The Amazing Race for a Senior

 With the GRAND CANYON job ending sooner than planned, what to do?  I saw an Amtrak ad offering 10 trips For or $299 and thought "That's for me!" It was challenging to get the route figured out.  It would be a month's long task finding those willing and able to greet me, house me, taxi me but I got it mapped out and off I went for the month of August. The closest Amtrak to depart from is over an hour drive and I didn't want to pay for 30 days of parking. My friend, Val agreed to take me to Flagstaff so I booked the Peace at Last AirBNB, run by Marie and Bob Sather where I stayed in May.  Marie and Bob were welcoming hosts and assured me that they wouldn't be disturbed with my 4:30 AM departure. The train departed about 40 minutes late, but it was before sunrise. 

My first seat mate, Jody is a small business owner who COMMUTES LA-Winslow every week for work. Her son runs her business in Winslow. We made a plan to kayak together upon my return!  We had about a 40 minute stop in Albuquerque, NM.  I took advantage and dashed to a nearby store for some produce.  Since I traveled Coach, I would only have access to the snack bar, leaving a balanced diet out of the question for hours.  Only those who take a sleeper eat in the dining car these days.  I do recall train travel in the past where we could eat in the dining car.  Perhaps the pandemic has interfered. 

Photos after we departed Albuquerque: 

We usually see the old insulators used on telephone poles only in antique stores anymore.  However, all through New Mexico they are still being used. 

Slept through Eastern Colorado and Kansas, waking to see Iowa and Illinois. 

That normally 32 hour trip to Chicago was two hours and twenty-one minute late upon arrival.  This caused me to miss connections to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  Amtrak came through with a nice room at Swissotel and a meal. 

View from my window and a look at the lobby. 

 I took the opportunity to see Cloud Gate, a metal sculpture where one can stand close, snap a selfie with Chicago skylight. This architecture is also known as "The Bean".

From there I took an architectural river cruise. I learned so much about the buildings of  Chicago !

 I found Giordano's for some authentic pizza then made my way back to the Amtrak station. The travel from Chicago was by train to Milwaukee. From Milwaukee up to Marquette, MI was by bus. With just a handful of passengers, I could understand why Amtrak contracts a bus company.  The rain was coming hard accompanied with lightning and I was a bit nervous, but I knew I was not in charge so I just slept! We had a one hour layover in the tiny town of Escanaba, MI where THREE passengers boarded another bus on to Marquette. Here is the "bus station"! 

Unfortunately, just outside of Marquette, I smelled smoke on the bus.  I jumped up from my seat and approached the driver, alerting him.  He pulled over and demanded we all leave the bus.  It was about 4:45AM and the day was not yet showing first light.  He hollered for someone to call 911 while he grabbed the extinguisher and tried to douse the fire under the bus. 

 I called 911 and reported where we were and then said to the driver that I would be going across the street to the Holiday Inn.  I phoned my friend, Elin to explain she wouldn't find me at the bus station and to fetch me at the hotel!  Surreal!!

Sadly, Elin's family was packing up from their summer vacation at the family's property in the UP.  I scarcely saw them, but her she is with her husband and three boys. She and I would have a girls trip for the next few days. 

I thoroughly enjoyed being in the space of this family property!  It's wonderful that it's stayed in the family all these decades.  

This interior picture is from another of the family's properties. 

I

We drove all over the area and she introduced me to a quirky metal 37 acre drive through sculpture are called Lakenenland.  Very interesting and inspiring to see the metal repurposed so beautifully!

She drove me to the Ore Docks that continue to be in operation! Check out the interesting history here:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ore_dock

The next morning we packed up and secured the cabin for cold weather. We headed to the Mackinac area for two nights.  This is where I walked in some ancestors steps a bit. Patrick McGulpin, my 6th grandfather is featured on the McGulpin Lighthouse walls - a place I never knew existed! I'm happy Elin is as keen as I about ancestral findings. 

www.mcgulpinpoint.org

Period decor inside lighthouse: 

View from the top of the lighthouse. (www.mcgulpinpoint.com)

She had a lovely Airstream set on a piece of family property that is just steps away from water, of course.  The lot was equipped with electric for twinkle lights and the cleanest port-a-potty that gets personal contracted weekly service!

