continues

Part Six

February 6, 2018 – Tuesday – Richardson Grove State Park, CA

We got up a little after 7:00 am, I took the boys for a quick walk, then began packing up. We then said our good byes to Mike and Mr. Dundee, and wished them well. We were on the road around 10:30 am. This should give us good timing to reach Richardson Grove, find a campsite, and get camp at least partially set up which would be the tent.

We filled the gas tank of the truck at upper Clear Lake, and we were on our way. We hit very little traffic heading north, and it was a very pleasant drive.

When we got on Hwy 101 north, I wanted to see if I noticed anything familiar from when a friend, Mike and I rode through this area on our ten-speed bikes on our way to Canada back in 1973, I believe. It was a big adventure for us.

I met Mike through another friend who’s name was, Mike. We all went to Chabot College in the San Francisco Bay Area together. I would bump into Mike occasionally at college, and he asked if I was interested in going for a drive somewhere. He had a tiny Fiat sports car convertible. It was so small it only had a 5 gallon gas tank. I don’t remember where we drove to, but it was a fun drive, and I got to know Mike better. He was a very soft spoken, and easy going guy. The next time we met outside of college, we took a bike ride through the countryside near where we lived, on a beautiful rural road with little traffic – a perfect area for a pleasant and relaxing bike ride. Mike was telling me he would work for the forest service in the summers putting out forest fires, and he would meet people touring on bicycles, usually traveling from south to north into Canada. Bicycle touring was becoming pretty popular during that time. I had never heard about it before. Thinking about it, and imagining it, I said to Mike, “lets do it!” And he responded immediately with an exciting, yes! So began our planning for our exciting adventure. In July, we headed north from Vallejo, just north of the San Francisco bay area, and our plan was to reach Victoria Island, BC, Canada.

We had a time frame to get back before school started in September. Mike would be going to Humboldt State University, for a degree in Forestry, and I would continue on for my third year at Chabot College, and eventually to San Jose State University to get my BA degree in Graphic Design.

It took us three weeks to get to Canada (with a little cheating from a friend who drove us from Eureka, CA to Coos Bay, OR). We had a short stay of two or three days on Vancouver Island, then the ferry back to Seattle, where we hopped on a smelly Greyhound bus for our return home, a long and horrible 24 hour ride, where Mike and I slept most of the way back home. I was trying to convince Mike to hop freight trains back, but he did not like the idea much. That probably would have been an adventure in its self and probably not really a good idea. Although in my mind it sounded like it would be a great adventure riding the rails illegally, like in the days of the Hobos, during the depression times. Years later I was listening to a story on NPR about a writer who did just that. He took to the rails of the freight trains, traveling wherever they took him. I was reflecting on this, and how this could have been us – two adventures back to back. I am sure Mike was just thinking about getting back in readying himself for a new adventure at HSU. I could see Mike being a fine ranger. I thought it fit him, and his personality well.

I never saw Mike again, I did talk with him years after on the phone, and he never did become a ranger. It was very difficult to get in because it seemed many others had that dream as well. I thought Mike would have a good chance with his experiences fighting wildfires. But it was not to be, and a great loss for the forest service. Mike ended up working for the Prison system at San Quentin State Prison, a high security prison in the SF bay area. A very unlikely place for such a great guy who loved being in nature. During his stay there, he was stabbed by a prisoner, and luckily he was okay. He was trying to transfer to a work camp for convicts in the mountains, and the last time I spoke with him, he did make it to a prisoner work camp in the Sierra Nevada mountains. I hadn’t spoke to him since. I miss his special friendship.

Going through this area again, brought back many memories of our bike trip to Canada.

We arrived at Richardson Grove at 2:00 pm and I was happy with our arrival time. It gave me a couple of hours to set up camp while the boys watched me do all the work. The truck and trailer did great as well with no problems.

We pulled into the entrance gate, and drove to the Madrone campground, the only campground open, and to figure out the camping sites here that were available that would work out best for us. We drove through, looking for a suitable camping spot. The campground was pretty much empty of campers. The campsites seemed very small with limited pull in space for the truck and trailer. The more sites I saw, the more I was getting concerned in finding a campsite. I thought I would have to find another campground. They have three family campgrounds, and one group campground. Three of them are closed during the winter, which leaves only a limited amount of campsites available in the family camping area. And the choices obviously are limited.

