Part Five

Our Journey Continues

January 10, 2018 – Wednesday – Clear Lake State Park, CA

We decided to leave today, rain or shine. I was antsy to get back on the road again – to be back on our journey in Nature.

I enjoyed our stay with my dear sister. The boys and I will miss her.

I wanted to get on the road by 10:30 am, and ended up leaving at

11:30 am. I spent a little time with my sister talking. I could tell she did not want us to leave. It was a long time for us being apart. I also think she had a concern for us in what we were doing.

On our drive heading up north to Clear Lake, we did get a little rain on our short drive to Paradise, and then nicer weather the rest of our way to Clear Lake. I have only been to Clear Lake once with an old girlfriend. I did enjoy that part, but Clear Lake (Clearlake, the city) has always had a bad reputations for the pollution in the lake, as with the culture of people who lived there. It is the poorest county (Lake County) in the state. But it seemed to be our best option heading north, so we took the chance. And if we didn’t like it we would just leave.

We had to do a little back tracking going south, then west to get to Hwy 29 north. I was not paying attention to where I was going and missed the exit to take me west to Hwy 29, so I drove until I could turn around, and wasted about 20 minutes driving time. I estimated getting to the campground around 3:30 pm, which I achieved. We hit little traffic on our 4 hour drive. I arrived in the town of Clearlake at 3:00 pm. Once we got to the campground, I then searched for a good campsite that would work for us. The campground was not that crowded which was nice. We picked a site next to the bathrooms, and the campsite gave us an enough room for the tent, the truck, the trailer, me, and the boys. It was a comfortable site with a view of the lake. I didn’t want to camp next to the lake, since these sites are the most popular, and so as not to get bumped by campers making reservations for those sites. The boys and I were excited to be camping again. It feels like we were back home, but with a different scenery.

I only had a short time to set up camp before dark. I found everything easily for the set up of the tent, without having to dig through all my stuff, and that saved some time and frustration. It would have been nice to have a campfire for our first night, but I was lacking the wood. For dinner I had a few Keto bars, and some leftover lamb that my sister gave me. And of course I shared the lamb with the boys.

There was a lot of moisture in the air that made it a chilly evening at 43 degrees. We also had some masked bandits in two trees in camp. The boys will keep a close watch on them.

A police officer dropped by camp and noticed we had not paid. I was actually going to pay the next day, but they do frown on that. He offered to take the payment envelope for me, and drop it in the drop box. He had a canine unit, so the officer enjoyed meeting the boys. He was a very friendly, and down to earth kind of guy. I like him immediately.

Although I have been doing a lot of camping, camping at different campgrounds is a little adjustment on what one can do, and can’t do as far as the campground rules go (which I seldom read), as with most people. And dealing with reservations which I won’t do. Although I did have to do at Del Valle because it was required. Many campgrounds usually have partial reservations, and non-reservations (first come for served) sites, or reservations only during peak season.

January 11, 2018 – Thursday

Soon after we went to bed last night, me and the boys heard a commotion right outside the tent. I wasn’t sure if it was the raccoons or some other critter. Most likely the raccoons. The boys got all excited, and I was hoping they would not damage the tent in their excitement. They soon calmed down, and all was good. The boys quickly fell back to sleep in their doggie slumber. There were other unknown sounds throughout the night I could not identify, among those was a great horned owl hooting in the dark night sky. In the morning I heard a hawk and I think an acorn woodpecker.

I had a hard time falling asleep last night from the excitement of camping again. We were really on our journey in Nature, and there was no turning back. I had nothing to back to. I was focused on heading to the beautiful, and wild Alaska of the north country. I finally fell asleep around 1:00 am or so, and slept pretty well the rest of the night. We didn’t get up until 9:00 am. It rained a bit during the night, a sporadic light rain that would come and go. I was hoping it wouldn’t become a steady rain where I would have to get up to close all the window flaps. I kept the screened windows open for fresh air, not knowing it would rain. A drop of moisture landed on the side of my face in the early morning from the screened opening next to my bed. I then watched for the rain that never came. The boys slept peacefully all night.

Once we got up, we went for a walk, then I fed the boys, unloaded the bed of the truck for our trip into town for supplies.

We went shopping for about three days worth of food, picked up some gas for the Coleman gas stove. And I found a place where we could get a load of firewood. We picked up about an 1/8th cord of hard firewood. It was nice finding a good supply of firewood if we stay longer.

The day was nice with clear skies and a little warmth from the winter Sun.

While unloading the truck of groceries, and firewood, a law enforcement park ranger stopped at our camp. I thought he might say something about the firewood I brought in, but instead he mentioned that the dogs could not have a restraint longer than 6 feet long. I had the boys on a high line with a 20 ft. leader attached to the high line so they would have a little room to run around. He warned me if I didn’t comply I would get a ticket. I grudgingly took the high line down and shortened the lead line, but not to 6 feet. I made it about 12 to 15 feet long. The Ranger said nothing after that, so I thought I would be okay with that length. I did not like these restrictions on my dogs, and I was thinking of packing up and finding another place to camp, although I did like this area, and we could stay for up to 30 days here. So I just dealt with no high line and a shortened lead line.

Evening Entry

We got a few drops of rain in the afternoon.

For dinner we had steak.

The boys and I took a walk along the lake for a little exploring before it got dark. It is a beautiful lake on the surface of it. At least what I could see of it. I thought about what it was like before the white settlers came here, during the time of the Native Americans who called this land their home.

Before dinner, a fellow camper dropped by for a friendly chat and a beer. The story he was telling me, I wasn’t sure I could believe, but just took it for what it was – a story.

After a nice meal for dinner, I sat next to a pleasant warming fire with the boys, enjoying the silence and peace in nature. The night sky glistens with an abundance of stars filling the sky. I am beginning to quickly settle down in our new environment and I thought, maybe we will stay a full month. We will see how it goes.

The raccoons are perched on the branches of a tree just outside of our camp, waiting for us to go to bed so they can see what tidbits of food they might find. They don’t know we are up to their tricks in invading camps, and we leave nothing for them to get their little hands on.

So far we have not had much wind, but it is still early to say what the weather will bring since we are camping in the middle of winter. I do enjoy hearing the winds blowing through the trees. It can be a soothing sound to hear while lying in bed.

This place that was once sacred to the native people here, was turned into a place the so-called civilized man simply used as they chose, with little regard for the harm they did to the natural environment, or for the original inhabitants. With no deep connection to what the land brings to our very being, and for our very survival. We have lost this deep connection, relationship, and respect for nature we once had many thousands of years ago. When was the turning point that we chose greed, self-indulgence, a hungering for the insatiable appetite for more, with little regard for the very thing that supported all life? Where we were willing to kill others of our same species, and to the natural world, to take for our thankless desires to have more, no matter what? Was it when we began believing we were superior over all life forms? And yet, there were also peoples who had a deeper understanding of our relationship to all creation, and to chose to live in harmony with all life.

January 12, 2018 – Friday

The pesky raccoons returned once again to our camp last night. They kept me awake while they attempted to get into our stuff. They did find their way into one ice chest where there was some ice in it, just by simply knocking it over. They were crunching away at the ice while keeping me awake. I am glad they enjoyed it. I have to keep the camp more food secure so to discourage critters from coming into our camp.

The past two mornings have been foggy. We got a light rain early this morning.

I didn’t cover the kindling wood, and it was wet, so splitting the wet wood to get underneath to the dry wood beneath was required. I also used some fire starting blocks to get the fire going. I could have also used some fatwood as an option, that I had plenty of in supply. I brought a lot of fire starting material with us so fire starting wouldn’t be a problem. I also practiced a lot of different fire starting skills I had in my fire starting toolkit prior to this journey.

The police officer who we first met on our arrival here, stopped by to say hello, and to see how everything was going. We had a nice talk, and he was telling me there are bald eagle here, and occasionally bear, and elk.

It is 12:00 pm and we just finished breakfast. The Sun is trying to break through the fog. There are only two other campers left, besides me and the boys. One in a tent and the other in an RV.

The boys, and I went on a nice walk after breakfast. The Sun burned off the fog by then, and left us with a blue skies. On our walk I saw a sign indicating the type of fish, as with the crayfish in the area. I thought it might be nice to catch some crayfish. I brought traps with me. We ran into the police officer that made it an issue about my dogs being on a longer lease than 6 ft. While he was driving through, and I flagged him down to ask if I needed a fishing license for crayfish. He said yes, and he also mentioned to me, he wouldn’t recommend it because the lake has a high mercury content. This got me even more interested about this lake. It had many stories to tell of it’s past.

January 13, 2018 – Saturday

I had a pretty good night sleep, but it was a bit cold when I awoke this morning around 7:30 am. I peeked at the temperature and it was 34 degrees. It has been in the mid 40’s in mornings prior. A pretty good drop in temperature I would say. When we finally got up at 9:30 am it was 39 degrees. The first thing for this morning, the boys and I took our morning walk, then was to get a warming fire going. It is nice having a good supply of firewood at hand. For me, it is like gold. I am not sure what it will be like the further north we go. I always keep my eyes open for firewood signs along the road side. I try to avoid buying firewood in small bundles that they sell at the store, except for the use of kindling. It is a rip off buying 5 to 6 logs of pine that easily will burn in one lighting. Most everywhere charges $6.00 to $7.00 for a bundle of firewood.

It took a little work on getting a fire going because of the wood still being wet, but it finally took, providing warmth to the body, and calm to the spirit. Fire is one of the four elements in nature, and is seen as sacred to the indigenous native peoples. They know we cannot survive without it. As for the typical camper, there is no special relationship with fire, or air, or water, or the earth. It is just something we take advantage of, with no thought of the gifts they provide until we really need them. We don’t think about, or are grateful for the life giving forces that are part of the soup of life, for all life.

I got the coffee going, then some journaling, and then breakfast. A simple life, but a good life, and being able to share it with the boys. They provide a wonderful presence to the camp, and to me.

The night sky was clear with the glowing light of the stars against the darkness of the night sky. This morning we were welcomed with blue skies, no fog, and no wind.

Shortly after retiring to bed last night, the eerie sounds in nature began. It was like the ghosts, and goblins had awoken, rising from the darkness. The sounds I hear from the animals are unfamiliar to me, nothing I have heard before. They are the invisible voices of the night. Sometimes they are comical because they are so strange, as with being entertaining. The first sounds were a screeching from across the campground. It could have been an animal or some type of bird. Some times I am awakened by them. These night sounds of nature, can be scary for some, but for me, I enjoy them, they can be wondrous. We were experiencing more bird activity today. I did hear a flock of Canadian geese flying in last night, and this morning, a fox barking. It would be nice having audio equipment to capture these sounds of the night.

