After what seemed to be a very long 46 days of Winter Hiatus in South Texas, after arriving in Harlingen, Texas on 29 December 2023, I have finally come to a date whereupon I feel comfortable about beginning my my 2024 Journey On, or what I commonly refer to as my northbound migration.

Immediately, methinks about the very first time I embarked upon the Journey On, which began this month forty-five years ago in late February 1978 and how my walk afoot upon the Mountain then changed my life in such a way, that even now, I still think about that footpath and often share stories about that Journey On with acquaintances and friends.

Thus, this date begins my fifteenth consecutive annual Journey On, the first one that I set out upon was in 2009, also in the month of February. While upon that first Journey On, I did not return to my home in Washington until April 2010, over a year later. Upon my return to the Grass Mowing Job (what I called my residence), I did continue the preparation for my upcoming retirement for the next three years, during which winters, I would take extended trips to Texas for my winter hiatus, but then would still return to my home in Washington each subsequent summer.

Then, during the month of February 2013, I begin the final countdown for last ten days of my time in that grass mowing job prior to beginning my full time travel of taking steps afield.

It cooled off considerably last night, but still not cold enough to keep me here any longer. I dress in my spring blues, start the jammer, drive to a trash receptacle to dump my trash and then drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer, during which I upload the last couple days of my journal writing and page updates.

Today marks the beginning of a new Journey of a Thousand Days as well as the end of my winter hiatus in South Texas and the beginning of the Journey On which will start my new northbound migration for this year. And so, in keeping with my annual migration habits, I leave the current w-mart, fill up my fuel tank and take to the Texas highways heading north. My first stop, which is what I plan, is Lake Corpus Christi state park which is close to one hundred and fifty miles from my winter hiatus. So, with nothing else in my schedule, I pack out of the cafe around nine this morning to begin this Journey On, however, it is not until just after ten am when I have finished my fueling and fluid topping off.

Leaving Jackson Avenue, I turn east on IH 2, drive east along the US 83 feeder road until I arrive at Cage Road, turn north and in a short distance I enter IH 69C northbound out of the Rio Grande Valley. It does not take very long, in fact, it is barely out of the Edinburg, Texas city limits before the interstate highway ends and US 281 continues north. My GPS tells me that the entire trip from the w-mart to Lake Corpus Christi State Park campground is one hundred and forty-two miles and will take just over two hours for me to drive this distance.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, start the jammer engine and drive south along US 69, under the IH 20 overpass and right into the w-mart parking lot. Already, I do not like this location due to the fact that this intersection is not only very busy but also hard to negotiate. Each time I leave the w-mart and drive to the d-mart, in either direction, I must go through this intersection.

So, I must needs move a little further north, and more than likely, my next stop will be Sulphur Springs, Texas or even as far north as Paris, Texas.

When this day comes to an end, I pack out of the w-mart, drive back under the interstate highway and into the d-mart parking lot. I take up my space where I will park for one more night before moving close to the place where I hope to view the eclipse.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, drive closer to the d-mart and walk inside for the mens room. After returning to the jammer, I drive out of the parking lot, turn right on US 69 and head northbound, only to soon arrive at the Sabine River bottomland and pass the Camp of the Army of the Republic of Texas location, which has a Historical Marker near the original location. Next, I cross over the Sabine River at which there is a boat ramp as well as a large nature preserve.

I continue north on US 69 all the way to Mineola, Texas, cross US 80 and enter town. A short distances further, US 69 turns northeast but I remain on SH 37 north, cross Lake Fork Creek, which flows down from Lake Fork Reservoir and continue to Quitman, Texas. Here I leave SH 37, turn left on SH 154 and soon arrive at Lake Fork (reservoir), crossing the large eastern arm. After crossing Lake Fork, I stop at a Sabine River Authority Public Recreation Area with covered picnic tables, fishing piers, pavilions, a playground and several rest rooms but non with showers.

All along this route, I keep seeing dogwoods and redbuds in full bloom. I continue north on SH 154 through several more small towns and then arrive at the intersection of IH 30 in Sulfur Springs, Texas, where I find the next w-mart where I will be holed up for several days. I drive to the w-mart, park, carry my computer bag inside and begin my day pounding keys on my computer.

Upon checking my map, I find that the west side of Sulphur Springs is right on the centerline of the Path of Totality.

Awake to a mildly cold morning, rise, dress in my spring blues, start the jammer engine and drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. In the early morning, I overhear a person tell two others, I will see you at the Hall. Immediately, I think, she must be a sister, so as she is walking out, apparently to go to the morning meeting for the ministry, I ask, Did you just tell those other that you will meet them at the hall? to which she answered, Yes. I then tell her that I am also a witness and we talk for a short time. She tells me that their congregation is having the visit from the circuit overseer and also invites me to come for the Sunday meeting. I tell her that I will think about it, but the more I do think about it, the more that I really want to attend.

I continue working on my eclipse maps and then just before six this afternoon, I upload the maps and the information page on the 08 April 2024 total solar eclipse. Now, all that is left is the wait.

A little later, I pack out of the w-mart, drive to the d-mart and park for the night.

Awake, dress in my fall blues, but put on my new trousers so I will not have to change into them later for the meeting. I then walk to the garbage receptacle and deposit my trash. Returning to the jammer, I climb in, start the engine and drive to the w-mart for coffee, com, computer and study for the meeting. Then, at nine this morning, I pack out, walk to the jammer, put on my dress shirt, tie and dress shoes. Next, I climb into the jammer and drive to the Kingdom Hall at 1239 Jefferson Street, arriving quite early and meet Maria outside sitting in her car waiting for the friends to arrive.

Now that was a very nice meeting with nice friends who are very welcoming. I was able to get to know several a little and methinks that I will be going to this hall while I am here.

Afterwards, I leave and drive the four miles back to exit 124 on IH 30 where I return to the w-mart to spend the rest of the day inside the air conditioning. Then, when the colors return to the western horizon, I make my way back south on SH 154 to the d-mart to park for the night in the same location where I have found an inside corner grass island.

Awake, roll over and sleep for a while longer. Then, at seven this morning, I arise, dress in my spring blues and then drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. I stay inside until just before noon when I make a reservation for camping to begin tomorrow at the Atlanta State Park which is south of Texarkana, Texas. I then pack out so as to drive closer to the campground, and drive east on IH 30 to Mount Pleasant, Texas to overnight in the d-mart there tonight.

Once I am in Mount Pleasant, I take US 271 south, then US 271B to South Jefferson Avenue and stop a the w-mart but stay in my van. Later, I drive across the street to the d-mart and choose a location where I will overnight.

Awake to a warm and rainy morning, rise, dress in my spring blues, drive to the w-mart and go inside for coffee, com and computer. Like many times before, I have a hard time getting connected to the internet, but finally, after turning on my phone mobile hotspot, I am able to connect. I then upload the most recent updates from my computer to the web page.

I remain here at the w-mart most of the morning, awaiting for the rain to cease, which it does as the sun slowly begins to break through the overcast sky. Then, by eleven this morning, I pack out of both this cafe and town, drive northward on US 271B to US 67 where I turn right and continue driving eastward to Naples, stopping often to take photos of the flowering trees in full bloom. At Naples, I depart from the US highway and turning right I continue eastward on SH 77 and after passing through Douglasville, I turn left on SH FM 2791, left onto SH FM 96 and then left again onto SH FM 1154, after which, I continue to the state park just before one this afternoon and the rangers are on their lunch break. I park and wait for them to open the door at which time I walk inside the park headquarters to check in, receive my camping permit together with a park map and then drive to my campsite.

Upon arriving at campsite number 41 in the Wilkins Creek loop, which is directly across from the restroom and shower house, I plug in, connect all of my batteries and the turn my computer on to see if I have internet. Surprisingly, I do have internet even though the signal is not very strong, but at least I can upload to my website. Once I have updated my journal for today, then, I then walk to the shower house for some hot water.

After that, I return to the jammer and spend the remainder of the day writing in my journal and playing solitaire. I make a short trip to meet and greet a neighbor desiring for an opportunity to share my Bible hope about the future but that opening just does happen. I then return to the jammer, climb back inside and have my evening meal from my pantry provisions. Then, long after the sun sets, I get into the horizontal and close my eyes.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, walk to the restroom and upon returning to the jammer, I get out my stove, fuel and teapot to boil water. Once the teapot has steam escaping, I pour the water into my three cups for tea, coffee and a cup of Daystart. Then, after cleaning all of my stainless steel with my all purpose cleaning powder, I put my kitchen away in its place and climb back into the jammer to have my morning meal while I check my com. After that, I write for a short time in my journal updating it and then create a new section for this campground, which I am camping in the Wilkins Creed loop, one which I have never been in before.

After finishing my breakfast, I then begin some spring cleaning including washing my tires and wheels as well as spraying some tire black on the rubber. Next, I cleaned out my living quarters, throwing out a low of stuff that I choose not to keep any longer and organizing my bin of chemicals. Too, I condense the detergents into larger eight ounce containers and discard most of the older four ounce bottles. I plan on keeping just one each of the four ounce bottles for shampoo, body wash and laundry soap to carry in my shower bag. Larger quantities will be stored in my chemicals bin.

Later, in the late afternoon, I get out my food prep pan, cut up a tomato, a avocado, half of a red bell pepper, add some mustard and the scoop the mixture on to sliced bread together with some tuna to make tuna salad sandwiches. During the late afternoon, I lie down and try to take a nap but it just does not happen. Finally, after the sun sets, I return to my computer, finish my journal entry, upload it to the web site and afterwards, I watch the March JW Broadcast.

Finally, I turn off my electonics, get into the horizontal and close my eyes.

Awake to a humid morning, dress in my summer blues, grab my towel, shower bag, and walk to the shower house. After returning to the jammer, I open up the rear lift door return the towel and shower bag to their places. I then get out my stove and teapot to boil water for my morning meal, after which I walk to the side door and then climb into the jammer. Next, I turn on my computer to check my com and to pound keys while I sip on hot coffee and eat my breakfast.

At nine this morning, a few stray rays of sunlight begin to brighten the forest and I begin to disassemble my interior desk/shelf so that I can rebuild it back to its original configuration. I will work on this project for the rest of the day hoping to have the desk in a solid condition before the end of the daylight later today. I remove all of the items on the shelf and stack them on the front passenger seat, then take the shelf apart and stack the parts onto my bed. After wards, I disconnect my inverter wires from the battery and next I remove the desk from the jammer. I take the desk to the water spigot and then return to get my all purpose powered cleaner and scrubber, return to the water spigot and begin scrubbing the desk until it is white again. I wipe down the wood with a towel and then set the desk in the direct sunlight to finish drying the wood. I then scrub the self, dry it with my towel and set it in the sun as well.

While the shelf is drying, I open my chemicals bin and repackage many of the bottles of different liquids, getting rid of many of the 4 ounce bottles and using 8 and 12 ounce bottles instead. I had been buying the four ounce bottles of bio-degradable soap for a long time and then used these 4 ounce bottles for storing shampoo, hand soaps, laundry detergent and other liquids. By using larger bottles, this provides a better use of my limited space.

