tripcheck. I can get road reports and see cameras placed at various areas on Oregon highways. Right now things do not look good for going over the Cascades on Hwy 97. I-5 seems to be looming as the more passable route. :(
Wish us luck.
I'm sure that R is doing the same thing right now. It was great to see the sunrise this morning as I walked the boys. It was frosty and cool, but I enjoyed it much more than a walk in wind and rain like I have been doing for most of December. The dogs enjoy it more as well. Especially, Quam. He does not like to be out in the rain. He is always ready to turn around and head for home while out in the rain. (Wimp)
With the trip in mind, I am keeping my eye on ODOT (Oregin Dept of Transportation) Tripcheck. I can get road reports and see cameras placed at various areas on Oregon highways. Right now things do not look good for going over the Cascades on Hwy 97. I-5 seems to be looming as the more passable route. :(
Wish us luck.
Christmas 2015
We spent the day with our older son and his family. With a long break for dinner, it took us all day to open gifts. It is not because we were slow, but because we open gifts one at a time. A round of gifts is passed out and then everyone takes turns opening their gift. That way each gift is seen and talked about and appreciated. Not the fastest way to open gifts, but maybe the best.
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Star Wars VII
The Force is alive and well! We went to VII tonight and it was great. There was nostalgia. old friends/heroes, new heroes, explosions, lots of explosions, and some unanswered questions. Did the bad guy get away? Who is Rae?
Star Wars VII. I highly recommend it.
Star Wars VII. I highly recommend it.
Peacock Lane
Last Tuesday night our night our with our granddaughter (E) was, as usual, delightful. The high point was a walk down Peacock Lane, a two block street in NE Portland. When you buy a house on that street you are agreeing to decorating your home for the Christmas season and are willing to put up with lots of drivers and walkers in your neighborhood during this time. The week-end before Christmas is so busy that the street is blocked off for three nights to allow folks to walk in the street as they take in the sights. These photos give you an idea of the place. A good thing !
Friday, December 18, 2015
BEMs
Monday was another extremely rainy day. At 11pm last night the evening news reported 2.5 inches in the 23 hours of the day. It was an awful day. Rain, rain, rain. Walking the boys meant testing the strength of my Gortex parka. It kept me dry.
Driving in this inclement weather is challenging. The road spray, the poor visibility, the darkness, the reduced traction. And yet there are those folks who haven't turned on their lights on their vehicles. They are BEMs, a term coined by an old friend of mine. TUs are "Totally Unaware" folks who have their minds elsewhere. BEMs, however, are Buger Eating Morons who will never have a clue. BEMs do not have the smarts to turn in their vehicle lights in these lousy conditions, even if you flash your lights at them.
Driving in this inclement weather is challenging. The road spray, the poor visibility, the darkness, the reduced traction. And yet there are those folks who haven't turned on their lights on their vehicles. They are BEMs, a term coined by an old friend of mine. TUs are "Totally Unaware" folks who have their minds elsewhere. BEMs, however, are Buger Eating Morons who will never have a clue. BEMs do not have the smarts to turn in their vehicle lights in these lousy conditions, even if you flash your lights at them.
Monday, December 14, 2015
Rain, rain, rain.....
If you like rain, December in Oregon is for you. We have seen the sun for maybe 15 minutes this month. Looking at various rain gauges around Portland, the rainfall is about 10-11 inches of precipitation so far this month and it is raining lightly as I write this. I have read that the native Chinook people had 22 words for rain in their vocabulary. I know why.
I must admit that the water is needed. We have been in a four year drought. We need rain and lots of it. More importantly we need snow in the mountains. A good heavy snow pack means filled reservoirs and flowing streams and rivers in the spring and into the summer.
It does mean dark gray gloomy days and, because it is winter, long dark gloomy nights.
The stormy/ rainy / snowy weather does create a interesting situation as R and I plan for our trip heading south. The plan is to head out on the 26th. Depending on what the weather is doing and whether it is snowing in the mountains, we will pick our escape route. The preferred route is !-5 to Eugene, Hwy 58 over Willamette Pass, and Hwy 97 through K Falls and into Calif. Alturus, south on 395 to Reno, then Vegas, Phoenix, and then I-10 into Texas. The crux part of the trip is getting over the Cascades. I-5 into Calif. is an alternative, but is longer and much slower due to the traffic and the amount of grades to climb and descend. Going my route entails just one grade, and less traffic. I-5, being I-5, gets more attention and the heavy traffic keeps it open longer than 58. I try not to fret about it because I have absolutely no control. If we have to delay our departure a day or more, so be it.
