FORT CLATSOP, LEWIS AND CLARK

-Weather cooperated yesterday, the sun shone bright as we walked in the very footsteps of Lewis and Clark, from their landing on the riverbank to the place they built their fort. They named it to honor the friendly Clatsop Indians.
The Fort Clatsop Visitors Center reminds us that buying the Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of our country and forever changed the course of the world. Pretty heady stuff.
I'd forgotten so many details of the Lewis and Clark expeditions wonderful saga; the talent of the two men who literally measured their way across those thousands of miles of wild and exciting country. Half of the plant specimens they gathered and named still exist. They met hostile and friendly Indians but managed to communicate and befriend them. Not a shot was fired in anger. That, in itself, was an amazing accomplishment.
The two men served as biologists, scientists, hunters,doctors, explorers, builders, soldiers, navigators and leaders of men. I promised myself to reread the book that includes their journals of this marvelous journey.
Fort Clatsop was restored in the 1980's only to burn down and get rebuilt in 2007/08. The picture shows the newness of the wood sitting in an old growth forest.

From the Indians, they learned what plants were edible and medicinal. They learned to build dugouts from river tribes along the way. Dugouts weren't dependable ocean going vessels The Clatsop and Chinook used wider, lighter, high prow cedar canoes in the rough waters where river met ocean.
The party chose the Oregon side of the Columbia river to build their fort after being trapped by an horrific storm on rocky cliffs for six days on the opposite side of the river. That spot is named Dismal Niche. There are many hiking trails and sights to see at this wonderful National Park.
Nothing was named for Sacagawea, their indispensable guide, but, it was the way of things then, to disregard the accomplishments of women. Without her, they may not have survived the trip.

DENTAL WORK AND ALGODONES

Yesterday was the big day. I was supposed to go for a short appointment and have my final crowns inserted. Ohhhhhh, boy. We arrived in Algondones, Mexico at Dr. Deni Salinas' office at 9 A.M. but didn't leave until 6:00 p.m. It was a looooooong day. Nothing serious, just sending my crowns back to the lab, and waiting, and fitting, and waiting, etc.
So I have a new smile and got to eat some of the best tamales I've ever had. Tamale makers in this area put green olives in their tamale and I love the flavor. I also got my haircut at Judy's in Garza Plaza and saw some interesting metal sculpture. Ever the wanna be arteeste, I habitually photograph artwork. Its been a long time habit. Hope you enjoy.

YUMA AGRICULTURE

Yuma is an agriculture area. We see vast fields of lettuce, kale, cabbages and alfalfa plus orchards of citrus and dates. Packing houses with iconic names like Dole and US Packing Company are evident about the area.
Sheep in herds of undulating wool are visible in the background as the individual sheep cruise the fence lines and seem less sensitive to traffic.
We drove out to the edge of town, crossed the Colorado River that put us in California for a couple hours as we visited Bob Gambol and man who lived and worked in Las Vegas at one point in his life. He claimed that people, when they found out his name, advised him that it was a lucky name and he should put a lot of money out there. He wisely didn't. Some of those quirky superstitious gamblers did. Much to their chagrin.
Bob Gambol is a WIN, a rambler like Jim, and an interesting individual who back-packed 128 different countries over a period of six years. He avoided the most traveled spots, such as Europe. He chose instead, the off beat, small towns, communist countries and revisted Viet Nam where he spent two years at war.
The wandering culture of the RV world is an interesting phenomena that I have yet to explore fully and to understand.
But, I'm working on it.
Chaio

DECEMBER 22, OF ANNIVERSARIES, MEAT PIES AND CHICKENS

This date marks an anniversary of sorts, for Jim. Thirteen years to the day of full time life on the road in an RV. I had never met anyone (in their right mind) who would, could-chose to divest themselves of all material goods and hit the road. He claims stress free living makes you happier and healthier than ever. It works for him. Haven't decided how we'll celebrate yet.
We are making French meat pies for Christmas and I spoke to his cousin Janette from Quebec about the family recipe. And, of course, my own cornish pasty, I already know how to make pasty so meat pies are much the same thing. From my own childhood and Jim's, our families did the same: made meat pies at Christmas to share after midnight mass. We are finding we have a lot in common, not only nationality, but traditions and attitudes; likes and dislikes in concert.
Yesterday, went out for breakfast at an internet cafe; we walked the canal, lazed about and read books, watched a movie, and, in general, treated the day like a weekend off. Stress reduction is definitely my favorite cup of tea right now. Saw these wonderful little banty chickens on the canal.