The next step is to clean up all of my small plastic storage bins, go through the content to organize these possessions and toss as much of the stuff into the trash receptacle as I can force myself to do. Next, I reinstall the desk, using two screws instead of the one that I had previously done to attach the desk to the adjacent storage cabinet bin. Once the desk is back in place, I next reconnect the wiring from the deep cell battery to the inverter, all of which goes rather quickly.

Finally, I replace my library onto the book shelf, going through these as well to organize and reduce in number, after which, I restring the nylon cord across the front of the bookshelf. Once this is done, I notice that it is still early in the day and get out my cutting board, chop a yellow onion, the second half of the red bell pepper, a nice size tomato, place all of the vegetables into my stainless steel dish, add olive oil and mustard. Then I open an can of tuna and have a tuna salad for my evening meal. I then clean up my work area, put the rest of my items back into their places and climb into the jammer office to catch up on my journal writing.

By six this evening, the light of day begins to wane, and I have finished updating my journal entry, so, I open my WT Library app and start my preparations for the meeting later tonight. The meeting begins right on time at seven-thirty this evening as I connect with Airport Harlingen congregation.

After the meeting, I turn off my electronics, get into the horizontal and close my eyes.

Awake, dress in my summer blues, step outside and open the rear life door to begin my morning meal preparations. When the water boils, I pour the hot water into my three cups and then transfer the three cup meal into the van office and proceed to coffee, com and computer. Then at ten this morning, I begin working on my current batch of MRP adding more ingredients to the several containers, including several of the supplement powers, four different powdered mushroom and some green banana flour. Once the containers of my meal replacement powder are all thoroughly mixed, I return them to there place in the food bin cabinet and close the lid.

Next, I clean up and empty my trash can, now filled up with many empty food packaging. It continues to thunder and rain through the morning and into the afternoon but by one-thirty, there are sun rays breaking through the clouds. I work on my computer throughout the afternoon and update many of the pages within my website. Later in the afternoon, using the remainder of my fresh vegetables, I prepare another tuna salad and have my evening meal around five today.

In the evening, I turn on my heater to a low setting in order to remove some of the moisture that has built up inside the jammer and in a short while, all the windows are de-fogged. Previously, the pollen from the evergreen pine cones have covered the jammer with a yellow powder, but all the rain last night and this morning has washed that from the van exterior. I spend the evening watching a few videos before I retire to the horizontal.

Awake this morning to a much cooler temperature and turn the heater up to a slightly higher setting, don my summer blues, turn on my computer and pound keys to catch up on my journal writing. Soon, I don my spring blues, step out of the jammer, and begin my morning meal preparations, which, when complete, climb back into the jammer to eat whilst I continue pounding on my keyboard.

As the morning nears the mid-day, I pack out and drive to the White Oak Ridge camping loop to check to see if the shower water temperature is still as hot as it was in my previous visits. Afterwards, I drive out of the state park and point my jammer westward to return to the centerline of the Path of Totality where I will continue to await the upcoming total solar eclipse.

Awake to a very cold morning, dress in my winter blues, drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. I continue here all day until the sun sets, which it does an hour after I have been accustom, which is due entirely to the spring forward.

I drive to the w-mart, set up in the corner spot

Awake to another cold morning, however, not as cold as yesterday was. I rise to a still darkened sky with only the slightest illumination in the eastern horizon. As I dress and ready myself for this spring morning, I watch as the daylight slowly begins to expand across the horizon. After I drive to the w-mart, the horizon continues to brighten with the colorful sunglow until the sun climbs above the horizon at 7:33 this morning. (Sunset today is at 7:24 this evening.)

I remain here for the remainder of this day as the temperature outside rises to nearly 70 degrees.

Awake to a comfortably cool morning with the eastern horizon just beginning to illuminate with orange sunglow. I dress in my spring blues, start the jammer engine, dump my trash in the receptacle and then drive to the w-mart. Then, I walk inside for my morning coffee, com and computer.

After the sun sets, I pack out, drive to the d-mart, park, and climb into the back for the night.

Awake, dress, drive, coffee, com, computer.

Repeat.

Awake, dress, drive, carry my computer bag inside for coffee, com and another day pounding on the keyboard.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, start the jammer engine and drive north on SH 154 the several block to the w-mart, where I pull in, park gather up my things and go inside for a cup of coffee, to check my communications and spend another day pounding on the keyboard.

Then, after the sun sets, I return to the same parking lot where I have been overnighting for some time now.

Awake, dress in my spring blues and then drive to the w-mart where, after I purchase a cup of coffee, I sit down and prepare for the meeting later today, which study is entitled "Are You Ready for the Most Important Day of the Year?". I must needs admit, I am so glad that I did this pre-study this morning as in it I was able to find out where the Bible reading schedule for the days before the Memorial. The schedule is located in the March-April 2024 Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook and it has the new check-box feature so that I can check the verses that I already read.

Then, at nine-thirty this morning, I pack out to the jammer, change into my dress blues, and the drive to the Kingdom Hall here in Sulphur Springs, Texas. I talk with one of the couples here in the hall, Matt and Lorraine who have three young children. After the meeting I talk with Matthew about the celestial events and he tells me that he too is an astrophile. (I had to look that word up and found it means a lover of looking at the celestial objects.) I also tell Matthew that I will be here for at least until the eclipse in April.

Leaving the Kingdom Hall, I drive back to the w-mart, park, walk inside and resume my key pounding, staying here until shortly after dark. Too, I have noticed that today the sun came back out and there was some blue skies that made a showing, which I am glad to see.

Awake after a two dog night, well that would mean that I needed more than my normal one blanket to sleep comfortable. I rise in the early twilight, dress in my spring blues, drive to the w-mart and go inside for coffee, com and computer. Just as I have turned on my computer, the alarm on my phone sounds.

Awake to an extremely cold morning but not freezing and must needs turn on the Jammer engine with the heater running before I can evacuate my sleeping berth. Then, I arise, dress in my winter blues, drive to the garbage receptacle and dump my trash. Next, I drive the one half mile north on SH 154 to the w-mart, park and go inside for some warm air, hot coffee, com and key pounding.

Awake to a much warmer morning that it was yesterday. I dress in my spring blues, drive to the w-mart and go inside for a day inside of the air conditioned cafe.

Then, at seven-thirty, I pack out, drive back to the d-mart and get into my space for a night of rest.

Awake, say a prayer of thanks for a good sleep, then rise, dress myself and drive to the w-mart for my morning routine of coffee, com, and computer.

Ir rains all night which continues into the day several hours. I rise, dress in my spring blues and drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer and here I sit for the remainder to this day.

Awake to another dreary overcast day, rise, dress in my spring blues, drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. I see a group of witnesses at the next table, one of which, Daniella, I recognize from a previous day. I introduce myself and find out that their names are Octavo, Kennedy, Sophea, Joslyn and of course Daniella. They leave before nine this morning to drive to the hall for the ministry meeting. I return to my table and continue working on my computer.

Awake to a another dreary day, dress in my spring blues, drive to the w-mart, walk inside for coffee, com and computer. When I go up to purchase my coffee, one of the baristas, Andrew, asks me, What is up with the H in you name? to which I reply, My given name is Thomas and when I decided to shorten it, I just dropped the "as", but kept the "h" and it remains silent.

Then, in the mid morning, I open the JWLibrary app and watch the Memorial morning worship with brother Cook and he makes some interesting comments. I will most likely watch that video again later.

Later, at half past six, I pack out and open up the rear of my van to get out my meeting clothes for tonight. Then I clean up the best that I can and begin getting dressed. A short time later, I drive to the hall for the Memorial of Jesus′ death.

Awake after a night of hard rain and still coming down today. I dress, drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer, staying here all morning with rain still coming down. Then, in the early afternoon, the rain stops and some blue sky begins to appear. Further, the forecast shows the the sky will remain clear for another week but will become cloudy with rain after that. Since by then, it will be time for the eclipse, so, therefore, I am going to leave Sulphur Springs this week and work my way back down the Path of Totality until I arrive on the dry side of the continent.

Then, at about five this afternoon, I pack out to the jammer, and then drive Lake Sulphur Springs hoping to get some sunset photos. I drive north on SH 154 until I arrive at Airport road, turn left and drive west on state highway FM 2285 to the lake, cross state highway 11 and then alongside the dams. I see that there is not place to pull off at the spillway so, I turn around and pull into the East Ramp parking lot and here await for the sun to descend. It begins to rain hard but it stops long enough before the sun drops all the way to the horizon and then there is an exceptional display at the suntouch.

When the sun drops below the horizon, I drive back to the d-mart and park for the night.

Awake after a very cold night, rise and start the jammer engine with the heater on so as to warm the inside and then get back under my three blankets. Once it has warmed up some, I rise, put on my winter blues and drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. I continue all day inside the cafe and work on a variety of web pages.

After the sunsets, I drive to the d-mart, park and then watch some videos until I am tired. Then, I shut off the electronics and get into the horizontal.

Awake, start the jammer and drive out of Sulphur Spring, first east on SH 11 until it comes to SH 19 at which junction I turn south on SH 19 and drive south to Emory where just after I pass through I turn right on SH FM 2324 and drive west until this road arrives at SH FM 47. ¹ So, I turn left onto FR 47 and drive along the Lake Tawakoni earthen dam until I arrive at the spillway. Crossing the bridge over the river makes me wonder what river this is, so, I pull into the parking lot located just past the bridge over the river and go to Google Maps. I find out that the waterway coming out of the dam is the Sabine River and that Lake Tawakoni at the Iron Bridge Dam is the source of the Sabine River. Before the dam was built in 1960, the source of the Sabine river was the South Fork, Cowleech Fork, and Caddo Forks that all were the headwaters of the Sabine River, however, now all three rivers are submerged under the lake and the outlet of the Iron Bridge Dam now serves as the headwaters of the Sabine. After crossing the Sabine River, I drive to the Lake Tawakoni State Park, get a day pass from the headquarters at the entrance and drive directly to the first shower house available. After the hot shower, I then check out some of the other amenities of the state park before leaving, returning to SH FR 47 and driving south to Willis Point, where I cross US 80 and drive out of this city, still on FR 47 and continue south only to soon after cross IH 20 and keep drive south on FR 47 until it finally ends at Texas SH 198. From this intersection, I drive east until I arrive at SH FR 316, turn south and drive to the entrance of Purtis Creek State Park.

After I get a day pass, I drive into the state park and recognize that I have been here before, once in order to take a hot shower, however, I did not take photos. So, today, I drive around the park to take photos and to check for the temperature of the shower water. Leaving this state park, I continue south on FR 316 until arriving at US 175 at which intersection I turn north and drive nearly three miles where I take SH 334 west to Gun Barrel City, Texas and then across East Cedar Creek Parkway over Cedar Creek Reservoir. After crossing the reservoir, the roadway becomes West Cedar Creek Parkway and is SH FR 85, on which I travel twenty-seven miles to Ennis, Texas, a city on IH 45 and cross under the interstate to drive into and through Ennis.

