Howdy Sunshine! Hello America!
It's been a while since I wrote my last Odyssey Letter and for some of you it is the first time you are receiving such. I hope you'll find it intriguing and entertaining.
A few weeks back some of you received a postcard from Arizona which made mention "I thought my head was going to explode" now here is the rest of that story. ~ BEAR
It's been a while since I wrote my last Odyssey Letter and for some of you it is the first time you are receiving such. I hope you'll find it intriguing and entertaining.
A few weeks back some of you received a postcard from Arizona which made mention "I thought my head was going to explode" now here is the rest of that story. ~ BEAR
Camp: CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS, ARIZONA
250310 Monday / Winter
Day: 7,203; Vets 22: 1,518 / 158,466
250310 Monday / Winter
Day: 7,203; Vets 22: 1,518 / 158,466
ODYSSEY LETTER
A Long Weekend
A Long Weekend
Howdy Sunshine! Hello America!
It’s time again to grab yourself a cup of joe and saddle up to the campfire, and listen to another tale as told to the Whispering Wind. Get comfortable and stay awhile, and imagine, if you will, the playing of the Native American flute in the background as you read.
COATIMUNDI
Coming to you from Southeastern Arizona! These mountains are home to the elusive Coatimundi. What? You don’t know what a Coatimundi is? You’ll have to research it to find out what it looks like. According to the Chiricahua National Monument museum the only place north of the Mexican border one can see the Coatimundi is on this mountain. I have not seen it this year but I did witness three of them run through my camp last winter. I couldn’t tell if they were playing chase or if a predator was after them but nothing followed. That could be because the predator picked up on the presence of a human---me! They are beautiful creatures, though. Through these eyes they look like a combination of an Aardvark and a Red Fox. Has your interest been peaked? Take this moment to look it up on the Internet.
KEEP ON TRUCKIN’
When I had forwarded that last letter from Wilcox, Arizona, I was on my way north to Flagstaff, Arizona in the upper part of the Grand Canyon State. Did you know there are two Grand Canyons in the United States? Care to guess where the other is? I’ll give you a hint: It is east of the Mississippi River. Go ahead. Take this time to research it through the World Wide Web. Here is another hint: It’s located in the Keystone State? Are you scratching your head in confusion? (Smiling)
On the way north, a layover was made at the Red Mountain Overlook along US-191N, at Mile Marker 200. I am no stranger to this locale as I have camped there multiple times throughout the years. What attracts me to the area? The quiet due to the absence of people. Some years back I buried a treasure upon this location, kind of like a time capsule, which included bear claws. Someday I plan to return with a metal detector to relocate and unearth its contents. It has been so long ago that the memory knows it to be in one of two locations but not with absolute certainty. The metal detector will know with great clarity.
On the way north, a layover was made at the Red Mountain Overlook along US-191N, at Mile Marker 200. I am no stranger to this locale as I have camped there multiple times throughout the years. What attracts me to the area? The quiet due to the absence of people. Some years back I buried a treasure upon this location, kind of like a time capsule, which included bear claws. Someday I plan to return with a metal detector to relocate and unearth its contents. It has been so long ago that the memory knows it to be in one of two locations but not with absolute certainty. The metal detector will know with great clarity.
NICE KITTY
Something occurred while camped there that has never been experienced before---ANYWHERE---for me anyways. As the weather was turning and snow was settling in, coffee was being brewed in the outdoor kitchen. The White Mountains of Arizona, which is where this locale is, can be biting cold some days and this was one of those days. While taking in the scenery and enjoying the bounty of Mother Nature (all things that walk, crawl, hop, slither, swim, fly and are rooted) and Mother Earth (all things that encompass earth, wind, rain, and fire) a sound was heard that had only been heard before through telecommunications and radio. And if there were any doubt about what was heard the second callout made it clear that the imagination wasn’t playing games. It was the hiss of a large cat (Bobcat, Lynx, or Cougar). Given the sheer volume and intensity---also indicating proximity---I’m guessing it was a Mountain Lion (a.k.a. Cougar). It was without question I was in its scope of vision. It is also without question that the cat was not interested in a confrontation otherwise it would not have hissed---twice. In the event the inclement weather was playing havoc (interfering) with my senses, I stepped out of the kitchen and reached inside the cabin for the KA-BAR knife. If attacked, I might not be able to ward off a 200 lb. cat but I could give it a hurtin’ it would not soon forget.
