25 November, 2015
24 February, 2013
17 December, 2006
Course Completed
Course Completed!!!
Wow, that month went by so quickly! It was a challenging time for me both emotionally and mentally. I’m a firm believer of taking myself away from my comfort zone to have a growth experience – and that I did.
Generally this course is taught over a semester or a year, so to cover the same amount of information in 3.5 weeks was nothing short of monumental. Our 3 instructors were incredible. Their spirit, knowledge and energy kept us going. Teaching 30 adults up to 10+ hours a day takes stamina, patience and a lot of experience. Innovative teaching techniques and years of experience made the sessions come alive.
We practiced our learnings through daily scenarios –by being both rescuer and patient. One of the most memorable was on Thursday, 12/7; we had a night rescue, involving a multi-causality event. We were informed that 8 people were missing. The 30 of us assembled into various teams (rescuers, MASH unit for treatment, supply, logistics, medical control, etc). We found all of our patients (it was well below zero that night) and learned a lot. After the event I was still pretty excited so decided to take a walk in the full moon. Generally we’d need a head lamp to see our way down the road as well as to alert any moose, elk or buffalo or our whereabouts. Not this night, the moon was so bright it glistened off the snow making it look like millions of diamonds. It was a still night, not a sound, and totally exhilarating to walk down the moon drenched road. One of those life moments eternally etched in my memory.
It takes a moment of reflection to realize just how much we learned in such a short period of time.
how to recognize the need for and process for administering Nitroglycerin, Saturated Charcoal, epinephrine, and oral glucose
procedures for an urban environment as well as for the back country
how to be creative with supplies we’d have with us in the wilderness to create splints, cervical spine collar, and slings
when and how to apply a traction splint
it goes on and on and on………….
The Teton Science School, the sponsoring facility for our course, is situated within the Teton National Park boundaries and about 18 miles north east of Jackson Hole, WY. The closest village was Kelly, a community of maybe 75 people, many living in Uerts with, with no electricity or running water.
Some of my off time pleasures was a daily walk (about 3 miles) down to the end of the road and back. We’d frequently see moose, elk and buffalo. What an amazing feeling to have them just saunter across the road in front of us! There’s an elk reserve in Jackson Hole, and many of the herds were migrating from the higher elevations to the reserve for the winter months.
One of our course requirements was to spend two 8-hour shifts in an emergency room. My room mate, Jenna and I were assigned to Idaho Falls, ID. Our shift was from 3-11pm Saturday and Sunday. I didn’t really have many expectations about the event, and found it surprisingly intriguing. The Doc’s were very helpful and encouraged us listen to lung sounds, assist with accident patients, and explained X-Rays. We took patient histories, assisted inserting catheters, and of course did our share of clean-up. The trip home was a thriller. It had started snowing about an hour before our departure and none of the roads were plowed. We couldn’t see the center line as the snow drifted across the rural roads we needed to take to get back to Jackson Hole. We had to slow several times for mule deer, elk and moose crossing the road.
27 November, 2006
First Week of Class
For course outline see:http://www.nols.edu/wmi/courses/outlines/wemtoutline.shtml
As you can see from the course outline, it was a full week with lecture and then lots of practice on Vitals (blood pressure, pulse and respiration), And then practicing during lots of scenarios. And yes it's snowing and yes it's dark and yes, we still practice! We each take turns being the patient (which means bundling up and laying in the snow until the rescuers come to help. It's interesting how simple things sound as I listen in class and how it all changes when I need to put it in practice outdoors in the elements. Think this provides the worst possible weather conditions for me. The group is great, primarily all young folks just out of college but all well traveled and wise beyond their years. It's a giving and sharing community with 3 instructors - all good.
So it's back to studying.
Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving holiday.
20 November, 2006
First Day of Class
First Day of Class
Breakfast is from 7:15 to 7:40am – plenty of good food to eat
Class started at 8am
We broke for lunch from 12noon to 2pm
Classed ended at 6:10pm
Dinner is from 6pm to 6:30pm
We practiced what we learned on each other after dinner
And at 8:45pm it's time to begin the mammoth list of chapters that need to be read prior to tomorrow's classes.
Quite a day!
We have evening classes on Tuesday and Thursday.
It's going to be a VERY full month!
AND
It's lots of fun, interesting, useful, practical information – really, who wouldn't like to know about how to save a life?
This is great stuff. It's also exhilarating to be surrounded by 30 people who are interested in the same thing – all eager to learn it and do it right – what great energy! Everyone is eager to help each other out, tutoring, explaining – a very giving environment for learning.
And, did I mention the Teton Mountains? Did I mention that this Teton Science School is within the Grand Teton National Park? With every transfer between dorm to class to dining room – there they are in all their glory. What a great place to learn!
Happy Thanksgiving to all
BEGIN WILDERNES EMT COURSE
Jackson Hole, WY
After a glorious arrival day with brilliant blue skies and a warm sun yesterday, waking up this morning to fog so thick I couldn't see across the street was indeed a disappointment. I did my laundry at the Motel cleaned up the car, and readied myself for dropping off Gabby at the Kennel – I knew it would be hard, but I think it was equally difficult on both of us.