I was talking with Trevor, the police officer with the canine unit, and he was telling me a little bit about the history of the mercury mines next to the lake.

Evening Entry

We had a good salmon dinner tonight. The evening temperature is 47 degrees outside. It is very comfortable without the wind while enjoying a nice campfire.

Six or so new campers came in today, making it a total of about ten, including us. I was surprised there were so many for this time of year, and for the weather we have been getting. There was one campsite where the campers were pretty obnoxious.

I forgot to mention, every other day, we have to go to the campground kiosk first thing in the morning to pay our camping fee for two days, and to make sure our campsite has not been reserved. I don’t think most campers make reservations this time of year, but they make us go through this process. I always ask for a weather forecast while I am there.

January 14, 2018 – Sunday

It was 45 degrees this morning when I awoke at 7:00 am. It was another beautiful morning. My senses felt fully engaged with our environment. Sensing the trees all around us, hearing the birds with their morning calls, and songs, and smelling the sweet scent of nature.

This morning it was a bit windy, but not cold.

While laying in bed I look out in nature, a little doubt comes to mind, and I ask myself, “Why am I here? What is my purpose in doing this? Will it make any difference?” Friends tell me I am making a difference. They tell me I am planting seeds. They tell me that I am planting seeds in my Garden of Hope. It is not that I am not enjoying our experiences living in Nature so far. I love the simplicity of living in a tent, the experience, and gifts of having Takota and Nanook by my side. And just being in nature. I quickly banished the doubt with the healing powers that nature brings.

Looking out towards the lake, I see white caps. It has usually been as calm as glass.

It is 57 degrees, and warming at 9:30 am. We drove down to the campground kiosk to pay for another two days, being greeted by three turkeys there.

I suspect most or all the campers will be leaving today. I am not certain how long we will be staying here. We have only been here for four days. We will just see how it plays out, two days at a time. Heading north in the winter, the weather can be very uncertain. I try to get the weather forecast for the area we are departing from, and the new area we plan to stay. I don’t want to take down a camp in the rain, or drive in the rain, or set up a new camp in the rain.

I did not hear any critters in camp last night, but did notice there was a big hole chewed in the garbage bag at the trash can.

I began saying a small prayer for the spirits at each campground we stay at for permission to stay here, and for protection. I decided to do this in showing respect for the natural world within the seen and unseen. The natural world has been disrespected enough. Showing gratitude is a good way to begin this respect.

I had just learned this was a three day weekend, so there may not be any campers leaving yet.

Afternoon Entry

It is 3:20 pm. The beautiful clear weather we have had so far is now beginning to cloud up. It looks like rain may be near. I got the rain fly for the tent secured, and have the canopy up. We just got back from shopping, and I was trying to set up a meeting with a tribal elder. She was suppose to call me.

The wind isn’t too bad, and not bad enough to take the canopy down. The canopy is great to have for light rain. Heavy rain and wind, forget it. Some blue sky is appearing to the north, and almost above us. But that can always change. It is 61 degrees in the tent. We are definitely suppose to get rain this week. How much, who knows?

Evening Entry

During our journey in nature, I was hoping to connect on a much deeper level to nature, as with hopefully connecting to the original indigenous people in the areas we pass through on our journey.

Lets begin with the native people who lived in the Clear Lake area. The predominant culture were the Pomo Indians (Pomo – means ‘Dweller at the red earth hole’). Other tribes shared this area with the Pomo – the Yuki, the Wappo, and Lake Miwok.

The Pomo people lived in the Clear Lake area for over 11,800 years as hunters and gathers. With the perfect climate, and abundance of food resources from the lake, streams, and land, they flourished, living in peace, and harmony with nature. They built tule boats to fish, used obsidian from Mt. Konocti for tool-making, arrow and spear tips, and for trade with other tribes. They were, and are known for their intricate Pomo basketry made from plant material, and often adorned them with the feathers of birds.

When the Spanish began occupying this area, as with other areas in California in the early 1800’s, the Spanish enslaved and mistreated the native population. Then in 1826, the European settlers, and gold diggers began to arrive, and settled into the region, bringing their European diseases resulting in massive waves of death to the Pomo tribes that freed massive amounts of land for the taking by white settlers. Violence against the Pomo people then ensued bringing more deaths to innocent men, women, and children, for the sake of unconscionable greed.

Treaties were written and signed between the Pomo bands and the United States Government in 1851, and as with all the treaties made by the US Government with all Indian tribes throughout the US, they were eventually broken by the US government with full intent, and in the case of the Pomo people, they became landless. The process of cultural genocide and forced assimilation continued against all Indian people in North America by the European settlers. The United States method used was to “Kill the Indian, and save the man,” in any way they could with no moral justification. They just wanted their land, and they would just take it, or created laws to take it. Amazingly the Native American survived the horrific atrocities, and genocide committed against them. They have been able to maintain their cultures and traditions with great struggles, difficulty, and resistance by the powers to be. For those Indigenous Peoples who held onto their traditional values the best they could, with all odds stacked against them, with much pain, suffering, and hardship put upon them, they continue to persevere.

My feelings towards indigenous cultures are strong, because I know they play an important role in the very survival of humankind. We can learn from their knowledge and wisdom on how we can be better stewards of our planet.

A good example of this is how we have treated the land, and water of Clear Lake out of pure greed and disrespect for all life. It began with the white settlers and the mining of gold.

Clear Lake is the largest, natural freshwater lake in California, with 68 square miles of surface area. The lake dates back to the early Pleistocene era, more than 1.5 million years ago, and is believed to be the oldest lake in North America. It was once a healthy and productive ecosystem for tens of thousands years that supported humans, and wildlife. The Pomo Indians and their descendants lived on this land for thousands of years. They had a deep reverence for the land, water, and for all life, and understood the natural laws of the natural world. For the settlers, they just took with no understanding of the impact they were having on the original peoples, and on the land.

The most prominent of the region’s many volcanic cones is 4,200 foot Mount Konocti, just southwest of the State Park. Konocti is classified as an active volcano, although it has been dormant for thousands of years. The region is geologically active by the many hot springs in the area.

It is refuge and nesting place for many varieties of waterfowl. The wood duck nests in trees; mallard ducks find homes in the grasses and tules. Other birds including the herons, egrets, white pelicans, great horned owls, bushtits, northern flickers, red-shouldered hawks, red-tailed hawks, ospreys, bald eagles and many songbirds make this area their home. It can be argued that Clear Lake has more bird life than any other northern California lake, even though much of the lake is developed. The wildlife includes, deer, mountain lion, otters, gray fox, bob cat, coyote, raccoon, skunk, and on occasion, bear and elk. This area was also known for having a large population of grizzly bears until they were all killed off, as with the wolves.

The lake basin is surrounded by the rugged coastal mountains, covered in mostly thick stands of a variety of oak – madrone forests. At the lake level, there are grass lands, wetlands, marshes, and extensive riparian habitat systems, creating the perfect ecosystems for a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial species of wildlife.

Since the operation of the Sulphur Banks Mercury Mine that began it’s operation in 1860 on the southwestern side of the lake. The 150-acre mine became one of the most noted mercury producers in the world. It produced Bortax, Sulfur, Mercury, and Gold. The mine closed in 1957.

Mercury has been continually leaching into the lake, and into the surrounding environment for over a century, creating health concerns for all life forms in the area. It had produced 2 million cubic yards of mine waste just on the property. Today, a flooded open-mine pit measuring 23 acres long and 90 feet deep is located only 750 feet from the lake – and it is filled with contaminated mine waste and natural geothermal water that continues to seep mercury waste into the lake bed. The poisoning of the lake from the mercury of the mine not only impacted the food chain from the lake, but also on the land. The very natural resources the Pomo and other tribes relied on for their very survival. Clear Lake is one of the most Hg- contaminated lakes in the world.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated the property as an official Superfund Site in 1991.

The EPA does not consider the mercury contamination to be high enough to ban swimming in the lake. As for fishing, only small amounts are recommended for consumption. Throughout California many lakes have such warning signs posted on the consumption of fish. This includes all aquatic life. This pollution often results in algal and Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms making the water unsafe to swim in during the mid to late summer months. The presence of Cyanobacteria is linked with high Methylmercury (the most toxic form of Mercury) concentrations in bodies of water. The algae blooms are much more prevalent with the impacts of climate change due to the warming of lake water. Mercury and blue-green algae is harmful to humans, as with all wildlife.

I had learned that the campground we were staying in flooded one year. Which means the soils in the campground was contaminated with mercury. There was no clean up in removing the toxic contaminate.

I hope this provides you with a look at the impact we have had in the modern day world by the human race on our natural environment. All our lakes, rivers, streams, and much of our lands are polluted by man. The mining companies from the very beginning never took any responsibility for the impact it has had on the environment or on human health or other life. They were never accountable for any clean up of what they had left behind. But to be fair, neither did any other manufacturing endeavors. We were living in the industrial age, and progress and greed was Americas driving force. None of us really cared about the environment or the impact it was having on all life forms. And to a large extent, we still don’t in today’s world. We have little regard for the impact we have on the environment, or do we understand that it impacts all life, even human life. We are blind to these realities we have created. And in a very short period, of time, only a few hundred years, it is here to haunt us, and for the very survival of the human race.

We could have listened to nature’s call. We could have listened to the indigenous peoples warnings that nature is what gives us life. And the warnings from science, but we chose not to listen. We cannot survive without a healthy and sustainable world. Yet we continue to take from her, giving nothing back.

January 15, 2018 – Monday

From the clouds rolling in yesterday, and last night, and with the forecast of rain, I woke up in the middle of the night seeing a clear sky. This really isn’t any indication we won’t get rain. When we awoke in the morning, the sky was blue, 46 degrees, with a chill in the air.

Last night for some reason I felt most uncomfortable settling down in the tent. It was a feeling of me being in a different place. It felt I was oriented differently in a different direction in the tent. Strange things happen in nature. Maybe it was an atmospheric thing happening? Or maybe a full moon.

I was listening to a message from our camping friend, Kevin, from the San Francisco Bay Area. Him and his wife just got back from Maui, and while there, they had a missile attack scare. It was fortunately a false alarm, but scared everyone on the Islands. A scary thought that this really could happen in our unstable world.

Evening Entry

I was about to get dinner on and all of a sudden I was hit with being sick to my stomach. I wasn’t sure where it came from. The only thing I ate was some salami during the day. I had the need to purge, so I went to the restroom, then back at camp I put on some turmeric ginger tea that I had. Going to the bathroom and the tea seemed to work. I had another cup of tea for good measure. I am not a big tea drinker, but I forgot how soothing a nice tea can be. I brought along an assortment of teas with me by The Republic of Tea. Their teas are organic, with a nice blend of teas, and added flavors to make them very enjoyable and flavorful.