The big cats are elusive I'll grant them that. Though I have never seen one in the wild, I have felt their presence along the back of the neck multiple times. Do you know the feeling I’m talking about? It is when the hairs along the neck stand up and the body starts tingling, it is a warning system God has built into all of us for protection. It is to warn us when danger is imminent. Because I did not receive this alarm and the cat hissed twice, I was confident there was no danger to concern myself with. The cat was as curious of me as I was of it, only one of us, though, saw the other and it wasn’t me but I wish it had been.
Though I am no stranger to their tracks, I have seen the paw prints of big cats a number of times throughout the contiguous United States. This cat, however, was stealth in every sense of the word and using the elements to its advantage. I never heard it coming and never picked up on its scent, which I attribute to the roar of the wind racing through the mountain pass and driving up and over the ridge where my six senses stood.
Can you name the six senses? Most people know five of them, with regard to the sixth it is often overlooked because medical science doesn’t support the possibility of its existence. But spirituality does.
The big cats are elusive I'll grant them that. Though I have never seen one in the wild, I have felt their presence along the back of the neck multiple times. Do you know the feeling I’m talking about? It is when the hairs along the neck stand up and the body starts tingling, it is a warning system God has built into all of us for protection. It is to warn us when danger is imminent. Because I did not receive this alarm and the cat hissed twice, I was confident there was no danger to concern myself with. The cat was as curious of me as I was of it, only one of us, though, saw the other and it wasn’t me but I wish it had been.
Though I am no stranger to their tracks, I have seen the paw prints of big cats a number of times throughout the contiguous United States. This cat, however, was stealth in every sense of the word and using the elements to its advantage. I never heard it coming and never picked up on its scent, which I attribute to the roar of the wind racing through the mountain pass and driving up and over the ridge where my six senses stood.
Can you name the six senses? Most people know five of them, with regard to the sixth it is often overlooked because medical science doesn’t support the possibility of its existence. But spirituality does.
FAITH…ALWAYS KEEP FAITH
I left the White Mountains after three nights. The radio meteorologist was forecasting another weather front to roll through Arizona within 48-hours and a gut feeling was warning of impending trouble. I had been caught in a whiteout upon the White Mountains of Arizona once before and I didn’t wish to experience a repeat performance. So it was time to hightail it off the ridge and seek refuge at a lower elevation.
Arizona is not the only state with a mountain range named the White Mountains, can you name another? Also, it is not the only state with a range named the Black Hills, can you name the other(s)?
That night camp was set up outside Meteor Crater, Arizona, about 3,000’ to 4,000’ lower than where I was.
One of the more important facts in life that has been pondered on throughout The Odyssey (2005 – Present): When camped in the wilderness, away from mankind, one feels closer to God and forms a tighter bond with the Creator. City life and campgrounds will permit a relationship with Deity but, due to the distractions those environments conjure up it’s a much slower process and takes longer to develop.
The next day, I rolled into Flagstaff, about a half a day before the snow arrived, and settled on the Little America Travel Center for the night’s respite. I wanted to make sure there was space for this rig before the truckers started clamoring space of their own. I had arrived in Flagstaff late Thursday morning, by early afternoon it was realized that I should head to a local market to restock the pantry before the weather turns; otherwise I’d be paying exorbitant prices for substandard restaurant food. There was a time when I enjoyed dining out but since the China Virus pandemic the quality and quantity of food at eating establishments has suffered dearly. Turning the ignition switch led to all kinds of squealing from under the hood before smoke signals had me shaking my head.