I leave out of Ennis on Lake Bardwell drive, also know as SH 34, cross Bardwell Lake, drive through Bardwell, Texas and continue west on SH 34 until I arrive in Italy, Texas were right in town, I turn left on US 77, so as to avoid driving on IH 35E, but upon arriving less than a mile south of the intersection of IH 35W and IH 35E, I enter IH 35 south and drive two and a half miles where I exit and drive to the w-mart where I catch up on my journal writing for today.

After several hours pounding the keys and after the sun sets, I then drive to SH 22, cross over IH 35 and turn left onto Coke Street which take me to the w-mart where I will be overnighting.

Awake in a new location for the first time and it takes a few minutes to remember where I am. Then, I drive out of the parking lot onto SH 22 then right, over IH 35 and left on the feeder road to the interstate. Then, after passing several entrance driveways, I turn right off of the feeder road into the w-mart parking lot and park the jammer. I then grab my computer bag and walk inside to the cafe for coffee, com and computer.

After spending most all the day inside this cafe, I then pack out, drive back to the d-mart and park for the night. It does not seem very long before I must needs connect using the zoom app to the mid-week meeting. I then listen to the entire program before signing off. Afterwards, I watch some videos before going to sleep.

Awake, dress in my springs blues, drive back east on SH 22 and then to the w-mart for another day of coffee, com and computer. I continue here all day and have decided that I will stay until Monday morning before I drive to the next state park for another shower. By then, I will have just one more week to await for the eclipse to occur.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer and remain here in the air conditioning all day. when the sun drops to near the horizon, I pack out, drive west on SH 22 over IH 35 and turn left at the first intersection which road leads down to the d-mart parking lot. Here, I chop up vegetable add some mustard and spice mix and then open a can of tuna to mix in.

Another day is done, and when after I have finished eating my meal, I clean and then put away my kitchen, after which I get into the horizontal to rest for the night.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, drive over IH 35 and stop at the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. Once, I have initiated today′s entry, I then open my JWLibrary app and pre study for the Bible study for later. Then, at nine-fifty, I connect with the Zoom app to the Airport Harlingen congregation and soon after, the meeting begins. Frank is the chairman and he introduces a visiting brother who will give the public talk.

After the meeting, I try to say goodbye but the host is not allowing zoom participants to turn their microphone on, so, instead, I just leave the meeting and return to my work on my website. The first page I create is for one of the last state parks, Lake Tawakoni, which I stopped at last week when I left Sulphur Springs, Texas and drove here.

After the sun drops close to the horizon, I pack out of the w-mart, drive across the interstate highway, take the first left on Coke Street and drive down to the d-mart where I take up my parking space, stop, put up my window shades and climb into the rear of the jammer for the night.

After sleeping in this morning, I rise, dress in my spring blues, start the jammer, drive back up on Coke Street and when I arrive at SH 22, I turn left and drive into Hillsboro, Texas, and just have to stop at a mural of Willie Nelson on the side of a building and take a couple of photos. Then, I drive the rest of the way through town and west another 12 miles to Whitney, Texas, through town again and then southwest on SH FM 1244 to Lake Whitney State Park, where I get a day pass from the park ranger. We talk for a time during which I tell her that I am a umbraphile, (eclipse lover) and explain some of the term that are used in the study of astronomy.

Then, I drive into the first shower house, the Horseshoe Restroom, grab my shower bag and go inside for a hot shower. The water in this shower house is medium hot which is just fine for me and this shower house is reminiscent of the ones at Falcon State Park, which were built in 1965. (Lake Whitney State Park was also established in 1965.) Next, I drive the long loop around the lake′s edge and stop both of the two new shower houses, built after a major flood of the lake in 2017. I then continue around the long loop back pass the headquarters and out of the state park.

Upon arriving back at SH 22, I turn right and drive south around the east side of the lake and arrive at Lake Whitney Dam where there is at least two Corps of Engineers campground. When I cross over the top of the dam on SH 22, I see that there is a large elevation difference between the water surface behind the dam which is at elevation 565 feet and that of the Brazos River below the dam at elevation 425 feet. That would be a difference in elevation of over one hundred feet. Wow!

After crossing the Brazos river, I continue on SH 22 until I arrive at the intersect with SH FM 56, turn left and continue south eighteen miles on the farm road to Valley Mills, Texas. Then I drive on several more farm roads in a southwest direction for another 26.5 miles to arrive at Gatesville, Texas.

Upon arriving at Main street in Gatesville, I turn right onto US 84, drive west just over to two miles and arrive at SH FM 116 where I turn south and skirt the western edge of Fort Cavazos, which is home of General Patton′s Hell On Wheels, 2nd Armored Division, United States Army.

Upon arriving into Copperas Cove, Texas, FM 116 turns into North 1st street, then the traffic flows east on Avenue D, which avenue merges with US 190 Business Route. It is about three this afternoon when I arrive at the w-mart, pull in, park, grab my computer bag and go inside for some air conditioning comfort.

Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, start the jammer and drive west on US 190 BUS to the w-mart, park, carry my computer bag inside for coffee, com and key pounding. I stay inside all day to take advantage of the air conditioning and when the sun sets, I pack out, drive east on US 190 BUS back to the d-mart to park for the night.

The skys here have been clear blue all day.

Awake to the second day of clear blue above. I dress in my spring blues and drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. I continue here all day for the second day under the clear blue and then look at the weather forecast for this location and find that it will be cloudy with a fifty percent chance of rain on 08 April, the day of the eclipse.

I will look at the forecast again tomorrow to see what options that I have, and then continue inside here at the w-mart and work on my web page files. In doing so, I have been adding a new feature on each of the website pages, a line near the bottom of the page which give the date of the last update of the page: This Page Last Updated: 03 April 2024 (This Last Updated information reflects the date of this journal entry and will not change.)

Previously, I have been keeping the date of last update information in the Header area code located at the top of the web page and hidden from view. Now, I will have the Last Update Date information visible and displayed within the Page Body portion of each web page right above the Page Footer area. I know, this is a minor change, but by keeping track of when the page was last updated, I know a lot about the code on that page and what updates have been done to that specific page.

When this day comes to its end, I drive back to the d-mart and park for the night.

Awake, to my third day under the clear blue, start the jammer and drive west on US 190 BUS the four blocks to the w-mart, park in the same spot, grab my computer bag and sit down in the same spot and pound key all day like I have done for the previous two days here in this town. One of the first things that I do upon opening my computer is to check the weather forecast for the area.

I find that moving further southwest only improves my viability chances by a very small percentage as according to the current weather forecast, the entirety of south Texas on 08 April 2024 will be cloudy with a 10-20 percent chance of rain, with Eagle Pass having the least percentage of rain chance. However, the daytime temperature in Eagle Pass will be in the low to mid 90s, and I will not drive there, which is about three hundred miles away, into that type of heat just to decrease the rain chances from 20 to 10 percent.

I continue here for another day in this city, in this w-mart in its air conditioning and pound keys until this day comes to an end. Then, I drive to the d-mart, park and wait for the mid week meeting to begin. After the meeting, I climb into the rear of the jammer and become one with the horizontal.

Awake, rise, dress in my spring blues. I step outside to open the rear lift door and stow some dirty clothes into my laundry bag and notice the waning crescent moon in the sky with only about fifteen percent illuminated, indicating that we have enterred the beginning of the week long period of celestial Occultaions. The sun had already arrived within sight causing the entire horizon to glow with and orange brightness. Too, this day is now fully illuminated with light.

I climb back into the jammer, start the engine and proceed upon my recently established route to the coffee shop where I follow my long established routine of coffee, com and computer.

By the end of this day, I have completed a new page that will hold an Astronomical Calendar for the year, one with I hope to be able to update and have ready for each year to come. Finally, I turn off the computer, pack out and drive to the d-mart for another night of rest.

Awake, rise, dress in my spring blues, notice that the sky is full of clouds, start the jammer engine and drive one mile west to the cafe where I carry my computer bag inside for coffee, food, com and key pounding. Today, I work on updating my eclipse map with the altitudes and azimuths at the several viewing locations.

Once that information is added, I then share the map to my phone and methinks, "This umbraphile is ready for the next eclipse."

The day wears on and the sun dives for the horizon signaling to me that I must needs pack out, drive to the d-mart and take up my place among the other overnighters who make this city and this department store their place to overnight. My time here is fast approaching its end as I will after this total solar eclipse, I will resume my northbound journey on.

Awaken by my alarm, having slept through until then, rise, dress in my spring blues, start the jammer and do not see any moon in the sky whatsoever. I then drive to the w-mart, walk in, sit down and turn on my computer. Soon afterwards, I walk to the counter and use my star rewards to buy a cup of coffee. Once I have returned to my seat, I begin pounding keys and start my journal entry for today. Next, I once again revisit my eclipse coordinates map and add additional information at a couple of the coordinates previously recorded.

Also, I check the Google map app and find another w-mart and d-mart that is so much closer to the centerline of the Path of Totality, so I pack out of the Copperas Cove w-mart and drive to Lampasas, Texas. Along US 190, when getting very close to the Centerline of the Path of Totality, I see a Kingdom Hall and pull into the parking lot. However, since it is still about a half hour before ten this morning, there is no one here yet and so I drive into town and stop at the w-mart so as to get online and connect with the Zoom app to the Harlingen, Texas congregation. The meeting begins right at ten this morning and starts with the Watchtower Bible Study first. I find out later that the speaker, coming from Pharr, Texas had difficulty arriving to the hall. So, the friends had accommodated him and had the Bible study first. I continue on the Zoom app until nearly noon, when I say goodbye to the friends and take my leave.

I next return to my key pounding and work on my web site pages, working through the day until the sun once again drops toward the horizon and then, shortly after seven, I pack out of the w-mart and drive back east on US 190 to the d-mart.

Awake, rise, dress in my spring blues, start the jammer engine and drive one mile east on US 190 to the Kingdom Hall but find the driveway blocked with traffic cones, so I choose not to stop here today. I return west on US 190 back into town and then upon arriving at US 281, I turn left and drive south.

Immediately, I see Hancock Spring Park and stop briefly to see what the amenities are here. For the most park, the park is not open but likely it will be as soon as it warms up. There is a spring fed swimming pool, but it is cold water only. There are several walks, bridges over Sulphur Creek, a stone dam, and a golf course. I find that the bath house is not open, so, I do not stay but continue south on US 181.

As I travel southwest along the centerline of the Path of Totality, I stop and examine its road crossings in search of the perfect place to hole up and view the total eclipse. However, I have been seeing along the route that signs have been located stating "No parking on the roadway." Also, I have been seeing many of the businesses doing just like I saw the Kingdom Hall do, that is putting up a barrier to keep vehicles from entering and the people using their property to park and view the eclipse. I continue south some twenty-two miles and arrive in Burnet and here also, I see the eclipse insanity has taken hold of the locals, with businesses setting up parking lots for eclipse viewing, yes, but only after paying the parking fee, which I have seen to be as much as fifty dollars. Many of the parking locations have portable toilets, and food vendors set up to sell their concoctions. Truly, everyone is out to make a buck!

Next, I turn right onto SH 29 and drive west out of Burnet, pass Inks Lake State Park and even try to get in for a hot shower but there is a sign stating the park is full. I then continue west on SH 29 and come to the Texas Colorado River driving over the new State Highway 29 bridge above Inks Lake and see the Old State Highway 20 bridge built in 1925. I take several photos of the steel structure and hope to add the photos to my bridge gallery soon.