I must admit that the water is needed. We have been in a four year drought. We need rain and lots of it. More importantly we need snow in the mountains. A good heavy snow pack means filled reservoirs and flowing streams and rivers in the spring and into the summer.
It does mean dark gray gloomy days and, because it is winter, long dark gloomy nights.
The stormy/ rainy / snowy weather does create a interesting situation as R and I plan for our trip heading south. The plan is to head out on the 26th. Depending on what the weather is doing and whether it is snowing in the mountains, we will pick our escape route. The preferred route is !-5 to Eugene, Hwy 58 over Willamette Pass, and Hwy 97 through K Falls and into Calif. Alturus, south on 395 to Reno, then Vegas, Phoenix, and then I-10 into Texas. The crux part of the trip is getting over the Cascades. I-5 into Calif. is an alternative, but is longer and much slower due to the traffic and the amount of grades to climb and descend. Going my route entails just one grade, and less traffic. I-5, being I-5, gets more attention and the heavy traffic keeps it open longer than 58. I try not to fret about it because I have absolutely no control. If we have to delay our departure a day or more, so be it.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Saturday evening
Last Saturday evening we visited a "dive" bar called Biddy McGraw's. Not much of a place, but the Green Tambourine band was playing there from 6-8. They play 70s and 80s rock and roll. Lots of good music and great fun! Check out their webpage and stop by during their next gig.
Visiting the Dentist
I love going to the dentist. Well, that is a lie. No one loves the dentist. Besides, having your mouth explored and probed, you get your wallet explored and emptied as well. I can't believe how expensive a visit to one can be. I had my teeth cleaned and x-rays taken and with a "$120 new patient" coupon, it was still $202.0 ! R visited the day before and because she had a cavity filled, her bill ( with similar coupon and 10% senior discount) was $400. No wonder we went to Algodones for our past dental work. We will have to visit Mexico again.
Friday, December 4, 2015
Doing something he does well
Hunter naps with his eyes open. The big comfortable bed came from Costco. He loves it. The blanket came from Goodwill. He likes it too.
Band
Last night was the annual Holiday Concert for Sellwood Middle School. The Band director is fabulous, so much for that there are 210 students taking band at the school. The four school bands performed several songs each for a jam-packed gym full of parents and grandparents. The crowd put up with hard seats and warm temperatures to see and hear the results of these young peoples' work. It was a very good thing.Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Walking the Dogs
Walking the "Boys" takes more work than walking the two Doxies. It requires more coordination to keep the leashes from being stepped on or wrapped around our big dog's legs. Hunter does not know how to step over a tight leash strap so he just stops. So I need to unwrap him so we can continue. I am learning to do a better job of keeping the boys under better control.
Having two sizes means that the short dog needs to be aware of where and when the big dog is stopping to pee. Quammie was not too excited about getting his head sprayed. The dog walker has to pay attention.
Also size matters for other things, especially when cleaning up dog waste. Hunter gets 6 times more food than Quam so...... Bigger bags. :)
Having two sizes means that the short dog needs to be aware of where and when the big dog is stopping to pee. Quammie was not too excited about getting his head sprayed. The dog walker has to pay attention.
Also size matters for other things, especially when cleaning up dog waste. Hunter gets 6 times more food than Quam so...... Bigger bags. :)
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
More Coastal pics
The Oregon Coast can overwhelm your camera memory. This is the Cape Meares Lighthouse. It is open for tours during the summer. Stop by some time.
Views like this will be your reward.
Greyhounds Puppies
The day we adopted Hunter we went out to a farm out Redlands Road to the East of Oregon City to see him and another dog to see how they would accept Quammie. Either dog was fine with Q but we picked H because we liked him and he was ready to be adopted and the other dog still needed to be spayed so would not be ready for another month. While we were there we had the opportunity to see a couple of 3 month old Greyhound pups. They were interested in smelling Quammie. The pups had tons and tons of energy !!
Greyhound Pet Adoptions NW gets the dogs from two locations. One is right off the track in Tucson and the other is from a breeder in Kansas. Obviously, each site is many miles away and requires a marathon drive to get them. A three person team drive non-stop back and forth pulling a special trailer that is similar to a livestock trailer but smaller and better insulated. The team takes turns driving, navigating and sleeping to get the job done and when the trip is completed 20+ Greyhounds have a new outlook on life.