The kennel is very well kept and probably the cleanest I've ever seen. The staff was friendly and of course I'd typed up an entire history for Gabby; her habits, and her medical history. I did find myself about to cry as I left her shaking and I'm sure, wondering why I had abandoned her. She's next to a big Doberman who barks at every move. I'm sure we'll both get accustomed to being apart, but after traveling 17 days together, it was difficult to separate.
By noon the skies lifted and I could once again see the magnificent mountains. Several times I just stopped and stood in awe. I didn't think anything could match the beauty of Yosemite, but this is a close rival.
As I left town I noticed hunters – I overhead talk about permits yesterday at the visitors center (yes, the same visitors center I hope to work in some day). As I left the Elk Reserve on my way to Kelly, I saw men, in camouflage clothes, with bright orange florescent caps (are they confused? Do they want to be camouflaged or stand out?). Anyway, along one road they sat in their trucks, just off the road. As best I could tell, they were waiting for the Elk to cross their path (on the way to the Elk Reserve) so the hunters could shoot them. This is sport? Sit, wait in your warm truck, see Elk migrating to a safe heaven and shoot it. Emmmm, I must be missing something here.
The Grand Teton Science School (Kelly Campus) is at the end of a road – about 18 miles north east of Jackson Hole . There's a cluster of cabins and "dormitories", a building used for classroom, another for administration, and a dinning hall. Everything is very basic and rustic. When I arrived there was no instructors to welcome or offer instruction…..so I asked a couple of guys unpacking their car where the woman's dormitory might be. They were very friendly and pointed out a building about 4 city blocks away. I was able to use a plastic sled to move all my stuff from the car to the dormitory.
By the time I'd finished unpacking there were 4 women and we'd gotten acquainted and all went off for a sunset walk. Any worries slipped away. There are about 30 of us with 10 women and the rest men. I feel like we're all kindred spirits, all traveled, respect and love of nature, and definitely of similar mind sets. This is going to be a great experience.
The Teton Mountains form the frame around our cluster of cabin/dormitories, Mule deer were grazing outside the cabin, Elk are migrating just down the road, and someone even saw a moose this afternoon. Everything I look up – there they are. What an incredible place. It's COLD, and we're told they expect 3 feet of snow in the next few days. Thank goodness I have all the right clothes.
First impressions are excellent. The Dormitory has 2 large rooms at each end each with 4 bunks and one single bed and then I'm in a room in the center with only 4 bunks, but since there's only a few of us, I don't expect any other room mates other than the current one from Santa Rosa, CA. Bathrooms are OK, one shower in each of the 2 bathrooms. Dinner was excellent. I think this is going to work.
18 November, 2006
After several days of driving from the desserts of NM, though CO, UT and ID.....I've arrived. It was a spectactular arrival. After passing through endless potato fields in the Idaho foot hills, I climbed to up and over an 8,500+ foot pass in the Tetons and then down into the Jackson Hole Valley. With great anticipation I proceeded north of town until that famous turn - the one that so impressed me a couple of years ago - WOW - still exhilerating, still thrilling the mountains are beautifuyl. White snow capped peaks under a bright clear blue skies. I'm so excited to be back in Jackson Hole!!!!
I drop off the dog and check into the course tomorrow with classes starting on Monday!
16 November, 2006
Taos, New Mexico
Taos , New Mexico
November 11-12, 2006
Taos Memories:
- Skies that reached as high as the heavens and as low as the asphalt on the city streets. Big billowy steel gray clouds that transformed into a black covering that darkened the East side of Taos. And when I looked West – clear skies with white puffy clouds and a bright sun on a brilliantly blue background. Defoliated Aspens, standing whiter than chalk against the gray/black sky. Taos – the land of stark contrasts and weather that changed as fast as I could turn around to watch it.
- The Taos Pueblo : Morning; cold and windy, snow flakes blizzarding sideways, Dogs patrolling each of their respective domains – tails held high with a walk that said "Do Not Mess With Me", the smell of cedar burning in fireplaces, the sound of the stream rippling down from the mountain and through the Pueblo, walking where Native Americans had walked for the past 1,000 years, wooden latter's that were pulled up after getting into the house for safety, wooden arbors used in the summer to dehydrate fruit and meat. There is no electricity or running water allowed within the Pueblo walls. People come to the stream every morning to collect using water for the day. Their water is not treated and flows from a sacred lake high in the mountains (yes it's tested regularly for purity). Population on the Pueblo varies, residence are allowed to move in and out at will. Today there are about 100 families in residence. It felt like an honor to live on the Pueblo, there is spirituality there, it's a special place. I bought a loaf of bread from a woman who looked 100, but was probably not. She still gets up at 3am every morning to cook her bread in the domed adobe ovens fueled only by wood. Even on a cold day with inhospitatible weather, it was so special.
14 November, 2006
Sensory Fulfillment
Sensory Fulfillment
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Santa Fe , NM
Our day began in Los Alamos, high in the mountains above Santa Fe. It's a fairly prosperous town, with a lot of new construction on "research hill" where all the labs are located. The skies were steel gray and there was a hint of snow in the air. On my first walk of the morning with Gabby, I couldn't even see the mountains – the sky just came down and hung around the lower elevations. It did not look promising.
