tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313834242024-03-13T10:54:37.264-06:00Mobile KodgersI titled this blog Mobile Kodgers because it began as a report on the first Mobile Codgers Rendezvous---which I organized. I've kept the title and expanded my reports to include everything that I find interesting in my travels. I walk in the footsteps of Thoreau, "advancing confidently in the direction of my dreams", proving with my life that deep freedom is possible and easier than imagined.
See links to purchase my book 40 Years a Nomad or see videos of me reciting a few poems.
Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.comBlogger538125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-58312521651848109582021-06-16T23:17:00.006-06:002021-06-20T19:37:17.440-06:00CATCHING UP, A TOWING ANGEL, THANKSGIVING AND TRAVELING THE TRIBE TO TONOPAH.<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lGbFpEHYDdk/X-TpLsKfkRI/AAAAAAAANiQ/U3VwYpmM9ScKyo0XzUDA0USmjWrqYwT6ACLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_7987.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="465" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lGbFpEHYDdk/X-TpLsKfkRI/AAAAAAAANiQ/U3VwYpmM9ScKyo0XzUDA0USmjWrqYwT6ACLcBGAsYHQ/w434-h465/IMG_7987.JPG" width="434" /></a></p><p>Can you see that thin book on the shelf of the Cottonwood library with my name and a library number on it? It's a heady and gratifying experience to have your words out there for the public to consider. I watched as a lovely lady checked it out. Couldn't resist saying to her: Hope you enjoy that book. Then I punched up Amazon books and spent a happy hour reading my reviews from around the world--- about 100 of them--mostly 5 stars. Thanks to everyone who took the time to comment, and thank you my readers for returning to this blog after so long an absence and for indulging me in this little surge of ego. It really amounts to nothing. There are a thousand books of poetry out there.</p><p>Our little band of Nomads stuck together during this year of virus, hunkering down in the southwest in various places, sending one of us to town for groceries etc. We had each other for company and for many adventures. Here's an unhappy one:</p><p> MY TRANSMISSION QUIT WORKING IN A MOST INCONVENIENT PLACE---In the middle of the Navaho Indian reservation---then a corona virus hotspot that did not allow tow trucks from outside. You may find this hard to believe but a beautiful and powerful lady came by, saw my dilemma, made a phone call. A half hour later a giant wrecker whisked me, with my truck and trailer, away to Flagstaff---150 miles away and would take no money. I found out later that she had absorbed the thousand dollar cost. Believe it or not! When I get my camera working again, I will show you her picture.</p><p> A new transmission cost $4,000, which I paid.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BgYo5yeZwWI/X-TnoIOhtEI/AAAAAAAANiE/KP47bvPxncoDRoZbCYobeIkHR-4EHRQqwCLcBGAsYHQ/P1030583.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="2048" height="236" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BgYo5yeZwWI/X-TnoIOhtEI/AAAAAAAANiE/KP47bvPxncoDRoZbCYobeIkHR-4EHRQqwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h236/P1030583.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Our people parked in the California desert west of Yuma. I think we celebrated Thanksgiving here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here's an essay on our group.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 2px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">MUSIC AND MIND CAMP</span></b></span></p>
<h2><b>Randy’s view</b></h2>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">There’s a million of us mobile folks out here escaping rent, drudgery, loneliness and unpleasant weather. Most of us will eventually join a cluster of others to enhance our experience. Perhaps a hundred such groups of varying interest have formed. Which ones will you be drawn to? My favorite is MUSIC AND MIND CAMP, --about three years old. My notion of a great tribe.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">We define ourselves as an enduring nomadic neighborhood of friends. Our members are mostly in the fourth stage of mobile living: (1. getting mobile 2. comfortably mobile 3. connected and 4. finding meaning.)</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">What is meaning? It's a feeling—of aliveness, purposefulness and connection—- intimately associated with movement—physical and or mental movement toward chosen ends. Scratch an itch and you will have generated a flicker of meaning----chase a dream and you may generate years of meaning. It vanishes from time to time when we stop moving— on a project for example. We seemingly run out of meaning or it mysteriously evaporates when we forget that movement is an essential component. Intensely felt meaningfulness is called FLOW and one can recognize it as interest so intense that time seems to distort.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">A major goal of our group, as I see it is to train ourselves or inspire ourselves to improve our MEANING-MAKER skills. Expert meaning makers are called AUTOTELIC personalities which some scientist say are the most meaning-filled humans.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>Bit by bit we have shaped a fun and effective tribe, Here’s a glimpse into our thinking and doing:</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>We:</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Move toward good weather and free campsite</li><li>Charge no fees</li><li>Move freely in and out of community</li><li>Respect the need for solitude and privacy,</li><li>Seek to master the art of friendship,</li><li>Invite visitors and accept new members,</li><li>Seek to know and be known with games, ideas, traditions.</li><li>Enjoy the thrill of personal growth.</li><li>Share our knowledge and skills,</li><li>Take responsibility for our lives, actions, feelings,</li><li>Look for ways to improve the world,</li><li>Play games, enjoy music, appreciate good minds.</li><li>Welcome splintering.</li></ul>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><br /></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now some of us are cooling ourselves in the forest near Leadville, Colorado--elevation 10,000 ft.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pictures as soon as I can master this new computer and a new camera.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fgjmVdJmksU/YMvzlPjyB4I/AAAAAAAANqI/Vue9wudpqqslm1EhovnzvsxWBHN1vEYswCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/E1758769-DCEE-4F61-B47E-972ECEB9DA8B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fgjmVdJmksU/YMvzlPjyB4I/AAAAAAAANqI/Vue9wudpqqslm1EhovnzvsxWBHN1vEYswCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/E1758769-DCEE-4F61-B47E-972ECEB9DA8B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Here's the loaded truck<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z_BqSv9csk/YMzZYweS2gI/AAAAAAAANqQ/-M1_VVJtdqkpR07hRWbvMWWLKcgDu7XFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/FAD6EAAF-0CD6-4ED2-A608-B9A9B3037DB0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z_BqSv9csk/YMzZYweS2gI/AAAAAAAANqQ/-M1_VVJtdqkpR07hRWbvMWWLKcgDu7XFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/FAD6EAAF-0CD6-4ED2-A608-B9A9B3037DB0.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here's the powerful lady who spoke a few words into her phone then said to me: "it's handled"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">AND TO MY AMAZEMENT-----IT WAS. I wish a few words from me could call in the forces of earth like that. I speculated that she had a support team behind her that jumped when she spoke.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES:When a subject (like meaning) is buzzing in your head and you think you have something to say about it, you might try my technique to express it. I put the major words associated with the subject like FEELING, MOVEMENT.GOAL,FLOW,AUTOTELIC etc on paper and ask myself how they fit together, like puzzle pieces. Then I construct sentences and let the paragraphs sit. Almost inevitably I can improve them the next day-----and the next. When I can't improve them anymore, I'm satisfied. I spent three days on the above paragraphs about meaning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-14566360693593153042020-11-15T15:15:00.000-07:002020-11-15T15:15:23.918-07:00REASSEMBLING THE TRIBE AT SADDLE MOUNTAIN<p>IT'S BEEN NEARLY A YEAR SINCE WE HAVE BEEN OFFICIALLYASSEMBLED HERE.</p><p>WE SCATTERED FOR THE SUMMER BUT SOME OF US COULD NOT BEAR TO PART,</p><p>SO A FEW OF US STAYED TOGETHER THROUGH THE SUMMER. NOW WE REAAEMBLE!.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSJR8qkKP-I/X7GcDCjOsgI/AAAAAAAANgI/JaQaixPKYskIz2pIsXfLkRROrUmDMDJXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSJR8qkKP-I/X7GcDCjOsgI/AAAAAAAANgI/JaQaixPKYskIz2pIsXfLkRROrUmDMDJXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030258.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">You may remember these lovely mountains 40 miles west of Phoenix.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQfJgs_ee4A/X7GdVppMmBI/AAAAAAAANgQ/mupARIXexMU4uhjpjuP2nDjO2fqD6jUbACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQfJgs_ee4A/X7GdVppMmBI/AAAAAAAANgQ/mupARIXexMU4uhjpjuP2nDjO2fqD6jUbACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030546.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Now we are back---here is the first wave of returnees gathered to establish how we are going to deal with the corona virus. It was a good meeting and we set a good policy to protect ourselves.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-au4NWLCCeFA/X7GfSlTq19I/AAAAAAAANgY/Z-QdrUGbjMsqvyURgxi2KDiGpnaX2w5mQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-au4NWLCCeFA/X7GfSlTq19I/AAAAAAAANgY/Z-QdrUGbjMsqvyURgxi2KDiGpnaX2w5mQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030550.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Our rigsare strung along this road.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLEAumaqdIE/X7Gf_-hQy5I/AAAAAAAANgg/nGSOcnNgcKAigVsiVc0uFISAzmMKkW-YQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLEAumaqdIE/X7Gf_-hQy5I/AAAAAAAANgg/nGSOcnNgcKAigVsiVc0uFISAzmMKkW-YQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030549.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And C.B. unveils his latest electronic marvel: giant screen movies for our entertainment.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sVImY5mFeTE/X7GhDMftLqI/AAAAAAAANgo/RFy_GqB-biYdGmidFkGzgDAQuoBNdq5lwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sVImY5mFeTE/X7GhDMftLqI/AAAAAAAANgo/RFy_GqB-biYdGmidFkGzgDAQuoBNdq5lwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030552.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">For the guitar crowd, a practice session.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hiking in the morning for the vigorous.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Games at two for gamers.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Slow shuffling walkers at 5.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Snoozing, solitude and privacy at any time desired.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And that's the way we while away the days.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: I REMIND MYSELF WHAT I AM DOING OUT HERE IN THIS DESERT WITH THIS SELECT GROUP OF FRIENDS: WE ARE REINVENTING THE TRIBE,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Making it voluntary, free, fun, supportive, even transformative. .</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-32954822008347395102020-10-13T16:13:00.000-06:002020-10-13T16:13:17.001-06:00TWO WONDERS AND A POEM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">C<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULkufqJnwHU/X4OJwq4XC-I/AAAAAAAANeU/IsxEooYAyAgyqQJ5wtJhCOMwRfFgDgvnACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030468.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULkufqJnwHU/X4OJwq4XC-I/AAAAAAAANeU/IsxEooYAyAgyqQJ5wtJhCOMwRfFgDgvnACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030468.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>CAMPED IN THE SHADOW OF A WONDER--MEXICAN HAT</p><p>A town and a rock in the Utah desert..</p><p>Hundreds have come to see it since we've been here.</p><p>Its story a million years old.</p><p>You might imagine the details</p><p>Buried in sediment layers under the sea.</p><p>Pressure makes them stone,.</p><p>rising with the Colorado plateau uplift five states wide.</p><p>Then weathering away of its layer --all but this wonderous rock</p><p>can't guess why, but there it is, balanced </p><p>on its pinnacle. Wonder enough!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0cVTCROL8M/X4OO8Vn3bhI/AAAAAAAANec/RMIoY05l894ymCxlsW2oVdz9n6wCuo3VACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030515.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0cVTCROL8M/X4OO8Vn3bhI/AAAAAAAANec/RMIoY05l894ymCxlsW2oVdz9n6wCuo3VACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030515.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I gather myself to leave, a second wonder begins.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Perhaps you can see the visitors under the hat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rbjzEAOQkE/X4OScr5zFvI/AAAAAAAANek/byHP3XuZ7BgQbvT_UGn-sLMe4WvCiN0pQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030498.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rbjzEAOQkE/X4OScr5zFvI/AAAAAAAANek/byHP3XuZ7BgQbvT_UGn-sLMe4WvCiN0pQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030498.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Two of them. I was unprepared for what came next.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfOK96KVqTg/X4OUhkBrY_I/AAAAAAAANes/waYF5dHHJLMMeiqa7nH4R72b4NM0Mn5RwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030500.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfOK96KVqTg/X4OUhkBrY_I/AAAAAAAANes/waYF5dHHJLMMeiqa7nH4R72b4NM0Mn5RwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030500.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can you see this amazing man defying gravity on the underside of the hat?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLnif47BoDo/X4OXfTZ1XkI/AAAAAAAANe0/7hrlcBmKNjErz1QEd5VNVfdPjwmpSgIxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030501.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLnif47BoDo/X4OXfTZ1XkI/AAAAAAAANe0/7hrlcBmKNjErz1QEd5VNVfdPjwmpSgIxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030501.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div> Slowly he makes his way to the edge </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUBJPQEX9BQ/X4OYAcvG_zI/AAAAAAAANe8/p26OqmpSy1gBgrHVltT9JcoKv4sbxJ06wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030504.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUBJPQEX9BQ/X4OYAcvG_zI/AAAAAAAANe8/p26OqmpSy1gBgrHVltT9JcoKv4sbxJ06wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030504.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then on top!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvz_q9W9WN0/X4OYh_6L7KI/AAAAAAAANfE/LXuBn0Al-a4BssNyL_gTaavvpwTZ-h5wACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030511.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvz_q9W9WN0/X4OYh_6L7KI/AAAAAAAANfE/LXuBn0Al-a4BssNyL_gTaavvpwTZ-h5wACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030511.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And his buddy also!. They wandered all around the rock--seemingly unafraid it might fall</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Needless to say, I was dazzled. I waved--they waved back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Here's what came to my mind:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"WHAT A PIECE OF WORK IS MAN.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">HOW NOBLE IN REASON,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">HOW INFINITE IN FACULTY.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">IN MOVING HOW EXPRESS AND ADMIRABLE.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">IN ACTION, HOW LIKE AN ANGEL.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">IN APPREHENION. HOW LIKE A GOD.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THE PARAGON OF ANIMAL."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(My readers may recognize this quote from Shakespeare's Hamlet)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GetFUHNdiII/X4YZZbv1woI/AAAAAAAANfM/nyjMG6WNRq0SXKDLXFf5M962Hdnd1mxQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GetFUHNdiII/X4YZZbv1woI/AAAAAAAANfM/nyjMG6WNRq0SXKDLXFf5M962Hdnd1mxQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030471.