Monday, November 23, 2015
Lincoln City
Last week-end we went with a group of friends to the Oregon Coast. The weather cooperated and provided us with a wonderful storm. The waves were gigantic. The wind blew, pelting the house ans shaking the windows. We only stayed for two nights so it was short and sweet. You can't get into your place until afternoon and have to be out by 11 so it does not give you much time in a week-end to relax, but we did our very best. 
I am not a big fan of Lincoln City. To me it is over commercialized. Too many people, Too many restaurants, gas stations, curio shops, I am more a fan of the coast of southern Oregon, especially Bandon, and Coos Bay. However finding a house to accommodate 9 people is a bit of a challenge. This house met our needs very well. It sat up on high ground several levels above other houses so the view of the ocean was great. The walk to the beach was a bit of a discovery trip but worth the effort, of course. Walking on the beach was limited by the tide and the storm surge which pushed the waves up to the beach wall.Hunter
I am late in showing our new family member. His name is Hunter. He is our second Greyhound; our first one was our sweet girl Winnie. This guy is also shy, even more so than Winnie. Skiddish is more accurate of a description. Being a racing greyhound, he has not been exposed to the sights and sounds of a "normal" dog. So many things are new to him. Put that with his personality and it is going to be a challenge to help him adapt to everyday life. But he is coming around. I can step over him lying in the hallway with out him bolting out of the way. That is big. He still is reluctant to approach other people, especially men. If they are sitting down, it is easier. If they approach sort of sideways, with their hand out side ways, it will be better. He also seems more relaxed if the leash is on him, of one of us is holding his collar. It is a soothing thing.He is a sweet dog and is already a Good Thing !
Oregon Food Bank
A couple of Thursdays ago. R and I helped out at the Oregon Food Bank. It provides food for folks that need some food assistance. Our financial planner through Ameriprise, offers an annual time for his employees and customer to help out at this facility. We register with him, shoe up on our assigned date, don our Ameriprise t-shirts and plastic gloves and aprons and hair nets and go into the food processing room. Last year we bagged up frozen beans. This year it was frozen corn. You can see them in the large pallet-sized containers in the back of the warehouse. The smaller tubs at the end of the stainless tables are filled and then plastic bags are filled, sealed and boxed. The boxes are stacked on pallets and rolled back into the walk-in freezers. The group worked rapidly for about 2 hours and the chart shows how much food we processed. It made you feel good to see the numbers. I would recommend it work to everyone. It is important to give back when you can. If you click on the photo you can read the numbers 11,720 lbs of food processed. 9700 meals, 132 meals per volunteer. Definitely a Good Thing.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Red Tail Hawk
This guy was having lunch in this nearby tree. I am not sure what he was eating but feathers were flying.
Photos from the Sodhouse Ranch
Fort Vancouver part2
Went back to Fort Vancouver today. Had training on the operation of the soon-to-open newly remodeled visitor center. The official date is November 14. It looks pretty good but quite a bit to be done to get ready. The remodel was extensive but certainly budgetary restrictions were evident. New electrical, new roof, new heating, a new front canopy, plus some fancy electronics. But the original footprint was retained and the windows were not replaced. Overall though, a great remodel.
We, along with other volunteers were shown the working of the new equipment. Operating them when it is our turn will be the challenge, especially when it may be a year until we volunteer there again.
Wednesday R and I are driving to Biggs Junction to meet another volunteer and pick up a Doxie that needs transport to Portland from eastern Oregon. I am trying to help ODR (Oregon Dachshund Rescue ) When ever I can. I believe that rescue is the right way to treat and adopt animals whether they are dogs, cats, ferrets, dinosaurs, extinct or not.
Stopped at Petco in Beaverton on Saturday. Greyhounds NW had a "Meet a Retired Greyhound" event so we stopped by to pet a few. We are thinking of another. They are magnificent creatures.
We, along with other volunteers were shown the working of the new equipment. Operating them when it is our turn will be the challenge, especially when it may be a year until we volunteer there again.
Wednesday R and I are driving to Biggs Junction to meet another volunteer and pick up a Doxie that needs transport to Portland from eastern Oregon. I am trying to help ODR (Oregon Dachshund Rescue ) When ever I can. I believe that rescue is the right way to treat and adopt animals whether they are dogs, cats, ferrets, dinosaurs, extinct or not.
Stopped at Petco in Beaverton on Saturday. Greyhounds NW had a "Meet a Retired Greyhound" event so we stopped by to pet a few. We are thinking of another. They are magnificent creatures.
