July 29, 2005

First photo is of Lillian and Emily holding Bashey. Second is the Pawlet Volunteer FD auction. Third photo is of Emily at the Morgan Horse Museum in Shelburne, VT.
I am going over to my sister's house for a few days during which we will take the train to NYC. Kind of an early birthday trip for me. My sister, Gloria, neice, Laurie are going for just an overnight. But we are seeing Mama Mia and taking a tour of Central Park by horse and buggy. I am very excited about going because it has been at least 15 years since my last NYC trip. Back in those days it was not particularly safe, even Times Square had become a huge drug dealing area. Mayor Guilani cleaned it up a great deal. I wish Richmond, VA could borrow him for awhile to clean up our City.

Lots has happened since my last post. My granddaughter, Emily who is 12 years old took Bearfoot northward to Shelburne, VT for two days. It poured the entire time we were there but we still had fun. We visited Church Street where they were having their annual sidewalk days but it was teaming rain so most of it was inside. We saw the Morgan Horse museum in Shelburne. Lovely art there. We tried to get into see Echo, an interactive museum on the Waterfront in Burlington but because it was so close to closing time and they still would have charged us full price for a half hour, we declined on that one. We drove around UVM so Emily could see what it looked like. And most of all, we ate and we shopped. Great food and Emily is a great companion. The trip back down Rt 7 and 22A was so smooth, Emily fell asleep on the sofa with Sebastian. After Fair Haven, VT it does get a bit rolly and anyone with motion sickness would probably have a problem.

Last night, we went down to the annual Pawlet Volunteer Fire Dept. Auction which has been held for at least 35 years right down in front of the fire house. Used to be Bus Mars, the local auctioneer who did the calling but now it is his son who is carrying on the tradition. I was pleased to see family members and old friends that I haven't seen in a long while. My children were born in Pawlet and we lived in Pawlet for many years. Of course, my son and his family still live and operate their business in Pawlet. The women of the Dept. serve up the best sausage sandwiches as well as chicken not to forget the pumpkin cookies. About 8:30 p.m., the temperature dropped drastically and we headed for home. I tucked in with a cup of hot chocolate and the new Harry Potter book with Sebastian curled in beside me.

Watch for pictures in the next couple of days. Thanks for taggin' along on my journey. I can't believe it is August already. Another busy month and a week and I will be headed back to Virginia for more new adventures. In the meantime, there is much more to come----

July 27, 2005

I am in Pawlet parked next to my son's house. Came down yesterday from Florence. My sister's dog, Rose, a minature poodle spent the weekend with us. She left today. It was sad to see her go. Sebastian and I really liked having her around. There are two male chows here so I was a bit nervous with them around Rosey. She is only 12 lbs but they seemed fine with her. Sebastian gets along with both the dogs here. It is still very hot and humid Emily and I are taking off with the camper tomorrow morn to Shelburne, VT for two days of fun in the Burlington area. Burlington is Vermont's largest city and is located on the shores of Lake Champlain. I unloaded Namaskar from the roof of the car since we won't be needing a kayak. But will be bringing along Emily's bike. More later--

Photos of Chittenden Res trip

First pic is heading out towards that further peak, Second pic is a sm. cove with suspension bridge and waterfall out of the wind; Third pic is a good overall view. You can see a ski area in the back ground, I think that is Killington; Fourth is a pic going more North showing the wave action today.

July 20, 2005

The green beans are ready to be picked. The first "mess" of beans has been eaten along with a batch of fresh pesto served on pasta. Yummy! Joe (gardening grandson) was excited to the point where he actually ate green food. As a 9 year old, he is not much of a vegetarian. Maybe this gardening project will change that.

We went to Castleton last night to their weekly free concert summer series. Since the weather was iffy, we were diverted to the College Fine Arts Center to hear the Unknown Blue Band with blues singer, Sandra Wright. The entire program was meant to honor the late blues man, Big Joe Burello. I am uncertain of the spelling of his name. I have seen him live in concert at Valcour Island, NY, up on Lake Champlain where they held shows weekly many years ago. Sandra Wright was/is spectacular. She can belt out a song with pure soul. Vermont claims her as their own siince she has resided in Ludlow, Vt for many years but I would bet she comes from Virginia or North Carolina. The band presented an 11 year old blues singer from VT who has made a CD with other youngters. called "Even Kids Get the Blues". The child has a great deal of talent and will certainly become well-known in the future. I was happy to be back at my Alma Mater in an air-conditioned auditorium away from the heat and mosquitos.
Since I have been in this area this summer, I have enjoyed several of these free concerts given in Castleton usually on the village green. Satin and Steel, a local jazz band, brought out 1200 people last Tues.

It is very clear and sunny today but with very little humidity. I am headed out for an excursion in Namaskar, my kayak, to the Chittenden Reservoir. Hopefully, I will spot the Loons but even if not, I will take some pictures to post on this sight.

Later- See the next post for more photos of the kayaking trip

July 18, 2005

Birthday Boy, Will at age 15.

Today is my eldest child's birthday. I will drive over there this afternoon for a dinner party. He and his family are vacationing at Lake St. Catherine in Poultney, VT. This morning I hung out with my teen grandsons to watch Lance Armstrong ride the 15th Stage of the Tour de France. I was so inspired I went out and rode the 7th Stage of the Tour de Florence. It was (is) terribly hot and muggy. I was dragging my butt when I returned to Bearfoot. I sat for a half hour with a cold pack on my neck. Now it is time to put some drinking water in Bearfoot's tank.