We had an early dinner in the beautiful garden at Legs Inn, a rustic 1900's Polish Restaurant with a Bloody Mary meant to be a meal! 

Got to the Shipwreck Museum late in a afternoon, but I was able to catch enough to be moved by the sacrifices that the workers have taken over the hundreds of years of mining and sailing in this are.  It was a somber visit to learn that the Edmund Fitzgerald was one of thousands of wreckages at the bottom of the lake.  

We returned to her place, gathered up some adult beverages and stepped across the street to visit with some cousins.   It was nice to sit and listen to family stories as I watched a storm come in over the lake. 

After a two night stay at "The Straights" we packed in the car for a four hour drive to Middleville, near Grand Rapids. This is where the family home is located right on another lake.

 "My" bedroom had a lovely view!

Meet Blitz III, the family dog.

About the timeI had prepared for bed, Elin came downstairs announcing a tornado warning a mile away!  I was treated to an amazing lightning show throughout the night.  As Elin took me to the Amtrak in Grand Rapids we could see many downed limbs from the storm but luckily, the roads had been cleared.  There just may have bee a tornado!  The short trip from Grand Rapids to Chicago would not come without incident.  About one hour from the Chicago station, we came to a long stop.  About after an hour wait, we received an announcement that a draw bridge was stuck!  Snack packages were distributed and busses were called out.  However, about the time busses were to arrive, the bridge was able to drop and the train proceeded after sitting about 4 hours.  As I  had plenty of time before my train to DC, I was not bothered.  I boarded the train at 6PM and was assigned a seatmate going to Ohio to see family.  Daybreak from me in the Pittsburg area with a new seatmate making his way to Norfolk, VA.  I realized that the train would be stopping in Rockville, MD and decided to depart there rather than DC as it was close to my son's house.  Sean was right there to greet the train and we went directly to the house where my grandson, Jake was waiting. 

Some of the scenery along the route through Pennsylvania and into Maryland: 

Entering Pittsburg area: 

Amusement Park??

My, how my grandson has grown two years - now 1 inch taller than me!

 I had my friend Mary Julia pick me up and we ate a nice lunch in Silver Spring after scoping out where I needed to go to travel Monday by Metro or train...I could decide later.

 The next day I helped Jake and Sean with some yard work. Can we say HOT? Stifling...

Sean had portioned a HUGE limb from his tree in the back yard and needed help moving debris.  Hey, I had to earn my keep here!

Jake was anxious to get the job done in order to get his new baseball gear set up. 

Late afternoon my friend, Phyllis and I took a walk at Brookside Garden. Flowers there thrived in the damp weather and it was beautiful.

 The next day would be Jake's 14th birthday. It was fairly quiet until the three of us were joined with Sean's friends Nina and her daughter, Marina.  We celebrated and enjoyed a birthday dinner at Jake's favorite restaurant,  Season 42.

About 6AM the next morning, I walked to the nearby bus stop, switched to the Metro to DC for the Amtrak to Philadelphia where Vicky would pick me up. As I waited, I saw a sign for Valley Forge. Vicky was a good sport when I asked if there were any plans -no? OK, let's go! We basically "windshielded" the visit to the park and decided we needed lunch. We ate in Phoenixville at, of all places, The Sedona Restaurant!

Philadelphia Amtrak was the most efficient I encountered.  It's loaded with historical facts and beautiful. 

Vicky introduced me to yet another whimsical location, The Barden Art Garden.  I love how my friends find these out of the way and interesting locations!

Vicky with friend at the entry.

The next day we visited The Battle of Princeton area.

Vicky in the garden. 

 

Sean and Jake picked me up at Vicky's place and we stopped to meet one of his friends for lunch New Hope.  On the drive back to Silver Spring we encountered weather alerts for tornado warnings-again. We laid low a day at Sean's where I caught up on laundry and a quick trip to DC to see the WWI Monument and Planet Word, a museum I had never see.  There is something for every age in this museum.  Even though it is not a free Smithsonian, I highly recommend it!  