Plumber - Tuesday Nov 11,2015
The plumber is here. I dug around the valve that turns off the water between the street and the house. There was a large root that has grown around it. Once I close to the root and moved it, I heard water running. Not a good sound. Soon water filled up the hole and started running down the yard toward the street. I looked up plumbers but because it was close to 4 pm none were available. Even the 24/7 rooter company told me that it would be two days. So I turned the water off at the street and called Canby Plumbing and left a message and called our friends and asked if we could be overnight guests.
Canby Plumbing called at 7:45 this morning and were here at 8. They are digging away right now. According to the plumber.
In the words of the plumber, "Roots are the Root of All Evil".
Canby Plumbing called at 7:45 this morning and were here at 8. They are digging away right now. According to the plumber.
In the words of the plumber, "Roots are the Root of All Evil".
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Fort Vancouver Visit
Visited Fort Vancouver yesterday. It was fun going back. The new visitor center will reopen to the public on Nov 14th after being closed for over a year. R and I are going on Nov 2nd for volunteer training for future volunteering at the center.
It was fun going back and renewing our memories of the place. We will go back as VIPs (Volunteers In the Park) in the future, which means having the rig parked on site and working there for several months.
We were saddened to read the email that stated that during winter months all the buildings in the park will be closed Sunday and Mondays. Darn budget cuts! It seems that the lots of good things are cut and some of the stupid programs continue. If I ran the country......................
It was fun going back and renewing our memories of the place. We will go back as VIPs (Volunteers In the Park) in the future, which means having the rig parked on site and working there for several months.
We were saddened to read the email that stated that during winter months all the buildings in the park will be closed Sunday and Mondays. Darn budget cuts! It seems that the lots of good things are cut and some of the stupid programs continue. If I ran the country......................
Home work
We have been home for several days. We are sleeping in the trailer yet as we have had visitors since we arrived. Relatives and friends staying so life is not "normal", but that is not necessarily a bad thing. However, it will be good to slow down a bit next week. It has taken some adjustment to get used to the dampness of western Oregon. We have been in low humidity since May.
There are also the tasks that need to be done around the homestead. The stove needs replacement; a couple of the burners do not respond as they should. The weeds in the yard and flowerbeds are begging to be removed. There are three Arborvitae along the trailer parking area that need to be cut down. When I back the trailer into its spot the rear end bumps into the trees in its swing. With them gone it will be a lot easier to park. The charging system on the trailer needs to be checked and two deep-cycle Marine batteries purchased. ( Remember the Big Stink?) There are more jobs, I just haven't found them yet.
There are also the tasks that need to be done around the homestead. The stove needs replacement; a couple of the burners do not respond as they should. The weeds in the yard and flowerbeds are begging to be removed. There are three Arborvitae along the trailer parking area that need to be cut down. When I back the trailer into its spot the rear end bumps into the trees in its swing. With them gone it will be a lot easier to park. The charging system on the trailer needs to be checked and two deep-cycle Marine batteries purchased. ( Remember the Big Stink?) There are more jobs, I just haven't found them yet.
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Home
We are back in Canby. Arrived about 6:30 last night. I had planned to be home before dark, but did not get out of Burns before 12:30. Final packing took longer. We had to stop at Schwabs to have a trailer tire looked at. It was wearing on the inside of the tread. Turned out to be a separation. Got a new one. Then it was lunch and fueling and finally, on the road.
Happily it was an uneventful journey. It is good to be home for a while.
Happily it was an uneventful journey. It is good to be home for a while.
Windows 10
I just spent an hour and a half on line and on the phone with a Microsoft representative in the Phillipines trying to get my Office ( Word, Excel) to run properly. The actual repairs took a few minutes. A long time was spent trying to find my account in the Microsoft system. I have no idea where they came up with the email address that they had on record, but we finally found it. (I have written it down since then.)
My Word now works again. Now I have to call another number to iron out the fact that photos will not load since I have loaded Windows 10. I will do that another day.
My Word now works again. Now I have to call another number to iron out the fact that photos will not load since I have loaded Windows 10. I will do that another day.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Playboy
Playboy magazine has been around since 1953. I knew of the magazine as a teenager, but as many guys said, "I read it for the articles." or " I enjoy the cartoons." Yeah, right !
Playboy announced today the it was no longer showing nudity. The Internet with all that is out there for all to see, has made that passé. As one radio announcer said today, " Playboy is as outdated as the blacksmith or the Beta Max .
Well, I know a couple of blacksmiths that may take offense with that statement.