Next, I continue west on SH 29 and I begin to wonder if my brother Barry has made it up into the Path of Totality, so I call him and like most times, I get his voice message. I leave a brief message and in just a little while, he calls me back. During our conversation, he asks me where I located, probably thinking that I am still in northeast Texas somewhere near Sulphur Springs, Texas. I was actually there the last time we communicated. When I tell him that I am just now driving into Llano, Texas, he responds, You are just twenty miles north of where I am. We talk a little longer and after he confirms with his family, he tells me to come on down to Willow City, Texas.

When I arrive at the front entrance gate of Kevin and Wendy′s home, I see Barry leaning against a gate post waiting for me. Kevin sets up some chairs outside on the front lawn for our party and we all take a seat, eclipse glasses in hand and begin talking and visiting with each other. Kevin wonders if we have met before and I tell him, yes, I met you when you were a young child but I have never met your wife nor you two kids. Of course, his two kids are now grown adults who have graduated from college.

When the total eclipse arrived at the first event at 12:17 CDT, called by astronomers C1, we all begin to look through our own eclipse glasses looking for the first indent that the moon makes into the disk of the sun. Soon, someone says out loud, I see it! In no time, the divot begins to grow, but only very slowly and the moon proceeds to move from the right (west) side of the sun across the face toward the left (east) side.

Then, the moon reaches the second event at 13:34 CDT, called by astronomers C2, which is point the leading edge of the shadow arrives, and that is when the surrounding area begins to turn dark. However, when the darkness first started, I thought that is had already arrived because it was already darker than the last eclipse I experienced and assumed it was already in total. However, Barry said, No, we are not in the total, we are still in the Diamond Ring effect. Then, almost as soon as he finished saying those words, the sky when totally dark.

Wow, was this a first for me to see this type of total darkness, so much more so than in 21 August 2017 with my last Path of Totality. I could honestly say that this time was ten times darker that it was then.

When I drove out of the gate and turned north on SH 16, I drive north back to Llano, Texas, and then follow SH 29 east to Burnet, Texas, where I turn left and drive north to Lampasas, Texas. Here, I turn away from the centerline of the Path and drive northwest on US 84 and continue driving until I arrive in Brownwood, Texas, where I pull into the d-mart and park for the night.

Yes, upon arriving at Brownwood, Texas, I have driven out of the Path of Totality and anyone seeing this eclipse in this area would have only seen a partial eclipse, not a total eclipes.

Awake, dump my garbage, drive to the w-mart, park, carry my computer bag inside and begin a long day of pounding keys and working of various pages but mostly updating my journal entries. At six-thirty this evening, I upload my work and then start getting ready to move back to the d-mart for the night.

Still, I have not taken the time to crop and edit my photos of the eclipse event, but it is a high priority.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, climb into the front of the jammer, start the engine and drive slowly to the garbage receptacle to toss my trash. I then drive out of the d-mart, turn onto US 84 and begin my drive to Abilene. I have been heading this direction for a time now, and I believe that today I will finally make it here. I turn on my GPS, and key in Abilene State Park, and then secondly, the w-mart on Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene, Texas and then press, GO! The GPS informs me that the total driving time is just more than one and a half hours with a distance of upwards of 90 miles.

During my drive, I purposely make this day′s journey longer by stopping along the way to take photos of the still numerous wildflowers along the route. I have to say that this has been the longest I have ever seen the wildflowers blooming. Because of this extended bloom period as well as an ever increasing species along the roadside, the two hours that I took today to drive first west to the state park and secondly north to the cafe where I will be overnighting tonight, seemed to take two hours. Yeah, driving is driving and it takes the time it takes.

My first stop was at Abilene State Park, where I pull in through to the entrance headquarters, park and go inside to get my day permit. Once the permit is stuck inside to the windshield on the drivers side, I drive to the first shower house in the Cedar Grove loop, which has always been a medium hot shower, but, methinks, medium hot is better than none. I talk with another camper who when we are talking about camping, mentions that he is learning about the "Less is More" philosophy. ² I reply that I have written a section in my book about this subject titled "Want verses Need" and show him my business card so that he can photograph it. I then climb into the jammer, leave the park and drive the final fifteen miles of this day.

My next stop is at the Taco Bueno Mexican food restaurant where I order two bean burritos for my evening meal, which I add from the condiment bar two scoops of chopped yellow onions, two scoops of chopped vegetable salsa and a scoop of medium hot sause to each of the burritos. I then sit down and enjoy the first of such burritos since 13 TS) when I was in Lufkin, Texas where I know of another location of Taco Bueno. That is way too long to wait between these superior burritos.

After my meal, I pack out, climb back into the jammer and drive literally across the road, which roadway is called Buffalo Gap Road and into the parking lot of the w-mart. I suspect that I will be here for one, maybe two days before I begin my driving to several recently learned about free campgrounds with electricity located in two of the Panhandle Plains ecoregions: (1) the Western High Plains and (2) the Central Great Plains. These campgrounds, which number about ten all allow overnighting from one to five free stays and all have electricity and water hookups. Some even have hot showers. Methinks, due to this, that I will not stay long here in Abilene.

I begin working on my photos from the eclipse, cropping and putting links into the eclipse page and then uploading the photos and updated pages to the web server. I was making good progress and then I here someone from behind me say the words, Truth Book. I turned to see three girls talking to a man and over hear that it is a spiritual discussion between the three girls and the man. Sometime later, the man leaves to buy a drink and I walk back to talk with the girl who said Truth Book. When I questioned her, she said Yes, I did say Truth Book and then pointed to the one book lying on the table, The Book of Mormon. I was somewhat surprised as I was fully expecting her to be one of Jehovah′s Witnesses, but she said This is the Truth Book! I then commented, I am one of Jehovah′s Witnesses and I asked you about that book because Jehovah′s Witnesses have a published, copyrighted book with the title, "Truth Book" I then walked away and returned to my seat, however, I continue to eavesdrop on the conversation hearing the man, question several of their teaching.

I then silently said a prayer and ask Jehovah for intervention and direction for me to know if He wants me to witness to this man. I prayed, "If it is your desire for me to witness to this person, please have the three Mormons walk out first and then have the man walk past my table." In a few minutes, I hear the three girls say their good byes, stand up and the push their chairs back under the table. Soon after, I see all three walk out the door, after which, I turn and speak to the man, "Can I speak with you for a minute?" to which he says yes and then sits down next to me. I tell him that my name is Thom to which he informs me that his is Brandon.

I tell him about how I had prayed to God for directions and even how God answered my prayer exactly as I had request for Him to. A conversation ensues and soon, I am telling him about the hope that I have from the Bible. I open my Bible and read the account of Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch in eight chapter of Acts. I explain that it was by divine providence that God directed Phillip to the Ethiopian and that I feel it that same direction from God that got us together.

We talk for quite a long time during which he asks a lot of very good questions, and when I give him scriptural answers he readily accepts the Bible truth, and that in spite of whether he need to change his belief or not. Later, he asks me if I am going to come back here tomorrow. I reveal to him that I am one of Jehovah′s Witnesses, that I am a full time traveler, and then I tell him that I will stay here for as long and it is necessary for me to help him.

Much later, after he has received a call from his girl friend, he excuses himself and leaves. I then get out my journal and complete this day′s journal before departing the w-mart my self.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, climb forward into the drivers seat, start the jammer and drive to the w-mart parking lot, where I park, gram by computer bag, walk in and take my seat to begin pounding key to start my journal entry for today.

I remain in the w-mart all days, just in cast Brandon came back for more Bible discussion but do not see him here at all today.

Then, at seven-twenty this evening, I turn on the Zoom app and connect to the Harlingen Airport Congregation and listen in to the meeting. Afterwards, like it happens most mid-week meetings, no one want to visit so, I leave the Zoom meeting. I then pack out of the w-mart, return to the jammer and drive to the adjacent parking lot to park for the night. Too, like previous overnights here, there are a lot of loud vehicles.

Awake for my second morning here in Abilene, Texas and drive onto Buffalo Gap Road and then immediately back into the w-mart parking lot where I park in the space near the side door. I then grab my computer bag and go inside for my regular coffee, com and key pounding. I work on a lot of my web pages, changing them all to include the current update.

All day long, I keep looking up to see if Brandon has come into the cafe, but atlas, he does not. So because he has not return, methinks that Satan has influence someone to persuaded him not to talk to me anymore. That is just how the devil works, he uses whoever he can to stop you from learning the truth of God′s Word. Well, I did give him my phone number and other contact information, so, if he decides he wants to talk more, he will contact me.

Still, I continue here in the cafe until about seven before I pack out, drive to the Taco Bueno for my two bean burritos meal. It is funny, when I first began going to this restaurant, I could get the two burritos meal for less than two dollars. Now, I have to pay more than five dollars for the same meal. After eating, I drive back across Buffalo Gap Road to the shopping center parking lot and stop in my preferred location for the night.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, start the jammer engine, drive out of the parking lot and drive north on US 83/US 277 out of Abilene, through Anson, after which I leave US 83, take US 277 to the right, through Stamford to Haskell, Texas where I locate the city RV park. Once I arrive here, I find it very quite even though there is a baseball tournament going on next door with screaming fans. I ask one of the RVers about the park and how to get the access code for the bathroom. She tells me that I can take any of the thirty empty RV sites and also gets the code for me. I then get out my shower bag and towel, after which I walk to the shower house for a hot shower.

Upon entering the shower house, I find it very dirty, and nearly disgusting, which trash everywhere and nothing having been cleaned for a long time. The water is a medium hot, so at leased that is a good feature and I take my shower, get dressed and leave the shower house. Upon selecting a campsite, I find this too to be unkempt with weeds growing high everywhere. Once I plug in, I begin using my Campsite Rating System (CRS) to give this campground a rating, but find that I must needs create several more new lines in my CRS specifically for this and like campgrounds with limited free stays that I have only recently become aware of.

I start with two lines in section A, Camping Costs: (FL) Limited Free Camping, then $10.00 or less; (FM) Limited Free Camping, then $10,01 or more. This will allow me to rate all of the new campgrounds with limited free camping. Next, and especially because of the Haskell RV park, I must needs add a rating line in section B, Shower Options: (DS) Unkempt, Dirty Shower House because this is the absolute worse shower house that I have ever been in and it looks like it has not been cleaned for weeks if not months. Too, I create in Section D, Shelter Options and new line: (UK) Unkempt, dirty, excess weed in Campsite. Again, in the case of Haskell RV Park, there are places where the weeds have grown to over two feet high. This to me shows that there has been not upkeep anywhere in the park for a long time. Then, I count all of the ratings that apply and I come up with a CRS of zero and I will put this campground in the Free Camping section of the Campsite Index. However, when it comes to creating a separate campsite page for these Limit Stay Free Campsites, I will only create a separate campsite page is the campground is worthy of my returning to camp here again. As for Haskell City RV Park campground, I don′t think that I will ever return, now even with the medium hot shower available, because all I have to do before I travel out of my way here, is to stop at a state park, such as I did at Abilene State Park for a free shower. Too, I can get an electric site there for twelve dollars per night.