Yes, even a toilet expression!

The next day Sean, Jake and I took off for Jetersville, VA where my cousin Jill lives. She has plenty of room and took us on for a night. Jake seemed to really enjoy seeing the area. There are nearby tobacco  huts close by and the dark sky at night is particularly appealing. Jill fosters dogs and had two adorable pups that we going to their forever homes the day after our departure. She also keeps chickens (no roosters) so we were treated to fresh eggs. 

It was so great to see one of my three cousins on this trip...only wish the other two lived along my route!

We managed to sneak in a quick visit to Appomattox, VA while in the area. 

 Sean was generous enough to drive me to my next stop, Blacksburg, VA where I would have a one day visit with friend, Robin. 

She also lives on lovely farm property with chickens AND Carey Grant, her handsome rooster. As is the case with good lookin beings, Carey Grant sometimes acts more an ass than a rooster. He even responds to being called "asshole"! 

Robin's property has a small Civil War Era graveyard.

 I poked around a bit in it but free ranging Cary Grant was a bit too protective and I made my way to the house.

Robin took good care of me and drove two hours each way the next day to deliver me to the Lynchburg station so that I could continue into the South. Prior to saying farewell we sought out ice cream for dinner! I traveled in darkness, arriving about 8AM into Atlanta, GA where my Peace Corps "sister", Jenni would retrieve me. Atlanta has the most awkward station. Clearly, roads were developed after the station....scarcely any parking! After dropping my bags at her place, I would accompany Jenni to "work", We popped into a hotel pool where memberships encompass a variety of choices, some with a drink and lunch. It was refreshing and, yes she actually did work a bit! Later we checked out the Van Gogh exhibit with fellow returned PC volunteer,  Tanoa followed by dinner at Carrol Street Cafe. This Cafe is located in the charming arts district. 

The next morning I'd  be New Orleans bound. 

Typical "shotgun" house seen along tracks as I moved southbound. 

Starting to see marshy and swampy areas as I move South. 

Left about 8 and arrived 9PM and was happy to see a taxi at the station for my ride to The Quisby Hostel in the Garden District.  This would be the third US hostel I've stayed in and I felt very comfortable. There was just one other in the room that had two bunk beds and it's own bathroom. I would recommend this well run, clean hostel. I have been to New Orleans twice and knew not to stick around in August. I was there just long enough to have another Peace Corps reunion.  Mefore Ida came through with terrible .

Mark is studying to be a doctor and I was grateful he made time for an early visit for breakfast at Mother's Restaurant.  He dropped me back at the station and I was off to Houston. 

It would be my good fortune to leave New Orleans just days before Ida would leave the city devastated.....again. 

Houston skyline as I arrived about 6PM. 

And they say good sunsets are only in Arizona! 

I was at the mercy of Amtrak's schedule which had resulted in short visits where I knew people and now in Houston I would stay 3 days.  My Arizona friend, Val had put me in touch with a friend of hers who was so gracious to host me AND provide transportation out of Houston and back three days later! Admittedly,  I had been running enough to feel good about a few down days. Marilyn has two cats to provide her with laughs and snuggles. As a retired science teacher, she could describe and show me the various ecosystems.  

We visited Brazos Bend State Park the day of my departure. When Marilyn greeted me earlier in the week she said it was lucky she found the station. As she returned to drop me off, I could understand why. Absolutely no signage to this most non descript station in a big city! 

The inside had more to offer with vintage posters.

 I would travel over 30 hours from Houston to LA with one notable stop in El Paso. 

THE BURRITO LADY AT THE STATION!

Traveling Coach does not give a person access to the dining car. There is a snack bar that provides hummus packaged with pretzels, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese as something "substantial". I was excited when I heard the announcement that the "Burrito Lady" would be present in El Paso! By this point in my trip, I'd consumed most of my food, leaving just one more pouch of tuna. I was, however reluctant to bust open this fishy package on the train...out of consideration.  