Playboy announced today the it was no longer showing nudity. The Internet with all that is out there for all to see, has made that passé. As one radio announcer said today, " Playboy is as outdated as the blacksmith or the Beta Max .
Well, I know a couple of blacksmiths that may take offense with that statement.
Further prep
In Burns today. Had the oil changed at Les Schwab. $73 for a 7.3 diesel is very reasonable. The same or better than Jiffy Lube and they don't try to upsell you. I will stop there on our way out of town on Friday to have one of the trailer tires looked at as it is wearing on the inside.
Yesterday we cleaned the inside of the truck. It needed it. The gravel roads are super dusty right now. The truck needs a wash job badly, but it is a waste of time to do it if you have any gravel to drive on and out at Malheur we do. Showers are in the forecast for Canby on Friday and Saturday so that may be the answer to the dusty truck.
I did get a glob of grease from the maintenance shop this morning and lubed the pivots on the fifth wheel hitch. I also put the plywood platform on the rear seat of the truck back in so that Quammie has a flat area to nap and look out the window as we travel.
R has a hair appointment so I am using the WIFI at the Burns Public Library. We will turn in our temporary library card today. For a $20 deposit they will make you a temporary card that grants you the privileges of a local. When you return the card, you get your deposit back. We refuse the refund.
Yesterday we cleaned the inside of the truck. It needed it. The gravel roads are super dusty right now. The truck needs a wash job badly, but it is a waste of time to do it if you have any gravel to drive on and out at Malheur we do. Showers are in the forecast for Canby on Friday and Saturday so that may be the answer to the dusty truck.
I did get a glob of grease from the maintenance shop this morning and lubed the pivots on the fifth wheel hitch. I also put the plywood platform on the rear seat of the truck back in so that Quammie has a flat area to nap and look out the window as we travel.
R has a hair appointment so I am using the WIFI at the Burns Public Library. We will turn in our temporary library card today. For a $20 deposit they will make you a temporary card that grants you the privileges of a local. When you return the card, you get your deposit back. We refuse the refund.
The Stink
The Stink was around for several days. The smell was there when you entered the trailer. The smell was outside the trailer. But I could not figure out the source.
Maybe it was the propane tank. I opened the door and smelled the tanks and connections. Nope.
Maybe it was the sewer. I disconnected the sewer hose where it connected to the ground and smelled. Nope.
Maybe it was a dead critter in the storage area underneath the trailer. So I pulled out every tote and box and looked through the contents. Nope.
As I worked my way around to the front storage area the smell got stronger. I uncovered the batteries. As I removed the front cover I heard a small sizzling sound. When I pried up the cover for the battery cells, it was like I uncapped a soda top. The sizzling sound lowered and a wisp of smoke actually came out of one of the cells. I peaked into that cell and saw no water in it. I poured some distilled water into it, but the sizzling continued. The body of the battery was actually quite warm, almost hot.
Both batteries were hooked up in series so I disconnected that battery from the system, took both wires off it and hooked the system up to the rear battery only. It took quite a while for the front battery to cool down. I am not sure what would have happened if I had not discovered the cause of The Stink.
Two new RV batteries are on my shopping list.
Maybe it was the propane tank. I opened the door and smelled the tanks and connections. Nope.
Maybe it was the sewer. I disconnected the sewer hose where it connected to the ground and smelled. Nope.
Maybe it was a dead critter in the storage area underneath the trailer. So I pulled out every tote and box and looked through the contents. Nope.
As I worked my way around to the front storage area the smell got stronger. I uncovered the batteries. As I removed the front cover I heard a small sizzling sound. When I pried up the cover for the battery cells, it was like I uncapped a soda top. The sizzling sound lowered and a wisp of smoke actually came out of one of the cells. I peaked into that cell and saw no water in it. I poured some distilled water into it, but the sizzling continued. The body of the battery was actually quite warm, almost hot.
Both batteries were hooked up in series so I disconnected that battery from the system, took both wires off it and hooked the system up to the rear battery only. It took quite a while for the front battery to cool down. I am not sure what would have happened if I had not discovered the cause of The Stink.
Two new RV batteries are on my shopping list.
Monday, October 12, 2015
Reading
We are beginning the planning for our next gig. The Burns library had two books on LBJ that R read and I skimmed. Time to start taking in information on the Johnsons. We will learn about the ranch when we get there, but we can start learning about the people. Knowing nothing about LBJ, knowing nothing about Texas, meeting new friends, exploring a new region. It is going to be fun.
