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THE
JOURNAL
ONLINE
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QUIRE
ELEVEN
CHAPTER
FIFTEEN
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The Quest for The Solace, Part Nine
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On Loving The
Son of God
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A Journey of a Hundred Days
This Journey of a Hundred Days begins on Wednesday, 22 April 2026 and continues until Thursday, 30 July 2026.
The Journey of Days for this Wayƒarer is currently the ninth of ten journeys, which when all ten One Hundred Day Journeys come to a conclusion will complete the current Journey of a Thousand Days.
A Journey of a Thousand Days
This Journey of a Thousand Days is the current Life Journey that this Wayƒarer is presently walking. This Journey of a Thousand Days began on Monday, 12 February 2024 and will continue until 07 November 2026
Words to Ponder
If someone is able to only see your actions but is not able to hear your words, what do you think they would say that your priorities are?
(Malachi 3:10)
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The Journey On™
The Interior Lowlands Roadpath (cont.)
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(Day 801 TS) 56°F. 7:30 am, rain
Journey On™, Day 67
27,600 DA, or
932 full moons,
-2021 DR70,
1622 DR80,
NLJ: DAY 652
Eastern Time Zone
Inland Lowlands Region
National Road Route
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Coordinates:
39.8283797, -84.8535544
Elevation:
1,079 feet
Awake, arise to a very comfortable morning, don my spring blues, climb forward, start the jammer and drive slowly out of the d-mart parking lot. After crossing US 40, I turn right and quickly pull into the w-mart parking lot, this being one of the smallest cafes I have ever seen in this chain of coffee houses. Still, it serves my needs and I am able to do so much work in order to catch up on the latest upgrade, that of creating all of the state pages for the National Road Scenic Byway. Too, I am able to get all of them completed today, and tomorrow, after my first cup of hot, I will be driving out of Indiana and continue eastward into Ohio on this route.
Later, when the day begins to dwindle down to the last few hours, I pack out, drive to the d-mart, park and get into the rear of the jammer for the night.
(Day 802 TS) 55°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 68
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, and although just a bit hard to achieve, I was able to do this just before 06:30 this morning. Yes, that time zone change was inconvenient but not impossible. Now, I will continue my eastbound Journey On™ as the final days in April 2026 progress. Once I have climbed forward into the drivers seat, I drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. Then, I continue here in the w-mart until eleven-thirty this morning before I pack out to resume my current easterly journey. Once I get into the jammer, start the engine and pull out os the s-mart, I turn left onto US 40 and drive east out of Richmond, Indiana and almost immediately, I cross into the state of Ohio.
The drive today was as I had already discerned from my research, that when I cross Ohio on US 40, I will travel through two entirely different regions: First, from the Indiana state line, I will continue across the very flat and low elevations of the Interior Lowlands Region and that without very much elevation changes. Next, after I travel through Columbus, Ohio, and while still in Ohio, I will begin the transition into the second Geographical Region, which is the Appalachian Mountains Region. The Appalachian Mountains in Ohio consist of two plateau ecoregions, The Allegheny Plateau and the Interior Plateau. I did not know what to expect as I have not knowingly traveled through either of these two ecoregions. However, upon leaving the eastern outskirts of Columbus, Ohio, immediately and repeatedly, I tell myself, "Yep! I am definitely in the Appalachian Mountains!" Still, I also see why these ecoregions are called Plateaus and not mountain ranges; while they have all the characteristics of the Appalachians, they do not have the higher elevation peaks, nor does the land rise to much more than one thousand feet in elevation. So, that is why the region is referred to as a plateau.
I remain on US 40 for about 170 miles to just past Zanesville, Ohio, when I see a Denny′s Classic Diner and decide to stop for a hot meal for my supper. After finishing my food, I leave the diner and drive another twenty miles to a d-mart near Cambridge, Ohio and here, I stop, find a parking place and stop for the night. However, because is tis still early, about seven-thirty, I go online and search with Goggle to see if there is a Starbucks cafe near by. To my total surprise, there is one justdown one block and across the street, so I abandon my plans of getting into the sack early and instead, drive to the w-mart for com and computer. In fact, after I finish this journal entry, I am able to upload it to my online journal.
The evening passes quickly by and soon, I am packing out of the cafe, drive to the d-mart, park and climb into the rear of the jammer for the night.
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The Journey On™
The Appalachian Mountains Roadpath
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Appalachian Mountains Geographic Region
The Appalachians first formed roughly 480 million years ago in the early Paleozoic era, during the Ordovician Period. Along with the Ural Mountains in western Russia, the Appalachians are the oldest mountains on Earth. It is believed that they once reached elevations similar to those of the Alps and the Rocky Mountains before experiencing prolonged natural erosion.
In Ohio, there are two ecoregions, both of which are designated as plateaus and are named: (10K) the West Allegheny Plateau and 10N) the Interior Plateau. During my 2026 Journey On in Ohio, I will only be experiencing the West Allegheny Plateau ecoregion and only after I have driven across more that half of Ohio.
Geographical Region:
Appalachian Mountains
(Day 803 TS) 49°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 69
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in A Parking Lot
Coordinates:
39.9898745, -81.5745600
Elevation:
feet
Awake, arise to a comfortable morning, dress in my spring blues, climb forward into the drivers seat and then start the jammer engine. After a couple of minutes, I then pull out of the d-mart lot, turn left onto SH 209 and drive to the next light, turn right and drive to the w-mart, park, carry my computer bag inside, set up at a table and then coffee, com and key pounding.
I continue here inside the cafe all day long and do not depart until after the sun sets and the dark of night has replaced the light of day. After leaving the cafe, I walk down to the third storefront to the Chipotle grill, walk into the front door and proceed to purchase my evening meal. After eating, I drive back south on SH 209 to the d-mart, park in a location on the outer perimeter, put up my window shades, climb into the rear of the jammer and get into the horizontal for the night.
(Day 804 TS) 50°F. 6:30 am, rain
Journey On™, Day 70
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, don my spring blues, climb forward, start the jammer engine, and wait for a few minutes before departing. Methinks that this light rain started sometime during the middle of the night, however, the forecast indicates that it will ease up for the next couple of days, with the temperatures drop as well. After cConsidering all that, I then pull out of the d-mart parking lot, turn left on SH 209, drive north the short distance to IH 70, and because US 40 at this junction only exists as concurrent with IH 70, I take the entrance to the eastbound interstate traffic, driving 26 miles until I arrive at the interstate 204 exit. Here, US 40 resumes its separate route, even presenting signage for the National Road route. During this morning′s entire drive, the rain continues making photo taking somewhat difficult, but I persist and methinks that I have actually acquired a few nice photos.
Arriving in Saint Clairsville, Ohio, I drive to the Mall road to access the shopping area, turn right and then drive to the w-mart, park, step out with my sierra cup, open the rear lift door and proceed to load my cup with the ingredients for my Daystart™ then, I walk into the cafe, set up my computer at one of the table, plug in my electronics, and finally, walk up to the counter to order my regular two cups of steaming hot liquids, one coffee, one water. With the hot drinks in hand, I return to the table, pour some of the hot water into my Daystart™ and begin eating my first meal whilst I pound keys and sip on the hot coffee. A little later, I return to the counter for free refills, both hot coffee and hot water, however, this time, I open my two tea bag packages and put the tea bags into the hot water.
I remain in the w-mart all day long, sorting through my photos and working on my inserting them into my web site pages. The, at about nine this evening, I pack out, drive to a local restaurant
Sunday, 26 April 2026, Saint Clairsville, Ohio.
(Day 805 TS) 50°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 71
Sleeping in the Jammer
Coordinates:
40.0700138, -80.8620825
Elevation:
1,171 feet
Awake just before my alarm goes off at six-thirty, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward into the drivers seat and start the jammer engine. I drive from the rear parking area of the restaurant where I ate my supper last evening, to the Mall Road, turn right, and then immediately left and drive into the w-mart to park. Then, I carry my computer bag inside, set up at the same table where I was yesterday and begin pounding keys. A short time later I walk up to the counter, purchase and cup of coffee and also ask for a cup to hot water. I return to the table, pour about two-thirds of the hot water into my Daystart™ which is in my sierra cup and begin eating my f-meal. After enjoying the meal, I use the remaining hot water to pour into the sierra cup and with my spoon, scrap all of the remnants of my Daystart™ from the sides of the cup, mixing it into the hot water to the point when the sides are clean, I drink the liquid. This is a procedure I have followed since the days of my time afoot on the AT. Later, I return to the counter and ask for a refill of both hot liquids, which I have always received for free here at this restaurant chain. I open the two packages containing tea bags, drop them in the cup of hot water and let them steep whilst I drink the hot coffee.
After pounding keys and cropping photos all day, I finally arrive at the current journal entry and once that has been composed and uploaded, now my
Ohio Journey On the National Road is completed and available for viewing on my website. With that task behind me, now methinks, it is time to move out of the state of Ohio and continue my current roadpath Journey On into the next two states, Pennsylvania and Maryland, both of which will only traverse the Appalachian Mountains geographical region. Further, these next two states will have less than 150 miles for me to travel upon, so I do not expect to be spending too much more time traveling the upon this National Road scenic byway and suspect that I will most likely be completely done with both the ground travel and the web page updates before the end of this month, which currently, there are only four days left until then.
Once this current task, that of the travel and story writing of my National Road Scenic Byway Roadpath Journey has been completed, methinks, I will then turn my attention to the next Roadpath Journey that I have on my itinerary. The next Roadpath Journey is one which I most recently initiated to travel upon last year when I began my fall southbound migration on Day
584 TS) which was on Wednesday, 17 September 2025. On that day, in order to return to Texas for my winter sojourn, I decided to drive across the top of the United States, using the northern most highway in my travel. I have since that initiation worked extensively on and completed much of the web page building for the newest of my Roadpath Journeys and call it the
Northern Tier Route (or Northern Tier Personal Scenic Byway). Too, I have previously traveled much of this Roadpath Journey route, but when I drove it before, I did so without creating the Roadpath directions and information register for my website, which I have now chosen to do. Last year, before it became too cold for me to continue any further eastbound on the Roadpath Journey, I was able to drive to and partly across the state of Minnesota and have completed the information register for over 1800 miles and now have about 2500 miles to drive for my website Roadpath Journey. And that 2500 miles, methinks, must needs be my next task. Furthermore, I have all of three months scheduled for doing just that: May, June and July. Some have asked me, Why so much time? Ninety days to drive 2500 miles? Well, those who have asked such question are those who really do not know who I am, nor how I drive during my Journey On.
First and foremost, I am not a weekend warrior who according to his nature endeavors to get as many miles behind him before each day is done. Nor am I any of the other designations that many travelers on the Appalachian trail has dubbed such people as. Instead, I am a thru-hiker in both my Journey On™ as well as my Life Journey, more specifically, a Wayƒarer, like the one as the Bible at Isaiah 35:8 says, "And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The Way of holiness: the unclean shall not pass over it; but, it shall be for those: the wayƒaring men, though fools, shall not err therin." My life is fixated on walking upon that path, that way, the one so called "The Way of Holiness", and not the path any man has built, but the path that the most high God, Jehovah has directed his people to walk upon and for this reason, it is call by such name.
Well, the time escapes me, I must needs pack out of this cafe, and in doing so, wind down my day as the evening approaches. So, until the morrow, stay within God′s Good Graces.
Monday, 27 April 2026, Saint Claresville, Ohio
(Day 806 TS) 40°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 72
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Back of same Cracker Barrel
Awake, arise, climb forward, start the jammer engine, drive to the front of the Cracker Barrel, park in one of the handicap spaces, walk inside, have the hostess take me to a table, order breakfast with coffee and then really enjoy the fried eggs, bacon, hash browns, biscuits with gravy meal, simply because I have not had anything like this for many months. After eating, I pay for my meal, return to the jammer and then begin my drive east on US 40.
Very soon after I begin driving east, I cross into West Virginia, stop to log the date, time and the current mileage from the Jammer′s odometer all on my West Virginia atlas page. Then I drive the thirty miles of US 40 through the state of West Virginia, taking photographs as I drive. Next, upon arriving in Pennsylvania, also log the same information on the Pennsylvania page. Too, I drive through the ninety miles of US 40 through Pennsylvania, also taking photos of the passage. Too, I made a stop at the Fort Necessity National Battlefield which is located less than two miles northwest from Farmington on US 40. Now, I have another US Fort that I must needs add to my Fort section on my website. Next, I arrived at the state line of Maryland, which had a sign indicating not only was it a state border, but that the border was also the Mason-Dixon Line. Finally, I drove the forty miles to Cumberland, Maryland and arrive into the downtown district but could not located the terminus of the National Road.
Because it was getting late in the afternoon, instead of searching for the terminus locations, I Goggle the location for a d-mart, drive there, park for the night, leaving the drive to the terminus for tomorrow.
Then, I climb into the rear of the jammer, get under the covers and close my eyes.
Tuesday, 28 April 2026, Cumberland, Maryland.
(Day 807 TS) 52°F. 6:30 am, rain
Journey On™, Day 73
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Appalachian Trail Location:
Snikers Gap, east about 90 or more miles.
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, start the jammer engine, drive to the front entrance of the d-mart, park, walk inside and purchase a couple of food stores. Afterwards, I return to the jammer and drive down the Mall Road towards Winchester Road, then turn right, drive about one mile and then turn right again onto Alt US 40 and immediately into the parking lot of a w-mart. After parking near the front door, I carry my computer bag inside, sit down at one of the tables and begin pounding keys on my computer. A little later, I purchase my regular two cups of hot liquid and proceed to eat my first meal. At ten this morning, the rain stops which allows the streets to dry slowly.
Then, at a few minutes after noon today, I pack out, turn right onto Alternate US 40 (now called the National Highway) and drive northeast along Braddok Run until it flows into Willis Creek. Then Alt. US 40 turns southeast along Willis Creek and follow it along the west bank for almost a mile before crossing to the east bank and then entering the town of Cumberland Maryland. I continue driving eastbound on the Alternate US 40 highway for another one and a half miles until arriving at Baltimore Street where I turn right into the downtown area. I drive southwest on Baltimore Street, cross Willis Creek, turn left on Greene Street and find a parking spot so that I can walk to the
Nation Pike Monument and the Beginning of the Old National Pike location. Upon arriving at the location where the monument is situated, I look for a parking space, find one quite soon (39.649754, -78.766275) which is a scan and pay parking lot. After I scan, I pay for two hours which cost $2.45, paying online. I then walk around the area taking photos, after which because i still have more than an hour left on my parking pass, I just sit inside the jammer and pound keys. Finally, I upload my files and the drive out of Cumberland, Maryland.
Also at this intersection, Alt. US 40 continue to the right on Baltimore Avenue (Right on Baltimore Street is a 90° right, however right on Baltimore Avenue is also a 45° hard right, which this path is chosen, soon merges with IH 68 at 39.6567408, -78.7474692), returns to the US 40 designation (now called the National Pike) and continues eastbound through Hagerstown, Maryland. While traversing Hagerstown, US 40 splits again into US 40 and Alternate US 40 (which turns right from Washington St onto Jonathan Street, left on Baltimore Streer, right onto Frederick Street, through Funkstown, Maryland leaving on Frederick Road) and now called the Old National Pike. The Old National Pike continues south by souteast from Funkstown for another 8 miles through Boonsboro. It then continues southeast on its path to Frederick, Maryland for another two miles when the Old National Pike arrives at Turner′s Gap where the Appalachian Trail crossed the roadpath at 39.4844500, -77.6196133. Upon arriving in Frederick, US 40 and Alt. US 40 merge and then turn southeast, then merges with IH 270, after which reaches its original terminus. The IH 270 south bound from here is designated the Washington National Pike.
Upon leaving Cumberland, Maryland, I take the hard right, connect to IH 68 and drive east across the state, first on IH 68, then SH 144, next on Alt. US 40, with only one detour and after passing through Hagerstown, I leave the city on SH 64 to Smmighsburg, then SH 77 (crossing the AT) and upon arriving at Katoctin Mountain Park, I enter through the main entrance drive a long distance over park roads and finally come out on SH 491 where I drive to and by
Pen Mar County Pavilion, the same one that I overnighted at on 27 June 1978 when on the Appalachian Trail. Wow, it was nice to see that park once again. Then, upon leaving Pen Mar and crossing into Pennsylvania, I drive west Pennsylvania SH 16 towards Waynesboro and stop in Rozerville at the d-mart.
Wednesday, 29 April 2026, Rouzerville, Pennsylvania.
(Day 808 TS) 49°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 74
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Appalachian Trail Location:
2.5 Miles east on SH 16
Coordinates:
39.7412970, -77.5278526
Elevation:
734 feet
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward into the drivers seat, start the jammer engine and notice that the Check Engine light is back on. Methinks that the canister purge valve, although not working at peak performance has not been causing any disruption of performance nor gas mileage, so, I will continue ignoring the warning light. Furthermore, in almost all cases, the Check Engine warning light is only concerning those devices designed for pollution control. I then pull out of the d-mart, drive back onto Pennsylvania state highway 16 and begin driving westward towards Waynesboro, Pennsylvania where I have already located a w-mart in which I will spent most all of today working on my computer. Too, if I do not think that I have accomplished enough, I will overnight in the nearby parking lot and repeat the same during tomorrow.
It rains most all day long and I am glad to be inside a cafe as I prefer not to drive in wet conditions if I do not have to. Part of my day was spent preparing few photos for my later display on my website. Later, I read and watch some videos and finally, I get into the horizontal.
Thursday, 30 April 2026, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.
(Day 809 TS) 48°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 75
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Appalachian Trail Location:
4.5 miles east on SH 10
Coordinates:
39.7497876, -77.5661333
Elevation:
683 feet
Awake, arise, dress, climb forward, start the jammer and drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. Again, I remain all day here inside the cafe pounding keys. When I leave this cafe, I drive into town and stop a a local restaurant called the Velvet Cafe and order the all you can eat salad bar, which cost me twelve dollars with the tip. Not bad for eating a supper now-a-days, however, I know that not a single thing on the salad bar was organic. Methinks, sometimes, I must needs just do it.
After eating, I leave the restaurant, drive back to the same parking lot where I have been overnighting and resume to occupy the same space for the night.
Friday, 01 May 2026, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania
(Day 810 TS) 41°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 76
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, dress in my spring blues, climb forward and start the jammer, drive out of the g-mart parking lot and a short ways south to the w-mart parking lot, park, grab my computer bag and walk inside for coffee, com, and computer. I spend the entire day here working of different aspects of my website. When the time for the cafe arrives, I pack out, drive back to the g-mart and park in the same general area.
Then, I climb in the rear of the jammer and listen to the mid week meeting from the recorded videos that Bob, a brother in Oak Harbor had sent me. Finally, I get into the horizontal, pull the covers up and close my eyes.
Saturday, 02 May 2026, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.
(Day 811 TS) 36°F. 6:30 am, clouds
Journey On™, Day 77
Moon: Waining Gibbous (02-08 May)
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress, climb forward, start the jammer engine, drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. Again, I remain here in the cafe sipping on a cup of hot whilst I pound keys and work on my computer. There has been so much being said in the online videos about parasites and parasite infections, so I have decided to collect all the information about it that I find, do some research on the topic and then put it together on my website in a way that is both accurate and comprehensive, covering all the topics that are necessary for me to know what I would have to do for both prevention as well as remediation if and when necessary.
Another long day of pounding keys and then just before the cafe wiil be locking its doors, I carry my computer bag out to the jammer, drive east on SH 16 back to to the town where the d-mart is located, park near the front door, gather my neck wallet and then walk inside to purchase some food stores. When I have finished shopping, I spend a little time putting the food away into my pantry and organize the jammer interior some what. Finally, I drive out to the outer perimeter of the parking lot and climb into the rear for the evening.
Sunday, 03 May 2026, Rouzerville, Pennsylvania.
(Day 812 TS) 42°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 78
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in the Parking Lot
Appalachian Trail Location:
2.5 mile east on SH 16
Coordinates:
39.7412970, -77.5278526
Elevation:
734 feet
Awake, arise, walk into the d-mart for my morning constitutional, then return to the jammer, drive back west to Waynesboro, Pennsylvania and turn into the parking lot for the w-mart, park, carry my computer bag inside and set up on one of the window tables. Then, I go up to the counter purchase a tall cup of coffee, black and ask the barista to fill my second cup with hot water. When I return to the table, I begin pounding keys and getting ready for the meeting this afternoon. Actually, the Oak Harbor, Washington meeting begins righ on time at ten in the morning, Pacific Coast Time, but now, I am three time zones to the east and for me, the meeting does not begin until one in the afternoon, my time.
When the meeting begins, I join in with the friends in the Oak Harbor, Congregation and not too long after the meeting ends, I disconnect from the Zoom app, pack out of the w-mart and begin my drive to then next stop on my location. I drive north on SH 997, which highway traverses the Appalachian Mountains parallel and just to the west of the AT. Then, I arrive at the
Lincoln Highway (US 30), turn east and drive the short distance to where the AT crosses the highway. I pull over and take some photos of the trail crossing when the AT enters Caledonia State Park, which I plan to include on my website at a later time.
Next, I drive a short distance to SH 233, turn left and drive north to the entrance to the State Park, where I go in to the park headquarters, park, and walk into the front of the building. I am greeted by Ranger Sullivan who asks how she can help me and when I ask her my question, she takes me outside to the night registration and checks the information for me. I then go inside, drive right to the restroom and shower house, park, grab my towel and shower bag, walk inside and take one of the coldest hot showers that I ever have had. Methinks, when I do get around to reviewing this campground, and although from my experience, the rangers are the best, and the facility is really clean, but I am not going to give a very good review of the shower water temperature. Therefore, because I do not ever considered the water in that shower to have warm water (WS, +1), but I will have to rate it as one with a cold shower (CS, 0). Even though I tried every way to get the water to turn hot, but it did rise to just above frosty, so, since I needed a shower, so I took a cold shower. I have not been to this Campground for almost fifty years, and needless to say, I will return again soon to take another shower here again.
Leaving the state park campground, I turn left again on SH 233 and continue driving north through Michaux State Forest, taking many photos along the way. Later, I arrive at Pine Grove Furnace where I pull over at the AT hiking museum and begin exploring the area. I find a sign that states Parking for Overnight Appalachian Trail, so I inquire at the park office where the clerk there tell me that there is no charge to park, you just have to register here at this office. So, I begin filling in the registration form and then she says that I am good to go. I then drive around to the parking area, pull in, put up my shades and climb into the rear of the jammer, turn on my computer and begin pounding keys to catch up on my journal righting. Too, I find that there is absolutely no signal here in this area, so I will have to wait until I drive to a place in town where I can upload my website pages. Now, with the night having already begun, and the hour approaching ten pm, I must needs turn off my computer and get into the horizontal.
And the rush of memories continues to so repeatedly pummel my thoughts. This drive along this old friend of a footpath has taken its toll upon not only my memories, but especially upon my emotions. Methinks, as I drive north in these forests upon these mountains I have seen how everything has so drastically changed all around me, the roads, the towns, the campgrounds, the people, even the nation..., absolutely nothing is like it was fifty years ago!
Well, except for the footpath!
Monday, 04 May 2026, Pine Grove Furnace, Pennsylvania.
(Day 813 TS) 37°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 79
Moon: Moon at Apogee (farthest distance from Earth)
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Appalachian Trail Location:
Parked at Trailhead
Coordinates:
40.0316557, -77.3051409
Elevation:
859 feet
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, step outside and take some photos of the
Pine Grove Furnace area, make use of the nearby restroom, then drive out of the parking lot and turn right on Pine Grove Road and immediately come to a sign indicating that the road to Fuller Lake was the next right; memories immediately flash through my thoughts of that day nearly fifty years ago when upon arriving by way of the Appalatchian Trail, I dropped my pack, stripped out of my shoes and shirt and dove right in. Wow, was that a much needed dunk in the water, yes, cold baths were just about the only ones available and this is how I have come to be able to take cold showers to this day. In fact, the cold shower yesterday was nothing out of the usual for this wayƒarer.
After leaving the Fuller lake, I continue northeast on Pine Grove Road and just east of my roadpath, the Appalachian Trail northbound, was parallelling my atop the ridge. Soon, I drive past Laurel Lake, continue northeast on Pine Grove Road to the village of Toland, Pennsylvania when the AT crosses to the west of the roadpath and then turns back north. Then, the Pine Grove Road tees (ends) at SH 34, so I turn left onto SH 34 and begin driving north. In less than a mile, the AT crosses Carlisle Road (SH 34) and continues northeast towards Duncannon, Pennsylvania, which, during my 1978 AT walk was my next mail stop.