I finally found a site with parking that would work, having the truck and trailer side by side, and an area I thought was large enough for the tent. Once the site was selected, I unpacked a few things, unhitched the trailer, then went back to the main entrance to pay for our site for two nights. I was not sure how long we would stay here.

I realized it would take me some time to learn the ins and outs on how each campground works. It helps if the campgrounds have a Camp Host there that can answer any questions. I would also soon learn that during the winter months that at least 50%, if not more of the campground campsites were closed in the off season. This made me think to always leave on a Sunday or Monday for the next campground to insure we could find a suitable site to camp.

After paying for our two nights, it was getting close to 3:00 pm, and I had to still set up camp. I usually goes pretty fast getting the tent up and our bedding in, ready for sleep when the time comes. We have been losing daylight around 6:00 pm, but since we are in the Redwoods it will be getting darker earlier. My goal is to never set up camp in the dark, in the rain, or the wind. I usually try to get the stove ready on our first day, for coffee in the morning. I usually don’t cook on our first night. With breaking camp, driving, and setting up a new camp all in the same day, I am pretty tired and don’t want to mess with cooking. And give me time to settle into our new camp. What I don’t get done, considering the boys do nothing in helping me, I finish the rest of what I have to do on the next day. It gives us some time to explore as well.

Back at camp I began setting up our tent and the spot I selected was too small. There was an open area next to our site, so I used that. I assumed it was part of our campsite, but I wasn’t absolutely sure. The Camp Host and his wife stopped by, and I asked him if it was okay to put the tent there? He said, “that was fine.” His name was Mike too. Lots of Mike’s in the world it seems. I forgot his wife’s name.

Mike, our Host was very nice, and easy going. I told him we were headed for Alaska, and he gave me a, must have travel guide book going up there. They are pretty expensive, but a need-to-have guide while driving up to Alaska.

A camper pulled in a little later, right next to my camp, but far enough away hopefully not to be a bother. It was nice here, with the exception of traffic noise that was an issue for me. We were just above Hwy 101 that was surprisingly busy. The site we were in wasn’t too bad. The campsites had pretty good separation from each other. The restrooms were a short walk just above us. I had learned we can stay here for a month as an option. I will feel this place out tomorrow, and determine how long I want to stay here. I will look for other options for our next campground. The other issue for staying here was resupplying. It was a good driving distance wise for resupplying. We may only stay for a few days.

The weather here was nice and being among the redwood landscape was an added plus.

I got the camp set up, and decided I would cook dinner for me and the boys. I also decided to have a little campfire. It soon became night time, it was 8:00 pm, and soon, it would be time for bed.

I am quickly discovering roots protruding above the ground, making it potentially dangerous if I trip over them. I will have to be very careful with every step I take, especially in the dark. I cannot take a chance in injuring myself in anyway. I am alone, and I am the only one to do the work, and in taking care of the boys. Even a small injury could be bad, making things extremely difficult. This is where, having a high degree of respect for nature comes into play. She comes with many beauties, and wonders, and dangers for those who don’t have a heightened awareness to their surroundings. I learned this quickly back in 2009, spending time alone in the wilderness with my dog, Shiloh. I also have to be aware of any potential dangers to Takota and Nanook.

February 7, 2018 – Wednesday

I slept pretty well, and as always, the boys always sleep soundly. The traffic noise sounds like the wind blowing and really couldn’t tell the difference in my half a sleep state. But I refer the sounds of the wind over the noise of automobiles, and trucks. During the day the traffic noise continues, and at night about 75%, deafening the silence of nature.

I woke up at 6:40 am, and went back to sleep. We got up at 7:40 am. The crows were active, with their different calls, then with the Clear Lake crows. I wonder why this was? I heard another bird, or two, but cold not tell what they were. It sounded like one was fighting with the crows.

It was a little chilly, and foggy this morning. The trees are fairly dense that surrounds the camp, mostly the beautiful old growth redwoods.

The boys and I took a walk down to the Eel River, taking the road down part way, then a dirt trail through the redwoods that eventually opened up to the shore of the Eel River. On our the way back to camp, we also checked out the old rustic building of the Visitor Center, that was originally the Richardson Grove Lodge. The old building blends well with the majestic redwoods. It was a nice walk. I can see why my Dad like taking the family here each year.