Grandson Joe's green beans are almost ready to pick and the corn is growing so fast, I swear I can hear it grow. We had a nice dinner party last night for Grandson Will's 15th birthday with ribs on the grill and a Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Cake. This morning I was awakened by a little knocking on the door. Bashey went berserk with barking. There was my little granddaughter, Gracie in her pj's. She goes to bed early so -- well you know. I have been burning the candle into the night finishing up 1776, McCullough's book on George Washington. Now I have started Mr.Darcy's Daughters. Written in the age of Jane Austen, it is very entertaining. I had read the previous book, Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife. That was hysterically funny. A witty and sexy read.

Set up my table in the house here so I could do sessions on family members. It feels good to assist those I love in their lives. Energy work done on just one family member helps everyone in the household.

Sebastian is a bit depressed since he has to be confined on a leash and a rather short one at that due to the terrible mosquitos. I know he will rejoice when he is in open safe spaces with no bugs.

A few photos

Sebastian Lewis
Namaskar at Chittenden Reservoir On my biking route

July 15, 2005

Alpine Lake, near Saratoga, NY




A fiery sunset in Florence, Vermont

Another glorious summer day here in Vermont. Big puffy clouds and hot sunshine, I swear I can hear the corn grow. Will and I rode our bikes up the road to the neighbor farmer's garden stand out by the mailbox. I picked up a jar of Blackberry preserves and one of Blueberry preserves. Such incredible abundance surrounds me. I went out early this morning to find my daughter, Jill in the garden tying up the beans. Young Joseph planted and nurtured those beans. He has been away for a few days and will be delighted to find small beans coming along when he returns later today.
Had a call from my two friends, Pat and Sheila aboard Miss Daisy. Sheila reported they were in Washington State. I admire their fluidity in exploring this great Country. It is always fun to hear of their adventures as fultimers.
I am going to devote some space in this post for photos. I hope you enjoy them.

July 14, 2005

Such fun being able to upload photos now. This is me and Bearfoot parked in Florence, Vermont at my daughter's home. We have been here over two weeks now and plan to spend another week. I have it made. Wireless internet (yes, I finally am through their firewall) and cable tv right in the MH. I have added photos to some of the older posts so you might want to look at them.

Today, it was again very hot here but I had to move Bearfoot up to a Brandon, VT campground to dump the holding tanks and pick up some propane gas. I had plenty of volunteers wishing to ride along. I was fortunate to have my two teenage grandson's, Patrick and Will plus their two friends, Brittany and Joey. The return trip was a bit hairy since I came upon the roadside mowing machine right in the middle of the steepest part of the hill coming into this hollow. I had to come to a full stop since he was halfway in my lane. But Bearfoot did it with some strain but certainly doable. It was a good lesson for me since I have not had the opportunity to take Bearfoot on any steep roads. My brother-in-law, Emory, gave me some helpful hints regarding the transmission on my vehicle and it really paid off today. We arrived home and drove Bearfoot up on a couple of stout pieces of wood on the side that had been sinking to China. Now we are level - sigh! Shortly after getting set up, a big old T-storm came through cooling things off a bit. Sebastian and I took a nap during the storm.

Big crowd for dinner again tonight. That is the way with big families. Ended up with s'mores in the backyard over an open fire while we batted "skeeters". Those buggers are here in force. Reminds me of the old days in NC where we referred to them as the State Bird.

This weekend we will celebrate my grandson Will's 15th birthday. My youngest daughter, Theresa and her husband, Alex plus grandson Colin will be here and I hope to go kayaking on the Chittenden Reservoir again. They are going to be dropping Colin off at Conservation Camp in Bomoseen, VT. CC is a week-long camp that teaches youngsters about Vermont, the natural world, ecology as well as gun safety. There are opportunities for fishing, canoeing, swimming and camping skills as well.

My daughter Jill and I took the afternoon yesterday to go to lunch and then toured on down to JK Adams woodworking factory in Dorset, VT. It was fun to be out alone with Jill who is a busy, hardworking Mom. She cooks huge meals just about everynight for this family as well as all the housekeeping and gardening that goes with a home here in rural Vermont.

More later--

July 10, 2005, Florence, VT

Photo of Bearfoot at Lake Robertson, VA in May.

Wow! It seems forever since I have been able to post here. I have encountered all kinds of problems with online availability. I was using a very slow dial-up modem for short periods of time in this busy household. Then my grandson got their cable dial up running and I was able to use my wireless high speed but only for a short time. It wouldn't let me on again after that and it wasn't until just a short time ago I was told that the very same grandson had installed a firewall on the system. No wonder I couldn't get on. Now I am on dial-up again until he gives me the codes to over ride the firewall. Computers!! Or is it grandsons? It is always busy here, teens coming and going plus two little ones. I am still riding my bike 12 miles every other day. I feel much better when I am actively engaged in a vigorous type of exercise. Tomorrow I have an appt to have my broken tooth fixed in Castleton, VT where I lived a long while ago. My appt is in the afternoon so since the kayak is still loaded on the car, I plan to go over early and launch on Lake Bomoseen for a couple of hours. Lake Bomoseen is actually the largest lake in Vermont totally within the bounds of the State. There are others but most of them are on borders with other states. As I recall it is about 12 miles long and a mile wide at the widest point. It is a bit busy on weekends with motorboat traffic but during the week, it isn't too bad. Used to be good fishing there esp for large mouth bass.