Didn’t get much reading done today. We picked up some more firewood, and we went for a walk. Besides doing the basic camping stuff we do, fire, cooking, going on walks with me and the boys, shopping, and picking up firewood, and occasional laundry. I have been doing a lot of reading which has been a main focus for me during this time we have been camping. And of course experiencing the time in nature, and with the boys. Although they can be a pain in the butt at times, they are really good as camping companions. They give me a sense of peace with their presence, as does the beings in nature.

The campground is a pretty nice place for walks. There is a creek we could walk along, parts of the lake is accessible, and around the State Park and campground. The trails through the mountains can be pretty rugged for dogs, so we stayed away from them, and for the reasons I could possibly get injured walking two big dogs. Most people are pretty good about keeping their dogs on leash, but not all, so I always have to be on watch for those not obeying the leash laws.

We got a little rain, maybe 5 minutes worth or so, but it provided a pleasant freshness in the air. I wasn’t sure how long the rain would last so I got the boys to come under the canopy to stay dry. They were happy to oblige. With our experiences in rain, and winds, the boys learned to find places to get out of the bad weather. They would go under the canopy, under the picnic table, or find a bush or tree they could find for protection. They also do this for shade on a warm day. They prefer the cold, the colder the better.

I am going to skip dinner tonight. The boys already ate theirs. I think we will go to bed early tonight.

My neighbors are a bit too noisy for my liking, but the rest of the campground is quiet. I feel much better than I did earlier. The tea must have helped.

I invited the gal who was camping across the way from us if she wanted to come by our camp to warm up next to the fire. She had very little camping gear, and she was sleeping in her car. I waited a bit for her, and assumed she wasn’t coming over, so I was getting ready for bed, when she finally came over. We had a nice evening chat, talking until 10:00 pm. The rain held off until then. Soon after getting into the tent, the rain started, hard at times. I had to close up everything in the tent. Getting comfortable settled in bed, I heard a thundering sound of a jet engine or of a missile launching. Since my time here, I have not heard any jets. And my imagination goes wild with the question of experiencing the beginning of a nuclear war? This was spurred by my friends experience in Hawaii. Can it happen? Of course it can. We live in a world where it is always possible with the mad leaders running the world.

January 16, 2018 – Tuesday

After checking the radio to find out if we were at war, nothing was spoken of it. I guess we are safe for now.

The funny, short, and chubby looking character that I first met when we arrived here, dropped by our camp, and we chatted for a bit. He found a trailer park in town that was cheaper then camping here by a third. The State Parks in California are expensive. I was paying $28.00 with a $2.00 Senior discount per night.

We were talking about different places we have been camping and he mentioned Del Valle, where me and the boys have camped. Talking more about Del Valle, I realized he knew our camping buddy Kevin. Kevin told me a story about this funny little man who likes to mooch beer from other campers. He ended up drinking all of Kevin’s beer while Kevin went to bed. It is amazing who one meets camping. After that I wanted to keep my distance. I had to call Kevin and tell him, guess who I saw?

The young campers, that were camping across from us seemed suspicious to me. When they arrived a couple of days ago, there was a girl and two guys. They had a family size tent, and each day they brought more stuff, like a huge mattress. The girl always stayed in the tent. And more people were coming into their camp. I gave the ranger a heads-up on them. The ranger checked up on their intent, and they were planning to live there for a month. The ranger kicked them out today. They were homeless. Good thing, I would have been concerned about our stuff if they got to stay. I was relieved they were gone.

January 17, 2018 – Wednesday

We have been in this campground for a week now. It feels like two weeks for some reason. I am still not sure how long I want to stay here. The boys picked up a lot of ticks yesterday on our walk. I hope I didn’t.

It is 52 degrees at 9:25 am. Rain is expected tomorrow.

I met a nice law enforcement ranger yesterday. I talked about our plans to head to Alaska. He mentioned having a strong interest in wanting to go there as well.

I had a good night sleep last night as far as I could remember. We got up at 8:30 am.

Since there are no magpies around, the scrub jays are enjoying the left overs from the boy’s dog food. Yesterday on our walk along the creek I saw a duck I have not seen before. It was similar to a wood duck in body form, but with a white body, some black markings, and a white head.

I have been reading Wayne Dyer’s books since I began this journey to help me get back into a deeper awareness of my sacred self. The feeling of doubt always seems to creep into my unconscious during periods of sleep. When awake I seldom think about it. Nature, and being with the boys comforts me. They wrap me like a blanket would against the cold, warming my very soul. I am taking a big step, a different direction in life, moving away from a synthetic life, a material life, to a life within the wondrous world in nature.

Evening Entry

Today after a late breakfast and chatting with our ranger friend Trevor,

we headed for town to pick up some flea and tick repellent. I then went to get some gas, and picked up a few things at the supermarket. I also dropped by the Indian Casino to talk with Lucy, the granddaughter, to let her know I still wanted to talk with her grandmother about the local tribes.

While driving back to camp I thought about how nice it was to stay with my dear sister for a few weeks.

The weather forecast was for rain for all of Thursday, starting in the early morning. Not looking forward to that.

Although I experience bad dreams while on our journey in nature, I do sleep better being in nature. I enjoy looking out my large window next to my bed viewing the stars at night, and in the morning experiencing first light of each morning, and looking out into the wonders of nature.

It seems the boys are sleeping well. Although they are not experiencing the same things I am experiencing, I am sure they feel better being in natural world. To be honest, our canine companions I believe, are happy just being with their human family, to be loved, and to give love. I am very fortunate to be with them 24/7. I could not see myself doing this journey without them.

This evening it was pretty nice out at 52 deg. at 7:05 pm.

January 18, 2018 – Thursday

I had a difficult night sleeping. It began raining lightly around 6:00 am or so. The splattering of rain drops on the tent woke me up. We got up at 8:30 am, drove to the main gate to pay another $56.00 for two nights stay. Having to pay every two nights I thought was ridiculous, because the campground was never full during the winter months. All campgrounds should have off season rates, and better senior rates in my opinion.

Back at camp, sitting in the rain, trying to figure out what I can do in the rain camping? I was sitting under the canopy staying dry, the boys were outside of the canopy getting all wet. Nanook finally thought maybe being under the canopy would be better, so he came to join me. And Takota was fine being soaked.

In front of me I saw 3 trees in camp, about 12 feet apart that could make a good spot for a lean-to for the boys. I grabbed a 10’x12’ tarps that I had, and used some rope that was close by to tie the tarp off to the tree’s for a ridge line. Then I used some stakes for the tarp to the ground. It was a perfect lean-to to keep the boys out of the rain. After the boys tried it out with some coaxing from me, they seemed to like it. I then fed them their breakfast in their new shelter. Takota liked it because it felt like a hiding place for him. Nanook ended up getting back under the canopy with me. It wasn’t raining hard, just a steady rain.

Since my trailer was stuffed with camping gear, it was at times hard to find things easily for any such projects. One thing I am not short of are tarps and rope that can have many uses for such things as covering things I might have on the picnic table from the weather and critters, a lean-to, covering firewood, or a tarp wall attached to my canopy on one or two sides. I also have good quality tarps I would use as a shelter for us when needed. As far as the placement of my canopy, I like to place it partially over the picnic table to cover the cooking area where I have my stove so I won’t get wet cooking. Makes sense! The other half of the canopy I would use is for a sitting area to drink my coffee, write in my journal, reading, or just being outside in nature, and experiencing nature, enjoying the sights and sounds in nature. It is also a place for the boys to lay down in if they choose. The best scenario is having the fire ring close by to receive the enjoyment and warmth of the fire close by, but not so close as to put burn holes in the canopy from the fire embers.

It is another beautiful rainy day. According to the weather forecast we have a two day break with no rain, then four days of rain. I may make the boy’s lean-to a bit better for the wet forecast. I have tried to prepare the boys and myself for almost any situation we encounter through gear we brought, and in clothing. As with the mental preparation in different weather conditions. The hard part is getting easy access to this stuff in my trailer. As for camping in campgrounds, it is pretty basic, I use the same stuff normally all the time, with the exception of clothing that may change depending on weather. I am somewhat covered in the clothing part, but at times, I wished I had my goretex coat on those rainy days was close at hand. I always try to have an extra change of shoes, socks, pants and shirts when needed to change out of the wet clothing. And there are times I get a bit lazy in being fully prepared for rain, and wind because the weather may come in fast and is hard at times to figure how bad it may get. But watching and knowing the weather can give clues on what it might do. I always try to be aware of the weather, even if I have a weather forecast.

In a survival situation or being in the backcountry I would be sure to be prepared the best I could. It could mean life or death.

I did put the lean-to up in the rain, so I did get a bit wet, but it was worth it. It will provide the boys with a dry area they can call their own, when we get bad weather. And it is good practice for me, as with being enjoyable for me in learning new skills. It also keeps the mind focused on the bushcraft skills fresh, for when I need them. Especially when I am in the bush.

I was possibly thinking about changing the campsite location closer to the lake, but because of the lack of trees there, I decided to stay where we are. Water has healing energy, but so do plants, and trees. It is always nice camping next to water, whether next to a lake, river, or stream, but for me I can take it or leave it. I enjoy being with the trees. And in the winter I like some added protection from the rain and winds.

For me the difference between camping in the backcountry, and in a campground is being very limiting in practicing bushcraft skills or survival skills in a campground. There are many restrictions as with things one just cannot do. I have seen people practice these skills where they damage trees, or damage the area somehow around them and not thinking about the impact they are making in the natural enviornment. If I practice any such skills, I only do curtain skills with very little or no impact on the natural environment. Or I just avoid doing them. I can always observe the natural surrounding that are part of survival skills. This also increases ones enjoyment, knowledge, and relationship with nature. The most important thing is to respect all nature as living beings that are part of the collective consciousness in all life forms.

In dealing with different weather conditions in campgrounds, it will prepare me in the backcountry to an extent. But in the backcountry it can also be more unpredictable.

Back in 2009 and 2010, I spent a lot of time in the backcountry practicing survival and bushcraft skills. You can read about these experiences in my blog, “Our Journey Into The Wilderness.”

When I practiced survival skills, I would ask myself, “What would I do in a survival situation (and assuming I was not dealing with an injury)? I would look for areas that would make a safe camp with good resources, I would look for water sources, the plants in the area, the trees, and animals. How long would I possibly be there? Is there a good source of firewood? These things help in enhancing ones awareness to their surroundings, and helps in the stress level one might be experincing. This even brings more enjoyment in ones experiences being is nature. One will feel a closer relationship with nature through awareness and observation, and with this relationship, she will provide for you those things you need.

