PARADISE LOST

PARADISE IS LOST! That's right, they closed it (this marvelous free campground) to build something new. My companions murmer in despair saying our world of free camping is disappearing. But suddenly images from another PARADISE LOST, John Milton's classic poem, flash in my brain and I take heart. In one of the most dramatic scenes and heroic speeches in all of literature, the archangel Satan stands on a knoll and addresses his fallen legions. Here, in essence is what he said: RISE UP AND RECLAIM YOUR DIGNITY! We have wonderful work to do and a whole world to do it in. We shall amuse ourselves wrecking God's creation, seducing his people, subverting his plans. We shall make a glorious game of our situation; wage fierce and fascinating war againt the ultimate enemy--- God.
Thus inspired, I climbed atop my truck and addressed my dispirited companions: "SUCK IT UP MY FRIENDS----SHOW SOME COURAGE! Yes we are cast from paradise, but for us it shall be a fall forward, mobilizing us to search out ever more wonderful places to camp----awakening our battle instincts for we are at war with waste of life. Billions of our fellow humans labor in needless drudgery, possessed by their possessions. We are the pathfinders to new values, savoring time rather than merely filling it. We are houseless not homeless. We prove with our lives the possibility and glory of freedom. We are a light to the nation. All who see us glimpse a flash of freedom and may thus be inspired to find it for themselves.

METAPHYSICAL ADDENDUM

I cannot pass this opportunity to chide the religious and superstitous among us who may be off-put by Satan's heroic speech. GET OVER IT---THERE IS NO SATAN---focus with me on the larger points made here----they are relevant to your life and mine.

SATAN EMBRACED HIS CIRCUMSTANCE----precisely what makes any of us heroic. Cast from eternity into time, he chose to glory in it. All of us enter time from (eternity?) and our challenge, like his, is to revel in the flux.

SATAN GENERATED HIS OWN MEANING----The first existentialist--humans have the damnest time doing this. Most believe meaning is revealed in holy books---it isn't! Rather, it is generated out of courage, desires and intention.

A curious epilogue to my day---Just before leaving paradise this bold (finch?) flew into my rig and took up this strange posture on my carpet--holding steady while I slowly got my camera. It seemed to be saying: Why is everybody leaving?

LIVING RENT-FREE IN PARADISE

BELIEVE IT: 50 or so rigs parked in quiet luxury---living rent-free in paradise--a lovely tree and grass lined parking lot, far from traffic but near to every conceivable convenience, with all RV services free (dump, water, trash), and unlimited stay. Of the hundreds of free camping places in the Southwest, this is the finest. So perfect that I doubt it will last---Too good to be true? Yeah, seems that way to me---but here I am for a 5th consecutive year at Americas 2nd best free camping place. (#1 is Valley River Mall in Eugene, Oregon) I choose not to reveal its location--but many of my readers will instantly recognize it as one of their favorites also. I will say that it is a gift to the RVing world from the first Americans----much appreciated.
below: My rig and Paul's--my solar panels raised.

Someone, for some reason keeps the place clean and manicured---asks no questions, entering or leaving---charges nothing!

below: I have a very bold visitor--right outside my door---does not want bread---wants meat--demands meat--I throw weiner bits----aaaahhh, that's better it said---stayed awhile--posing for its dinner. For the unfamiliar---this of course is the famous and fearless roadrunner--killer and eater of snakes---eternal nemesis of cartoon character, Wiley E Coyote.

below: Surprise! A long-time friend Ranger Brad is sharing paradise with us.

Guy buzzes by on this---we give chase on our bikes---he explains his $150 easy to install engine that gives 120 mpg.

below: always wanted to see one of these (wickieup?) in construction. I think I could build one if need be.

Completed, they are a servicable, breeze allowing, rain shedding, sun blocking shelter. The mud layer on the roof was news to me---nice and cool inside.

Bicycle trails along both sides of a lovely canal. Free boat rides in it if you wish.

Not sure where they get all this water--but there seems to be no shortage.

And if all these perks weren't enough--check out this magnificent art work entitled dinnertime.

But wait! There's more. A stone's throw away is free entertainment--a really good western town. P.S. Notice I'm losing weight. I'll be skinny as a post by summer.TO ALL YOU WANNABEES out there--yearning to breathe free: Take note: It is possible to live rent-free----once you achieve SELF CONTAINMENT (turtle-like self sufficiency)---a movable rig with bed, bath, water, power, holding tanks, lights-----NOT THAT DIFFICULT to buy or build--as I have done.

The North American plains Indians are generally credited with being the freest people who ever lived---How curiously ironic that they now give so generously to the race that took their freedom away.

WHY WE KEEP PETS

IN MEMORY OF MOLLY. Diana's little dog Molly died recently after a long and happy life. She was part of my life for 10 years and I unashamedly say I loved her. Her passing moved me to reflection and poetry. Am I the first to notice this about them? (here's the short version)

WHY WE KEEP PETS---In memory of Molly

When people explain the why of their pets,
They tell only half what’s true;
They say they keep them for the love
That pets bestow on you.

I say they understate their case:
Yes, pets give love; but heed:
That’s only half the good they do;
They meet a deeper need.

The other half is that our pets
In giving love---(and we need love to live)
Curiously draw out of us
The love we need to give

Everyone needs to give love away
Else it jams up in our craw,
Stuck and frozen like an arctic river
In need of a springtime thaw.

That is what our pets do well:
Like a warming sun for the soul,
Thawing out our blockages
To let sweet waters roll

Whatever ails any of us
Amounts to stoppage of the flow,
Of taking love in and giving it out.
Love is energy, you know.

We , in essence are love machines;
Thus pet owners may be smarter
For carrying around from town to town
Their very own love kick-starter.

Haven’t you seen some brute of a guy
Turned mushy by an itty bitty dog
Pent-up love comes oozing out
Like a drain that’s come unclogged.

Sometimes, just for fun, I ask: how much
For the dog—with leash and collar?
The price they quote is never ever
Less than a million dollars.

Thus pets train and unstop us;
Give practice in the arts
of reaching out more fearlessly
To other human hearts.

Like the Grinch after that Christmas thing;
Like Scrooge after ghost number three;
Pet owners are more likely than not
Better than they used to be.

These love roto–rooters are all round camp.
Happily doing their jobs:
There’s Angel, Shasta, Cody and Pebble,
Rocky, Little Bit and Mister Hobbs.

Thanks to all you WINs with furry friends
For sharing them----and I say Let's--
Set free that undefensive love
So visible in your pets.

Written 12/24-26/09 Yuma Az.