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My happy tribe--moves on through monument valley to Flagstaff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">RANDY PHILOPHIZES: Wonder: a verb, a noun, an emotion. I let this wonder remind me of the greater wonder: that of being able to wonder. Only humans wonder; are puzzled and dazzled.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A gift we are born with</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">can be lost by crude living.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I keep my gift.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wonder at my very being.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Perhaps my wonder-ing can lead me out of myself</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">where wonders abound.</div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>t</p>Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-74740162768602503272020-09-15T16:40:00.000-06:002020-09-15T16:40:18.028-06:00AN AMAZING VISITOR<p> I'LL TELL YOU ALL ABOUT IT AFTER I CATCH UP A BIT.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNZRB8qcIPU/X2EHzHRqgRI/AAAAAAAANbg/axGr6UXMFT0Euh9RGzC2X95j6I_zwugBACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030383.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNZRB8qcIPU/X2EHzHRqgRI/AAAAAAAANbg/axGr6UXMFT0Euh9RGzC2X95j6I_zwugBACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030383.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We went to Colorado and settled in on our old campsite on the side of this mountain just 5 miles outside Buena Vista.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvIyRJwedos/X2EPONxZMnI/AAAAAAAANbo/PRec6Tkp-DcfFJBpcZ1kYPzd36jpz-kXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030385.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvIyRJwedos/X2EPONxZMnI/AAAAAAAANbo/PRec6Tkp-DcfFJBpcZ1kYPzd36jpz-kXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030385.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Down the hill, by a stream and semi hidden is a humble cabin that has peaked my curiosity for several years now. It is precisely the same dimensions as Thoreau's famous cabin on Walden pond. This time I lucked out--the owner came camping---I engaged him. And No, it was not built with Thoreau in mind---just a coincidence.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJx4Hcz-3sY/X2ERM-9dcFI/AAAAAAAANbw/cd7otCpZ-ZczJeQRTOR6FLp6QLPMUvMdACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030396.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJx4Hcz-3sY/X2ERM-9dcFI/AAAAAAAANbw/cd7otCpZ-ZczJeQRTOR6FLp6QLPMUvMdACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030396.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After two weeks we decided to get seriously into the mountains by moving across Monarch pass to Montrose , to Ouray and then to Silverton.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIh2JGb0aJQ/X2ER3lsOqcI/AAAAAAAANb4/VeO9cYCZsekqIXa1PgPzd2s8tEzYb57lwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030399.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIh2JGb0aJQ/X2ER3lsOqcI/AAAAAAAANb4/VeO9cYCZsekqIXa1PgPzd2s8tEzYb57lwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030399.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Settling along a lovely creek nearby.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vUjVesESJw8/X2ESaLDVLtI/AAAAAAAANcA/Gztcml_DQhQfWdiIoGx4GCmP0j2AoHSqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030398.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vUjVesESJw8/X2ESaLDVLtI/AAAAAAAANcA/Gztcml_DQhQfWdiIoGx4GCmP0j2AoHSqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030398.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Made friends with several others--one of which took us in his mountain climbing vehicle to a magical lake at 12 thousand feet. Pictures later.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unr4cy8AmLI/X2ES4J2cbMI/AAAAAAAANcI/gdq4wTur3ro7JsErGeewo3XQQXJQtOG1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030404.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unr4cy8AmLI/X2ES4J2cbMI/AAAAAAAANcI/gdq4wTur3ro7JsErGeewo3XQQXJQtOG1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030404.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then we went across Wolf Creek Pass--a legendary climb immortalized in a truckers song as a "bearcat of a pass". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOYBf_Me6rc/X2Eub5MVCDI/AAAAAAAANdo/sCHz_Tuc6rEDyUhOJyPChcwddwvReBRxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030413-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOYBf_Me6rc/X2Eub5MVCDI/AAAAAAAANdo/sCHz_Tuc6rEDyUhOJyPChcwddwvReBRxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030413-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the other side we found a lovely plateau and stayed 2 weeks while we worked on an internet presentation of my Walt Whitman performance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o5AP534fr8A/X2EUzV2REVI/AAAAAAAANcQ/16tpg_iy3PU9MoFZEsQznYiP7-GNPEGTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030426.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o5AP534fr8A/X2EUzV2REVI/AAAAAAAANcQ/16tpg_iy3PU9MoFZEsQznYiP7-GNPEGTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030426.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then we backtracked a hundred or so miles to Salida. finding this gem of a free parking place near Brown's Canyon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PdyCZ46J6Kw/X2EVbUYyZjI/AAAAAAAANcY/8sbAGDqPkQUYHTcCfIuyII6XfucPggH2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030423.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PdyCZ46J6Kw/X2EVbUYyZjI/AAAAAAAANcY/8sbAGDqPkQUYHTcCfIuyII6XfucPggH2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030423.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">at the base of these famous mountains--the college peaks--all 14,000 ft or more and named for the colleges--Harvard, Yale, Princton and one other I forget.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7OOdj04cKM/X2EVuPkNunI/AAAAAAAANcg/gVDFKIl6d2w8lNfbwvs1BYuQf-VSqedwACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030427.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7OOdj04cKM/X2EVuPkNunI/AAAAAAAANcg/gVDFKIl6d2w8lNfbwvs1BYuQf-VSqedwACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a group meeting to discuss a serious event coming our way. All of us are out of qarentine and do not mask up. We're "family". We decided to stay put and face the worst of it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bRjeXvKRqqE/X2EWSAhbhaI/AAAAAAAANco/1PUE-YAOZYYJU5VuQG_TE4Q_X7LOwWIWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030429.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bRjeXvKRqqE/X2EWSAhbhaI/AAAAAAAANco/1PUE-YAOZYYJU5VuQG_TE4Q_X7LOwWIWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030429.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Christy gave me this splendid expensive mattress. It's way too big as you can see--so I'll have to cut it down to size.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBnMu3TOEIQ/X2EWvUMHvgI/AAAAAAAANcw/9Q3kATzTu6sdTovl2_GBFZ-2kV-jqPDHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030432.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBnMu3TOEIQ/X2EWvUMHvgI/AAAAAAAANcw/9Q3kATzTu6sdTovl2_GBFZ-2kV-jqPDHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030432.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">AND THEN IT CAME---A REAL LIVE SNOWSTORM. ABOUT A FOOT OF IT.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a shocker to wake up to this. But it was beautiful--haven't seen anything like it ever.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLqHcM1SLsk/X2EXGzMjr6I/AAAAAAAANc4/UUd1B5HLZPU-2xQG6ivMNBZKttu1_AHFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030433.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLqHcM1SLsk/X2EXGzMjr6I/AAAAAAAANc4/UUd1B5HLZPU-2xQG6ivMNBZKttu1_AHFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030433.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next morning I'm snowed in but I have two days worth of power stored in my 6 batteries plus a full supply of food, water and propane for my fine heater. No problem: Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow,</div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgIg_BMcPYk/X2EXhmFDjWI/AAAAAAAANdA/dj0bXlZ_yBkt5HDd-4ISXj9Vb8nzgHunwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030435.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgIg_BMcPYk/X2EXhmFDjWI/AAAAAAAANdA/dj0bXlZ_yBkt5HDd-4ISXj9Vb8nzgHunwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030435.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We all went out to play. The dog loved it even more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhJITOK55XY/X2EX5_RlVsI/AAAAAAAANdI/uT7qBB4ufJEBtW4tMoOJm3lEI_e_1KQRACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030438.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhJITOK55XY/X2EX5_RlVsI/AAAAAAAANdI/uT7qBB4ufJEBtW4tMoOJm3lEI_e_1KQRACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030438.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I probably will never see this sight again. "The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot" are gone away</div>and only we remain.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqezjbS81nE/X2EYKmoPwtI/AAAAAAAANdQ/SXhQOIq8XWEYsDznlFyZdSgecFPW-wQdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030439.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqezjbS81nE/X2EYKmoPwtI/AAAAAAAANdQ/SXhQOIq8XWEYsDznlFyZdSgecFPW-wQdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030439.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I went to work clearing my solar panels---they charge my batteries nicely even on overcast days.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oeICi-fa6J4/X2EYXWh1S3I/AAAAAAAANdU/I4tT6e9Q81YpneGXwrn7cXoMU8hxunGnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030440.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oeICi-fa6J4/X2EYXWh1S3I/AAAAAAAANdU/I4tT6e9Q81YpneGXwrn7cXoMU8hxunGnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I tried to make a snow angel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5TQQ_GCEwR8/X2Eflaw-gsI/AAAAAAAANdg/sr95_us5eDAUAqKi1kifmLfJYTz6FD0yACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1030446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5TQQ_GCEwR8/X2Eflaw-gsI/AAAAAAAANdg/sr95_us5eDAUAqKi1kifmLfJYTz6FD0yACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">AND THEN IT ALL WENT AWAY IN 3 DAYS FLAT. Today it's 80 degrees and lovely. We've been here 2 weeks and plan to move tomorrow to a new spot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: I THINK OF THIS GROUP AS A BOLD EXPERIMENT IN FRIENDSHIP; HOW TO GROW IT AND HOW TO ENJOY IT. It is wonderful to be surrounded by quality people who enjoy being surrounded by you--- a pool of wisdom, skills, experience and empathy readily available for the drinking.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-21445539537895218822020-06-29T15:38:00.000-06:002020-07-11T13:21:36.738-06:00WHERE THE COOL IS<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "snow caps";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Where
the Cool Is</span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">To
all who sizzle at a hundred three,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Come
to the mountains and camp with me.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">See
on your road map the color green</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Shows
the mountains cool and clean.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">For
every thousand feet you climb,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Four
degrees are left behind.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Keep
on climbing and it’s for sure,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">You’ll
find the perfect temperature</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Somewhere
between the heat below</span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">And
the chill of mountain snow.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Find
a spot near aspen trees;</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Let nature cool you with her breeze.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "copybook";"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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WE ARE IN THE COOL--AND COOLING OUR HEELS while the pandemic rages across the country. We have camped at 5 spots on the Colorado Plateau which covers 5 states with altitudes around 7000 feet. (Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and Utah)</div>
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You may remember yhat a handful of us chose not to scatter for the summer but hung around this lovely free spot 30 or so miles west of Phoenix to wait out the corona virus pandemic.<br />
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Got a bit warm so me alll moved uphill</div>
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to the Mogollion rim, high country of Arizona outside Payson<br />
till we tired of it and moved on---<br />
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to this lovely lakefront spot near Concho, az for 2 weeks.</div>
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By this time I sorely needed a haircut.</div>
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We moved to this terrific spot outside Springerville, Az at 9000 feet elevation and perfectly cool.</div>
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Then crossed over to New Mexico</div>
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and through the flatland plains </div>
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passing the El Malpais Nat'l monument </div>
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and settling in at Bushrod's place--my oldest friend.</div>
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where I bought a badly needed new chair. Christy approved kt.</div>
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Then goes with me to the Taos high bridge across the Rio Grande.</div>
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Notice anything dirrerent about me? I got a haircut</div>
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People sometimes come to this bridge to die--jumping to the river and rocks below in about 3 seconds. Several of these machines beg them to think things over, press that red button and talk to someone. THERE IS HOPE it says in large letters..</div>
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Christy and I stayed the night</div>
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so as to appreciate these wonders next morning, They are called EARTH SHIPS by the locals---made of largely recycled materials, lovingly and artfully constructed as off-the-grid, self-sufficient homes.</div>
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There are about 50 of them in a vast meadow----cost about $40,000 upward to build.</div>
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And then we made our way to a grand plateau--elevation 8,250 ft--perfect--near Salida, CO.</div>
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7 of us are nestled along a cliff and among the trees.</div>
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RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: SWEET PEOPLE--THIS IS THE LIFE YOU HAVE BEEN FANTASIZING---living as cheaply as a flock of sparrows, connected like a herd of wild horses, free as the wind, embraced by a great set of friends. It's doable and we are living proof.</div>
Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-46667635614694337742020-05-29T18:59:00.001-06:002020-05-29T18:59:48.488-06:00A BIG IDEA IN MOTION---MUSIC AND MIND CAMPWE ARE TWO YEARS IN MOTION NOW---HERE'S MY VISION IN A SHORT ESSAY.<br />
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MY VISION OF MUSIC AND
MIND CAMP</div>
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Millions fantasize living on
the road. About a million actually do it. If you are one of us then
you have faced the three primary challenges of: 1. Getting mobile
2. getting comfortably mobile and 3, getting connected. Within a
year on the road you likely have achieved all three. Many
organizations have formed to fill our need for connection. You will
likely find good friends and travel adventures. That may be enough
for you. If so, congratulations---dream fulfilled.