Because I am no mechanic by any stretch of the imagination, I did what I always have to do prior to picking up a tool…I walked away to regroup and to ask God for assistance otherwise frustration robs me of progress. On my way to McDonald’s for coffee I reached out to the Holy Spirit and this is what I was told: Check all fluid levels. Back at the Jeep I popped the hood, low and behold all levels were as they should be except the power steering fluid. Due to an oily residue that had now coated everything underneath the hood, it became a task for this shade tree mechanic to determine if the power steering pump was the sole issue being dealt with. Before I could complete that thought, the Great Spirit chimed in with humor: The power steering pump has given up the ghost.
That gut feeling, that was felt on the mountain, telling me to get off of it…that was a message being received from Heaven I have no doubt. Had I not listened the pump would have expired at high altitude, on a lonely road, in the middle of a snow storm. Signs at the base of the mountain, on both sides, warn drivers that the highway is not plowed at night or during a storm. Thank you, Great Spirit for the assist.
Now you may be asking: Did it really matter what day it was the pump was going to expire either way. I say: Yes, it did. Had I stayed upon the mountain with a snow fury in progress odds are good that I would have turned the engine over to make use of the heater. With everything under the hood energized inevitably the pump would have had reason to die right then and there.
Arizona is not the only state with a mountain range named the White Mountains, can you name another? Also, it is not the only state with a range named the Black Hills, can you name the other(s)?
That night camp was set up outside Meteor Crater, Arizona, about 3,000’ to 4,000’ lower than where I was.
One of the more important facts in life that has been pondered on throughout The Odyssey (2005 – Present): When camped in the wilderness, away from mankind, one feels closer to God and forms a tighter bond with the Creator. City life and campgrounds will permit a relationship with Deity but, due to the distractions those environments conjure up it’s a much slower process and takes longer to develop.
The next day, I rolled into Flagstaff, about a half a day before the snow arrived, and settled on the Little America Travel Center for the night’s respite. I wanted to make sure there was space for this rig before the truckers started clamoring space of their own. I had arrived in Flagstaff late Thursday morning, by early afternoon it was realized that I should head to a local market to restock the pantry before the weather turns; otherwise I’d be paying exorbitant prices for substandard restaurant food. There was a time when I enjoyed dining out but since the China Virus pandemic the quality and quantity of food at eating establishments has suffered dearly. Turning the ignition switch led to all kinds of squealing from under the hood before smoke signals had me shaking my head.
Because I am no mechanic by any stretch of the imagination, I did what I always have to do prior to picking up a tool…I walked away to regroup and to ask God for assistance otherwise frustration robs me of progress. On my way to McDonald’s for coffee I reached out to the Holy Spirit and this is what I was told: Check all fluid levels. Back at the Jeep I popped the hood, low and behold all levels were as they should be except the power steering fluid. Due to an oily residue that had now coated everything underneath the hood, it became a task for this shade tree mechanic to determine if the power steering pump was the sole issue being dealt with. Before I could complete that thought, the Great Spirit chimed in with humor: The power steering pump has given up the ghost.
That gut feeling, that was felt on the mountain, telling me to get off of it…that was a message being received from Heaven I have no doubt. Had I not listened the pump would have expired at high altitude, on a lonely road, in the middle of a snow storm. Signs at the base of the mountain, on both sides, warn drivers that the highway is not plowed at night or during a storm. Thank you, Great Spirit for the assist.
Now you may be asking: Did it really matter what day it was the pump was going to expire either way. I say: Yes, it did. Had I stayed upon the mountain with a snow fury in progress odds are good that I would have turned the engine over to make use of the heater. With everything under the hood energized inevitably the pump would have had reason to die right then and there.
SPIRIT FROM BEYOND
Back at McDonald’s, before returning to the Jeep, an overwhelming moment occurred when I was struck in the heart by a ghost from Christmas past. Inside the lobby a homeless man with two canines, a puppy not even two months old and a 24 lb. adult not more than three years old, sat minding their own. The adult dog, I’d come to know as Chewy, resembled Black Jack, former co-pilot, in markings, color, and stature and she brought tears to these eyes and I say that quite literally. Sitting in the lobby trying to mind my own and warm up with a cup of coffee, tears began to roll down both cheeks without a word having been said.