Evening Entry

Today we didn’t do much, but watch the rain drops fall, I did some reading and worked on being in the present moment, where time does not exist. This is our natural state of being, but we have been taught, and conditioned out of this state of beingness as soon as we were born. It is like being in silence, at first it is very difficult. Both takes being aware of ones consciousness – becoming the watcher of the mind. During the mid-90s I went through a major transformation, and I became the watcher while going inward. I became aware of every thought, and all the thoughts went through what I call the “Gate Keeper” that discarded any harmful or unwanted thoughts, and let the good ones go through, that may help me on my spiritual path. I realized I was the one responsible for what thoughts I let in, and those I let go of. I had learned I was the one responsible for my actions whether good or bad. In our modern day culture we have been fed a bunch of useless garbage, and lies. Deprogramming who we truly are through the Matrix of our civilization. Changing this programming can be difficult, and one must have a good teacher for this reprogramming to help guide us in the right direction. We can become our own teacher by going deep within. Many use the practice of meditation to help quiet the mind, and enhance more awareness within and without. At first this process can be very confusing, and difficult because we have to relearn everything from the beginning – learning a completely new reality from the one we have been taught. We must forget, and toss away the old programming. One does not have to be in nature or leave everything in the past behind us and live in nature as I have chosen. But for me, I knew I could learn a lot from nature as a teacher, on this path I have chosen for myself, as with going within by asking questions.

There was a student of a Buddha master, asking the teacher, “will I have to give up all those things I enjoy doing?” The Buddha master answered, “those things you enjoy doing now, you will find are not as important as the experience you have in experiencing enlightenment.” I had that same concerned, and I understood what the Buddha master spoke of was very true. We loose our attachment to things we once put an important meaning to. This does not mean we can’t do those things, we just relate to them differently. We don’t define them as who we are.

I was talking to a friend today who lives in Redding, in northern California. The conversation was cutting in and out with bad reception. I was considering going to see her in Redding, but this means I would have to backtrack to get to Redding, as with going into higher elevations and dealing with snow which I did not want to do. I would love to go to Mount Shasta, but not camping in the winter, nor traveling at higher elevations in the winter.

The rained is heavy at times, and then it began letting up for about 2 hours. It allowed me enough time to cook dinner and having a nice break from the rain.

It is 6:00 pm, and the campground is peaceful and quiet. It was nice having the rain. We had a nice evening fire to finish off a nice day.

Originally I thought I did not want a canopy for our journey, but once I began using one, I realized the benefits it had in wet weather, as well as for good shade from the Sun. It allowed us to spend more time outside then being stuck in a tent. Our camping friend, Kevin gave us our first canopy. I also chose large tents for comfort when we did have bad weather that gave me and the boys more room to hang out. The down side with a large tent was finding a campsite where it would fit, hopefully on somewhat level ground, and being able to withstand high winds we may encounter. Our ten person tent worked well for us. We were still using the Columbia 10’x15’ tent that was working fine, but for how long? Most tents are not made for everyday use to live in. The material eventually weathers, and will start leaking or ripping through degradation of the material. I was curious how long this one would last. It was rated as a 3 season tent.

Takota was laying inside their lean-to shelter most of the day, and Nanook was laying next to me under the canopy. They did well staying out of the rain. I did not want wet dogs in the tent if I could help it.

At 6:15 pm it started to sprinkle again. I am not sure if I should open up the window flaps tonight. I keep them open as much as possible for fresh air and having more of an openness inside of the tent to the outside world. It seemed I was not to be bothered by the privacy issue.

The tent did well in keeping us dry.

A few days ago my mind was rushing about, being bombarded with unwanted thoughts. I was able to redirect that energy by imagining being on an Elliptical exercise machine where I was able to expel that negative energy through this imaginary exercise. After my imaginary exercise I felt refreshed, and strong. I used this mental exercise 3 other times, and every time it worked in releasing this unwanted energy. It basically transitioned into a rejuvenating energy. The mental exercise was only done for a minute or so.

January 19, 2018 – Friday

We woke up to clear blue skies, 39 deg. at 8:30 am. We had occasional showers during the night. I slept okay.

I got a fire going first thing, cleaned pots and pans, and put on the coffee, then began writing in the journal. My pen is almost out of ink. Time for a replacement. I brought a lot of pens and a lot of blank journals to write our experiences in. I go through a lot of pens. They don’t last long.

Waking up in the mornings to nature are wonderful moments to the new day. The boys and I going on our morning walks, the rituals of having a nice fire, drinking a hot cup of coffee, writing in my journal, and reflecting upon the new day. It is magical. These special moments I have dreamed about doing for a long time, and now doing. And having a tasty breakfast outside.

The crows were having a good chat this morning, the sparrows are out feeding, and a small covey of California quail came by our camp. A hummingbird also buzzed by while I was doing the dishes, then came back around hovering in front of me at eye level while I was kneeling down, showing his or her beautiful red throated sheen. He or she floated next to me for a brief moment, and in a blink of an eye it was gone. They are incredibly amazing creatures of nature. Maybe we will see the bald eagle fly by.

While lying in bed I was thinking about what a woman said about Alaska, “Everyday we play in Alaska,” meaning they live close to nature every moment. They hunt, fish, and tend to their gardens. What a great way to live.

While I am writing in my journal I hear the soothing crackling of the fire.

Evening Entry

After breakfast and a walk, we went shopping in town.

Today in the afternoon a thunderstorm came through, but left no rain in camp.

At 6:15 pm the sky is clear at 42 deg. with a breeze making it a bit chilly. A crescent moon is out.

Only one other camper came in today, and it was the annoying little chubby man.

January 20, 2018 – Saturday

Cold, cold, cold this morning. It was 30 deg. in the tent. I got a fire going, sipping on my hot cup of coffee, and sitting next to the fire. I am not that cold, but my feet are freezing. It is suppose to rain tomorrow, overcast on Monday and Tuesday, then rain Thursday and Friday. There are advantages in camping in the winter, and disadvantages.

It is a beautiful sunny today with a lot of bird activity at day break.

There is a lot of day use at the park, and there are many that go through the campground, which I am not crazy about. One older woman said, “I would never trust those dogs,” referring to my sweet, loving dogs.

It is a pretty quiet Saturday at the campground. Three campers plus us are the only ones. There are a lot of fishing boats out on the lake. Because this is a State Park, there is a lot of maintenance going on, which means a lot of noise, such as leaf blowers, and lawn mowers.

Evening Entry

It has been a nice day, though it looks like clouds are beginning to move in. The camp is rain and raccoon protected. I am not sure if I should close up the window covers for the night. Not sure when it is suppose to start raining on Sunday?

A few more campers came in today, but looks like low key campers that should hopefully be quiet.

January 21, 2018 – Sunday

We woke up to a chilly 36 deg. with overcast skies. We had no rain during the night. So far the rain is holding off. The morning Sun wants to peak through the clouds.

I am finding I am not so inspired to write much here. If I were to say here much longer, I would write much more about the Mercury Mine, and the Pomo Indians, and as with exploring the area more, but it is not part of our plan. The area around the lake is pretty much built-up which makes it even far less attractive and far less enticing to be here. If it had more of a quaintness to it, it would definitely have a better feel for it. But for me, I would be consumed with the toxic lake and it’s surrounding, and the impact it is having on the health of all life here.

I forgot to mention, Lucia is back. The gal that I was talking with last week. She camped a bit further away from us. Maybe I scared her off. She is going through a lot of things from her past, and maybe she just wants to be alone.

Our friend, fat man (loosely speakings) came by our camp. His real name is Mark, He was drunk, loud, and obnoxious. He reminds me of the town drunk always looking for a free drink of alcohol from an unsuspecting camper. Much of what he talked about was hard to swollow, or he had a tendency of making it bigger than it was especially with a few beers in him. His story about Kevin at Del Valle was quite different then what Kevin had told me, and I would tend to believe Kevin’s version, over Mark’s. But Mark makes an interesting character on our journey.

It began to shower later in the day, and while I was sitting under the canopy, the boys were laying down under the lean-to. With the spattering of drops hitting the canopy, the water dripping down to the ground around the perimeter of the canopy, and with the gray skies, and chill in the air, it felt more wetter then it really was. When I went to do the dishes, the rain turned into a light drizzle that felt very pleasant, and refreshing when it touched my exposed skin.

On our evening walk, there was still a light rain falling, yet it was steady. It seems this may last into the rest of the evening, but one never knows. The boys were wet, and I was wet. We will retire early.

January 22, 2018 – Monday

It rained most of the night with a light rain, and a short down pour. I had to take Takota out in the middle of the night and the rain let up into a light mist. The rain was off and on during the night.

I slept pretty well during the night. When we got up it was partly cloudy. We are suppose to get more rain Wednesday and Thursday.

I found a small leak in the tent where the window flap joins the main tent material at the stitching.

There were black bird at our camp this morning. The first time we have seen them here. Any birds are always welcome in our camps.

There are only 3 campers plus us that are left here in the campground.

Our firewood supply is almost depleted, so we will pick some up today.

The rain as with the wind, or the combination of the two. does make camping interesting, and challenging. Although we have gotten some rain, it has not been too bad. The hardest thing is keeping everything dry the best we can. So far I have not had much issue with the tent, and the inside of the storage trailer is staying dry. Mold can also be a problem that I keep an eye on. I do enjoy light rain, and always before the storm, and after the storm. Everything feels fresh after a rain, a feeling of rejuvenation, and beauty. Camping in the fall, winter and early spring are the best times to camp for me. But the further north we go the worse the bad weather we will experience. I chose to try an Easy Pop-Up tent to see how well they work. One of the most important thing for me is the ease of putting up a tent since I have to do it alone. And I found the tent is overall quick and easy to set up once the tent is balanced at all the support poles. If any wind is blowing, forget it. Taking the tent down is very quick. Putting it back in the tent storage bag is another story. I find that putting on the rain fly can always be a challenge especially when doing it alone, and especially with the wind blowing, even in a light wind. The height of the tent is also a factor, as with the length. For those who are lazy like me, if the guy lines are not tied up, they always get all tangled up making the job even harder. Because this tent is tall, and long (15 ft. long), Once the tent is firmly in place, I put the rain fly on at the midpoint of the set up of the tent, then attaching the rain fly to the tent making it much easier to put on. I then raise the tent to full height and lock it in place. It usually takes about an hour to have the tent ready to sleep in. If there are no winds or minimal wind, I may choose to keep the guy lines unstaked, because inevitably, I will trip over them, or the chance of the boys getting tangled up in them. I always make it a habit to get the tent set up first when we arrive in a new camp. So if we do get bad weather we have a protected place to hunker down.