Today, in 2026, I do not stop where the AT crosses SH 34, but drive north to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, founded in 1751, and in 1757, the Carlisle Barracks was established, which remains one of the oldest military posts in the United States. Upon my arrival in Carlisle, Pennsylvania later this morning, I drive to the local w-mart, carry my computer bag inside, set up at a table and begin pounding keys. This is when I notice that the walls of this cafe are decorated with many of the same art prints by Jen Ament which also decorate the walls of a cafe of the same franchise that is in Oak Harbor, Washington. These art drawing all have the same military theme in their expression. Too, the same words have been written upon the wall here that are there in Oak Harbor, "This store is dedicated to people united by their courage to serve our country."
I continue here until later in the day before I pack out of the cafe and go looking for someplace where I can purchase my evening meal. I search through town using my Google search app and find a oriental buffet and knowing quite well, that it will cost definitely more that twenty dollars, decide to go there for my evening meal. At first glance upon entering, I can see that this food buffet is so much more extensive than the salad bar I had purchase last Thursday evening on Day
809 TS, when I had paid twelve dollars. Still, I really enjoy alot of the oriental specialties, especially the spring rolls, sushi, egg drop soup, stuffed mushrooms and a couple others that I am not sure what they are called. However, I do refrain from many of the meat dishes, especially the beef, poultry, pork and
Crustaceans, simply because eating these foods have come to me at this time of my life, no longer a need, nor even a want. Nevertheless, when I was done and out the door, the cost for this meal came to twenty-one dollars total.
Tuesday, 05 May 2026, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
(Day 814 TS) 43°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 80
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Appalachian Trail Location:
8 miles south on SH 34
Coordinates:
40.1908355, -77.1948445
Elevation:
487 feet
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward, start the jammer engine, pull forward out of the parking space and drive the same route across town back to the cafe that got me here yesterday. After I purchase my cup of hot, I sit down on a tiny top table and await for the double table to become available, as there are two men sitting at the double table discussing some important subject.
After nearly one hour, the two men stand up, grab their things and walk out of the cafe, and I, because I have kept one eye on them, immediately grab my two cups, stand up and move towards the double table to claim my temporary possession of it. Then, I return to the tiny top table unplug my computer and move it to my new acquisition and go back one more time for my computer bag, mouse an third cup. Finally, when I am all set up and pounding keys once again, I continue here until just before the sun sets, after which, I pack out to the jammer, and drive back the three miles to the d-mart to park for another night.
Wednesday, 06 May 2026, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
(Day 815 TS) 52°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 81
Sleeping in the Jammer
Awake, arise and notice it has begun to rain slightly. After putting on my spring blues, I climb forward, start the jammer engine and pull forward out of the parking lot and turn right onto Noble Blvd, drive to the light and turn left onto Hanover Street. Then, I drive almost one mile to High Street and at the light, turn right and drive under IH81 and continue for 1.8 miles to Army Heritage Drive and turn right. I then drive to the end of Army Heritage Drive to where it Tees into Westminster Drive, turn right again and then an immediate left into the parking lot of the w-mart. After I park, I carry my computer bag into the cafe, set up on the double table and then step up to the counter to purchase my hot liquids. Finally, with the time still before seven this morning, I begin to enjoy my first meal.
Then, at about eleven this morning, two couples walk in and immediately I recognize then as Jehovah′s Witnesses, so I wave at one of the brothers and when he walks to my table, I ask, "Do you know any of the Great Crowd?": and immediately, a large smile stretches across his face. His wife was by his side and she asks me, ":Did I hear you correctly, you asked if we knew any of the great crowd?": Then, she said, Why, that is a great way to ask if we are witnesses. I commented, ":Yes, and I have been using that question for a very long time.": We talk for a short time and when they receive their drink order, they bid me a farewell and keep safe. I do likewise to them and then go back to my key pounding.
Soon after that, I pack out of the w-mart to the jammer and then drive to the Spring Road Restaurant on SH 34. The reason that I choose this restaurant is because I was planning on using SH 34 to drive out of Carlisle, Pennsylvania on my drive to my next stop at Duncannon, Pennsylvania. Well, also because when looking on my Google Maps app, this cafe had a grilled halibut dinner for seventeen dollars that looks both appetizing and healthy. So, after eating an early supper, I continue driving north on SH 34 to Mecks Corner, Pennsylvania where I turn right onto the New Bloomfield Road (SH 274) and begin driving eastbound until I arrive at US 16 in Duncannon, Pennsylvania, which, like most all of my present day stops are locations on or near the Appalachian Trail that I previously walk through 48 years ago. Yes, the village of Duncannon, Pennsylvania was last visited by me on 04 July 1978, and again, like most trail towns, this one too has completely change, gotten much larger, more populous, and to my recollection, much dirtier than before.
Once in Duncannon, I drive though the old downtown, see the post office where I had a mail stop, and saw the fire station where I was allowed to stay overnight in the station break room. Yes, Duncannon has always been one of my favorite trail towns. I drive through town and because it is too small for a d-mart and/or a w-mart, I instead found a 7-Eleven convenience store on the main road, which I will drive there in the morning. Then, I drive back south out of town to where the AT comes down from off of Hawk Rock overlook and the AT come from points south. Here on the road is an official Appalachian Trail parking area where I back into, put up my window shades and play catch-up on my journal writing. The upcoming AT stops in Pennsylvania that I hope to include are
Port Clinton, a small village on the Schuylkill River, then Palmerton on the Lehigh River, and finally Delaware Water Gap on the Delaware River, after which I will drive up the Delaware Riven on the Pennsylvania side for a time.
I have come to believe something I feel is extraordinary about the Appalachian Trail: It is true that the total length of the Trail has changed throughout the years but Springer Mountain, Georgia and Katahdin, Maine have always been the exact same distance apart, and that distance never changes. Still, the mileage on the Trail is in constant transformation, moving from one ridge to another, rerouting the footpath which constantly increases or decreases the total length each year. Nevertheless, the one notable thing about the Appalachian Trail is its constancy, it is always there to be walked any time, any day by any person.
After the sun sets, I get into the horizontal and and close my eyes for the night.
Thursday, 07 May 2026, Duncannon, Pennsylvania.
(Day 816 TS) 43°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Appalachian Trail Location:
Parked at Trailhead
Coordinates:
40.3815074, -77.0293117
Elevation:
353 feet
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward, start the jammer and then drive from the Appalachian Trail Parking back into Duncannon to try to locate the Fire Station, which after driving north on Market street, I then move west one block to High Street and drive south along its length and only when I arrive at the south end of High Street do I see the Duncannon Fire Company red brick building. Once again out of nowhere, a flood of memories fills my mind and along with them, a large smile expands across my face. My immediate and most prominante memory is of Fire Chief Buck, the one who was most instrumental in arranging permission for backpackers to overnight in the fire station and have access to the toilet, the shower room, even to have laundry privileges and to make quarter in the tv room. Methinks, during my entire 2,100 mile walk, I never once met another person who was to measure up to the concern, kindness and yes love that man exuded and even overflowed with towards all other people. Yes, here stands the Duncannon Fire Company, just like it remains in my memory, even after all these years! Methinks, during this year′s Journey On, there has not been anything else, not a single person, place, or thing, to match what seeing this memory in person once again does for me. Even now, these memories are causing tears of joy to flow from my eyes.
Still, it has to be said, all other things in God′s Creation has changed, evolved in some and/or many aspects; the roads, the towns, the campgrounds, the people, and the nation..., absolutely nothing is like it was fifty years ago!
Well, except for the footpath..., and the
Duncannon Fire Company!
Now, in order for me to, leave this location, I find it extremely hard not to be full soul-stirring emotions from those memories cast upon me a lifetime ago.
Finally, I drive north on High Street to where it ends, turn right on Newport Road (SH 849) and drive east over
Juniata River Bridge, then south over
Clarks Ferry Bridge, (the same bridges I walked over on 17 July 1978) crossing over the Susquehanna River, which upon reaching the east shoreline, turn southwest onto US 22, drive about two miles around the south end of Peter′s Mountain and upon arriving at the first exit, I take the off ramp for Mountain Road (SH 325) and come to a stop sign. Then, at the stop sign, I turn left under the US 22 highway and drive east on SH 325, again, a roadpath that I had walked along a lifetime ago. (Meanwhile, the AT climbs up onto Peter′s Mountain and continues along the ridge path for about fifteen or so miles until it drops off of the south side, crosses Clarks Valley Road (SH 325) and then climbs up the northern flank to the ridge line of Stoney Mountain and continue eastward to Second Mountain.) After I have driven more than fourteen miles on SH 325, I have passed the location where the Appalachian Trail crosses this highway, missing it, simply because I did not do my research prior to driving this stretch of roadpath, and also because the roadpath was not marked at the AT crossing. So, instead of taking the time to turn back and find the crossing, I instead drive east on SH 325 all the way to its end in Tower City, then turn right on US 209 and travel eastward in the valley north of the line of mountain ridges where upon the AT traverses the top of the ridges.
I drive through Tremont, Pennsylvania, then Marlin and my GPS app has me turn right onto SH 901 and dive to and through Schuykill Haven, then onto SH 61 on my way to arrive in
Port Clinton where the AT crosses the Schuylkill River. (During my 1978 walk, I only stopped briefly in Port Clinton at Ron′s store to purchase some snacks.) Today, I again only stop briefly in Port Clinton, when I see a backpacker, pull over and talk briefly with Hobo. Then, I tell him goodbye and drive back across to the west side of the Schuylkill River, then the short distance to West Hamburg where I stop at a w-mart, carry my computer bag inside and purchase a cup of hot.
Then, I sit here at a table near a window with a view of where those who are walking north upon the Appalachian Trail traverse across a long ridge from the south, only to then arrive at the gap whereat those upon the trail must climb down to Port Clinton, cross both the Schuylkill and the Little Schuylkill before climbing on the trail back up to Blue Mountain and continue north on their Journey North.
I spend the rest of this day cropping photos and pounding keys until it becomes dark outside. Finally, I pack out of the w-mart drive across the highway to the d-mart and locate a good place to overnight.
Friday, 08 May 2026, West Hamburg, Pennsylvania.
(Day 817 TS) 49°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 83
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnight in a Parking Lot
Appalachian Trail Location:
1 mile northeast on SH 61 (Port Clinton)
Coordinates:
40.5635119, -76.0102846
Elevation:
519 feet
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward, start the jammer engine and drive out of the parking lot, cross SH 61 to the east side, drive into the parking lot of the w-mart, park in the handicap space.
Then, I gather my things and walk inside for coffee, com, computer and to watch, first, the two videos for the Friday morning parts of the Circuit Assembly. Then, I take a lunch break and afterwards I continue with the two videos for the Friday afternoon part of the same Circuit Assembly.
When I have finished watching all four parts, I then return to my work on my web site. I remain here all day and upon the day giving way to the night, I pack out, drive back across SH 61 to the d-mart to park once again for the night.
I must needs remain at this location for another day, due to the need to view the second day of the Circuit Assembly Videos. That, Jehovah willing, will happen beginning tomorrow morning.
Saturday, 09 May 2026, West Hamburg, Pennsylvania.
(Day 818 TS) 49°F. 6:30 am, overcast, rain
Journey On™, Day 84
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward, start the jammer engine and drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. Already, I am recognizing the regulars who frequent this Appalachian Mountain town. I continue most all day here inside in the air-conditioned cafe getting a lot of key pounding and photo cropping work done.
Sunday, 10 May 2026, West Hamburg, Pennsylvania.
(Day 819 TS) 50°F. 6:30 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 85
Moon: Waning Crescent (10-15 May, Earthshine Evening)
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, start the jammer engine, drive across the street to the w-mart, carry my computer bag inside, purchase a cup of hot, and begin my morning of pounding keys. Then, when my meeting alarm goes off, I use my Zoom app to connect to the Oak Harbor Congregation to enjoy the meeting.
Afterwards, I pack out of the w-mart, connect to the IH 78/US 22 and drive east for about twenty-five miles to a hf-mart in order to purchase some much needed sprouted rolled oats. I also locate a Grocery Outlet nearby and go there to look for some of my other food staples. After my shopping was done, I drive back to US 22 and follow it further east towards Phillipsburg, New Jersey but do not cross the Delaware River due to the prevalence of toll bridges, which in themselves are not any problem as I would gladly pay a toll to expedite my journey. However, what really stops me from crossing toll bridges, is their quick pay system which, scans you license plate and sends the toll bill to you at the address connected with your license plate. Again, receiving a bill is still not the worse part, instead the problem only get worse after that. First, the Toll Authority expects a payment almost immediately and if your payment is not may timely, then they issue penalties and defaults which quadruple the original cost of the toll fee. Second, I do not plan to be back in Washington to get my mail until sometime in July 2026 or even later. Years ago, I had dealt with this "Authority" and it was not a very nice experience. Thus, even now, I search out alternate routes to travel so as to never again cross a toll bridge.
This was the case today when crossing two rivers, first the Delaware river during the morning and later in the day, when I crossed the Hudson river. The first event occurred today after leaving Allentown. I had stopped at a local health-food market to purchase some of the sprouted rolled oaks that I eat in my Daystart™ After leaving the hf-mart, I drive east on US 22 towards Phillipsburg, New Jersey but do not cross the Delaware River there due to there being a toll bridge. Previously, I had searched online and found one north of their some fifteen miles. So I keyed in the directions on my GPS and started driving. The driving directions for this route, I have recorded on my page for the
Riverton-Belvidere Bridge. Then, after crossing the Deaware River into New Jersey, I drive on Manunka Chunk Road to connect to US 49, turn left and drive north on this highway until it arrives in Columbia, New Jersey, which has many old beautiful colonial style homes. From there, I desire to access the River Road (also known as Old Mine Road) which travels north on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River and through the Delaware Gap National Recreation Center.
However, the daylight hours expire before I can arrive at the NRA and so, I decide to stop at a truck stop and park for the night.
Monday, 11 May 2026, Columbia, New Jersey.
(Day 820 TS) 50°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 86
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Appalachian Trail Location:
3.5 miles northeast along IH 80
Coordinates:
40.93171285, -75.09781395
Elevation:
324 feet
Awake, arise, drive to the af-mart, park in the space in front of the door, walk inside and directly to the mens room. Afterwards, I leave the gas station, drive out of the parking lot and further north on IH 80 towards Delaware Water Gap, and not wanting to cross the Delaware River using IH 80 (because it is another toll bridge), I take the next exit which is an AT trailhead and examine the area and taking photos of it. Soon after that, I drive a little closer to the Water Gap and get off at the last exit before the Toll Bridge. This exit takes me to the River Road, also know as the Old Mine Road, which I access and begin driving north in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA).
At one location called Millbrook Village Historic Site, I turn right off of the Old Mine Road onto Millbrook road which climbs up onto the
Kittatinny Mountain ridge and when I arrive at the crest, I come upon the Appalachian Trail with a turn in for an auto, so I decide to back into the space to prepare and eat my midday meal. In no time, Steve, a thru-hiker walks up and we talk for a long time, both of us stating that we believe in God. Earlier, when at the DWGNRA ranger station walking about and photographing the area, I found, on the pavement, a copy of the Enjoy Life Forever brochure published by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, picked it up and carried it back to the jammer with me thinking, I will try to place this brochure with someone that I meet.
Then, while Steve and I were still talking, methinks, "This is why I found the brochure at the Ranger Station, because I must needs give it to Steve." So, I tell Steve, "A funny thing happened to me earlier today, while I was at the Ranger Station, I found this on the sidewalk..." and then handed him the brochure. He replied, That was very serendipitous and accepts the brochure from me. While we were yet speaking, another thru-hiker walks up and introduces himself with his trail handle, Recall, so Steve greets Recall, says his goodbye to both of us and proceeds to walk northward on the AT. I turn to Recall and tell him that I am a 1978 Thru-hiker and I am here doing my almost 50 year reunion of when I walked from Maine to Georgia on the Appalachian Trail so that I can gather photos and experiences for my book. Then, I showed him my working copy of my book, which he asked if he could take a photo of it.
This riverside stroll in the forest goes on for a total of forty miles before I cross into New York and stop briefly in Port Jervis to look at the map and find a route east into Massachusetts.
So, I leave Port Jervis shortly after four this afternoon on US 209 driving north and immediately begin to notice a tall ridge line to the east which I believe is the northern extension of geological ridge know in New Jersey as the Kittatinny Mountains, but something reminds me that in New York, the same ridge is called the
Shawangunk Mountains, which are referred to by the local as the Gunks. That geological ridge traverses into New York as far as Kingston, New York. Too, the Shawangunk-Kittatinny Mountains ridge form the westernmost edge of the Appalachian Ridges and Valley (10H) ecoregion in southeastern New York, extreme northwestern New Jersey. All of the areas directly to the west of the Shawangunk-Kittatinny Mountain ridge becomes the Allegheny Plateau (10E) in all three states. It is really amazing how much a person can learn from just driving around.
However, after crossing the Delaware Water Gap the corresponding ridge is primarily called Blue Mountain, but that ridge is also called the Kittatinny Ridge, which in Pennsylvania traverses in a southwest direction for 185 miles from the Delaware Water Gap all the way to the Maryland border. Too the Kittatinny ridge is the main ridge for travel on the Appalachian Trail until just below Duncannon, Pennsylvania until at its junction of the Tuscarora Trail coming from the western end of the Kittatinny Mountains. From that junction, the AT turns south and follows South Mountain so as to transition to the Blue Ridge Mountains still farther south.
Without remaining in Port Jervis but only long enough to plan my route towards New England, I then begin driving north on US 209 heading north to the first non-toll bridge of the second river that I mentioned earlier in my journal, the Hudson River which flows south down from upper New York in the Adirondack Mountains, then Glen Falls NY, next Albany, NY, then Poughkeepsie, NY, nest Newburgh, continuing south to Peekskill, then Yonkers and finally New York City before it reaches its mouth at the Atlantic in the upper New York Bay. I only had to drive to Albany, New York to find a bridge without a toll and that bridge was US highway 20 over the Hudson River.
I continue driving east on US 20 and upon reaching the New York/Massachusetts border, continue another eight miles to Pittsfield and once there, I then drive east along SH 9 towards Dalton where I locate both a d-mart to overnight and when driving into the parking lot, I notice a w-mart for tomorrow where I will spend a day or two pounding keys and catch up on my journal writing. I drive into the d-mart parking lot, quickly locate a place to overnight, park, climb into the rear of the jammer and get right under the covers.
Tuesday, 12 May 2026, Dalton, Massachusetts.
(Day 821 TS) 39°F. 7:00 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 87
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Appalachian Trail Location:
High Street in town
Coordinates:
42.4661887, -73.1984347
Elevation:
1,003 feet
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, start the jammer and drive to the far end of the parking lot, cross the esplanade and enter the w-mart parking lot. I back into a space directly across from the cafe, grab my computer bag, walk inside and purchase my regular cup of coffee and hot water. Then, I sit down at a table in the front corner and begin pounding keys so that I might catch up on my journal writing, web page updating, photo cropping, organizing and uploading to the website.
I work throughout the day non-stop, endeavoring to remember the events of the day because if I do not write them all down, then they will forever be lost in the blur that was how the day flew by.
Well, another day is gone, the sun has recently set, and the w-mart will be closing in about ten minutes, so I must pack out and drive to the d-mart for the night. I did, however, get a lot done today but will remain here another day to get more work done before I move farther to the northeast.
Wednesday, 13 May 2026, Dalton, Massachusetts.
(Day 822 TS) 50°F. 7:00 am, rain
Journey On™, Day 88
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Coordinates:
42.4656165, -73.1973394
Elevation:
1,004 feet
Awake, arise, notice that it is raining outside, I tap the snooze button and sleep for another half hour. When I get up, I drive to the w-mart, park the jammer near the door, grab my computer bag and walk inside for coffee, com and computer. I begin working on the latest roadpath along the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey, having most of it completed and upload to my website before four this afternoon. Now, I will begin working on the roadpath journey in New York.
Before the sun sets, I pack out, drive to the north end of this town in order to find and photograph the
Appalachian Trail Trailhead. When I arrive, I also see a historic home that has a sign posted in front stating "Hiker Water Here", so I take a photo of this home as well.
Thursday, 14 May 2026, Dalton, Massachusetts.
(Day 823 TS) 4°F. 7:00 am, rain
Journey On™, Day 89
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward into the drivers seat, start the jammer engine, drive the short distance to the w-mart, park in the space directly in front of the cafe, grab my computer bag and walk inside. I set up at the same table where I have been for the last couple of days, and begin pounding keys, I have been working each of the days here on updating my Appalachian Trail state pages, specifically the pages for
Pennsylvania,
New Jersey,
New York as well as the current state I am in, Confusion, uh, no, I mean
Massachusetts. I have a little more to do to complete the Massachusetts page and then I will be leaving to head north to Vermont.
At seven-thirty this evening, I pack out of the w-mart and drive the short distance to the parking lot where I have been overnighting. I then prepare something for me to eat and then get ready for the evening rest.
The at about nine this evening, I in the horizontal, still wide awake and I have already done a couple of sets of deep breathing using my diaphragm but without going to sleep. This deep breathing is the approach that I use to help me to achieve sleep. However, tonight, I find something absent, so I turn to God in prayer and give him thanks for the many blessings that he has been providing me in abundance all throughout not only this day, but during all the days that I have been taking steps upon my current migration. In fact, I thank the Most High God for everything that I have because nothing that I possess can I attribute to my own righteousness, not one thing.
So, after thanking Him for all that I am, all that I have and all that I know and understand from His Word and His Truth, I then ask God to please allow someone, some individual to come into my presence and speak to me about spiritual things, one who truly wishes to understand why we are here and for what purpose we are to serve by our presence here upon this earth.
But, also please let this one be someone who will not only listen, but hear the words that I speak, to acquaint him about this most wonderful way of life that is available for any man who walks the face of this earth. Too, let him learn and believe the words shown him, those shown him to be upon the pages of the Bible, particularly, those provided to us by a vision from God, given through the profit Isaiah, where God informs all of those of the redeemed ones, that despite the extreme bad conditions of the land, there will come, to be a highway, and a way, and it shall be called the "Way of Holiness." and no fool will be able to walk upon this roadpath.
(Isaiah 35:8)
In, fact, please allow me to be the one to show him that this is the way God directs all of those known today as the
People of God that we should each one of us walk upon and all of us should never turn aside from it, neither to the right or to the left.
(Isaiah 30:21)
Further, let me have the privilege to show this one, that it was John the Baptist who preached the words in the wilderness, saying, "Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, "The voice of the one crying in the wilderness, ‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’"
(Matthew 3:2, 3)
So, I would ask, What must a person do, We must look into the words of these prophets and learn how to walk in such a Way so as to be pleasing the eyes of the Most High God Jehovah. And immediately, that one would ask me How would I learn about this Way, so that I too may walk upon it and know that I am to receive the reward of everlasting life as Jesus had spoke upon the Mound in the sermon.
(Matthew 5:5) where he said, "Blessed are in the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." And again, I must answer in reply in such a way as to shew him the words of the Master when He himself said, at
John 17:17, saying, Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.
And once again, he would ask me; What is this Word? and Where may I find this Truth? To him, I would then replay, let me read the answer myself to your questions, not from any Religious Dogma and Tradition, but directly from the pages of the Bible. Please follow along as I read from Paul′s words to the Thessalonians.
(1 Thessalonians 2:13)
Finally, I turn over in my night bed, close my eyes and thank Jehovah once more time for the abundance of blessing He give myself and well as all of this people. Moments later, I am asleep.
Friday, 15 May 2026, Dalton, Massachusetts.
(Day 824 TS) 44°F. 6:30 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 90
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward into the drivers seat, start the jammer engine and drive across the parking lot to the w-mart for coffee, com, and computer. I continue to work on my web page in this small mountain town, speaking to anyone that I am able to strike up a conversation with and yet I do not succeed with starting a spiritual conversation after several tries. So, I just keep pounding keys, writing in my online journal and working on the several pages within my website.
Then, as the day begins to wain, I notice a man, an elderly gentleman, sitting directly behind me studying a map of the Canadian country and I ask him, "Are you Canadian?" to which he answers, "No, I just like looking at maps." I then tell him that I am a cartographer and make maps for my stories. He looks at me as if wanting me to tell him more, so I add, I am a photo-journalist, one that drives around the country taking photos and writing stories, most of which stories, I create maps for.