As we left town, pockets of blue sky appeared and there was hope that we would not get snowed in as we passed through the higher elevations on our planned route.
The Jemez National Recreation area is BEAUTIFUL! See:
http://www.newmexico.org/place/loc/bymap/page/DB-place/category/158/place/640.html
A definite must for a return trip in warmer weather – lots of camping and hiking opportunity. Our first stop was at the mineral baths in James Springs. In this small town high in the mountains the baths seemed to be the most happening thing around. What a treat, it was old and funky and VERY inexpensive - $7 for 30 minutes. It was Ellen's first experience with mineral baths and she really enjoyed it. As usual, our skin was so smooth and we were so relaxed after our 30 minutes in the warm waters. Check out: http://www.jemezsprings.org/
Our next stop was back in Santa Fe on Canyon Road – an area full of galleries. http://canyonroadarts.com/golf.html The day was cold, not many people around, so we zipped into a very nice restaurant and had a late lunch.
Then – it was on to our evening of Spa: 10,000 Waves, 10,000 Waves, a Japanese spa in the hills overlooking Santa Fe . http://www.tenthousandwaves.com/ here's what Ellen had to say about the event: "We entered the spa at 3:30pm and stumbled out at 9:15, our bodies having been soaked in mineral baths, saunafied (a word?) wrapped in herb soaked sheets (like mummies), massaged every which way including with rocks; and our heads, necks and shoulders manipulated with oils. We left with our hair FULL of oil which we were instructed to leave for 24 hrs. Some of the experience I can only imagine as I fell asleep periodically. But, I give it all an A+++++" From my perspective….after 90 minutes in our private area that included a 15"X3" Jacuzzi tub, sauna, cool-down room, dressing room, and shower—then after being wrapped in hot herb soaked sheets, and my shoulders and head plied with essential oils, I entered into a different world with the hot stone message. The masseuse placed warm stones between each of my toes, on hot stones as I laid down on a bed of hot stones, hot stones were placed in each of my hands, and then messaged my body was messaged oiled hot stones. Then I turned over, with a large hot stone on my stomach, she messaged my back with more hot stones! I was a total noodle by the time we walked out of there, it was a total extravagance and I totally enjoyed it, big thanks to David for the recommendation to this spa. This spa set a new bar for a spa experience!
12 November, 2006
NM: Bandelier National Monument
November 11, 2006
Bandelier National Monument
Santa Fe, NM
Sure glad we decided not to camp last night – it got down to the low 20's! It would have been a chilly night. The hotel offered a full breakfast including the regional special, Menudo, (a tripe soup with hominy, raw onions, sliced cabbage and cilantro served with a warm tortilla). Of course I gave it a try and totally enjoyed it.
We started our day at the farmers market, a great place to see the local fair. Lots of dried chilly on a long string, baked goods, organic vegetables and an art show using recycled objects. It was a blend of tourists and locals. The tourists were focusing on the dried pepper arrangements and crafts while the locals were congregated around organic vegetable and pastry vendors.
Of all the people at the market, two individuals really stuck me when I passed their stand. A man and woman, who looked to be mid 40's but were most likely mid 30's - selling organic root vegetables – their faces reddened by the intense NM sun, their hands rough and dry from perhaps growing and harvesting their root vegetables. I immediately envisioned them on a poor producing plot of land with no running water or electricity – a real throw back to the 60's movement. It felt like they were living close to the edge and I wondered how much was hanging in the balance should they not be able to sell all their fresh produce that day.
We'd selected a circular route for the day taking us to a Pueblo, Bandelier National Monument, Los Alamos, Jemez Springs and the Tent Rocks National Monument. With great expectation we pulled into a Pueblo that was given a great write up in the various books….however when we got there…..it was $12/car to enter and another $10 to take photos. What we found was a very small village with several dogs who liked to think of themselves as tough studs, but when I spoke to them they melted into very pleasant canines. There was a very talented potter in the Pueblo who worked in black medium, and best of all, a magnificent tree dominating the central plaza area. Strangely at about 11am on a Saturday, there was no visible life – no one walking around, no signs of life, but we saw cars coming and going so we were sure people must live there. We left with an odd feeling – we had a map with very clear instructions as to where we could walk and what was off limits - what did they want us to see or feel?
Our next stop was Bandelier National Monument. Generally I'm not interested in listening to Park Interpreters – and definitely not for 90 minutes. But what an absolute gem we found in our Interpreter Len, a retired Biology teacher of 37 years. He loved teaching, the park's history and sharing his knowledge with our group. We learned so much – saw pictographs, learned about a group of people who lived in the cliff dwellings for over 300 years and then just disappeared. Ruins offered a good speculation. How odd to think of people living here as early as 1100! Len told the story so it all came alive – we shared his enthusiasm. The caves were made when a huge volcano erupted 3 million years ago and instead of spewing lava, spewed ash (similar to Mt St Helens). Over time this ash hardened into a soft stone, as water ran over it air pockets formed the caves. The people who lived here moved from hunters and gathers to an agrarian society.