Black Jack, Beagle-Doberman, was a Christmas present for his brother, Furball (a.k.a. Ace in the Hole), Cocker Spaniel, in 1988. Black Jack (BJ) lived to be 19 and is buried in Alabama. No other soul had I lived with as long as I had BJ. I loved my little buddy. He meant the world to me. He was given his ticket home in 2008, and to this day I miss him and Furball (R.I.P. 2003), dearly. They loved unconditionally, something we humans should return to doing. We do so when we come into this world and continue doing so until we’re trained not to by the mortal gods of our world: parents, kin, teachers, community leaders, and others.
The homeless man granted me permission to feed the Black Jack look-a-like a cooked egg. I was so choked up I couldn’t complete the conversation the stranger was trying to hold with me.
Black Jack, Beagle-Doberman, was a Christmas present for his brother, Furball (a.k.a. Ace in the Hole), Cocker Spaniel, in 1988. Black Jack (BJ) lived to be 19 and is buried in Alabama. No other soul had I lived with as long as I had BJ. I loved my little buddy. He meant the world to me. He was given his ticket home in 2008, and to this day I miss him and Furball (R.I.P. 2003), dearly. They loved unconditionally, something we humans should return to doing. We do so when we come into this world and continue doing so until we’re trained not to by the mortal gods of our world: parents, kin, teachers, community leaders, and others.
The homeless man granted me permission to feed the Black Jack look-a-like a cooked egg. I was so choked up I couldn’t complete the conversation the stranger was trying to hold with me.
EMPOWERING OTHERS TO BE THEMSELVES
On the way back from McDonald’s, I took another homeless man, Morgan, to lunch. An hour later, after learning the pump expired, that homeless man was now helping me research information through his phone for local mechanics. The smile on Morgan’s face was priceless. By turning to Morgan for help I was empowering this young man, who society had forgotten, to be himself. Now that he was in the position of being the assister vice the assisted, it was easy to see he felt better about himself if just for the moment. Thank you, Creator for that precious moment in time. Thank you, God for granting me the opportunity to serve you.
From all that I had read online I decided on Heath’s Automotive Service and went over to Rocky Mountain Truck Centers (big rig mechanics), at the other end of the Little America parking lot, for a mechanic recommendation. The gentleman behind the counter recommended Heath’s Automotive Service, since I don’t believe in coincidence I showed him that’s what I had written down. I saw this as Deity at work.
Question: If a homeless individual can afford anyone of the following, given what each item costs in today’s market, just how bad off are they: Cell phone, mobile device, alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs. Just one of those things I ponder each time a homeless person is viewed from a distance.
From all that I had read online I decided on Heath’s Automotive Service and went over to Rocky Mountain Truck Centers (big rig mechanics), at the other end of the Little America parking lot, for a mechanic recommendation. The gentleman behind the counter recommended Heath’s Automotive Service, since I don’t believe in coincidence I showed him that’s what I had written down. I saw this as Deity at work.
Question: If a homeless individual can afford anyone of the following, given what each item costs in today’s market, just how bad off are they: Cell phone, mobile device, alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs. Just one of those things I ponder each time a homeless person is viewed from a distance.
BLESSINGS
I called the shop and asked if there was room in their schedule to work on the Jeep that day or the next (Friday) and there was. Thank God---literally---because the shop was closed on Saturdays and Sundays. I just needed to figure out how to get the Jeep 5.1 miles down road to where the shop was located. So I grabbed a coat and went for a walk, all the while asking God if the Jeep still had enough oomph in it to make it to the shop under its own power without damaging other components. I was assured that it had. If not, I don’t know where I would have gotten the money for a tow truck and repairs.