At one point in our conversation, I ask Jack if he is a Bible reader, to which he immediately replies, No. I gently probe a little further and he responds, "Don′t get me wrong, I am a believer, I believe in Jesus." Methinks, "Jehovah, is this the person I had asked you to send to me here in the coffee house?" So, he then asks me the question, "What happens when we die?" I tell him that I will answer that question only if you allow me to do so by reading the answer from my Bible, and I will just read a few verses. He agreed and I read
Genesis 1:26. "And God said: Let us make man in our image, after our likeness" I stopped for a moment and said, In God′s image means that we would have the same predominate qualities as God has, Love, Power, Wisdom and Justice. I also explained that only humans were created in His image and could show Love and empathy to others; animals were not created in God′s image because a dog would not give his bone to another dog who had no bone. Then, I told Jack that God provided everything that the first couple needed they could eat from any of the numerous trees growing in the garden; however, He said that there was only one tree that they should not eat from, the tree in the middle of the garden, saying that they should not eat from it because on the day that they did, they would surely die. I asked Jack, since God had created the earth, the garden, all the trees and even the humans, shouldn′t he have the right to choose one tree to keep for Himself. Jack said, Um, yeah. Well, eventually, they ate from that tree and they died. That was called sin, and sin causes death. Then I quoted from
Genesis 3:9 For dust you are and to dust you will return.
Therefore, since God said they would die if they ate from that tree in the middle of the garden, they did die, complete, even so that all their thought did perish. Further, they returned to the dust from which they came, they came to be just as if they had never existed. The scriptures indicate that before they were created they had no life, they were just dust and after they sinned, (ate from the tree), they returned to the same condition that they were before, dead, lifeless dust. And that is exactly what happens when we die, we return to the dust of the earth and at that time, we are no longer alive.
(Genesis 3:19
Psalm 104:29;
146:3,4;)
The above scriptures, as well as many other, indicate what happens when we die. However, remember that Jesus died for our sins and then he was resurrected. The sacrifice he made by giving up his early life paved the way, if you may, a roadpath, for us to walk upon so that we may show God that we really wish to live, even if we were to die now while living here upon this earth.
Remember what Jesus said at Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the meek, since they will inherit the Earth" and these words of his indicate that we could very well be among those who receive a resurrection and be there when God′s restores the Paradise Earth. Further, think what the words of Jesus could mean for us personally.
Saturday, 16 May 2026, Dalton, Massachusetts.
(Day 825 TS) 50°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 91
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward to the drivers seat, start the jammer engine and drive to the w-mart for coffee, com, computer and to wait and see if Jack will return and talk with me some more. I continue here well into the afternoon, keeping busy with my web page work and then at about three in the afternoon, Jack walks in and sits down next to me. We talk for only a short time before he must leave. So, I give him a paper with my web address written down and ask him to please look it up when you can. He said that he would and then we said our good byes and he departed.
Shortly after that, I put my computer away, pack out to the jammer, start the engine and then drive out of Dalton, drive west at first until I arrive at US 7, then turn right and drive north towards Vermont, the next state on my 2026 Journey On™.
I drive along a range of mountains to my right, whereupon the Appalachian Trial follows the ridge. I stop at one location to take a photo of what I think is Mount Greylock, the highest elevation on the AT in
Massachusetts.
Continuing north on US 7, it does not take long for me to arrive in Bennington, Vermont, where I locate the d-mart, stop, park near the front door and go inside to purchase a few fresh vegetables, which I hope to use in making a new Jardinere salad, however, I still must needs purchase a bottle of white vinegar. In the last batch that I had made, I had used Balsamic vinegar which caused the vegetables to become darkened with the red coloring and also, the liquid became muddy in appearance. After I finish my shopping, I stow my veggies in my cool storage area and then drive to a location in the outer perimeter area, park for the night and climb into the rear of the jammer.
(m6fo-ma-at-2026-0516.1812) Mount Greylock on the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts
Sunday, 17 May 2026, Bennington, Vermont.
(Day 826 TS) 50°F. 6:30 am, Overcast
Journey On™, Day 92
Moon: Waxing Crescent, Earthshine Evenings
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Appalachian Trail Location:
5 miles east of US 7 on SH 9
Coordinates:
42.8987707, -73.2109731
Elevation:
594 feet
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward, start the jammer engine and then drive down Northside Drive (SH 7A) to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. Today, I call my brother Robert to announce the fact that I have arrived in Vermont and that I should be at his home by the weekend, to which he said that he would get back to me. Then, he talks about his maple sugaring operation and goes on for over ten minutes and it is hard to follow because he uses a lot of acronyms in his description, causing me to constantly ask questions as to the meaning of the acronyms. Finally, after listening for a very long time, I tell Robert that I must needs get going, say goodbye and then return to my computer work.
Then, I return to my key pounding, staying here inside the cafe until late in the day. Finally, I pack out, drive down the state highway to the d-mart, park for the jammer and then get into the rear of the jammer for the evening.
Monday, 18 May 2026, Bennington, Vermont.
(Day 827 TS) 50°F. 6:30 am, sunny, some clouds
Journey On™, Day 93
Moon: Conjunction of the Moon and Venus
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress, climb into the drivers seat, drive down SH 7A to the w-mart, coffee, com, computer, and generally just glad to be alive, and in fact, I now alive and in Vermont, the Green Mountain State. I look out from where I am sitting at a table inside the coffee cafe and through the cafe windows, I can the a tall mountain ridge, which is indeed the ridge on which traverses the Appalachian Trail. Yes, as I sit here each day pounding the keyboard, the mountain stands large only five miles (as the crow flies) east of me, on which, even as I compose these words here on my computer, there are Thru-hikers footslogging across the top of the ridge.
I remain inside the cafe until about seven this evening at which time, I pack out and drive to the d-mart to purchase some fresh vegetable that I will use to make a new batch of jardiniere vegetables. However, this time, I do not want to use Balsamic vinegar and will purchase some white vinegar for it and also four quart Mason jars.
Finally, I depart from the store, walk out to the jammer and then drive to the outlying portion of the parking lot, choose a secluded location and then park for the evening. I then slice and chop the vegetables into bite size chunks, put then into the Mason Jars, filling each jar up with the several veggies and once all of the four jars are full to the top, I then get out the large bottle of white vinegar and pour the vinegar into each of the four jars, filling each right to the top. What was amazing to me is that I had exactly enough vinegar to fill all four jars. Finally, I screw the tops onto each jar, but do not tighten them, leaving them just a little loose. I then set all four jars on the floor of the jammer, just behind the drivers seat, which has always proved to the the coolest location in the interior, even when the temperatures outside soar into the high numbers. With that task complete, I then get into the horizontal for the evening.
Tuesday, 19 May 2026, Bennington, Vermont.
(Day 828 TS) 60°F. 6:30 am, sunny, some clouds
Journey On™, Day 94
Moon: Waxing Crescent, Earthshine Mornings
Look in Early Evening for Crescent Moon: lead by Venus, followed by Jupiter.
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward, start the jammer engine and drive down the highway to the w-mart. Then, I park right in front of the corner table where I the walk inside to and set up my computer. Next, I walk to the counter and purchase my hot coffee and hot water. Finally, I sit down at the table and resume both my journal writing as well as my web page building work. Methinks, I still can not believe that I am in the state of Vermont, but, the most convincing indication that I really am is that most of the license plates are Green.
I remain inside in the air conditioning all day while outside the temperature soars through the 80s and into the low 90s. Then at about seven-fifty this evening, I step outside with the temperature still in the 80s, drive to the d-mart parking lot and find a location for the evening, open the jammer′s side sliding windows so as to cool down the inside of the van. I open my computer, search for the assembly videos and watch another one, this one which is just over an hour long and I am then glad that I did so. A little later, I get into the horizontal and thank the Most High God, my God for providing me such encouraging information.
Wednesday, 20 May 2026, Bennington, Vermont.
(Day 829 TS) 51°F. 6:30 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 95
Moon: Conjunction of Moon and Jupiter
Awake, arise, start the jammer and drive out of the parking lot turn right onto Northside Drive (SH 7A) and drive the half mile to the w-mart, turn right and pull into the handicap parking space nearest to the cafe′s front door. I then carry my computer bag inside and begin another day inside of the air conditioned cafe, sipping coffee and/or hot tea, eating a cup of my Daystart™ and pounding keys.
In the afternoon, I send my sister Susan a text message that she should go outside after the sun sets to see the Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter, a
May 2026 Celestial Event I will be trying to enjoy.
Thursday, 21 May 2026, Bennington, Vermont.
(Day 830 TS) 46°F. 7:30 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 96
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress, drive, park, coffee, com, computer, more coffee, more computer. Robert calls to ask where I am. Methinks that he thought I had driven to Lebanon to the Starbucks near where he works. I told him that where I am has every thing very close by and I don′ want to leave a good thing until I drive to his home tomorrow.
I continue here unto four in the afternoon and the pack out to do some shopping.
Sleeping in the Jammer
Awake, arise, dress, drive to the w-mart, coffee, com and computer for a morning of key pounding and sipping of coffee.
Then two this afternoon comes all to quickly and I must needs pack out drive out of Bennington, Vermont, and drive towards the ridge that I have been watching all week long and head for my brother Robert′s Home. Leaving Bennington, Vermont on SH 9, I drive east into the mountains to the coordinates for the Appalachian Trail Crossing, stop and photograph the trailhead on both sides of the highway. The west side immediately climbs up a steep incline, which I do not climb and then I walk from the parking lot down a short trail to find a steel bridge over the flowing City Stream that flow along side SH 9. I walk across the bridge while taking photos and finally return to the jammer to return to my Journey On&trade. After leaving the trailhead, I the continue driving east on SH 9 all the way to Brattleboro, Vermont and here drive to the HI 91 northbound entrance and begin driving north. I drive another half an hour north to exit 7, the Springfield exit, get off the interstate highway and then travel along back roads, first into Springfield, then on SH 143 and then on several more county roads for a total of ten miles before arriving on Old Bow Road.
I then turn right onto this road and drive about half a mile until I see the sign with the numbers 657 on it and I turn right onto the driveway of Robert and Ellen Buras, my sibling and his wife. I climb out and hear people in the back yard, so I walk through the area between the house and garage saying out loud, "Hello!" until I hear Roberts voice.
After we greet each other with a hug, he then takes me back to the fire pit where he has some scrap wood and limbs burning. I join him and sit upon an old stump and we talk, catching up on all that has been going on. Later, he takes me to the sugar shack where he gives me the tour of his maple syrup production. Even later, I go with him inside and have some of his chili in a bowl with some corn chips and cheese. During this day, I give him two of the quart jars of my newest batch of pickled jardiniere vegetables and a spice size jar of my Spice Mix, with which he puts all three items in his pantry room. We then go a sitting room and talk to great lengths until I excuse myself and retire to the jammer for the evening.
Saturday, 23 May 2026, Weathersfield, Vermont.
(Day 832 TS) 41°F. 6:30 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 98
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Driveway
Home of Robert and Ellen Buras
Coordinates:
43.3436899, -72.4288652
Elevation:
1,055 feet
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward, step outside, walk to the house, enter the side door, take my shoes off and walk to the bathroom. Afterwards, since it would seem that no one in the house is awake as yet, I don my shoes, walk back to the jammer, get out my computer and begin pounding keys. Then, at about seven-thirty or eight this morning, Robert walks out to my car and asks me if if I would like some hot coffee, to which I answer, yes. After we finish our coffee, we go out to the jammer and I make up both a bowl of my Daystart, after which we go inside his home to boil some water to pour into the bows and also to make us both another cup of coffee.
Then we go out to the garage so that we can begin working on installing the coil-over springs onto my existing shocks, but he must needs drive to town on an errand for Ellen, so while he is gone, I begin sweeping and cleaning his garage floor where we are going to be working on the jammer. When he arrives back at the home, I have just finished with the floor cleaning and then back the jammer into the garage space. He gets out his big floor jack, lifts up the rear end of the jammer an then we pull of the two rear wheels. Next I disconnect the rear driver′s side rear shock get out the parts for the coil-over and try to install the retaining rings over my shocks but these rings were designed for the OEM shocks, but I had replace those shocks with heavy duty ones and the retaining rings would not fit. This stoped the installation immediately and I then put the coil-over parts back into their box and put the box back inside the jammer. Next, I re-install every thing back onto the jammer the loose shock and the two rear tires and make sure all the bolts are good and tight. Soon after that, I move the jammer out of the garage and back into my assigned parking space, open the hood to check my fluids, only to find that I am down a quart of oil and need some radiator coolant. I add the oil from my stores but make a mental note that I must needs purchase a bottle of coolant. About this time, Robert returns to his garden weed pulling and I return to my journal writing and other key pounding work.
Sunday, 24 May 2026, Weathersfield, Vermont
(Day 833 TS) 45°F. 6:30 am, rain
Journey On™, Day 99
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Driveway
Home of Robert and Ellen Buras
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, get out my computer and pound keys until about seven-thirty when Robert walks out to invite me in for a cup of coffee and chat. We sit in the ante-room adjacent to the main house and talk while we sit coffee. I have learned from this visit that Robert is totally uninterested in the Truth of the Bible, really does not even want to discuss it with me. Like all of my other siblings, it would seem to be a waist of my time trying to speak to them anymore about the Good News of God′s Kingdom and His soon to be Paradise Earth. No, not a single one of the remaining six siblings would desire me to speak to them any more. Notwithstanding, I have not lost hope that one or more of them might change their minds in the near future, but at this junction in my personal life, I just will not spend any more effort endeavoring to preach to any of them and will leave it entirely in God′s hands.
So at about eleven this morning, give my brother a big hug, say my good-byes to him, as just like every previous visit, his wife Ellen was too sick to spend any time with me (whether actually of just conveniently, I will not speak of it) and I pack out to the jammer, start the engine and drive out of the driveway. I turn left at the end of the driveway and drive to the stop sign and turn right on Bowden Hill Road and drive north for nearly five miles before arriving at the entrance to the Vermont IH 91 entrance. Once driving north on IH 91, it takes less than a half hour to drive the tewenty-two miles to my next overnight location in Lebanon, New Hampshire. I first locate the coffee-mart and sit in the parking lot until the daylight begins to wain.
Next, I drive to a ap-mart to return the coil over springs to the same chain from which I purchased it from. I also asked if the clerk could acquire a canister purge valve to stop the Check Engine light from being on. He said that he could and would have it here tomorrow. Finally, I drive to the the d-mart, park in a good locations and get into the back of the jammer.
Monday, 25 May 2026, Lebanon, New Hampshire
(Day 834 TS) 50°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 100
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward, start the jammer engine, drive down the road to locate the w-mart, park in front, grab my computer bag and walk inside to sit down at a table. I remain here most all day sipping on hot liquids and pounding keys and at about five, I pack out, drive to the ap-mart to see if the Emission Control unit was available, but the clerk could not locate it. He then said that it must be because of the fact that today was a holiday. So, I tell him that I will return again tomorrow to check again if it has arrived.
I then drive back down IH 89 to the exit where the d-mart is located and drive there, park and get into the rear of the jammer. Soon after, I am in the horizontal for the night.
Tuesday, 26 May 2026, Lebanon, New Hampshire
(Day 835 TS) 51°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 101
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward, start the jammer engine and dive down the street to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. During the morning, Joe, a friend of my from Tennessee calls me, greets me and says he has someone here that wants to talk to you, then gives the phone to Jesse Garza. We talk for a time and catch up; he gives me his home address and I tell him that I will be driving near there in about five to seven weeks. He tells me to be sure and stop in to visit, to which I replay, OK, see ya then.
Next, I return to my key pounding and am able to give a witness to an older gentleman who is sitting next to me writing in what looks like a daily journal. I question him about it and soon after bring up the subject of the Bible. However, he quickly lets me know that he does not want to discuss the Bible and so, I slowly back out of the conversation.
Then, I resume my key pounding until about five this afternoon, when I pack out, drive down IH 89 to the ap-mart, purchase the canister purge valve, return to the jammer, drive back to the IH 89 enter the northbound entrance, drive out of New Hampshire, back to Vermont and then turn north onto IH 91. At this junction turn north onto this interstate highway, drive forty miles north to exit 110 and drive east on US 302 to Woodsville, New Hampshire, where I stop by a steel arch bridge (44.153889, -72.040833), called the Ranger Bridge over the Connecticut River to take some photos. I find out that it was built in 1923 and is the oldest arch bridge over the Connecticut River. I will soon create a page for it in my
Arch Bridge section as it is quite unique in its construction.
Finally, I drive to the d-mart walk inside to use the mens room and then drive the jammer to one of the far corners of the parking lot.
Wednesday, 27 May 2026, Woodsville, New Hampshire.
(Day 836 TS) 53°F. 6:30 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 102
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Coordinates:
44.1421521, -72.0276832
Elevation:
514 feet
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward, start the jammer engine, drive slowly out of the parking lot, turn left onto US 302 and drive to the local coffee shop (which is a restaurant franchise called Dunkin′), which not only has hot coffee, but a table to sit down with a nearby electrical outlet to plug my electronics into. Methinks that I now could have an alternate location at which I may spend time pounding keys and sipping coffee. Still, nothing has real permanence in this old world system and so I will only frequent those places that I know are reputable and reliable.
After a couple of hours of key pounding and updating my current journal entries here at the Dunkin, methinks I am good to go, so I pack out to resume my 2026 Journey On™ in order to drive on New Hampshire State Route 112, the
Kancamagus Scenic Highway. This scenic highway is divided into two sections, the western and eastern portions. The eastern section is by far, the greatest of the two with the most scenic view points and dramatic mountain scenery, and in fact, is the original Kancamagus route. However, the western portion is also very scenic as it winds upstream alongside the swift waters of the Wild Ammonoosuc River flowing down from the summit where at is Beaver Pond, Kingsman Notch across which the Appalachian Trail traverses.
After driving through the Notch, State Highway 112 then follows the upper reaches of Lost river as it flows down from the east side of Kingsman Notch. Soon, the Lost River merges with Walker Brook, then Jackman Brook after which they all merge into Moosilauke Brook which continues downstream to North Woodstock to become Gordon Pond Brook and finally, Gordon Pond Brook merges into the Pemigewasset River at North Woodstock, New Hampshire. The roadpath continues right down to the river, crosses it and then begin right back up into eastern section of the scenic highway.
Thus, state highway 112 climbs up from the Pemigewasset River, first through North Woodstock, then Lincoln, NH and finally through the tourist areas at the extreme eastern reaches of what man can cut out of the Great Pemigewasset Wilderness Area. Then, suddenly, the great wilderness area gains full control allowing only those whose intent is to drive State Highway across the bottom of the Great Pemigewasset Wilderness Area and out the other side.
It is about six this afternoon when I leave the parking lot and head up from North Woodstock, New Hampshire, past Lincoln, New Hampshire and past all the tourist turkey traps and finally into the the wilderness area leaving behind all the fetters that this wicked world holds sway on all of its adherent and all of those ignorant of how strong a hold that the ruler of this world has on every single one of them. Then, for the next hour or so, I look to find the bliss of solitude, the security of simplicity and the wisdom of solace once again in my life.
Although, those three once close comrades did join me within the wilderness area, they were quick to depart upon the first encroachment of driveways began to be seen, and then they were no more, leaving the vicinity only to be found within the pages of the story once again. I continue to drive into town and do not stop until I have found a place to park for the night.
Thursday, 28 May 2026, North Conway, New Hampshire.
(Day 837 TS) 51°F. 5:50 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 103
Coordinates:
44.0184742, -71.1071557
Elevation:
491 feet
Awake, arise, dress in spring blues, climb forward, start the engine, pull out of the parking lot, set the GPS for the w-mart, drive there, park in the first space, set up computer at a window table, begin pounding keys and all of this before my first alarm sounds. Yes, the days are slowly getting longer and I find myself arising earlier each morning with the encroaching daylight arriving earlier. Still, this phenomena will only continue for one more month, well, really, not even a full month, in just twenty-four days, and, Oh! how time does fly.
Friday, 29 May 2026, North Conway, New Hampshire.
(Day 838 TS) 47°F. 6:30 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 104
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in blue, climb forward, start jammer engine, drive to the coffee shop, pound keys, sip hot coffee, eat my Daystart™, pound more keys, sip hot tea, eat a spinach feta wrap, pound more keys, pack out, drive back to the d-mart, park for the night, climb into the rear of the jammer, eat an avocado and some nuts, get into the horizontal and watch a meeting video and then sleep.
That about sums up my day.
Saturday, 30 May 2026, North Conway, New Hampshire.
(Day 839 TS) 37°F. 6:30 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 105
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my blues, climb forward, start the jammer engine, drive out of the parking lot, cross over US 301 and drive into the w-mart parking lot, park the jammer, put up the window shades, grab my computer bag, walk inside, sit down at the same table I have been using for the last several days, plug in my computer and begin pounding keys. After about an hour, I grab my two Yeti cups, walk to the counter and purchase a cup of hot coffee and a cup of hot water. Then, I return to my table, pour the hot water into my Daystart™ and begin enjoying my f-meal whilst I continue pounding keys so as to prepare a couple of pages in advance for my upcoming traverse across the top of the Unites States.
Then, as the hours pass slowly, I manage to get a lot of work done preparing for this next part of my 2026 Journey On™, that of driving into the state of Maine and beginning the new National Scenic Byway, the
Northern Tier Route.
Just before the cafe that I have been sitting within arrives at its closing hour, I pack out to the jammer, climb inside and start the engine. Although the sky here has been entirely filled with clouds, I look upward and can see the moon shining through the overcast expanse, passing in and out of view as the separate clouds each take their turn clocking this blue moon from my vision.
Upon arriving at the d-mart, I park in the overflow lot like I have for several days now, climb into the rear of the jammer to begin my evening ritual.
Sunday, 31 May 2026, North Conway, New Hampshire.
(Day 840 TS) 43°F. 8:00 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 106
Moon: Full Blue Micromoon
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, pull myself up from the horizontal, dress in my spring blues, struggle to climb forward, take my position in the drivers seat, reach up to the phone mount, grab my key lanyard, look towards my hand and then pick out the longest silver key. Next, I insert the key into the keyhole on the right side of the steering column and instinctively turn the key counterclockwise; most all of what I do up to this point is done without thinking and has been done by rote every day upon wakeup for the last 302 days, which before that was the time span of an entire year whereupon I had been waking up in the VA paid rental unit instead of my vehicle. (I am so glad that that year in my life has ended.)
Further, upon my wake up this morning and for a short period after, I was somewhat unsure as to where my location is in my travel, a phenomena that I experience often, and have been experiencing most every days for many years during my Journey On™. In fact, this phenomena is what I call the Burden of a Wayƒarer, a nemesis of sorts if I may say so.
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The Journey On™
The Northern Tier Route
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Travel Direction: Westbound
Monday, 01 June 2026, North Conway, New Hampshire.
(Day 841 TS) 44°F. 6:00 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 107
Geographic Information
Geographical Region:
Ecoregion:
Moon: Waning Gibbous (01-07 June)
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my fall blues, climb forward, start the jammer engine, drive to the w-mart, grab my computer bag, walk inside and take up my morning residence at the same table I have been sitting at since arriving here after driving up and over the Kancamangus Highway on Day
836 TS. And now, I am ready to leave this abeyance from my travels and return to the Journey On™ and drive to that location wherefrom I will begin this next section of my journal, my journey and my life experience.
As I sit here and sip on my cup of hot, I continue my work on preparing the several pages of my website which will chronicle the upcoming days, weeks and months of my crossing on the top of the country, a route that I have come to know is replete with remote undisturbed locations, abundant wilderness areas, and extensive unpopulated regions, whereupon this wayƒarer does hope to return to the natural beauty of the earth reminiscence of those days now long past but still residing within my memory.
Then, at just before one this afternoon, I pack my things out to the jammer, start the engine and begin a four hour drive across the southern terrains of Maine towards Mount Desert Island. Some would call this the
Approach Trail but, in reality, my drive from Conway, New Hampshire to Bar Harbor, Maine is indeed a journey of the highest distinction, one which would in anyone′s rating scale would reach to the highest levels.