By the time we finished the tour, the sun slid behind a cloud and the temperature felt like it dropped 20 degrees. We heard about a Native American festival tomorrow – our kind of place! Instead of going all the way back to Santa Fe, we decided to stay in the mountains so we'll have faster access to the festival. We found a hotel in Los Alamos ---- congers us memories of Oppenheimer and the atomic bomb. It's still a renowned research center. Research facilities dot the mountains around town. It's situated at an elevation of 7,700 feet with great vies of the mountains. It's a prosperous town.
10 November, 2006
Stary Stary Night: NM
Stary Stary Night
Thursday 11/9/06
Santa Rosa, NM
Waiting for the stars with great anticipation! For a change of pace I thought I'd start with the end of the day. Seven miles north of the one-horse town of Santa Rosa, lays Lake Santa Rosa, a Corp of Engineers dam and recreation area. Landscape is pretty flat with a few buttes. The wind subsided just around sunset and now the glow of the day is disappearing with the shadows of the lake fading into the horizon. It was a peaceful and quiet day.
Having arrived at Santa Rosa a full day earlier than expected I had the day to lounge and relax. We didn't check out of the hotel until 11am. I kept busy catching up on my blog and generally puttering. We stopped at a park in town to continue to relax, wash the van windows and let Gabby run in a creek. First I wanted to "see the town" – didn't take long, I always wonder what people do in towns like these. Seems most activity and commerce are focused on serving the folks passing through. It looked like the last construction of anything was completed at least 20 years ago.
It was a pleasant ride out to the State Park. Again I was the only one on the road. Speculation was dampened when I climbed to the top of the observation deck of the park visitors' center and saw nothing…emmm- I might have to work a bit harder on finding the wonder in this place.
Several of the campgrounds were closed, so I stopped in at the Park HQ office to get info and to check on security as well as critters I might encounter. They pointed to taxidermied animals of the area including a mountain lion. I was sorry I had asked.
When I drove into the campground there were maybe 3 huge trailers, all with dish satellite and cars out front. It was about 2pm. What were they doing? I quickly conjured up images of them working on covert projects, or sexual predators on the internet or maybe they were just kicking back watching TV –whatever they were doing, I found it intriguing.
The only sound was the wind shuffling through the evergreen trees. I rounded the camping loop once to get the lay of the land and then selected my camp site – I felt more comfortable when I saw there was a campground host trailer near by.
Gabby and I hiked down to and around a good part of the lake. I saw no one. The place was totally abandoned – quiet and peaceful. My only goal for the day was to try and quiet myself enough to stop my brain from racing with idle chatter. This was a perfect place for just that.
The afternoon slipped away, the crickets came out as the sun went down and more people started coming into camp – everyone of them had a trailer longer than my house. Each to their own. Dinner was a simple Tasty Bite meal with an apple for desert. As the trailer people settle into their campsite and assemble their dish for TV coverage, I popped the top of my van and waited for the stars.
Being on the eastern side of the time zone, dark fell before 6pm….and immediately there was no disappointment in the starry night. Blinking things, moving things – if I lived out here I might believe in "flying saucers". I was fascinated by flashing lights with the sound of the plane trailing considerable – sound and light traveling at different speeds.
The stars were the real draw for me to come to this place in the first place. It being 7 miles from town and with no lights to hamper the view, and the view was magnificent. Round about 9pm the moon came up like a lighthouse beacon…it wasn't full but it couldn't have been brighter.
Temps have fallen from around 80 to maybe 65 and are expected to drop into the 50's overnight – perfect weather for sleeping outside.
So for now, the computer goes off – and I will await the starry starry night.
09 November, 2006
Hot Springs, AR
Hot Springs, AR
Sunday, November 5, 2006
Onward to Hot Springs:
- Crossed the mighty Mississippi River –wondered what it would be like to take a cruse or work on a barge for a couple of weeks on the river
- Coming into Hot Springs saw:
- Sign reading "Boyhood home of President Clinton"
- A sign for Guns & Bail
- Rural town surrounded by mountains
- Autumn leaves just a day or two past their peak
- "Bathhouse Row" in former years there were 6 or 7 famous old houses where people could get treatments and enjoy the mineral waters. Now only one is open to the public and another serves as a museum and headquarters for the National Parks Office
- Lots of recreational opportunities – message, water therapy,
- Protected downtown – historic area that they keep pretty well in tact – all the McDonald's and "honkey tonk" are outside of center town
- I walked into a store I thought was a grocery store only to find out it was some weird offering of variety store – but before I left, in the check out line, I saw a woman in a T-shirt, sweat pants and pink fluffy slip-on slippers – I tried not to, but I had to take a second look
- Areas to fill water jugs with both hot and cold mineral water – there's 47 springs in the area. For drinking they are separated, but for the baths they blend them all together.
- A wax museum and a Duck Tour and even a tattoo parlor – I declined all.
- I decided on the only bath open on a Sunday afternoon and was the only patron in the spa. I soaked in a whirlpool of mineral water at about 100 degrees for about 30 minutes. As always, after the bath my skin was soft and the cracks around my fingernails were healed (something I've been working on for the past 6 days will little results)
- My name has changed from Maggie (or Kathi) to Mamm….I'm Mamm to everyone!