Back at camp I was messing around with the stove, so I could make my coffee and breakfast. I did get it working. I made a nice warming campfire and sat next to it while writing in my journal. I am using a Coleman stove, using liquid gas. I also have a backup Coleman propane stove that is brand new and never been out of the box. I do prefer the liquid gas for better control of heat, but losing my confidence in all Coleman products.

Because we are in a forest of redwoods, there are a lot of roots above the ground, and protruding rocks that can easily trip one up. I seem to find them each time I walk in the campsite.

I am not going to describe the campsite, except for it being in a beautiful redwood grove.

Before I was born, my family would come here often. My Dad would fly fish on the South Fork Eel River, that ran along the eastern side of Hwy 101 – or the Redwood Hwy. They had campgrounds on both sides of the Highway. On the east side there was the lodge that is now a Visitor Center. At the time, they had dancing for the camping guests at the lodge. During the evenings the outside stage entertained the camping guests as well. My Dad would get up on stage to tell stories or do skits with fellow campers. I wish I could have experienced those time. He would then take the family to see the Roosevelt Elk just north of Robertson Grove, and visit old friends. Our Dad died when I was four, and I only have a few memories of him. I was too young to fully understand why he was no longer with us. I am sure he is with us now to experience this beautiful place in the redwoods that he so loved.

The first known inhabitants of this region were the Sinkyone people, who hunted, fished in the rivers, and ocean, and gathered from the plants, and trees for food and medicine. They lived sustainably among the Grove’s ancient redwoods, which they considered as sacred. Sinkyone descendants still maintain cultural and spiritual ties to the Grove. But nothing like it was prior to the white man’s intrusion into California when the genocide began. They were treated like any other Indian, as savages, and lower than animals, and even had scalp bounties on men, women, and children throughout the state of California. All the California native people were referred to as “Diggers.” It was a local variant of the so-called “Ignoble Savage.”

This area is known as the Lost Coast, the ancestral lands of the Sinkyone people. It is an area of wild coast lines, beaches, headlands, meadows, marshes, and in the thick redwood forests that can be immersed in fog much of the year. This is on the southern edge of a coastal temperate rainforest ecosystem – the Cosadia Bioregion – that extends all the way into Alaska. The cornerstone species of this ecosystem is the Pacific Salmon, as with the redwoods that in recent decades has been threatened by man who was consumed with the taking of natural resources out of pure greed, and giving nothing back. Having little concern for the impact they were having on the whole ecosystem. They had no relationship to the land, or to life, as the native people had, and still have.

In this pristine landscape we should also be mindful, and acknowledge that it is the ancestral homelands of the indigenous Sinkyone peoples, who live on, and have sustainably managed this region for thousands of years.

Much of the last two centuries has been a tragic story for the native people here who have suffered the horrors of cultural genocide, and atrocities perpetrated by the European settlers and military throughout this country, that is referred to as the United States.

For millennia, the Sinkyone people of northern California (named for “Sinkikok” – their name for the Eel River watershed) lived in the mountainous, fertile,and rugged coastline region 150 mile north of San Francisco Bay area. Prior to European contact, they would winter inland along the South Fork of the Eel river, and travel in the summer to the coast to gather fish, acorns, berries, seaweed, kelp, roots, nuts. and seeds.

As part of their sustainable practices, they would rotationally burn coastal prairies and woodlands to maintain the health and productivity of the ecosystem. This caring for the land insured for sustainable hunting, and gathering of edible, and medicinal plants. They saw all life as sacred, and practiced ceremony, dances, songs, and prayer practices to give thanks for what they had received from nature, and the Creator. The Redwood tree (called “Kahstcho” in Sinkyone) was considered especially sacred, and was used used to create baskets, fish traps, canoes, houses, and clothing.

There were approximately 70 villages by the time of European contact.

With the start of the California gold rush in the 1850s, the Sinkyone, along with many other tribes, were massacred in less than two decades in the state. Mining, logging, and land theft was also a major contributor, as with the scalping, and death of men, women, and children for a sizable bounty. The end goal was to kill the Indian. These intruders were ruthless to the land, and to life, whether human or animal.

The Sinkyone, and other tribes in the area are key players in saving this pristine ecosystem.

Many of the old growth redwoods are more than a 1000 years old, and some are more than 300 feet tall. Other trees that make their home here are the Douglas -fir, California bay laurel, and various oaks.