Travel through the West: 

The infamous wall.....

Tucson Station

LA Station

We arrived into LA just about dawn and I would have a four hour wait to connect with the train to San Diego,  where I'd  be greeted by my son in law, Aric in Old Town. 

California dreamin'

With the California grands, Gabby and Grayson. 

Caught up with Paula, an old friend from my days at the phone company on the beach. Paula has followed my escapades and been very supportive over the decades.  

I thought at the time this train would be my last leg, but that would prove to be wrong. I arrived at my family's place on Monday, August 30th.  I would again have a few days to recoup from travel then the family would pile into a van and drive to Las Vegas Friday.  A huge surprise 70th birthday party was planned for my brother in law, Doug Saturday,  September 4th. However, Doug came down with Covid and the announcement was delivered Tuesday, August 31st.  It ends up the surprise was on the planners and attendees! Nevertheless,  the van did travel to Las Vegas where my family had non refundable reservations.  

Doug, who was vaccinated, got hit hard with the virus. My sister, Kay stayed downstairs while Doug remained upstairs.  She had not tested positive and so could be his caregiver. Just as he was beginning to recover, Kay started showing symptoms. Sure enough, she did contract the virus as well! I know many families have similar stories as the virus makes it's ugly rounds again. 

The Vegas to home link would become my adventure's greatest challenge. I booked one more transit through Amtrak....but wait! It was complicated. No passenger train services Vegas, but Amtrak provides a shuttle to Kingman. I had arranged a pickup in Williams from my new Grand Canyon friend, MJ. This is how Amtrak accommodated me. I picked up the train in Kingman and rode it to Flagstaff. Amtrak does not stop at the Williams station Eastbound. I then took another shuttle from Flagstaff Westbound-back to Williams! I arrived about 530AM and MJ picked me up for the car drive home to Star Valley...amazing!

A blanket of yellow wildflowers greeted me in Arizona.

I had traveled over 8000 miles, remained healthy and reconnected with so many I'd missed seeing the last few years. The train travel was $437 after the last train booking was added. What a bargain! I may do a similar trip in 2022! I had a lot of help along the way and can't thank friends and family enough for a most remarkable month long vacation! I'd love to provide exemplary hospitality to match that which I received.

Thank you to friends Val, Marie, Bob, Elin, Vicky, Mary Julia, Phyllis, Donna, Robin, Jenni, Tanoa, Mark, Marilyn and MJ for a magical memory. Much love and appreciation to family Sean (Nina and Marina), Jake, Jill, Rachel,  Aric, Gabriella, Grayson, Kay, Doug, and Megan. The ending was unexpected,  but hey that's what an adventure is!

*****JUST A FEW IN CLUSTERS*****

Graffiti across America: 

Saw many plants across America such as this: 

As one might imagine, there are many scenes like this along the tracks. 

Part of the charm of train travel is seeing many, many bridges.  

SEASONAL JOB!

 Here it is, half way through 2021 and I have news I could have posted months ago. After getting a good medical report in March, I packed up my Jeep and started a job at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon! I drove into the canyon after a two hour wait at the South Entrance....the only available method as the East Entrance would be closed due to the pandemic on the reservation. 

I met my roommate in the dorm room and settled in. As it turned  out, my roommate did not find park work a good match for her and she vacated after just a couple of weeks.

My primary Guest Service Agent position would be at the Bright Angel Lodge. Occasionally, I would find myself on the schedule for Maswick Lodge or El Tovar. I looked forward to visiting with guests and  making new memories and friends. I realized my body was going to take a while to adjust to hours of standing.  When I worked the front desk at Lake McDonald, Glacier NP in 2018, it took about two weeks to adapt. Well, after three years, loss of a kidney and a battle with bladder cancer , there is a new me. My body can't  seem to adjust,  so the  seasonal job came to an end July 3rd. I will say that conditions attributed to my decision. Reports show National Parks see an uptick by 15-20% with services 50%. Guest expectations are high. Disappointed and angry folks in an agent's face most of the shift takes a toll. So, again I experience an abbreviated stint. 