The first part of the drive, about 80 miles, from Conway, NH to Wayne, Maine, where I cross the Androscoggin River was entirely within the
Northeast Coastal Ecoregion (10C), was quite scenic, brimming with thick forests, lake views along both sides of the highways and several quaint villages. My phone map application took me along many different highways to make this traverse across this region, passing through towns such as Fryeburg, Waterford, Norway, Buckfield, Turner, Wayne and others.
After crossing the Androscoggin River, I drive on SH 133 and notice immmediately the change from one ecoregion to the next, the
Acadian Hills and Plains Ecoregion. Soon, I arrive in the Maine town of Wayne on the shore of the Androscoggin Lake. Upon leaving Wayne, I drive south to Winthrop, connect to US 202 and then drive east to Augusta all along noticing that the hills of this region began to appear in all directions. This arrival of the land uprising provides a slight stain on the jammer engine while the drive continues to take me through more thick forests, alongside more lakes but now with the climb up and over the hills with an occasional view of inland ocean bays to the south. This section of today′s drive was just over 120 miles and after crossing the Kennebec River on US 202, I connected with State Highway 3, which takes me all the way to Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, a highway know locally as a scenic highway known as the The Acadia Highway
I arrive in the town of Bar Harbor, Maine just before seven this evening locate an open parking spot right in front of the Town Clock located in the Village Green adjacent to Maine Street and park the jammer there. There are signs everywhere requiring visitors to pay for parking at the nearby kiosk. So, I do as required and pay $4.00 for one hour of parking. Then, with my phone, begin taking photos of the jammer parked in front of the Town Clock as well as other features of the Village Green. When my hour of parking is up, I start the jammer and drive to the northeast corner of the park, drive west in front of the fire department (MCMXI), then turn right onto Rodick Street and drive slowly until I find a location for free parking, where I do a perfect two point parallel parking into the space. Soon after, I put up my window shades, climb into the rear of the jammer and get into the horizontal for the night.
At about two in the morning, a street crew walks by whom are re-spraying all of the white paint markings on the roadway. I am awaking by the noise they are making but they do not stop but continue down Rodick Street towards the harbor front.
(Day 842 TS) 44°F. 6:00 am, overcast, dry
Journey On™, Day 108
Northern Tier Route, Day 02 of 60
Geographical Information
Geographical Region:
Ecoregion:
Sleeping in the Jammer
Parking on a City Street
Coordinates:
44.3903421, -68.2066180
Elevation:
74 feet
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward into the drivers seat, start the jammer engine, allow it to run for a time before putting the transmission into gear, and when I do, I then drive towards Bridge Street to once again look at Bar Island. Next, I access SH 3, turn left and drive the loop around the southeast half of the island through Otter Creek village, Seal Harbor village and Northeast Harbor village. Then, when the roadpath arrives at SR 102, I turn right and drive north to the Mount Desert Island Bridge and leave the island. After crossing the bridge, I arrive on Thompson Island and immediately I see a sign for a picnic area turnout. This is where I have been all day long pounding keys to compose my journal entry for the last two days as well as updating other associated pages.
I find that this picnic park, which just happens to be an extension of Acadia National Park, is in fact the quietest spot that I have found during my two day stay here on Mount Desert Island. The town of Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island and much of the surrounds have become the worst of the worst of places upon the surface of this earth; Yes, Oak Harbor has evolved into a
Turkey Shoot! And when that occurs to a place that I have previously frequented, I usually make it a point never to go back to that location again. So, methinks I must needs vacate the Village Green Town Clock as the eastern terminus of the Northern Tier Route and move it to a much more deserving town. Therefore, I will bethink upon this for the next couple of days and inform my readers of the final decision as to where the new terminus will be located.
At about five this afternoon, after watching the tide rise from low time to high tide and retreat back to low tide, I pack out of the Thompson Island picnic area roadside park and drive north on State Highway 3 towards Ellsworth, Maine. Upon arriving in Ellsworth, I located a place where I will be overnighting for a couple of nights simply because this will be the last town for a long drive with a w-mart where I can sit inside, sip on coffee and pound keys. When I leave this town, I will likely not have very good phone service either during the time that I will driving though the northern reaches of the state of Maine.
(Day 843 TS) 47°F. 6:30 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 109
Northern Tier Route, Day 03 of 60
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Coordinates:
44.5280409, -68.3973033
Elevation:
225 feet
Awake, arise, start the jammer and drive the short distance to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. I work on my computer most all day updating many associated pages and creating a few new maps to use with the pages. It is a little after five this evening when I finally open my journal to begin today′s entry, but do not have much to write because I have yet to travel very far from Bar Harbor, Maine. Still, I have been thinking about how disappointed that I have become after my most recent visit to that city and how is is now just another Turkey Shoot. I have decided that I must needs never return there again, at least not in this old system.
Furthermore, because of this decision, I feel that it would be inappropriate for me to retain either the city or the island as the eastern terminus of my new Northern Tier Route national scenic byway (NTR). So, i must needs bethink of which would be a more commensurate locations for this eastern terminus. Too, I begin looking at the map of southeast Maine and at first begin thinking Eastport, Maine would be a good location but do not fully decide on that town at this time.
I continue here in this inland Maine city for the remainder of this day, pack out of the w-mart, drive back to the d-mart to purchase some food stores for my pantry and since this d-mart has No Overnight Parking signs posted, I drive to the the drive to a hw-mart where I go inside, purchase some silicone water sealant and then spread a thin bead along the top of all of the jammer windows, as well as along all of the roof seams and in doing so, use up the entire eight ounce hand squeeze tube. Finally, I put away my step stool, close up the rear hatch and climb into the jammer for the evening.
(Day 844 TS) 49°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 110
Northern Tier Route, Day 04 of 60
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward, insert the key which I turn clockwise to start the jammer engine and then pull forward slowly out of the hw-mart parking lot. I then drive across SH 3 (now High Street in this town), under the traffic light and turn right into the parking lot for the w-mart, park the jammer in a handicap space, grab my computer bag, a single coffee cup and walk inside to resume my key pounding for one more day.
Methinks, now, instead of Bar Harbor, that I will use a location nearest to the coast along the US/Canadian border and after looking at the map of southeast Maine, I have decided that for the eastern terminus of the NTR, I will drive to the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, which lighthouse is at the easternmost point of land in the contiguous forty-eight United States. After deciding to make this the eastern terminus point, I have become excited again about resuming my 2026 Journey On™
Then, at about nine-thirty this morning, I pack out of the w-mart and begin the final approach drive to the eastern terminus end of the Northern Tier Route.
Leaving Ellsworth, I drive southeast on Oak Street (US 1) out of town and soon, this highway turns eastward. Upon arriving at Millbridge, I take a shorter roadpath by driving on US 1A (Kennedy Highway), cross the Narraquagus River and in about eight miles, return to US 1 highway, which drive take me through several small townships, including: Columbia Falls, Jonesboro, Machias and then Whiting. Upon arriving in Whiting, I turn right off of US 1 onto SH 189 towards Lubec, Maine, drive about ten miles and then turn right onto South Lubec Road. Then, I drive about five miles to the lighthouse at the end of this road.
Upon arriving at the lighthouse parking lot, I see that there is a steep downhill walk to the lighthouse, much too steep for me to walk, but then, I notice a sign stating that the handicap parking is at the lighthouse at the bottom of the hill. I drive to the lighthouse, park and begin to examine the exterior of the light. Upon arriving at the front entrance, I see a sign stating that the lighthouse is closed for restoration, so I continue around the outside taking several photos.
(Day 845 TS) 57°F. 6:30 am, sunny with some clouds
Journey On™, Day 111
Northern Tier Route, Day 05 of 60
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Coordinates:
46.141792, -67.842585
Elevation:
399 feet
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward, start the jammer and while it is warming up, I key in the next location along the NTR that I wish to drive to. Then, I drive out of the parking lot, onto US 1 and begin driving northbound and when upon arriving at Mars Hill, Maine, I take US 1A, which highway continues north along the Canadian border whereas US 1 moves to the west about six mile and there continues northward. After driving for some time, I notice on my phone GPS app that there is a rest stop just north of Fort Fairfield, so after crossing the Aroostook River, I turn left along the river and find a nice place to prepare something to eat and drink. While I am there at the rest stop, a friend from Oak Harbor, Washington sends me a text wondering why I haven′t responded to her and I reply, "The phone service is very bad, mostly nonexistent where I have been driving."
After my meal break, I resume my northbound drive on US 1A all the way to Van Buren, at which location, US 1A and US 1 merge back together and also are now traversing along side St John River. The river then begins a turn to the east and the highway also follows that turn towards the, first going through several small towns and then at the town of Maine, US 1 enters Madawaska, Maine where I stop and purchase something to eat at a sandwich shop. Afterwards, I continue driving eastward to Fort Kent where I stop at the Riverside Park which has an RV campground. The sign at the park said to call the Police dispatcher for a reservations, so upon calling, found out that one night of camping there was $54 dollars and the campground did not have a shower house. Needless to say, I told the dispatcher, Thank You Very Much and then Goodbye.
Too, I met Andy and Sandy, who are friendly locals and asked them where might be a good place to park overnight for free. Sandy said that here sister runs a breakfast and lunch restaurant in Allagash, told me the name of the cafe and then called her sister to tell her that I might be coming by. I told Sandy that I was going to drive there anyway so I will stop by and see what happens. I did drive to the restaurant but found it closed with no one there, so I then just began the return drive to Fort Kent where, after driving around for about half and hour, I do find a large parking lot behind several businesses and off the main highway.
Once I have my window shades up, I get out my computer and start pounding keys to record the events of this day. Finally, at just after nine this evening, I get into the horizontal. It is another warm evening and this one also has a light rain falling.
For a short time, I hear the buzzing of a mosquito, so I pick up my phone, turn it on, hold it about one foot in front of my face (like I was actually reading or something) and then wait for the little buzzer to make its appearance right in front of me. It only took about three minutes and then he showed himself, Swat! and he was history, just a splatter spot on my phone. Next, I reached for a paper napkin to wipe his remains from the face of the phone and then I turned the phone off, put it back on the desktop and resumed my quest for unconsciousness.
(Day 846 TS) 53°F. 6:30 am, overcast, light rain
Journey On™, Day 112
Northern Tier Route, Day 06 of 60
Messier 10 is well placed
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Truck Stop Parking Lot
Coordinates:
47.247820, -68.600003
Elevation:
526 feet
Awake, arise, drive to the fuel pump and use the glass squeegee to clean my windshield of the numerous bug splatters. After completing that task, I the get back into the jammer, start the jammer engine and something strange happens with the ignition key, but since the engine is running, I go ahead and drive west on US 1 for a short distance to the Mile Zero monument of the US 1 highway. Here, I see a restaurant called Rock′s Family Diner, pull into the parking lot, park near the front door and when I try to turn off the engine, the ignition key no longer works. So, I open the hood, reach for the relay box, pull off its cover and then remove the top relay, which immediately causes the jammer engine to stop running. Then, I plug that relay back into its socket, close the relay box, and then return to look at the dash instruments. This is when I see that several of the red warning lights are still on, which indicates to me that even though the key has been removed, the ignition system is still connected to the battery. Therefore, in order to disconnect the ignition system, I must needs disconnect the negative battery wires, so I go back to the engine and remover the three negative wires from the battery terminal. When I look at the dash again, all or the instruments and red lights are now off, so, I close the hood, grab my computer bag and go inside for my breakfast. Inside, I find a table with an electrical outlet and here plug in my computer electrical charger cord. After eating, I then begin pounding keys whilst I continue sipping on my cup of hot.
Too, while I am on my computer, I hear a group of French speaking Cajuns, and because I can hear them plainly, I listen to see if I can understand any of what they are saying. A little later, I say to them, "Je sSuis Acadian du New Orleans, mais, je parle seulement anglais." which in English means, "I am a Cajun from New Orleans, but, I only speak English." They answer me in English and we talk for a while before eventually, one at a time, all of them leave the cafe.
I have been here since early this morning and upon looking at the time, I see that is half past noon and methinks, "That is the reason I am hungry." I look at the menu and see something that not only looks appetizing, but something that I have never had before, which is here called "Lumberjack′s Poutine" (pronounced poo-tsin.)
When this dish is carried to my table, I get an all so familiar smell of McCormick spices, the same smell that I remember from the brown gravy that Mom used to make for just about every meal when I was growing up. This meal is one for the unusual list as it has French fries covered with a hot brown gravy with ground meat, shredded mozzarella cheese and has sprinkled on top some fresh chopped onions and bell peppers.
(b1a11-15-09-2026-0606.1235) Poutine, ‘Cajun Food’ from Fort Kent Acadians
So, I go back to my key pounding and try to accomplish some of the website page updates that I must needs do, remaining here in the restaurant in the corner with a window right next to me, a window with a view out towards the north and looking at the USA/Canada border crossing between Fort Kent, Maine and Clair, New Brunswick.
(b1a11-15-09-2026-0606.1600) Fort Kent side of the USA/Canada Border
Remaining in my window seat, I continue pounding keys all day long, and I have decided that I will be doing the same thing here tomorrow as well so that I can continue the work on my web site as well as connecting with the Oak Harbor Congregation for the weekend meeting. I suspect that my overnighting locations for the next one or possibly two days will be very likely in the forests and so, I am making sure that my phone and my computer both have a full charge on their batteries.
(Day 847 TS) 51°F. 8:30 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 113
Northern Tier Route, Day 07 of 60
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Auto Parts Parking Lot
Coordinates:
47.35435352, -68.3490472
Elevation:
586 feet
Since the AP-mart does not open until 09:00 this morning, I sleep in quite late before rising and getting dressed. Then, right after nine this morning, I walk into the store to purchase a new key/tumbler to replace the one that seems to be faulty. I have been talking with my friend Joe, who is a retired master Ford Mechanic and he suggests that I first replace the key-tumbler and if that does not fix the problem, replace the actual electric ignition switch which is bolted on the steering column adjacent to the key-tumbler.
So, I take the driver′s dash apart, removing all the paneling in order to get access to the steering column and replace the key/tumbler. When my replacing does not correct the problem, I then go back inside the ap-mart to purchase the ignition switch, return to the jammer and install the switch. Just like the tumbler did not fix the problem, neither did the ignition switch when I turned the key on the steering column. Methinks, I must needs develop a work around to this problem. Since I have already learned hot to turn off the engine by simply pulling one of the relays (located in the relay box on the wheel well wall aft of the battery), now, I must needs develop an easy way to start the jammer engine.
So, I open the hood and look in the same area of the relay box and it comes to me that the small electrical connection just in front of the relay box is the starter solenoid. Thus, I grab my standard screw driver and use it to jump the positive battery post to the starter post and immediately the engine roars to life. That does it, I have a work-around, I can both stop the engine and restart it again. So, who needs a key to start and stop your car.
Next, I put the dash all back together and the drive back to Fort Kent, stop at Rock′s Family Diner and purchase something to eat for lunch. Too, I connect to the Oak Harbor, Washington congregation to listen in on the meeting when it begins at 13:00 this afternoon. However, one of the waitresses tells me that the restaurant will be closing at 14:00 today (2:00 pm). I eat my lunch and listen in on the meeting but the cafe closes before the meeting ends, so I switch from my computer and while I pack out to the jammer, I continue listening to the meeting on my phone in the parking lot.
As soon as the meeting is over, I say good bye to the friends, log out of the Zoom App, open the hood and start the jammer engine. Then, I drive east on US 1 (First Mile) to state highway 11 (SH 11, Aroostook Road), turn right and drive south along the Fish River to Eagle Lake, then Portage, next, Ashland, Masardis, all the way down to Sherman, Maine, all villages along this higway in Maine. At Sherman, Maine, I have to take a hard right to continue driving south on SH 11 until arriving at Medway. Here, SH 11 takes another hard right and I then drive east through Millinocket, then southeast, all along passing lake after lake after lake, most all of them hidden by the thick forested lands all about.
Then, upon arriving in Milo, Maine, I am totally exhausted and choose not to drive any farther, so I turn onto Garden Way, drive to the rear of a restaurant and park in the last row of spaces. I climb into the rear of the jammer and get into the horizontal for the night.
(Day 848 TS) 54°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 114
Northern Tier Route, Day 08 of 60
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Coordinates:
45.252902, -68.987445
Elevation:
315 feet
Awake, arise, open the hood and start the jammer engine, climb back into the drivers seat, and turn right onto Main Street, cross the Sebec River downstream of which there is an old building that appears to be an old mill of some sorts. I drive eastbound on state highway 6 (SH 6) eastbound, pass a Kingdom Hall on the left (south side), drive through Dover-Foxcroft where I must needs turn right to continue on SH 6 and stop at a roadside rest stop adjacent to the Low′s Covered Bridge. Here, I get out my stove, cookpot, and cups to make my Daystart™, hot coffee and hot tea. I remain here for more than an hour on the bank of the Piscataquls River enjoying the moment. However, I must needs drive farther west on the Northern Tier Route, so I pack out, and when I drive out of the rest area, I turn onto the Low′s Bridge road cross through the bridge to the opposite shore, turn around and drive back through the bridge to SH 6. Finally, I turn left onto the state highway and continue east along my NTR which is also along the Piscataquls River.
Upon arriving in the town of Guilford, SH 6 crosses the Piscataquls River and then turn right onto Elm Street and continues to follow along the south side of the river and goes through the town of Abbot. Then, SH 6 turns north and just one more mile, crosses over the Piscataquls River again and continues north to Monson, Maine where I stop to take a photo of the Post Office there which was mail-stop number 13, which occurred on 28 August 1978. (Page 281) and where I had stayed the night at Shaw′s Boarding House.
When conferring with my book, I find out that it was Keith Shaw′s son-in-law, Wayne, who I had worked with to split wood that day when I arrived looking for a place to await for my mail stop. Too, sometime later, I Google the hostel and find that it is still in operation, likely run by Keith′s son-in-law Wayne, but I did not stop there on this go-round. I do stop at the Appalachian Trail Visitors Center and talk with Wendy, the center′s keeper. She gives me a number of maps that have been developed for the area and/or trail. All too soon, I depart
(Day 849 TS) 53°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 115
Northern Tier Route, Day 09 of 60
Planet: Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter
Moon: Waning Crescent, Earthshine Mornings (9-13)
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
In a Park alongside Lake Hebron
Coordinates:
45.286011, -69.500977
Elevation:
849 feet
Awake, arise, dress in my summer blues, step outside and set up my stove, tea pot, begin boiling water and then go back to the jammer to gather my food. In about five minutes, I see steam rising from the spout, so I return to the table, turn off the stove and then begin to pour the hot water into my three cups. I always fill the two hot drinks first, and what remains into the cup of Daystart™. If I do need more hot water for the food, then, I will just pour some of the hot tea into it.
I then sit here enjoying my meal here along the bank of Lake Hebron as it is such a comfortable day. After eating, I stow all of my gear back into the jammer, and continue my drive north from Monson 3.75 miles to the location where the Appalachian Trail now crosses SH 6, instead of where it crossed the same highway in 1978, which was along Lake Hebron and right into Monson when I walked the Appalachian footpath. Upon arriving at the trailhead (45.3311579, -69.5354428), I back into a space in the shade under the tree cover and begin working on my computer, staying here until late in the morning before deciding to pack out to continue on my traverse of the NTR.
Driving north on SH 6, I travel through large areas of forested lands, continuing to see lakes beyond the trees or through the openings and methinks, this is truly the vacationland that the state so advertises it is. Driving north, I arrive at Greenville, do not stop but continue north to Rockwood, Maine where I stop and photograph the locations for both the west and east outlets of Moosehead Lake into the Kennebec River. Then, SH 6 makes a wide turn to the the southwest, which soon after it then turns eastward and after a drive of more than thirty miles I arrive in the town of Jackman. Here, I turn right onto US 201 and drive up to where this highway crosses the Moose River (45.6365933, -70.2621234) after which, I turn around and resume the NTR drive south from Jackman, Maine on US 201, (The Canada Road National Scenic Byway) and drive another 33 miles south until I arrive at Caratunk, Maine (Mail Stop 14 along my 1978-1979 walk on the Appalachian Trail).
The Kennebec River
It is in the early afternoon when I drive up the steep access road on the eastern side of the highway, park the jammer in a shady spot, get out my day-pack and then prepare it with the items necessary for a bath in the Kennebec River. Then, I hang the day-pack over my shoulders, grab my phone and walk nearly half a mile to where the AT crosses the Kennebec River. Upon arriving at the river, I find a nice large rock to put my things upon, strip down to my skivvies step out into a little deeper water and douse myself with double handfuls of the water. I start with my hair, add some soap, lather up and then rinse. I do this three times before I feel that it is clean, so the fourth time that I lather up my hair I use the soap suds to wash the rest of my body. Finally, when I have washed everything, I rinse thoroughly and walk back to the large rock. I grab my bandana and begin to dry my body, putting on clean clothes to cover the now dry skin. Next, I dry both my feet and the inside of my slip on shoes, and then brush my teeth. Finally, I stow all of my gear back into the daypack and then walk the half mile back to the jammer, struggling up the steep hill at the end.
Once I arrive at the jammer, I open the hood and start the jammer engine, close the hood, climb into the drivers seat and drive out of the trailhead parking area. When I arrive at the highway, I turn left on US 201, drive south through Moscow to Solon, turn right onto US 201A and continue south to North Anson, where I turn right onto state highway 16 and travel northwestward to Kingfield, stopping briefly at where the Carrabassett River flows over a concrete dam and there are several who are swimming in the water. Next, SH 16 crosses the Carrabassett River and enters the town of Kinfield and immediately turns right onto Main Street. Then, SH 16/27 follows the river valley through the towns of Carrabassett, Begelow (at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain), to another crossing of the Appalachian Trail (45.1034137, -70.3568962) and finally to Stratton, where the two state highways split, SH 27 continues north to Woburn, Canada and SH 16 turns southwest to Rangeley. I take the state highway to Rangeley, Maine.
Upon arriving at Rangely, I do not stop but turn right to continue on SH 16, drive along Rangeley Lake and then just before the village of Oquossoc, Maine, SH 16 turns to the right, continues around the north end of Cupsuptic Lake, the northern arm of Mooselookmeguntic Lake. After rounding the top of this lake, SH 16 turns southwest, then turns to the west and finally, turns southwest again and makes a run for the New Hampshire state line (44.862092, -71.046624). Once SH 16 crosses into New Hampshire, it keeps the same designation of SH 16 until arriving at Errol, New Hampshire.
Again, I do not stop in Errol, New Hampshire but continue on state highway 26 (SH 26) up into the White Mountains to begin driving on the Moose Path Trail State Scenic Byway. Too, my road atlas indicates that I will be driving up and over the northernmost mountain range of the White Mountains, that I will climbing from the Magalloway River valley. The climb up begins in Errol, New Hampshire and continues over the pass at Dixville Notch which has an elevation of 1,887 feet.
I then cross trough the notch and down the other side of the mountain range to the Connecticut River, turn right on state highway 3 (SH 3, Daniel Webster Highway) and soon come to a rest stop on the right side of the highway, pull in and find a place to park for the night. The location is perfect as there is a picnic table right in front of where I have parked and a portable potty about twenty feet south of my location. I remain inside the jammer, put up my window shades and get out my computer to pound keys for a time until I finally get into the horizontal for the night.
Wednesday, 10 June 2026, Colebrook, New Hampshire.
(Day 850 TS) 50°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 116
Northern Tier Route, Day 10 of 60
Meteor Shower: Arietid Peak
Moon: Conjunction with Saturn
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Rest Stop
Coordinates:
44.9243152, -71.5078385
Elevation:
1,039 feet
I cross the Connecticut River (44.99569950919015, -71.53472100097943) into Vermont and continue westbound on Vermont state highway 114 (SH 114)
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, climb forward, unlock the hood, step outside, open the hood, reconnect the battery, start the engine and then get back into the drivers seat to drive out of the rest stop. It is only a short distance north, about five miles, from here north along the Connecticut River that I drive on US 3 north for about five miles until I arrive in Stewartstown, New Hampshire, turn left on Main Street and in three hundred yards arrive at the Connecticut River, cross from the State of New Hampshire into the town of Canaan, Vermont. Once in Vermont, the road becomes SH 114 on which I travel westbound, remaining mostly within a mile of the Canadian border as I travel the next fourteen miles to Norton, Vermont. Then, SH 114 turns south along the Coaticook River follow it upriver to Norton Pond. During this section, a sheriff pulls me over and tells my that my left rear brake light is not working, but only gives me a warning ticket and tells me to get it fixed right away (There was a lot of prayer that went into that interaction). So, after the encounter, I continue driving south of SH 114 to the next town,
Island Pond, turn right on SH 105 and then on the right, see a hw-mart, stop and ask the clerk if he has automotive bulbs showing him the old one that I had removed from the tail light. He takes me back to the shelf locations, pull out a drawer, picks up one of the bulbs and hands it to me. We then both go back to the counter and I purchase this new bulb for four dollars and while here, I also ask about and purchase two more wing-nuts for the negative battery connection because I have been concerned about dropping and/or loosing the only wing-nut that I currently have, which would prevent me from being able to securely reconnect the battery. This was an extremely good purchase, two wing-nuts for a dollar, and now, I will not be so worried about loosing the only wing-nut I have.
