Our Journey Living In Nature – continues

Part Four

The Journey Begins at Del Valle Campground

December 1, 2017 – Friday

The first day in December. Stepping out of the tent to 48 deg., a chilly, and breezy morning. The breeze quickly stopped while writing in the journal. Once the sun rose above the foothills it began to warm up my chilled bones. It is a clear sunny day, 55 deg. at 9:30 am. It was hard getting up for some reason this morning.

The boys, and the magpies are waiting for breakfast. I am waiting for coffee to be ready.

After breakfast, I took a nice warm shower then began doing some organizing in camp.

Two campers came in yesterday, and headed for the lower campground, none so far at our campground yet. And everyone was out today, the magpies, crows, doves, and ground squirrels.

Evening Entry

I did a little cleaning up camp, and did some organizing. Simple things to get done, always seems to take longer than expected while camping.

Two campers came in today in our campground area. One renting a cabin, a woman, and two small children. By the time the mother was getting everything unpacked, one of the girls fell off her scooter and chipped a tooth. They weren’t here longer than a half hour before the accident happened. She had to pack the kids up, and headed for the dentist. They were gone for most of the day.

The moon is getting near to becoming a full moon, maybe tomorrow. The boys were both crying in the darkness, and looking across the lawn area towards a new camper. The camper has a dog. The boys have never done this with a new dog they don’t know. We may have to check them out later.

The contractor that is working on the bathrooms came by our camp, and dropped of a bunch of wood trimmings for fire that makes great firewood, and kindling. He said he would bring more later.

We did walk by the trailer with the dog, but they were inside already.

It is a nice night, but once the wind blows, it can be chilly.

We plan to have breakfast at the Cafe in the morning.

December 2, 2017 – Saturday

We left from camp at around 7:30 am to have breakfast at the Cafe in Danville. We returned to camp around 12:00 pm. It is pretty quiet here for a Saturday, and very pleasant.

I also get great pleasure coming back to camp, driving through the countryside, and through the foothills. It is a very peaceful place when few people come to visit. There is endless beauty in the landscape, and wildlife here at the park, even with the lake being so low. I feel this beauty deep within.

December 3, 2017 – Sunday

Everyday waking up with the boys to the country side, and the sounds of Nature never gets old, and is always magical. This new day was clear skies, and 41 deg. when we got up at 7:45 am.

Most of the campers are packing up to leave, or getting ready to pack up.

It is 55 deg. at 9:15 am, and is very warm next to our campfire. We have enjoyed campfires both in the morning, and during the evening, as long as the weather was suitable for a fire. It is nice having a good source for good burning firewood.

We got a surprise rain that came in early morning, and I had to get up to close all the openings in the tent, with the exception of my large window opening next to my bed. Little rain was coming in on my end of the tent, so I got to enjoying my view to the outside. We experienced a very light rain shower with some wind gusts. It can be a pleasant surprise at times with what mother nature brings to us as far a weather goes. Overall the weather hasn’t been bad.

It has been a pure joy having this experience with the boys camping, with many more weeks, months, and years to come. Each morning I am greeted by the boys with their loving attention. Usually Takota is sleeping next to me, and he wakes me first. I then tell him to wake up his brother, and he is always obliging in doing so. Nanook doesn’t always appreciate being bothered by his brother, and I will hear a growl coming from Nanook to Takota of his disapproval. Then they both come to visit me for some loving attention before we get up. Before leaving the tent, I will say to the boys, “Good morning kids,” while I am giving them a good rubbing. At night I always give them a nightly rub, with kisses. Takota always gives me a growl, or a cry. Nanook usually just quietly enjoys it. But one night, Nanook began growling at me when I was giving him his nightly attention of loving. I thought he was just copying Takota, which he tends to do. And from that point on, he would growl at me each night. I then realized, I was doing a growling sound every time I gave them loving. And with Takota, it would be a growl or a cry depending on the sounds I would make. What they were doing was imitating me, growling at me, when I growled at them. My other dog, Shiloh use to do this as well, and I thought he was telling me, “stop bugging me.” But he was probably just imitating my growl. With Nanook, if I increase my volume in growling, he will try and match my intensity in his growl. It sounds like he is going to bite my noise off, but he is just talking to me.

Last night I used the wood scraps the contractor gave me for a fire base to protect the logs from touching the wet ground, then placed the oak logs on top of the wood base. It worked well getting the fire going, and it seemed I was using less wood. I will be doing the same for this mornings fire.

The boys were acting up, with the little terrier across the way from us.