Looking back, I will have some recollections of guests that stood out. Several  underestimate the harshness of the canyon's elements.  Late March and early April still finds ice on the trail in spots. If one doesn't use crampons, it's treacherous. Late spring produced dangerously hot and dry conditions resulting in two heat related deaths. Exuberant folks arriving ready to check off a bucket list item end up with life altering experiences if they develop heat stroke. On the other hand, it's rewarding to get the thanks for finding the last available room for a parched and weak young girl who just couldn't get up the last switchback in time for a departing shuttle. 

Some of the questions...one just has to find a way to keep a straight face!  Examples: "If I walk to the bottom of the canyon, is there a shuttle back?"  "Is there a swimming pool at the lodge?"  Can anyone give me just one national park lodge with a swimming pool? If folks would just do a little bit of research ....it's exasperating really.  On the other hand, it's  fun to see first time expressions. So many say, "It looks like a backdrop!"

I admit that I looked at many travelers with wonder. Many arrive with physical needs unmet and needing assistance.  The primary village shuttle has not been running and won't  be running all summer. Folks who are impaired and not mobile are somewhat stuck! There are only so many wheel chairs a hotel has to loan. Arriving with walkers is a huge challenge for these unfit travelers. I have been stymied until just a few days ago. I read a submission on social media titled  " Cancer Sucks National Parks Tour". I got it. Does my new understanding make the situation easier or better? No - but I'm  again reminded to live and let live. 

As frustrating as the position has been, there have been touching rays of humanity. 

About 9PM one night a lost elderly man approached me at BA front desk and said, "I'm lost." He had gone out, equipped with his large camera on the shuttle to catch sunset. It was dark when he returned and he became disoriented.  My manager slipped into the back office to contact Park Rangers and I tried to compose this man who had become more frustrated.  As it turned out, his wife had also contacted Park Rangers. They were reconnected as I finished my shift.

A woman traveling solo noticed a family of three struggling to get around after departing the train.. The mother was not very mobile and did not realize the Village Shuttle was not running. This stranger came into the El Tovar as I worked  the Front Desk. She was interested in renting a wheelchair for  the woman for the few hours the family would be at the canyon. It didn't phase her to have her card swiped for a $300 guarantee.  About 4PM she returned with the chair. She had spent her afternoon making sure the family had a pleasant experience fulfilling a dream.

Later that same afternoon, two middle aged men approached  me at the front desk with an elderly man in tow. "He doesn't know where he's staying" one man says as he produces a hotel key. After a swipe of the key, the elders room is identified in another property just a few steps from the El Tovar. These two men agree to take Mr. Elder to his room while we called the room to let family know. Two acts of kindness I hope I will hold dear when I think of my Grand Canyon experience!

My team at Bright Angel was a sampling of about everything one would hope to keep things exciting and entertaining.  I am grateful to have worked with caring people.

Many followed me on Facebook as I posted daily pictures.  In case you didn't,  I'll  give highlights here. Let's start with the signage NPS uses to TRY to inform guests.

                          And then, there are the occasional signs to remind us of our place. 

I've taken advantage of the shuttles that are running, seeing the variety of sunrise, sunset vantage points. I've experienced a few miles along both Bright Angel and Kaibab Trails. Taking a hard fall about a month after arrival along the LEVEL Canyon Rim Trail, my confidence was knocked backward.   After several weeks and engaging a coworker, I regained self assurance and got on both trails in pleasant early morning hours. 

There really is something for everyone. Whether you are an avid hiker, physically challenged, a historian, scientist or family with small children, there's a WOW factor for you! Please visit, but research first at www.nps.gov/grandcanyon.

I think Lookout Studio is exceptionally picturesque and I subconsciously photographed it more than any other setting.

                                           

                                                Lipan Point during the Golden Hour.

    So, that chapter has closed.  Here is a hint to the next chapter happening soon!

