Lake of the Woods anyone??

Christmas Day

Klamath River Fishing Trip 12-22 to 12-23

Santa CRASHED!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been mentioning to Sandi that I wanted to sleep on the deck some night. Last night she called me on my 'bluff.' It was a perfectly clear night with no wind. There were a million stars out and a very bright moon. I saw meteors, listened to far off barking dogs, and slept very warm. There was frost on my bag, but inside it was warm and toasty. I feel I need to do things like this to really appreciate a nice warm bed and stove. It makes me feel alive!

Dec. 1 marks the first day of crab season, and I can't remember when there was such nice weather. Usually it's raining, blowing, and storming and everyone feels sorry for the miserable conditions that usually come with the season opener. We had our first crab last week, and it was every bit as good as we remembered. We're ready for more!

What a great day! I got to go fishing with Rachael and Andrew today and maybe Christmas Tree hunting with Randy and Claudia tomorrow. It's shaping up to be a great weekend. Sandi and I just got back from doing some Christmas shopping and it's always amazing the things you can buy at the stores. All kinds of new things. Case in point; do you there is a winery called Cleavage Creek Winery? It doesn't have a picture of a geology formation on the label either, it's the 'real deal.' Some of the money from the sales goes toward Breast Cancer research. I think that it is a very noble purpose considering it's just a bottle of wine. I don't even like wine, and it make me want to give my full support to it. Also, I think that it would be a very uplifting experience to be able to take part in supporting this cause. I may even buy two bottles just to show to show that I'm doing my part and assisting in the cause.

My next electric car

http://aptera.com/

A wise saying.

Money is not required to buy one necessity of the soul.

Henry David Thoreau

Luck is a relative thing.

We need more laws.

On a recent trip out of town I learned some new things, and thought that in some instances there should be more laws on the books, not less. We were staying at a place that had a pool, and, of course there were people of all ages using the pool and doing the whale-thing lying by the pool. Me included. There were some younger people trying to impress some other younger people with either their swimming suits, or their bodies, I wasn’t really sure. There were even some older (and I mean older than me, older) men that were trying to do the same. Unsuccessfully.

What I’m getting at, is, I think that a man should have to show a photo ID to buy a Speedo swimming suit. Or maybe, stand behind a cardboard cutout of someone that looks good in one and if you have anything showing that protrudes from the cutout they can't be sold to you. Chances are this would eliminate about 99% of random purchases. Or, maybe, actually try in on in the store and see what you really look like in front of a mirror before jiggling out on a pool deck. Or, maybe, mandate a two week waiting period before the transaction can be completed. Somewhat like gun sales. Maybe they should only be sold to those over 21 and no older than 22. I don’t think those things should just be issued indiscriminately to just anyone. They should only be issued to…...well, I don’t they should be issued to anyone. I only have two emotions when I see something like this, either I’m totally embarrassed for the guy or the opposite extreme, I can’t stop laughing. Women wear things like this, but I think that they’re called one-piece swimming suits. I don't think the above ideas should apply to women. When you see some over-weight guy stuffed into something that would only have fit him when he was like twelve years old, something has to be done.

Then, while we were waiting in the airport for our flight we heard a voice a little louder than usual come on over the intercom, “IF THE MAN THAT LEFT HIS HEARING AIDES ON THE TOP OF THE URINAL CAN HEAR ME, YOU CAN PICK THEM UP IN THE TERMINAL OFFICE.” My bet is that the hearing aide is still in the office. I can just imagine the kid that found it, “Look, mom, it’s my lucky day, AGAIN!!!”

America's favorite TV show, even before TV.

This will put your minds at ease. These are not the 'fires of hell.' But, I wonder how much philosophic debate has gone on simply staring at fires.

One of my favorite poems

This poem is one of the few things I have left from my youth. I had a poster of it hanging on my bedroom wall. Now that same poster is hanging on the back wall of my classroom.

Desiderata

-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --
Not "Found in Old St. Paul's Church"! -- see below

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

It was a GREAT day...

Feeling the music, or not..........