The Wrangler made it to the shop without an ounce of problem. When I walked into Heath’s, Jeff, at the front desk, told me where I could unhitch the camper and park the Jeep. Backing the camper into place is when everything changed; I had to strong arm the Jeep’s steering wheel. Parking the Wrangler in the designated parking spot required a great deal more arm strength.
Thank goodness for the hours of recuperation provided while waiting in the shop’s lobby, the temperature outside dropped to below freezing and the wind was increasing in fury. Besides, unlike most automotive centers, this one provided sustenance in the way of junk food: Coffee, soda, water, and bags of chips were available for the customer’s convenience. I’ve seen it elsewhere where coffee, water, and popcorn were available but generally speaking it is just coffee and / or water, never soda and chips. So, compliments of the host I had lunch on their dime. I know. I know. The hourly shop rate that the customer pays (which is averaging about $130 an hour across country) covered the $7 in snacks.
That was today’s lesson in economics.
I don’t know how Jeff did it but he and his crew had the Jeep in and out of the garage before quitting time: 17:30. I was surprised given the age of the Wrangler (2005) that a pump could be located within the small community. I was even more amazed how the problem was resolved in a timely manner. It couldn’t have happened without the hand of God that I’m certain of.
The Wrangler made it to the shop without an ounce of problem. When I walked into Heath’s, Jeff, at the front desk, told me where I could unhitch the camper and park the Jeep. Backing the camper into place is when everything changed; I had to strong arm the Jeep’s steering wheel. Parking the Wrangler in the designated parking spot required a great deal more arm strength.
Thank goodness for the hours of recuperation provided while waiting in the shop’s lobby, the temperature outside dropped to below freezing and the wind was increasing in fury. Besides, unlike most automotive centers, this one provided sustenance in the way of junk food: Coffee, soda, water, and bags of chips were available for the customer’s convenience. I’ve seen it elsewhere where coffee, water, and popcorn were available but generally speaking it is just coffee and / or water, never soda and chips. So, compliments of the host I had lunch on their dime. I know. I know. The hourly shop rate that the customer pays (which is averaging about $130 an hour across country) covered the $7 in snacks.
That was today’s lesson in economics.
I don’t know how Jeff did it but he and his crew had the Jeep in and out of the garage before quitting time: 17:30. I was surprised given the age of the Wrangler (2005) that a pump could be located within the small community. I was even more amazed how the problem was resolved in a timely manner. It couldn’t have happened without the hand of God that I’m certain of.
LISTEN AND YOU SHALL KNOW
It is never a question of who God speaks to but who listens. I truly believe that. Had I not taken the time to speak with the Creator and listened for the response, I’d still be in Flagstaff in a world of physical and financial hurt. As it was, there was just enough money in the account to reach warmer climate and to feed myself for the next three weeks. I don’t know if there is enough to include showers or laundry.
If I’m honest with myself there are no commas in my bank account, and, yet, I’ve seen more of this country in a few short years than most Americans see in a lifetime. Why is that? To respond requires a multifaceted reply.
First of all, I waited 30+ years for a childhood dream to manifest into reality and I wasn’t going to allow anything to stand in the way of seeing Alaska. Secondly, I lived 42-years under the rule of military dictatorship, I earned my freedom. Next, I am not going to allow electromagnetic radiation rule my life, nor will I allow illness, injury, or disease have control of it. And lastly, I won’t permit materialism (a.k.a. stuff) to own me the way it does the majority of Americans. Stuff does not fill the heart with everlasting joy nor does it create happiness. Being and doing are the foundation for everlasting love and happiness.
What do all of these have in common? Faith---the unconditional love of God has never let me down because I’m willing to listen.
And I encourage you to remember this: As you get older don’t waste your time and money collecting things other people made. Put your energy into collecting memories through the exploration and adventures you create.
If I’m honest with myself there are no commas in my bank account, and, yet, I’ve seen more of this country in a few short years than most Americans see in a lifetime. Why is that? To respond requires a multifaceted reply.