As I sit here in the jammer, I see two horse people walking their horses through the park, others I see walking with their children through the park. There is also a dog that is nonstop barking. Then, by two this afternoon, I prepare a tuna salad for me to eat, opening a carton of coconut milk for my drink and as I begin to eat, with the temperature soaring up into the low 80s, I notice that the dog has now stopped barking. The temperature rises all the way up to 90 degrees before it begins to come back down about seven-thirty.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, start my journal entry for today and the pack out of this campground. By eight this morning, I drive south out of Haskell, Texas on US 277 and head back to Abilene, arriving a little before nine this morning, drive to the w-mart, park and carry my computer bag inside.

Then at almost two this afternoon, I pack out to the jammer, start the engine and drive north on US 84, then west at South First Street, and continue on US 84 west for four miles where it turns into IH 20 and from here drive 143 miles to a w-mart in Midland, Texas, which is an extremely hot two hour drive. When I arrive at the w-mart, I park, carry my computer bag inside the air conditioned cafe pound keys while I sip on a large glass of ice water. As I pull into the w-mart, I tell myself, Yes, you have been to this location at least once before.

However, I do not remember when I was here or weather my journey was northbound or southbound, but I do remember being here, and seeing this same Great-tailed grackle walking about outside pecking at the gravel for some tidbits to eat. I stay here for the rest of this day, inside in the cold air while outside, the dry desert temperature is in the low 90s. Too, it is a good thing this cafe is open until late here, all the way to ten this evening. However, when looking at the forecast, the morning lows for the next couple of days are suppose to be down to the middle 50s, which will make it easier for me to sleep. Too, methinks, this is the latest date that I have remained in Texas and the hot daytime temperatures really reflect it.

After remaining inside until after the sun sets, I then pack out, drive across the street to the d-mart, find a place to park and then climb into the rear of the jammer for another night.

Awake, drive to the trash receptacle to dump my garbage and then exit the parking lot, drive south on SH 349 two blocks and then turn right onto IH 20 but remain on the frontage road for about five miles because the interstate is under construction. I continue west and eventually enter the interstate and soon after leave the highway at exit 121 where I return to the frontage road and take the first right onto SH Loop 338 and drive north.

My GPS has me turn left at University Blve and then right onto University of Texas at Permiam Basin (UTPB) Main Road and drive north to UTPB Circle and turn right again until I arrive at the parking lot for the Stonehenge Replica. I find that this reproduction was built as a replica from the how original monument looks currently, which is in ruins in Southern England.

Methinks, although I am impressed with the mammoth stones being set up to look like the current stonehenge, I would have thought that to build one with all the original stones in place and functional would have been more practical. Still, to each his own is the old proverb and I can not fault the local builders from building what they thought was the best idea.

Next, I return to driving on what I have begun to call the Texas Panhandle Limited-free Campground Trail. My direction from Odessa, Texas is first, north on US 385 to Andrews, Texas and check out the Andrews Chambers of Commerce LFC RV park and find it lacking one important thing, a restroom. It is very clean but I just will not stay here without a toilet. I continue, this time northeast to Lamesa, Texas to check out the LFC site and find this one worst than Haskell, Texas. I leave Lamesa and drive northwest to Brownfield, Texas where I find it to be nice, but again, no rest room and notice that there is no water hookup in this section of campsites. I do plug into the 20 amp electrical outlet to charge my batteries. Then, at about three-thirty, I pack out, unplug, and drive north on US 395 again, but only for a short time because I decide that what I was looking and hoping for while in the Texas Panhandle on this Limited-free Camping Trail just has not materialized.

So, I take the US 62 exit towards Lubbock. Methinks that the main concern that I have is there not being a restroom at any of the city park campgrounds that I have stopped at today. Since I have been previously camping mostly at State Park, I suppose that I have just gotten use to having a restroom. Further, most just do not have anything else, not any picnic tables, or fire pit, nor grills. I don′s believe that I will be continuing on this Free Camping Trail for much longer.

At about four this afternoon, I arrive in Lubbock, Texas, drive to the w-mart and go inside for some of that air conditioned comfort. Too, I do not think that I will stay here in this area of Texas but soon, move to the very northern part of the Panhandle. After the sun sets, and it becomes dark outside, I pack out and begin looking for a place to overnight.

I find a side street in a nearby neighborhood where I can park which is remarkably quite and after I put up my window shades, I climb into the rear of the jammer and close my eyes.

Awake, drive down the street and then back down the street to the w-mart, park, grab my computer bag and go inside for coffee, com and key pounding. I stay inside for this entire day, and decide that since there is a Wienerschnitzel two blocks up the road, I will stay another night here in town so that I can have a Polish Sandwich for my supper tonight.

After I purchase my evening meal, I drive down 80th street and park on the alley near the local Kingdom Hall, but on the opposite side of the street than I did before. I find this location to be a very quite place and I sleep good during the night.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, start the jammer engine and drive south on University Avenue to 82nd Street and turn right, then drive west for two miles to Quaker Avenue and pull into the parking lot of the w-mart here. I realized that this cafe on Quaker Avenue is th one which I frequented a year ago on my northbound migration. Methinks, this location is where I stayed about nine days before I drove north to Palo Duro for a much needed hot shower. It is very likely that I will be doing the same thing this year when I leave Lubbock this time.

Awake after sleeping late, dress in my spring blues, climb into the driver′s seat, start the jammer and the leave the parking lot to drive south on Quaker Avenue the two blocks to the w-mart. I then pull in, park next to a tree and then walk inside with my computer bag for my coffee, com and key pounding. I stay here all morning while working on my web pages until about one this afternoon when a man walks up to me, introduces himself as John, says that he is a teacher and coach and says that he has a question for me. He apparently had seen my Bible and wanted answers to some questions he had.

Methinks, this is no coincidence because like God directed Phillip to the Ethiopian eunuch, God has likewise made this meeting happen, by directing me to stay at this location longer than I had envisioned. To sweeten the the pot even more, when I checked to see what the weather forecast for this area is like, the daytime temperatures have dropped from the high 80s to the 60s and 70s with nighttime temperatures also dropping from the 60s into the 40s and 50s. In fact, the weather for this next week here is exactly what I was hoping for it to be.

John had told me that he has been searching for the Bible truth most of his life, has forsaken the Churches of Christendom and had been ostracized by his family and friends. To that, I replied that I had much the same experience in life until I learned The Truth from the Faithful and Wise Slave. Then, I waited for some time for him to ask me the right question, the same question that Jesus said to his disciples which has been recorded at both Luke 12:42 and Matthew: 24:45. Who then is the faithful and wise servant?

John had previously asked me if I was a Catholic, or a Baptist, to which I replied No to both. It took some time before he finally did ask the right question and to which I told him that I am one of Jehovah′s Witnesses. John continue to ask more questions until some time after two this afternoon, then excused himself and left. I remained seated at my table and kept pounding keys the rest of this day.

Awake a little later this morning, arise, get dressed, climb into the driver&preime;s seat, start the jammer engine and drive first to the garbage container to dispose of my trash. This d-mart does not have any in their parking lot, but has a couple containers near the entrance doors. Next, I leave the store, drive onto Quaker Avenue and ahead south the few blocks to 82nd Street and arrive at the w-mart. After parking beside their one tree, I carry my computer bag and cup inside for another day of coffee, com and key pounding.

Another day in the Texas panhandle, just waiting for the current cold front to pass through.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, drive to the w-mart and go inside for coffee, com and computer. At nine-fifty this morning, I connect to the Harlingen congregation and take in the meeting. Afterwards, I continue working on the Stonehenge pages.

I continue here until after dark and then I drive back to the d-mart and park here for one more night.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, start the jammer and drive next door to the fuel mart to fill my gasoline tank. Then, I drive out of the parking lot, drive south on Quaker Avenue to 82nd Street, turn right and drive past the w-mart until I arrive at Slide Road where I turn right and drive north to 73rd Street and turn into the hf-mart to purchase a couple of food items for my pantry.

When I am done with my grocery shopping, I leave the mart, continue to drive north on Slide Road until I arrive at SH Loop 289, drive east and when I arrive at US 87, take the northbound exit and drive through Lubbock and out of north side of town on IH 27. I continue north for about one hundred miles and the take exit 103 and continue due north on S. Washington Street until I arrive at SH 217 and then drive the nine miles to the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, get my day pass permit and then drive to the Hackberry loop shower house for some much needed hot water. After I don some clean clothes, I then begin my drive back north out of the campground.

However, like I have been know to do many previous visits here to this state park, I stop at the Trading Post and have one of their world famous burgers. Methinks, what makes them so good is that they have a fresh salad bar with all the fixings just for dressing their sandwiches and burgers. After my meal, I finish driving out of the state park, back to Washington Street where I turn right and drive north.

Just a few miles later, I arrive at SH loop 335, turn right and follow the loop all the way around Amarillo until I arrive at where it intersects US 60. Here I turn right once again and drive northeast, through the town of Panhandle, Texas, then White Deer, Texas and finally arrive in Pampa, where I drive to the Pampa city RV park hoping to find one that has a restroom that is not disgusting, like so many other city RV parks here in the panhandle of Texas have proved to be. It turns out, the city park in Pampa, Texas is just that, it has a totally disgusting rest room.

I leave the RV park, drive into the city of Pampa and stop at a w-mart to connect to WiFi so that I can write my journal entry for today and upload it to my website. I finish doing this at about eight the evening, then I pack out and drive the thirty or so miles to Borger, Texas. Driving through Borger, I see a wall mural and stop for a photo. Then, I continue through town and turn right onto SH 136 and begin driving west, see a w-mart along this road and continue until I arrive at the local d-mart.

I pull in to the parking lot, find a good place to park, put up my window shades and climb into the rear of the jammer for the evening.

Awake, rise and dress. Then, I climb into the driver′s seat, start the jammer engine and drive out of the parking lot, back into town and then to southward several blocks to the city RV parking lot. Here I find that there are about ten campsites with water and electric hookups but there is no restroom in the RV park. However, across the street in the adjacent Huber Park are both restrooms and portable potties. I would have preferred to have the facilities a little closer, but at least this Limited-free campsite has then somewhat near.

Awake, rise, dress, drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. Then, when the sun goes down, I pack out of the w-mart, drive to the d-mart to rest for the night.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, start the jammer and drive to the w-mart for another day of coffee, com and key pounding. Then, as the sun begins to drop through the cloudy skies and the day nears its end, I connect using the Zoom app to the South Texas congregation and listen in on another really good meeting with lots of insight for me to think about.

The, long after the darkness has already fallen on this extreme northern Texas dust town, I pack out of the w-mart, return to my vehicle and drive back again to the d-mart where I will spend another evening of rest.

Awake, rise, dress, step outside to walk to the garbage can to deposit my trash and then return to the jammer. After starting the engine, I drive to the w-mart, park, gather my things and walk inside to set up my computer on the table next to the wall receptacle and plug in. Next, I walk to the counter to use my reward stars to purchase a medium black coffee and with the coffee, I sit down to check my my com after which I start my journal entry for this day. Then, I resume my work in the Wayƒarers Passage on Episode One which I have been doing for most of my time here in Borger, Texas.