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Many, however, also begin to
feel a need for meaning---a feeling of aliveness, purposefulness and
connection. This is not so easily found---but here is my theory—and
a major reason I helped create the MUSIC AND MIND camp:</div>
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Meaning is a feeling---a
fleeting feeling that exist between the beginning and end of certain
projects---projects that grow out of our FASCINATIONS. Some things
fascinate us and some things don't. Out of my set of fascinations I
think up a project---like writing this essay. Until this project is
completed, I feel meaningful---engaged---alive--on purpose. This
group that I camp with helps me discover my set of fascinations and
create projects for myself. Perhaps it would do the same for you.
Perhaps we can keep ourselves meaningfully fascinated for a lifetime
with endless projects.</div>
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Many of our people are
fascinated with music---hence half our name, and many of our group
projects.</div>
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One of our recent group
projects was a dance hike---a hike where music is played from a
vehicle slowly leading us as we dance our way along. It was a
terrific success—lots of other campers joined us on our way. We
have dances, recording sessions, performances and assorted musical
activities.</div>
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Music and Mind camp is a
community of about 70 people who subscribe to a few simple ideas.
Check our page on facebook for the list. We are about 2 years old
and here are some ideas we are experimenting with: One big idea is
that our group can invent its own culture beginning at zero and
letting time and experience show us which ideas work and which don't.
In short, we will let evolution shape our community. Feel free to visit us and see for yourself.</div>
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Here are some more ideas we
are considering:</div>
<ol>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That it might be fun
and useful to know and be known. So we have invented interesting
techniques to do so.</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That members who have
specialized knowledge and wish to share can do so.</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That our activities are
voluntary.</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That individuality,
solitude and privacy are respected.</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That we charge no fees.</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That we prefer to be
legal.</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That disagreements are
dealt with in an enlightened way</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Come and go as you
wish.</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Form your own group
from like minded friends you meet here.</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
These and lots of other
ideas have been incorporated into our culture. We will also consider
your ideas, we welcome the happy spread of these ideas of
association.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<br />Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-17406350830227000802020-04-26T18:02:00.000-06:002020-04-26T23:40:59.643-06:00SPEECH TO A LIONS CLUB<br />
I WAS ASKED TO BE GUEST SPEAKER AT A LION'S CLUB AND I WILL LET YOU LISTEN IN TO MY CONCLUDING WORDS. I THINK IT'S FAIR TO SAY THEY WERE ASTONISHED AT WHAT I HAD TO SAY. My host told me later that the whole town was abuzz the next day at its content. I was billed as a mobile philosopher who collected wisdom from the road.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 96%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The
final place I’ll tell you about is Saline Valley, a very remote
oasis in the desert of California, now incorporated into Death Valley
National Park. It’s been some years since I’ve been there, but
it’s so unusual I’ll tell you about it. </span></span></span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 96%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Folks
call it Saline Hot Springs, and it’s located about 60 miles out in
the Mojave Desert. Hot water, lots of it, pours from the top of a
small hill. Long ago, hippies built several stair-stepped concrete
hot tubs. I drove out there with a full supply of water and food.
What I saw and experienced there inspires me yet. A tiny green oasis
with grass and trees and a goldfish pond. Free camping with some
most unusual companions.</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 96%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">One
of the traditions there is that each tub has a conversation level;
the lower tub is for gossip and scandal and complaints. The next tub
up is for current events, sports talk, cars, movies and such. The
third tup up is where you discuss principles and politics–like
truth, beauty, etc. The fourth tub is for really deep talk:
metaphysics, religion, spirituality, ethics, the meaning of life. </span></span></span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 96%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I
gossiped in the lower tub, talked current events in the second, and
principles in the third. And a great conversation it was! Here’s
a sample of third tub conversation: What is money? It is condensed
energy. What is wisdom? Knowing that you don’t know. What is
progress? The increase of options. Truth? It’s what corresponds
to reality. What is creativity? Concept transfer. Imagination?
Thinking about what is not. The difference between Democrats and
Republicans? One will sacrifice a little freedom for a little more
equality. The other will sacrifice a little equality for a
little more freedom. What’s the cure for joblessness? Short
careers. For homelessness? Cheap houses. Who knows for sure the
right way to live? Nobody. Ethics is an evolving process. What we
think is right is just the current fabric of agreement. </span></span></span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 96%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Then
I moved on up to the fourth tub and discussed really heavy, deep
questions of metaphysics. What is the meaning of life? Best theory?
Eternity, adventuring in time; cosmic drama. Why is there evil? It
thickens the plot; drives the action (and the alternative is worse:
boredom). Why is there death? It puts urgency in life. Makes us
get on with things. What should we do with our lives? Three things:
Respond to our fascinations (some things fascinate us, some things
don’t), wake up our creativity, and become fascinating (influence
someone). </span></span></span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 96%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">How
to deal with our problems? Consider them neither inherently good or
bad, just the next thing to do. What is the good life? Solving an
endless series of interesting problems. (The bad life is solving the
same old problems over and over.) </span></span></span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 96%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I
conclude by telling you a few things that I have learned. The first
is that I don’t know anything for sure. And neither does anyone
else. Our theories about life can always be improved.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 96%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 96%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">That
freedom is addictive.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 96%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 96%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">That
journey is more important than destination. (Movement more important
than location.)</span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 96%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 96%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I’ve
learned how to have a lot of friends: be interested.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 96%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">How
to have no friends at all: be interesting.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 96%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 96%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">That
being nice is more important than being smart.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 96%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 96%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thank
you for your attention. I’m open to questions.</span></span></span></div>
<br />Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-42895334598646923352020-03-18T15:03:00.000-06:002020-03-18T15:03:19.656-06:00PERFECTLY POSITIONED for a PANDEMICTHIRTY MILES INTO THE DESERT----FULL WATER & FUEL TANKS -- FOOD FOR A MONTH--FRIENDS ON EVERY SIDE OF ME--FREE PARKING ON BLM LAND---PHONE AND INTERNET CONNECTION---GREAT SCENERY--CLEAN AIR--MODERATE TEMPERATURE.<br />
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYIzwj9BgWQ/XnKCp-lRvBI/AAAAAAAANUQ/0B_PhEu1XQIx0NatNfv2LtA1HYgcsJ4RgCEwYBhgL/s1600/P1030261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYIzwj9BgWQ/XnKCp-lRvBI/AAAAAAAANUQ/0B_PhEu1XQIx0NatNfv2LtA1HYgcsJ4RgCEwYBhgL/s320/P1030261.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
looks like this</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5O2hOoXuT9Y/XnKB6DWItsI/AAAAAAAANUA/EbzecmYzaDMq0pYotFZcU6hhRVHUi8yvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5O2hOoXuT9Y/XnKB6DWItsI/AAAAAAAANUA/EbzecmYzaDMq0pYotFZcU6hhRVHUi8yvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and this</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zRaMioK0HZM/XnKDDTtaouI/AAAAAAAANUM/bitx1XI0emYPIUagS_aDJBdSDMI-c8INwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zRaMioK0HZM/XnKDDTtaouI/AAAAAAAANUM/bitx1XI0emYPIUagS_aDJBdSDMI-c8INwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030267.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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and this</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xU6LWBejsiU/XnKEkMp02XI/AAAAAAAANUY/gloQRgST4RoYgd4KRPfSz_niqi4neFDTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xU6LWBejsiU/XnKEkMp02XI/AAAAAAAANUY/gloQRgST4RoYgd4KRPfSz_niqi4neFDTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030257.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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and this</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k6PSI4Ky_nU/XnKE4h3CM5I/AAAAAAAANUg/xGzUrK-2ZDcUVrLBhrtgBhF5U8xPMezHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k6PSI4Ky_nU/XnKE4h3CM5I/AAAAAAAANUg/xGzUrK-2ZDcUVrLBhrtgBhF5U8xPMezHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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a tiny house--don't understand why this idea is better than the trailer beside it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_Yy2k8LiXk/XnKF7Cpw3mI/AAAAAAAANUo/SO_lk-lEnOsuTD2V0_4MAprrMIJVIRbqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_Yy2k8LiXk/XnKF7Cpw3mI/AAAAAAAANUo/SO_lk-lEnOsuTD2V0_4MAprrMIJVIRbqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030272.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My friends climbed that beautiful mountain. I photographed them. Can you see them going up? They walk 4 miles every morning--I walk two in the evening.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdefwiGmuzU/XnKIJQA0HtI/AAAAAAAANU4/8tB52wuKozQ6r2zBiwugHxywBbXoyf4sACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdefwiGmuzU/XnKIJQA0HtI/AAAAAAAANU4/8tB52wuKozQ6r2zBiwugHxywBbXoyf4sACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030280.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Near the top---they are in very good shape.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Frijefx6z9E/XnKHQXH_NSI/AAAAAAAANUw/v7diHkVq72IZ0z3PTdXBeZpMLTfPHb3awCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Frijefx6z9E/XnKHQXH_NSI/AAAAAAAANUw/v7diHkVq72IZ0z3PTdXBeZpMLTfPHb3awCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030284.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We meet at 10 am--stay 6 ft apart.</div>
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<br /></div>
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RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: aaaH SWEET PEOPLE, THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO LIVE.</div>
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Out of a base membership of about 70--at any given time there are from 10 to 20 of us camping together. We keep in contact by facebook. Details on Music and Mind camp. </div>
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<br /></div>
Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-17939162928652958032020-03-07T17:27:00.000-07:002020-03-09T11:12:54.108-06:00BREAKFAST WITH GENERAL GEORGE S PATTONDON'T BELIEVE ME DO YOU? JUST HOLD THAT THOUGHT WHILE I CATCH UP ON MY TRAVELS. I'll have some interesting evidence to show you.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Iv5vivHUGU/XmQtj1lnGjI/AAAAAAAANQE/JSfmg-sy8ncxbf1jjJPecBxUBkD0yyTgACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Iv5vivHUGU/XmQtj1lnGjI/AAAAAAAANQE/JSfmg-sy8ncxbf1jjJPecBxUBkD0yyTgACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our group traveled to a far away land where there be dragons</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_6wD9qWTzo/XmQuOkbWMEI/AAAAAAAANQM/knfSfq6afNUYfLmv537sks6tu7hZXLaagCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_6wD9qWTzo/XmQuOkbWMEI/AAAAAAAANQM/knfSfq6afNUYfLmv537sks6tu7hZXLaagCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030177.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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and giant insects</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3rlK8rWnjc/XmVKyu0XE_I/AAAAAAAANS8/rCkNJNbGJ4APVbImnMuJFXAlc-JzjLmRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3rlK8rWnjc/XmVKyu0XE_I/AAAAAAAANS8/rCkNJNbGJ4APVbImnMuJFXAlc-JzjLmRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030196.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and eagles </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rS9_syur89c/XmVK7qfQY9I/AAAAAAAANTA/3MT7B3G8xHspiIv3b2kwqdYte8vE578KQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rS9_syur89c/XmVK7qfQY9I/AAAAAAAANTA/3MT7B3G8xHspiIv3b2kwqdYte8vE578KQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030197.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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and horses attacked by saber tooth tigers.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apyVImvIwSE/XmQu0vO-flI/AAAAAAAANQU/eVljg9ETySYMP2uYBzcySBIginkoJcyEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apyVImvIwSE/XmQu0vO-flI/AAAAAAAANQU/eVljg9ETySYMP2uYBzcySBIginkoJcyEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A land with much sun--warm enough that we meet in the shade.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6y0jGLvGkE/XmQv3oBt_1I/AAAAAAAANQc/DCvNTUpeeQkOjhbTQI9sS_sKouIInRTwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6y0jGLvGkE/XmQv3oBt_1I/AAAAAAAANQc/DCvNTUpeeQkOjhbTQI9sS_sKouIInRTwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Where our ladies sun themselves on rocks like lizards. They are sirens that lure land sailors to their doom</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9RRubexIz0/XmQ2qcVik5I/AAAAAAAANQk/zavYC7m8AYAuOve5ibN2XCiFfxZhZpKzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9RRubexIz0/XmQ2qcVik5I/AAAAAAAANQk/zavYC7m8AYAuOve5ibN2XCiFfxZhZpKzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030192.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Another siren lady who lures us all to her dance in the desert at night. Has lots of tech sounds and every song ever recorded. The guy in that truck is also a tech expert who earns his living from his truck and powers it all with solar.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3hyOmtODZU/XmVCjfXqhOI/AAAAAAAANR0/J1CrBGUeEoERc1HcETY2XUxpGAu7qFGPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3hyOmtODZU/XmVCjfXqhOI/AAAAAAAANR0/J1CrBGUeEoERc1HcETY2XUxpGAu7qFGPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030186.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Here's a nice guy we met and stayed two days with us.</div>