Our camp was within the mighty ancient redwoods that provided the shade to our campsite, and with very little sunlight coming through. Maybe not the best thing for the winter months, but I am sure it was welcomed in the heat of the summer months. It also gave a magical energy, and beauty for those who could appreciate it through being silent and experiencing the feelings of this energy the forest did provide to those opened to it. Most people have lost this connection to silence. The native people knew this well through their deep relationship with the land, the water, the air, and to all life.

The boys found refuge in the bushes around camp. Takota would find hiding places within the shrubs.

While writing in the journal this moment, I had about 15 seconds of quiet I fully appreciated until the traffic noise began once again. Unfortunately it is what it is.

I found more roots and rocks to trip over in camp. I will have to try and pay attention to where I walk, and in every step I take.

In camp three Juncos came into our camp for a visit. It was nice to see them.

Afternoon Entry

We went to Garberville, and then to Redway, which was 2 miles further northwest from Garberville, on advisement from a cute young lady that I was talking with on a road side gift shop. On the way to Garberville, I kept an eye out for any road side firewood for sale, but didn’t see any, so I ended up buying some expensive firewood in Garberville, at the market and picked up some wine, and ice, then headed back to camp. I did make some calls for firewood on a bulletin board outside of the market with no luck. I also bought a bundle of firewood at the campground that was even more expensive than the market in Garberville. Going through both towns brought back memories when Mike and I were on our bike trip. I remember us stopping at the market in Garberville for some food and drink. I think we may have also stayed at Richardson Grove campground for one night, if I recall.

During our time here, I was not aware of a place called Murder Mountain which is a place outside of the town, and in a remote area in the mountains, where even the Sheriffs Department stayed away from. I learned of this place years later when I watched a documentary of the same name, “Murder Mountain,” in 2023. In this place in Garberville, this out of the way, quiet hippy community in the middle of the serene ancient forests of northern California, within the beautiful and magical redwoods that had become one of the largest, and thriving communities of growers of illegal cannabis. It brought into this community young people finding work in this prosperous and very illegal industry, that has also brought unsolved missing persons, and murders, that the law enforcement chose to ignore.

While I was here, I only saw it as a place to camp, get gas, firewood, and food. It is a sleepy type community that came alive during the summer tourist season, a hippie type commune, and place where those who want to hide, can. For me, I also saw this place as the native people had seen it for thousands of years, a sacred place full of beauty, wonder, and life. We never had any issues here that would have endanger us. I actually felt less safe in Clearlake, while going into town to shop, as far as any theft of my things in the truck.

I paid for another two nights, and will stay on additional nights so we can leave on Sunday. Tomorrow we will look around at Humboldt Redwood State Park as an option to stay there. It would be nice to stay in this beautiful area to explore the redwoods, but we are on somewhat of a schedule. Patrick’s Point State Park looks like a good possibility also, and it would take us further north.

The Native people who live in this area sees this place as sacred. A concept most of white America cannot grasp. In the many touristy spots in America, it is all about visiting them, oohing and aahing at these natural wonders, then hopping in the car to see the next place or do the next thing on the list of things to do. We never take the time to feel the sacredness of all that we see. We can learn from the native peoples what sacred means in nature. Most Americans just know what the idea of site seeing is. We see everything only on the surface of what we perceive. Never allowing us to go deep within, and discovering our true relationship with the natural world. This is why I am on this journey, to see nature in a new reality from what we have been taught.

I may question my ability in writing. I may not be a great writer, or even a good writer, but to me, it is a form I can express my thoughts and feelings about. It can be a gift for me at times.

I think and convey some of the minor challenges I am facing such as the difficulty of finding campsites that work for us, or the perfect campsite, or not being able to find good sources of affordable firewood, or finding block ice, or camping in campgrounds in the off season, and being so expensive, or better discounts for seniors. But nothing is perfect, we all face challenges that we can learn from, to adjust and adopt to each circumstance as it comes. And look at it as an adventure. Embrace those challenges, as teachers. Embrace every moment. No matter how much I may complain, I love the experiences we are having in nature, and experiencing this journey with my special companions, Takota and Nanook.

It is now 7:30 pm, and it comes with a very peaceful and pleasant February evening, sitting next to a small campfire.