Leaving the hw-mart, I drive north out of town on SH 114 back to the junction where SH 111 turns to the left and then I drive northwest on SH 111 for about twenty miles to Derby Center, turn right onto Main Street and drive one half mile to the junction with US 5. Here, I turn left onto US 5 and drive towards Newport, Vermont. In just a short time, I see a cafe where I could stop for a couple of days to catch up on my journal writing, a d-mart where I might overnight as well as an ap-mart where I can purchase needed parts for the jammer. (After stopping, I find that the same bulb purchased earlier for four dollars is about six dollars here.) Then, I drive to the coffee shop hoping to spend the rest of this day here and when upon my arrival, I gather my things, walk inside and choose a table with an adjacent electrical outlet, plug in my both my computer and my phone and then go to work pounding keys.
I spend the entire remainder of this day in this cafe and when the day does eventually come to an end, I pack out of the cafe, drive to the d-mart, park in a space away from the two entrances, put up my window shades and before I can find sleep, it begins to rain, lightly at first, theN very hard. Methinks, I am so glad that on Day
843 TS I had stopped at a hw-mart to purchased a tube of window sealant caulk and spread a bead over all the window flashing because now, none of the jammer windows leak during this storm. I get into the horizontal and close my eyes but it is still quite warm and the humidity is high so I do not pull the cover up and over me. Later, during the night, the temperature drops somewhat causing me to reach for the covers.
(Day 851 TS) 50°F. 6:30 am, partly sunny
Journey On™, Day 117
Northern Tier Route, Day 11 of 60
Planet: Mercury at Highest Altitude in Evening Sky
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Coordinates:
44.9490047, -72.1717596
Elevation:
989 feet
Awake, arise, climb forward, step outside, open the hood to start the jammer engine and get back into the drivers seat to drive the three quarters of a mile to the coffee house, park, grab my computer bag and walk inside for coffee, com and computer. I remain here for most all of this day working on my computer, enhancing a couple of the state maps.
Then, when the cafe was about to close, I packed out, and walked into a summer heat wave. Wow, I have not felt it this hot for a very long time. I then drive to the d-mart and just lie in the jammer and sweat. I look at the forecast and see that it will be a little better during the next few days but, for sure, the summer is upon us and it is still ten days before the
Summer Solstice.
(Day 852 TS) 50°F. 6:30 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 118
Northern Tier Route, Day 12 of 60
Mooon: Conjunction of Moon and Mars
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues (because it is still cool in the mornings), start the jammer (still using the work-around method of opening the hood, reconnecting the battery cable and jumping the two posts on the starter solenoid and then closing the hood), get back into the drivers seat, and drive down the highway the short distance to the coffee shop. Once I am seated with my computer open, I step up to the counter and order a cup of hot, return to my seat and begin pounding keys, however, with the sun still not above the roofline, it is hard for me to see my computer screen. So, I walk back up to the counter and order a breakfast sandwich and when it is ready, I enjoy my f-meal while awaiting for the sun to climb higher into the sky. It is not until after eight this morning that I can resume key-pounding without being totally blinded by the light.
I continue again all day here in the air conditioned cafe while outside the temperature soars into the high 80s. At one point, the air conditioning becomes so cold to me that I must walk out to the jammer to get my hoodie and put it on for the rest of the day that I am here. Then, at six-forty this evening, I pack out, drive to the d-mart, park in the same space and then endeavor to get comfortable with while I await for the temperature to drop down below eighty degrees.
(Day 853 TS) 59°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 119
Northern Tier Route, Day 13 of 60
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my summer blues, unlock the hood, step outside, open the hood to connect the battery and then use my starting screwdriver to turn on the engine. Then, I close the hood, get back inside the jammer and pull out of the d-mart parking lot and drive first through Newport, Vermont and continue west on SH 105 through North Troy, after which I stop briefly at the at the trailhead for the Long Trail north from SH 105 and take a few photos. The location is called True Way North (44.9865319, -72.5042593) where the northbound trail has been routed from the high pass to the east around the private property. While I am here, two hikers arrive and we talk for a short time before they continue along the route north to the Canadian Border. When, I leave this mountain pass, I travel east to Richford, Vermont, on my roadpath across the top of Vermont. Just before arriving at Richford, Vermont, I make an opportune stop at a roadside
rest stop, which appears to be private but the sign states, "Do not park on the grass!", so I park on the gravel. Then, I step out of the jammer, open the hood and turn the jammer engine off. Next, I get out my stove, tea pot and three cups, turn and look at the jammer briefly and see with the sun still rising low in the east, it cast a shadow along the western side of the van, so, I set up my three step stools here fully within this shady location and proceed to prepare today′s Three Cup Meal.
Then, from here, I continue to drive west on SH 105 which carries me south to East Berkshire, then Enoshbury and then south to Einosburg Falls, continuing westward on SH 105 until arriving at Sheldon Junction, at which time, I choose to turn north on SH 78, which I believe that from this location, is the quickest route to access the northernmost route across the top of Vermont and into New York. Too, this roadpath is along the north side of the Missisquoi River and in not too long of a driver, I arrive at Swantown, Vermont.
At this location, to the north not more than fifty feet is the
Missisquoi River, which flows northwest into the southern area of Bay Missisquoi, the north-easternmost arm of Lake Champlain, which is a body of water shared by both Vermont and Quebec. The waterway where the river and bay merge are the home of
Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge.
I stop briefly at the Village Green in Swantown and park the jammer for a short break. As I look about, I see at the opposite side of the park, two of my spiritual sisters with a mobile literature cart standing in the park and witnessing to all who pass by. I approach and introduce myself, and we talk for a time. Soon, another sister arrives and walks up to say hello.
When I do leave Swantown, I drive west on SR 78 across the Missisquoi River, then north along the river as it flows north to Bay Missisquoi and then west across the Alburg-Swanton Bridge to Alburg, Vermont. Then, SH 78 turns south turns southward and connects to US 2, where I turn right and continue northwest on US 2, to where Lake Champlain flows north into the the Richeliue River and then north for nearly 80 miles to its confluence (46.0484112, -73.1198672) with the Saint Lawrence River. I continue west across the Rouses Point Bridge (44.9985733, -73.3483392) and notice Fort Mongomery, an abandoned fort near the Canadian Border (1844). I talk with a police officer who is on the site for another reason but he does not know much about it. I leave their and continue west on US 2 (which begins North Country State Scenic Byway) into Rouses Point, New York then south on US 11 for one mile and the west again parallel to the New York/Quebec border.
After driving to Malone Junction, I then take SH 37 north and follow the same state/province border further west until the state highway turn to the southwest. After a long stretch, I turn right off of SH 37 onto SH 12 and continue following this state highway along the Saint Lawrence River until I arrive at Alexandria Bay, New York where there is a large shopping center with multiple stores. Too, there are already several RVs parked when I arrive. I pull in, find a good location to park and climb into the rear of the jammer for the evening.
Sunday, 14 June 2026, Alexandria Bay, New York.
(Day 854 TS) 55°F. 7:30 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 120
Northern Tier Route, Day 14 of 60
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
A Grocery Store
Coordinates:
44.2981315, -75.9675217
Elevation:
265 feet
Awake, arise, start the jammer engine, drive to the front of the grocery store, park the jammer and then go inside to use the restroom. When, I return from the g-mart, I get into the drivers seat and resume my drive on the Northern Tier Route, this day driving southwest on SH 12 along the northernmost highway in New York. Upon arriving in Clayton, New York, I leave SH 12 and continue southwest on the north shore using SH 12E heading for Cape Vincent and then to continue southeast on 12E towards Watertown and encounter a detour due to a bridge being out. When I arrive at Limerick, New York, I turn right onto the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, drive south through Dexter, New York, cross the Black River and continue south until arriving at SH 3. Then, I turn right onto SH 3 to continue driving on the Seaway Trail only to arrive at another detour near Henderson, NY.
At Cape Vincent, SH 12E turns to the southeast towards Watertown, New York where I locate and connect to SH 3 which travels west to Henderson Bay and follows the coast to the southwest. Next, at Henderson Harbor, SH 3 turns south, passes by Ramona Beach and then arrives at SH 104 in Mexico, New York. Here, I turn west again and upon arriving in Alton, I turn right on SR 14, drive north to Sodus Point and when I arrive at Bay Street, I turn left onto SH 101 which is also designated the Great Lakes Seaway Trail Scenic Byway (GLST). and again, later, turn onto SH 12E towards Cape Vincent, all the while driving on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail National Scenic Byway which was designated as such in 1996.
After driving through Port Ontario on SH 3, the Great Lakes Seaway Trail has me turn right onto SH 104B, a shortcut to New Haven, NY, where upon arriving there, turn right again onto SH 104. Then, I drive east along SH 104 through Oswego, where I take another shortcut on SH 104A to Sterling, NY and remain on the Seaway Trail the entire time. I drive through Fair Haven, then Red Creek, both small villages and after that, arrive back at SH 104 where I turn right and drive west for just over two miles where I turn right onto SH 163 (Seaway Trail) to Wolcott, NY, where I turn right again onto SH 143 (Seaway Trail) and continue west on this highway to Alton, NY. In this town, I turn right onto SH 14 (Seaway Trail) and drive north to Sodus Point, stop at the lighthouse for a few photos and then continue west on SH 101 and then SH 1 (Seaway Trail) towards Irondequoit Bay where there is another closed bridge. The Irondequoit Bay Outlet Bridge (IBOB) is only open for vehicle passage during the five cold months, but closed to vehicles during the seven warm months to allow boat passage. The IBOB is a swinging bridge which is swung away each spring into its storage position in order to open the water channel to the many boaters coming to this area each year. .
Upon Arriving at Irondequoit Bay near Rochester, New York, I find that the coastal Swing Bridge is closed for the season and must take SH 16 south to the Irondequoit Bay Bridge and us SR 104 to cross the bay. Then, I take the first exit (Culver Road/Sea Breaze) on the west side of the bay and drive north on Culver Road back to Durand Blvd and turn left onto County Road 97, which then continues the Great Lakes Seaway Trail. Once I arrive in Charlotte, the GLST is currently on Lakeshore Blvd but then moves north one block to County Road 99 and continues westbound across the Genessee River on the Colonel Patrick O′rorke Bridge (43.248333, -77.611389), a bascule bridge built and then dedicated on 2 October 2004 and carries NY 943F.
Thus, I turn left onto SH 16 (Seaway Trail) and drive south back to reconnect to SH 104 where I turn right and drive west again on SH 104 and soon cross the Irondequoit Bay on the Irondequoit Bay Bridge, after which, I take one of the first exits, turn right onto SH 120 (Culver Road and Seaway Trail), drive north back along this road until I see a sign indicating that the Great Lakes Seaway Trail is the next right on SH 97 and by doing this have bypassed the seasonally closed IBOB across the bay outlet. Then, not long after returning to my drive along the Seaway Trail Scenic Byway, I arrive at the New York Lake Ontario State Parkway, a road path in many ways is much like the
Natchez Trace Parkway, but in other ways are different. First, the Lake Ontario Parkway is a state highway whereas the Natchez Trace is park of the National Parks Service which being a federal parkway receives superior maintenance and has three free campground, whereas the New York parkway does not appear to have either the maintenance and especially not any free campgrounds. Also, the Lake Ontario Parkway boasts of only thirty-five miles to roadpath, whereas the Natchez Trace Parkway has over 440 miles of roadpath.
Immediately after crossing the Genessee River, the GLST enters onto the Lake Ontario State Parkway, a 35 mile highway coridor which also allows bicycles but not horses or pedestrians. This parkway is reminiscent, methinks of some of the national parkways that I have traveled. After driving this state parkway, it comes to an abrupt end where it appears to be unfinished and the exits onto Lakeside Beach Road, which I then turn north onto and quickly arrive at SR 18, the Roosevelt Highway where the GLST continues westward until arrive at its junction with NY S 18F, where the GLST turns right and continues on SH 18F, first south, then west and then arrives at Main Street in Youngstown, New York. The GLST continues southward along the east bank of the Niagara River, through a business and wharf area at first, then through an area of almost entirely residential interspersed with an occasional park. Upon arriving at Oneida Street in Lewiston, New York, the GLST turn left onto Oneida Street, moves two blocks east and turn right onto North 4th Street and then continues south to Center Street, turns left on to Center Street through Lewiston, New York and soon after, arrives at the cross street of South 9th Street and see a sign indicating an approaching junction with Niagara Scenic Parkway, SH 104 as well as IH 90, of which all turn right.
This right turn will be at the next corner which in fact will also be a freeway entrance ramp. Turn onto this ramp and stay in the middle lane (do not take the right lane which will immediately veer to the right onto the the Niagara Scenic Parkway to Niagara Falls) but continue west to SH 104. Too, upon arriving at the IH 90 exit, avoid that exit and continue on the West SH 104 currently traveling in a southbound direction. Soon after, the SH 104 (GLST) will be traveling just to the east of and along side the Niagara Scenic Parkway, while both cross over the Robert Moses Niagara Dam structure. Soon after crossing that dam, the Niagara Scenic Parkway splits with the GLST, while the the GLST, still on SH 104 and passes through the city of Niagara Falls along Main Street to the junction with the Rainbow Bridge (which crosses Niagara River into Canada.)
At this location on Main Street, keep to the far left (43.0888585, -79.0633775) to avoid entering the bridge access by geting into the "Pay Toll Ahead" line and instead follow the route along side the small city park. This route will lead to Niagara Street (SH 384) which continues east ward for just less than half a mile (several blocks) where the the GLST will turn right onto John B. Daly Blvd (South SH 284, 43.0886058, -79.0527860). Continue south on John B. Daly Blvd (SH 384) enter a round-about (in either lane) and take the second exit which continues straight out the opposite side of the round-about. There is a nice park immediately on the right side with some walking trails.
When the Niagara Scenic Parkway arrive at the IH 90 bridge south to cross Buckhorn Island and southward to Buffalo, New York, the GLST then would, depending of which direction of travel, have drivers go north to the LaSalle Expressway (SH 265), which route could include some interstate highway travel and possibly eliminate the bicycle travel. My preference, especially when traveling in an eastbound direction on SH 384 from Niagara Falls, New York, is after drive along the Niagara Scenic Parkway alongside the shoreline, to choose to return to SH 384 at coordinates 43.0741656, -78.9973151 when seeing the "Exit Only" sign for SH 384 to Buffalo. This roadpath will keep the traveler off of the LaSalle Expressway and instead travel adjacent to the LaSalle Expressway, eventually ending up at the same location (43.0712246, -78.9403457) no worse for wear, and now back at the junction of SR 384 (Buffalo Avenue) with both the GLST and SH 265 (now River Road).
After the above junction, all three routes will co-exist on the same roadpath, which will travel just east of the Niagara River until arriving at North Tonawanda, New York where the GLST will continue strait onto River Road (SH 265), while SH 384 will now take the left fork onto Main Street. Both will continue in a southbound direction into Tonawanda upon crossing separate bridges over the extreme western reaches of the Erie Canal.
Now, only on SH 265, the GLST continues southward through Tonawanda, New York, with the city changing its city name, first Main Street, then Military Road and then just before arriving in Buffalo, New York, the SH 265 and the GLST turns right off of Military Road and briefly travels west onto Amherst Street for a couple of blocks before turning left onto Townawands Street and continuing in a southbound direction, with the roadpath now merges onto Niagara Steet and now carries the Empire State Trail Scenic Route along with the GLST as well as SH 266. However, when Niagara Street and SH 266 forks to the left, the Empire State Trail continue strait ahead onto Busti Avenue only to merge again onto Niagara Street and both continue to Niagara Square in front of Buffalo City Hall.
The Great Lakes Seaway Trail exits the Niagara Square on Delaware Avenue with SH 384 on the south side but soon transitions onto State Highway 5 (SH 5) and continues in a southbound direction from there.
Monday, 15 June 2026, Niagara Falls, NY.
(Day 855 TS) 53°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 121
Northern Tier Route, Day 15 of 60
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
A Department Store
Coordinates:
43.0943013, -78.9766873
Elevation:
576 feet
Awake, arise, dress, step outside to start the jammer engine, return to the drivers seat, drive to the w-mart, park, walk inside for coffee, com and computer. I remain here until a short time after nine this evening working on the computer the entire time. Then, I drive to
(Day 856 TS) 58°F. 6:30 am, partly sunny
Journey On™, Day 122
Northern Tier Route, Day 16 of 60
Moon: Waxing Crescent, Earthshine Evenings (16-20 June)
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, step outside to open the hood and start the jammer engine, climb back into the drivers seat and drive out of d-mart through the parking lot of another large mall and then along a feeder road to an interstate highway to the w-mart where I pull forward into a handicap parking space. Then, I gather my computer bag, cups and go inside to sit down at the same table where I sat yesterday, plug my computer into the electrical wall socket, turn the computer on and begin pounding keys, first with beginning my journal entries.
Wednesday, 17 June 2026, Niagara Falls, New York.
(Day 857 TS) 56°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 123
Northern Tier Route, Day 17 of 60
Moon: Conjunction of Moon and Jupiter
Moon: Conjunction of Moon and Venus
Moon: Lunar Occultation Venus
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, step outside, open the hood and start the jammer engine. Then, I drive to the w-mart and work another day of updating both my Northern Tier Route maps and the information pages. Even though I have already driven the NTR in Vermont, this is the map that I spend the most time with today. I will upload that map after I finish today′s journal entry.
I have been looking for a new road atlas but a clerk at the d-mart that I have been parking at for the last couple of days told me that they do not stoke them at this store anymore. I have this same problem every year because there are many store personnel that believe that paper maps are obsolete an no one buys them any more. Wow, are they wrong, I personally buy one every year because I wear then out before the next annual map comes out. So, I have decided to drive to a different d-mart to look for the atlas. Too, I was thinking about eating supper tonight in a restaurant, possible Mexican. I will see what is available here in Niagara Falls. And, no, I have not driven to see the falls, I did that decades ago when I first came here and it is never as good as the first time you see something. Besides, everything is some much more crowded now.
(Day 858 TS) 59°F. 6:30 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 124
Northern Tier Route, Day 18 of 60
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress, start the jammer engine, drive to the w-mart, park, carry my computer bag inside, coffee, com, computer and remain here for the entire day.
At eight this evening, I pack out, drive back to the d-mart, walk inside to purchase some groceries after which, I return to the jammer and park for the night. I also notice that the jammer has a radiator coolant leak, so, before I leave this roadpath stop I will need to purchase some antifreeze.
Friday, 19 June 2026, Niagara Falls, NY.
(Day 859 TS) 55°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 125
Northern Tier Route, Day 19 of 60
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, start the jammer, get back into the drivers seat, drive to the w-mart, coffee, com, computer.
(Day 860 TS) 57°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 126
Northern Tier Route, Day 20 of 60
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Coordinates:
41.8816465, -80.7509575
Elevation:
667 feet
Awake, arise, dress in my summer blues, start the jammer, drive out of the parking lot, turn right on the highway and drive one/half mile to the w-mart. I then park in the handicap space, grab my computer bag and walk inside for coffee, com and key pounding. Again, I work all day long here in the cafe getting a lot done on my effort to create an entire set of web pages to document this 4800 mile Journey on the Northern Tier Route. There seems to be an never ending list of things to do to complete this new scenic byway. However, I have been working on a template with which I will be creating each subsequent state page for each of the thirteen states that I will be crossing. Once I have completed the template, then the next step is to go through each of the thirteen state pages and update them with the new template page. I begin doing that this afternoon, but I will need to return tomorrow to complete the second step.
Also, I try calling my friend Jesse who lives in Ohio a short distance west of here, but I told him that I would call him before I arrive.
Finally, I drive back to the d-mart to spend another overnight in the parking lot and I am planning on returning here tomorrow to connect with the Oak Harbor congregation for the weekend meeting.
(Day 861 TS) 58°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 127
Northern Tier Route, Day 21 of 60
Moon: Moon at First Quarter
Solstice: Summer or Estival
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my summer blues, step outside, open the hood, reconnect the battery, start the jammer engine, close the hood, get back into the drivers seat and drive out of d-mart parking lot, turn right onto US 20, drive about one half a mile, then turn left into the parking lot of the w-mart, park, open the hood to turn off the jammer engine and disconnect the battery. Next, I grab my computer bag, walk inside, select the same table I used yesterday, set up my computer and then walk up to the counter to purchase a cup of hot coffee and cup of hot water. Then, upon my return to the table, resume my work on creating an all new transcontinental national scenic byway.
After working several hours, I stop my work and turn to my spiritual needs to open and go through today′s study of the Bible. Soon after, I must needs connect with the Oak Harbor Congregation for the weekend meeting. Afterwards, I talk with a couple of the brothers and end up giving Melvin, a student of the Bible, my phone number and web address.
Later, I pack out of the w-mart, drive to the d-mart to park for the evening.
(Day 862 TS) 59°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 128
Northern Tier Route, Day 22 of 60
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my spring blues, unlock the hood, step outside to open the hood and then start the jammer engine. Then, I drive to the w-mart to pound keys whilst I sip on coffee, check my com and continue working on my current web section page building, the
Northern Tier Route. Then, at about one this afternoon, my friend Jesse Garza calls me to tell me that he will be home today, so, I wrap up what I am doing, pack out to the jammer and begin my drive west through the sprawling city of Cleveland, which causes me much confusion as the logistics to where the scenic route must needs be located. Methinks, there will subsequently be a lot of work developing the route in order to create the route guide book.
Upon leaving Ashtabula, I drive on US 20 and then turn onto SH 2 but immediately learn the bicycles are not permitted this portion of SH 2. Therefore, what must needs be done is for me to have two routes for this section, one for auto travel and another for bicycle travel, which would solve some of the difficult logistics in areas such and those which travel through cities. Too, there are options to circumnavigate the city entirely, which might be the best option for both autos and bicycles because when driving through Cleveland, Ohio on the Historic US Route 20, I traversed some seemingly rough neighborhoods, which I would never attempt to cross riding on a bicycle, at least not in this system. Thus, I will leave this portion of the NTR to finish at a future time so that I can continue on with the current Journey On.
However, for today′s traverse, I choose to drive west almost entirely on US 6, leaving this highway just west of Sandusky, Ohio in order to travel across the Sandusky Bay to Port Clinton to view the lighthouse, drive of about 150 miles which ended up taking me just short of five hours. Afterwards, I drive south from Port Clinton on SH 53 to my friend′s home and pull into his driveway where I see him in the front yard using a grass edger to trim the yard. When I pull in, he stops, puts down the edger and walks toward me to greet me welcome.
He then tells me that he is going to take me to the turnpike complex for a hot shower and at first I tell him that it is not necessary. However, he then says, "I need a shower and I am going there for it, so you should ride along with me, and besides, it is free." Then I reply, "If you put it that way, Ok, let me grab my shower gear." I open the rear of the jammer, grab my towel and shower bag, close the jammer and walk to the passenger′s door of his vehicle. He drives south from his home on SH 53 to the turnpike complex, drives to the rear entrance, parking in an available spot and says, "This is likely where the employees park when coming to work." We then go through the gate onto the property, walk to the complex building, enter and then walk down the hall to the shower room. He then says, ′sTake your pick′s, so I choose a door, walk inside the shower room and turn on the hot water. I then take my shower, and afterwards, when done, step outside to grab the mop to sop up the water on the floor of the shower room. Once I have completed the mopping, I return the mop to the roller-bucket and join Jesse in walking back to his vehicle.