- Grabbed a quick bite in McDonald's and a man in the booth next to me obviously wanted to talk. So I engaged him. It was a challenge to catch the words through his thick accent, and the absence of more than half his front teeth. But it was fun hearing what he had to say. These are the best parts of my trip – just hearing what people have to say.
OK to NM
Oklahoma City, OK to Santa Rosa, NM
11/8/07
Oh boy, cowboy country! My first taste (figure of speech) was when I checked in and a cowboy was in line in front of me, so I had to wait until he had completed his check-in process. I used the time wisely to become acquainted with this new state and surroundings. Emmm….tight well fitting jeans accentuating his assets, huge silver belt buckle, nice boots, shirt that seem to elude to but not stick close enough to the body to fully outline a chiseled "V" shaped shoulders to waist, a waist that I'm sure was smaller than mine, and of course, the black hat. He was a sight and I was sorry when the receptionist handed him his key and he was on his way…welcome to Oklahoma!!
My next encounter with the cow boys and girls was at breakfast the next morning. I enjoyed hearing them talk about their competitions, what their horses were doing or not doing, how they felt when they won, and of course checking out their wardrobe sure beat reading the paper. My spirits were high hearing the election results and anticipatory with what we could really get done if both the House and the Senate go Democrat --- I'm filled with hope. Hope was heightened later in the day with the announcement that Rumsefeld would step down – well overdue. Suppose it would be too much to hope that Chaney would do the same?
I set myself up for a day of endurance. My memories of crossing OK and TX were painful. I'd identified nothing of interest for the day—not National Forests, State Parks or really anything green on the map. So I knew it would be a day of just driving. What I had not expected was the HEAT. It was hot and my side window is not treated with that black stuff most people have on windows to block the sun. Thank goodness I got the AC fixed prior to my departure – I used it all day.
We stopped frequently to stretch, wake up, cool down and see the scenery – just kidding on the last one …there is no scenery. It's FLAT, brown, and uninteresting. The funniest thing I saw all say was at a rest stop once I crossed into TX. The picnic tables were iron (maybe too hot for wood?) and the BBQ was in the shape of the state of TX—photos to follow.
There was a distinct change in the landscape in the western end of the Pan Handle, and I was surprised when we crossed the state line into NM – my planning had been off. I hadn't expected to be in NM until the following day. My next surprise was when I stopped at the Visitors Center and learned I just ginned an hour – yep, Mountain Time.
My plan called for camping at Santa Rose State Park, but after driving on a one-lane road for 50 mines directly into the setting sun, I was fatigued and pulled into a motel. I made it across OK and TX….a great accomplishment in my book. So I had to wonder: why did it seem like "forever" when, with friends, I crossed these states on our way to Cape Cod back in college? Could it be? Did all these years bring on an increased sense of patience? Let's hope so.
Hot Springs, AR to OK City OK
Tuesday 11/07/06
Hot Springs, AR to Oklahoma City, OK
As the day began, the sun was brining off the fog and clouds were melting away to a promising day. I was anxious to pick up Gabby who I'd dropped off with the Vet the previous morning. After a myriad of tests, the diagnosis is Diabetes Insipitus – treatable with a med a day the rest of her life.
Wishing I could stay longer and linger in the hot mineral waters around town, it was time to get back on the road. The Vet, having grown up in the area, proposed a scenic route through the Ouachita and Ozark National Forests and mountains. Not sure where my fascination for this area originated, but I had a profound desire to check this entire area out. (Route described at bottom)
One thing most of you know about me is my intense interests in maps. So you won't be surprised to read that I had highlighted the route on the map and was ready for a day of exploring. Then how was it the van found itself in the middle of a state park, off my proposed route? I'd followed the signs exactly (?) Well, either the signage was wrong (I doubt it) or I had become lost (more likely). I stopped at what looked to be a park HQ office and asked just where I might be. A friendly ranger came out and started pointed distances and road names when I politely stopped him and asked if there was a map he could use to show me the way back to the main road. I found 2 things funny about this exchange: 1) during the entire time the ranger had a huge piece of what looked like grapefruit or other unidentifiable food item stuck to his reading glasses – that while it did not seem to bother him in the least was a constant distraction to me while he continued with his direction and 2) after hearing his directions, and that I needed to turn on "EARL" road, I repeated the instructions, he saw me write down the directions on the map….and yet when I got to the road it was "OWEL" ….and that was my introduction to understanding the southern accent t!
The route took me through beautiful rural farmland and lots of recreational areas. The temperatures in the area are still warm and many folks have gardens next to their home. What a great place to return for some hiking and camping. Lots of lakes and interesting paths to investigate. As I crossed up into the Ozark National Forest, I thought I had the entire place to myself. In a stretch of about 30 miles I passed 2 motorcycles and 3 cars – that was it! The foliage was just a tad past peak, but still in full glory. I stopped at one overlook and couldn't even count the number of mountain ranges – quite a sight.
Saw my first Armadillo today – it was road kill, but all the same, it was an Armadillo! Imagine, all that shiny silver armor they have, but still not resistant to cars when crossing the road. Strange animals. Best gas prices: Hot Springs starting at $2.01/gal.