First of all, I waited 30+ years for a childhood dream to manifest into reality and I wasn’t going to allow anything to stand in the way of seeing Alaska. Secondly, I lived 42-years under the rule of military dictatorship, I earned my freedom. Next, I am not going to allow electromagnetic radiation rule my life, nor will I allow illness, injury, or disease have control of it. And lastly, I won’t permit materialism (a.k.a. stuff) to own me the way it does the majority of Americans. Stuff does not fill the heart with everlasting joy nor does it create happiness. Being and doing are the foundation for everlasting love and happiness.
What do all of these have in common? Faith---the unconditional love of God has never let me down because I’m willing to listen.
And I encourage you to remember this: As you get older don’t waste your time and money collecting things other people made. Put your energy into collecting memories through the exploration and adventures you create.
CHANGING WEATHER
Between Thursday night and Saturday morning nearly 24” of snow had piled upon both the Jeep and camper. It was time to go.
The forecast for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday called for much warmer temps and clear sky. BUT, another weather pattern was building just west of the horizon, calling for more snow in the region. To reach much warmer climate I had to be up and over the White Mountains before the next snow fall. It was that or drive I-17S to Phoenix, Arizona then I-10E to Tucson, Arizona and hope there was still enough funds remaining to make it to Wilcox, Arizona and on into the Chiricahua Mountains and I wasn’t willing to do that. I MADE IT! And did so by going up and over the White Mountains. I had no desire to navigate two major metropolitan jungles like Phoenix and Tucson.
The forecast for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday called for much warmer temps and clear sky. BUT, another weather pattern was building just west of the horizon, calling for more snow in the region. To reach much warmer climate I had to be up and over the White Mountains before the next snow fall. It was that or drive I-17S to Phoenix, Arizona then I-10E to Tucson, Arizona and hope there was still enough funds remaining to make it to Wilcox, Arizona and on into the Chiricahua Mountains and I wasn’t willing to do that. I MADE IT! And did so by going up and over the White Mountains. I had no desire to navigate two major metropolitan jungles like Phoenix and Tucson.
IT HURTS MORE THAN A LITTLE
Those two days spent in the Little America travel center had me questioning my immediate future. Due to all the electromagnetic pollution stirring about the parking lot that the semi-tractors/trailers were conjuring up, the mobile devices to outfit those tractors, the personal mobile devices each driver had on hand, as well as the WiFi and energy being produced throughout the support facilities, I was one hurtin’ unit. When I graduated boot camp (1983) I was an athlete and my blood pressure was 117/72. Throughout much of my military career and the years contributed to retirement it continues to hover in at around 123/79, which I’m quite pleased with. However, while camped out at the Little America truck stop parking lot the radiation was pushing the heart beyond 163/101. (I have on hand an electromagnetic radiation monitor and blood pleasure monitor.)
Had I stayed any longer that parking lot could have been the death of me and I mean that quite literally. Each time I sneezed I thought for sure I was going to experience an aneurysm. It hurt so bad I thought for sure the veins along the temples were going to explode. There is very little difference whenever I visit the homes of friends and family, walk into a library (to check email), box store (for supplies), movie theater, or to enjoy a simple meal in a restaurant, I have to deal with the poison of modern technology. That is why I boondock and live in the wilderness. Blood pressure is only one of the complications I have to deal with regarding electromagnetic radiation, there are so many more.
Of all the friends I visit, because family has never done it, only three turn off the WiFi and cell phones in their home when I come to visit, which tells me I don’t mean nearly as much to the others I visit. It could be why the months and years grow longer between those visits.
Two days removed from Little America I feel better but still haven’t completely recovered. Using Morgan’s cell phone to locate a mechanic was pure torture. The direct contact with that device had my organs on fire and left the fingers and hands feeling like they been through shock therapy. After returning to man’s world it generally takes 2 – 7 days to recover. Given how much I hurt this time around I’ll be lucky to return to normal before 10 days.