I have noticed we get more quail coming through, or near camp after a rain. I have also noticed the dark-eyed juncos coming around. I always enjoy birds visiting our camp, and once they realize the boys are harmless, they feel safe in our camp.

I was reflecting on all the beautiful country we will be experiencing when it comes to nature and going through the Pacific Northwest, and seeing the Pacific coastline. I wanted to originally avoid the coastline due to weather, but going through the passes to the east, we will be most likely hitting snow conditions that I don’t want to deal with, especially dragging a trailer along. So staying to the west it is, and dealing with whatever rain we get. I should begin planning our route through northern California.

The nice thing about winter, there are no bugs. Also I can keep our tent door open while in camp. Takota likes his private time in the tent, so if I leave the door open for him, he will spend a lot of his time there. He has always felt comfortable in the tent.

I had a Coleman tent prior to when we began this journey, and they designed a swing door for the tent. It was a nice feature to have, but I don’t personally like the poor quality of their tents.

People who walk the campground on their day walks are getting to know me and the boys. The boys always attract attention because people think they are wolves.

This is our 14^th day. We have seen campers come and go. We have been here for the longest time, out of all the campers we have seen thus far.

Evening Entry

We picked up more firewood, and picked up a few things at Safeway. When we got back to camp, we went for a walk, and did a little reading. It is nice having a good supply of firewood. It is a bit chilly out with the wind blowing.

I got a weather report from the gal at the kiosk, Tuesday good, Rain Wednesday and Thursday, then nice for about a week or so. I was thinking about leaving next week, but we may stay for the whole month. I am loving this life style. Sleeping in a tent, being with the boys, and living amongst nature.

I was talking to a sweet lady and her sweet golden retriever, that I see on her morning walks. She told me I should hold off going to Oregon until March to avoid the worst weather. I will try to hang out for a month here in California that shouldn’t be a problem, especially if we stay here for another two weeks.

While I was cooking dinner, the boys were getting excited about something, and when I looked over in that direction they were looking, I saw a guy standing there. He was saying something, but I couldn’t understand him with the wind blowing and with Takota barking. So I walked closer to this stranger to see what he wanted. He told me he liked our camping layout. We began talking and he told me he and his dog are camping for 6 months in his trailer. He is from Washington state. I had to cut our conversation short because I was in the middle of cooking dinner. I told him, Mike was his name, we will be around for a while and we can chat later.

The wind finally died down around 7:15 pm. It was time to have a small campfire.

January 23, 2018 – Tuesday

The morning is overcast, 42 deg. at 9:30 am.

The first thing to do is to get a fire going and the coffee brewing. I slept pretty well, but woke in the middle of the night with those dream like concerns of our travels up north and to possibly wetter weather. And trying to avoid it if at all possible. I could feel my stress levels rising when I think of the what if situation. But it can also be helpful in being prepared as much as possible. I have to see this journey as an adventure. Challenges will always come, and just accepting them, and dealing with them as they come, staying in the present moment. One of the challenges I had was the limited stay we had for each campground, usually 14 days maximum. Always planning to leave on a Sunday or Monday for our next campground, and hoping the weather will be favorable for us, both in our departure, and arrival to our new campground. I always try to get the weather forecast for both areas. I want to avoid breaking down camp in the rain, and setting up camp in the rain. As with dealing with two big dogs. If I had another person for a helping hand I would look at this differently, but I don’t. I have to do all of it myself. Finding a good campsite that will fit our large tent and my truck and trailer is always with uncertainty, but getting there on the first part of the week always gave me better choices of campsites. All these campgrounds were new to me and I never knew what to expect. But amazingly, as you will see, our formula for living from campground to campground worked with a little help from the Helping Spirits.

This morning I had a protein drink for breakfast. I bought some bird seed at the store, so I could share it with the birds around camp. I spread some bird seed around, but we had no takers yet. From my little experience, once a bird knows there is feed, they share it with the whole bird community.

Today I will pile the new firewood up and keep it covered for when the rains comes on Wednesday. Take a needed shower, do some shopping, and dry off some moisture from under the bed air mattress.

It is a pretty quiet morning at the campground.

Last night I was thinking about the process of making change in my life. It is simply by making a choice in do so. But many times we will experience resistance by the ego mind, stopping us in our steps. I remember doing this during the mid-90s, and every choice I made, it seemed to appear very easily, just by making that choice of the person I wanted to be. I knew I had guidance from within. It was like I had a down load which created the shift in my consciousness, in my awareness. I was experiencing these shifts. My deep awareness was shifting slowly though in my relationship with nature on this journey.

Evening Entry

I didn’t get all that I wanted to get done today because I was talking to Kellie to long. Kellie and her husband just arrived as new Camp Hosts for this campground. There is also another Camp Host here as well.

I did get the firewood stacked and covered for the rain coming. I got the underside of my air mattress dried. My previous air mattress was getting mold from the moisture I was unaware of, and got it replaced. Black mold can be very dangerous if breathe in. I then went to the store. I didn’t take a shower, so I will do it before the rain starts in the afternoon.

Our new neighbor, Mike dropped by camp again tonight, and our chat lasted longer than I had hoped, so I gave up on cooking dinner. I fed the boys, and fixed me a salad for dinner. I had a good conversation with Mike, and he gave me some good input on where to go up into Oregon, and Washington to camp. I would like to get into Alaska in early June if possible. He also reminded me of the exchange rate, and gas could be much more expensive in Canada. Mike also gave me an idea of the weather I will be dealing with up north.

The unusual bird call I have been hearing a lot is not a raven that I was thinking it might be, but found out it was a heron. It is hard for my brain to keep track of all the bird calls we encounter.

January 24, 2018 – Wednesday

I slept pretty good through the night, but had disturbing dreams in the early morning.

While scratching Nanook I found two ticks embedded in him. I got up to pull them out, then went back to bed. We got up shortly after 8:00 am. We went to the front gate to pay for another two days.

It looked like rain as soon as we got up, and soon, a light rain began falling. Occasional drops of rain would fall while writing in the journal and preparing breakfast. After breakfast, and before the rain began falling harder, I thought I should take a shower before it really started to come down. After the shower I felt clean and refreshed once again, like a spring flower.

Afternoon Entry

It is 3:45 pm, and it has been raining all day, but it was mostly very light continuous showers. It can be nice being out in the wet weather as long as one has protection from getting wet. This type of weather is when a canopy is very nice to have. I was spending some time under the canopy enjoying the day, and the boys under their lean-to tarp. I was beginning to get wet, and the boys were getting wet. So we got into the truck, took a short drive to the gate entrance, and I kept the truck running to warm up. While there, I called a friend and chatted a bit with her.

When people live in RV’s they usually stay in their home away from home much of the time, especially in bad weather. They want all the comforts of a real home. To me this is not camping. The reason I chose to do this journey in a tent is to truly experience nature in all her seasons, and not hide from them.

Evening Entry

It is 6:05 pm, we took a nap in the tent from the rain. I heard some talking outside, so I went outside to see what it was. The campers across from us were packing it up. Since I was already up I got the boys dinner ready and brought their water and food in the tent. I then got everything closed up for the night. I went without dinner.

The people across from us told me they were packing up to move to another campsite because a branch fell on their trailer roof and broke a skylight on their new trailer. The guy was also telling me, him and his wife while walking back to their camp from the restrooms were charged twice by a deer buck. I thought that was unusual. Maybe it was the cause of mercury exposure that can effect the brain. I will have to keep a close eye out on the deer here. I reported the incident to the park rangers. Whether the guy did report it, I am not sure. I hope he did. I have not seen any deer in the area since we have been here. This should be considered a big issue. I was wondering, would the buck charge a guy with two big dogs?

Most of the trees in the campground are Sycamore, and are prone to branches breaking off. I need to assess my campsite for any possible widow makers. I am sure, as I was, people think the campgrounds are safe from unsafe trees falling or branches falling, but they are not. This concerns me. I remember when I was camping in the Sierra Nevada mountains, a campsite across me had a huge pine branch that snapped and was laying across the picnic table. With California dealing with a drought, the trees will be much weaker. Widow makers can cause a lot of damage, and can kill people. There is no way to know if and when a tree may fall that seems to look healthy. It should be common practice to inspect all tree in a campsite for any damage to trees, as with dead branches.

I should know better then to set up a tent under certain trees, or dead branches, but sometimes I will miss them. Since I arrived at this campsite, it was getting late and I was in a hurry to set up camp. I missed some dead branches, and limbs over my tent, and some large branches and limbs over my trailer. I had oak trees in my campsite.

January 25, 2018 – Thursday

Rain, rain, rain.

We woke up to 38 deg. at 8:00 am. It looked like blue skies were heading our way. The thunder showers during the night were off and on, and mostly on. Overall it was light showers.

I was cold much of the night. My feet were cold, and I had a slight chill that lasted the night. I checked the temperature and it was 40 deg. I was thinking I shouldn’t be cold. Then it dropped down to 30 deg. and I felt warm. This happened to me at Del Valle also. This may have to do with how I sleep. If I sleep on my sides I have less surface area of the sleeping bag against me. When on my back or stomach I have more sleeping bag surface against me. I believe I was using my 20 deg rated bag. It was also an extra large bag that would not be as efficient for my body size.

Another reason I could have been colder was because I was wearing wet cotton Levis all day drawing heat from my body until I went to bed. The common rule for camping, and going in the backcountry, is to leave the cotton clothing behind, because cotton kills. I had many solutions to stay warmer, and if I felt I needed them I would have used them. I am seeing these things as observations, and adjusting to the situation if need be. I am wearing my rain proof pants today.

Right now at 11:15 am, the Sun is trying to peek through the clouds, and a bit of blue sky showing itself. On days, and nights like this, I would think, how nice it would be having a camping trailer right now. But then I would miss the beauty and experience being outside in nature.

The birds are out feeding on whatever they can find. The quail are also out feeding. For me, I am drinking my coffee, writing in my journal, next to a warming campfire. How good can it get? At the higher elevations in the mountains, there was snow. At this point I was getting a bit tired of the rain. I was thinking, will a tree or branch, fall on us, or on the trailer or truck?

Sometime during the night, I heard crashing and thought, raccoons? I didn’t see anything in camp. It may have been those critters getting into the trash cans which they tend to do.

I was talking to one of the rangers, Heidi, about cutting down some branches around my camp. She just laughed. While talking with her I saw a bald eagle flying along the shoreline of the lake.

After a rain shower I looked toward an oak tree with the back drop of the Sun shining through, and illuminating droplets of water falling to the ground, like diamonds falling from the sky and upon the earth – beautiful.