Life As A Hobo?

My friend Jim found a piece likening Hobo's to the RV Wanderers he has met during his years on the road. It touched me in a personal way since my father, Bill Moore, was once a hobo. He lied his age and joined the army at age 16 or 17. When they discovered he was underage the paymaster allowed his mother to pick up his check. As a headstrong youth, he decided that if they wouldn't pay HIM he wouldn't serve. He went AWOL, jumped trains and traveled for a couple years from Michigan to Los Angeles living in typical Hobo Jungles. His wanderlust satisfied, he returned to Michigan during the depression to face whatever was in store for him. Instead of consequences he met and married my mother.
The similarities are there, riding the roads, always favoring warmer weather, owning only what you can carry nets a simpler way of life. Only the courageous should apply.
For me there is no risk except meeting and enjoying unique people.
Last night I found myself reminiscing about Dad's proclivity to take in "bums" when we were growing up. We learned some "forbidden" songs if Dad took a swig to much.
"Oh, lady would you be kind enough to give me a bite to eat,
A piece of bread and butter and a ten foot slice of meat.
A piece of pie of custard to tickle me appetite,
For really I am so hungry I don't know where I sleep tonight.
Hallelujah I'm a bum. Hallelujah, bum again. Hallelujah give us a handout to revive us again.
(From memory, not sure on accuracy.)

Changing Lifestyle

Lifestyle changes can be stressful and enjoyable, both at the same time. Traditionally a light sleeper, as in 6 to 7 hours each night, I now find I can sleep for 8 and 9 hours and still nod off while reading. Stress reduction is a major benefit of being gone from home and just "ramblin".
I listened to a hoot owl in the night and woke up to a tiny rabbit out the window in the morning instead of the traffic on Pennsylvania Gulch or a blaring telephone. In fact, we are out of cell range at this site and won't have phone service again until Dec. 13th. The disconnect is nice.
My companion wrote three books on his RV trip to Panama and all sites in between. Excerpts on his Seattle blog-http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/ramblinman but this morning I met a man who published 4 books on WWII and is working on a 5th. Another who publishes songs that he writes through a Canadian Company.
A woman who spent a career with the airlines told me travel gets in your blood and you can't stay home. She and her husband are full time RV-ers. Its a culture of its own.
I see a book coming!
Happy Birthday, Jim.

Maybe an ax murderer?

My journey with "The Ramblin Man" began Nov. 21st. Before I signed up as a blogger, I kept a journal, thus several entries follow. Hopefully daily entries hence.

With butterflies in my stomach, I left all that is familiar, house, yardwork, responsibilities (great) wonderful neighbors and friends, familiar surroundings, (not so great), to take off with a STRANGER!!! Egads! What's to become of one such as me to place life and limb into the hands of a stranger? Well, he did tell me to check him out with the penal authorities....hmmm! He spent two weeks on my driveway in his RV and all the neighbor dogs liked him. The neighbors too. I went for it!!

Introduction to Mary'sRamblin's

Life tosses us opportunities. Mine came from an RV friend, Jim Jaillet who invited me to join him in an adventure, skipping about California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. HO! says I. Time for a slice of life, mental meanderings, a bit of philosophy, a peek over my shoulder as we ramble our way about to see what we can see. Hope you find enjoyment vicariously in this blog. Feel free to contact me via email: mgmatzek@sbcglobal. net