Long about sunset I found my back to Interstate 40 and continued West to Oklahoma City where I stayed the night.
Route Details:
- West on Route 270 out of Hot Springs to Mount Ida
- North at Mt Ida on Route 27: Very rural area, all part of the Ouchita (pronounced Wha-choo-ta) National Forest.
- East on Route 60 to Plainview
- North on Scenic By-Way Route 7 up into the Ozark National Forest
- West on Route 16
- South on Route 21 to Interstate 40 West
06 November, 2006
Another Day in Hot Springs, AR
Another Day in Hot Springs, AR
Monday, November 6, 2006
It was another day in Hot Springs. The morning was foggy, and it was not a good day for the Ozarks. The weather report is predicted to be 70+ Wednesday and Thursday, so I decided to stick around town for another day. Met some interesting people and saw new things:
- There are 47 springs in Hot Springs – and I thought I ought to fill up on some of that healing water, so pulled up to a cold water spring. Small area with 4 facets coming out of the ground and space for only 3 cars to park. There was a man filling up multiple jugs at the same time. He glanced at my license plate and asked "you from Virginia?", yep I answered. "What Part?" northern I answered. "What town?" Arlington. "Isn't that the capitol?" Nope I answered, I think that's Richmond. "Oh, yes, I traveled there once" yea? How's that? "I met a woman over the internet and went out to meet her – but she wasn't what I wanted". Emm, interesting how that works out so many times. I looked at his trunk full of bottles and asked how long that would last him----"month or two" he replied. He mentioned that he preferred the cold over the hot springs – said it had a better taste.
- I then decided to walk the Grand Promenade, an inlaid wide brick walkway, overlook the city that winds behind Bathhouse row. It offered a different perspective on the city and allowed me to have a closer look at the vantage architecture.
- As I dropped down and walked back alone the street on Bathhouse row, I tested each fountain I passed. The first was a hot one. A woman drove up and started filling all her bottles, and of course asked where I was from – does my accent give me away? We started talking and I learned:
- she's a died in the wool Republican. And wanted to know if I was voting for Allen or the other one – I informed her I had already voted and had indeed voted for Webb.
- She preferred the hot springs. Originally she preferred the cold ones, but about a year ago the government made them add Ozone to make it safe. Emmmm….ozone, that was a real puzzeler for me but I decided not to pursue it
- She worked at the Election Board and was so happy that they had a good Christian man running for Governor.
- The next fountain was behind one of the historic Bathhouses. Hot, about 144 degrees, coming right out of the hill side.
- The last spring was at the city park, with a big water fall as the hot springs came right out of the hill side. I alternating my hands feet in the hot water. For over an hour, just enjoying the scenery, the people that passed by, and the warm water.
- On my way back to my car I decided to walk in and see one of these grand old hotels. I liked The Park (others had names like The Majestic and The Arlington), it had a sign in the window that said "Eat Drink Sleep", I liked the clarity and conciseness of that and decided to check it out. It was a narrow building, but still magnificent. As I walked in, I saw that the ceilings were easily 15 feet, the floors were a beige, brown, black and white tile mosaic – the old style maybe 2" X 2" tile, the walls were solid concrete, the banister railings going up the stairway was brass, a black and while photo of Marilyn Monroe hung over the staircase near where it joined the lobby,
- The bar tender seemed friendly and I decided to sit and have a beer. There were only a couple of people in the place, a small, maybe 8-stool bar adjoining an Italian restaurant off the lobby. After several interactions with both the bar tender and what must have been someone associated with the hotel, I learned that the Bar Tender used to be a respiratory therapist. That the city is expected to get legalized gambling in the near future, and from another local person passing by I learned: she had never voted, (she must have been in her mid to late 30's) when I asked why, she mentioned that she'd never been taught, and that it scared her, when I asked why she was scared of voting she said it was because it was government and that scared her. DON'T BE SCARED – VOTE TOMORROW – ALL OF YOU
Another Great, relaxing day in Hot Springs!
First Day on The Road 11/1/06
I'd have no connectivity without all of Patrick's guidance and many hours of couching and time in computer stores and installations. That includes: a laptop that I can connect via my cell phone or Hot Spots, a new cell phone, Bluetooth adaptor for phone, an inverter that plugs into my cigarette lighter and can power any electronic (saves buying a different adapter for each appliance)...Thank you Patrick
Matt thanks for hel;ping me buy the external hard drive
Ildevert, thanks for helping me buy the thumb drive
Tony thanks for lunch and doing your best to get me to understand all this wireless stuff
Henry, thanks for the idea about XM Radio - I LOVE it, it's so cool to have such music, comedy, news, BBC, NPR, traffic, etc. As I travel the highways
Margo, thanks for figuring out how to work that complicated radio in the van! It paid off, I'm enjoying the XM radio (which wouldn't have been possible had I not been able to dial to empty stations. I keep your documentation close by and use it often.
Paul, Kathy, Ann, Kate, Margo: Thanks for the Departure Dinner and send off - what a great way to start my big adventure
THANKS to the P&T Team at Peace Corps who called today to wish me well - what fun. Please, do it again!