Four quail have come into our camp just now, and Takota chased them up a tree. It is the first time quail have visited us in camp. And Takota left them with a bad first impression.

Back to the boys, and their little terrier friend. The boys were crying, and howling for their little friend. Surprisingly they have never done this with a dog they have never met. When the dog’s owners took him for a walk, and walked the by our camp, I stopped them and asked if the boys could come visit their camp tomorrow, and they said yes.

This morning the owner of the terrier was walking his dog, and dropped by our camp. The boys were so excited to see their new friend. At first the little guy was not sure about these two big dogs, but he soon realized they were harmless, and quickly ran around in playful gestures. When the terrier finally stopped, and the boys both gave him a sniff, they sealed their friendship with an approved sniff.

I was really surprised how my dogs, and that little terrier connected so easily. Maybe they did know each other, maybe at the kennel I would take the boys to. Who knows?

I got my solar panels working, charging my iPad, and my Yeti 150 battery. They worked well. It is nice using the Sun’s free energy for one’s electrical, and charging power.

It seems strange that my dreams, and thoughts at night still disturb me, but not as bad as when I was not camping. I will try to just let it go. I am fine once I get up and out into the wilds of Nature.

At 11:00 am, all campers but one are gone in our area, but the one, is loading up and leaving soon.

December 4, 2017 – Monday

Thirty-two degrees, it feels like winter is here, but technically, not until December 21, the winter Solstice.

I am living in a three seasons tent. I wonder how long it will last? I hope for a while, because I really like it, except for trying to get it back in it’s bag. They always make the carrying bags to damn small.

There is cold in the air, frost on the ground, a chill in my bones, and cold feet. And I am always excited to be out in Nature, being part of her.

Every source of warmth is welcome, the warmth of the campfire, the warmth of my clothing I wear, the warmth from the stove, the warmth of a hot cup of coffee, and the warmth of the morning Sun as it rises above the tops of the foothill ridge.

Since I had no paper or coals from last nights fire, to get a flame going, I had to start a small fire by using thin pine sticks, and building the fire up slowly, with gentle care. I get impatient sometimes in starting a fire, especially when it is cold, and I do start larger fires as quickly as I can, but I have found for me, starting a fire slowly, thoughtfully, and respectfully, gives me greater awareness and appreciation for the gift of fire. In today’s world, we have lost that respect for fire, and light it carelessly, and thoughtlessly. We have that need to always have big fires, unnecessarily big fires. I see people pile large logs onto a very small fire, and wonder why they are having trouble getting a fire started, or they commonly use gasoline, or lighter fluid to get the fire started, or simply give up. I have spent a lot of time learning the proper ways, and techniques in starting fires in all conditions. But for most, the want the quickest way.

I think it is time to get the winter clothing out. Now where did I put them?

I stayed warm all night at temperatures ranging in the low 30’s and maybe lower. I had my 20 deg. rated sleeping bag (Cabelas), and a fleece blanket over the that. And the blanket rarely stayed on the bag.

Last night I was watching a movie outside next to the fire and didn’t notice the drop in temperature. It was a bad movie and decided I had, had enough of it, so I turned it off. Once I moved away from the fire, I realized it was getting a bit nippy. It was 34 deg. reading in the tent, which means it is about the same outside. We get no insulation from the tent, that is for sure. When we step out in the morning from a cold interior tent, the outside always feels warmer as long as no wind is blowing. And the outside, and inside air temperatures are usually very close to being the same. It feels colder inside due to moisture in the tent. The sleeping bag had a chill inside, but quickly warmed up once I was zipped up. I was sleeping on an air mattress as well.

I enjoy the cold weather. It reminds me of Colorado, but obviously Colorado gets much colder. I stayed at Winter Park, Colorado for a year, and the winter’s coldest was -30 deg. that year. I thought I would have issues with the cold there, but because it had much dryer winters, I loved the cold.

I have been wearing cotton socks all of the time, but I will be switching to wool socks to see how they perform vs. cotton. They should keep me warmer and dryer.

The nice thing about camping, you are always outside in the elements, and among the critters. I have a sense of freedom being out in the natural environment. It is rejuvenating, it awakens the spirit inside of us. It brings us back to the natural, and away from the synthetic world. I find it truly magical.

A breeze is coming through camp. Feeling it and listening to it has a calming effect on me, reminding me of the sounds of the ocean’s waves in the distance softly crashing against the shoreline. Magical!

We really have not experience any real extreme weather so far which makes this experience much more pleasant, and relaxing.

It is 9:30 am and the temperature is up to 53 deg. with occasional wind gusts.

I think it is time for breakfast.