I still haven't managed to get back to Chittenden Reservoir to spy on the nesting loon's but I will toward the end of this week. The farmer across the road here puts out fresh veggies, jams, relishes, pickles and eggs in a cooler each day by the road side with a tupper ware container for the money. Today we picked up some fresh beets with lovely greens attached. I picked up a dozen eggs, all different colors, for the different chickens that chase each other around the garden. Totally wonderful! Also a lot of fun choosing which color egg I want to cook.

All the hurricane hype on the media always reminds me of the years I spent in NC on the Neuse River estuary of Broad Creek in Oriental and Whortonville. There were 6 bad storms during the time I was there. The storms were one of the reasons I moved to VA in 2001. I found the storm season to be too stressful. I feel for the folks who are being hit repeatedly again this year. We went through that weather pattern too.

Got to start thinking about moving Bearfoot soon to empty the holding tanks. Will keep you all posted.

July 2, 2005

We are sooooo cool and clear here in Vermont today after the heat and humidity cleared out last night. The sky is crystal clear, the sun bright, a lively breeze is blowing and I installed my new cradle system for my kayak, Namaskar. Namaskar loosely translated from Sanscript, "I celebrate and honor all of creation". Grace who is 6 and Joe who is 9 "helped" me with the installation. I don't think the kayak will move about now. I went out early again for a longer bike ride of about 10 miles. The hills are tough for me but I expect I will eventually get conditioned.

We are going to a band concert tonight at Crystal Beach in Bomoseen. I plan to wear warm clothing and bring a blanket. The high today is 75 and it promises to be much cooler when the sun goes down. There will be fireworks too sometime this weekend. We have many choices of where to view those. Probably parades in many of the towns too. I am reading 1776 by the great historian McCullough. The book is really about George Washington. I have been thinking about all the 4th of July parades I have attended in my life. One that stands out in my mind took place during my 10th summer. Our little town always had a parade and my Dad being the firechief had much to do with the planning of the celebration. I was allowed to ride one of my grandmother's draft horses, a grey percheron gelding, 17.2 hands and approx. 1800 lbs, named Duke. I wanted to ride in the parade with several horsey friends. Grandma initially said no since Duke had never been exposed to such a thing before. I did manage to convince her and I prepared to ride as a Native American. I didn't have a saddle anyway nor a bridle, just a headstall with braided baling twine reins. Duke was a spirited animal and strong willed. He really loved to run. I shampooed him, braided his mane and tail the night before. He looked grand. I rode in a bathing suit with a head band and no shoes. The morning of the parade, the organizers lined all the horses up right in front of a large brass band with lots of drums. Duke was excited and dancing around but I loved his showiness. Then the band began to play. My horse stood on his hind legs and proceeded to walk down the road with me clinging to his mane like a little burr. People lined the road and clapped thinking that we were performing for them. I couldn't get him down on all fours for long before he was up again. When he was down, he was spinning around and around. We presented quite a show. As we neared my grandmother's road which was blocked off with cars, he took the bit in his teeth and began to gallop fast. We jumped a car and proceeded to pound back to the safety of the barn as fast as he could go. I never took Duke to a parade again.

I hope ya'll have a safe Independance Day Celebration.

July 1, 2005

Photo of sunset, Whipple Hollow Road.
Bearfoot is parked under the protective canopy of an ancient Maple tree at my daughter's home in Pittsford, Vermont. We are partially on the lawn therefore our starboard side settles into the grass necessitating a releveling every other day or so. I think that will stop soon or perhaps we shall tip over to China. It is a lovely spot actually. They generously had the appropriate electrical outlet put in for me and the water is nearby. The weather continues hot and humid. It actually has felt more like July since we arrived in the northeast the first week in May. Having the AC is a blessing. Wednesday night after a T-shower, the electricity went out for 4 hours. Temperatures were still in the 80's after dark. I started my gennie which enables the AC unit to run. Several of us(this is a large family of 8 offspring) camped out in Bearfoot. I turned the lights and generator off about midnight. Everyone had a flashlight. It is amazing how older children and grandmother's can have lots of fun in the dark with a flashlight. We giggled and carried on for another hour or so. Sebastian only wanted to go to bed.

I went for a bike ride this morning while it was cooler. It is beautiful biking here except for the mosquitos. There are acres of wetlands nearby. I wanted to stop and observe but due to the bugs and lack of bug repellant, I peddled quickly by. Later on I drove over to an outdoor outfitter to find the best places in the area for kayaking. It was the first time I had driven the car with the kayak loaded. I discovered that moving the racks to this smaller car doesn't give me the stability I formerly had. I ended up buying a Thule cradle system that will fit my Yakima racks.