Thanks to whoever sent the text message today - I will get better, I've never used text, in fact I didn't think I could get them because I didn't pay for the service. And for future reference, please include your name on any text message I pulled away from my house at 10am on a clear, bright blue sky day. The GW Parkway was glorious! I think the leaves in that area are at peak - get out and see them! Even the Beltway was beautiful---and that says a lot. I'd forgotten how hilly and beautiful Cumberland, MD was. I proceeded to Morgantown and then started south on I-79. Through the mountains the leaves had already fallen, the skies turned gray and it started to rain. And then a song by Cream came on "I'm So Glad" yep, I thought that's me! I decided to pop into Clarksburg and see what I could find to eat and give Gabby a stretch of the legs. I think a good infusion of capitol could greatly enhance that town....It's better day got up and left a long time ago.
My goals was to camp in the New River Gorge area near Beckley, WV, so at Sutton, I left the interstate and got on 19 South - what a beautiful area. West VA truly is a beautiful state. Lots of places I'd like to come back to in the summer - big mountains, lakes, resorts, ...a must for a return. I pulled off at Hico, WV because I thought my dog friendly hotel was there and I wanted to get directions. I wasn't up for camping my first night on the road in the rain. I pulled into a "Man Area" lots of pick-ups, a store and a gas station..it must have been a transfer point because there were LOTS of trucks. I was enjoying the flavor of their WV accents, walking Gabby, when I saw a bunch of good ol boys hanging around a pickup. It was quite a sight - all looked like they'd seen their last bath several months ago, beards were down to mid chest, teeth were sparse (ohmygod, am I describing a stereotype here?) but they were right friendly. As I came closer, I noticed that they had a black bear on the back of the truck with a couple of hunting dogs tied closely to the cab. I walked up and had myself a good look...emm, nice bear I thought. So I asked, "Who got that bear", the guy closest to me motioned his head to the guy next to him, ( a younger guy without a beard). I asked this younger guy how far he had to carry it out, he said it was a good bit, when I continued to looked at him, he continued that it took him about 6 hours to pack the bear out. I motioned to the dogs and asked if they helped. He said they found the bear and treed him. I didn't ask any more questions, but was disappointed I didn't ask for their photo - I'm sure they'd of been proud to pose. Anyway, I walked away with this very clear visual of dogs treeing a bear and then the guy coming and shooting it out of the tree----and I wondered at the sport in that? Oh well, it was still fun, not something I see everyday! My first cultural experience. I crossed the New River Gorge Bridge just before sunset, a VERY high bridge spanning the huge go=rge of the New River - what a beautiful sight. The "Tacky Girls Club" did a white water trip in this area and it's definitely worth a visit. I found my hotel in Fayetteville, with my AARP discount it came to $54 for the night. I thought I'd find a cute place to eat in town.....but unless I blinked when I passed the restaurant, I missed it. "Town" is about 3 blocks long populated primarily by rafting trip outfitters - - which makes it a very quiet town this time of year. Of the food options in a shopping center, I decided on Bob Evans - golly, were they ever polite, helpful, kind!!!! Really! And with my 55 and older menu my dinner (it was really breakfast) came, with tax, to $5.62. All in all - a GREAT first day on the road!
05 November, 2006
Day At The Lakes KY & On To Memphis, TN
Day At The Lakes & On To Memphis
Saturday 11/4/2006
Darren and putts'ed away the morning with breakfast and discussion and then headed out to explore the National Park that occupies the land between Lake Barkley and Lake Kentucky. We chose a hike around one of the smaller lakes and wondered at the validity of the stories that Indians could walk through a forest in the Fall, without making a sound. We were anything but quiet as we hiked through a forest floor covered in autumn leaves.
We stopped at a creek. The water was clean with a gentle current. As we looked down into the foot or so of water, the clarity of each leaf that layered the creek bed was astounding. As we both took the opportunity to photograph the moment, we found some turquoise colored stones and wondered about their origin. The clarity of the water, shadows and cloudy sky made for photos that will twist and distort reality.
Across the lake we saw a Great Blue Heron fish and then ascend to the sky with a few of their blood curtailing squawks – have you ever heard them in the quiet of an evening? It can scare the stuff right out of you. We saw several piles of scat and tied to determine the owner's species, and a fish carcous with the toughest scales I've ever seen or felt.
It was hard to leave the park and equally hard to say good-by. Darren and I share a love of nature and being outdoors and always enjoy our time together.
As Darren headed back East, I decided to move farther south so that I could spend more time in AR in the Ozark Mountains and at the Hot Spring/Mineral Baths. I intended to stop before, but ended up finding a hotel in Memphis. It was after 9pm, I was tired and didn't want to have to find another hotel should they not accept pets….so I just kind of…well…I simply did not mention I had a pet.
Another wonderful day.
Crossing KY: Sadieville to Land Between The Lakes (Lakes Barkley and Kentucky)
Crossing KY:
Sadieville to Land Between The Lakes (Lakes Barkley and Kentucky)
Friday, 11/3/06
I couldn't leave Sadieville without a tour by one of the Town Councilmen! Claude showed me around his hood: including the sanitation plant that he manages! It was fun. It's a very small and very hilly town.