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I invited him because I wanted to see if he was living comfortably in that small vehicle. He was quite happy and getting 27 mpg.</div>
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But I mentioned having breakfast this morning with Gen Patton. Sure enough, I woke to find myself accidentally parked where Gen Patton had a mess tent. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQpJlecZAN4/XmVDb1c06TI/AAAAAAAANSA/Zbi2JTGGz7gjKSnXlgYiCxbG3ES-MtgswCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQpJlecZAN4/XmVDb1c06TI/AAAAAAAANSA/Zbi2JTGGz7gjKSnXlgYiCxbG3ES-MtgswCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030203.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can see where stones mark the edge of the tent. There are hundreds of these in this area.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_5heTJkC8IY/XmVGolvbdBI/AAAAAAAANSU/wTDl_mN_-Oo8eLiFDiu2Bk9PGr1huQI5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_5heTJkC8IY/XmVGolvbdBI/AAAAAAAANSU/wTDl_mN_-Oo8eLiFDiu2Bk9PGr1huQI5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Their doorway clearly visible.</div>
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Of course I went looking for the general's tent site and I think I found it---right there on a slight rise with a commanding view. It was the only one with a double wall as though protected with an inner wall of sand bags. Nearby was an obvious latrine, so I went to pee where he peed.</div>
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Then I went looking for tank tracks----and found them---quite a few. Isn't it remarkable that tracks are visible 77 years later?</div>
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Nearby is an historical marker telling the story of this huge training camp--the largest in history.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKNLXIqqLwc/XmVIeWtCCsI/AAAAAAAANSs/JDmENONku7Yl5psPVJ8wtVx_iIVY0sk2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKNLXIqqLwc/XmVIeWtCCsI/AAAAAAAANSs/JDmENONku7Yl5psPVJ8wtVx_iIVY0sk2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030249.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are the details: from June to December 1943 Patton trained the army for the desert invasion of North Africa.</div>
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RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: OFFICIALLY, OUR GROUP, THE MUSIC AND MIND CAMP, HAS SCATTERED FOR THE SUMMER BUT MANY OF US DO NOT WANT TO SEPARATE SO WE JUST KEEP FINDING THINGS TO DO TOGETHER. It reflects how fond of each other we have grown. We seem to be proving that Knowing and Being known really does generate bonds between people. We will continue tomorrow on the West of Phoenix.. </div>
Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-39649548384453588972020-02-19T13:23:00.000-07:002020-02-19T13:23:18.594-07:00MOVING TOWARD SCATTERPOINTWE BEGAN TO COALESCE IN OCTOBER, reaching full strength around New Years. Scatterpoint is planned for 6 months later or sooner if we feel like it.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbxYkURdQTU/XkXQOebGvCI/AAAAAAAANMU/WZaAub6ajCkP1xv6uH4TrgUXFRxe692xwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbxYkURdQTU/XkXQOebGvCI/AAAAAAAANMU/WZaAub6ajCkP1xv6uH4TrgUXFRxe692xwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030128.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here we are at Earp, California--a lovely free spot just outside Parker, Az. , about mid point in our winter travels.</div>
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Headed there, I paused to appreciate these famous guns which mark the entrance to Yuma Proving Grounds where they test parachutes, desert warfare equipment and God knows what else. Often I have seen dozens of men falling gently to earth.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g91L8YlV8Fk/XkXRyJtybeI/AAAAAAAANMc/byrx0zhks4I9VUfQE9V5OykqP9SEq7XlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g91L8YlV8Fk/XkXRyJtybeI/AAAAAAAANMc/byrx0zhks4I9VUfQE9V5OykqP9SEq7XlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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About 30 miles further North, I found myself right here at game time when my team, LSU was about to play Clemson for the National football championship. I settled in for the night, focused my TV satellite, called my relatives in Louisiana to help me celebrate the greatest LSU team ever. We won a terrific victory. This was my view the next morning.</div>
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Some of our rigs at Earp. (and yes, Wyatt Earp once lived nearby --just after he fled Tombstone, AZ.)</div>
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Our rigs parked west of Yuma near American Girl Gold Mine.</div>
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Where Shobba and Bill threw a dinner for us featuring Indian food. (terrific)</div>
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And where Allen and Julie celebrated their anniversary.</div>
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And where C.B. hosted a movie night from the back of his truck.</div>
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Superbowl day--gathered for the game. I won the money pool---$40.</div>
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And where we made several trips to Algodones Mexico.</div>
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This is the waiting line to get back into the U.S. A passport is usually required.</div>
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The waiting time for this line was about 30 minutes.</div>
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We moved on to Holtville hot springs---It's a terrific, concrete encased, hot pool--temp carefully regulated and carefully cleaned weekly. It's located at the left end of this foliage.</div>
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Now we are located at the infamous SLAB CITY, CA. Google it to find out what it's famous for. About 125 people live here full time ---about 500 are here now. Is this the LAST FREE PLACE ON EARTH? I don't know but it is truly free. You can come here, pick a spot, build yourself a camp and stay as long as you like. It is filled with interesting people. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2PWzP5kLXA/Xkc2dE7X2KI/AAAAAAAANNk/8YEelekeWF4Q-ZvN354_uE_IPHAHRCUIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2PWzP5kLXA/Xkc2dE7X2KI/AAAAAAAANNk/8YEelekeWF4Q-ZvN354_uE_IPHAHRCUIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030147.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Two giant tanks once provided water to this one time marine base. Now artist regularly display and re-display their work on its walls.----(The tank holds more than a million gallons but has been empty since 1947.)</div>
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Yesterday this frame supported a livable house--carefully engineered and balanced on the tank's edge. Last night someone firebombed it--the owner was away.</div>
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More artwork on the tanks. Artist often paint over others work to display their own.<br />
A few years ago this entire tank displayed the full spectrum of positions of the Kama Sutra.<br />
If you can't imagine the art, google the name.<br />
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And still more artwork.</div>
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This is the second tank. An ambitious fellow has claimed it, gathered up a pile of scrap steel and welded up a makeshift stairway up it's 17 foot walls. I climbed up and had a sentimental look inside.</div>
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Curious what's inside? So was I many years ago! </div>
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Here is the guy who built the stairway. In polite society he would be a shocker, but here at the Slabs he fits right in. Note that he wears mouse ears and a tail. I chatted awhile amiably with him. That's his trailer behind him that he will fix up for himself. His girlfriend was nearby in her school bus.</div>
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He will build stairs going down into the tank and hopes to gather a community to live inside it.</div>
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RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: OUR PEOPLE ARE SCATTERED IN THREE DIRECTIONS AS OF TODAY: Holtvill hot springs, Slab city, and Fountain of Youth Spa. We will regather in 3 days at Joshua tree national park for a few days then move to Palm Springs then to Borrego Springs and scatter again---perhaps for the summer. Here is what I have noticed during our winter travels.</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">That a group of about 20 seems optimal for our purposes.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">We are together for the joy of being together; all free to come and go.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Becoming the best of friends by knowing and being known,</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Inventing new and interesting ways to accomplish this,</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Among which are: focused, facilitated discussions,</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Becoming a facebook group for easy contact and notifications,</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Creating an entirely new multifaceted culture</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">With no fees</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">And with floating, flexible and voluntary leadership.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">With one of our goals to document our learnings for others to use.</li>
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Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-67222021267158001932020-01-08T10:49:00.001-07:002020-01-15T13:01:21.235-07:00THE GREATEST THRILLI THINK THE GREATEST THRILL IS THAT OF PERSONAL EVOLUTION; imagine the awkward you of yesteryear contrasted with the complex personality you are now. That's a lot of growing. I ask myself if our tribe facilitates or inhibits personal growth? I asked the group last night to specify one way they have evolved while being with us. Everyone named at least one positive example. I'm heartened that a spin off benefit of enjoying this lifestyle is character upgrade. I wonder what lifestyle maximizes it? Anyway here's an update on our travels:<br />
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We call ourselves Music and Mind camp because we enjoy both.</div>
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Here is a (tweaked) summary by Christy of who we are.<br />
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We are an enduring nomadic neighborhood;</div>
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Enduring because we are active year round and stay connected by Facebook...</div>
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Nomadic because we travel, primarily boondocking in moderate temperatures on public land.</div>
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Neighborhood because we are a diverse community of friends who come and go as we please. We have different levels of socializing but strive to know and be known.</div>
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If you'd like to know us better, you are welcome to camp with us for a few days. For many of us this group has become our chosen family,</div>
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I believe the above pict was taken near Ehrenberg, Arizona.</div>
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Here is a list of campsites we have occupied since leaving Flagstaff, Az: in late summer.</div>
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Willard Springs, Az---2 weeks</div>
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Cottonwood, Az--5 weeks</div>
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Parker, Az--2 weeks</div>
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Quartzsite, Az----2 weeks</div>
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Ehrenberg, Az--2 weeks</div>
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Yuma Az--2 weeks</div>
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Holtville hot springs , Ca.--2 weeks (probably)</div>
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Next up is Earp, Ca--(probably)</div>
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Our rigs parked near Yuma, Az</div>
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Our rigs currently parked at Holtville, Ca hot springs.</div>
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Our rigs parked outside Parker, Az.</div>
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where we threw a party</div>
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and called in entertainment.</div>
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Then CB and I went on a cruise</div>
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That's Miami, I think</div>
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Nassau in the Bahamas. Had a terrific time.</div>
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Then back with the family and this great new meeting place---houses 12 or so. Terrific for winter meetings.</div>
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The anniversary of Julie and Allen is always a happy occasion for a great party.</div>
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Food games music</div>
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Dressed in our finest---me with tie and cape</div>
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Becky giving us swing dance lessons</div>
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doing the YMCA</div>
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Next day walking off the calories</div>
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I LOVE THIS LIFE!</div>
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<br />Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-20865261806712704462019-10-02T13:24:00.000-06:002019-10-02T16:32:57.381-06:00INVENTING THE PERFECT TRIBEHERE'S A PICTURE OF IT:<span id="goog_1350045529"></span><span id="goog_1350045530"></span><br />
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This is a few of us whiling away the summer in the cool forest near Flagstaff, AZ.<br />
Of course there's nothing perfect about us EXCEPT THAT WE ARE FOREVER TWEAKING OUR CULTURE TO MAKE IT BETTER.<br />
Here are my thoughts on the subject:<br />
1.Finding a set of friends that you like and who like you is more important than getting rich or famous.<br />
2. We currently have about 55 people in our "tribe" that we have named MUSIC AND MIND CAMP.<br />
3. People come and go as they wish--in our travels we have numbered as high as 50 and as few as 5.<br />
4. Starting with NO rules and NO pattern, we decided to let all this take shape naturally out of our collective experience and agreement.<br />
5. Rather quickly we agreed on a beginning "culture" and to flesh it out with suggestions that are tried and eventually establish themselves as agreements--OR NOT.<br />