Last Week
Our last week at Malheur. Wed and Thurs we will be packing the tubs with the antiques (props) from the Bunkhouse and the Homestead house. Also stowed will be the materials that have been displayed in the office. R has taken photos of the displays and will be putting them into a booklet to help future volunteers set up the buildings in the future.
The weather this week has been fabulous. Sunny and warm days (mid 70s) cool nights ( high 30s to low 40s. Saturday, however gave us another windy day. I was out in the southeast edge of the ranch pasture shoring up the fencing, when the wind began. Usually, the wind comes up gradually. Not Saturday. At 10 O'clock the strong wind began, whoosh and it continued and even increased as the day went on. Clear blue sky and yet the wind was howling.
The it is time to close the site. The visitor count is low. Zero for several days. Two for a couple more. It is a waste of our time to spend eight hours out there for one or two couples. I do little maintenance jobs, R cleans the sites, but mostly we sit in the car or on the front porch waiting for cars to drive down our lane. Time passes too slowly.
The weather this week has been fabulous. Sunny and warm days (mid 70s) cool nights ( high 30s to low 40s. Saturday, however gave us another windy day. I was out in the southeast edge of the ranch pasture shoring up the fencing, when the wind began. Usually, the wind comes up gradually. Not Saturday. At 10 O'clock the strong wind began, whoosh and it continued and even increased as the day went on. Clear blue sky and yet the wind was howling.
The it is time to close the site. The visitor count is low. Zero for several days. Two for a couple more. It is a waste of our time to spend eight hours out there for one or two couples. I do little maintenance jobs, R cleans the sites, but mostly we sit in the car or on the front porch waiting for cars to drive down our lane. Time passes too slowly.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Why Did
Why did the rabbit cross the road?
To give the night driver some practice in avoidance.
I was successful 2 out 3 times last night. Two cottontails were lucky. One was not.
I got my night driving practice last evening on the way home from Frenchglen. The five of us volunteers went "out to dinner" at the Frenchglen Hotel as our goodbye meal. Frenchglen is 60 miles south of Burns, Or. Game hen, rice pilaf, salad, vegetable dish, rolls, and marion berry crisp for dessert. Yumm!!!
To give the night driver some practice in avoidance.
I was successful 2 out 3 times last night. Two cottontails were lucky. One was not.
I got my night driving practice last evening on the way home from Frenchglen. The five of us volunteers went "out to dinner" at the Frenchglen Hotel as our goodbye meal. Frenchglen is 60 miles south of Burns, Or. Game hen, rice pilaf, salad, vegetable dish, rolls, and marion berry crisp for dessert. Yumm!!!
Monday, October 5, 2015
Volunteering in 2016
A couple of weeks ago our volunteer plans changed radically. When we checked out of ORPI last year the new volunteer coordinator asked us if we were coming back next year. We said yes. ( we have volunteered there 4 years.) With the reopening of the back country, the park has new excitement and fun. Then, in May, we received an email from ORPI saying that the volunteer stay would now be 4 months and were we ok with that. I responded saying OK ( we had done that in previous years). So about three weeks ago I sent an email to the guy at ORPI to see of everything was going along, what new info was out there, etc. He responded that all the volunteer positions had been filled. Evidently he had not gotten my response and had not called to question it so had assumed that we were not interested. GRRRRRR.
Well after a day of grumbling and depression, I got on Volunteer.gov and did some further exploration. We thought about returning to Petrified Forest, but the volunteer facilities are not any better than when we were there. The steep mountain grade into Gila Cliff Dwellings made me hesitate in reapplying there. So I looked in new areas, namely Texas and Louisiana. I
filled out a couple of applications and emailed them in on Monday evening.
On Wed morning, while I was at the ranch, I received a call from the volunteer coordinator at LBJ National Historic Park in Johnson City, Texas. So from Jan thru April of 2016 we are going to be giving tours of the Texas Whitehouse and the boyhood home of LBJ in central Texas.
We will be an hour of Austin, a little over ne hour from San Antonio, 30 miles from Fredricksburg. A whole new area to explore! R has started to read about LBJ.
When one door closes on you , a new door opens.
Well after a day of grumbling and depression, I got on Volunteer.gov and did some further exploration. We thought about returning to Petrified Forest, but the volunteer facilities are not any better than when we were there. The steep mountain grade into Gila Cliff Dwellings made me hesitate in reapplying there. So I looked in new areas, namely Texas and Louisiana. I
filled out a couple of applications and emailed them in on Monday evening.