Evening Entry

I checked out some other campsites and decided on Site #40, only two sites away from us. Depending on the weather we will move camp on Friday or Saturday. The forecast is for nice weather for the next five days or more, which means no rain. We need rain. Rain is the life force of for all life. And I do appreciate all that rain gives to us. It provides so much beauty in it’s many forms, in rain itself, in snow, and ice. But it also has to be respected, as with all life forms. I knew I would have to deal with rain, snow, and ice on our journey. I wanted to experience it, embrace it for all it is. For it’s beauty, and for it’s challenges. In our modern world we have lost our very understanding of the natural world and the role she plays which is the very thing that gives life to all life. The many problems the human species face is due to the lack of respect, and the separateness from nature. This is why I chose to live this lifestyle – to gain a deeper appreciation, respect, and connection to her, and for her.

I have to start figuring out where we are going for our next camp.

Overall it was beautiful today with it’s on and off thunder showers. But too much rain can get to ones sanity, especially camping in a tent, and being cold and wet. It can be very trying, and yet so beautiful at the same time. We still have a few more months dealing with wet, and windy weather heading north.

I lost it with the boys tonight. Whatever it was, they were just being dogs. Usually when I react to them, it is out of my own frustration about something, and not them. They have been great on our journey. I couldn’t ask for more. Well maybe, them not liking other dogs is, or can be a big problem.

We will see if we move to the other site tomorrow, weather permitting.

January 26, 2018 – Friday

We got some showers last night. It got cold in the middle of the night, so I put a blanket over my sleeping bag and that did the trick. We woke up to 34 deg. with a possible low of 29 deg. For my weather data, I am using an “Oregon Scientific Wireless Weather Station,” product that is suppose to give me all the weather data that I need. I am not sure how reliable it is though. I just use it for the temperature overall, and not sure how accurate that is.

It is chilly out, but with welcoming blue skies. A good day to move. It will be a safer site as far as trees go.

I slept pretty well, but I have been having these re-occurring dreams of me fighting with my brother. It would be a lot of yelling, and mostly from me. I am not sure where these dreams and anger comes from. But they would pop-up on occasion. They are terrible dreams. I would have these types of dreams with me yelling at my mom all the time. And in reality, I did this out of frustration. But with my brother, overall we had a great relationship. He was a good brother that on occasion loved to pick on me when I was younger.

I will have a cup or two, or three, of coffee, feed the boys, then begin to packing up and start moving camp.

One piece of gear I am glad I purchased was a Cabela’s 60 Qt. Polar Cap Equalizer Cooler. It is similar the Yeti. It wasn’t cheap. The holding space is minimal due to the insulation added, but it is an essential gear for camping. It is also bear proof. I can usually get five days worth of food in it using a 10 lb. block of ice. The typical ice chest may last two and a half days maybe. The hard part is finding block ice. It is not always available. Crushed ice melts to quickly. I will use my regular ice chest for backup or storing food that is non-perishable. I also have two ice chests that fit in my bear proof panniers, but only use them in bear country, and just used for non-perishable foods.

Afternoon Entry

The move to our new camp went smoothly with a little help from a neighbor, but I did 98% of it. We even had time left to do some shopping. I like the new site with no concern of widow makers striking our camp. We also have a nicer view of the lake as long as a camper does not block our view with a large RV in which one just did. I hope he is there just for the weekend. I also have a nice view of the lake from my large end window in the tent that is facing east. I get to wake up to the morning Sun. We have a lot of leaf litter around camp that the boys like to lie down in, especially Nanook.

I finished setting up camp before 4:30 pm. No cooking tonight. I bought a whole roasted chicken for dinner, and a beer or two. The boys had kibble, ham, and cheese. It was a good day, but I am tired. I will finish the last touches on the camp tomorrow. I have a little more peace in knowing I won’t have to worry about widow makers. I think the boys will like this camp better as well.

The lake is as smooth as glass, the setting Sun is shining on the other side of the lake. Each moment I feel much better about my choice to move here. I also have the whole section to myself. Supposedly we are getting 10 days of nice weather. If the weather is good, we may leave in 10 day, and I decided our new camp will be Richardson Grove State Park.

Evening Entry

Mike dropped by for a chat. We were talking about how cold it was getting. I checked the temperature at 6:15 pm, and it was 39 deg. The coldest it has been during the evening so far. The boys don’t mind the cold. They actually like it. For them, the colder the better.

Although we have had rain, wind, and cold, there is nothing like being this close to nature. We are living and experiencing nature. My goal is to go deeper into the experience with nature – to be fully one with nature in each moment.

January 27, 2018 – Saturday

I had a little upset stomach during the night, but slept pretty well for the most part. Maybe it was from the beer I drank.

I had all the window flaps open, enjoying the beginnings of the dim morning light coming through the tent, although subdued by the overcast skies. I do see some clear patches of blue sky peeking through, as well as above the silhouettes of the sycamore trees, and one medium size oak tree that surrounds our camp. This is one reason I like this tent with it’s large window openings letting nature flow in. All the trees were without leaves, but the oak. The branches and limbs spreading out like cobwebs against the gray background of the cloudy sky. Some areas looked like scattered clouds, but realizing it was the silhouette of the trees. An amazing sight to behold.

It wasn’t to cold during the night, maybe 40 deg. and rose to 43 deg. in the morning. The coldest part of the early morning is usually around 4:00 am when there is a drop in temperature.

We finally got up around 8:30 am. The sky was clear one minute, and cloudy the next. At 9:50 am it was completely overcast, but still pleasant to be outside. We did get a very light sprinkle for a short period in the wee hours before Sun rise this morning.

I was having a problem getting the fire going this morning. It just didn’t want to cooperate. Finally it is burning well now. The stove was working well. My coffee was brewing.

Being outdoors in nature gives one a greater sense of freedom, and also an appreciation and responsibility for what was given to us on this beautiful home we call Earth.

A lot of bird chatter going on this morning that began around 7:30 am. Mostly by the crows. While laying in bed I was watching a tiny bird hopping and flying to the limbs, and twigs effortlessly. Birds are amazing creatures to observe in awe and wonder. They have an amazing sense of depth perception and balance. Birds essentially make one eye do the work to allow it to have depth perception. Birds have the best eyes of any animal. Birds can see objects in fine detail two-and-a-half to three times farther away than people can.

I just had a thought of Shiloh and I being in our wilderness experiences together. I sure do miss him. You are always with me, my good friend. (You can read about our adventures in my blog, “Our Journey Into The Wilderness”).

At times it is hard being out here in nature, being consumed with my thoughts of doubt, and uncertainty. Asking the question, “Was this really the smart thing to do?” My answer, is always, “An emphatic Yes!” Most of the time it is the only place I would want to be, especially being with Takota and Nanook (referred to as the boys).

Evening Entry

Eventually the cloudy skies turned to blue sunny skies with 60 deg. temperatures, extending for 5 days or so. Looking forward to that, with the exception of possibly bringing more people out camping.

I got the firewood stacked in a pile, then did some ready. I had a late breakfast that turned into my lunch. I still need to organize camp a little more.

Many times I will spend most of my mornings writing in my journal that may take up the whole morning. Sometimes the entries are short, most of the time I am not sure what I will write, I just write what comes to me. Sometimes, I have nothing to write, my mind is blank, and that may turn into a very short entry or turns into a couple of hours of writing. Usually my afternoon and evening entries are short, but sometimes not. Or I will sit in reflection or observe things around me, the beauty in all things that is nature, being in silence. For most people, this will seem very boring, but for me, it is a time just to enjoy inner peace within. Being in a magical place of gratitude.

I was not always this way. I always had to stay busy doing stuff like so many of us seem the need to do. But then I eventually found that silent place where I stopped needing, and began just being.

January 28, 2018 – Sunday

We went to bed on a clear night. I woke in the middle of the night with sounds of a pitter patter on the roof of the tent. I knew it wasn’t rain, so I looked outside from my large picture window, and the whole area was covered in a blanket of fog. I was way to comfortable and warm in bed, and decided it would be okay keeping all the window covers open. I felt tiny splashes of moisture hitting me on my face, but nothing to be concerned about. If it got any worse, I would get up and close the window covers.

When we got up it was still foggy. We went to the kiosk to pay for another two days, then returned to camp.

I thought I would use some bushcraft skills to start the morning fire. With all my kindling wet, I tried the feathering stick method to get to the dry wood. It would light and then go out. It just wouldn’t take. So I grabbed a fat wood stick, I scraped some shavings onto the feathered sticks that wouldn’t light, then feathered the fat wood, and lit the fat wood stick that I placed under the kindling. And we have fire.

I roughly figured the cost of camping at campgrounds, and it is expensive. The benefits camping at campgrounds are the restrooms showers, or pit toilets, potable water, trash disposal, picnic tables, fire rings, the convenience to towns, and the safety of life and property. The other options would be BLM lands, forest service campgrounds, or boon docking, and dispersed camping which are free, or much cheaper, but with less accessibility in the winter. And may not have the simple necessities like water, trash, toilets, and the safety of my stuff. There were other reasons, but for simplicity, I chose the State Parks to stay in, in the beginning of our journey. I also like spending more time in each place, usually the maximum two weeks, so I can learn more about the area.

Mike and his faithful companion, Mr. Dundee dropped by twice to chat. Mike gave me the weather forecast and the weather outlook is good for the next 10 days.

Evening Entry

After a very late breakfast, it was getting into early afternoon. I took the boys for a walk, then to the store for food.

Most of the weekend campers have left.

After putting everything away as far as the food goes, we went to visit Mike and Dundee at their place. The boys liked Dundee, and Dundee liked the boys, but he seemed to like me better.

We didn’t get much done today in camp.

January 29, 2018 – Monday

I slept well with nothing too exciting happening last night during the wee hours of twilight. It was all quiet, and peaceful. It is 10:00 am and still cloudy. Looking out towards the lake I noticed a flash of an image in flight, flying low along the shoreline. It was a bald eagle.

Evening Entry

I got a few things done in camp, but not everything I was hoping. I usually never do. Things move slowing living in nature, and taking more time then expected to get things done. I just need to learn to slow down to the rhythms of nature. Taking one thing at a time, one step at a time.

We went over to talk with Mike, and saw four bald eagles flying by. That made my day.

Mike picked up some Mexican dinner in town for us, and we ate it at our camp. It was pretty good. I haven’t has Mexican food for a while. It was a nice treat.

It is easy talking with Mike because we have a lot in common, at least as camping, and being in nature goes. He is not into the spiritual part, our deep relationship, and connection with nature, but most people aren’t. I stay away from that conversation. I am very selective on who I talk with on that subject. Being spiritual is an individual journal one takes., It is not about following a religion and it’s dogma. One does not have to follow rules, but one does realize a Truth that guides each one of us. It is always a choice that we make that will guide us on the path of right or wrong. We gain most of our important lessons from our mistakes.