Hopeful

 That is the word for 2021. We all have felt the pain of 2020, in varying degrees. My heart aches for those who experienced loss. I'm left feeling helpless when  I hear about families trying to juggle jobs and Zoom studies. I know I am blessed beyond measure. My wish is that those reading are in a place where hope shines.

Since my Soulful Birthday post, the Arizona temperatures finally softened, which led to fall.  There are so many great hiking spots where I live and I have been taking advantage of them.  Some may know (although I did not include a previous blog) that I had my right kidney removed on June 30th.  It had become non functional due to a cancerous tumor in the ureter.  I have been treated by Mayo Clinic and continue to be under the watchful eyes of a couple of great doctors.  I chose NOT to take chemo during the summer and opted for a three month follow up with scans.  I enjoyed every day and minute of that time.  As some might relate, "live in the moment" becomes so startlingly real when faced with something like this.  The kayak came in July, giving me incentive to heal and be on the water.  My follow up in October revealed bladder cancer that I now receive BCG immunotherapy treatment. I have six weekly treatments and will lay rather low during the holidays.  Many who follow me on Facebook might find some of this post repetitive. However, there also new information, information that lends hope!

Just like many others over the world, I had plans to travel during the holidays.  I opted to not take any unnecessary risks on a plane and have done some nice road trips.  The latest was really spontaneous when my California family said they would be camping at Buckskin State Park in Arizona the NEXT DAY and could I meet them. Well, that is a good half way point for them as well as me.  I looked at it as my only opportunity to see family during the holidays and jumped!  We had a good time on the river, taking a hike, looking at the stars and taking in an early Thanksgiving dinner.  

New puppy, Annie and seasoned Delta on hike with Grammie. 

Some friends and I have scouted out local areas that I have never hiked before and I have taken the opportunity to go with a local hiking group to ancient ruins.  Here I am with Payson Packers on the way to Hematite House Ruins, near Roosevelt Lake.  VERY primitive road conditions! 

Thanksgiving hike on Boulder Trail below. 

Stewart Ridge with Lynette and her daughter, Xing.  We added a decoration to the tree!

                                                    

I have inherited a piano!  I feel blessed to be able to have found a perfect spot in my living room for it.  It will give me great companionship as I lay low over the rest of the year. 

                                                                       

There is a story to be told about the delivery of the piano.  The two fellows were had just placed the piano in the living room and were about to pick up the ramp.  I grabbed my checkbook to pay them and sat on the arm of the chair on my screened in porch. I had things sitting on the seat - one of them being bear spray out of my hiking pack.  I applied just enough pressure on the top of the PINNED canister for it to deploy!  I turned to face it (the mind does not kick in quick enough) and my right arm, torso and face got hit.  The guys inhaled some, but they were out of the porch area.  Gratefully, my phone was in my pocket and I dialed 911, realizing this was more than I could handle with "flushing my eyes".  They were on the spot in 5 minutes with a saline solution that was dripped in my eyes for about 30 minutes.  Someone called the 800 number on the canister for information about treatment.  They were told to get a bucket of water for me to dunk my head. Thank goodness no one took pictures of that! A neighbor came to the rescue with a deep bowl and her hose and the dunking began.  Let me tell you that is an experience I never want to repeat - the product is a serious deterrent!

So, my friends, as this notable year comes to a close, I bid you all a warm and well fed holiday season.  My family has taken to an online game that pulls us together.  It's what we have this year.  I embrace it! I am looking forward to the promise of another year....I'll take it all, happy, sad, good and bad.  It's life and I am hopeful!