On Wed morning, while I was at the ranch, I received a call from the volunteer coordinator at LBJ National Historic Park in Johnson City, Texas. So from Jan thru April of 2016 we are going to be giving tours of the Texas Whitehouse and the boyhood home of LBJ in central Texas.
We will be an hour of Austin, a little over ne hour from San Antonio, 30 miles from Fredricksburg. A whole new area to explore! R has started to read about LBJ.
When one door closes on you , a new door opens.
Monday Oct 5
It is Monday morning and I am sitting at the ranch waiting for our first customer. Bob, the other volunteer had flight problems coming back from Missouri so we are filling in today.
Another beautiful fall day here in eastern Oregon. The days have been in the 70s and the nights in the 40s. The transition from summer to fall was, to say the least, abrupt. The Saturday we went to the fair was 92. A week later a couple of days had a highs of 65. This country is not for the wimps.
We start out the morning wearing many layers of clothing and end the day in shirtsleeves.
The ranch is open until the 15th. ten more days. Both of us are ready to leave. We are ready to be home for a while. Ready to see family and friends. Ready to go to Costco to shop and have a hotdog. Ready to pull the Prius out of the garage. Weather permitting, we will be home on the 16th.
Another beautiful fall day here in eastern Oregon. The days have been in the 70s and the nights in the 40s. The transition from summer to fall was, to say the least, abrupt. The Saturday we went to the fair was 92. A week later a couple of days had a highs of 65. This country is not for the wimps.
We start out the morning wearing many layers of clothing and end the day in shirtsleeves.
The ranch is open until the 15th. ten more days. Both of us are ready to leave. We are ready to be home for a while. Ready to see family and friends. Ready to go to Costco to shop and have a hotdog. Ready to pull the Prius out of the garage. Weather permitting, we will be home on the 16th.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Malheur Joke #2
Why did the snake cross the road?
Because the pheasant said it was OK.
The snakes have been out a lot in the last week. We did not see any during the hot days, but now that the weather has cooled down that seem to be more active.
Because the pheasant said it was OK.
The snakes have been out a lot in the last week. We did not see any during the hot days, but now that the weather has cooled down that seem to be more active.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Cranes
The Sand Hill Cranes are gathering up to start their migration to central California. Wednesday we saw about 500. Yesterday more then 300. It is exciting to see and hear them as they glide overhead.
Malheur Joke
Why does the Pheasant cross the road?
Because it sees a car approaching..
Every we see pheasants alongside the road as we drive to and from the ranch. Several times we have had to brake to keep from having a feathered hood ornament.
Because it sees a car approaching..
Every we see pheasants alongside the road as we drive to and from the ranch. Several times we have had to brake to keep from having a feathered hood ornament.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Summer ?
Friday 88 Yesterday 92. Today 93. Summer is still here. Cool nights make it ok but it is still warm sitting on the porch at the ranch waiting for visitors.
Today we are driving into town to go to the Harney County Fair. First, there is the parade through the main street. Then out to the fairgrounds. It will be no big deal but fun, in an old-fashioned rural kind of way.
As I sit here typing this I have heard at least a half dozen bursts of gunfire to the south. Hunting season must be in full swing. Run, deer, run.
Today we are driving into town to go to the Harney County Fair. First, there is the parade through the main street. Then out to the fairgrounds. It will be no big deal but fun, in an old-fashioned rural kind of way.
As I sit here typing this I have heard at least a half dozen bursts of gunfire to the south. Hunting season must be in full swing. Run, deer, run.
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Sky
One of the things I like about eastern Oregon are the great sky photos. This was taken on that same Friday.
Friday at the ranch
The next morning the Steens had a new white coat.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Cattle herding
The cattle drive; a figment of cowboy movies. Today they move cattle from field to field by the best route. The routes are the roads. Today the locals ranch moved more then a hundred on Sodhouse Lane in front of the ranch. It was fun to watch.
John Day Sept 1st
Tuesday we drove north on Hwy 395 to John Day. Sixty miles of mountains and valleys along a scenic two-lane blacktop. The first 40 miles are still that way, past Idlewild, through the little settlement of Seneca, up into the next set of mountains. Until we came to the fire area. The Canyon Creek Complex fire started with two lightning strikes on Aug 14 and it still burns. The fire whirled and swirled on either side of Hwy 395 for about 8 miles blowing sparks, jumping, and roaring around the mountainsides and valleys burning homes, and homesites along Hwy 395 which spits the valley from the base of the pass into Canyon City. I heard that the fire roared sown that valley lke a freight train, twisting and spinning and throwing out fire balls in all directions.