Today was the last day of the science conference here in Long Beach. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot about teaching science. I also learned that they're a lot of lot smarter people than me in this world. Of course, I knew that already, this trip just really affirms it. Now there was no particular reason that I came to this realization other than some of the titles of the workshops. Workshops like, Using Fossil Models to Teach Paleontology and the Nature of Science, Sound and the Biophysics of Hearing, Themis and Fast Nasa Missions present Aurora and Earth's Magnetism. I didn't go to any of those workshops. I went to ones like Hands-on Electricity and Magnets for the 4th and 5th grade classrooms, Super! Neat! Wow! E! Science! with Dave Crowther, Let's Get Visual. I guess I'm more of a visual learner living in a textbook world.

Anyway, I'm excited about teaching science and I'm glad that I can teach two periods of it 3 days a week. The trouble is, it isn't until 3rd period that I feel really good about it. Oh well, wait til next year!

Actually, I thought I've done pretty good. I never did embarrass myself. Of course, in my own company, I can put up with a lot of personal embarrassment without showing it. If someone had been with me they would probably have pointed out numerous occasions that I should have been embarrassed.

I made another observation tonight. As a culminating activity they let us tour the Long Beach Aquarium this evening with a dance to follow. Whheeeeeeeee. As soon as they asked for requests I walked over and asked for any ZZ Top song. I thought to myself, "I'm going to listen to one song and leave." I stayed for about 15 minutes waiting for that one song. They didn't play it. But, after a three days of honing my observational skills (as any good science teacher should do) at this conference,I did notice one thing, the ratio of women to men on the dance floor was about 6:1. I wonder how that would fly it I put that on my report to the school district: Observational skills honed. Actually, it was pretty easy to figure out the ration as there were only 14 people on the floor at the max in that 15 minute period.

There was this a couple that walked onto and past the dance floor and I could barely hear the conversation. The woman couldn't hold herself back and was swaying to the music, the man was totally engrossed in the aquarium display.

(her) "Come on, honey, let's dance.'
(him) "Wow, can you believe the color of these fish?"
(her) "Isn't the music great? Just let it move you."
(him) "Those bubbles are really cool. I wonder if they do it to aerate the water?
(her) "Would you dance if I got you another beer?"
(him) "No thanks, I've already had five. Can you believe the size of the Grouper? He
must weigh about 200 pounds. Besides, I think my gizzard is starting to act up again. You remember what happened last time, don't you?"

Meanwhile, during this entire conversation and for a period of about 10 minutes that I couldn't hear, she couldn't hold herself still, just moving and grooving to the sound of the music. He was, what you might say, 'stoic and reserved.' She probably thought he was an ass and close to death. Whatever she thought, it appeared that he didn't score any points tonight.

I'm convinced that at one time in the long and distant past more men liked to dance, but it was a LONG time ago. Possibly, after a successful mammoth hunt, or when a male child was born, or maybe, before a hunt. I think for the most part, men unbeknownest to even themselves are waiting for the return of the woolly mammoth so they can again 'cut a rug." Don't get me wrong, I love live music, just as long as I don't have to dance to it. I'm one of those that are waiting for that mammoth to step out of the past.
Jim

Things learned while Sandi's been gone...

While Sandi has been gone for a few days I learned a few things:
Chocolate chip cookie sandwiches for lunch are really good. Thanks Rach!
There's no such thing as an old leftover, some are just more experienced than others. And, they're all fair game.

Big Lagoon kayaking

A day kayaking with HB.

Chillin' with the Big Guy

Klamath River trip

The Fishing Rocks

I recalled this story over the weekend when Randy, Andrew and I went up to the Klamath River on a guys camping trip. I wrote this short story about six years ago for a new book that was coming out when they were taking submissions. The book, Chicken Soup for the Fishermen's Soul, was published sans this story. I found that there are nine levels before being chosen for the book. This story reached the eighth level before being cut.



It’s not often that a fishing trip turns into a journey down memory lane, but, sometimes life has a way of surprising you at the proper times. Being a parent of two boys has allowed me an opportunity to relive my youth. Having been adopted when my mom was 46 and my dad 53 I had the advantage of parents and grandparents all wrapped up in one neat package. They didn’t let me get away with much since they had already raised a set of kids, and they were on to pretty much all the tricks that a child tries on their parents, but they also knew the things that were important to a child.