6. It's great fun to grow a brand new culture out of ourselves. Later I will reveal some ideas that made their way to agreements.<br />
7. We decide where to go next--splits are welcome and encouraged. Feel free to go or come with whomever will go with you. We are pleased when anyone uses any of our pattern of association.<br />
8. I am constantly astonished at our collective wisdom and power.<br />
9. Our meetings at 10am are voluntary and various people facilitate. (whoever has a knack for it)<br />
. We have published authors and a retired philosophy professor in the group.<br />
10. We have evolved a system for resolving tensions. It works beautifully.<br />
11. We encourage everyone to do what they really want to do.<br />
12. We are experimenting with the notion that friendships grow deep and strong when we practice knowing and being known by our friends. We have fun ways to do this.<br />
13. I could go on and on but we are conscious of not boring others. I will give you one more practice we have evolved: When you are annoyed with what is going on you can signal your discontent by simply standing. (several standing people work magic)<br />
If this sounds like your cup of tea--come have tea with us. People in this lifestyle have three primary challenges--TO GET MOBILE---TO GET COMFORTABLE---We are working on the advanced challenge: TO GET HAPPILY CONNECTED.<br />
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And speaking of happy:<br />
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This is CB, one of our founders recreating the exact moment 9 years ago when he started his engine to begin his travels.<br />
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Friends gather to help celebrate the occasion.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6_2DbXxyqC8/XZUYpzLtHGI/AAAAAAAANDw/pu5uTqo4mmU4F-A62FXM2_O7cIq1-_vXACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1020879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6_2DbXxyqC8/XZUYpzLtHGI/AAAAAAAANDw/pu5uTqo4mmU4F-A62FXM2_O7cIq1-_vXACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1020879.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
One of these is a guy.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6e0WHnnn6k/XZUZTmKo6KI/AAAAAAAAND4/kWqT1wAw034CUVHjpuB1fTbqRp1qycFQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1020882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6e0WHnnn6k/XZUZTmKo6KI/AAAAAAAAND4/kWqT1wAw034CUVHjpuB1fTbqRp1qycFQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1020882.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We parked for 2 wks in a meadow with cows.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_oUyO7Kt2Y/XZUaDjy_YeI/AAAAAAAANEA/5pio1NMf8Rs7gOyycgdQSeRd2RpK50RYACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1020981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_oUyO7Kt2Y/XZUaDjy_YeI/AAAAAAAANEA/5pio1NMf8Rs7gOyycgdQSeRd2RpK50RYACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1020981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
One day we met a celebrity walker. On this trip he walked 1500 miles and said he was invited on the Ellen Degeneris show.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TGOW_9wXrWE/XZUgjNeu9CI/AAAAAAAANEI/KVdidmNQyGgqQy2U5yBApedlSScyLiG6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TGOW_9wXrWE/XZUgjNeu9CI/AAAAAAAANEI/KVdidmNQyGgqQy2U5yBApedlSScyLiG6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our philosopher wrote this---now used as a textbook.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WFk19zZsYMg/XZUhO9bLMWI/AAAAAAAANEQ/ZDrXE8yTLPMGaB32VxCSHedrt_YDfDntgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WFk19zZsYMg/XZUhO9bLMWI/AAAAAAAANEQ/ZDrXE8yTLPMGaB32VxCSHedrt_YDfDntgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1030003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Need I say more? I feel blessed.</div>
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RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: Thank you to those who told me you missed me. I've had computer troubles. It's been a wonderful summer in and around Flagstaff.</div>
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<br />Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-61747515572051438472019-06-13T15:49:00.000-06:002019-06-13T15:49:56.238-06:00MOBILE LIVING'S GREATEST GIFTYES, THERE ARE MANY INCLUDING FRUGALITY, FRIENDSHIPS AND ADVENTURES----BUT PERHAPS THE GREATEST IS COMFORTABLE TEMPERATURES.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DoMAAYDn5P4/XP7SYLiLSMI/AAAAAAAAM-8/ydnfocXJVlA85HxUmWNFCgUf5J0muYykwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DoMAAYDn5P4/XP7SYLiLSMI/AAAAAAAAM-8/ydnfocXJVlA85HxUmWNFCgUf5J0muYykwCLcBGAs/s320/P1020858.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We've been parked for a month near Cottonwood, Az and a cold spell persuaded us to stay put right here for 2 more days.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXHAPuJ2NKE/XP7TGMCLz7I/AAAAAAAAM_E/RkjNGKYYOa4C6s-zCBRmr5WZWhXSpnrwACLcBGAs/s1600/P1020856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXHAPuJ2NKE/XP7TGMCLz7I/AAAAAAAAM_E/RkjNGKYYOa4C6s-zCBRmr5WZWhXSpnrwACLcBGAs/s320/P1020856.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cold winds and rain kept us hunkered down.</div>
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Meeting when the weather permitted.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AW5IPWE6DH8/XP7T4mZtcGI/AAAAAAAAM_U/Z1DtchzeVBwl1JiQsbEhSlQkrm5Bln9sQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AW5IPWE6DH8/XP7T4mZtcGI/AAAAAAAAM_U/Z1DtchzeVBwl1JiQsbEhSlQkrm5Bln9sQCLcBGAs/s320/P1020866.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Within sight of our camp was this giant figure of the legendary Kokopelli.</div>
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If you don't know who Kokopelli was click <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kokopelli" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/---tX1HltXWg/XP7Tqc6gKVI/AAAAAAAAM_Q/PV3sXRymobsA80PsFGC3XIa1Dhm4aVPQQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/---tX1HltXWg/XP7Tqc6gKVI/AAAAAAAAM_Q/PV3sXRymobsA80PsFGC3XIa1Dhm4aVPQQCLcBGAs/s320/P1020865.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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One night we welcomed this terrific couple from Australia to our camp. They had us laughing into the night.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-muRpt1Mw-Ag/XQKtzM7WM1I/AAAAAAAAM_8/JfX-uokpkJYAih1rYY3dF3U379iHuu4HwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-muRpt1Mw-Ag/XQKtzM7WM1I/AAAAAAAAM_8/JfX-uokpkJYAih1rYY3dF3U379iHuu4HwCLcBGAs/s320/P1020864.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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My new knee is healed as this pict shows,</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eg1H_x-DYK4/XQKucm69geI/AAAAAAAANAE/sSPoz-trJD8OfWEQlLr0IHKS7bf2-RX9ACLcBGAs/s1600/P1020861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eg1H_x-DYK4/XQKucm69geI/AAAAAAAANAE/sSPoz-trJD8OfWEQlLr0IHKS7bf2-RX9ACLcBGAs/s320/P1020861.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So completely healed that I am dancing again and Dennis wrote a new poem to celebrate it:</div>
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The Fixing of Randy Vining</div>
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By Dennis Draheim</div>
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(With apologies to Robert Service)</div>
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Strange things are done in the desert sun</div>
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By the men who dwell in vans;</div>
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These wayward males could tell you tales</div>
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That would make you clap your hands.</div>
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My peeping lights have seen some sights,</div>
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But the darnedest they ever did see</div>
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Was Randy Vining dancing,</div>
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'Cause he's got a brand new knee!</div>
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I arrived this day near the end of May</div>
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And Randy was there to meet me.</div>
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He danced a jig around my rig,</div>
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What a glorious way to greet me!</div>
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I slapped my thighs and wiped my eyes;</div>
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T'was a grand sight to behold.</div>
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That limping man is whole again --</div>
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Randy, may you never get old!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tFtht7FRGLw/XQKxfqEATVI/AAAAAAAANAY/5LhyNaWbdIw9ekf6KjlMjiQX49yAh11nwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tFtht7FRGLw/XQKxfqEATVI/AAAAAAAANAY/5LhyNaWbdIw9ekf6KjlMjiQX49yAh11nwCLcBGAs/s320/P1020868.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The day we arrived--the cows arrived---shipped up by truck from the hot ranches of the low country.</div>
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(elevation here 6,600 ft above sea level--temp today 70 degrees)</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jdUzPAQoAg/XQKxusXaQGI/AAAAAAAANAc/1sZDFUVMRK4pgKGXraZfWFRR-Yr8vtWnQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jdUzPAQoAg/XQKxusXaQGI/AAAAAAAANAc/1sZDFUVMRK4pgKGXraZfWFRR-Yr8vtWnQCLcBGAs/s320/P1020869.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The meadow is sprinkled with this beautiful and interesting flower (fendler's sundrop) that you can watch bloom about sunset each day. By 10 am next morning it withers and dies. Certain insects immediately pollinate it getting a taste of nectar. </div>
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Our group gathers at 9:30 am and often at sunset to appreciate our good fortune and the color in the sky.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWXSLS6hlKU/XQKy2fmxLzI/AAAAAAAANA0/_-REyMaCLfw38GLZwTJ7tRwIeC9FCgwogCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWXSLS6hlKU/XQKy2fmxLzI/AAAAAAAANA0/_-REyMaCLfw38GLZwTJ7tRwIeC9FCgwogCLcBGAs/s320/P1020879.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Two of our people appreciate the same hair style. One of them is a pretty lady.</div>
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A morning view from my door.</div>
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One day a professional masseuse joined us and gave me the pleasure of a full body healing massage.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUIVRq3f9uk/XQKznpKLNII/AAAAAAAANBM/ei9y0bmsct8w6JrsyEJyFTaQ6FK6lr_XACLcBGAs/s1600/P1020903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUIVRq3f9uk/XQKznpKLNII/AAAAAAAANBM/ei9y0bmsct8w6JrsyEJyFTaQ6FK6lr_XACLcBGAs/s320/P1020903.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another day a few hundred serious archers came to compare their skills. They amazed us with their accuracy.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NklXqWRSsE/XQK0OULeXhI/AAAAAAAANBg/h13aszaoAro1aGQ0tbmsftbnfV_odRZ2ACLcBGAs/s1600/P1020901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NklXqWRSsE/XQK0OULeXhI/AAAAAAAANBg/h13aszaoAro1aGQ0tbmsftbnfV_odRZ2ACLcBGAs/s320/P1020901.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's what they were shooting at----more than a hundred yards away. To my amazement they hit a bullseye two shots out of three. ($1 a shot--winner takes the accumulated money)</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-67GtYBzoOdI/XQK8lhN9F2I/AAAAAAAANB4/VyszzhEB_IUldEogSsTy0YMesLhNNMKwgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-67GtYBzoOdI/XQK8lhN9F2I/AAAAAAAANB4/VyszzhEB_IUldEogSsTy0YMesLhNNMKwgCLcBGAs/s320/P1020877.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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I made a sizable bet with Dennis that 5 oclock shadows of these east-west stakes would point left.</div>
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As you can see the shadows point right. (thus the sun does set slightly north of due west)</div>
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Whoever lost had to compose a poem and present it to the other while holding his hat humbly in his hand. Here I am delivering my humility poem to Dennis.</div>
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BETTING WITH DENNIS</div>
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There are times when the facts</div>
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that you know to be true</div>
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are challenged by some upstart</div>
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not half as smart as you.</div>
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It happened today, some Yankee guy</div>
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told me that the sun</div>
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sets slightly north of West</div>
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when its day is done.</div>
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But I know better for you see</div>
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I've camped for 40 years</div>
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I'm older and smarter than he</div>
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so I'll bet him and watch his tears.</div>
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To seal the bet two sticks were set</div>
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perfectly east and west.</div>
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whose wisdom was the best.</div>
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A shadow left would prove my case.</div>
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A shadow right prove his.</div>
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At 5 oclock we hurried to see</div>
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who'se dummy and who'se whiz.</div>
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I'm not gonna die but I eat humble pie,</div>
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I pay my debt, hat in hand.</div>
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To my astound, there on the ground</div>
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was a right hand shadow on the land.</div>
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Note to self: Dennis Draheim is a graduate Physicist--don't bet against his physics.</div>
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<br />Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-13798339080720435542019-05-04T15:56:00.000-06:002019-05-06T15:21:59.948-06:00UPDATE: SO WHERE HAVE I BEEN FOR A MONTH?FROM THE MOUNTAINTOP---where our little group was camping---<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cQ7rrVsZbRM/XM4BjpQaWqI/AAAAAAAAM9Q/1Jf0a_lwA-Mj8XqCoxrt5OG2irEboDWxgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cQ7rrVsZbRM/XM4BjpQaWqI/AAAAAAAAM9Q/1Jf0a_lwA-Mj8XqCoxrt5OG2irEboDWxgCLcBGAs/s320/P1020818.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
about 60 miles north of Phoenix, I drove down to the VA Hospital and signed in for a knee replacement operation. Parking my trailer and van in their parking lot, ( thanks to their Police department)<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CSXBP3dur0/XM4DUsDu9gI/AAAAAAAAM9c/aJDXpOpXCocvHeg1ujd9WPqdukzGmgBMgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CSXBP3dur0/XM4DUsDu9gI/AAAAAAAAM9c/aJDXpOpXCocvHeg1ujd9WPqdukzGmgBMgCLcBGAs/s320/P1020830.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