After the sun sets, I pack out and drive to the d-mart where I will overnight for one more night because tomorrow I will drive north to Stinnet, Texas to look for a limited-free campsite with a clean restroom.

Awake, dress, drive closer to the d-mart and go inside to use the rest room after which, I drive back east on SH 136 to the traffic circle in Borger and then north on SH 136 through what turns out to be canyon country.

Immediately I think that I must soon be crossing the Canadian River. Yep, I drive down into the river valley and cross a bridge with a stream of water no wider that two feet. I continue north on SH 136 and soon arrive in Stinnett, Texas, a small north panhandle community.

About one hundred yards west of the state highway on MacKensie Street, I locate the city RV park, pull into the city hall, get out to go in but find it closed. A woman talking with a police officer asks to help me and I tell her that I desire to overnight in the RV park. She replies that it would be OK for me to do so, and tells me that it is free for only three days. I reply by telling her that I know that and show her the listing for this city RV park in the Texas Public Campgrounds Guide. She tells me that she did not know it had a listing and says that if I am still here Monday morning, stop by the City Hall and let us know you are still here. I ask about the restroom and she tells me that the building has been closed due to vandalism but there is a restroom at the c-mart next to the state highway.

I then drive across the street, pull into space one and plug in my electrical cord. Then, I climb into the rear of the jammer check for WiFi but find none, so I turn my phone hot spot on and connect my computer to it. I am surprised that I have very good phone reception here. I then walk to the store and find that they have a very clean restroom, which should suffice for one night. Returning to my campsite, I then chop up some fresh vegetables to make a salad and eat the salad with a can on pole caught tuna.

After cleaning up my dishes, I the work on my website until it becomes dark outside, when I then get into the horizontal to read and relax for the rest of the evening.

Awake, arise, turn on my computer and begin my daily journal entry. Then, I turn my attention to writing three long past due thank-you cards and when done writing, I adorn each envelope with an address and a stamp. I then place the three cards on the drivers seat so that I will have them when I drive by the next post office. Next, I open my JW Library app and begin my study for the meeting later today and when it begins, I am right there with the friends.

Then, the meeting ends and I talk for a while with some of the friends and two comment about my beard, comparing it to the subject of the WT study today, Lessons we can learn from the Nazirites. I soon say my goodbyes and return to the work on my web page unill it becomes about one-thirty this afternoon. Then, I drive to the Post Office and deposit the three letters in the outgoing mail slot. Next, I drive back to the RV campground and stop at the c-mart to get a bag of popcorn and two bean burritos, return to the campground and pull back into space one. I then climb into the rear of the jammer and eat my afternoon meal.

Afterwards and since the temperature is now rising into the 70s, I climb back out of the jammer, grab my liquid soap and cookpost, walk to the water spigot, fill up the cookpot and pour the water over my head. Then I squirt soap in my hand and rub it into my hair. When the soap has a good lather, the scrub vigorously for a couple of minutes and the pour more water over my head to rinse. It takes three cookpotfulls to rinse all the soap out and then I return to the jammer to stow my gear back in their places. Then, I grab my towel, blot and rub untill my hair no longer drips with wet.

After climbing back into the jammer, I return to pounding keys and updating today′s journal entry. After I get to this spot, I put up my window shades and lie down for a nap. I did not sleep long at all but got up and see that my neighbor has stepped out of his van and has his hood open. I walk over to his space, greet him and ask if he is having trouble. He tells me that it has been over heating and I tell him that I know a little about repairing vehicles. I ask him to tell me what the symptoms are and ask several questions, which lead me to asking him, have you had antifreeze leaking inside the van in the front near the passenger seat. When he says, By the way, I have found it leaking their., I am able to tell him that he needs to replace the heater core. We talk for a time longer, I find that his name is Stewart and that he is currently living in this town. We also begin talking about the Bible and I am able to show him several verses which help him to understand more of the truth.

We finally say good night and I return to my van to wrap up today′s journal writing before climb into the horizontal and closing my eyes.

Awake, rise and dress in my summer blues. Upon looking out the side window, I see that Stewart is packing out and drives away. Then I work on and finish the update to my Tommy Michel Wayƒarer page, after which, I upload the page to the website server. Next, I unplug my electrical cord, stow it in its place and get the jammer ready for travel. Once everything is back in its place, I climb into the drivers seat and drive two blocks to the c-mart for a cup of coffee. I then get a text from Stewart asking me if I would like to help him replace the heater core on his van, but I respond by asking him if he has already bought the part and he tells me no. I replay that it will have to be ordered and could take seven to ten days and that I am not going to just hang out with him for a week or more. Instead, I will be driving to Dumas for my next overnight stop. I also tell him to get out the repair manual that he has and read through the section on how to replace the part, after which, he should get under the dash and see if he can see the area and parts that are being described in the manual. (I had already told him to do that last evening but when I asked him if he had done so, he told me no, he hadn′t.

I wished him well, said good bye, then hung up the phone and leave the c-mart. Next, I drive out of town west on SH 152 towards Dumas, Texas for my next overnight stop. The drive west is a thirty mile route through some very flat north Texas panhandle lands along oil field operations and plenty of center pivot irrigation systems with bright green growing crops.

Awake, rise, step out of the jammer and do my morning walk to the restroom. Then I return to the jammer, take a few last photos of this park, unplug and exit Texhoma Park, turn right onto US 87 and drive west twenty-four miles to Hartley, Texas where I take the southbound exit onto US 385 and drive another eighty miles to Hereford, Texas. During the southbound US 385, I drive by the Boys Ranch, the place that, Carl, a friend of mine has said that is where he went to school in the sixties. Continuing south on US 385, I arrive Hereford, Texas, come to US 60, where I turn left and immediately arrive at the w-mart where I pull in, park, carry my computer bag inside and order a cup of coffee.

I remain inside the cafe all day to stay out of the heat outside, which goes into the high 80s in the afternoon. I leave the w-mart before the sun sets, with the temperature still in the 80s but expect it to drop into the mid to low 70s right after the sunset. I drive north about a two miles to locate 14th street and soon find the city RV park, pull in and find only one campsite available. I check the 20 amp electrical receptacle but I can not get it to work, so I ask the person next to me if I can plug in to their receptacle. After getting the OK, I plug in and set up my van, opening all the windows to get a cross breeze.

Next, I walk about one hundred yards to the restroom and find the doors unlocked but the toilets broken and clogged. I do not have a good opinion about any of these panhandle city RV park, as nearly all do not have any maintenance nor housekeeping in their parks and if there is a restroom, it is rarely working and even then, totally disqusting. Tomorrow is suppose to be the hot day this week, rising up into the low 90s, but the temperature will begin to drop by soon after.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, step outside to unplug and pack out. Then, I climb into the drivers seat, start the jammer and drive out of the city RV park back to US 395, turn left and drive south to US 60, left again and then turn into the w-mart parking lot. Soon, I am sitting at a table with my computer plugged in, sipping coffee and pounding keys.

Before noon today, the temperature rises over 80 degrees, and I step up to the cafe counter and ask for a hot coffee refill. Then, I sit back down at my table and continue pounding keys while outside, the temperature continues to rise throughout the afternoon.

I remain in the cafe until long after sunset and almost until nine this evening before packing out and driving to the d-mart to park. At least at this time the temperature is tolerable, and I am able to get into the horizontal soon after arriving.

Awake, gather my bearings and then step outside to deposit a bag of trash that I have accumulated. Then, I return to the jammer, sit in the drivers seat, start the engine and drive south on US 395 through Hereford, Texas to US 60, turn left and pull into the w-mart feeling déjà vu the entire way. Once I arrive at the cafe, I put up my window shades, grab my computer bag and walk inside for another day of key pounding.

At this moment, there is nothing chiseled in stone, but methinks I will remain here until the meeting on Sunday, after which I will drive across the New Mexico state line and into the Mountain Time zone with my next destination at the Montezuma Hot Springs, which is a drive of some four hours westward. However, since I am less than fifty miles from another hot shower in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, I have been considering driving there again before leaving Texas.

Knowing quite well that a hot springs is obviously better than any hot shower, but I also know that the hot shower at the state park is a sure thing, where as the Montezuma hot springs was closed the last time I tried to go there and soak. So, after working through my options in this journal, I have come to the conclusion and now I am ready to get out my hammer and chisel to inscribe in my stone-tablet the route for my next several days.

At seven-thirty this evening, the meeting begins with me listening in. There is a memorable video about singing songs in our meetings which I particularly enjoy and at the end the narrator informs us about an upcoming part two. Yes, I look forward to the part two. After the meeting, I drive to the d-mart to overnight again here in Hereford, Texas.

Awake and see a thick fog which has saturated the outside of the jammer but yet it is not raining. I dress in my spring blues, climb into the driver′s seat and start the engine. Then, I leave the d-mart parking lot and turn right onto US 385 and drive south the two miles through town to US 60 where I turn left and then into the parking lot of the w-mart.

Today, I see a couple groups of witnesses come into the cafe for what appears to be a break from their work in the ministry. Also included in the groups is the circuit overseer and his wife. I greet all of the friends and talk with them for a short time.

Finally, when my day comes to an end, which is about nine this evening, I drive back to the d-mart parking lot and take up my space adjacent to the same island.

Awake, step outside to dump my garbage in the receptacle, the return to the jammer, start the engine and drive south on US 385 to the intersection with US 60, turn left and then enter the parking lot of the w-mart. I park, grab my computer bag and go inside for another day of key pounding.

At about seven-thirty, I am ready to pack out and when I do, I walk to the jammer, start the engine and then drive to a location for something to eat, after which, I drive to the d-mart to park and eat my evening meal.

However, when I arrive at 14th Street, I turn right and drive to the city RV park to see if there is an opening so that I can plug in my battery charger. When I arrive, I find the park complete empty, void of all overnighters, so I pull into space number 1, park, step out of the jammer and plug my extension cord into the 20 amp receptacle. After that, I climb into the back to watch videos until I am ready to sleep.

Before I do get to sleep, I hear rain drops hitting the roof of the jammer, not a hard rain and it does not last very long, but it is a welcome relief from the extreme dry weather here in the Texas panhandle.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, step out of the jammer, unplug my electrical cord. wind it up and stow it in place. Then, I climb back into the driver′s seat, start the jammer and drive south on US 385 to US 60 and soon find myself parked at the w-mart and inside pounding keys while sipping coffee. During my coffee sipping, a sister from Oak Harbor sends me a text to check how I am doing, to which I text back that I am fine, especially under the protection of our God Jehovah.

Later, I stop, open up my WT Library app to begin my pre-study of the Bible study for today, Keep following Jehovah′s Guidance.