As a child I felt I led a pretty carefree existence. What may have been normal to some children, were odd to me. I missed swimming lessons at the pool, missed Little League baseball, I even missed 4th of July until I was about 12 years old. Instead, I learned to swim underwater in a small creek that at best was about 12 inches deep. I learned to play baseball by throwing stones up in the air and batting them into the river with a broken off tree branch. And, 4th of July, I was too busy being a little boy doing the important thing that make up much of many little boys lives, fishing. I spent my growing up summers car camping on a ‘mining claim’ next to the broken down remains of a cabin along a small creek with my mom and brother. My dad would stay at home to work during the week and come to be with us on the weekends.

Immediately after school was out in June, my mother would load up the car full of blankets, food, camping gear, and canning supplies and head over to the mining claim with my brother and I. What would be an all day trip to get there, I was later to find out, could be made in 3 hours by a slightly different route. Mom did not like windy mountain roads. I guess the length of the trip added to the mystique of our yearly pilgrimage.

"So, just what exactly is normal about your childhood," you may ask?

The summers of my youth slipped by camping out of a car, picking blackberries before the sun got too hot, and fishing. Since we had a small creek on our mining claim site my brother and I felt it our duty to ‘stock’ it with fish. After we finished picking blackberries each morning our reward was being able to go fishing. The Klamath River, a river that drains the northern section of California, is a river well-known for its historic salmon runs. Hence, the draw for my brother and I to go fishing every morning. My brother is a lucky fisherman, I am a good fisherman, at least it makes me feel better thinking so. I was continually to be reminded of in fishing at least, luck beats skill about 99% of the time. My mom would walk us down to the river and watch us from the bank as my brother and I skipped, hopped, and jumped from rock to rock in search of the best stretch of river in which to catch those elusive fish. Our feelings were that if we could get just a little further out into the river we stood just a little better chance of catching more fish.

Oddly, most of the time when I would look up to see my mom I would see her with her head bowed down instead of watching us. Yet, in spite of not keeping on eye on us, she would insist on accompanying us each time we went fishing. Meanwhile, as soon as we would catch a fish we would put it into a coffee can and sprint the ½ mile back to our creek so we could ‘stock’ it.

The annual trip was one to be looked forward to each summer until we got too ‘cool’ to go with Mom, yet she continued to go every summer. The blackberries bloomed, the river ran past, the seasons came and went, yet the fishing rocks remained waiting.

As my boys got older I yearned to share a little of my youth with them and maybe live my childhood again vicariously through them. We went to the ‘cabin’ on a ‘guys trip’ and I tried to tell them of what it was like camping out all summer, listening to the bears pawing around at night, picking blackberries so we could enjoy them on our pancakes in the winter, throwing rocks at yellow jacket nests as we were leaving for the final time of the summer, and fishing. Fishing from the rocks along the bend of the river.

I took them to the rocks along the bend of the river and while my sons skipped, hopped, and jumped carefree from rock to rock searching out the best vantage point from which to fish, I relived for a short time my youth while I crawled from rock to rock. I had lost something, yet I had gained more. While it was somewhat surprising that my body not able to do what it did in my youth, I had something better,my boys. Watching them I realized then why my mother had her head down and not watching us, she was praying for our safety and future.

The rocks along the bend in the river remain a favorite place for me to go fishing with my sons. It is a place where I can view a younger image of myself as I watch my sons scampering from rock to rock and fishing from the very same rocks that I did as a child, still trying to catch those elusive fish. It is also a place where I can look into the past, and if I look really hard, I can still see my mother up on the bank with her head bowed. Now I understand why.

Just a lowly mushroom..........

vying for its place in the sky.

That would be 48.5" since Jan. 1, 2007

The good news is, that, at this point in the year last year, we had 57" of rain. Yaaaaaaaa..................

Yellow jackets LOVE fresh apple juice

Go ahead, enlarge it and see a yellow jacket up close.

THe weather is always good in Crescent City, it's just that it rains at times.

Word was, last weekend, that it was to starting raining soon. So, I mowed the yard, picked apples from place I've picked apples at before (yes, I asked beforehand), juiced apples, and smoked fish. Yes, a busy weekend. And, yes, it rained, but the weather was still good. One of those weekends where it was good to go back to work so I could get some rest.