My usual schedule for the mornings once we get up is to take the boys for a walk, then get the coffee perking, and writing in the journal. After my journal entry, I cook breakfast for me and the boys.

In my journal writing, I never know what I will be writing, Sometimes I write continuously, other times there seems to be nothing worthy of writing, but I still write. Then beginning with just a few lines, and ready to close the journal, I end up writing for an hour or more. I just let things happen while journaling. I have no expectations.

The campground is empty. Just me, and the boys, and the magpies squawking, waiting for some dog kibble. The magpies here are the California Yellow-billed magpie. They are beautiful birds. We always enjoy them when they come visit.

Last night I heard Canadian geese all night. They may have stopped for a layover.

With the exception of getting a few things done outside of camp, the plan is to stay in this area for the rest of our stay here.

I have noticed the ants have gone underground with the cold temps.

Evening Post

Most of the day it has been cold and windy. I did a little work on the internet, a short writing on Facebook, and took the boys for a walk.

The wind starts, and then stops, and then starts again. I was thinking of spending the evening in the tent after dinner, and then the wind just stopped. We spend the evening outside, enjoying the pleasant night.

We hear a drunk at the lower campground. I believe I know who it is.

Tonight I will be using my sleeping bag liner to give it another try. I haven’t used it for sometime. I really didn’t like it. If you don’t know what it is, it is a light weight liner that you sleep in. It can be a silk or other material that provides warmth, and provides protection to the sleeping bag by keeping it clean. Some of the reasons I didn’t care for it was because it felt a bit confining, and difficult getting in and out of. A nice benefit for the liner is, if it gets to warm in the sleeping bag, you can use the liner for some warmth while sleeping above the sleeping bag.

We decided to turn in early, and I watched a movie. It is a clear night, but the forecast predicts rain. Last night I heard some rustling outside at my picnic table. It was the masked robbers. I knew I had nothing they could get, and they soon left empty handed.

December 5, 2017 – Tuesday

This morning I had found out from the gal at the main gate, that we could not stay a full month in December, so I have to rethink the things in my head on what I needed to get done before we have to leave mid-month.

I wanted to schedule my truck and trailer for my mechanic to look at the braking system, between the truck and trailer, get shots for the boys, get organized for our departure for our new camp, and make sure everything is secure in the trailer.

I was told about a nice campground in Ripon, only about an hour and a half away. So this is where we are heading, and then to my sisters place up north near Paradise. Depending on how the campground is in Ripon, we may stay a week or two.

Evening Entry

This evening is cold out, but not bad when the wind is not blowing. The wind has been blowing off and on today.

Many people have different reasons to camp, and some could be potentially dangerous to the public. The one drunk I had mentioned who was singing yesterday, I had noticed him driving into the campground and he would pass by our camp. I would observe him going by, and he would be looking back at me. He looked like a loner to me with my first impressions. He was camping alone. He has been around for two, or three days if I recall right.

While walking the dogs last night at around 7:30 pm We stopped to talk with the contractor. I thought I heard what sounded like yelling down at the lower campground. After my conversation with the contractor, we walked closer to where I thought the yelling was coming from. Earlier, I noticed a woman that came into the campground alone, and I wasn’t sure who she was visiting, or if she was looking for a campsite, or maybe she already had a campsite. When I was getting closer to the lower campground, getting my hearing focused on the yelling, and of what might be going on, I once again heard a woman crying out of control, and in hysterics. I also heard a lot of yelling from the guy, and the woman, and things being thrown around, creating a big disturbance. This sounded like it could be potentially serious, so I called the park police to report it.

I have wanted to call the police many times on people at this campground, but it would mean getting up, and getting dressed, then determining what campsite it was, then walking to the phone to make the call. Or going to the campsite and talking to the people. This ladder option usually doesn’t have a good response, especially if people are intoxicated. I was told, the park police do not like responding at this park, because they have to drive so far to get her.

After calling the police dispatch, We walked down to the lower campground to determine what campsite it might be. On the way there the woman drove past us leaving the campground. Once we got down to the campground, there was only the drunk guy, and a motor home. I determined it must have been the drunk guy.

I gave the dispatch another call to give them more information, and they relaid it to a police unit. The dispatcher told me the officer was almost there and for me to stay at the campground entrance to wait for him. It took a while for a unit to come. After meeting the officer and telling him the situation, he then drove down to the campsite, passing a car leaving the park. I realized it was the woman leaving the site. Now the officer could not question her. I followed the officer on foot to make sure he had the right campsite. About an hour and a half later, after the first police officer arrived, another police unit arrived. Another unit came in soon after that second one.