February 8, 2018 – Thursday

Laying in bed, looking out into the majestic redwoods, and for a few precious moments, I hear the sounds of silence. The sounds of peaceful, and quiet silence, where no noise from cars, trucks, motor homes or RV’s come. Only the peaceful stillness of nature, and the morning fog slowly weaving among the redwood giants.

I slept well through the night.

The morning fog soon turns to blue skies before I have my first sip of coffee.

The boys and I took a morning walk around the campground to check out the campsites. Most are pretty nice for a small tent, and one vehicle. I spotted an individual raven perched on a branch just observing us. I haven’t seen many birds. Mostly crows and a single raven, and of course the Juncos that visited our camp yesterday. I did hear a Steller’s jay this morning.

In the morning we get a sliver of sunlight penetrating through the thick forest canopy into our camp. These thin streams of light exposes the many weaving’s of spider webs that are otherwise hidden from sight within the low light of the forest floor. The smoke from the campfire reveals the beams of light through the trees.

After breakfast we will take a drive up north to check out the Humboldt Redwood State Park.

Afternoon Entry

We checked out Humboldt Redwood State Park. What I saw were very small campsites, and not enough room for our my tent, and the parking of the truck and trailer. So hopefully we will have better luck at Patrick’s Point State Park. It can always be a shot in the dark finding a campsite that works for us.

Once we returned to camp I saw the culprits who were in our camp yesterday. They saw us and flew off to a nearby branch to observe the situation. And once they saw the boys they high tailed it off.

In the campground, I picked up some wood that was left at a campsite. It was recently cut, and some pieces were a little wet, but thought I would give it a try. I thought it might take over some hot coals. I wasn’t sure of the type of wood. Also the camp next to us, some wood was dumped, so I picked out the driest pieces and brought it back to camp. The wood burned well that I gathered. Nothing like free wood.

Some times one might find a log or two, in the campsites, and other times enough for a few days of fire. Firewood was like gold to me. It was an important part of our life in nature that gave warmth and a sense of comfort. In the olden days, it was part of survival. For the native people all around the world, fire was seen a sacred. It was a part of the four elements of life; air, water, earth, and fire. In our modern materialistic world, most have forgotten this. We see materialism and money as sacred, and not the very thing that gives life in the natural world. Nature has just become an after thought for so many of us.

Last night in bed with lights out it became pitch black in the tent and outside. Before bed, we went for a walk around the campground loop. There was only one other camper here besides us. I had my headlamp on high, and getting closer to the other camper I wanted to drop the bright light to lower setting as not to blind out the other camper. I turned the headlamp off and quickly realized I was blind. There was nothing but pure empty darkness without my only source of light. I thought, what if my light all of a sudden went out? How would I find our way back to camp? We wouldn’t unless we yelled for help. And would the only other person in the campground hear us? I thought I would then put the boys to the test. Could they take me back to camp? Unfortunately they failed right off the bat. It was kind of a frightening thought to be stranded in darkness. After that experience, so I always brought a backup light source with me.

February 9, 2018 – Friday

I have noticed in the past few of nights, my dreams have moved from the old me that once was, to the new me that is now. What I mean by this is the recent dreams are about our journey into nature. I had a lot of dreams about still being in Architecture and not being able to let go of this past. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy the creative part of Architecture, but I thought my focus would be better served experiencing my attention in the natural world – in a world most have forgotten.

I just had a thought, what if the first two or three years of schooling were focused on learning and experiencing in nature more, and using reading, writing, and art to compliment those experiences? In spending time observing the natural world. During my time in school, our understanding of nature was very limited in having a full understanding of the natural world. And it still is for the most part in teaching, and maybe worse. The children are being prepped to pass required exams, then on really learning. We are taught to be productive citizens in our progressive society. To be robots to our society that is all based on materialism. Understanding nature has no purpose in the delusional world of consumerism, and materialism that we have created. Through these teachings, it should also include the teachings and wisdom of traditional indigenous peoples of the world.

It is nice waking up to the redwoods. Listening to the sounds, in smelling the smells, and seeing the sights nature brings to us.

We got up around 7:45 am. The morning sky was covered in fog that drapes over the tops of the redwood trees. The foggy mist soon began to dissipate at 9:00 am, slowly burning off as the Sun rose higher in the sky.

On our morning walk I found a real nice campsite in our area of the campground, and maybe the one I tried to get into on the first day, but the truck and trailer just wouldn’t fit in the parking area of the site. I would have had less traffic noise, more room, and more sunlight at that site. And maybe, I would want to stay here longer.