Upon arriving back at his home, he asks if I would like to join him by the firepit to light a fire. Methinking, "We just had a shower, every time I sit by a campfire, I always get stinky from the smoke again" and so, I ask Jesse, "I was going to sit outside the rear end of my vehicle and make my supper (I was planning to cook my Repast), would you like to join me?" He replies yes and then goes to get his bench and when he returns, I comment that the bench is what I have to do sheet-rock installation. Then, I get out both of my Sierra cups, and carry them around to the rear of the jammer, open the rear lift door, get out my cook pot, stove, fuel, and water and several step stools. Then, I light the stove, set it on one of the stools, pour some water into the pot and when the flame on the stove turns blue, I set the pot on the rack atop the stove in order to boil the water. Next, I get out several of the food containers from the food storage compartment, put them on the unused end of Jesse′s bench and then notice there is steam coming out from the cookpot.
At this time, I grab the container of rice and measure out three-quarters of a cup and then removing the cookpot lid, pour the rice into the boiling water. Then I measure one-half a cup of lentils and in it goes as well, after which, I measure three-quarters of a cup of quinoa and also pour it into the hot water. Then, I begin stirring with my serving-cooking spoon, and then return the lid after stirring, setting the serving spoon on the cookpot bag. I allow the grains to cook for about ten to fifteen minutes before I remove the lid again and begin adding the final ingredients, which is one-quarter cup of my spice mix and one-quarter cup of dried seaweed. I stir the Repast well, replace the lid and cook for another three to five minutes, after which I turn the stove off, but keep the cookpot atop the stove for an additional three to five minutes. Finally, I grab my pot-holder from the cookpot bag, remove the cookpot from the stove and move it to the end of Jesse′s bench. I hand him the serving spoon and tell him to fill his Sierra cup, When we both have filled out cups, I ask Jesse to give thanks for this food, so he says the prayer for both of us. After that, I say, "Please enjoy!"
After eating one cup of the Repast, he fills it again and asks for a little more of the Spice Mix to be added to his cup. He tells me that the Repast tastes really good and that he likes it alot. I reply, "You can find the recipe on my website." Afterwards, I disassemble the stove, stow the stove in is bag, the fuel in its bag, and then but place both back into the rear of the jammer in their places. Then, I grab the cookpot, still with some Repast remaining and place it on the floorboard inside the jammer, right behind the drivers seat. After stowing the step stools and other gear, I take the two Sierra cups and the flatware and put this on the floorboard in between the two front seats and will clean them later.
During the meal, the day pasted into twilight, then even, all the while there were abundant biting insects, so Jesse brought out his insect oil-diffuser which took a while to begin working but by the time we were done eating, the insects had backed away from us. Then, Jesse said good night and left for his motor home and I packed the remainder of my things into their places and climbed into the jammer for the night. Before getting into the horizontal, I finished cleaning up the Sierra cups and then put them away as well. After that, I got into the horizontal, help up my phone, turned on, and did battle with the few insects that managed to get inside the jammer. Those that came in were immediately attracted to the light from my phone and when they made a showing were easily squashed into oblivion by me. The, When all was quite, I turned the phone off, set it onto the desk counter top and then turned over and closed my eyes.
Tuesday, 23 June 2026, Port Clinton, Ohio.
(Day 863 TS) 54°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 129
Sleeping in the Jammer
Parking in the Driveway of a Friend
Coordinates:
41.4689316, -83.0394606
Elevation:
576 feet
Awake, arise, and while I am dressing in my summer blues, Jesse knocks on the outside of a window. I look out through it and see him and so I open the door and we talk for a short time, but then I say goodbye to my friend, and drive out of the driveway to SH 51 turn south and drive to the af-mart to both fill up my fuel tank and to go inside for the facilities. Once the jammer is full on fuel again, I then drive back north on SH 53, honk when I pass the home where Jesse lives and continue north back to the
Port Clinton Light for a couple of photos.
(m4light-oh-portclingon-2026-0623.0858) Port Clinton Light
(m4light-oh-portclingon-2026-0623.0859) Port Clinton Light
Afterwards, I leave Port Clinton and travel first west on Ohio State Highway 2 to the Toledo, Ohio, cross the Maurnee River on the Anthony Wayne Bridge (Woodville Road) and then immediately turn right onto South Summit Street in the city of Toledo, which soon after becomes North Summit Street (SH 65) continues north along the Maurnee river through several city parks, then crosses Ottawa River and arrives at the state border of Ohio and Michigan. In Michigan, the same road becomes US Alternate 23 and just before it connects with IH 75, I turn right onto West Sterns Road and drive west about one-half mile to Suder Avenue carries me north for two miles where Suder Avenue merges back onto Summit Street. (Summit Street has joined with IH 75 and the exited at the very next exit). Then, I continue north on Summit Street for another 1.6 miles and then merge onto Michigan State Highway 125 (SH 125) and continue north bound until arriving at Monroe, Michigan, where I take a short break first at the
River Raisin National Battlefield Park, this being one of the parks managed by the National Parks Service which I first visited on Day
590 JO in 2014.
Next, while driving through the area, I espy an w-mart, make a quick about-face and pull into the parking lot. Then, I grab my computer bag, step out of the jammer and walk inside for more key pounding. Then, when the closing time arrives in the cafe, I pack out and drive to the nearby Cracker Barrel to park for the night which really proved to be a quite overnight location. There are several other RVs also overnighting here but I climb into the rear of the jammer and get right into the horizontal.
(Day 864 TS) 61°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 130
Sleeping in the Jammer
Coordinates:
41.9237777, -83.3641991
Elevation:
593 feet
Awake, arise, dress in my summer blues, step outside and start the jammer engine, close the hood and climb into the driver′s seat. Then I drive out of the parking lot, turn left onto Ternes Drive and drive the two hundred yards to the highway and turn left onto North Dixie Highway and drive another 80 yards (or so) to the driveway entrance of the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. As I sit here in this coffee house, I search online for some of the essential oils that I am currently out of and when I find a seller, I call and leave a message. A few minutes later, a woman from the shop called Alive Naturally calls back to tell me that she does have the oil that I had asked for. I get the address of the store and tell the clerk that I will be there when the store opens in the morning to pick up the essential oil. Then I say a short prayer to the Most High God, Jehovah thanking him through his Son, Jesus. Next, I called Jesse to ask him if he would like a bottle of the essential oil as well.
Shortly after noon, I return to my web page building and the first thing on the addenda is to put a link to the Parasite page into my Website Index page. When that has been completed, I next return to that page and complete my research and development of this topic on the webpage. When that is all done, I then do a upload of the newly updated pages to the website. After all the above has been completed, I then pack out to the jammer, drive back to the Cracker Barrel, park for the evening and get into the rear of the jammer to get horizontal.
(Day 865 TS) 56°F. 6:30 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 131
Comet: Comet 78 P/Gehrels Passes Perihelion (closest to sun)
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Restaurant Parking Lot
Awake, arise, forgo my morning meal and then drive north out of Monroe along the lakeshore road path through the city of Detroit. This path shows up in the Detroit city detail map in my road atlas, most of which lakeshore road path is called Jefferson Avenue (West Jefferson south of the downtown and East Jefferson north of it.) Later, further north, after going through Harrison, Michigan, the road path crosses a river and arrives onto North River Road, on which road I drive west, cross under IH 94 and immediately arrives at Michigan State Highway 3 (SH 3) which highway I take northbound and in just about four miles, I see that Jefferson Avenue continues to the east from SH 3 and then upon returning to the Michigan state map, I can see that Jefferson Avenue soon after merges into Michigan State Highway 29 (SH 29). Then, SH 29 continues east all the way to the Saint Clair River, which is the US/Canadian boundary, and then follows this river northward all the way to Port Huron, located on the shore of Lake Huron.
Leaving north from Port Huron, along the shore of Lake Huron as well as the eastern side of the Thumb is Michigan State Highway 25, (this highway traverses completely around both the eastern and western sides of the Thumb, arriving in Bay City at the south end of Saginaw Bay. While on the east side driving in a northward direction, I stop at Port Sanilac to view the lighthouse here.
(m4light-oh-portsanilac-2026-0625.1639) Port Sanilac Light
My journey only takes me to the top of the Thumb where suddenly, I loose the power steering, after which, I pull over onto a side road and pull off on the shoulder of that road. I open the hood, get out, life the hood and find that the drive (serpentine) belt has come off of the pulleys, so I begin working on reinstalling it into its position. However, as I begin wrapping the the pulleys, I discern that the water pump bearing and pulley has separated from the pump base, which is not something that I can repair here on the side of the road on this north Thumb highway, so, I close the hood and get back into the drivers seat. A short time later, a local police officer drives down the road I an parked on and sticking my hand out of the window, wave to him. He then backs up, rolls down his window and I ask him for help, telling him that I have a dead water pump and need a tow and auto repair shop. He gets on his phone and calls a local tow-repair shop.
Then, in another ten minutes, a tow truck arrives and a woman named Natacha arrives and I step out to speak with her. I tell her that I live in the vehicle, I am a disabled veteran, and I do not have a lot of money, so I would like to go to a auto repair shop that will allow me to sleep in my vehicle tonight in their parking lot during any overnight period. She says that she knows of a perfect location, calls the shop to talk with the owner who says that he will be happy to accommodate me and will likely be able to complete the repair tomorrow before noon.
Then, the tow driver pulls the jammer up onto the flat bed of the truck, secures it with tie-downs and next, we both climb into the truck cab and she drives to the auto repair shop in Bad Axe, Michigan. It is not until after eight this evening when we arrive and after she drops the jammer onto the parking lot, she writes up the service invoice and I give her my credit card for payment. Finally, when the tow-truck drive leaves, I climb into the jammer, crawl into the rear and get into the horizontal.
While I am still not asleep, I use my phone to go online and use my banking app to request a credit card limit increase, which apparently because I have had this card for more than two years and not previously asked for an increase, the limit was immediately increased from three hundred dollars to six hundred dollars. Methinks, now I have the funds to pay for this upcoming repair expense.
Friday, 26 June 2026, Bad Axe, Michigan.
(Day 866 TS) 50°F. 6:30 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 132
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in an Auto Repair Parking Lot
Coordinates:
Elevation:
feet
Awake, arise, and await for the shop to open, when at seven this morning, the first worker arrives and goes inside the shop. Then at seven-thirty, Kyle walks out to my vehicle, contacts me to learn about my repair needs and after I tell him, he says that BJ will be here soon and will make arrangement for the repair. A short time later, Kyle tells me that the repair will cost $425.00, and I tell him that I must needs have this work done. I ask if there is a discount for veterans and told that I will receive a five percent discount. Then, by eight this morning, with all the arrangement having been made, the jammer is pushed into the garage bay and I then grab my computer bag and begin walking down the highway the one block to a cafe. Upon walking inside, I locate a table with an electrical outlet, sit down, plug in and begin pounding keys. Soon after, a waitress brings a menu to the table and I order a cup of coffee and small breakfast.
Then, I remain here in the cafe until about eleven this morning when I receive a phone call from the mechanic at the auto repair shop letting me know that the work on my vehicle is complete. I walk the one hundred yards from the cafe back to the auto shop, walk inside and I then present my credit card for payment. Afterwards, I walk out to the jammer, open the hood, connect the battery, use my screw driver to start the engine and immediately, I notice that there is a coolant leak. I look closer and see that the coolant is spraying from a small hole in the weld of one of the heater hose connectors. I walk back into the shop office and tell the mechanic about the leak. The mechanic walk out to look, goes back into the shop and returns with a hose clamp and a nut driver. He then puts the hose clamp onto the heater hose, pulls the heater hose up past where the pinhole is leaking and then clamps down on the heater hose until the coolant stops flowing. Totally dissatisfied with what he just did, I comment, you did not fix the problem, you just patched it temporarily. He shrugged and then left me to return to the shop, not coming back again. Frustrated, I close the hood, climb into the drivers seat and drive out of the repair shop parking lot.
Upon leaving Bad Axe, Michigan, I drive north on SH 53 until I arrive in Port Austin, and when I arrive back on SH 25, I turn left and continue driving on this highway along the west side of the Thumb to Bay City, cross the Saginaw River on McKinley Avenue (IH 75 BUS) and drive to South Euclid Avenue, where my map indicates that Michigan State Highway 13 (SH 13) is to the right. When I arrive at the corner, I look to the right and see the highway sign for SH 13, so, I turn right and continue north on this highway. After driving through this town, I arrive at the junction where Euclid continues straight ahead while SH 13 veers to the left. I drive north on SH 13 for another twenty-three miles to where SH 13 ends at a round-a-bout, in which the first exit is US highway 23 (US 23) northbound. I continue north on US 23 (Huron Shores Heritage Route) through Standish, Michigan and then first along the north shore of Saginaw Bay and then along the northeast shore of the lower peninsula. I continue north along the lower peninsula upper eastern shore past Au Sable (Of Sand), then Alpena, Rogers City, and then late in the day, I arrive at Cheboygan, Michigan, locate a d-mart, park and prepare for the evening.
Saturday, 27 June 2026, Cheboygan, Michigan.
(Day 867 TS) 50°F. 6:30 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 133
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Coordinates:
45.625514, -84.481453
Elevation:
628 feet
Awake, arise, start the jammer engine, drive out of the d-mart parking lot to US 23 and drive northwest to Mackinaw City where I connect with IH 75 and drive across the Mackinac Bridge. After crossing the bridge, I take North State Street, (IH 75 Business route) northbound to the Mackinac Trail (H63), turn right and follow this road northbound until I arrive at Michigan State Highway 134 (SH 134) on which I turn right and drive east to Cedarville. Once in this town, I turn left and drive north on SR 129 until I arrive in Sault Saint Marie where I turn left on IH 75 Business Sprur (South Mackinact Trail) and drive south until arriving at SH 28.
Here, I turn right and begin a long (on and off) drive west on this state highway. The first time when I get off of this highway is when I arrive at SH 128, where I turn and drive north on SH 123 to Paradise and choose to take the eleven mile one way side trip to Whitefish Point to see the lighthouse and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. After a short stop at a now fully Turkey Shoot, I leave out to return to SH 123 in Paradise, Michigan and take the state highway west along Tahquamenon Falls State Park, then turning southwest through Newberry State Forest and finally south back to SH 28. Here, I turn right onto the state highway and continue west across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where my next stop is in Marquette, Michigan.
I stop at a d-mart for the evening an will spend the next couple of days inside a w-mart doing my catch up journal writing.
Sunday, 28 June 2026, Marquette, Michigan.
(Day 868 TS) 64°F. 7:30 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 134
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Coordinates:
46.5481578, -87.4596470
Elevation:
981 feet
Awake, arise, step outside to open the hood and start the jammer, close the hood and then drive out of the d-mart parking lot back to US 41, then turn right and drive east one block to the entrance to the parking lot of the f-mart where I park, grab my computer bag and walk inside for coffee, com and computer.
It is during my time here today that I have made the decision to forego driving the remaining sections of the Northern Tier Route in order to concentrate my efforts on getting the jammer back to Washington intact. My hope is to return to Washington state and once there spend then next several weeks replacing the several failing parts which likely includes the vacuum lines, heater hoses and connectors, the egr valve, and possibly even the ignition coil if it it necessary. Too, I will also be searching for a used steering column so that I can replace the broken parts in my starting mechanism and then be able to once again use my key to start the jammer engine.
Then, after a day of updating web page files, I pack out, drive to the d-mart, park, step out of the jammer, open the hood, pull a relay to stop the jammer engine, disconnect the negative cable from the battery and then close the hood. Finally, I climb back into the jammer, put up my window shades, climb into the rear of the vehicle and then get into the horizontal to watch another of the many parts of the video set of the 2026 District Convention, which videos, I must say are spot on.
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The Journey On,
The Drive West on US 2
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Monday, 29 June 2026, Marquette, Michigan.
(Day 869 TS) 65°F. 7:30 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 135
Moon: Full Strawberry Moon
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, start the jammer engine, drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer and sit at the same table as yesterday. Then, just before the store closes, I pack out, drive back to the d-mart where I park near to the store entrance so that I might have access to the restroom inside when I awake in the morning.
The jammer has started to have an intermittent engine miss which I have been using Google to search for the possible cause, and have received several suggestions. Still, I have not been able to discover the fix for this new problem. I will keep researching and trying to figure this one out, but what I am finding is most helpful for me to keep both the jammer and myself going is supplication Jehovah for His help.
Later, when I climb into the rear of the jammer, I turn on my phone and watch another video from the 2026 convention set. Wow, what timely information for the People of God. Again, I thank Jehovah for providing such information and insight to His people.
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, Marquette, Michigan.
(Day 870 TS) 69°F. 7:30 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 136
Moon: Waning Gibbous (30 June-06 July)
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, start the jammer, drive to the w-mart, park, go inside and sit down once again at the same table. Then, I walk to the counter to purchase a cup of hot and another of hot water, after which I return to the table and begin pounding keys so as to catch up on my journal entries. My plan is to remain here in this Michigan city for another night so as to allow another deposit of money into my bank account to occur, thus providing me with more travel money. Then, tomorrow morning, after having a cup of coffee and my Daystart, I will embark upon the next part of my journey westbound.
However, when I leave the w-mart, it was like walking into a hot sauna, extremely hot and very humid. I start the jammer, drive to the d-mart and park the rear of the jammer towards the west hoping possibly the metal reflective window shades will keep some of the heat out. The inside of the jammer remains very hot, keeping me from finding sleep until long after midnight. Methinks, this must be the absolute hottest day of my summer thus far and this heat wave just adds to the reasons for me to forgo the previous travel course that I have been embarked upon, the
Northern Tier Route. No, I do not believe that I must needs continue on this road path within the Interior Lowlands Regions, especially not during the Summer season when the heat and humidity are often at their extreme. No, methinks that I must needs remove myself from this geographical region westward into one that is much more suitable for my temperament. No, I do not like the extremes at either end, so I will likely need to return to finish the small sections of the NTR that remain incomplete, and if I find that I am so inclined to do so, then, I should choose carefully the season that I cume again.
(Day 871 TS) 67°F. 8:30 am, overcast
Journey On™, Day 137
Moon: Waning Gibbous (30 June-06 July)
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
After that extremely hot night and with me not even getting up until long after my normal time, I forgo the drive to the cafe and instead, make a couple of stops to acquire the necessary fluids to the jammer radiator. First, I walk inside the d-mart and buy two gallons of coolant, and then when I return to the jammer, I drive next to the ap-mart to purchase a container of radiator stop leak, not just any product but that one that I know will work, the one with the letters "CRC" at the top of the bottle. Something in this one just does work better than any other of those that I have tried Then, once the CRC has been poured into the radiator, next, I fill the radiator with coolant, and finally, I return the radiator cap to its place atop the radiator and wipe up any spilled drops with my old oil rag.
Next, I connect the battery negative connection and finally use my starter screwdriver to touch the two posts on the solenoid together to start the jammer engine. Finally, I close the hood, climb back into the drivers seat and leave out of Marquette, Michigan on the State Highway 28 (SH 28) westbound from the ap-mart, until SH 28 meets with US2 and there the travel on the state highway ends and it is there where I begin my long drive west on US Highway 2 (US 2). This means for the remainder of my westbound drive this summer, I will forgo the travel upon the NTR and just make fast time to cross the
Interior Lowlands Region (or what some call the continental flat lands) back to the Rocky Mountains, whereat the temperatures will likely be more to my liking.
I continue west bound for one hundred and seventy five miles within the upper peninsula, arriving at Ironwood, Michigan, crossing into Wisconsin and then driving on US 2, crosss the one hundred and twenty five miles across this state. Then, when I have arrived in Superior, Wisconsin, I cross the state line into Minnesota, and still on US 2, I continue westbound for another one hundred and fifty five miles until I arrive at Lake Bemidji State Park, enter the park using my annual pass to get access and then drive to the shower house for a hot shower. Wow, and I so glad to finally be able to get into the hot water again, but who am I to complain about it being so long as it was less than two weeks ago, when Jesse insisted that I go with him to the Turnpike complex where we can both acquire a hot shower. Yes, again today, I was able to acquire another hot shower today after I drove north from Bemidji, Minnesota to Lake Bemidji State Park, a distance of less than nine miles. Leaving the state park, I drive back to the town of Bemidji, Minnesota and locate a w-mart where I park the jammer, carry my computer bag inside and endeavor to catch up on my journal writing.
Then, just before the cafe closes, I pack out, drive to the nearby d-mart, park in one of the handicap spaces and then climb into the rear of the jammer for the night.
(Day 872 TS) 65°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 138
The Dry Side
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, start the jammer, drive to this cafe for coffee, com and computer. Too, during the morning, I called a local ap-mart to ask for a couple of parts that the jammer must needs have to ultimately keep it road worthy. One is a heater hose fitting to replace the one now on the engine that currently has a pin hole and leaking coolant. The second part is a fixed belt pulley to replace the one that is currently squealing when the engine is running. The clerk there said that he will have the hose fitting here in the store first thing tomorrow morning and the belt pulley is currently in the store and will save it for me. I have noticed with my arriving in this state, that I have definitely crossed from the west side of the Continental
Climate Divide into the dry side. In fact, the entire drive on Day
871 TS of my driving west from Marquette, Michigan across the remaining roadpath in the western part of the Michigan upper peninsula as well as across the top of Wisconsin and when entering Minnesota, the subsequent 175 miles to Bemidji, Minnesota was all extremely dry and the line shown on the map for the Climate Divide, which is currently along the 98th Meridian should be modified with the top of the line from Kansas City having a diagonal line running
I then spent this rest of this day here in the middle of Minnesota pounding keys and trying to catch up on my journal writing. Then, just before the cafe closes at eight this evening, I pack out, drive back to the d-mart, and ready myself for another night here in the city of Bemidji, Minnesota.
As I am pulling into the d-mart, I see two people who I believe are native Americans, step outside of the jammer to turn off the engine and the older lady, who I learn is Helen asks me if I am having trouble with my car. I tell her, "It is an old vehicle, now more than thirty years old, but no, I am not having any problems with it, well, not out of the ordinary." She chuckles a little and I say to her, "You look like a Native American, are you one?" She tells me that she is a Native American, that she is from the Red Lake Bank of Chippewa Indians.
1
After the two native Americans leave, I climb into the rear of the jammer and get into the horizontal.
Friday, 03 July 2026, Bemidji, Minnesota.
(Day 873 TS) 66°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 139
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, walk inside the d-mart and purchase a spray bottle of PB Blaster, which is a rust dissolver, penetrating fluid and parts loosener, which I have been using to help remove old parts on my vehicles most all of my life. Next, I start the jammer, drive to the ap-mart and purchase the two parts that I had ordered. However, the fixed belt pulley is not the same size as the one currently on the jammer, so, after I purchase the parts, I walk back out to the jammer, open the rear lift door, set up the rear of the jammer to do some work, get out my tools and even put on the work clothes that I keep hanging in the back of the jammer for instancies such as this. After opening the hood, I then proceed to uninstall the fixed pulley from the front of the engine and then take both the new one that I had just purchased together with the old one that I had just removed back into the store and ask the clerk to see if he can give me the correct one. At that very moment, the store manager, David, just arrives for his shift and when he becomes apprised of the situation, he takes a scanner outside to the jammer and reads the manufacturers bar code of the van. He next walks back into the shop and puts the information to the the computer. Finally, he tells me that the Aerostar did come with a 3.0 liter engine, but the fixed pulley was from a 4.0 liter engine. He said that the same pulley should be put back into then engine.
After he provides me with the right part, he also puts about ten dollars back onto the credit card that I had used to purchase the first pulley. Next, I walk out to the jammer and begin installing the correct part, put all the parts back together and then start the jammer engine and close the hood. I do not install the heater hose fitting because there is still an adjacent fitting that I still must needs locate and purchase before I can install the heater hose fitting. So, I walk back inside to thank David for his help, after which, I get back into the jammer and begin my drive west for this day.
From Bemidji, Minnesota, I drive out of the d-mart parking lot, then west on SH 197 which quickly connects to US 2 on which, I drive out town and continue north east for another 115 miles, cross the Red River into North Dakota, stop briefly for gasoline and then continue driving on US highway 2 across the state of North Dakota until I arrive in Williston, North Dakota, a total drive of just over 450 miles which has taken me another eight hour drive. Once I arrive in Williston, North Dakota, I drive into town to the d-mart right adjacent to the US highway pull into to the w-mart directly next to the d-mart and go inside for something to eat and a glass of cold water to drink.
I go inside to pound keys for about two hours until the cafe closes, after which I drive next door to the d-mart, park near one of the front doors so that I can walk inside in the morning to use the mens room, but also go inside to purchase a couple bottles of distilled water, two cans of chili with beans, two avocados, and two jars of sauerkraut, a brand that I only recently had found in this d-mart, a brand with no additives or other junk, just cabbage, vinegar and spices. I walk out to the jammer, climb in and begin to eat my evening meal.