The boys, and I went back to bed, and at around 12:30 am we saw two of the police units leave. Then we saw a tow truck come in that towed the guys truck away. I knew then, the guy was arrested and taken to Santa Rita Jail. One officer remained at the campsite for some time.

I felt sorry for the guy, and the woman, that they had to experience this due to their behaviors from their past experiences growing up. Many of our struggles in life always stems from, and are the root causes of the beginnings of our childhood. Most people never learn how to deal with these issues, many have buried them deep in their subconscious, and we continue to relive these false beliefs we have been telling ourselves over, and over again. We live our lives unconsciously in these lies, not even realizing they control our lives in a very profound way, thus preventing us from fully living in joy, love, and in the freedom of who we truly are.

December 6, 2017 – Wednesday

37 deg. at 7:30 am.

We only have enough time to fix breakfast, then off to the Vets at 11:00 am for shots. Before we got to the Vets, the boys started crying. They really like the Vet, and they feel very calm around him. Then after the Vets, we stopped at the store for a few thing, then back to camp, arriving back at 1:30 pm. Back in camp, I checked emails, and did a little reading. The weather for the rest of the week, and weekend is suppose to be pretty good. No rain insight, and warming on Friday.

Evening Entry

Tonight, a cold one. Turned in early.

December 7, 2017 – Thursday

The skies are clear this morning, and 33 deg. in the tent at 7:45 am.

I have been very comfortable and warm in my sleeping bag, and with the liner, which is adding at least 5 deg. to the warmth, if not more.

Today we will organize camp. Excuse me, I will organize, the boys will supervise.

Evening Entry

We got back to camp from shopping at 3:45 pm. It was a beautiful late afternoon at Del Valle. Soon the temperature dropped, turning COLD!

I bought some bird seed for our bird friends. We will see if the magpies like it. I am sure the other birds will appreciate it.

Kevin, and Joy from the campground store dropped by camp to say, Hi to the boys. The boys really like them, especially Joy. Joy would always howl to them, even howling from the truck going down the road, and would get the boys howling back to her. Anyone giving the boys a little attention, the boys would become instant friends with them. Although they weren’t great with new dogs on the block, until they got to know them, they loved people.

I also communicated with my sister that we will be coming up to her place soon.

The boys and I are really enjoying this life in Nature. Being with, and experiencing the plants, the trees, the wildlife, and the magnificent beauty Nature provides to us in every moment. It is a dream come true. I wish I could have done it much sooner, but things just got in the way. I guess it was meant to be this way. And if it was much sooner, it wouldn’t have been Nanook, and Takota by my side. This journey would not have been without them.

December 8, 2017 – Friday

It was windy all night, and it is windy this morning. Cold and windy.

My stove is acting up this morning. I am not getting much pressure. The valve might be clogged up. Might be time for a new stove.

Took a shower today, and feel clean and refreshed once again.

I saw a lot of acorn woodpeckers this morning, the most I have seen. Then at a distance, I heard some crows making a lot of racket at a dead pine tree. I soon found out why when a big hawk flew out from the branches of the tree. The crows may have been protecting their nests near by, or their young.

I put some bird seed in one of the dogs bowls, and the magpies choice the boys kibble instead. But soon the bird seed was tasting pretty good to them. The dark-eye Juncos were enjoying it as well.

Once the wind had calmed down, it warmed up quickly.

Evening Entry

Takota, Nanook, and I took a long walk among the woodlands of this magical place. Returning to camp, we had about a half hour before we had to leave for a short visit to see our friend Tammy. So I sat in my chair, and quietly observed the beauty in Nature. I feel fortunate in learning to be still in Nature. It is a peaceful place one can experience fully the beauty, and wonders in Nature. To become the story that Nature can only provide, and the watcher to observe in total silence that brings us deeper into the amazing magic, and beautiful relationship we have with all life – in the grasses, in the trees, and among the wild creatures we meet – to embrace all life Nature provides to us. It is a place that is hard to describe, that really does not need any explanation, just being in a place of Being within to all that is.

After dropping by to see Tammy at her house, we stopped by the grocery store to pick up some things for dinner, then Dom’s, the outfitter store for some tent stakes, then back to camp.