Now it is threatening to storm again and is supposed to cool off. I am going to bring in all my awnings since the wind is blowing hard. My plan is to kayak Chittenden Resevoir on tuesday after the 4th of July revelers leave. The Chittenden Res is approx. 170 acres of pristine water. Speaking of pristine water, Sebastian leaped in the pond here yesterday after the frogs. He came out covered in mud and pond slime. Happy but smelly. Since he insists on sleeping with me, he was immediately rinsed. He amazes me with his patience and tolerance of the

June 27, 2005

Now I can post again, hopefully on a regular basis. It has been rather hectic here in Hartford, NY with a graduation party and an 18th birthday, same person, same day. My sister and bro-in-law has tremendous energy and enthusiasm I admire the tremendous energy and enthusiasm put forth by my sister and bro-in-law in planning, preparing and cleaning up after a party that lasted for over 12 hours. Bashey was cranky and hyper from too much sensory input. We were grateful to have our own oasis, cool and quiet (with ear plugs) to rest. The weather has been extremely lovely if you are a hot weather lover as I am. The pool is at 90 degrees. There were relatives that came to the party that I was happy to see. We have a tendency to see our relatives at this age more often at funerals than at happy times. The party as saturday - sunday my brother, Gary came up from Ballston Lake, NY.

Now it is nearing time to move on. Tomorrow, Tuesday, I will pull out headed to Florence, VT which is between Brandon and Rutland. The Town closest is Pittsford which is a lovely little New England Village nestled in the hills of the Green Mountains. I will write more of Pittsford after I get settled. The trip from here is only about an hour by motorhome over 149 to Granville, NY then up 22 to Fair Haven, VT where I can pick up Rt. 4 up to Rutland. Florence is about 6 miles in on the Whipple Hollow Rd. Really lovely in the holler'. I plan to stop at my former dentist's office in Bomoseen since I have broken a tooth. No pain yet but sure feels like a huge cavern.

The heat and humidity continues. We haven't seen any thunder showers for days. Most homes here do not have central ac. The heat takes it's toll since there is really no way to escape it. In the South, we don't mind the heat as much because we have our homes where we can retreat to rejuvenate in the coolness.

Apparently, the teens had a huge bonfire Saturday night after I had gone to bed in Bearfoot. I was unaware that much of the ash and a few small live embers were falling on my roof. I have one small hole in a slide-out awning but no other permanent damage. If I had known I would have been anxious.

Today is pack it up day and empty it out day. I purchased a tote wagon for the black water. With access to the septic tank, we can empty the grey and the black water tanks. Hopefully, successfully!!

Summer Solstice

This is Bearfoot parked at my sister, Gloria and bro-in-law Emory's home in Hartford, NY.

It is cold and rainy this morning. Rained most of the night while Sebastian and I were cuddled under our down comforter. Sebastian is enjoying his stay here in Hartford, NY because he is allowed to run around loose as long as I am out side with him. He races flat out around the house with his doggie cousin, Rosie, a minature poodle. As soon as it warms up a bit, I will head out on the bike. Drove over to Pawlet yesterday to have supper with my son, Matt, his wife, Kellie and their daughters, Emily and Lilly. We ate on the deck at the Barn Restaurant overlooking the mountains. A very pleasant experience. I am struck by how much the children change in the months between my visits. Everyone here is gearing up for a big graduation party this weekend. My sister's granddaughter who lives with them is graduating from HS plus turning 18 years.

June 19, 2005, Father's Day

Whipple Hollow Road, biking.
I haven't been able to post the last couple of days due to computer failure but it seems to have decided to work now. The rain that has lasted a week and flooded roads has finally subsided and the sun is out. I went for a bike ride for the first time in a month. I was riding 18-20 miles a trip in FL but have been forced to cut back here in these hills. I was never shifting a gear in FL but here, I am shifting all the time and still forced to walk up some of these slopes pushing the bike. I did manage to get Bearfoot waxed with a good marine wax in between rain showers this past week. I found a couple of cracks up top too and was able to caulk them. Whoever owned this MH before me had hit some low hanging obstacles. I will hang out here this week, then move to Florence, VT next week. My daughter, Jill and her family live there. I always enjoy spending time at their place. She and Thon, her husband, have a large family. They are an industrious and interesting mix of personalities. I also get to bike there in the mts. of VT.

I awoke the other morning thinking about spirituality and religion. I meditate each morning and night, although my morning meditations are much longer than my nighttime ones. I am a spiritual person but not necessarily a religious person. I live a spirit-filled life and give to others in any way that I am needed. I thought about all the churches I have attended and why. In FL, I attend St. John's Catholic church because I enjoy the music of Paul Todd, a fine musician from Naples. He plays 7 keyboards at once and sings like Vic Damone and Frank Sinatra rolled into one. They also have a couple of fine tenors and a super choir there. When I am in VA, I attend St. Matthews ME church because it is a time when I can see my VA family who attend church but lead very busy lives during the week. I also like the pastor there as well as the members. The pastor of the Unitarian Church of Glen Allen, VA that I enjoyed so much left the church for another one in Boston. I attended the Baptist church in NC for many years because it was convenient to my home and since I was unable to drive, it allowed me to have contact with my neighbors. I attend Native American ceremonial gatherings and participate in the ways of the people because I have been drawn to do so since I was a small child. Our family has approx. 1/16th Mohawk blood in our genes. It is partially due to the genetic trait but also due to my love of the Earth and all the creatures of the Earth. I find God all around me all the time whether I am listening to a pastor, a choir, a tenor or a birdsong in nature. It doesn't matter if I attend church or not, I still feel the connection to all there is, or the greater I AM energy. I attended a Quaker Meeting and found great comfort, integration and connection there amongst the meditating people. One objection I have to traditional churches is the constant activity. The prayers seem too short, sermon too long and never enough music. Quaker meetings are lovely long periods of time where one can connect in group meditation and prayer with others who are doing so. It is a very satisfying experience. I hear people say one should not attend church due to a particular liking for a pastor but I disagree. I think one should follow a teacher just as the people did in Jesus Christ's time of teaching or when the Buddha was teaching. Gather the information that is available from the teacher who resonates with your own way of learning. These types of stepping stones will only increase your spiritual connection.