On the morning of 4/8/19 this was done to my right knee. Of course I don't remember a thing. Within 30 hours, 4 fellow patients who also had this operation had gone home. You see, they had a home to go to---but my "home" was in the parking lot and it was much too hot to recuperate out there. So they placed me in an air conditioned ward for 2 weeks while I got used to having a titanium knee. The first week was a booger--but the pain was managed with pills and physical therapist soon had me up and walking.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_cMbuO24pY/XM4GJdN7MvI/AAAAAAAAM9o/PidZmbVwVaYkq1gN3a15lLuBGlHvRtJjACLcBGAs/s1600/P1020835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_cMbuO24pY/XM4GJdN7MvI/AAAAAAAAM9o/PidZmbVwVaYkq1gN3a15lLuBGlHvRtJjACLcBGAs/s320/P1020835.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Then--to my amaement--I drove to Cottonwood, Ariona settling in with my friends near a RC model airfield.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzytPE6G8bM/XM4G5TUNa9I/AAAAAAAAM9w/bocsfILu7OwYIGI1RJ5HjUwCsDM5aWPOgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzytPE6G8bM/XM4G5TUNa9I/AAAAAAAAM9w/bocsfILu7OwYIGI1RJ5HjUwCsDM5aWPOgCLcBGAs/s320/P1020829.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Here we are all gathered for our morning meeting under this tree. We have focused sessious and terrific discussious about meaningful topics. We also "check in" on what is on our individual minds.<br />
Sweet people you are looking at the critical difference between meaningful and meaningless travel.<br />
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RANDY PHILOSOPHIES: I'm now almost completely healed---pain free and ready to plan an interesting summer. I hope you already appreciate the wonders of modern medicine.Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-44313851824471808682019-03-28T14:52:00.000-06:002019-03-28T14:52:31.536-06:00UPDATE: hOW IS THE GRAND EXPERIMENT GOING?MUSIC AND MIND CAMP is the name of our experiment--we have about 80 members and we move about with 20 to 30 people at any given time. We come and go when we wish.<br />
Our intent is to invent a satisfying culture for a mobile group.<br />
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Here we are at Gunsite wash near Why Arizona. We explored all the area around there including Organ Pipes National Park, the unique RV living arrangements at Coyote Howls, the charming town of Ajo and a community dinner at Why.</div>
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One day we did an open house for anyone willing to show off their rig and explain their unique adaptations. Here we are going from rig to rig--outsid my door.</div>
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Another day we explored the Mexican border that has no wall (to speak of) Here is where Trump wants a 17 ft wall.</div>
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Behind me is an incredible waterhole in the bleakest desert. It is called Quitobaquito and is within steps of the Mexican border---a life saving bit of fresh water in a most unlikely place. Read about it</div>
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Here is a bad picture of a rare sight---a crowned saguaro cactus. This phenomenon occurs when one of these giants is injured.</div>
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Ajo, Az has an art school and consequently is a highly decorated town. Murals are all over town.</div>
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Some of them making a political point. Can you guess what controversy this one is aimed at?</div>
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The group moved on to Tucson and visited the Tucson Book Festival--here's one of our members trying her hand at hula hooping.</div>
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Here's a guy performing Walt Whitman poetry--A speech I could have done--found myself lip syncing--we had both memorized the same passages.</div>
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While in Tucson--at Snyder hill--Frank hosted a Salon where we discussed Happiness. This was a terrific 2 week stay where everybody got to do their individual thing--some went to yoga--others went to museums--most of us went dancing one night.</div>
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Met this interesting, educated hobo--took him and his little puppy with us to Apache Junction area.<br />
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And settled in here on State land. (we all got a permit--you can do it by phone or computer $15)<br />
The desert is as beautiful as it's been in 15 years because of heavy rainfall.<br />
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The view from my door.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lVn-bwLVkB4/XJ0ssybAukI/AAAAAAAAM8Q/dhtZXhqmUSkAHaTGdYLeoW3rfM7ZcqsKgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lVn-bwLVkB4/XJ0ssybAukI/AAAAAAAAM8Q/dhtZXhqmUSkAHaTGdYLeoW3rfM7ZcqsKgCLcBGAs/s320/P1020767.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
This wonderful lady gave me a personal lesson in efficient use of space.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RlTmPjrzW1A/XJ0pjX2iNBI/AAAAAAAAM7o/tAWwe-tkHvggZLE58d9PU1MIoVMGWdruACLcBGAs/s1600/P1020768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RlTmPjrzW1A/XJ0pjX2iNBI/AAAAAAAAM7o/tAWwe-tkHvggZLE58d9PU1MIoVMGWdruACLcBGAs/s320/P1020768.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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And voila! one bench is cleared. Her theory is to tackle large and difficult chores in 20 minute segments.<br />
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Duraj took me to this cowboy church at a riding stable. About what you would expect--guitar and spiritual songs.</div>
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Lynn took us to an arboretum--my first ever--just terrific--plants from deserts of the world.<br />
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RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: THIS IS WORKING BETTER THAN I COULD HAVE HOPED. I have been operating on the premise that a fundamental human need is to know others and to be known by them. To accomplish this we have developed about 40 "games" or processes designed to reveal ourselves. (opinions, biography, character, values) It's fun and interesting and generates affection for one another. What I am aiming at is a functional mobile culture that others might find useful. <br />
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Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-81423207563963629932019-03-01T14:59:00.000-07:002019-03-01T14:59:33.615-07:00THE BEST DENTIST IN MEXICOIS NOT ONE PERSON BUT A TEAM----THE RUBIO TEAM.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbwmSIXQ-7I/XHcITePpqcI/AAAAAAAAM4Q/2_vr6tXiPsgaU-WDqh9z5YJDUbDA7lfmACLcBGAs/s1600/P1020682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbwmSIXQ-7I/XHcITePpqcI/AAAAAAAAM4Q/2_vr6tXiPsgaU-WDqh9z5YJDUbDA7lfmACLcBGAs/s320/P1020682.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is headquarters---one of 4 buildings owned by the team operating a total of 12 chairs and a staff of 25. The team has its own laboratory.</div>
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They do everything dental at a price you will be happy to pay.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--y8GaO3CQdc/XHcIjZHQ5MI/AAAAAAAAM4U/Mts0v1ABwSYCkYtFiZTIkYTnyhid-szAwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--y8GaO3CQdc/XHcIjZHQ5MI/AAAAAAAAM4U/Mts0v1ABwSYCkYtFiZTIkYTnyhid-szAwCLcBGAs/s320/P1020681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The main office where you will be greeted in English.</div>
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I met with two of the three partners (Drs. Montoya left--Rubio right) some time ago offering suggestions from the perspective of Americans coming to Algodones, Mx for dental work.<br />
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The third partner is surgeon Dr, Monarrez.</div>
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Here is Dr. Rubio, the founder, suited up for implant surgery. He has completed 10,000 plus implants and is probably the best in the world at his specialty. I have 4 of them--rock solid in my mouth.</div>
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Here is a fourth member of the team Dr Dominguez--a specialist in root canals and everything related to them. I have mentioned his terrific skill in saving one of my troubled teeth: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/(https://mobilecodgers.blogspot.com/2017/12/found-hero-dentist-in-algodones-mexico.html)" target="_blank">click here</a> for the full story.<br />
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Dr Dominguez and his staff.<br />
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A brand new chair in a brand new wing of the main building. This great dental team is located just across the border from Yuma Az. google him for more info. <a href="https://www.dentalrubio.com/" target="_blank">here</a> (to reach their office go to the second intersection south, turn left to the stop sign, walk left 50 feet)<br />
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RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: I claim some credit for the success of this operation: 20 plus years ago I searched for a great dentist to fix my mouthfull of troubled teeth. I found Dr. Rubio working alone in a tiny office. He did great work using good English and good chairside manners. I was so happy with the experience that I resolved to support him by recommending him to all my friends. I like to think that I sent so many that he needed to expand his facility. Then I got the idea that if me and my set of friends would send him even more clients that we could help him create a huge dental business that could serve the thousands of us Americans unable to afford American dentistry.<br />
Once I brought 30 new patients at once and Dr Rubio let us tour his facility.<br />
When I began blogging on the internet--I told my readers about my plan to support one great VISIONARY dentist who would build a super clinic we could all depend on for our dental care.<br />
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TO MY AMAZEMENT--IT WORKED!! Dr. Rubio has continued to expand his operation to include his current team of partners. The genius of their practice is SPECIALIZATION ---each of them focuses on one or more area of dentistry--becoming super good in that speciality. I believe they are the only clinic that guarantees work for 5 years.<br />
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I found a great dental team--supported them with recommendations--and I have managed to hold on to my teeth. Give them a shot: 928-723-0015 or 928-723-0022<br />
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<br />Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-53711801281587335182019-02-13T12:44:00.000-07:002019-02-13T12:44:57.550-07:00A NEW IDEA---MUSIC AND MIND CAMPNOW A REALITY--IS THIS YOUR CUP OF TEA??<br />
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For 17 weeks now--in 5 different locations we have camped together enjoying the comfort, interests and fun that it provides. We intend to continue on into the indefinite future.<br />
Our goal is to create a culture out of our day to day experiences---a pattern of association that makes camping together fun, useful and repeatable by others. A written version of our discoveries will be provided for others to consider. Our founding fathers invented a new pattern of association for the separate states (the constitution) and we aspire to invent a new pattern of association for the million full timers on Americas highways. Here's how it took shape{</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-avCmLWjJ46o/XGNAR5i7UbI/AAAAAAAAM2U/55nTGQ7FQ0ERxSbm42Gpc4GAImUDfJ4OgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-avCmLWjJ46o/XGNAR5i7UbI/AAAAAAAAM2U/55nTGQ7FQ0ERxSbm42Gpc4GAImUDfJ4OgCLcBGAs/s320/P1020623.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
From a sizable group of our friends at a major encampment,<br />
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30 or so went with us to the Slabs again.. </div>
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Here we are on Super Bowl Sunday.</div>
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Had a great time--threw another dance party later.</div>
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About 25 of us decided to get serious about our new idea--moved to Yuma, Az and established camp near the American Girl Mine. One of our people wrote an origional play and directed its performance right here.</div>
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The cast takes a bow after a very funny performance.</div>
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Another day we visited 2 ghost town--(Tumco and Gold Rock) Met these guys who wear their political leanings on their flagpole.<br />
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In a flashback to January, I post this photo of an accidental meeting I had with this lady who is the central character in the NYT bestseller NOMADLAND and who was destined to help my book sales because she posted one of my poems on her refrigerator and a bit of it made its way into the book without attribution. My editor caught the oversight and corrected things with the publisher. Future publications will carry my name and book title. (40 Years a Nomad)<br />
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RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: We are really doing it--we have created a group around the idea of a mobile community with ideas at its heart and music is appreciated. We are inventing a culture of connection and enrichment; discovering what works to bind individuals together while protecting their privacy and encouraging their aspirations.<br />
Beginning Sat 2/16/19 our next stop will be in the Ajo, Az area: geo coordinates 32.439 and 112.8389<br />
Camping is free--come join us and see what you think.<br />
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Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-56499038188725255632019-01-30T14:55:00.000-07:002019-02-01T10:34:30.427-07:0010 WEEKS OF TRIBAL WANDERING--THE CLIMAX, THE MEANING, THE FUTURE.THANK YOU MY READERS FOR BEING CONCERNED ABOUT ME. I'VE BEEN ON AN ODYSSEY AND WILL NOW REPORT IN.<br />
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I volunteered to be the facilitator of a wandering tribe for 10 weeks. We began in the desert east of Borrego Springs, CA with 17 adventurers</div>
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including these two wonderful children confronting a giant scorpion and grasshopper.</div>
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Wending our way to the ever mysterious Slabs and eye catching art</div>
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and amazing people---like this man who addressed a group of us from atop a hay bale--declaring his intention to dome over this giant tank with bits of fused colored glass.<br />
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Our "tribe borrowed this compound to throw a party and dance.</div>
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<span id="goog_207251251"></span><span id="goog_207251252"></span>We visited a "hobbit house" built of cob under this magical tree.<br />
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As our caravan continued we attracted new members--topping out at 60 by the time we reached our destination of Quartzsite, AZ,</div>