Once in camp, I noticed a guy, and girl, setting up a camp in an undesignated area, not for camping. I walked over to them to let them know they couldn’t camp there, and before I could say anything the girl said they were doing a photo shoot for a new canned wine produced by Wente Vinyards. They were setting up for a camping scene. I suggested to them that Takota, and Nanook would be great in the ads, they would really give it a wild look in Nature to the ads. I asked if they would like to borrow the boys for a few shots? I pointed to the boys at our camp while they were looking at us intently. They like the idea, so I brought the boys over to their make believe camp for a photo shoot. Of course the boys, did great posing for the camera, but Takota quickly got bored with this whole thing, and walked off the set and wanted to return to our camp. He was done with this foolishness. Nanook on the other hand was just happy to hang out. I was thinking the boys may become famous as models for other products. They would be known worldwide. My mind was going wild with all the possibilities. They said, they would let me know if any of the photos were used. I never heard anything back from them. I was so sure the boys would make the Big Times in dog modeling.

Once Shiloh, my other dog, was in a photo shoot contest for a dog food, and I surely knew he would win, but it wasn’t to be.

I did not get any organizing done for the day.

Kevin, our camping friend said he was coming up to camp on the same day we were suppose to be leaving. I told him I will try to extend our stay till Monday. Me and the boys would like to see him before we are off, heading north for unknown lands.

December 9, 2017 – Saturday

We went to the Cafe for breakfast and to hang out with our friends. We received a nice Journal from a couple we know from the cafe. We then went to Concord to pick up mail. We then headed back to camp. At the front gate of the park entrance at Del Valle, we talked to the gal at the gate about staying a few more days. She talked with the supervisor, and she will give us a few more days.

Kevin will be here on Thursday, then leave on Sunday, so the timing is perfect to spend a little time with him.

Before reaching the main gate. I saw a young boy around 4 years old, and his grandfather sitting together on the top of the hillside just off the road, enjoying the view of the rolling hills of the valley that led down to the lake. I stopped to talk with them. The granddad was teaching his grandson about Nature. That gave me hope, but unfortunately, I don’t think this is happening enough.

Joy from the store dropped by to howl with the boys for a bit.

December 10, 2017 – Sunday

7:30 am, it was a bit nippy at 34 deg. with sunny skies. It will be a nice day today.

The magpies, doves, juncos and the scrub jays are having breakfast at our camp with the feed I left them. And of course, the magpies are waiting for the boys kibble. Usually the magpies are waiting for us to get up in the morning.

It was cold this morning, but the cold doesn’t seem to bother me much as long as the wind isn’t blowing. I enjoy the crispness of the cold air filling my lungs, and against my skin.

I am enjoying my coffee next to a warming fire while writing in my journal, and listening to the sounds of Nature talking to me. The boys relaxing on the grass. There is nothing like the peacefulness Nature brings to us.

I am seeing many more of the acorn woodpeckers around our camp, working hard building up their supply of acorns for the winter cache.

Tomorrow, I will take the truck and trailer in for minor repairs.

With all the work camping takes, and with my age of 65 y.o., I am not yet feeling the aches and pains, and the stiffness of the body too much. I am also sleeping better, and feeling better. The tent camping suits us, and suits Nature. We don’t use noisy, and toxic generators that pollutes the environment as does the RV’s, and motor homes, and tents are not an eye sore like the RV’s and motor homes are that are getting bigger and bigger – becoming more insulated, and closed off from Nature. I don’t call that camping. It is anything but camping.

Each time I drive up the road taking us to our campsite, I feel drawn to the complete beauty, and wonder of the landscape of the rolling hillsides, and the scattered oaks. I experience a deep connection in all that Nature provides to us.

Back at camp, I took the boys for a walk, while writing in my head.

I got the truck aligned with the trailer hitch for a quick connection in the morning. I am writing in my journal, enjoying a pleasant fire, and enjoying John Denver on my cd player. Tomorrow we will be gone all day while the truck and trailer are in the shop.

While feeling the present moment with life itself, thoughts of Shiloh came to me, and our times we had spent together in Nature. I doubt I would be doing this without those special times spent with Shiloh. Shiloh would have loved being out here, and he will always be with me.

December 12, 2017 – Tuesday

Woke up to another beautiful day in Nature. Clear skies, 45 deg., windy. The morning Sun cresting over the top of the foothills, telling me it is 8:00 am, and time to get up. There is something special when one can watch the rising Sun awakening a new day. To experience this gift of life gives with full awareness to the surroundings of the natural world in the sights, sounds, and smells, In feeling the chill of cold on the skin, and the warmth the Sun brings to comfort us, or of the warming fire with the scent of wood unfolding into the air. And then, there are the boys, giving their endless presence, and companionship, their unconditional love lying beside me.

It was windy all night, and continues to give a brisk chill in the air, this morning, although the temperature reads 45 deg.

As always the magpies are squawking for breakfast with the boys.