As we drove the route we were sickened by what we observed. We saw piles of ashes where homes had been. Rubble with just a chimney standing. We saw homes with blackened areas all around them and yet, untouched. We saw a few green areas and then large black areas. Whole hillsides had trees throughly burned. It was like a war zone and a residential area mixed together. I did not take photos of the homesites. I thought it would have been in poor taste.
On the way back south we noticed that the CC fire had flaired up again. It's almost totally burning in the Strawberry Wilderness area now. Lets hope the upcoming cool weather will fire fighters.
As we drove the route we were sickened by what we observed. We saw piles of ashes where homes had been. Rubble with just a chimney standing. We saw homes with blackened areas all around them and yet, untouched. We saw a few green areas and then large black areas. Whole hillsides had trees throughly burned. It was like a war zone and a residential area mixed together. I did not take photos of the homesites. I thought it would have been in poor taste.
On the way back south we noticed that the CC fire had flaired up again. It's almost totally burning in the Strawberry Wilderness area now. Lets hope the upcoming cool weather will fire fighters.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
The Steens
Today we decided to drive up to Steens Mountain. The wind from yesterday had gone away.
We drove south on 205 through Frenchglen, climbed the hill behind it, and continued another 10 miles or so to the turn-off for the South Steens loop. Twenty miles east on that gravel road gets you to the turn off for the Riddle Ranch. We tried the road but it is not a trail that I want to take with my pickup. Turning around, we continued up the south side of the Steens loop. It is a spectacular way to climb the mountain. Steep and exciting.
We drove south on 205 through Frenchglen, climbed the hill behind it, and continued another 10 miles or so to the turn-off for the South Steens loop. Twenty miles east on that gravel road gets you to the turn off for the Riddle Ranch. We tried the road but it is not a trail that I want to take with my pickup. Turning around, we continued up the south side of the Steens loop. It is a spectacular way to climb the mountain. Steep and exciting.
 |
| This was taken from where we had lunch. Big Indian Canyon The top of Steens mountain is in the distance to the east. |
 |
| At the summit of Steens Mountain looking west down Big Indian Canyon toward our lunch spot. |
Frenchglen
 |
| The Frenchglen Mercantile - Lots of cool stuff |
 |
| The Frenchglen Hotel - B & B with good lunches. |
Friday, August 28, 2015
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Ranch Pics
Today was Wednesday. An optional work day for us, so I opened the gate at 8am but did not open the office until mid-morning.
If you look closely, you will see a Turkey Vulture sitting on the branch of the willow tree. The bunk house is on the right,
I spent several hours sitting on the front porch waiting for visitors that never came. I left at 2:30 and then returned at 4 to close the gate. I hope tomorrow is better. It seems kinda sad that we have spent all the time and effort to clean and decorate the buildings and only a few folks stop by. They are happy that they stop by, but I wonder if all this work is worth it.
If you look closely, you will see a Turkey Vulture sitting on the branch of the willow tree. The bunk house is on the right,
Canyon Creek Fire
Sunday, August 23, 2015
More Smoke
Another smoky day. The last two days have been with wind and thus, less smoke. Today is less windy so more smoke. The visibliltiy is limited, in fact, I bet less than a mile. The air quality is poor with all the smoke. Unfortunately, the prospects for cleaner air depends on rain and there is no relief in sight.Yesterday, Saturday gave us 9 visitors at the ranch, one birder and eight "regular" folks. It was also the "Free Fishing" day at the refuge, offering carp fishing without a licnese, prizes for the most fish, largest fish, etc., and a fish fry for guests. This being the Fish and Wildlife Service and rural Oregon, things were loosely organized, attendance was small. However, over a thousand lbs of Carp were removed from the Blitzen River.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Smoke
Sunday August 16, 2015.
This morning's sun trying to fight it's way up through the smoke cloud in the east.
This morning's sun trying to fight it's way up through the smoke cloud in the east.
Ranch Truck
This is the ranch truck. I don't know what year, but I would estimate late 80s or 90s. The rig has a 5 speed manual transmission which allows me to prove I can still drive a "stick". As per most of the vehicles around here the maintence and cleaning is done at extended intervals. With all the dirt and dust on the roads and in the air, it would be difficult to keep vehicles clean but I doubt that this truck has been swept out or vacuumed since we were here three years ago. Well, it is now.The pickup is used to provide transportation for us and our gear the 3 miles to and from the ranch site. The odometer reads 51,000 miles and I bet none of it was recorded outside a 50 mile radius of the refuge headquarters.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)