Walking back to camp a doe appeared walking quietly towards our camp, then she moved in the opposite direction when she saw us moving closer towards her. I tried to stay a safe distance away, but the doe probably wanted no part of us.

In camp a bird flew low off the ground, maybe five feet above the surface. It may have been a woodpecker. I also saw a couple of robins earlier this morning. It is nice seeing the wildlife that are here. It feels we are a part of this natural environment. I try to show respect for their presence here, and appreciate the very beings in who they are. I believe if we show respect, and an appreciation for all life, we will experience a deeper relationship with nature, and to all life.

For those who are reading this, I am sure some or most would see this as being pretty boring. And for many it would be, because we have forgotten how to experience the beauty that is in the stillness in its simplest forms in nature. In just experiencing the beingness, and in the appreciation in all things, our perceptions change in how we see and relate to the natural world. My fellow companions, Takota, and Nanook, also helps me gain that sense of calm.

In getting the morning fire going was being stubborn, but it finally took.It takes a bit of patience at times to get a fire going in the winter. Unless one uses gasoline as a starter, which I don’t like to do. We have a greater appreciation, and respect for fire when we start a fire slowly and methodically.

While fixing breakfast I heard a raven on a branch next to camp. It must be one of the ones who comes to visit us. Is he or she talking to us, or to a fellow raven? I then notice it’s partner on another branch squawking away to it’s fellow companion. They may have been hoping for an invite for breakfast.

After breakfast, I had notices both the ravens were gone. They knew there were other campers around to mooch on. But I am sure they were near by, waiting for us to leave camp, so they might find any food left behind. But seldom find in our camp.

We are now the only ones here in the campground. The benefits of camping in the winter.

The weather has been perfect for our liking, with a little bit of a chill always in the air in winter. The scent in the air is always sweet, and fresh.

Afternoon Entry

The boys and I took a drive to the river, and enjoyed a walk through the redwoods, and along the river. Since I had pack of cigarettes with me from Clear Lake for the sole purpose of giving offerings and prayer, I thought I would say a prayer and an offering to the spirits in the forest with the tobacco. I wasn’t sure what to say, and felt a little uncomfortable doing it, but I just tried to feel the prayer. My first tobacco, and prayer offering came very natural to me. I felt a deep peace within. It brought me deeper into the life of the forest.

During this time, I was able to reflect on my Dad who loved this place. Imaging him fly fishing in the jade colored river of the Eel. Wondering what it would have been like if he was able to have a longer life? And what would my life had been with him around. I am sure he is with me on this journey. As being the youngest, I was very fortunate to have had all my siblings as a support system. I was only four years old, when he left us. I must have been too young to notice any grieving from our family from our loss. It did effect our Mom in the long term. And I am sure it effected all of us whether we knew it or not. My oldest brother took on the role of the father figure.

It seemed our two raven friends were tagging along with us. I saw them at the picnic area during our walk. Was it them following us?

There was a lone tree standing in the picnic area. It might be an oak tree. Most of the leaves were gone, showing it’s skeleton. The trunk and branches covered in moss, and it’s branches draped over in lichen, that is also referred to Old man’s beard. This one tree found it’s place among the redwoods, standing alone as a beacon.

As I caught a glimpse of a raven silently gliding and weaving with grace through the subdued darkness of the redwoods close to camp, I too experienced a beingness among these magnificent giants as this raven has in it’s awareness, that brings me to a place of oneness, and peace, and silence within. The majestic redwoods bring a mystery, and story with them that few ever experience.

Evening Entry

It seems a few new campers are coming into the campground. We saw two campers, and two cabins rented.

It is a beautiful evening, along with a pleasant temperature. We begin getting camp packed up, ready for our departure on Sunday.

February 10, 2018 – Saturday

We got up around 7:45 am, we went for our morning walk. There were five additional campers here. Two of them had river boats.

The morning had an awakening chill in the air, a crisp freshness to it that blended with the scent of redwoods filling the air.

As soon as we got back to camp from out walk, I got a fire going and the coffee brewing. I have enough firewood for this morning and tonight. I never did find any good firewood suppliers, so I scrounged enough around the campground for our needs.

When I get a campfire going in the morning, part of having the fire is smelling the pleasant aroma of the wood burning.