The wind suddenly stopped at 9:00 am, with only an occasional breeze showing it’s presence.

While I do my morning routines, the boys do theirs by laying on the soft grasses, waiting for breakfast with the magpies, who perch on the branches of trees near by for any signs that breakfast is ready.

A lone turkey with a broken foot cross near our camp.

It is quiet and peaceful this morning. A nice way to start a new day. There are only two other campers here today.

My main focus when camping is to stay in one place as long as we can, and the reasons are to get to know the area we are in. To learn about the flora and fauna, and just Be in the awareness of the area, to truly and deeply experience the area. Other reasons, are to minimize constantly moving, the work it takes taking down a camp, and setting up camp, the availability of campgrounds. And if we are constantly jumping around from campground to campground, how can we ever relax? To truly enjoy the beauty Nature offers? I use to be the type of person who wanted to try to get as much stuff done in a day, or on a vacation. I am now completely opposite, I have learned to take my time to smell the roses.

It has been a busy time here in getting things done, in closing a long story in my life, and being able to settle down to a new story. Especially one that is completely different from my old story in so many ways. In a new direction I could not have even conceived me doing twenty years ago.

Evening Entry

I was thinking we would turn in early because it was getting cold. A half hour after we had our dinner, we went for a walk. When we were getting close to camp from our walk, both the boys and I discovered a pair of glowing eyes at our camp. I was wondering if it was the critter that was keeping the boys on alert all night, and the same critter that allowed me to get fairly close to it one night? Was it a feral cat? A raccoon or skunk?

This creature of the night was getting a drink from the boys water bowl. The closer we got, the critter would slowly move away. It was hard seeing it in the dark, and I wanted to know who this critter was. So I tied the boys up, grabbed a powerful flashlight. The boys were pointing me in the direction of where it was going. I got a glimpse of the glowing eyes, and proceeded to follow this elusive creature of the night. I finally caught up to it and allowed me to get close to it. At first I thought, it looked like a cat with a thick tail, then thinking, maybe a raccoon? What little I could see of the body, it didn’t fit a raccoon’s body profile, nor did it walk like a raccoon. I kept slowly creeping towards it until I was about 15 feet from it, and discovered it was a gray fox. I also saw a fox the day before. It showed little fear of me., and went on nibbling on tidbits it would find. I probably could have gotten closer to it, but I wanted to give it space, as well as showing it respect. It may have also had it’s den close by. I then spotted another pair of eyes a short distance ways, another fox. They could have been it’s mates. It is always exciting seeing new critters in the area.

Another discovery that I really did not think much about was to use binoculars to view stars. I would glass a single visible star that seemed alone in the vast darkness of the night sky, and thousands of stars would appear around that single star viewed through the binoculars. It would have been nice having a telescope, but it wasn’t in our budget.

Kevin, and Joy dropped by camp in the afternoon to say Hi to the boys.

I did get some short writings done that I posted on Facebook, and received some nice comments, and a lot of likes.

It is 7:30 pm, and time for bed.

Just a note: I could stay a bit warmer in the tent if I closed the window flaps, but I stay warm enough, and the boys like the cold, so I partly do it for them. I also like waking up with a view of Nature just outside our tent, and seeing the light of the rising Sun coming through the tent.

December 13, 2017 – Wednesday

38 deg., blue skies, and windy.

It was blowing pretty good all night, and this morning.

I find it hardto get up when it is cold, and windy. It feels much better being nice, and comfortable in a warm sleeping bag. It is much nicer in the tent watching the cold, and wind. But once outside, I feel the cold chill in the air, and it reminds me of the high country of the Colorado Rockies, or the Sierra Nevada Mountains that gives me a feeling of being rejuvenated, and refreshed.

We got up around 7:45 am, and the wind stopped blowing at around 8:15 am. The sunrise was at 8:00 am. I begin shedding layers of upper clothing, with a slight breeze coming, and going.

I relax, and enjoy Nature next to a nice fire, and a hot cup of coffee. And breathing in the cool fresh air. Being with the boys, and experiencing the animals, trees, and plants, there is nothing like it. Our little piece of paradise.

I saw our first shooting star the night before. There are always magical moments in Nature, if we pay attention.

I see one king size motor home, and two RV’s here, and no one is outside to experience the beauty, and wonders in Nature. Except for one guy walking, and puffing on a cancer stick.

A bird I spotted maybe a finch of some kind.

December 14, 2017 – Thursday.

It was a windless night. I tried to stay up for the meteor showers event, but had a hard time staying awake. I was viewing the night sky through my large picture window, From what I could remember I saw about five shooting stars.