Afterwards, I continue work on my work of updating my web site until it becomes dark outside and only then pack out and drive to my space at the d-mart where I have been for overnighting for many days. Upon arriving, parking, and only after climbing into the rear of the jammer, I decide what my next move will be and that tomorrow morning and I will not go back to the state park east of here, but instead, I will drive to the hot springs on the Gallinas River in New Mexico. Yes, it is only now, late this night and after I have got into the horizontal that tomorrow′s route course has been chiseled onto my stone-tablet.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, climb into the driver′s seat and drive to the af-mart which is adjacent to the d-mart parking lot to fill up my fuel tank. I also check my oil and must needs add a quart to bring the level up to the full line. Once the gasoline pump stops, I stow the filler handle, close the hood and then get back into the jammer. After, I start the engine, I drive out to US 385 and instead of turning right to drive south through Hereford, Texas, I turn left to leave Hereford and drive north on the highway some twenty-eight miles to IH 40 where I turn left onto the interstate highway and drive west which is also the Historic Route 66. After thirty-six miles, I cross the state line into New Mexico.

I continue west on IH 40 another thirty-six miles to Tucumcari where I take the business route through town to see the Historic Route 66, but this is probably one of the worse downtown Route 66 that I have seen. I then continue west on the IH 40 through Santa Rosa and further west until I arrive at the US 84 exit where I turn here and continue on US 84 north, which was the Historic US Route 66 before 1937. Soon after, I cross the Pecos River and continue north on US 84 until it merges with IH 25.

I continue north on IH 25 until arriving in Las Vegas, New Mexico where I take exit 345 and take East University west to University Avenue, continue west to 7th Street, turn right and drive north to Mills Avenue where I turn left and drive southwest until I arrive at SH 65 which is the Hot Springs highway. Here I turn right and drive five miles until I arrive at the Montezuma Hot Springs.

When I arrive at the hot springs, I park, step out of the jammer and walk to the hot water, where I take off my shirt and long trousers. Still have both my underwear and walking shorts on, I climb down into the concrete pools and begin soaking. I remain here for more than two hours, maybe even as long as three hours before I pack out, walk back to the jammer, climb inside and change into dry underwear and shorts.

Next, I start the jammer and drive back into Las Vegas, New Mexico where I stop at a w-mart for a glass of water and to update my journal entry for today. When that is done, I then drive to the d-mart, park in a shady location and then get into the rear of the jammer to take a nap. Us old folks do that fairly often.

Louis, read Sunday′s 05 May entry again as I have changed it.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, drive to the af-mart to fill up my gasoline tank and then drive out of the parking lot and right onto 7th street only to immediately change into the left turn lane for turning onto Ledgend Drive. Then, I drive about one mile east to US 85 where I turn left again, which immediately, I drive under the interstate highway overpass and turn left once more to the entrance ramp to IH 25 driving north. I had only this morning looked at my route north and decided to drive to Loveland, Colorado, a trip of nearly four hundred mile that would take about six hours. So, I arise early to begin the long tiring drive.

The route would include taking my previously self-created Denver bypass route involving exiting IH 25 at Castle Rock, Colorado onto US 85 driving east until arriving at the West SR 470 (which route should eventually become IH 470 Loop)and drive first west, then north to cross IH 70, then cross US 40 and after that connect to westbound US 6, following it to Golden, Colorado where US 6 connects with SH 93. Here, I continue north on SH 93, while US 6 is routed west along Clear Creek to meet up again with IH 70 near Idaho Spring, Colorado.

Continuing north on SH 93, which, methinks will eventually become part of the IH 470 Loop and connect with the Northwest Parkway somewhere below Boulder, Colorado. The reason the IH 470 Loop has not been completed in the northwest area around Denver is that there is the very large Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge blocking the completion.

As I continue north along SH 93, but before I arrive in Boulder, Colorado, I leave SH 93, turn right on Table Mesa Drive cross over US 36 and immediately connect to SH 157, the Foothills Parkway and continue through the east-side suburbs northbound until SH 157 merges with SH 119, the Diagonal Highway. I then drive northeast along this state highway until in arrives at US 287. At this intersection, I turn left and drive north through Longmont, then Berthoud, and finally arrive in Loveland, Colorado.

Upon arriving in Loveland, I try several times to call Louis, a good friend of mine for many years, who with I have car camped together with several times. I believe the first time was in Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado during June and/or July 2017. However, I was not able to get in touch with him.

Tnen, I turn left on US 34, or West Eisenhower Blvd, also known as the Estes Park highway, or Rocky Mountain National Park highway and after driving only a short way, I arrive at the Dwayne Webster Veterans Park and pull in onto Grant Avenue, which is one of the street that border the park. When I arrive at West 13th Street, another border street, I turn right and find a place to park. A little later, after dark, I drive into the neighborhood and find a side street lined with six foot tall wooden fences and park in a dark spot. I then climb into the rear of the jammer, read for a while and watch a few videos until I fall asleep, which is a little before ten this evening.

I try again to contact Louis, but he still does not pick up.

Awake, drive to the d-mart on East Eisenhower Blvd and carry my computer bag inside, purchase a cup of coffee, set up my computer and immediately find the app where I have been communicating with my friend Louis, and I send his a text right away. Then, while I am waiting on him to reply, I continue pounding keys and working on both my web page and my online journal. Some time later, I get a notification that I have received a text message on the Messenger app, so I open it up and find it was from Louis who tells me that he received my message. I respond and let him know where I am and he replies that it is somewhat early for him and it will take about forty-five minutes before he can head my way. I continue to pound keys until he arrives and then stop and we begin to talk together, about old time, what is happening now and about future times in the paradise. We have much to talk about and I am so happy to be able to see and talk to my friend and brother.

Whenever I talk with a close friends, it is often that they will ask: Where are you going next? However, I find that question one extremely hard to answer with any certainty, because normally, my upcoming route is often unknown to me, normally not even known until just before I embark upon it. Thus, any path that I have yet to embark upon, whether tomorrow or the day after have not been been chiseled onto my stone-tablet, especially during these Last Days.

However, what I do often tell my friends, is that my annual journey involves four sections consisting of two journey on′s and two hiatuses. Currently, I am on my northbound journey on and expect to begin my summer hiatus some time in June upon arriving on Whidbey Island in northwest Washington.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. Then, at eight this morning, I drive to the hc-mart to acquire a hair cut. After that, I drive to the l-mart and put my dirty clothes into the 4X washer, which now costs $6.50, but at least, it is large enough to wash all of my laundry. Too, this l-mart has free WiFi and a computer table with a charging station, where I set up my computer and work while the machine washes my clothes. When it is done, I pack up my computer and then begin putting my clothes in the dryers. When the clothes are beginning to dry and I am pulling out clothes to put on hangers, Louis walks in and joins me.

After I am done folding and stowing my clothes in the van, Louis and I drive to a restaurant for something to eat, after which, he departs to go shopping and I return to the w-mart which is near to the restaurant where we have eaten. I then go inside and begin to pound keys.

Then, at about dark-thirty, I pack out of the w-mart, drive to the visitor parking near Louis′s apartment and proceed to stealth park for the night.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, drive to the w-mart, park, walk inside and begin pounding keys while I sip on my hot coffee. Some time later, I text Louis to invite him to come for coffee here at the w-mart and he says that he will after a couple of other stops that he needs to make first.

Louis arrives before noon and we again sit here and drink a cup of coffee while chatting. I do enjoy my visits with Louis and when he leaves, I tell him to let me know when he acquires a four wheeled vehicle and I will return so that we can both go camping up in the dispersed camping area near Red Feather Lakes, where we both have enjoyed camping together on many past occasions. Too, I hope and pray that he will be able to get back into a truck soon.

Later, when I leave the w-mart, I drive west about two hundred yards to the sub-sandwich shop and use the sub shop debit card that Louis gave me to purchase my evening meal, and yes, it did have twenty-five dollars on it, which Louis had told me. After this purchase, I should have enough on the card for another meal in a day or two. I take my meal to the David Webster Veterans Park, find a dark location on the adjacent roadway, park and enjoy the meal while watching a couple of videos on my phone.

Finally, I climb into the rear of the jammer, pull the covers up and close my eyes.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, start the jammer and drive west on Eisenhower Boulevard the four blocks to the w-mart where I grab my phone, hoodie, computer bag and walk inside for a cup of hot and some key pounding. I remain here for another day, as I have told Louis that I will not be leaving Loveland until tomorrow, Sunday, some time after the meeting which I believe will end before noon.

After working all day here inside, I leave at about seven, drive to the sub-mart and use the remaining funds on the prepaid card to purchase my supper. With food in hand, I drive to the veterans park, stop on the street adjacent to the green grass and enjoy my evening meal. Then, I watch a few videos after which I climb into the rear of the jammer to get horizontal.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, drive to the w-mart, set up my computer and begin typing to start my journal entry. Then, I open up my Bible study app and commence my study for the meeting later this morning. Then, at nine this morning, I connect to the Harlingen, Texas congregation, nine o′clock because I have left the central time zone and moved into the mountain time zone, making my time one hour earlier than the time in Texas.

Once the meeting ends, I soon after pack out, return to the jammer, drive out of the parking a few blocks on Eisenhower Boulevard, turn left and then drive north on US 287 out of Loveland. I have decided to drive north on US 287 and stop for the next overnight in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Arrive at the last w-mart on US 287 before leaving the Denver area megalopolis, park the jammer and go inside to pound keys until dark thirty. When checking my communications, I find there is a text from John and Karen Simmons who live in Spirit Lake, Idaho. When I read the text, I am told that, due to their deteriorating health, they will not be able to meet me in Missoula, Montana for the district convention. I immediately reply back to the text and thank them for letting me know about their change in plans and let them know that I will instead of driving north to Montana, (although my route is still not chiseled in stone) I will likely drive more westward towards Oregon so that I can use my free camping pass there for three weeks before crossing into Washington state.

Finally, I pack out of the cafe and drive to the adjacent parking lot where I stealth park for the evening. Too, I notice that there are several other overnighters in the nearby parking areas.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, climb into the driver′s seat while dealing with a leg cramp and then start the jammer to drive next door to the w-mart, park, carry my computer bag inside for some coffee, com and key pounding.

At seven-thirty, I am feeling tired and decide to pack out, drive to my overnight parking spot and settle in for the night, which will be my last night here before I leave out northward once again.

Awake, climb into the front seat, start the engine, drive to the w-mart for a quick stop to use the facilities and then I return to the jammer, and notice that there is an expansive sunglow in progress. I reach down to take my phone out of my pocket and snap a photo of the eastern sky sunglow.

Turning around, to take in any other sunglow that might be in the western sky, I am totally surprised to see what I believe is an even better display of color above the western horizon.

Finally, I return to the jammer, climb in and soon after, drive out of the parking lot, turn right on US 287 and drive north along the highway with the northern Colorado Great Plains on my right to the east with the foothills of the Colorado Rockies on my left. I continue in the foothills all the way to Wyoming and after crossing into Wyoming, continue first in the Rocky Mountain foothills, but soon, cross into the Wyoming Basin ecoregion and continue to Laramie.

Once, I arrive in Laramie, Wyoming, I turn right onto IH 80 and drive to the exit 316 and take Grand Avenue to the Tumbleweed Express af-mart where I fill up my fuel tank for $2.99 per gallon, the cheapest I have seen gasoline in many days. I found this low-prices af-mart several years ago and keep coming back here.