I am still working on photos. I will post a URL as soon as I figure it out.

June 15, 2005

New friends driving Miss Daisy.
Today is estimated income tax day. Nothing I look forward to but necessary. Bearfoot is relaxing along with his crew in the backyard of the Calhoun estate. I have a heated pool just a few steps away and a welcoming kitchen very closeby. I attended my 12 yr. old granddaughter Emily's graduation last night in Pawlet, VT. As she marched in, I was taken aback by how grown up she looked with her hair pinned up, make up, high heels and a gown. Reality check!!
She won the American Legion award. I connected with a couple of former friends from the past and just barely made it back to Hartford before dark. I no longer drive after dark since it seems my perception is not as clear as it once was. Happens to just about all of us, I guess.
My kayak is stored here in the shed. I will bring it out, clean it up and hopefully get out on the water somewhere nearby. Back to the progressive trip since I seem to be running ahead of it:
June 6, 2005 Sebastian and I pulled out early in the morning from Ashland, VA on Rt.1, the old Washington Hwy. There was very little traffic and four beautiful lanes of new pavement all the way to Fredericksburg, VA where we did relent and jump onto I 95 for a few exits to Hwy. 17. There was again light traffic and good road up to 15/29. We veered off on 15 in Frederick, VA and cruised on north on a scenic ride up through Maryland to Gettysburg, PA. We camped at Drummer Boy and I wrote of it in a previous post.
June 8th, I drove north on 15 which is a great road. It was very hot but we remained cool in Bearfoot until mid-day then I opened all the windows. We veered off on Rt. 11 in Sunbury, PA to follow the big beautiful Susquehanna River. Eventually, I grew weary of the stop/go traffic of the many small villages we passed through. It was a long slow hot haul to Rt. 29 which crosses the mighty river and put us on I 81 north. I 81 didn't disappoint me with it's famous pot holes, cracks, ridges and heavy truck traffic. Most unpleasant to put it mildly. I am aware as I travel that the infrastructure of the US highway system is deteriorating at an alarming rate. Everything in Bearfoot was shaking and falling. My jaw was clenched, shoulders aching by the time we pulled off on I 88 in Binghamton, NY for the short trip east on Rt. 7 to Belden Hill Campground in Harpursville. It was our longest day yet at over 300 miles. Sebastian suffered a short bout of motion sickness but recovered rapidly when allowed to run through the long high meadows at Belden Hill. I sat on a bench overlooking the Catskill Mts., layer after layer of blue mts. A lovely place to ground oneself after a long trip.
June 9th we are off again on I 88 east to Albany where we pick up I 87 N to the Adirondack region. A hot trip dodgeing those orange barricades and riding on the rumble strip through miles and miles of construction. But I am happy to see that NY is repairing the road. In Saratoga Springs we detour to 9N which rolls up and down to Corinth, NY and the Alpine Lake RV resort. I am looking forward to a 3 day rest from the road. Our site is next to a small lake with a fountain. I shut off the AC at twilight and sleep with the sounds of fountain and a couple of bullfrogs. My daughter Theresa, her husband Alex and son Colin join me for an overnight on Saturday. Just as the sun goes down, my son, Matt, his wife, Kellie and their two daughters, Emily and Lilly pop in. How wonderful it feels to be surrounded at last by family.