I took another scenic By-way between Sadieville and the Blue Grass Parkway. Small towns, some I just stopped and marveled at their beauty. Old stone buildings, man blowing leaves, kids crossing on their way to school, horse ranch, black fences, black barn with fire engine red roof, another with royal blue roof, more stone fences, road looking like a ribbon winding through the countryside-green grass on both sides, rolling mounds, no forests, no starbucks.
I drove through Bourbon County – which is dry and was informed that the Kentucky bourbon distilleries are in Christen County
We followed the Blue Grass Parkway all day. Another clear, blue cloudless day. It looks warm out, but when I step out at a rest stop- hat, gloves and jacket are required. There seems to be quite an array of "Bisquet World" , (small breakfast only establishments) in this area, so I stopped for lunch – another less than $5 lunch. Food is v much less than in the DC area and petrol is going down as I move farther into the South.
My friend Darren decided to join the road trip adventure for a day and offered to meet me at "Land between the lakes" in South Western KY. He drove the 6 hours from NC and I drove about the same from Sadieville. We kept in touch throughout the day with a plan to meet at the lake.
After scraping frost off my windshield this morning and having the bottles of water in the car freeze, I thought it best to find indoor lodging for tonight. The nice places I'd selected off the internet did not allow dogs, so it was a bit of a scramble to find a place that would. After a series of calls, I found a place that was open (the first hurtle this time of year) and accepted dogs. I gave them my credit card number and hoped for the best. As it turns out, it's a great place, right on Lake KY. Full moon, cute cabin full kitchen. Gabby and I walked for about an hour and then Darren showed up with steaks and broccoli for dinner. We talked the night away catching up on each of our news and life events.
From the WV Mountains to the Blue Grass of KY
From the WV Mountains to the Blue Grass of KY
Thursday, 11/2/06
Fayetteville, WV to Sadieville, KY
I awoke to a parking lot full of pickups, men in camouflage "apparel" and an oozing sky. It had rained all night (how? You might ask, did I know that? Well Gabby needed to go out in the middle of the night).
When I looked out the window I thought I saw a fog as thick as a San Francisco morning, but when I put a finger on the window, I discovered it was only condensation on the and that the sky was still drizzling.
With a free breakfast offered, I thought I best not pass it up, so decided to investigate. Emm, not bad, fruit salad (yes from a jar), oatmeal, warm hard boiled eggs, bagels, dry cereal, the usual. What was unusual in my book we the friendliness of the patrons; a group of 6, my guess would be all in their 70's. They all said good morning in turn as the women talked about why they were there, who they were visiting and how the parking lot sure filled up the previous night. They were obviously having a good time. The last of the group to arrive talked about the cute dog outside – of course I had to speak up and own the cute dog. She recognized Gabby as a Ausie – I smiled.
My first stop was the visitors' center for the New River Gorge Bridge. Amazing how it spans the gorge at the tops of the mountains. It is tall. And for the statisticians in the reading audience: its 360 feet taller than the Washington Monument. And for the visuals: That equals one Washington Monument, plus 2 Statue of Liberty stacked on top of each other, plus 20 more feet…..got it? TALL and very impressive.
After consulting the map, the most scenic way looked like taking state route 60 North, along the river to Charleston. What a gem of a road. No big bridges to span between hill and dale. The road wound up and down 8% grade hills with 20MPH turns –going was slow and very enjoyable. We pulled off several times to just look at the gorge, the river, and the beauty of the morning. At one point fog was rising between the ridges with the sun pouring through – pure inspiration!
There were tourist spots along the road, but it looked like the tourists took their trade to resorts along the newer, faster roads many years prior and all that was left was the impression that in its day, these resorts were a big draw.
I passed what we used to call a "Company Town". Lumber mill, with cookie cutter houses all lined up and looking very alike. The milled "owned" the town and most likely the inhabitants too.
Charleston is nestled along the banks of the river and fills the valley between the mountains. The centerpiece of the city shins brightly; the state capital, encrusted in gold leaf (that's what it looked like), reminded me of the temples in Thailand where you could purchase a tiny bit of gold leaf to place on the Buddha image. It was a clear sunny day and the state capitol was the brightest thing around.
Leaving Charleston I saw lots of industry – all along the river, and I questioned discharge into the river….I thought the exit for Nitro was a strange name for a town, and then when I passed the exit and saw 3 huge nuclear power silos, it seemed even stranger!
The hills of WV gave way to rolling mounds of KY. The autumn leaves of gold and auburn were striking against the brilliant green grassy fields. I lifted my sunglasses to check for true color – yes, it really is that green. The best of the day was on scenic Byway State 460, which served as a beltway around Lexington. Narrow 2-lane road, miles of stone fences, equestrian centers, white fences, horses, some mansions and others where the fence was more impressive than the house. I was reminded how enjoying such a moment of beauty produces such calm and peace in my heart.
I pulled into Sadieville, a town of about 300, just before sunset. Claude and Sandy have a great home with lots of land including a stream. Gabby and I stretched our legs, ran around and enjoyed the beauty of KY. Thanks so much to Claude and Sandy for your great hospitality. It was a wonderful evening – just hanging out and catching up (Claude retired from Peace Corps about 2 years ago).