Back in the spring of 2008, I was visiting a friend in Redwood City, California. This friend was a registered nurse working in a hospital, but she also had a side business in neurology therapy of some sort. She had heard of electromagnet hypersensitivity but had never met anyone who had been diagnosed with it. Well, since I was visiting her and her family she asked if she could run some tests on me. Why not! So I was hooked up with a dozen or so probes taped to the body. The initial readings puzzled her as the numbers didn’t make any sense. I told her, “That’s nothing! Wait until you hand me your cell phone or turn on your computer.” The numbers were off the chart. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing because she had never seen anything like it. When we initially discussed the testing process she shared it would only take a few minutes. Nearly 90 minutes later she was done having her fun, she learned allot, then freed me of the probes. The numbers meant nothing to me. She tried to explain it in laymen terms but she might as well have been speaking Martian. I wasn’t getting it.
Had I stayed any longer that parking lot could have been the death of me and I mean that quite literally. Each time I sneezed I thought for sure I was going to experience an aneurysm. It hurt so bad I thought for sure the veins along the temples were going to explode. There is very little difference whenever I visit the homes of friends and family, walk into a library (to check email), box store (for supplies), movie theater, or to enjoy a simple meal in a restaurant, I have to deal with the poison of modern technology. That is why I boondock and live in the wilderness. Blood pressure is only one of the complications I have to deal with regarding electromagnetic radiation, there are so many more.
Of all the friends I visit, because family has never done it, only three turn off the WiFi and cell phones in their home when I come to visit, which tells me I don’t mean nearly as much to the others I visit. It could be why the months and years grow longer between those visits.
Two days removed from Little America I feel better but still haven’t completely recovered. Using Morgan’s cell phone to locate a mechanic was pure torture. The direct contact with that device had my organs on fire and left the fingers and hands feeling like they been through shock therapy. After returning to man’s world it generally takes 2 – 7 days to recover. Given how much I hurt this time around I’ll be lucky to return to normal before 10 days.
Back in the spring of 2008, I was visiting a friend in Redwood City, California. This friend was a registered nurse working in a hospital, but she also had a side business in neurology therapy of some sort. She had heard of electromagnet hypersensitivity but had never met anyone who had been diagnosed with it. Well, since I was visiting her and her family she asked if she could run some tests on me. Why not! So I was hooked up with a dozen or so probes taped to the body. The initial readings puzzled her as the numbers didn’t make any sense. I told her, “That’s nothing! Wait until you hand me your cell phone or turn on your computer.” The numbers were off the chart. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing because she had never seen anything like it. When we initially discussed the testing process she shared it would only take a few minutes. Nearly 90 minutes later she was done having her fun, she learned allot, then freed me of the probes. The numbers meant nothing to me. She tried to explain it in laymen terms but she might as well have been speaking Martian. I wasn’t getting it.
NOW WHAT
Heading south and going over the White Mountains led to another interesting dynamic: A radiator spouting off like Old Faithful, in Yellowstone National Park. Upon seeing steam rising from underneath the hood of the Jeep, I pulled over just before the next bend in the road and asked the Holy Spirit: Is this going to be an easy fix? Before I could acknowledge the feedback I stepped outside and stood next to the passenger door to regroup. Once I had regained composure the question was asked once again and this is what I heard: Easier than you think. I had to chuckle because I find nothing about working on automobiles easy.
With leather gloves over the hands, long sleeves covering the arms, and eye and head protection only then would I allow myself to release the hood latch; I didn’t wish to be burned. With the hood up, it was immediately clear the obstacle preventing forward progress: The radiator cap was not securely fastened. I’m still amazed that the wheels rolled 133 miles outside of Flagstaff before the steam became evident. For reasons beyond my comprehension, the temperature gage on the instrument panel, which I monitor closely while driving, read normal the entire time before stepping outside to ask the question again.
So how did this happen? Could it have been the shop mechanic’s fault? Possibly. More likely it was foul play. The Jeep has been tampered with more times than I can remember since The Odyssey began, in 2005, so I would put my money on foul play. That’s the problem with owning a soft-top Jeep. Dishonest people think nothing of unzipping the side panels to see what would be worth stealing. And Jeeps back in the day did not have interior hood releases. It is a good thing that I keep two gallons of radiator fluid on hand at all times.