June 13, 2005

Moved east yesterday to Hartford, NY, a rural town close to the VT border. My sister's home sets high on a hill with spectacular views to the mts. I am backed in next to the house protected from the daily T-storms and any winds. The pool is just a few steps away and we are huddled into some bird-loving spruce trees. The grass is soft and welcoming on my bare feet. It is still hot and humid generally initiating a T-storm every afternoon, cooling the air for only a few mins. My grandson, Colin who is 12 is with me. He enjoyed his first ride in the motorhome as we rolled and weaved over from Alpine Lake. I watched him duck his head as we passed under a low overpass. I told him how I had learned years ago during my coastal sailing experiences to not look up as the tall mast passed under the bridges. The same rule applies to this mode of travel. The sign states 13'6" clearance, one has ato trust it is correct and don't look up! My plan is to just rest for a few days and then begin cleaning inside and out, waxing and doing laundry. The mundane tasks of upkeep lurk ahead this week. I will be pulling my kayak, Namaskar, out of storage here too. I look forward to getting out on the nearby lakes.
Going backwards in my story thus far to April 21st: Unfortunately, I was not able to connect with a few additional friends in the New Bern area so we rolled on up to Emporia VA where we encountered more strong t-storms that night. I had a few repairs that needed to be made in Bearfoot. I made a half-day stop at Crisp RV Center in Chocowinnity, NC. The work was carefully done by competant, cheerful people and I was out of there at noon for the short trip to Emporia.
The next day the storms brought in cold air from our northern neighbors and Sebastian and I went on to Christopher Run Campground on Lake Anna, VA. We were given a site in the woods but leveling Bearfoot was next to impossible. They have few level sites on the hills there. I was given a choice of 3 other sites. I tried each one but there was no way without planks and blocks which I don't carry. The last site was doable but required my sewer pipe to run under the MH to the dump pipe on the other side. It's a good thing I carry lots of sewer hose. The next day, a friend from MA joined us for 5 days. It was really nice having company aboard. Parting was a sad time on many levels.
April 30th, I moved over to Brian and Marilyn Sumner's home in Goochland, VA. Their drive way and separate garage lend itself perfectly to Bearfoot's bulk. I do need to be guided in and out though because of the closeness of the trees. Brian offers his expertise and we manage to position Bearfoot without any damage. The Sumner's have generously allowed me a safe haven before. Christmas Eve '04 was one of those times. I was unable to drive Bearfoot due to a recurance of an on-going eye lid problem. My eyelids are another story going back to 1997 when I began suffering from burning, itching and dry eye symptoms. The symptoms worsened when driving, reading or watching TV. When driving, I felt I needed to sleep so I would pull over, close my eyes but then wasn't sleepy. A few miles later, the same thing happened. Doc's concluded I was suffering from common dry eye and prescribed otc eye drops. The symptoms continued to worsen until 2/1/98 when I stopped driving altogether. My marriage of 27 years ended and my eye condition became nearly unbearable. I sought help from specialists at institutions such as Duke, ECU as well as neurologists, opthhalmologists and others. Finally, I saw a doc associated with Harvard Med School in Boston the summer of '98. By that time, I was unable to drive, read, cook, use the phone, write a check, watch tv or walk without guidance. The NC Assoc. for the Blind visited me and provided training so I could care for myself safely. They also provided books on tape and planned to train me with a white cane for walking about. Neighbors called to check on me and to pick up my groceries. Another dear friend came to read to me. I spent much of my time meditating and scribbling in a notebook. It was a time of pain and darkness, of unimaginable frustration, sadness and fear but it also was a time of incredible growth for me. The interesting thing about this condition is when I sing, my eyes open therefore I sang a great deal. In fact, I found I could drag my kayak to the creek in front of my home in NC, slip it into the brown brackish water, climb aboard while singing the entire time. I sang every song I know plus I sang my story in the Native American tradition. I kayaked nearly every day and became a familiar figure on the estuaries connecting the Neuse River near Pamlico Sound. I was almost resigned to being unable to use my eyes ever again when the doc from Boston diagnosed my condition as BEB (Benign Essential Blepharospasm); one of a family of Dystonia diseases. www.dystonia.com Long story cut short: I went to UNC, NC to receive Botoxin injections in the muscles of my eyes in Nov. '98 and within 7 days was able to use my eyes for the first time in nearly a year. I held a Thanks-For-Giving Party for my friends and neighbors. What a celebration it was! The treatment wasn't and still isn't perfect but I could live a better life. I just couldn't drive or ride my bike for another 4 years. The stress in my life was greatly reduced and I found a new doc in Richmond, VA. I drove again in '02. Obviously, I am doing well now since I am writing from this big rig.