I found some mushrooms scattered around here and there. I don’t know the species, but I just enjoyed them being around.

It was a short stay here, but very pleasant overall, with the exception of the traffic noise and having good access to firewood.

When the ravens come to visit I can definitely hear the flapping of their wings.

I am definitely enjoying the experiences with the boys living in nature. Being with them 24/7 brings a deep closeness in our relationship together, with many more adventures to come.

In Dr. Wayne Dyer’s book that I am reading, he talks about slowing down, and being mindful of this. And I am slowing down, but I also find myself rushing around, having to do this and that. My past life I was always rushing, always having to get stuff done. It was part of my profession in the field of Architecture. And now I am in the field of being in nature that requires me in slowing down to a slower pace.

We tend to look for the big things in life to give us joy and happiness, to give us that feeling of love inside of us, to give us some kind of purpose in life. But for so many of us, we miss those simple things that can give us the pure joy, and love, and purpose we search for in our lives. This is where we need to go deep within in finding it. An example of this is an experience I just had not long ago:

I usually put a paper towel on a portion of the picnic table. The paper towel had an imprint on it of a Christmas scene and bears playing in the snow. When I looked at these images of the trees, and bears, I experienced a warmth of joy inside of me. It brought back fond and joyful memories of Christmas when I was young. And feelings I am experiencing being in the woods with the boys. To me, these are magical moments, so simple and yet full of feelings of love, and joy.

This experience may seem silly to many, but it is about those simple things that give us unexpected joy in our hearts that cannot be compared to with those big things we would wish to happen in our lives. We can only experience these things being in the state of pure consciousness, in the present moment.

In my exploration in looking for different plant species, I have not yet had the opportunity to try wood sorrel, but when I came across some at this camp, I picked a few for a little taste. It had a very nice flavor, with a slight tartness to it. I then thanked the plant for this gift.

Besides the premeditated thievery of the pair of ravens, I have not heard or noticed any night time goings on with any other critters that uses the darkness of night for their cover to rob camps. I heard the ravens checking on other campsites. I saw one fly by our camp, and one stopping next to our camp for a look see, then flew off. I really don’t mind them, I enjoy their company.

The traffic isn’t that bad today, it is quieter than usual. It is easier to experience silence without all of a traffic noise, and just experience the sounds of nature and the silence within.

If one follows their heart, just following the heart towards those things that guides us, that gives us joy, and love, we realize this is all we really want. It will bring us one with spirit, with the Creator, and a close relationship with all life. These are magical moments that stay with us all of our lives.

Evening Entry

I have been thinking about my Dad, I wish I was able to spend more time with him, in having more memories with him. I am not sure if Dad believed in any higher power, but I know he felt this place had special magic to him. The last time I saw him, my niece Lynda and I saw him leave for work. He never returned. I was only four years old, my niece was three.

I had a drink of some Chardonnay this evening, and shared a little bit from my plastic cups with Nanook. He seemed to like it. Takota wanted nothing to do with it.

On our last night here, it has been the coolest day here so far.

Our friends the junco came by to say good bye. Tomorrow we continue heading north on our journey in nature.

We will get an early start on Sunday for our drive to our next campground. It should take a little over 2 hours to get there. There are Safeway’s at Eureka and Arcata for our food shopping. The weather looks really good for breaking up camp and setting up camp, and for travel. Another adventure camping in nature.

In watching Takota, and Nanook, I observe their different personalities. They argue in their own ways as siblings, as brothers, and love each other. Both prefer their own spaces, but there are times Takota will lay next to his brother. And they share this love with me in every moment. With each morning, usually early, they come to greet me, and I give them loving scratches and rubs. Then the boys return to their beds and we go back to sleep for a few more winks. Although Takota is the alpha, that Nanook typically ignores, Takota needs is brother. He would be lost without him.

They provide me with much loving comfort. Being with them 24/7 gives us an inseparable bond with one another. Where ever we find ourselves in our travels in nature, we always feel we are home although it may look different. Each new camp, the boys experiencing different smells, and familiar ones when the first arrive. They both resume their roles in each camp with Takota being the camp protector, and Nanook being the hunter. And as always, they are usually very quiet and relaxed in camp.

February 11, 2018 – Sunday

We got up and 7:00 am, I got everything packed up in two hours, and on the road at 9:00 am. I figured we would have about a two and a half hour north to our next campground at Patrick’s Point State Park.