Then, before it is even dark, the explosions begin for another year of celebration of this nation′s day of independence. However, the explosions seem to be some distance away and I am able to ignore then and get to sleep.
Saturday, 04 July 2026, Williston, North Dakota.
(Day 874 TS) 67°F. 7:30 am, sunny and dry
Journey On™, Day 140
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Coordinates:
48.1818980, -103.6291012
Elevation:
1,892 feet
Awake, arise, dress in my summer blues, walk inside the d-mart to use the facilities, after which, I walk out to the jammer, open the hood, start the engine and drive out the d-mart parking lot and into the w-mart parking lot, park, carry my computer bag inside, set up at a table and begin another day of rest and key pounding on my computer. Only this day, I believe I have made a great advance on catching up with my journal writing.
During this day, a friend in Oak Harbor sends me a text to ask how I am doing and we converse for a time. Later, when the cafe is about to close, I pack out, drive back to the d-mart and park the jammer for the night once again. I am planning on staying here in Williston for at least one more night so that I can connect to the Oak Harbor congregation tomorrow for the weekend meeting.
What I have not decided is if I will leave Williston tomorrow after the meeting or wait to begin the crossing of Montana on Monday morning. I will bethink about this tonight while I endeavor to find sleep in all the celebratory explosions that are bound to ring out loud tonight until long after midnight.
Sunday, 05 July 2026, Williston, North Dakota.
(Day 875 TS) 65°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 141
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Adjacent to the Buffaloes, Cowboys and Indians
Awake, arise, don my summer blues, step outside, open the hood, connect the battery, start the jammer engine, close the hood, climb back into the drivers seat and drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. I am really tired this morning because as expected, the explosions continued until well after midnight, keeping me awake even thought I did not wish to be. Only when the alarm sounded this morning did I wish that I had remembered to turn it off and not awake me at six-thirty. Still, at this early hour, there are no longer any more celebratory explosions, well, at least not this year. I recall last year how I hope it was the last year for this noisy holiday, but atlas, we are here again.
I remain here in one of the westernmost cities in North Dakota, just twenty-one miles distance from the Montana state line and now have, in this transcontinental drive across the top of this country, only three more states to cross: Montana at 739 miles, Idaho at 81 miles and Washington at 418 miles.
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The daytime temperatures have risen into the high 80s with the overnight lows in the mid to hight 60s, which, excuse me if I repeat myself, is much too warm for my liking and comfort which most often must needs me to move out of the hot and humid low continental elevation areas, which during this part of the current Journey On of travel upon the Northern Tier Route (NTR), would traverse the
Interior Lowlands region, on its road path through the three of the states of Michigan (upper peninsula), Wisconsin (extreme north), and Minnesota (from Duluth on Lake Superior to Bemidji), and which, within each of these three states are also totally within the Lakes and Forests Ecoregion (5L).
Next, upon this current Journey On, when departing west out of Bemidji, Minnesota and still in the Interior Lowlands region of Minnesota, the NTR crosses into the
Glaciated Low Plains Ecoregion and continues for more than one hundred and ten miles before arriving at and crossing the Red River into North Dakota. (Once traveling in North Dakota, and traveling on the NTR, especially when traversing it on US 2, there is still a total of 355 miles in order to cross North Dakota before arriving at the Montana state line.) However, I am only now just arriving at the Red River, which is the border between Minnesota and North Dakota and the roadpath over the river is named the
John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge, which is a dual span Parker through truss steel bridge built in 1963 with a total length of 1261 feet long, with the two spans each being 274.9 feet in length.
Then, upon beginning my transit of North Dakota, I must need drive across about half of it to drive from the Interior Lowland Region into the Great Plains Region. Yes, and even then, I will still need to drive across more than half of the 739 miles in the state of Montana before I begin to transition from the Great Plains Region into the Rocky Mountain Region. And only when I get into the Rocky Mountains Regions might I likely have some relief from the hot and humid interior flatlands.
Nevertheless, I have noticed that the jammer has been running steadily with me only having to stop and add water to the radiator every few hundred miles. Thus, I have been able to continue pushing for four to five hundred miles each day for the last couple of driving days. In fact, methinks that if I remain diligent in stopping every two hundred miles, plus or minus, I will be able to keep the jammer on the road, without having any overheating problems. This is my plan and my hope! I know that this trip has also initiated a lot of prayer heavenward from me, and will most likely require quite a bit more before I see the west coastal region again.
Then, at about half an hour before the closing time of the cafe, I pack out, drive past the Buffaloes, Cowboys and Indians once again, drive into to the nearby parking lot and park in a good location along the perimeter, one which had a good amount of shade from a large tree. Then, this evening, although there are nothing like the obtrusive sounds of last evening′s celebrations, there are several deafening explosions that roar through the silence of this post celebratory night, and I find this evening exceedingly plasanter for achieving sleep.
However, before climbing into the rear of the jammer, I step outside and take a few more photos of the sheet metal statues of the buffaloes, cowboys and Indians that fill the perimeter of this parking lot. I took some in the evening of yesterday and then this morning, I take a few more photos. However, at neither times was the lighting really good, so I will only include only one of the photo from each photo shoot
(m6fi-ntr-nd-2026-0704.2109) The Northern Tier, North Dakota
(m6fi-ntr-nd-2026-0704.2109) The Northern Tier, North Dakota
Monday, 06 July 2026, Williston, North Dakota.
(Day 876 TS) 68°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 142
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, and without stopping for coffee , I start the jammer and drive west out of Williston, North Dakota on SH 192, which soon connects to US highway 2 (now called the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway), which after driving about twenty miles arrive at the state line, cross into Montana which has 739 miles that must needs be driven across and then begin my travel upon the state with the
second highest mileage along the Northern Tier Route, Michigan being the state with the most at 865 miles. After passing Culbertson, Montana, and driving nearly thirty miles, I enter the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, which reservation spans more than 2 million acres (3,272 square miles), the ninth largest Native American reservation in the United States and are the home of the Assiniboin (Nukana or húdam wicášta) and Sioux tribes (Dakota or Waxchi´ca oyáte).
Both the Assiniboin and the Sioux tribes are descendants of the
Sons of Obal, son of Joktan and are of the
Algonquian language nation of Native Americans. These indigenous people have been living on this continent for likely more than two millennia, possibly as much as for, but the actual time of there arrival here after crossing the Beringia Land Bridge has been totally lost to the winds of time, and anyone who says that he knows the year, or even the actual number of millennia is at best just guessing, nothing more. While driving through this reservation, I take several photo and notice that the people who live here are mostly impoverished like so many other reservations that I have visited over the many years of my travel.
Upon leaving this reservation at Nashua, Montana, I then drive through Glasqow, Montana, likely named such when Scottish settlers arrived in this area. Upon looking at my road atlas, I see that the Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs is about fifty miles west of this town and then set my GPS for the hot springs. I arrive at the resort early in the morning, around nine o′clock after having driven for just three hours and about two hundred miles. Thus, this is an ideal time for me to recharge the radiator of water after it cools down whilst I am soaking in the hot water of Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs Resort. During my time soaking, I continue to greet people and endeavor to speak to them about the Kingdom of God and its eminent arrival. Still, I find that few if any are really listening to my talk about the upcoming calamities and tribulations, so much so that I am beginning to feel somewhat how the prophet Jeremiah must have felt like during his preaching activities to the Hebrew peoples. Furthermore, since this message is not my personal message, but coming from a much higher Source, I can not stop speaking these words given me by Jehovah through his Son, Jesus, despite whether they listen to me or not.
Leaving the Sleeping Buffalo Resort, I do feel refreshed in that I have had not only a hot soak, but also a hot shower and have don all clean clothes. Too, when I return to the jammer, I get out the two remaining organic apples that I have and enjoy them as I continue driving westbound on US 2 and after driving only thirty-eight miles, I arrive at the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, which reservation is shared by two Native American tribes, the A'aninin (Gros Ventre) and the Assiniboine (Nakoda). The Gros Venture are descendants of the seventh Son of Obal, whose name was Mississiaugas and it was from this lineage that the indigenous people known as Gros Ventre have arrived here in Fort Belknap today. As for those known as the Nakoda, these were descendants of the eleventh son of Obal, son of Joktan, whose name was Ochethi Sakowiŋ which son of Obal was the first father of the Great Sioux Tribe.
Continuing westward and not stopping within the reservation, I drive through the small towns of Chinook, then Harve, Gildford, and several more on my way to Shelby, Montana, where I stop to fill up my fuel tank and endeavor to remove the many bugs which have seen their life breath taken from them instantly by being directly in front of the jammer as it advances along the westbound land or US 2. But atlas, there is so much bug juice that their complete removal will require a much more dedicated effort at a future time.
Upon arriving in Cut Bank, Montana, it is after six in the evening and most all of the shops and other stores have already closed and so, I do not stop in this town, but push further westward into the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The
Blackfoot people, also know as the Siksikaitsitapi people, (or just Siskai) are descendants of the tenth son of Obal, son of Joktan and are primarily the Piegan Blackfeet band of the larger Blackfoot Confederacy that spans both Canada and the United States.
Again, I only drive through this reservation, through East Glacier Park and then southwestward around the south border of Glacier National Park, up and over the summit at Marias Pass and then down the west from the Continental Divide, turn the corner and then head northwestward through Essex, and upon arriving at West Glacier, I continue southwest again this time towards Columbia Falls, over the Flathead River and then down on the west side of that river until I arrive at West Reserve Drive where I turn right and drive west, cross the Whitefish River and arrive at US 93. Here, I turn left and drive south until I arrive at a w-mart, park and then go inside to begin the task of writing all of what you see above in my online joural, a task that requires several days holed up here in Kalispell, Montana.
Tuesday, 07 July 2026, Kalispell, Montana.
(Day 877 TS) 52°F. 8:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 143
Moon Conjunction with Saturn
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Coordinates:
48.2370833, -114.3269691
Elevation:
2,993 feet
Awake, arise, grab my wallet, step outside and walk into the hf-mart to purchase some much needed item, after which I return to the jammer, open the rear lift door and begin re-stocking my food bin containers. With only a few exceptions, when the containers are full, I then prepare my morning Daystart ™ and then get back into the drivers seat and drive across US highway 93 to the w-mart.
Once inside, I purchase a cup of hot and then begin pounding keys whilst I sip on the hot liquid and enjoy my morning meal. As this day continues, I am still trying to catch up on my daily journal entries, spending much of this day at this task. Too, it is at this time that I make the decision that I will stay here for several days because the temperature here is more to my liking, which is likely due to the fact that I have moved out of the interior continental flat-lands and into the
Rocky Mountains
However, because it is still summer, I spend my entire day inside the air conditioned w-mart, pounding keys and even asking for a large cup of ice to pour my cup of hot into. Finally, at about fifteen minutes before the w-mart closes, I pack out and drive back across the highway to the hf-mart, park in the same parking space, put up the window shades, climb into the rear of the jammer and watch a few videos prior to closing my eyes for the night.
(Day 878 TS) 51°F. 8:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 144
Moon: Close Approach to Saturn
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, start the jammer engine, drive out of the hf-mart parking lot, cross US 93 and pull into the w-mart parking lot, where I back into the handicap parking space and put up my window shades. Then, I get out, open the hood, turn the engine off, open the rear lift door and prepare a cup of my regular morning meal. After doing this, I close the lift door, grab my computer bag and then walk into the w-mart for coffee, com and key pounding. Remaining here inside all day, I work primarily on getting caught up on my journal entries but also work on some of the web pages and maps for the Northern Tier Route.
Then, after another long day of pounding keys, I pack out to the jammer, drive back across US 93 to the hf-mart to park for the evening.
(Day 879 TS) 55°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 145
Planet: Venus close Approach to Regulus
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, step out of the jammer and walk into the hf-mart for the facilities and also find that this store has sprouted rolled oats but not any sprouted rice which I need more. So, I purchase one of the large bags of rolled oats and then return to the jammer to stow the bag in my pantry. Next, I prepare a cup of Daystart ™, afterwhich I open the hood, connect the battery and and start the engine. After closing the hood, I climb back into the drivers seat and then drive from this parking lot across US 93 to the w-mart and then back into the disabled parking space. Finally, I grab my computer bag and walk inside, set up my computer at a window table and then walk up to the counter to purchase a cup of hot, return to the table and begin pounding keys to update my journal entry page.
In the afternoon, I return to my work on the Northern Tier Route, updating as many of the thirteen state pages as I can, but when I stop work today, there is still a lot of work left to do on several more pages, especially the uploading of the 2026 journey photos into their places. That part of the work will require me to go through my photos, select the best ones, crop the photos and then insert those photos in the appropriate folders for each state document. Then, I will still have to upload all of that work to the web server. Yes, lots of work, but, you know, it is not a vocation to me, rather, I consider it to be a vacation.
Finally, today, at about seven this evening, I pack out of the w-mart, drive to the parking lot where I have been overnighting and then get ready for the mid-week meeting which will begin at eight o′clock, my time. Then, after the meeting, I say goodbye to the friends, then get into the horizontal and close my eyes. However, one of the grounds keepers approaches my vehicle and tells me that there is no overnight parking allowed in this parking lot. Although, methinks, "Then why are there several more RVs situated throughout" but I do not question the worker, as he is just a grounds keeper, and instead, start the jammer and drive back across the street to the w-mart where I park in one of the outlying parking spaces; then return to my evening rest.
Friday, 10 July 2026, Kalispell, Montana.
(Day 880 TS) 57°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 146
Moon Close Approach to Pleiades, Mars and Uranus
View this celestial event in the predawn east.
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Coordinates:
48.2368578, -114.3314540
Elevation:
3,017 feet
Awake, arise, dress in my air condition blues (which amounts to my summer blues with my trousers) grab my computer bag, phone and then walk inside to claim a table next to the inactive fire place. After setting up my computer, I then step up to the order counter, set my two Yeti cups on the counter, remove both of the lids and purchase my regular morning cup of hot, one cup containing coffee and a second cup containing hot water. Next, I return to the table and begin pounding keys. Too, much of the day is spent working on several of the maps that are needed for the Northern Tier Route, each one and entirely new map requiring many hours of editing and enhancing before I even begin to feel that the map is even close to publishing to my website.
Then, in the late afternoon, after thinking about where I will be when I join for the weekend meeting, I decide that I will remain here in Kalispell for another night before leaving for Libby, Montana, where I hope to overnight at the Blackwell Flats Recreation Area (BFRA) along the Kootenay River and then Sunday morning, I will drive to Libby, Montana and stop at the Hav-a-Java coffee shop for coffee and to connect to the weekend meeting on Zoom. After that, what I am not sure yet is if I will then return to the BFRA for a couple more nights before I drive further west into Idaho. Still, when I do leave for points west, I continue to drive west on US 2, first northwest to Moyie Springs, the southwest through Bonners Ferry and to Ponderay where I likely will stop and overnight at the d-mart there and spending my days inside the w-mart right across the highway.
Then, when I do leave west out of Ponderay, Idaho, I will drive about 30 miles on US 2 along the Priest River and into Newport, Washington, at which point, I will only have the distance of another 400 miles to drive from Newport, Washington along Washington State Highway 20 before arriving in Oak Harbor, Washington. This would be only last long day of less than 450 miles for me to drive in my quest to drive the jammer back onto Whidbey Island where I can begin the necessary repairs, which would hopefully bring the jammer back up to being road worthy for several more years to come. This is my plan, and I hope, even with so many variables, I will eventually be able to leave Oak Harbor, Washington in the fall for my southbound migration back to Texas. I know one thing that is extremely important, that of the absolute need of my unceasing prayer to the Most High God (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and also my explicit trust that no matter what, He will always provide for my needs. (Proverbs 3:5-6). Yes, I do believe that despite how bad the circumstances in these last days of this system become, I will always have a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11), because the next verse, verse 12 says:"Then shall you call upon me, and you shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you."
(Day 881 TS) 58°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 147
Planet: Mercury at highest Altitude in Evening Sky.
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, grab my two Yeti cups and walk inside the w-mart for a cup of coffee and a cup of hot water, walk back to the jammer, open the rear lift door and then fill my Sierra cup with the ingredients of my Daystart™ after which, I pour two-thirds of the hot water into the ingredients and stir. I then set the Sierra cup containing my f-meal on the floor board between the front two seats where I had already put my cup of coffee. Next, I grab a gallon bottle of distilled water, unlock the hood, step outside, raise the engine hood and put the holding rod in its receptacle, remove the radiator cap and then fill the radiator with all of water that left in the gallon bottle. After capping the radiator, I reconnect the ground wires to the battery and then use my screw driver to start the jammer engine. Closing the hood and getting back into drivers seat, pull out of the cafe parking lot and leave Kalisspell, Montana first driving south on US 93 about three or four miles to reconnect with US 2, turn right and travel westbound for ninety miles on US 2 to Libby, Montana, and then east on Montana State Highway 37 (SH 37) for another fourteen miles to the
Blackwell Flats Recreation Area Campground (BFRAC), which travel takes less than two hours, pull into the same space that I have used before and then set up my solar panels outside along side of the jammer. About fifteen minutes later, a forest ranger shows up and she informs me the the most all of the campgrounds here are by online reservation only and have a fee of ten dollars per night, per campsite. When I question her, she tells me that there are still three free campsites, that campsite number two and three are currently available and I can go to the kiosk near to that campsite to register for tonight. I pack up my things, move to the campsite number two, set up my solar panels again, which because there is no shade, should provide me with a good charge on my lithium iron phosphorus RV (LiFePO4) battery. Thus, I will be able to work on my computer for some time after the sun sets using my charged battery. Then, I get out my pot scrubbing pad and with some water in my Sierra cup, I begin to clean all the bugs off of the windshield, front bumper, grill and engine hood.
Then, for my next project, I get out my tool box, set it up on one of my step stools, get out the green grass-like ground cloth and spread it out on the asphalt just aft of the drivers door. Next, I get out my floor jack, but before I can use it, I must refill it with jack hydraulic oil, so I get out the oil and proceed to fill the jack with that oil. Once the jack is working, I raise the drivers side of the jammer high enough for me to work underneath. Also, I set up my jack stand not far from the floor jack to insure that if one fails, I will not be crushed. Finally, I get out the new fuel filter and proceed to remove the old filter (which appears to be the original manufacturer′s filter (the odometer on the jammer has just gone past 90,000 miles) and then install the new filter. After completing this task, I pour some of the fuel out of the old filter and saw that the color of the fuel in that old filter was black, which is indicative that the filer could have been one of the causes of the engine miss that I have been recently experiences. That would be really nice it the filter was the primary cause of the engine misfire, however, that is not likely. Finally, I connect the battery and using my screw driver, I start the jammer, which after the filter fills with gasoline, about a two second count, it fires right up, after which, I begin putting my tools away, back into the tool box and then put the box back into rear of the jammer. When that is done, and I have cleaned the grease from my hands, I then climb inside to begin pounding keys while the sun is still shining. The wind here down in the valley here below the dam is very strong and gusts very strong at times.
When the sun sets below the ridge above this valley, which is about seven this evening, I begin hearing the calls from a large variety of birds, a lot of water foul, some crows and a few other songbirds. Later, I step outside, carry my stove to the picnic table and begin cooking my evening meal, which is a variation of my Repast ™ simply because I do not have all the ingredients, but do have an abundance of the sprouted quinoa and the sprouted lentils. Furthermore, I cut up half of a sweet potato and several cloves of fresh garlic and add them to the cookpot. Then, when the meal is done, I carry the large stainless steel pot from the picnic table back into the jammer and set it on the floor between the front two seats. Then, after putting the stove away, I climb inside the van to enjoy my evening meal. Another hour passes and then the light of day has entirely faded from the Kootenai River valley, but above the surrounding mountains, the light remains, so I step outside and begin putting the solar panels back in their box for the night. When that task has been completed, I climb back inside to resume working on my computer until the light in the sky also begins to fade.
Once I am done pounding keys, I turn off my computer and for the short time until I become sleepy, I watch another video from this summer′s District Convention. Finally, I turn off my electronics and get into the horizontal for the night.
(Day 882 TS) 55°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 148
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Campground
Lower Libby Dam Campground Park
Free Camping
Coordinates:
48.40545289, -115.3170164
Elevation:
2,150 feet
Awake, arise, I unlock the hood, step outside, open the front latch and prop the hood on the hood bar. Then, I connect the three wires to the negative terminal and tighten the wing nut. Next, I use my screw driver to connect the two terminals of the starter solenoid together. Finally, I close the hood and get back into the drivers seat, back out of the camping space and then drive west across the David Thompson bridge, follow Warland Road south to the NF Road 228. Here, I also turn south and driver until I arrive at SH 37 where I turn right and drive to Libby Montana where I had been planning on going to the Hav-a-Java coffee shop to connect with the meeting in Oak Harbor, Washington. However, as I arrive at the Libby Kingdom Hall, I see that the friends are just now arriving so, I decide to go to the meeting here.
After the meeting, I then drive the rest of the way to Libby, Montana, stop at the coffee for a cup of hot and to pound keys for a few hours, especailly since it will take me less than two hours to drive to my next overnighting location, Ponderay, Idaho. I drive west out of Libby, Montana on US 2, stopping at Kootenai Fall but only stopping briefly due to the large number of Goofers stoping at the tourist locations. My stop was on the east side of the tourist areas, where I can pull off and get a good view of both the bridge and the fall, where I take a few photos, I then continue through Troy, Montana, pass by Yakt, Montana, and only stopping again at the Moyie River Overlook to take a few more photos. Next, I drive west on US 2 to Three Mile Center where US 2 turns southward, then cross the Kootenai River and drive into Bonners Ferry. After drive through this town, I begin the long stretch southbound to Ponderay, Idaho, which during this stretch, there was a major accident which keep a long line of traffic completely stopped for about twenty minutes.
When the accident was cleared, the drive to Ponderay, Idaho was nice and I arrive in the early afternoon, stop immediately at the w-mart, purchase coffee and sit here until almost nine this evening pounding keys. I leave out of the cafe just before nine, drive across US highway 2 and park for the night.
(Day 883 TS) 56°F. 8:00 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 149
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Coordinates:
48.3087991, -116.5448267
Elevation:
2,125 feet
Awake, arise, open the hood, start the jammer engine, return to the driver′s seat and drive across US 2 to the w-mart, for coffee, com, and key pounding until nine pm, then back to the d-mart.
Then, I drive back to the d-mart, open the hood to pull out the top relay, which immediately stops the engine from running, after which I reinstall the relay into its place and close the relay cover. Finally, I close the hood, climb back in through the driver′s door and into the rear of the jammer where I ready myself for an evening of rest and sleep, the second one here at this location this year.
(Day 884 TS) 55°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 150
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking lot
Awake, arise, dress in my summer blues, step outside, open the hood and reconnect the battery. Then I use my screw driver to jump the solenoid and start the jammer engine. After climbing back into the drivers seat, I exit the d-mart parking lot, drive across US highway 2, then turn right into the w-mart parking lot and park in one of the available spaces. Next, I grab my computer bag, walk inside the w-mart for coffee, com and computer.
I remain inside this cafe until shortly before it closes, leaving to drive back to the d-mart where I have been overnighting. Once I arrive at the d-mart, I choose to park in the outlying area which already has several other overnighters already in their places. The location where I park, is one which I have occupied several times throughout the years of my annual migrations, and have found that this overnight location is one that is very quite, and the overnight here this evening is no different.
(Day 885 TS) 58°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Journey On™, Day 151
Moon: Begin Waxing Crescent, Earthshine Evenings
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnight in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my summer blues, start the jammer engine and drive out of the parking lot, turn left onto US 2/ US 95 and drive south out of Ponderay, Idaho towards Sand Point and take the US highway 2 bypass through Sandpoint and soon I am traveling west ward again, this time along the
Pend Oreille River through Dover, Thama, Priest River, Idaho towards Newport, Washington. This first leg of my drive today is nearly 30 miles and in about a half an hour, I am crossing the
Thompson Memorial Bridge that spans the Pend Oreille River from Idaho into Newport, Washington and continue west on Walnut Street.
This bridge, built in 1988 is called by locals the Old Town Bridge, and replaced the previous Old Town Bridge, a Paker through four-truss steel bridge built in 1927 for both vehicles and pedestrians, carries US 2, which was built at a cost of just over $209,000 and was 1,246 feet long. The new bridge is a concrete pier, steel beam, concrete deck that spans the river in the same location as did the original 1927 Old Town bridge. Other information about the new bridge has not yet been found.