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where we joined up with 3000 more travelers like ourselves and I had the opportunity to address the entire crowd. Here is some of what I said to them:</div>
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WE ARE THE SPROUTING SEED OF A BRAND NEW BREED,</div>
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LIVING SIMPLE AND LIGHT AND LEAN;</div>
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LIVING HAPPY AND FREE LIKE WILD CHEROKEE</div>
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IN OUR COZY LITTLE LIVING MACHINES;</div>
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A LIFE THAT IS BOLD WITH OURSELVES IN CONTROL;</div>
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AND WITH CLUSTERS OF FRIENDS IN AFFECTION</div>
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REINVENTING THE TRIBE, HELPING REVIVE</div>
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OUR LONG-LOST NATURAL CONNECTION</div>
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CHOOSING SUNLIGHT'S GLOW OVER ICE AND SNOW;</div>
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ACCEPTANCE OVER SORROW;</div>
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ADVENTUROUS GAMES OVER RICHES AND FAME</div>
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AND TODAY OVER IFFY TOMORROW.</div>
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Sweet people, there are now a million of us living on the road and hard times are likely to send us a million more---who we will welcome and nurture into the comforts and glories of this lifestyle.</div>
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They were a wonderful audience and many joined our tribe--now renamed MUSIC AND MIND CAMP.</div>
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That's my colleague CB giving details of our new idea.</div>
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Then I took a break--traveling first to the Imperial Sand Dunes</div>
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And back to the Slabs.</div>
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Then into the deep desert with an old friend from 40 years ago.</div>
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Finally down this lonely road to a place of solitude for a few days</div>
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with this view out my door</div>
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and "letting the night overtake me everywhere at home."</div>
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RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: WE will start a new thing--a MUSIC AND MIND camp where people who appreciate music and Ideas will drift about the country enjoying one another's company and encouraging each to find the things that fascinate them, respond to them creatively and sharing whatever they wish to share. You are welcome to join us at any stage of our travel. Yuma, AZ will be our next stop.</div>
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Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-79087501612041938522018-11-11T16:57:00.000-07:002018-11-11T16:57:03.653-07:00A CARAVAN THAT INVENTS ITSELFA MOUNTAINTOP VIEW OF OUR ENCAMPMENT AT BORREGO SPRINGS,CALIFORNIA. DOWN THERE SWEET PEOPLE IS A NEW IDEA HATCHING.<br />
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<img height="300" src="https://apis.mail.yahoo.com/ws/v3/mailboxes/@.id==VjN-4GHv0YeVJzjOBhl_aX8-FwxT4n8AI4f3eGOcwbNkCIut-70m7N3NRjRE6Snx8AaL4QS589m2ULn4HOf3kMCF_g/messages/@.id==AMmyfBduszxgW9u5JA7YyBnt1Ag/content/parts/@.id==2/thumbnail?appId=YMailNorrin" width="400" /><br />
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The idea is to morph a mobile group into a mobile tribe of friends.<br />
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We meet twice a day and enjoy a fire at night.</div>
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Gathered in the shade to open the suggestion box.</div>
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Borrego Springs has a hundred giant sculptures such as this scorpion and grasshopper.</div>
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That's Bree and Zia, our youngest members enjoying them.</div>
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Camel with offspring. Some rich guy bought up land and paid for the art--for the public to enjoy free.</div>
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Here's a whopper of a sculpture that seemingly stretches across the highway.</div>
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Allecia confronts the monster's head.</div>
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One day we decided to go climb historic Ghost mountain.</div>
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And we did</div>
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The girls were the first to reach the top.</div>
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<span id="goog_53793884"></span><span id="goog_53793885"></span>For more about this fascinating mountain and the 5 people who lived here for 17 years click </div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLupTugS7OQ" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: The mobile million who have taken to the open road discover two major challenges: To get COMFORTABLE and to get CONNECTED. The first is perhaps easier than the second.</div>
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To address the second challenge Bob Wells and I have sought to provide 2 caravans for those wishing to find companionship on the road. I am facilitating one of these, which began at Borrego Springs, Ca on Oct 31. We are now 11 days active and having a great time.</div>
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My strategy is to use a suggestion box to build the world's first SELF CREATED tribe. It works this way: The group will suggest their way to a tribe with norms and traditions of its own by putting their ideas and desires into the box. At each meeting I open the box and we discuss it's contents and vote suggestions up or down. Amazingly, in ten short days a tribe with a unique culture is emerging. </div>
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Here is one of our early "games" that has become very popular: We call it quirks. Each of us reveals a harmless idiosyncracy we have adopted. Turns out, we all have lots of them---and sharing them seems to bond us together.</div>
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We meet twice a day and have a fire at night. I think we are on to something here---will share more details as the tribe and culture takes shape. </div>
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Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-11958914525256303452018-10-22T15:30:00.000-06:002018-10-22T15:37:19.907-06:00RANDY RANTS---- A BRIEF ESSAY ABOUT IMMIGRATIONHordes of people are massed at the Guatamalan border with Mexico. They want to come to the U.S. and find a better life.<br />
If we were to welcome them in, then very shortly another horde would assemble--also wanting to come here for a better life--and so on until we diluted ourselves to third world status.<br />
NO DEMOCRATIC STRATEGIST IN AMERICA SEEMS TO UNDERSTAND THIS FACT.<br />
Democrats, in general are soft and sentimental about this issue and cannot seem to form a coherent and sensible policy to deal with this and similar situations. I'm here to help.<br />
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Democrats are my people--I am a proud Liberal---believing we hold a vision for a better world.<br />
BUT REGARDING THE ISSUE OF IMMIGRATION, THEY ARE DANGEROUSLY IGNORANT<br />
AND COULD COST US VALUABLE SEATS IN THE UPCOMING ELECTION.<br />
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Democrats really would open our borders to unlimited immigration--in a variety of soft hearted policies such as "catch and release".(a misguided Obama policy)<br />
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They do this because they take seriously the words on the statue of liberty---"give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free. And because they also take seriously our legal policy on sanctuary; that anyone who shows up and says that they fear for their life at home---that we are obliged to harbor them--even let them become citizens.<br />
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Democrats---my people--will not cleanly admit that billions of people are in danger in their home country and if they could, would show up at our border asking for sanctuary, work, and eventually citizenship.We would be overrun--invaded--overwhelmed---with disasterous consequences.<br />
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Republicans understand this better than Democrats and unless we wake up to the threat of immigrant overwhelm, we may lose the great opportunity we have in the upcoming election.<br />
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WE NEED A CLEAR IMMIGRATION POLICY THAT WILL TAKE AWAY THE PUBLIC'S FEAR OF BEING INNUNDATED WITH ASYLUM SEEKERS AND BETTER-LIFE SEEKERS.<br />
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HERE'S WHAT I SUGGEST:<br />
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BOLDLY, VIGOROUSLY, LOUDLY, PERSISTENTLY DECLARE THAT WE DEMOCRATS RECOGNIZE THE DANGER OF BEING OVERRUN----AND WILL DEFINITELY, VIGOROUSLY, FORCEFULLY DEFEND OUR BORDERS AGAINST IT.<br />
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DECLARE BOLDLY, VIGOROUSLY AND FORCEFULLY THAT WE WILL FIND A NEW, CREATIVE WAY TO GIVE ASYLUM WITHOUT ALLOWING OURSELVES TO BE OVERRUN BY MILLIONS ARRIVING HERE WITH A STORY OF PERSECUTION.<br />
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We could, for example, arrange for a guarded, monitored camps IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY WHERE THEY WOULD BE WELCOMED, DEFENDED, FED AND HOUSED. The camp would offer security and survival but not a rich life. Living there would be just boring enough to stimulate their desire to return home as soon as possible..( Such a camp would screen out the "want a better life immigrants") (If you think The U.S. couldn't arrange for such a camp, then you don't understand the leverage our aid money gives.)(and camps such as described already exist in Jordan--one million Syrians refugees and Bangladesh--500,000 displaced Rohingas)<br />
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Republicans by and large are an ignorant and greedy mass that do not grasp the "oneness" of the nation but they do grasp better than the Democrats the threat of immigrant overdilution.<br />
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The American Indians did not see the immigrant threat soon enough to protect themselves. Nor did Mexico in the 1840's, see the immigrant threat to Texas soon enough--and so they lost it.<br />
"Those who don't understand history are destined to repeat it." SantayanaRandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-34759363085123054742018-10-05T17:01:00.000-06:002018-10-05T17:30:08.212-06:00A MAN WITH A GRAND PLANI LIKE THE PLAN AND I'M ON BOARD TO PARTICIPATE.<br />
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Leaving my oldest friend's place in Santa Fe, I head to a conference near Flagstaff to pull together plans for caravans to begin November 1st.</div>
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Called it a day at exit 346 in Az and drove into the desert for the night. I liked it so well I stayed 3 days. There are thousands and thousands of beautiful and free places like this to camp.</div>
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Here's one of my favorite. I've camped in this meadow several times over the years</div>
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with a splendid view of Mt Humphrey (12, 600+ feet), the highest point in Arizona<br />
Those cones are new--they protect freshly planted trees. Enough sunlite comes through the cone to keep the tree growing.<br />
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I've come to confer with this man and his support team. Soon, he's seated in my trailer and sharing his vision of how we can set in motion a process to welcome the next million people into a new lifestyle of liberty and frugality. If you think that he is an unlikely guru---consider that he once lived in a van on the streets of Anchorage, Alaska--working full time to support his family. When that was done, he came south and began to gather folks around him in an annual gathering called RTR (rubber tramp rendezvous) From a beginning of 8, it grew to about 4000 last January and was featured in the New York Times.<br />
Now he has taken his message of mobility, frugality, efficiency and friendly connection to millions in the form of youtube talks and internet information.<br />
AND P.S. HE STILL LIVES IN A SIMPLE VAN WITH HIS BELOVED DOG CODY.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for PICTURES OF SOCRATES" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/s:s:300x200/69/75569-004-3B260631.jpg" /><br />
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He reminds me in some ways of this guy who lived in the 5th century BC who came out of nowhere and said valuable things to the world.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=31383424" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HR8h_zLB40w/W7fjGbmDdqI/AAAAAAAAMrg/ct9u2Sopzz0j17gYYGt3dPuDQ-ugCcLYACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HR8h_zLB40w/W7fjGbmDdqI/AAAAAAAAMrg/ct9u2Sopzz0j17gYYGt3dPuDQ-ugCcLYACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_7447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's the full crew in conference including KC, Sueanne, Steve and myself with Bob Wells.</div>
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<img src="https://apis.mail.yahoo.com/ws/v3/mailboxes/@.id==VjN-4GHv0YeVJzjOBhl_aX8-FwxT4n8AI4f3eGOcwbNkCIut-70m7N3NRjRE6Snx8AaL4QS589m2ULn4HOf3kMCF_g/messages/@.id==APytzEo-S_3VW7fxRA1GcDDhCAE/content/parts/@.id==2/thumbnail?appId=YMailNorrin" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=31383424" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>We took long walks to refresh our minds.<br />
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To see the re3sults of our planning click <a href="https://www.cheaprvliving.com/caravans/" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: I believe that we lose a lot of joy in life by refusing to play other people's games. I'll happily play Bob's game by leading one of the caravans. I also embrace his larger vision that will provide dollars for larger projects to teach a million people what we already know:<br />
1. That one can live a wonderful life on very little money.<br />
2. That we can have friends and community while being mobile.<br />
3. That drudgery, stress and waste can be sharply reduced in the mobile lifestyle.<br />
4. That leisure can promote self discovery and creativity.</div>
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Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-9166805992967328262018-09-16T15:42:00.000-06:002018-09-16T15:42:28.318-06:00SUMMER IN THE HIGH COUNTRYCOME SPEND THE SUMMER WITH ME-WAY WAY UP HIGH IN COLORADO.<br />
Every serious Boondocker knows:<br />
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WHERE THE COOL IS </div>
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To all who sizzle at a hundred three:</div>
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Come to the mountains and camp with me.</div>
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See on your road map the color green</div>
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shows the mountains cool and clean.</div>