Our camping friend Kevin will be coming in today. He usually stays for four days. It is always nice seeing him, and the boys always enjoys his company. This will be the last time we see him.

I have been watching the finches, and they are funny little guys. There are usually a bunch of them feeding from the ground, but then with no apparent reason they all at once fly off, and then they are back again. Similar to sparrows. It is amazing that they know to do this exactly at the same time.

It is a quiet morning spending time with our bird friends.

I was thinking about spending time in the wilderness, and how it is so different then a campground. The boys have never been in the wilderness. I wonder how they will do? I miss practicing bushcraft skills that one should not be doing in a campground, and may be illegal. My focus going up north for now is getting through to Canada, then to Alaska. And focus on observing Nature, and working on going deep in that experience within, through being silent. Also getting writing done in the journal, and doing short writings through reflections.

Last night the fox were staring at the boys from a distance. I tried to get closer to them, but with no luck.

At night during sleep, I question if I am doing the right thing going on this journey. But once I wake up, and step out in Nature, I know this is where we should be.

Evening Entry

We got some laundry done in town, then returned to camp around 2:30 pm. Kevin arrived around 3:00 pm. He was camping at the lower campground. We gave Kevin a few to get his camp set up, then the boys and I went down to his camp for a visit. I chatted with Kevin for a bit, while the boys relaxed, then headed back to camp to fix dinner.

We have a lot to do for our departure on Monday.

December 15, 2017 – Friday

The weather is overcast, cold, and 38 deg.

In this special, and magical place, this landscape of wildness, and beauty, I feel I am part of this Oneness of this masterful painting of Nature. Nature becomes a true gift to all of one’s senses, to feel and experience within the silence, and pure awareness within and without of the true essence of all life.

Evening Entry

We only got a few errands done to day. I hope to get most of them finished on Saturday. I noticed a headlight out in my truck, so I will get that fixed tomorrow as well. I got my bookcase in the trailer more secure so my books won’t end up being all over the floor of the trailer. I used bungee cords, and adjustable tension bars to hopefully secure the books. Saturday, and Sunday are unreserved for my campsite, so I will pay for those days to secure my site. I am lucky my site has not been reserved.

I was planning on leaving on Sunday, but I need one additional day to get the trailer organized.

A family of campers came in today with two dogs that were off leash. A little girl from that camp was riding her bicycle with the two dogs following her on the road, and I was yelling at the little girl to get her dogs on leash. She was not listening, and did not know better. One of the dogs went into our camp, got too close to the boys, and both boys went after him. Nanook bit him in the neck. I was yelling at the owner’s of the dogs to get them restrained.

The guy, with the dogs came over a little bit later to apologize, and he said his dog was okay. This would be an ongoing problem for us. There are those who feel they do not have to follow the leash laws in campgrounds making it more difficult for those who do comply with the lease laws. When people bring their pets camping, they have to be aware of the impact they will have on other campers, as well as their own behavior in the campground. Having a thoughtful consideration for all campers, and to the wildlife should be a given, but for many, it is not. It will be an added responsibility for me as well to keep a close eye on my dogs, as with other dogs that we may encounter in the campground or anywhere else for that matter. It is a learning lesson for me having very protective dogs. Luckily they love people. They do bond quickly with other dogs, but there has to be that period of accepting them in their pack first. As you follow our story, you will discover our friendships along the way.

I have been getting a nice following, and support from my Facebook friends both in my writing, and in general. I feels they are following us along our journey into Nature that in someway gives me comfort.

It has been overcast most of the day with a pleasant evening.

In our time in Nature, I am finding that the simplest things are giving me the greatest pleasure, appreciation, understanding for life.

Although I have not been documenting it in the journal, or in this writing, the boys and I have been spending some nice talks with our friend Kevin. Kevin first met me, and Shiloh back in 2009 here in Del Valle, while camping when we began our camping experiences (In the blog, Our Journey Into the Wilderness). Then when I lost Shiloh, in his passing, in 2011, Tokota, and Nanook, took Shiloh’s place, quickly bonding with Kevin in their first introduction to Kevin. We have become close in a very indirect way through our camping experiences, and occasional chats on the phone. The boys and I will miss those times with our friend.

December 16, 2017 – Saturday

I checked in for two more days, and not one. We were planning on leaving on Sunday, but I needed one more day to get everything ready for departure. At the front gate where we check-in, the park employee, hesitantly gave me one additional day.

It was 32 deg. this morning with no wind, and clear skies.