However, the new bridge, like several other bridges and geography specific to this region, are named after the explorer David Thompson, who was one of the first settlers to establish a relationship with the local tribes, including the Kalispel (whose reservation are still in the area). David Thompson helped establish fur trading as early as 1809.
US 2 - SH 20 Connection
3
Driving further west into Newport, Washington, I arrive at Washington Avenue at which point, US 2 turns southward to continue to Spokane, Washington.
3 However, today, I do not turn left to follow US 2, but instead, continue straight on Walnut street so that I can drive westbound on Washington State Highway 20 (SH 20), which travels along the top or northernmost route through Washington state. First, though, this state highway travels west along the Pend Oreille River for about ten miles, then turns northwars to follow along the west side of the Pend Oreille River (which river flows northward for another 60 miles to the Canadian border). However, I only drive north on SH 20 for about another 40 miles, to where SH 20 departs from the Pend Oreille at Tiger, Washington and then SH 20 only traverses the top of Washington in a westward direction. However, at this junction, the Pend Oreille river continues to flow north through the extreme northeast region of Washington State, until the river crosses into Canada, then flows in a northwest direction after which it curves to the southwest until arriving to its mouth, at its confluence (49.0038997, -117.6191347) with its primary, the
Columbia River.
My roadpath, upon turning left at Tiger, Washington continues to follows SH 20 through the Colville National Forest, south for a short time, then west again to Colville, Washington where US 395 connects from the south, then along SH 20 and US 395 west to Kettle Falls, where I drive across the Columbia River on the Kettle Falls Roadpath Bridge which is right next to the adjacent Kettle Falls Railroad bridge, both of which are steel cantilever bridges, built and opened during May 1941. The road bridge has a length of 1,266 feet and replaced a 1929 steel deck truss bridge whose location was to be partly submerged by Lake Roosevelt as it began to fill behind the new Grand Coulee Dam. I have driven across the Kettle Falls Roadpath bridge in the past on several occasions.
After crossing this bridge, SH 20 turns south for a short time and at Sherman Creek, turns west again and the roadpath now becomes known as both the North Cascades Highway and the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway as it follow Sherman Creek upstream. After a time, I arrive at Sherman Pass, elevation 5,575 feet, where at the roadpath meets the footpath known as the Kettle Crest Trail, a small section of the much larger
Pacific Northwest Trail. At the pass, I notice that the jammer engine has been running a little hotter than before the climb up to the pass, so I stop in the pass to open the hood and add more water to the radiator. Then, once the radiator is topped off off again, I continue driving west down from the pass and then, after a time, arrive in Republic, Washington, but do not need to stop again here. However, as I continue west bound, I notice that the ambient temperature is slowly increasing and by the time I arrive in Tonasket, the air on the roadpath is quite warm. Upon arriving in this town, I turn left onto US 97 which together with SH 20 follow the Okanogan River on the east bank southward, and very soon after, cross the river to the west bank and continue driving in the river valley to Omak, Washington, cross the river two more time an then just after driving through Okanogan, I begin climbing out of the river valley back into the mountains to the west, still traveling on SH 20, the North Cascades Highway.
Over the course of the next several hours, I drive through Twisp, Winthrop and then arrive at Washington Pass, elevation 5,477 feet and again, there is need to stop again to add water to the radiator before continuing on my westbound drive. After a while, I arrive at the Ross Lake Recreation Area which has a large contingent of cars parked along the highway whilst their drivers are out and about in their recreational pursuits. I stop here only long enough to get a few photos of Diablo Lake with the turquoise green water, after which, I drive through Newhalem, Marblemount, Rockport, Concrete and finally Sedro-Woolley. By this time, instead of the high volumn of prayers that I have been sending heavenward, I begin offering praise and thanks to the Most High God for helping me to achieve this monumental task of driving the overheating and limping jammer across several mountain passes and to be able to drive for more than four hundred miles in the desert regions in Washington. I continue on SH 20 through Burlington, then cross the Skagit River valley to Fidalgo Island, but do not stop at the campground with the hot shower and instead because of the heavy traffic, push on towards Whidbey Island and finally, south into Oak Harbor, where I stop at the w-mart, turn off the engine and carry my computer bag inside for some air conditioning whilst I pound keys to record this traverse of the state of Washington.
When the w-mart closes, I drive to my regular overnight locations, park, turn off the jammer engine, climb into the rear and get into the horizontal for the night. Wow, what a long day this has been.,
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The 2026
Summer Sojourn
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Thursday, 16 July 2026, Oak Harbor, Washington.
(Day 886 TS) 54°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Summer Sojourn, Day One
Day One in the Rain Shadow
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Coordinates:
48.2861485, -122.6626844
Elevation:
26 feet
Awake, arise, start the jammer, drive to the w-mart, coffee, com, and computer. Later this morning, I call my friend Gordon to talk and visit with him. At one point in the conversation, he asks "How are you doing financially?" to which I tell him "Not very good." and explain that I need to purchase tires but will not have the money until next month. He then reminds me that I had loaned him money when he needed it, so now, it is his turn to loan me the money. He asked me how much I need and when I tell him four hundred dollars, he says that he will deposit the money into my bank account first thing tomorrow.
I remain here in the w-mart for an entire day and when the cafe is about to close, I pack out, drive to the g-mart, park, turn off the jammer and climb into the rear and get into the horizontal.
Friday, 17 July 2026, Oak Harbor, Washington
(Day 887 TS) 55°F. 7:00 am, sunny
Summer Sojourn, Day Two
Day Two in the Rain Shadow
Moon: Conjunction of Moon and Venus
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking lot.
Awake, arise, repeat yesterday, except, in the late afternoon, I drive to the home of Andy and Angela to pick up my amassed mail and Angela invites me to stay for a meal. Then, after a long time in conversation, I finally pack out and drive back into town to park in the same parking lot for the night.
Saturday, 18 July 2026, Oak Harbor, Washington.
(Day 888 TS) 58°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Summer Sojourn, Day Three
Day Three in the Rain Shadow
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking lot
Awake, arise, drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. In the early afternoon, Andy and Angela arrive for coffee and we talk for a long time. I tell Angela about the difference between Cassia Cinnamon and
Ceylon Cinnamon, that the Ceylon type is so much better for us.
I remain here in the cafe after they leave and continue pounding keys unto after six in the evening, when I pack out and drive to a g-mart to purchase some food staples. Afterwards, I then drive across the street to the location where I am going to overnight again, turn off the jammer engine and then climb inside to prepare my evening meal. After eating, I spend a while reading before I turn off my electronic device and get into the horizontal for the night.
The quietness of this night is intense, even the sea gulls, which are normally very noisy until very late, have retired to their scrapes. I pull the covers up and close my eyes for the night.
Sunday, 19 July 2026, Oak Harbor, Washington.
(Day 889 TS) 59°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Summer Sojourn, Day Four
Day Four in the Rain Shadow
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, start the jammer engine, drive to the w-mart, coffee, com and computer. Then, it slips my mine to connect to the meeting and I do not remember until half way through, but at least I do connect using the Zoom app. After the meeting, I talk with the Andy, Aaron and Monte and then ask Monte if I can come by his home later this afternoon, to which he says yes. So, at five this afternoon, I pack out of the w-mart and drive the very short distance to his apartment, park and then go up to his door and knock. Immediately, I hear his voice from inside say, "Come in Thom." so I let my self in, walk through to the living room and he point of an available chair and says "Have a seat" I notice that there is another person also sitting in the living room, a woman, which I surmise is a friend or a nearby neighbor. After sitting down, we begin talking and I learn that the woman′s name is Chris, and when I ask if she is studying with one of Jehovah′s Witnesses, she answers, ":Kind of.": I do not pursue the subject any longer, but begin sharing some of the recent research that I have been doing in my personal Bible study.
After a while, I then say that I must be heading down the road, give both of them my goodbye and then depart from Monte′s apartment. Then, with the time encroaching upon the evening, I drive directly to the g-mart parking lot, park in the same space, which has the front of the jammer facing south, put up my window shades, climb into the rear of the jammer and get into the relaxation mode for the evening.
(Day 890 TS) 55°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Summer Sojourn, Day Five
Day Five in the Rain Shadow
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my summer blues, start the jammer engine, drive to the w-mart, park, gather my things, walk inside and select the same table next to the west wall. I then walk up to the counter and purchase a cup of coffee and ask for a cup of hot water to go with. I then return to the table and pour two/thirds of the hot water into my sierra cup, the same one which I only a few minutes ago, filled with the ingredients of my Daystart ™ and carried inside the w-mart.
Next, I begin pounding the keys upon my laptop whilst I begin eating my f-meal and sipping my cup of hot. I continue here all day long working on updating the files associated with the
Ever Changing Moon gallery and bringing them into since with the rest of the files on my website and even creating a new page for the subject of the
Black Moon, which previously was stuck on a bottom section in the Blue Moon Page. Now, the Black Moon has been elevated to a position of having its own page.
As the sun begins to drop toward the western horizon, I finish uploading all of today′s work, then pack out to the jammer and drive south on SH 20 back to the g-mart where I will overnight for another night here in the rain shadow. Once I have arrived at overnight location, park, turn off the jammer engine, I then climb into the rear of the jammer and open one of the cans of chili the I keep in my pantry and enjoy it with a sleave of saltine′s.
(Day 891 TS) 56°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Summer Sojourn, Day Six
Day Six in the Rain Shadow
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, drive to the d-mart to check see if I can get an appointment for putting two tires on the jammer. The clerk inside a woman named Katharine said ok, walks out to the vehicle, walks around the vehicle and checks the tread depth on all four tires. She then walks up to me and says, We will have to put tires on all four or we cannot even touch the car. I ask her for a total price and she tells me about four hundred and thirty dollars. So, I schedule an appointment for one in the afternoon. Leaving there, I drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer until about 12:30 when I pack out and drive back to the d-mart. At this time, Chris walks out to greet me and I I tell him that I have an appointment to put tires on my vehicle. He then finds the work order and then comes back to where I am parked on the side in a location which is not blocking any garage entrance. I tell Chris that I have a problem with the ignition and must start and stop the car by opening the hood. He repies, "Then we can not move you inside to service your car, but if you would take your tires off of your vehicle, then we can treat this as a carry in and then sell you the tires and mount them on you wheels." I respond, "Let′s do it." and then I tell him about my initial contact with counter woman when I asked for two tires and she said that I must buy four tires or this store would not help me at all. Chris told me, "That is not correct, as long as we only access the two tires, we can sell you those two tires. You are not required to purchase four tires." I tell Chris that I have been buying my tires herd for the last twenty years and have never had anyone tell me that I must buy four tire when I ask for just two and I was just about to quit entirely buying my tires here at this Walmart store. Chris repeatedly said "I am sorry!, I am so sorry!"
I then get out my floor jack, lift up the front drivers side wheel and remove it from the jammer. Chris comes out, gets the tire and hands it to the tire mechanic who takes off the old time, mounts the new one, balances the tire and then rolls it back out to me. I re-install the wheel on the front left and then begin removing the front right tire. As soon as it is off the jammer, I roll it up to the garage bay and lean on the door side jam. Immediately, the tire mechanic walks over to get my wheel and begin the new tire installation. At this time, I return to the jammer and continue tightening the lugs on the front left wheel. When I am done with this first wheel, I wait for the tire mechanic to finish his work on the second wheel and when he rolls the wheel out to me, I reinstall it on the front right of the jammer and tighten the lugs to the recommended torque of 100 foot-pounds. After all the lug nuts are tightened and then rechecked, I put away my tools, close the door, walk into store and pay for the tires, which amount was more than $230.00. When that payment is competed I walk out with my receipt, re-connect the battery, start the jammer engine, close the hood, get back into the driver′s seat, drive out of the d-mart parking lot, drive back to the w-mart for ice tea, com and more computer key pounding.
Then, here I sit in an air conditioned coffee shop on a hot summer day in the
Pacific Coast Region of this continent, but more specifically, the Puget Sound Lowlands and
Salish Basin Ecoregion. I remain here in the air conditioned cafe sipping on iced tea, eating a bagel and pounding keys and will do so until the sun had already descended into the low western sky in its race to the horizon.
Then, as the sun drops below the tree line on its descent toward the horizon, I finally pack out of the coffee cafe, walk out to the jammer, notice the two new tires on the front end, open the hood, start the jammer engine, close the hood, climb into the driver′s seat, drive out of the parking lot of the w-mart and then drive south on SH 20 to the g-mart, pull into the parking lot where I park the jammer in the same space that I have been parking in for many years.
Then, I begin preparing my evening meal and eat whilst methinks about the goings on of this day, especially when I walked into the customer lounge of the tire center and I did not deride the woman sales clerk who obstinately insisted that I must needs purchase four tires, but instead, just paid for the two that had been installed, got my receipt and left the building.
The sea gulls are extremely noisy this evening, but I do not pay them any attention to them either, but just continue my evening routine.
Wednesday, 22 July 2026, Oak Harbor, Washington.
(Day 892 TS) 58°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Summer Sojourn, Day Seven
Day Seven in the Rain Shadow
Moon: Waxing Gibbous (22-28 July)
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my summer blues, walk into the d-mart to used the restroom, return to the jammer and drive to my hair cut appointment. After my haircut, I drive to the ap-mart and order three of the several parts that I must needs install on the jammer. I will still have to check with the other ap-marts here in this town for availability and price to acquire the remaining parts that I fell must be replaced in order to keep the jammer running for the next several years.
Next, I drive to the w-mart for my regular cups of hot, pour the hot water into my morning Daystart™ and the hot coffee into a large glass of ice, after which, I enjoy my breakfast. Too, I open my computer and begin composing the words of my quill work (daily journal writing), which on this seventh day of my summer sojourn, I have finally caught up with all the missing previous daily journal entries. Wow, what an accomplishment this is for me!
To be caught up has become ever so difficult for me, especially as I advance through the last ten years of the Biblical expression of how long the average life of mankind will be.
(Psalms 90: 10) Yes, mankind is currently so very short lived!
Nevertheless, the composer of those words in the ninetieth Psalm, the man Moses acknowledged that the One True God, who is from everlasting to everlasting is the One who is our dwelling place throughout all our generations.
Too, the written words of Moses in Book Four of the Psalms (Psalms 90-106) have so many expressions of hope and encouragement.
This day, long as it is, eventually comes to an end, so I pack out of the w-mart, drive south on SH 20 to the awaiting parking space where I stop for another night.
Thursday, 23 July 2026, Oak Harbor, Washington.
(Day 893 TS) 56°F. 6:30 am, overcast
Summer Sojourn, Day Eight
Day Eight in the Rain Shadow
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my summer blues, unlock the hood, step outside and open the hood, connect the three negative battery wires, and using my screw driver, touch to connect the two terminals on the solenoid which starts the jammer engine. Then, after closing the hood, I climb back into the jammer and drive to the w-mart, where I unlock the hood, step outside, open the hood, pull the cover off of the relay case, remove the top relay, which stops the engine from running and then after that, I disconnect the three negative wires from the battery, which, by doing so, disconnects the power to the ignition system which keeps the battery from discharging.
In my daily journal, ever since
Day 846 TS, when the ignition key/switch initially failed, this is the exact same procedure that I have been using every time I uses the expression, start the jammer engine.
Later, in the afternoon, at about three pm, I pack out and drive to my bank to confirm that the automatic bill pay I have created to make four payments, will work correctly and pay back the money that I borrowed earlier this month from Gordon to purchase tires.
Friday, 24 July 2026, Oak Harbor, Washington.
(Day 894 TS) 55°F. 7:00 am, overcast
Summer Sojourn, Day Nine
Day Nine in the Rain Shadow
Moon: Lunar occultation of Antares (Southern Hemisphere)
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my summer blues, step outside and start the jammer engine, after which I climb back into the drivers seat and drive out of the g-mart parking lot to SH 20 and then turn north and drive the ten miles to the
Bowman Bay Campground in Deception Pass State Park, park in the space next to the shower house and then step outside to open the rear lift door to gather my shower gear and some clean clothes. Next, I walk to the shower house, go inside and enter the one shower stall and take a hot shower. When I have donned my clean clothes and gathered all of my things, I walk back to the jammer, open the real lift door and stow all of those things. Finally, I start the jammer engine and drive out of the state park and back to Oak Harbor.
This outing for a hot shower, although today is on a Friday, will occur again next Thursday afternoon and will continue to occur each subsequent Thursday for as long as I find myself still here on sabbatical in the
Land of the Rain Shadow,
until that time when I depart this region to begin my 2026 southbound migration along that roadpath which leads to those destinations within the southeastern parts of the continent, which, departure will likely begin during September 2026, but nothing is confirmed as yet because there are so many variables which are currently developing and/or in progress.
Saturday, 25 July 2026, Oak Harbor, Washington.
(Day 895 TS) 56°F. 6:30 am, overcast
Summer Sojourn, Day Ten
Day Ten in the Rain Shadow
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, start the jammer engine, drive to the w-mart, purchase hot drinks, sit down at a table, set up my computer and pound keys for most all of this day. Then, when the daylight begins to wane, I pack out, drive to the g-mart, park the jammer, shut down the jammer engine, climb inside, put up my window shades and then climb into the rear area.
Once I am sitting at the desk, I get out some of my food stores and prepare something for me to eat. Afterwards, I get into the horizontal and watch some videos before I turn off the electronics and close my eyes.
Sunday, 26 July 2026, Oak Harbor, Washington.
(Day 896 TS) 50°F. 6:30 am, overcast, rain
Summer Sojourn, Day Eleven
Day Eleven in the Rain Shadow
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, dress in my summer blues, start the jammer, drive to the d-mart, walk inside to use the mens room, then walk back to the jammer and drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer. At nine-twenty, I decide that today, I will connect to the meeting using the Zoom app. I then connect and listen to a talk given by a local brother, Mike Merkle and he provides a well done presentation. I clap after his talk, but no one hears my applause, still, I do so appreciate his fine talk.
Afterwards, I remain and visit with some of the friends, but soon, most all have left and so, I say good by to the Radke′s and exit the Zoom app. Then, I continue working on my web site pages and create a map of Russia showing the easternmost jurisdictional district, Chukotka, which I will be using to show the homeland of the western tribe of the
Sons of Sheleph, specifically, the Aleutian speaking indigenous people, which I go through all of these pages to update them with the latest improvements and information.
Finally, I pack out and drive back to the parking lot where I have been overnighting.
Monday, 27 July 2026, Oak Harbor, Washington.
(Day 897 TS) 54°F. 7:00 am, sunny, partly cloudy
Summer Sojourn, Day Twelve
Day Twelve in the Rain Shadow
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, start the jammer engine, drive to the w-mart for coffee, my Daystart, and key pounding, which I continue here all day long.
Previously, I have made reservation for me to camp in Oregon, which reservations are to start today for me to be in the campground overnight tonight, but I have since been scheduled with an appointment with the Social Security Administration at two in the afternoon, tomorrow. Therefore, I must wait until after the two o′clock appointment tomorrow before I leave for the camping reservation, missing out on my camping there tonight. Too, I had even been considering to forego the drive south to Oregon due to the overheating problem that I have been having, but have been praying about this for some time, and methinks that I will wait until tomorrow and see how the jammer does on the drive to Mount Vernon.
Then at just before eight this evening, I pack out, drive to the g-mart, park, prepare my e-meal, and eat while watching a video from the 2026 Convention. Later, I turn off my electronics and close my eyes for the night.
Tuesday, 28 July 2026, Oak Harbor, Washington.
(Day 898 TS) 50°F. 7:00 am, Overcast
Summer Sojourn, Day Thirteen
Day Thirteen in the Rain Shadow
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Parking Lot
Awake, arise, start the jammer, drive to the w-mart for coffee, com and computer for most all the morning. Then, at noon, I pack out of the cafe and drive north on SH 20, cross the Deception Pass Bridge, and soon after, turn west on SH 20 to drive to Mount Vernon for my afternoon appointment. I am impressed that the entire drive there, the temperature gauge never went above the "R" in "Normal" thus both impressing and surprising me quite a bit.
So, after the appointment, when I walk out to the jammer, I decide that since the engine has not overheated and the water temperature has been holding stead in the "Normal" range, that I will go ahead and drive to Oregon in order to use my scheduled camping reservation. However, I continue to pray while driving south for the nearly the entire three hundred miles. Then, just after eight this evening, and being quite tired out from the five hour drive, I arrive at the campground, pull into campsite B31 ♿, back into the parking space and then get out to run my electrical cords from the jammer to the electrical outlet.
Once everything is connected, I climb into the jammer office, get out my computer, plug it into the power strip, turn it on and begin pounding keys. For my supper this evening, I eat a can of chili and some saltine crackers. Methinks, I know this is not very healthy, but it is a quick meal for days such as this one has been.
On a different subject entirely, I find that being in such an environment where I am currently, that of being in a campground with electrical receptacles and other amenities is quite suitable for me, as I really prize times such as this when my key pounding does not have limited hours as they are at coffee shops which all have closing times. In fact, when I have the opportunity for this type of campground, I find that I am able to work as late as I wish, even into the early morning hours on occasion if doing so would help me to finish a project and complete a chapter or even a section of my web site.
However, tonight, it does not prove to be a very late night at all and I turn off my electronics and get into the horizontal shortly after the sun sets.
Wednesday, 29 July 2026, Cascade Locks, Oregon.
(Day 899 TS) 50°F. 7:30 am, sunny
Summer Sojourn, Day Fourteen
Day Fourteen: Away from the Rain Shadow
Meteor Shower: Piscis Austrinid Meteor Shower
Meteor Shower: Southern Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a State Park
Ainsworth State Park, #B-31 ♿
Columbia Gorge
Coordinates:
45.5957119, -122.0516203
Elevation:
98 feet
Awake arise to my first morning here in the Gorge this year. I climb forward, open the drivers door, step outside, walk to the rear of the jammer and open the rear lift door to gain access to my shower gear. Then, I walk up the footpath to the restroom and shower house where I enjoy a steamy hot shower.
Returning to the campsite, I get out my tea pot and begin preparing my morning three-cup meal, which, when ready, I carry all three cups into the jammer, set them on the office table and then enjoy eating my f-meal whilst I resume my work on the pages of my website, in particular, the
Atmospheric Phenomena during the next several hours, bring all of these pages up to date.
Then, by the time that the sun begins to drop to the horizon, the campsite that I am staying in becomes full of sunshine which causes it to heat up. So, I put up all of my window shades, facing the reflective surface outward and that helps somewhat. Finally, the sun drops to the horizon and the entire area cools off quite a bit. I then step outside and prepare a full cook pot of my Repast, of which I only eat about one third of the potful, for my supper and drink quite a lot of water. What remains in the cookpot, I store with the pot cover attached and place it on the floor of the jammer. Too, I also use my laundry bag to place on top of the cookpot, which works really well for keeping it cool as if it was in a refrigerator. Further, due to the fact that there is no meat in my recipe, the Repast will normally keep and not spoil for three or more day, however, this pot
Later, I get into the horizontal for the night and soon after fall asleep.
Thursday, 30 July 2026, Cascade Locks, Oregon.
(Day 900 TS) 50°F. 6:30 am, sunny
Summer Sojourn, Day Fifteen
Day Fifteen: Away from the Rain Shadow
Meteor Shower: Alpha Capricornids Meteor Shower
Sleeping in the Jammer
Overnighting in a Campground
Ainsworth State Park, #B-31 ♿
Columbia Gorge
Awake, arise, step out of the jammer, open the rear lift door, grab my shower gear and walk to the shower house for a hot shower. Then, upon returning to the jammer, I prepare my three-cup f-meal, then get out my tea pot to boil water and when the teapot is steaming, I pour measured amounts of the hot water into each cup. Finally, I climb back into the jammer office to enjoy my breakfast whilst I pound keys to work on my website pages.
In the afternoon, I get, first a text message from JoAnne asking me "Where are you?" to which I only answer with the words "Hello, Sister." Later, I get a phone call from here and then I tell her that I am camping in Oregon along the Columbia River Gorge at Ainsworth State Park. We then talk for a while and then I get another call and say I have to go, good bye sister.
At about seven, I get out my leftover Repast spoon out some to my sierra cup, and some mustard and enjoy this as my second meal from this batch. Later, I get into the horizontal for the evening and close my eyes.
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