It was overcast much of the day. There were parts of the day where blue sky appeared, then vanished as quickly as it came with clouds covering up what blue sky appeared above. The beauty of nature in her endless changes and forms.

It is 7:15 pm, overcast and there is the movement of a small breeze coming through. It is not too cold out this evening. The only expected Sunny day is on Friday, but no rain for the week.

Today I was checking out what campgrounds are on our way north. I was looking at a magazine Mike gave me to look at for possibilities for camping. I was looking forward to experiencing the beautiful Pacific Northwest and the magnificent Redwoods.

It would seem that one would have plenty of time to get thing done living this lifestyle, but surprisingly it is not. It seems there is never enough time. Maybe it shouldn’t matter, and just go with the natural flow. Nature seems to pull us away from the non-important to the simplicity of experiencing the beauty in nature. Allowing us to deeply connect to all things in the natural world.

We are near having a full Moon. It lights up the whole area with it’s amazing moon light glow, 238,900 miles away. The Moon has an important relationship with the Earth, making Earth a more livable planet by moderating our home planet’s wobble on its axis, leading to a relatively stable climate. It also causes the tides, creating a rhythm that has guided humans for thousands of years. It has helped the animal kingdom to maneuver the world. And it is simply a beautiful thing to see in our night sky. I am sure we would feel lost without its presence. Our planet, our solar system, and our galaxy, has a special relationship with each other, as does our galaxy have with the whole Universe. Its natural wonders, beauty, and awe that always delights and expands our imagination. And how it created this beautiful planet of ours.

Mike and Dundee came by this evening and asked if we wanted to check out some animal tracks in the reeds along the shoreline of the lake. I said, “Sure.” So I got the boys leashed up, and we enjoyed a walk in nature under the moon lit sky.

We made this walk short due to me and the boys getting tangled up in roots and brush.

January 30, 2018 – Tuesday

It was a cold night sleeping. It was in the low 30s. I had to go outside to pee twice on this chilly night.

This morning I got to watch the sunrise come up from the comfort of my bed.

Today we will be running around doing some shopping for food, and picking up some firewood.

Evening Entry

I got some reading done, we picked up more firewood, and got a good deal on it, dropped by the Museum and it was closed. Then food shopping.

Had dinner then met Mike and Dundee on the beach for a moon rise. I got some good shots of the moon rise. We then went to our separate camp sites. It is another beautiful moon lit night. Today turned out to be a beautiful warm day with a temperature of 65 deg. The good weather is suppose to continue for a couple of weeks. Yahoo!

January 31, 2018 – Wednesday

We awoke to blue skies, a cold 32 deg. and another beautiful day in nature.

Looking out the large tent window while still laying in bed, I was admiring a young tree next to my tent. At first thinking it was an oak, although I thought it did not grow like an oak would. I realized looking at it closer that it was a sycamore. It grows straight and tall, a beautiful tree.

As soon as we got up, we went for a walk and checked out the lake, and what I saw of the lake, it looked very unclean on the surface – it looked unhealthy. It was a lake that was polluted by man, as with so many other lakes, rivers, streams, and oceans on our planet. We have used these valuable natural resources as places to pollute, dump our waste, and garbage. There is now a large plastic island floating in the oceans, known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch that consists of huge amounts of plastics that has been dumped in the Pacific, and washing up on beaches. In Hawaii and else where. We never thought about the devastating impact man has had on the natural environment, on human life, and on all wildlife. And we still don’t for the most part. When we did begin to better understand what we had done, and continued to do to the air, the water, to the land, and to the natural ecosystems as a whole through science, our actions to remedy the problems have moved very slowly to fix them. America’s solutions have always been to bandage the problems, to find the easy fix. The main reason for this is we did not want to look at the real problem, we did not want to change our ingrained behaviors. We did not want to stop progress. We did not want to truly see what our relationship, our interconnectedness was with nature, and with all life forms. We believed man was the ruling species, with it’s supreme intelligence, and arrogance, and greed. We believed that our planet is here for the taking, and to do with it as we please.

We could have learned a better way if we were only open to the knowledge, and wisdom of the indigenous peoples, instead we tried to destroy them, and erase them from existence. Although this attempt of extermination did not work, it created much suffering and hardship to the native people for many decades, and continues on today. But these native peoples were able to survive these horrific atrocities, and cultural genocides against them, by the aggressors. Because they were suppose to be here.

If we did listen, observe, and learn from the indigenous peoples, maybe that would mean moving away from our destructive behavior, halting the greed, and the destruction that drove modern societies. In our very short time we have been in North America, we have done so much damage to this land, to the water, and to the air. The very things that give life.

If we could only see deeply, what our relationship is to all life, can we truly stop the destruction we are doing to our planet. We are slowly moving in that direction, but we are also now facing a dramatic change on our planet due to climate change, which is upon us now, as with many other distractions, and social madness we face in the world today.

We are moving slowly to more of a sustainable planet. We are slowly becoming greener, we are becoming more aware. But until we change our paradigm in the way we see nature, in gaining a deeper relationship with nature, and seeing the Oneness in all things. Little will truly change in dealing with the bigger problems, the deeper problems we face, until we begin to wake up to this illusion we have been living.

Last night it didn’t begin to get cold for me until after 1:00 am. I slept pretty well, with weird dreams keeping me company.

Before deciding to get out of bed, a crow flew on a branch next to the tent. I watched him, and when he flew off, we got up.

The simplest things in camping brings back how things may have been done in the old days, like doing dishes. The only thing I really need to wash are my frying pan, rinse out my coffee pot, and my coffee cup. I use paper plates to eat from. I do have plates, but rarely use them, It just means more dishes to wash. The water sources here are water faucets next to the roadside and campsites, that I have to kneel down to do the dishes, and usually getting all wet in the process. Many campgrounds don’t want people to do dishes at the water source. But many do anyway that tent camp.

This morning I was washing the frying pan at the water faucet for cooking breakfast, and an older gentleman who walks his toy puddle everyday along this road, stopped, and his poodle came to me to give me a good sniff. Maybe thinking I have food for him.

We met up with Dundee and his dad. Mike is taking Dundee to the Vets. The poor guy is not doing well with all his tick bites.

The Sun was warming the air on this beautiful morning, and I felt a sense of peace at the watering hole while washing my frying pan. Who would think one could experience such a feeling in cleaning a frying pan? For some odd reason, I am finding a little enjoyment in the process of doing the dishes once in a rare while. Go figure?

Bass fishing is a big sport at Clear Lake with the annual Bass Fishing Tournament they have. Once the Bass are weighed in they are released back into the lake. As far as injury to the fish, studies have been done on the mortality rate of fish in catch and release due to injury or the stress of the fish they endure. Something to think about? Do we think about the stress, and harm we perpetuate on these creatures? The fishermen are out for the enjoyment of fishing, the competition, and possibly winning a big pay check. They really don’t think about the harm they may have on the fish. And those who go out just for the enjoyment of fishing and catch and release, which are probably most that fish in this lake, creates a possibility of injuring the fish. Something to think about? Do they think about the stress, and harm they perpetuate on these creatures? Unlikely. We tend to see them as objects, and not living beings.

Some catch the fish for a food source. But don’t they know the fish are very unhealthy to eat because of mercury contamination? And what about the wildlife that consume the aquatic species? They don’t know that the very food they eat can kill them, as with effecting their young. Don’t we care what impacts man has on the environment that impacts all life? Maybe we should think about that? It is unfortunate that most people have not grasped the idea in our modern world, that we are all connected to all life.

Afternoon Entry

I was talking with a birder who has walked through the campground before, and he told me the black masked birds were the dark-eyed junco. I also asked about the elusive bird I saw back home, but with my poor description of it, he had no idea. He also told me that the young sycamore trees don’t develop their branches that are characteristic of the adult trees until much later. I hope I can meet more knowledgeable people on our journey like this gentleman. He loved to share his knowledge.

Evening Entry

I got some reading, and writing done. And dried the boy’s beds in the warmth of the Sun.

February 1, 2018 – Thursday

The first of February, we made it this far. We haven’t done a lot of miles, due to weather, but getting close to two and a half months camping. I feel I could do this indefinitely. I love camping, sleeping in a tent, living in nature, and being with the boys. The boys are truly a gift. Although I don’t care for the restrictions in the campgrounds as far as how long we can stay, and reservations required at some campgrounds, it is something we will just have to deal with I guess. And dealing with loud and disrespectful people. Other than that, I am loving this journey I have chosen for us.

I had a good night sleep followed by some weird dreams. I did my meditation, and felt great.

Unless we have rain, or wind, we usually have morning and evening campfires for warmth, the calming effect, and the nice fragrance of the wood burning.

It can be hard at times observing nature or photographing nature unless we stay in camp. I always have to worry about dogs off leash, and trying to hold on to these two big dogs, making it difficult in focusing on photography on our walks. But for now that is not a priority for me at this time. But then again, this can change any time. I haven’t had any luck sitting down with the two elders for a chat, so I am giving up on trying to get a hold of them. They won’t return my calls, so whatever reason, I am not going to give any more time trying to contact them. Native Americans have their own time that is different then most of us who are always running after time.

In camp I was watching black birds looking for food by lifting leaves on the ground with their beaks. It was also nice observing the sycamore trees as well.

We went to the Museum, and I did a quick walk through. I picked up two books. One was on the history of Clear Lake, and the other on the Pomo Indians. The cost of both books, $51.00. I really shouldn’t of bought them, but I did.

February 2, 2018 – Friday

I slept well this morning, and waking up to a blue sky.

A lone fisherman paddling near by our camp on the calm lake, paddling here and there waiting for that tug on the line, hoping for that strike at any moment. Is he fishing for sport, or for a meal? My thoughts are on how toxic the lake is that is invisible to some. Unless they know the history of the lake, or have been warned not to eat the fish. Or they catch and release, putting stress on that fish for the pleasure of the sport for ones own selfish gratifications the fisherman gets. Maybe in hopes of landing a big one. Or it could be the act of fishing that provides the calmness, and peace one experiences while fishing on a calm lake or stream, and the sensations and feelings one experiences being in nature. Maybe for some, it is just being on the water. It can be a form of meditation for some, or simply experiencing the excitement of the catch, and landing the fish, to pose for a photo to show friends. For the native people who have been here for thousands of years, it was for sustainability, to feed their family or in sharing with their group. They did not know the concept of fishing or hunting for sport. They had a higher respect for all life they took, and thanked the animal for providing for them. Unfortunate we in the modern world had forgotten this – in giving thanks for what our planet provides to us.