I will go to my mechanic today, to replace a headlight. Do some shopping, and maybe meet our friend Tammy.

The camper family that are across from us with the two dogs were playing a game that was loud, and they were loud. I was thinking they were being disrespectful to other campers who enjoy the silence in Nature, and disrespectful to Nature. It is how most people behave in Nature unfortunately. This will always be the situation, unless we learn how to respect others, and to the natural world. These games can be played in City Parks, backyards, not in places within wild places. I am probably only about 2% who feels this way about Nature. The 98% go into Nature to use Nature, to take from Nature. Nature is here for recreation, to play in, and nothing about learning from her, respecting her, and in giving reverence to her.

I am here in Nature to think, to reflect, to be silent, to observe, to listen, to write, and to read – and to experience Being in Nature. Most have lost this ability to just Be in Nature. A big part of this is our culture, and how we have been taught.

I have to admit, I get this for most of the week, peace, and quiet, with the exceptions of the weekends. It is when the Zombies come to play.

The calm winds ended shortly after we got up, to become stronger winds. Making breakfast, and brewing my coffee took two to three times longer to cook than usual.

Evening Entry

The winds blew all day, and suddenly ended at 4:30 pm.

I did not cook dinner due to the winds. I just had a salad. After dinner we went over to Kevin’s camp to disrupt his dinner.

It seemed weird for some reason coming back to camp in the dark, with the camp in total darkness. Not even the glow from a small fire. The whole area seemed different, even the night sky. The night was pleasant, even with an occasional breeze coming through camp.

I will focus on packing up as much as possible tomorrow, so we can get an early start on Monday to our new campground.

December 17, 2017 – Sunday

A beautiful Sunday Morning. Slept pretty well.

Kevin left early this morning, so we didn’t get to say good bye.

The small masked birds we have been seeing in camp, I was told were Rocky mountain chickadees.

Afternoon Entry

The day is closing as with our stay at beautiful Del Valle. We met some friends to say our good byes, picked up a good supply of dog food, trailer pretty much loaded up. Tomorrow the tent comes down and loaded as with the rest of our gear. And then we are off. It will be a short drive to our next campground.

Everyone in the campground is gone but me and the boys, and the contractors working on the restrooms.

December 18, 2017 – Monday

We got to our possible new campground, and doing a drive through, I was not impressed. The campground was not kept up, and was overgrown with vegetation. I found a possible campsite next to the river. So I got out to walk around for a look see, and I saw a lot of big yellow jackets flying around the site, and all around the campground. I quickly made a decision this was not a good campground to be in. I had no other options for camping. So I called my sister, and her husband answered. I ask if it was okay to come up today, and they said come on up. It was about a three hour drive up north to their place. It felt like much further a drive. When we got into the town of Magalia, it was dark and hard to see the street names, hard to see in the dark with dealing with a cataract in one eye, and just hard to figure out where we were. We finally found their house.

I was pretty tired from the drive, and just wanted to get settled in, talk a little, then go to bed. I really did not know how long we would stay, because I wanted to get on the road as soon as we could. But my sister had other plans. She wanted me to stay at least for my birthday on January 9^th. I told her I would, but planned to leave on the 10^th. Of course she wanted me and the boys to stay longer.

I hadn’t seen my sister for over 20 years, and spent time catching up, and she would tell me about our family history. I really enjoyed our short stay with my dear oldest sister. On my birthday, I talked with my other sister in Michigan who came with my friend Tammy to pick up the new puppies, Takota, and Nanook from the Breeder. This was a time I was thinking a lot about my family, and how grateful I was to have my brothers, and sister growing up.

My sister loved the boys and was so excited in having the boys staying with them. She treated them as part of the family. Each morning before my sister was up, the boys would be in the kitchen waiting for her, and greeted her with loving howls.

While at my sister’s I had my trailer checked out. I had to figure out where we were going for our next camp. My niece was giving me some ideas, but finally decided to back-tract a bit heading south, then west, then back north to Clear Lake. I wanted to head to Mount Shasta, but I thought I would hit bad winter conditions for driving and camping, so that was off the list. We did a little exploring of the areas of Paradise, and Magalia, during our stay. It was a nice area, and had a lot of Native American history, but you couldn’t tell if you didn’t read the plaques along the roadside. This is what is left of the indigenous peoples of California – plaques, markers, and casinos. And small Rancherias, what basically the rest of the Federal Government or the BIA (bureau of Indian affairs) calls Indian Reservations but much smaller. I personally don’t care for either the federal government or the BIA for what they had done to the Indian people, the land they stole, and the genocide committed against these first peoples of this land, we call America.