With leather gloves over the hands, long sleeves covering the arms, and eye and head protection only then would I allow myself to release the hood latch; I didn’t wish to be burned. With the hood up, it was immediately clear the obstacle preventing forward progress: The radiator cap was not securely fastened. I’m still amazed that the wheels rolled 133 miles outside of Flagstaff before the steam became evident. For reasons beyond my comprehension, the temperature gage on the instrument panel, which I monitor closely while driving, read normal the entire time before stepping outside to ask the question again.
So how did this happen? Could it have been the shop mechanic’s fault? Possibly. More likely it was foul play. The Jeep has been tampered with more times than I can remember since The Odyssey began, in 2005, so I would put my money on foul play. That’s the problem with owning a soft-top Jeep. Dishonest people think nothing of unzipping the side panels to see what would be worth stealing. And Jeeps back in the day did not have interior hood releases. It is a good thing that I keep two gallons of radiator fluid on hand at all times.
HOLY COW, BATMAN!
Returning to the steering wheel and gearing up to take that bend in the road, before I could think I was standing on the brakes. There, covering both lanes of the highway, were 20 – 25 Elk. On the other side of the northbound lane was a sheer drop-off which no Elk could have survived had it not been thinking of what direction to run. On the passenger side of the southbound lane, which I was in, an uphill climb. The front tires came to a screeching halt approximately 15-yards from where the Elk had been standing. Fortunately those magnificent creatures are designed to leap tall buildings in a single bound; they climbed that hill in lightning speed.
Again, I don’t believe in coincidence. I believe the Great Spirit used the radiator cap to prevent harm or death to those beautiful animals and myself. I truly do believe that.
Again, I don’t believe in coincidence. I believe the Great Spirit used the radiator cap to prevent harm or death to those beautiful animals and myself. I truly do believe that.
PAYING MY RESPECTS
While descending the summit along the southern side of the mountains there was another reason to stop, one that I know of no others would have made. Along the double yellow lines was a deceased Squirrel, it took quite a blow. When opportunity presents itself and safety will permit such, I will take the time to remove a lifeless critter from the roadway. I do this in case judgment is mistaken and the critter is alive, perhaps paralyzed by injury or in shock and needs to be put out of its misery. I find it strange how mankind won’t think twice about removing a lifeless human being, one of God’s children, from the blacktop when struck by an automobile but when it comes to animals, another of God’s children, they are most often ignored. Why is that? That’s because most humans believe animals to be inferior to man and therefore don’t matter much. That is simply not true in the eyes of the Holy Spirit. God sees all life forms as sacred.
CELEBRATION
Making it over the mountain and into Wilcox, Arizona before the final rays of the Sun disappeared on this day was cause for celebration. Do I dare spend what little money I have? YES! So at the Travel America (TA) truck stop I purchased the Meal Deal from Subway restaurant. It was okay at best. It will help produce a turd in the morning, so I guess that is a good thing.
SLOW AND EASY
Upon returning to the mountain and setting up camp, which means with a rig like I have I park it…that’s setting up camp. To embrace the day I took out the rocking chair, a Louis L’Amour novel, and brewed coffee. Life is good.
That’s it from the road. Until next time…
That’s it from the road. Until next time…
Walk in Beauty,
BEAR
(a.k.a. Sasquatch...because not everyone believes I'm real!)
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did.
So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." Mark Twain.
PRIORITIES: "A century from now it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, or how much money I had in the bank...
But one hundred years from now the world may be a better place, because I was important in the life of a child." ~ Forest E. Witcraft, teacher & scholar
BEAR
(a.k.a. Sasquatch...because not everyone believes I'm real!)
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did.
So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." Mark Twain.
PRIORITIES: "A century from now it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, or how much money I had in the bank...
But one hundred years from now the world may be a better place, because I was important in the life of a child." ~ Forest E. Witcraft, teacher & scholar
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