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For every thousand feet you climb</div>
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four degrees are left behind.</div>
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Keep on climbing and it's for sure</div>
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you'll find the perfect temperature</div>
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somewhere between the heat below</div>
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and the chill of mountain snow</div>
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find a spot near aspen trees;</div>
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let nature cool you with her breeze.</div>
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Started my summer camping with a handful of friends at Flagstaff, Az </div>
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(7000 ft)</div>
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Made a brief visit to Grand Canyon then on to Clear creek reservoir inColorado camping with a hundred fellow boondockers</div>
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Who would assemble at the sound of music</div>
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or the smell of food. This Louisiana guy actually fed jumbalaya to the whole camp.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oPRpXywg79I/W565sGME41I/AAAAAAAAMos/wcbdxS5ZW4467ynrifRiOiy8ed-zKCvfACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oPRpXywg79I/W565sGME41I/AAAAAAAAMos/wcbdxS5ZW4467ynrifRiOiy8ed-zKCvfACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_7314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Met a world class hiker--Tom Ballard who climbs the remotest mountains alone--</div>
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reassured by this device which will call in a helicopter or a ground rescue team depending which button you push. Its signal reaches to a satellite.</div>
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Interviewed this guy(with the happy name of Randy) who told me what it's like to travel as a tribe.</div>
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This clever pair are super efficient and ingenious.</div>
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Look how well they have utilized the space in this 25mpg van.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5yx9c-qLAtg/W567VXXME4I/AAAAAAAAMpU/7dNAvVS2ABMh1sHBeeqcKye9jdLbuO-gwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5yx9c-qLAtg/W567VXXME4I/AAAAAAAAMpU/7dNAvVS2ABMh1sHBeeqcKye9jdLbuO-gwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_7335.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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On to Leadville, the highest town in the U.S.</div>
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Camped with terrific group of people.</div>
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Leadville is a mecca for supermen---like this guy who won the 100 mile bicycle race with a time of 5 hours and one minute.</div>
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I think this guy was second. There were about 2000 more of these supermen standing around at the finish line.</div>
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On another weekend donkey and miner races were held. Here is a guy who is finishing a 25 mile run with his donkey.</div>
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Here was the winner with his surprisingly small donkey.</div>
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Several of us camped for 2 weeks outside Buena Vista, Co at elevation 9000 ft.</div>
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With us was this extraordinary guy that many of you may know because of his worldwide fame and travel: Seven Gray. (<a href="http://sevenwanderstheworld.com/" target="_blank">http://sevenwanderstheworld.com/</a>) He says his ambition is to simply serve tea--and here he is doing just that.</div>
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RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: PEOPLE SWELTER NEEDLESSLY! AND WHEN WE FRUGAL/ MOBILE MILLION HAVE GOTTEN OUR MESSAGE OUT TO THE NATION, WHOLE SIMMERING CITIES WILL BE ABANDONED FOR THE SUMMER. The simple formula of 4 degrees cooler per thousand feet of elevation will be known by every school child and adult. "the nights shall be filled with music--and the cares that infest the day--will fold their tents like the arabs and as silently steal away.' (I think I spent a total of $600 for the whole summer)</div>
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Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-81736801992743374302018-08-27T16:24:00.000-06:002018-08-27T16:24:29.878-06:00A POEM FOR MY DAUGHTER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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TO CHRISTINE SANTOS -MY
DAUGHTER FROM OUT OF THE BLUE</div>
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I dangled at the end of my
heritage chart,</div>
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a childless uncle, adrift
and apart;</div>
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wandering home from time
to time,
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just living my life; no
reason or rhyme.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The world would end if the
likes of me</div>
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were counted on for
posterity;</div>
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a curious drifter who'se
life's a mystery;</div>
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would somewhere die and
vanish from history.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Such was I, plodding
about,</div>
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intent-fuzzy, aimless of
route,</div>
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when out of the blue an
email came</div>
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that rocked my world and
changed my game.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I think you are my father
it said.</div>
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I knew it was true the
moment I read:</div>
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Judith's my mother, long
years remote</div>
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you and she sowed a wild
oat.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Nine months later I
arrived.</div>
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Now all grown up age
twenty five.</div>
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Last week mom gave me your
name.</div>
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You were easy to find,
you've a bit of fame.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I don't wish to bring
trouble or bother;</div>
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I just want to know my
genetic father.</div>
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Some of my feelings and
manner collide</div>
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with Spanish culture where
I reside.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Perhaps knowing you could
help me make sense</div>
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as I seek to shape my
providence.</div>
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My heart surged, I thanked
stars above;</div>
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I have a descendent—
someone to love.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Genetics quickly
proved—all was true:</div>
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you really were me, I
really am you.</div>
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My soul can hardly contain
my joy</div>
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and I promise my wit and
will to deploy</div>
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<br /></div>
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to be the best father and
faithful friend<br />
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that I can be to the very
end.<br />
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Meeting her aunts for the first time</div>
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A very proud and happy father embraces his daughter from out of the blue.</div>
Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-72288329301634649472018-08-10T17:18:00.002-06:002018-08-10T22:32:10.597-06:00A REAL LIVE HERO STORYTHAT'S MY RIG DOWN THERE---AND THE HERO'S RIG PARKED A FEW YARDS AWAY.<br />
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We are parked along Tennessee creek, about 5 miles from Leadville, Co.</div>
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This beautiful creek is a creation of the beavers.</div>
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Here I am inspecting their dam. Note the jacket and eat your heart out if you are suffering from the heat. The elevation here is 10,000 ft.</div>
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We are parked beside this bicycle raceway. Tomorrow there will be 2000 bikers zipping past us on a hundred mile race. (one of the primo races in the US) Will get a pict for you tomorrow.</div>
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BUT I PROMISED TO TELL YOU ABOUT A HERO!</div>
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HERE'S THE STORY.: One day as we were walking along the creek, we noticed:</div>
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this: a pipe under the railroad. I supposed that it drained the rainwater and snowmelt from the other side. BUT NOT MY COMPANION. He was determined to know the truth. The next day he went over there and traced its path for more than a mile. Guess what! it goes to a sordid trailer park sewer system.</div>
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HE WAS OUTRAGED! He went to town and contacted the sewer officials of Leadville. The lady in charge then made a very dramatic demonstration. She took my friend to the pipe that pours Leadville's sewer treated water into Tennessee creek--TOOK A CUPFUL OF THE WATER AND DRANK IT......Proof that Leadville is in full compliance with treatment protocol. Our pipe is a county pipe--so she arranged for my friend to contact the proper county official.</div>
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MY FRIEND MOVED ONWARD---meeting with the county officials and convincing them to take action. AND THEY DID---IMMEDIATELY. today the pipe is not flowing and an electronic device is in place. monitoring the situation.</div>
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HERE'S THE LARGER STORY HE UNCOVERED: A nationwide corporation is buying up trailer parks like this sordid one--doing the minimum maintenance--catering to illegals and making fortunes from a population in no position to complain. These are the workers that sustain this ritzy town. Now this sleazy corporation will have to install a modern treatment plant, County officials thanked my friend for his persistence. A</div>
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rare citizen indeed!.</div>
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This 24 hr electronic device now monitors the offensive pipe.</div>
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I thank him, the fish thank him, the beaver thank him, the cities downstream thank him---and Shakespeare nods from his grave: </div>
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"WHETHER TI'S NOBLER IN THE MIND TO BEAR THE SLINGS AND ARROWS OF OUTRAGES OR TO TAKE UP ARMS AGAINST A SEA OF TROUBLES AND BY OPPOSING--</div>
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END THEM.</div>
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I SAY THE MAN IS A HERO--HE'S MODEST AND WILL NOT LET ME IDENTIFY HIM.</div>
Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31383424.post-62597713916052178742018-08-07T18:48:00.000-06:002018-08-08T10:01:15.680-06:00A DEAR FRIEND PASSESWE BECAME FRIENDS THE VERY DAY WE MET--AND REMAINED FRIENDS FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS. She's the smartest person I've ever known---and she gave me a gift you will find hard to believe, but I will show you.<br />
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meet Joyce Glauser--my mentor, friend and The wind beneath my wings</div>
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She is the author of this wonderful novel: I'll BE SEEING YOU. and a host of scientific papers and articles on a wide range of topics. I have heard her speak to large audiences on subjects as varied as philosophy, physics, anthropology, metaphysics, religion. </div>
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THE GIFT SHE GAVE ME THAT YOU MIGHT FIND HARD TO BELIEVE?</div>
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SHE GAVE ME 15 MINUTES OF FAME. </div>
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She organized a discussion group of ten that met weekly for many years bonding us into an action committee for a bold experiment. We decided to hold the world's first Unitarian Universalist Revival. We pulled it off to a packed house for 5 nights running. It made national news in our denomination.</div>
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This publicity gave me entree to almost all Unitarian groups nationwide,<br />
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So we whipped up a full scale "show" and took it on the road. Joyce played old time revival music and I delivered a fiery sermon, Often we would get a full page spread in major Newspapers like the Tampa Tribune and the St Petersburg Times.<br />
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We printed up copies and sold them for a dollar.<br />
I traveled around the US delivering this Unholy sermon. At the height of my speech, I would yell in a loud voice: "UNBELIEVE---UNBELIEVE---UNDO IT , DUMP IT, SHUCK IT AND BE BORN<br />
AGAIN AS AN HONEST HUMAN BEING WHO DOES NOT CLAIM TO KNOW MORE THAN HE REALLY KNOWS."<br />
(you can read the full text <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=31383424#editor/target=post;postID=3817765338252139662;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=8;src=postname" target="_blank">here</a> )<br />
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When that had run its course, Joyce helped me prepare another performance: THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO WALT WHITMAN . And because I now had "creds", I traced the US doing this speech.<br />
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And selling its dollar booklet.<br />
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As the years rolled by we kept in contact and she along with my editor Kim Raines critiqued my poems for my recent book: 40 YEARS A NOMAD---Poems from the Road.<br />
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And when I needed someone of substance to say something nice about my new book, she praised me to the heavens. That's her writing on the back of it.<br />
As recently as 2 months ago I sent her a poem and asked her: Is this anything? She said that it was---so I kept it for the next book.<br />
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RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: I often told her that I loved her--that I congratulate myself on having and keeping so worthy a friend. She saw the best in me---overlooked my dark spots--shared the best of herself with me--and as I've demonstrated was the wind beneath my wings. I pledge to her memory to pay forward the support and inspiration and wisdom she gave to me.<br />
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Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908010960752449161noreply@blogger.com3