Green Valley Park, Payson, AZ

My Soulful Birthday

 I decided a few years ago to wake up in a new place on my birthday for as many birthdays as possible.  As I have told some friends, since I am past the age of one night stands, this takes some planning.  I have a container that holds strips of paper with ideas of where to go....not too far from home.  Rather than plucking a piece of paper from the container, this year I set an intention to visit Aravaipa Wilderness   (Ari-VI-puh). I know my father, G. S. Ryan had done geological studies in the area and written reports about it in the 80's.  (Black Rock Wilderness Study Area, Graham County, Arizona MLA 5-85)

I had heard how unique the trail through the 12.2 mile canyon is as one needs to slosh through water much of the time.  The creek IS the trail sometimes.  With increasing age, decreasing mobility and recent health concerns,  I felt compelled to see what I could see, walking in Dad's footsteps.  Had I been 20 to 30 years younger, I might have planned to obtain a 3 day permit and walk from one end to the other.  Of course,  there is a huge logistical factor when one makes this type of plan.  Hikers can enter from the West (easier access) or the East.  The East entrance is off of a 40+ mile of dirt road, the last 10 showing signs, "Enter at your own risk".  There was only one permit available and that was for one day....my birthday!  It was meant to be even if that meant taking the more daunting entrance. With permit secured, now I needed lodging fairly close.  I decided on a cabin at Roper Lake State Park. 

                                       

 Not exactly close, but doable.  My mapping system had the distance taking one hour and 43 minutes.....times two since I would travel back to the cabin the same day.  I talked to myself on the drive out and reasoned that I needed to spend four hours in the canyon to feel like it was worthwhile.  Was I up to it?  Heck, yes!  I arose the next morning at 4:30 and drove onto the beginning of the dirt road at sunrise. 

Aravaipa Wilderness is in the distance.

                                                

 The drive took me past many ranch homes as I  crossed water streams along the way.

I also drove into the rather beleaguered town of Klondyke. If you Google the town, you will see it has an interesting history.  Wikipedia states only 12 people populate the area now.  Just a few miles past Klondyke is where the signs started appearing for "at your own risk".  I breathed deeply and told myself to be prudent.  After all, I was doing this alone and on my 72nd birthday.  I soon came across a parking area with the standard back woods outhouse.  Also posted was the sign announcing the beginning of the

 wilderness and a map. 

 The map indicated another parking area maybe a mile on down the road.  So, I decided to give it a try.  Well, within one minute I saw the sandy drop off into the stream and thought better of it!  It was necessary to back up the hill into the first parking area but that is just what I did!  I gathered my pack, another pair of socks and water shoes and headed out.  

Right away I was faced with crossing the clear stream, one of four that I would cross over the next hour and a half.

                                        

  Along the way I saw a few deer, a rather large pack of javelina and many birds.  

Can you spot the javelina?  There were at least 15 hiding in bushes and drinking from the stream.

                                                

                                                                

There were a couple of structures that I passed and I imagine families stayed in them up until the 40's based on some of the materials or things in the yards. 

I had no encounter with another human until I crossed the fourth stream.  A family of four passed me in a vehicle which I would see again about a half hour later as they changed a flat tire.  I took that opportunity to stop and sit in sunlight to enjoy a snack.  It was so peaceful and I did have my hammock so I pulled it out and hung it up for a bit of a snooze.  

I could have stayed there hours, but I listened to my body and turned back after a nice rest.  As I hiked back, I did encounter the pack of javelinas again, but more of a distance.  I also saw wild turkeys marching down the middle of a stream I would need to cross. 

So, why was the trip soulful?  You already saw the link with my father in the area.  When I was a teen, his job took the family to Tucson, Arizona.  At the time of the move, I had two younger sisters.  A third sister was born in Tucson.  My mother loved the Arizona sun, but the family would move away in 1969 and my mother would not have Arizona sun to bask in again.  She and one of my sisters has left the planet.  I took time while in the sun to acknowledge the strength and love I had received in my early days.  It felt good to take a pensive moment and feel the spirit of the biological family of my youth.  Of course, then there was the symbolism of walking in the water on my birthday.  I so enjoyed silently singing, "Wade in the Water" as I took each cautious step!  

                                                    

                                                     

I watched this truck make a few attempts at climbing the sandy hill and was happy I had parked where I did!

The hike had been just enough.  My body was tired even though I had just done a bit under five miles.  I had asked the attendant at Roper Lake State Park where I should have my birthday meal and headed to Casa Manana straight away.