June 7, 2005

Sebastian at doggie beach, Naples, FL
Bearfoot successfully rolled into Drummer Boy RV Resort in Gettysburg, PA yesterday shortly before some truly violent t-showers came blowing through cooling the 90 degree temps down into the 60's. Most welcome! The trip north on Rt. 1, the Washington Hwy, was delightful with new pavement, 4 lanes of very quiet road and few stoplights. We jumped on 15/29 and found a bit more traffic but still very pleasant; then 15 right into Gettysburg. These wonderful old highways are much better than beating yourself up on I 95 or some of the others. This is a nice park with wireless internet service and cable tv at all full service sites. It is nicely wooded and the sites feel more private than in some of the parks where we are cramped closely together.
Back to the journey before this one: It is April 6th and I am headed north to Myrtle Beach, SC. It seems Savannah, GA drew Bearfoot in like a magnet. My plan was to bypass but without a navigator (Sebastian refuses to learn), I ended up headed E at an intersection of 4 lanes. I had to make a decision - go on further in search of a place to turn around but getting deeper into the City or attempt a u-turn. I opted for the u-turn. It was very tight for our 55' (with the dinghy). My heart rate increased as I straddled the line at the light - taking up as much space as I could without having horns blowing in protest. When the light changed, I pulled out into the intersection as far as I could before cranking the wheel sharply in a left turn. I prayed to the Goddess of women rvers, Rvena and my dad who had been a trucker before his death. Bearfoot swung around with the right front tire going up over the curb a bit, Of course, where the mothership goes so goes the dinghy. I watch in the rear view mirror the right front tire of Lil' Cub (my car)going up over the curb. A breathe a sigh and a Thanks Be to God and Goddesses alike. I also hail a thanks to the patient motorists as I head out of town. Not the end of the story though - I once again missed my turn and had to make another very similar u-turn in heavy traffic before getting on 17 N. By that time, I was pleading with God to get me out of Savannah. I vowed to invest in a GPS a.s.a.p. Exhausted but exhilerated to have handled a tense situation by myself, I haul into Point South, SC KOA. An oasis for sure. The sky is threatening as I quickly set up Bearfoot and walk Sebastian. This campground has proven to be a haven for me before because it is right off Hwy. 17 and I 95. they also are a friendly welcoming park and offer pizza delivery as well as cable tv. The t-showers move in while Sebastian and I cuddle in under our down comforter, safe aboard our rolling home.
Lot's of mud the next morning as I prepare Bearfoot to travel on up to the Beach. We chose Lakewood RV Resort in Southern Myrtle beach because it is quiet and less developed. We were given a site right next to the dunes where I could hear the waves 24/7. The weather was superb for a few days until it turned very cold and windy. What salty happy dog I have now as he resumes his clam digging in the shallows. I biked around the park every day for an hour and a half. There are over a thousand sites here. No internet service was readily available and I was desparate to pay bills so put the laptop in the car and drove around town finally seeing a sign, Computer Inferno. It was a store but obviously had wireless since I could park in the lot and do my computer business.
I am eager to get back on the road again and head back to the Old Dominion. Next stop New Bern, NC at the KOA for a few days to reconnect with friends. I had lived in that area for 13 years. My trusty weather radio warns of high winds on the heels of a cold front. I ignored my intuition and started north on 17. Bearfoot is quite stable normally. The wind was gusting to 35 and 40 mph and would periodicaly give a a push sideways. Having the wind on the beam was the most welcome point of sail during my sailing days but not now. It required constant vigilance and was exhausting. Having protection from the tree lined highway was helpful until Wilmington, NC up through Jacksonville where it is open and flat. As I approached the Twin Rivers bridge across the Trent and Neuse Rivers in New Bern, NC, I noticed the wind was blowing "smoke" on the river. The bridge is new, 65' high I think, long and bumpy as it spans both rivers. It is too late to quit now. Rvena, my dad and I whiteknuckle it or what seems morelike wrestling Bearfoot across to the KOA in Bridgeton. I actually released my seat belt thinking we might blow over the side into the water below. The sight of that triangular red and orange KOA sign warms my heart. My dear friend, Judi Wills, a wonderful massage therapist called and offered me a massage. Just what was needed for sore stiff shoulders and tense muscles. She had also prepared a delicious home cooked meal. Judi and her husband, John, always open their home and hearts to Sebastian and me. John and Linda Hinners from Whortonville, NC stopped by to take me to dinner in New Bern. The restaurant they had chosen was closed as were a couple of other favorites. We settled on Fred and Claire's. Our collective jaws dropped when we opened our menus. It was evident a major transformation had occurred. Here were dishes with a distinctive Country French flair in place of the downhome quisine of the past. I was left with the warm glow of sharing food and conversation with two friends who have been through many of the earth-shaking transitions in my life since 1989 when we met around another friend's table in Oriental,NC.

'June 3, 2005

Naples pier in Florida at sunset.
On April 3rd, we convoyed to Kissimmee, FL, camping at Sherwood Forest RV Resort. Sebastian and I reluctantly pulled out on our own three days later. It was a bittersweet parting. As much as I looked forward to going it alone, I would miss my sister, my best friend. Since we have reached retirement years, we have become very close. I married and moved away when I was a mere sprout of eighteen. She was just thirteen. We had very little in common back then. Through the years, we raised our families and were a bit closer but we never shared the closeness of sisters until I began spending vacations with them and then eventually camping together. We now share clothing, jewelry, secrets and deep love for one another. It was a tearful drive once I got out on the open road. Getting on the road was another matter. Emory, my ever-caring bro-in-law, agreed to lead me to a gas station where I would fit. I still haven't quite learned to accurately judge how much space I need to make a u-turn. Therefore, as I pulled forward away from the pump, I came right up to the bumper of a small parked car. I thought I had misjudged the distance between Bearfoot and the car. As my front end came up to the car bumper, I thought the worst case - I've got to remove my tow vehicle so I can back up and get out of this spot I've driven in. I started to get out of my seat but as I glanced to the left, I saw Emory jogging back to guide me through the turn. Was I glad to see him!! As it turned out, I could make the turn but it was close. One thing about pulling a car behind is the inability to back up. The car must be removed first. The process usually takes about 5 minutes but under pressure, it can seem like hours. I have discovered with my Blue Ox hitch that the car needs to be in line with the coach for me to get it off. If I get stuck in a u-turn position, I'm not sure I can get the car unhitched. I didn't have time to think of farewell tears until I got out on the open road. I went around Orlando via 417, the toll road. It was an easy trip under a cloudless sky with very little traffic. I connected with Hwy. 17 in Sanford and nosed Bearfoot North to a night's rest in Gross, FL right on the FL/GA border on the St. Mary's River. April 7th back on the road looking forward to a couple of days on the beach at Murrell's Inlet State Park, SC. Being a self-proclaimed beach bum, I've visited many beaches on both coasts and the Carribean. Murrell's Inlet SP rates in the top three. It bears little impact from man's occupation. The fresh water ponds are habitat for several alligators. But I am turned away since the park is full.