When done, I drive on Grand Avenue the rest of the way through Laramie and drive under the IH 80 overpass onto SH 130 westbound, the Snowy Range Scenic Highway through the Medicine Bow National Forest, but after driving about five miles, I see a sign informing me that SH 130 is closed in about 30 miles west of here. So, I make a u-turn, return the five miles back to IH 80 where I get back on IH 80 at entrace # 311 and then continue my travels west on the interstate for some 76 miles where I take exit 235, and here turn back onto the other end of SH 130.

After I drive the twenty-one miles south into Saratoga, Wyoming, I stop at the Hobo Hot Springs for some soak time in this free hot pool. When done with the hot soak, I gather my things and walk up the stairs to the mens dressing room, which room also has a hot shower. I take off my wet shorts, grab my soap and then get into the hot shower to lather up and clean off any remaining dirt and/or body oil, after which I don clean, dry clothes.

Then, I pack out of the hot springs, drive to main street, which is SH 130 and stop at a local restaurant for my breakfast. Soon after, I am back on the road, driving first north on SH 130 back to IH 80 and here turn left and then continue my drive west for another 135 miles and arrive in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Here, I get off at exit 102 and drive into town a short distance to arrive at the w-mart shortly before two in the afternoon, where I park the jammer, climb into the rear of the vehicle and take a short nap. Yes, us old people tend to do that a lot.

A little later, I gather my computer bag, phone and walk into the cafe so that I can catch up on my journal writing. Once I pound enough keys to arrive at this point, I then work on some other pages of my web site.

Awake to a mildly cold morning, dress in my spring blues, climb to the forward area and start the jammer engine. After waiting for the defogger to begin working, I sit in the jammer while the inside warms up a bit and the windows clear. Then I drive across the street to the w-mart, park and sit for just a little while longer. Finally, I grab my computer bag, hoodie and walk inside the cafe for some hot coffee.

I remain inside all day and to work on my computer and decide to stay here tomorrow as well so that I can catch the meeting using the WiFi in the cafe tomorrow evening. Too, because I am in a time zone to the west of where the meeting is, the time that the meeting will begin here is at 6:00 pm and it will be over before 9:00 pm. This way, I will be able to get into the horizontal an hour earlier that I would normally after the midweek meeting.

In the mid-afternoon, I call Louis to see how things are with him and we talk for about an hour. He still has not acquired a truck, neither has his ex-wife repaid him for the money she has previously borrowed from him. I really hope that he will be successful in finding a good running truck. So, I will continue to pray for him to have success in his acquiring a truck.

At seven-forty, a barista tells me that the cafe will be closing in twenty minutes, so, I pack out and return to the jammer, then drive under the interstate overpass and stop at a ff-mart for two burritos. After that, I drive back under IH 80, turn left at Gateway boulevard and drive into the d-mart to overnight.

Awake, rise, climb into the driver′s seat, pull the hood release, then step out of the jammer to lift the hood and check the oil. Like I assumed, the oil did not even show up on the stick. I open the side sliding door, reach in to grab the last stowed quart of oil and proceed to pour it into the oil fill tube opening. Then, I close the hood, climb back into the driver′s seat, start the engine and drive through the parking lot and pull into one of the spaces near the front door of the d-mart.

Subsequently, I grab my neck wallet, walk inside the store, walk to the auto department and purchase three more quarts of engine oil. I also stop in the fresh foods department to pick up some bell peppers, celery and cucumbers. Then, I head back to the front of the store to purchase my selections and depart from the d-mart. Next, I drive across the street, park the jammer, walk inside, buy a cup of coffee and sit down at my table to begin my day of pounding keys.

Awake, rise and get dressed and then start the jammer to drive to the af-mart to fill up. I have notice that as I get further from Texas, the price of gasoline gets higher. Here, I have to pay $3.29 per gallon. The last low price was in Laramie when the cost was $2.90 per gallon. I then drive back to IH 80 and turn right so that I will be driving west on the highway. I stop first in Green River, Wyoming at a ff-mart to purchase some coffee, but that is a very brief stop. Then, I continue west on IH 80 and shortly after passing Little America, I take exit 66 off of the interstate onto US 30 and travel northwestward through Opan, then Kemmerrer and finally Cokeville, before I cross into Idaho.

Continuing in a generally northwest direction I travel through mostly a desert ecosystem even though there are numerous mountains, driving through Montpelier, Bennington, Georgetown, all relatively small communities. Then, US 30 curves westward and I drive through Soda Springs, Alexander, and Lava Hot Spring. Even though I do stop briefly to photograph the hot springs, I do not stay long, but continue west until US 30 merges with IH 15 and begins a north bound direction at which time I am in the Snake River Basin ecoregion. When I arrive in Pocatello, I take exit 72, the west bound ramp onto IH 86 and continue first due west but not long after the interstate highway begins to turn southwestward. At this point, I continue on IH 86, through Twin Falls, mostly westward, then northwestward again through Boise, and finally cross the Snake River and entering Oregon. This extremely long day of driving across all the way across first the western end of Wyoming and then the bottom of Idaho, in order to arrive on Oregon soil has taken over eight hours of travel across about five hundred and forty miles.

Upon crossing the Snake River, I drive directly to a d-mart, park in the extreme southeast corner of the parking lot and do not realize I that I am only located directly next to the Snake River, well at least not until I awake tomorrow morning.

This has been the longest drive that I have done for quite a while, but at least, tomorrow, I can start recuperating by plugging-in at some of the Oregon State Parks. I had had difficulty making a reservation at Lake Owayee State Park, so I book my first stay at Farewell Bend State park beginning tomorrow evening.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, start the jammer and drive to the d-mart entrance and park. I then walk inside to do some shopping and purchase tomatoes, avocados, red bell peppers, cucumbers, celery, all organic and which I will make some tuna salad sandwiches in the next few days. Also, I bought two gallon bottles of spring water and a two pack of window shades.

Since it is still in the early morning, I then drive back to the d-mart, park in a shady location and watch a few videos to kill some time. Then, at about ten-thirty, I start the jammer and drive north on the IH 84 some twenty-five miles and leave the interstate at exit 353 where I drive north on US 30 for almost a mile where I turn right into the Farewell Bend state park and begin looking for the entrance station, but find nothing but signs stating: Only registered campers behind this sigh. So, because I registered yesterday to camp in space 111, next to the restroom, I drive right past the tent loop, through B loop and into C loop circling around until I come to campsite 111 and back in.

I then step out, open the side-sliding door, get out my electrical cord and plug in. Next, I climb back into the jammer and begin setting up my computer and begin pounding keys. After a while, I then stop, step outside and begin washing the tires, after which, wait for them to dry before I spay them with Armor-All tire shine.

After working on the jammer, I grab my towel, shower bag, some clean clothes and walk to the shower house for some hot water, after which, I return to the jammer, get out my cutting board and begin chopping several vegetable to go into a large salad. I get out a can of tuna but, because I can not eat all of the salad, the tuna can remains unopened. I do have a almond butter sandwich for my sweet spot. After eating, I wash and put away the kitchen and then return to my key pounding.

At eight-thirty, the sun sets here along side of the Snake River and shortly afterwards, my friend Joann calls me to talk. Even though we are in the same time zone now, there is a one hour difference in time between us, as she tells me that the sun is still quite high in the sky there in Oak Harbor, Washington. Finally, I tell her good night and get into the horizontal. Then, I tell my friend that I will be at the meeting tomorrow morning.

I read for a while before I close my eyes.

Awake to a very windy morning and decide that there it too much wind to light my stove, so I dress in my spring blues and step outside to open the rear lift door and retrieve some food items, those which will enable me to have a cold breakfast and cold drink.

Once I have a cup in hand, I begin connecting with the Zoom app to the Oak Harbor Congregation, however, I am somewhat confused as to the recent time zone change and when I get connected to the Oak Harbor congregation, I am an hour ahead of the meeting start time. Not to worry, I tell myself, it is always better to be early than late.

After the meeting ends, I say goodbye, close the Zoom and the return to my work on my website, adding and updating pages and photos until it is long after dark. This campground is twenty-five miles from the nearest city, but even that, Ontario is a small city of just over eleven thousand people and due to that, the night sky here has little if no light pollution.

Awake, dress in my spring blues, step out of the jammer, open the rear lift door and gather my towel and shower bag. I them walk to the shower house and inspect all three shower rooms, which I might say about the water faucets are not in very good condition.

After the shower, I return to the jammer, open up the rear lift door and get out my fuel, stove and teapot; set up the stove and then boil water. Then, I get out my three cups, add two tea bags to one, the contents of two coffee packages the second, and Daystart to the third. When the water boils, I turn off the stove and pour the water into the three cups. Finally, I transfer the cup to the desk in the rear of the jammer, climb in and have my breakfast while I pound keys. After eating, I step back outside to clean up my kitchen and stow it away.

I had noticed that the stove was slow at boiling the water so, I take it apart to look at it and see that the Shaker G-jet seems to be clogged so I try to clean it but it appears to be done in. I must needs order a new Shaker G-jet along with a new needle. Then, I stow all my gear away and then climb back into the rear of the jammer and resume my key pounding.

I prepare my evening meal while here on the banks of the Snake River, using up all the remainder of my fresh vegetables for my third salad, then cover with olive oil and vinegar. Then, there is one additional ingredient which I have adding to all three, and that addition has been hemp hearts, doing so because I must needs eat the shelled seeds as they are nearing their expiration date. Thus, in doing so, I have experience a new and tasty culinary art.

When the sun arrives at suntouch, I step outside to enjoy the colors. Afterwards, I continue working inside the jammer until just before dark when I stop, turn off the electronics and get into the horizontal for the night.

Awake to a beautiful morning here on the banks of the Snake River and soon turn on my computer to begin today′s journal entry. Later this morning, I go for a short walk to take a few photos of the site. I would like to walk down to the river but the steep trail prevents me from doing so. The problem is not so much walking down to the river, gravity will do most of that, but it is the climb back up that I am afeard of. However, I was able to get a adequate enough photo from the top bank where I was standing.

Since I am currently without a stove, a make a large glass of the Spark energy drink that my brother Barry gave me and I get what I need to begin my day. Then, I work on my computer for a time while the morning progresses along. I must say that it is quite peaceful here in the Oregon part of the Snake River Basin. Several times since arriving here at this state park, I have heard the honks of Canadian geese and today as I look out my side window towards the river, I see the flock of geese on the water. Previously, I would have zoomed in with my Nikon camera, but since it quit working correctly, I have not had that luxury of seeing and photographing any animals up close.

Later, I step outside to clean up my campsite and stow all of my gear. Then, at about eleven this morning, I take down the window shades, climb into the driver′s seat, start the jammer engine and depart from the Farewell Bend of the Snake River.

The drive that I take today begins with my driving south on IH 84 back to Ontario, Oregon, at which I exit and return to the d-mart to shop for some groceries and look for an inexpensive temporary stove. After the short break, I return to my drive, taking US 20 out of Ontario about six miles and here take SH 201 first through Nyssa, next Owyhee where I turn off of the state highway onto Lake Owyhee road and along the Owyhee River and entering Owyhee River Canyon.

At about four this afternoon, I pull in to Lake Owyhee State Park, drive into the campground and find my campsite. I then back in, plug in my electric cord and climb inside for the evening.