In my younger days I probably would have fished here, and would have even eaten my catch, not knowing, or ignoring any warnings of the mercury content in the fish, and within the lake. But I am now experiencing a greater respect for nature, and the impact I have on her in the things I do.

I watched the fisherman in his kayak, gracefully moving upon the surface of the water, and observed the seagulls floating peacefully on the lake. There was a quiet calmness in this idyllic scene I was experiencing. I imagined I was in Europe. I don’t know why? It just felt that way. Then I spotted two Canadian geese flying over the lake heading in a southerly direction that added to this wondrous experience I was having. And then came the vibrational humming sounds of the motor boats, breaking that magical spell I found myself in.

Being next to the fire, writing in the journal, I experience the wonderful scent of the wood burning. It is about 55 deg. this morning.

We were visited by the black birds and juncos this morning, as we are most mornings.

It will be laundry day today.

Saturday, and Sunday I will start getting the camp broken down and preparing for our departure on Tuesday.

The nice thing about living in nature are experiencing, and observing the simple things that captivate us, inspire us, and allowing us to be in the beauty of the moment in nature.

I am sure it would be nice having the modern conveniences in a RV, but that isn’t really camping. Being in a tent one feels the pureness in nature. It awakens us to a deeper connection to nature. Nature provides us with many small gifts. Two of my favorite gifts are being with the boys on this journey of ours.

Evening Entry

We spent most of the afternoon at the laundromat.

Being used to having the Moon coming out early in the evening, it was nice having the Moon light lightening up our surroundings. Because the Moon rises later each night, the stars once again begin to fill the night sky.

We had six new campers that arrived.

February 3, 2018 – Saturday

The six campers that came in yesterday were all quiet, but one. The one that was not quiet were basically teenager. They went on until 3:00 am. I mentioned it to them that quiet time was 10:00 pm. They said they were sorry, but a sorry that meant with no sincerity. Of course I reported them to Trevor, the law enforcement officer, and he talked with them as well. Will it do any good? One never knows.

I reflected on when I was young, and I did the same thing with friends. It is part of being young, and having a sense of freedom. They really don’t know better, they just want to have fun. But in our society kids are not respectful to others unless they are taught by their parents, and society, especially the respect for nature. It is just a part of growing up. Kids want to be wild and crazy at times especially during adolescence. I thought I was a good, and responsible kid overall, but things change when the teens hit. Most lose all sense of being responsible. Sometimes it is more fun being a rebel. I dealt with this a lot during at my camping at Del Valle. My purpose while in nature was to experience silence, and a deep connection to the natural world, and the last thing I wanted was to be dealing with loud and obnoxious people being disrespectful to all things around them. But that is asking for a lot in our society that were never taught that nature is a place where we show respect and reverence to.

In campgrounds, sound travels good distances from the source. Being in a tent I have no insulation from any sounds. It seems sounds are amplified, making it difficult to sleep when there are loud campers. Could I have dealt with this disturbing noise by just letting it go, instead of holding onto it through anger? Possibly. We can’t change peoples behavior through our judgments, but we can change how we see things as being good or bad, or simply as is. Because I had the opportunity to talk with the young campers, and reporting them to the Park Ranger, they may have thought about being quieter. But there is no guarantee that they would, especially if they are drinking alcohol.

Dr. Wayne Dyer had a great quote: “If you think you need to be right, replace it with being kind.” Another words, choose being at peace over being right. I spent a little time reflecting on this.

There is an occasional light breeze that comes and goes through camp. We are getting a lot of birds coming to visit our camp this morning.

Afternoon Entry

To show a kind gesture to the young fellow campers, I offered to pick up some firewood for them if they wanted some. In a polite gesture, they responded with a no thank you.

I picked up an enough firewood to last us on our remaining time here. Anything left over I can bring to our next camp. I also picked up a few things at Safeway, then we headed back to camp.

Before heading back to camp I decided to check out the Big Valley Rancheria. From what I saw the Rancheria consisted of the Konocti Vista Casino Resort, and Marina (I read some of the reviews and they were from very good to very bad). There was a smoke shop across the street from the casino, an area of fairly new housing, and an area of run down housing. It also had an EPA office. I am sure there was more that I did not see.

I continued on the road past the casino, toward the lake, and found myself in the poor housing section. The road turned into more pot holes then a level surface, where I was facing a game of dodging each pot hole.

Children were playing just of the pot holed roadway, paying little attention to me. Two Native American men were standing on the front porch of a rundown house, holding rifles. I was thinking maybe I shouldn’t be here? So I went a little further where the road ended and where the lake began. A sign was posted that read, “No Trespassing, For Tribal Members Only.” So I turned around. On the dirt road heading back from where I came, one of the men from the house I just passed was walking towards me with a rifle. Again, I thought, maybe this was not such a good idea? I stopped to talk with him. His name was Chris, a Pomo Indian. I asked if it was okay to talk with him, and he said, “sure.” The first question that came out of my mouth was, “Is this all that is left of your land (referring to this location, this Rancheria)?” He responded, “That is it!” That question began an informative conversation with Chris. Chris was very open in answering the questions I was asking, which I was very grateful. We talked about the lake being so polluted, talked about the Pomo language still being intact (at least one dialect), that some families still speak in their family unit. I asked about the casino, whether it was a smart thing to do? Chris told me, mostly the traditional portion of the tribe thought it was a bad idea. The non-traditional thought it was a good idea (the non-traditional refers to the Native Americans who have been heavily influenced by the white man’s ways through lies, and deceptions). There is a lot of political differences and fighting between the traditional and non-traditional members of the tribe. This is common throughout the country. Chris said, “there is a lot of corruption that further sets the tribe’s people apart. We then are all losers.” I thanked Chris for sharing with me. There are two Rancheria’s in the Clear Lake area. The Big Valley Band at the southwest part of the lake, and the Robinson Rancheria at the north shore of Clear Lake. Only two small patches of land left to the original people of the area, that they once occupied.

Talking with Chris created more questions in my mind. It also made me want to spend more time here to learn more about the Pomo people. One of the reasons to go on this journey was to connect with different tribes. It was unfortunate I could not meet up with the two elders I was trying to connect with. It was frustrated for me because I wanted to connect more to the Native Americans on our journey, to seek to understand.

I really appreciated Chris’s time, but one thing I forgot to do, and that is very important in the Native American traditions, was to give a gift. I could have given him tobacco, but I did not think about it at the time, and I feel bad about that.

Evening Entry

It was a beautiful and warm February day at Clear Lake.

After writing in the journal I saw Mike coming toward our camp and I waved him over to thank him for leaving more information for our travels. Doing this full time it is very helpful in getting potentially valuable input from other people on good places to camp. Although I have different perimeters than many people, it can at least give me an idea of where to go. I have very specific needs for a campsite to work for us. It is not like just finding a patch of dirt to throw a small tent on. It feels like I am basically moving blindly through unknown lands, and hoping each place I select to camp works out for us. I don’t want to be stuck somewhere trying to find a place to camp.

As always Mike and Dundee stayed longer than expected. It was nice talking with Mike, but I like making conversations short as possible because it eats up valuable time in trying to get things done. Mike needed to go, and I needed to get dinner going. Mike took some photos of me and the boys before he left.

Mike was thinking about possibly leaving on Monday heading towards the Napa area to the south. There were wild fires in that area he had to be aware of.

Although I enjoy being alone with the boys, it was nice having Mike and Dundee around for our brief chats.

I may rethink my departure date, and leave earlier on Tuesday. I want to get moving to explore new areas. We have been here long enough. I do wish we had better luck talking with some Pomo elders.

The mosquitoes are starting to come out. It has been getting lighter early in the morning, and getting darker later in the evening. The days are getting longer which is a nice welcome. We had another beautiful night to experience in nature.

More campers came into the campground today. The temperature was in the 70’s today. Today was a great day to be in nature.

February 4, 2018 – Sunday

I slept well last night. It was a quiet and peaceful night.

This morning is cool and partly cloudy, with blue sky showing in areas.

Not much to write about this morning. Most of the campers are leaving today.

I will begin preparing camp to leave today. I am still not sure if I will leave on Tuesday or Wednesday. Either day, we should be assured in getting a campsite at Richardson Grove State Park campground. I hope!

I haven’t seen much of the bald eagles the past few days. But I haven’t really been looking for them. They may have been flying by our camp without me even noticing them. I am sure I will see them up north. I am looking forward to seeing and camping in the Redwoods.

I am surprised in seeing so many campers camping on the weekends during this time of year. And I am surprised it has also been so quiet overall.

Evening Entry

I got the canopy taken down and put in it’s bag. I put some things away in the trailer and got the trailer a bit better organized, if that is even possible. We will go shopping tomorrow. The weather is suppose to be very good for a Tuesday departure.

Relaxing in camp with the rest of the campground very quiet.

February 5, 2018 – Monday

Today it is 46 deg. at 8:30 am, with light overcast. Pretty comfortable this morning. I am only wearing two layers of top clothing, and no jacket.

I slept pretty well last night. The campground was quiet, and even the raccoons were quiet, and staying out of trouble for the most part.

I feel good today, ready to start a new day. I am excited and ready to move to our new camp.

When I was staying with my sister, she asked me if I was going to stay at Richardson Grove State Park? I told her I would try. For my family, and before I was born, Richardson Grove was a yearly destination for the Family camping trip. My dad loved this place, so I wanted to visit it, and maybe dad’s spirit will be there with us.

Overall the experience here was a good experience, and the people are nice. The biggest disappointment was not being able to connect with the Pomo people, with the exception of being able to talk with Chris.

While I was cleaning the dishes at the water spicket, a lady walks by me and stops, asking if we were leaving? I told her we will be leaving soon. She said, she will miss us. We talked for a bit, and I told her I was hoping to talk more with the Pomo people, and she told me she wrote a book on the Pomo Indians. It was one of the books, I had picked up at the Library, and was reading. We had a nice conversation, and she was very knowledgeable, and a very nice woman to talk with. Her name was K C Patrick, her book is, The Pomo of Lake County (Images of American: California).

Evening Entry

There are times out in nature I can feel stress coming on, but it doesn’t usually have anything to do with nature, but the thoughts I have in my head. There are also times where it can be totally black outside, complete silence, alone, and I can feel completely at peace in the moment. Seeing nature as a companion, a good friend, and teacher. I have not felt any fear so far on our journey. Some doubt, and uncertainty, but no fear. I feel at home in nature. The boys help with their company. The other night my mind was thinking scary things that might happen at night, and I could see how if I allowed it to happen, I would be scared to the bone.

I got all my shopping done. I will pack up the rest of the gear, and I will fill up the gas tank tomorrow. And we will head north into the magical Redwoods. The drive time will take about 2 hours 45 minutes.