June 2, 2005

I am parked in Americamps RV park in Ashland, VA until Monday the 6th when I begin a new journey to New York State and Vermont but in the meantime I want to finish the beginning of the story of Bearfoot. We left off in St. Augustine, FL on my last post. February 1st, 2005, 6 days later and 6 days healthier, we head down to the Alligator Alley across FL, I75 West. I am still coughing but feeling much better as the weatherf finally warms up. now this is what I've been seeking for the last few weeks. There is little traffic and we stop mid-way for a picnic lunch in the sunshine.
Naples and the West Coast is all that it has been touted to be and more. (except for the traffic) Beautiful undeveloped beaches, superb climate, warm Gulf wters and lots to see and do. I join the Lake San Marino bike club right away. We meet twice a week and generally peddle between 15 and 20 miles each trip. There are about 50 of us, all over the age of 55 years. We divide into 3 groups; Fast, kinda fast and not so fast. Of course, I join the fast group! Never being one to take the conservative route.
About 3 miles out, I find I can't breathe. I stop and wait for the middle group to catch up. They are concerned when they slow up for me but I jump onto the end of their group. Our trip consists of biking to one of the many beaches taking a 20 minute break and returning a different route. On the way back we stop at MacDonald's for a snack. I find I have to stand up in the pedals quite often to relieve my aching butt. We pull into MacDonald's like a group of Harley riders. Roughly two and a half hours from the time we started out, we roll back into Lake San Marino RV Resort. Speaking of Harley's, one day as we crossed 8 lanes of traffic as a group, peddaling as fast as we could to beat the changing light, a large group of Harley riders waiting at the light began hooting and hollering, cheering in support backed up by a chorus of air horns from the numerous truckers. We waved and went on our way thankful to make it across one more time. For three nights after my first ride with the club, I was unable to sleep due to the burning pain in my thighs. Gratefully, it went away as did my lingering cough. I found myself swept up in a whirlwind of experiences; the Philharmonic, the Dinner Theater, Fifth Avenue, dances and parties at Lake San Marino, great restaurants, discovering Naples own Paul Todd and his music at St. John's church as well as in concert. Somehow we find time to play Spinner, a great Domino game, and Scrabble. We also take the dogs to Doggie Beach; a cove and sandbar devoted to dogs and their people since dogs are not allowed on Naples beaches. Sebastian is initially shy but then realizes digging in the sand under the salt water leads to clams. He pulls them out and throws them in the air. We call him the Clam Digger. He plays with his doggie cousin, Rose, a minature poodle. They are the best of friends.
Before I realize it, a month has passed. My sister, bro-in-law and I hold a meeting and decide to stay another month. Seeing the Panhandle will be postponed 'til another trip.

June 1, 2005

Photo of me, my sister, Gloria and Sebastian in Hilton Head, SC. Rosy bearly visible.
I am attempting to update my story beginning with the move aboard Bearfoot last Dec. Please forgive me if I appear to digress. I will catch up, I promise. There will also be breaks in the continuity of this journal since some days are travel days and there is no time for posting. There will be times when I will be in what I call "black out". Those are areas of this country where there isn't any web service available as well as cell phone service. Back to the story:
As I pulled into Marte's circular driveway, I realized Bearfoot actually blocked out her house from the road. We were facing southeast though and I arose early each day to witness the glorious sunrises visible in that part of the country due to the flatness and the proximity of the Gulf Stream near Cape Hatteras. An old friend, Gregory, who is the finest electrical engineer and mechanic I know came by. I told him of Bearfoot's tender state in a crosswind. He asked if I had checked the tire pressures. I had not since Colonial Truck in Ashland had presumably done so according to the maintanance I had paid for just a week before I left. Turns out, Bearfoot is very stable in the wind but with six tires carrying all different air pressures, some way over, some way under. It is a miracle we were able to go in a straight line in dead calm. Lesson for me was to take nothing for granted. Gregory fixed several wiring problems I had and blew up the tires. I had time to connect with several dear friends during my brief stay. I also connected with one of several people who needed assistanc e and guidance during their life journey. These dear people confirmed my purpose in taking "this medicine show on the road". My prayers had been answered on many levels as I left for Myrtle Beach, SC early the morning of January 15th, 2005. The cold temperatures seem to be following me and I eagerly turn Bearfoot onto Route 17 South.
Piece of cake with the right psi in the tires. I drive past Myrtle Beach to Point South, SC and the KOA there. Drove 246 miles this day - that is a long day for this gal. From South Point to Hilton Head, where I rendevous with my sister Gloria and her husband, Emory is not far. Hilton Head RV Park is lovely with concrete pads and all the amenities. It is quiet there so I get to pick out my own site by tooling around in a golf cart, map in hand.
Thermostat went on my water heater and it began spraying hot water all over outside the rv. A mobile repair man, Paul came quickly and in no time, it was repaired. First repair of many to come. Funny how I got through the freezing temps for two weeks in VA without any frozen pipes but what do you know, I woke up to a frozen drain on my graywater tank. The sun took care of that problem. January 22nd, we left for St. Augustine, FL in convoy. It's very relaxing for me to follow my bro-in-law's Adventurer. I do have to compromise though and follow him down I95. Jacksonville, FL was slow and congested. It took an hour just to cross the bridge over the river. We pulled into North Beach Campground at Vilano Beach on A1A and were able to park end to end in a huge pullthrough site. I really like the heavy canopy of Live Oaks here. The Atlantic on the East side and the Intercoastal Waterway on the West side. Lots of great seafood here too. I have developed a severe case of bronchitis. January 25th we rolled on out to I95 for the trip to Port St. Lucie, FL. We witness tremendous damage still visible from last season's hurricanes. Huge brush piles, scraggly forests and lots of blue tarp roofs. I need to sleep and heal myself from this bronchitis.