Bounty of the season

Sunday was spent smoking and canning tuna. Like everything, you must take advantage of the season's bounties at the proper time. This will taste good this winter. I think I feel the need to do this hearkens back to a time before time when this one done for survival, not necessarily enjoyment.

A great day for a paddle

HB and I went for a paddle to a small lagoon just south of CC. It was really small, probably no more than about 2 acres in size. Still pretty cool to go to a place so close to CC.

I've still got it!!!!!!!

I went kayaking last night to the Sand Hole and there was a herd of bovines out in the field. I had to try. I had to see if I could still call them in. It worked. They came running...right up to the fence. Maybe I was a farmer in a previous life, or maybe a bull!

The Super Duper Long Handled Hoppity Hooper Apple Plucker

To the uninitiated eye this may look simply like a coffee can duct taped to a piece of PVC pipe, but to the discerning eye it is a step of the evolutionary process of picking apples. With this device one no longer needs to bother with a ladder, and thus the process of plucking apples is safer, more efficient, and quicker. See, there are uses of coffee cans other than to hold dog food.
One small step for mankind, one large step for womandkind. I think Johnny Appleseed would be very happy.

Got Endorphins?

I’ve been thinking about this for the past week. Last weekend I had some fairly strenuous exercise. Now, don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t running a 20K or playing basketball all afternoon. I’m referring to the 6 mile hike Sandi and I took, followed by cutting and loading a pickup load of wood by myself. Yes, I worked up a sweat. Yes, I was tired. But the odd thing was that I haven’t felt that invigorated in a long time. No legal or illegal drugs, no alcohol. Maybe it was a sense of dementia setting in; after all, I did go skinny-dipping on the way home too.

No, I think it was the endorphin production that my body was experiencing. Now, I’ve heard peripherally about endorphins, but don’t know a whole lot about the subject. I can look back and see where I have experienced feelings of euphoria and yet calmness. Whenever I go for a hike in the woods, it is for the most part, as Sandi would term it, “like the Bataan Death March.” Which I must disagree too, but I do enjoy just going, and do push myself, but it’s all in the name of enjoyment. And, to a degree that I don’t understand, almost a crazed addiction. I crave that feeling. I want to see, to experience, to be part of the natural world. Getting out in the woods affords me an opportunity to a small degree, the ability to “scratch that itch.”
The release of endorphins lowers the blood pressure, a major indicator in heart disease, and has even been implicated in the fight against cancer. Also, endorphins are best known to those who exercise a lot, and give rise to what is known as the 'runner's high.’ The release of endorphins also has been found to lower blood pressure, a major cause of heart disease. Evidently, they’re released whenever there is a certain amount of pain involved. Maybe though that is the key; to encourage the release of endorphins while staying just outside of the pain or injury range. Whenever I lift weights I have this same good feeling, because whenever I’m done, I feel great. Weightlifting’s purpose is to microscopically tear muscle tissue to grow back as increased muscle mass.
I found that Endorphins are a class of neurotransmitters produced by the body and used internally as a pain killer. This class of compounds are similar in their action as opiates, attaching to some of the same receptors in the brain. Now, I haven’t taken opium, but I have to believe that there are similar reactions to endorphins and opium. They are a strong analgesic, and thus are the bodies own built in pain-killer, and, the best thing, give a pervasive sense of happiness.
I guess the good news is that while I can’t experience a sense of euphoria from exercise all the time, chilies can also release these compounds without too much strain or stress on the bod. I know, I know, too much thinking.

Reflecting is great.

As a teacher there are always meetings that teachers have to go to as Continuing Education and / or training for specific programs that will so be implemented. Today I had to attend training for a Mentor Teacher position where I will be giving support for a new Beginning Teacher at Joe Hamilton.

The trainer asked an interesting question that made me stop and think for a minute. We were talking about if we can remember a situation in which we were to have been observed by a principal early in our teaching career, because the trainer wanted us to recall the fear and anticipation of the observation process. Typically, the principals observe teachers to watch their effectiveness in the classroom to see if they will be hired back the following year, and, yes, you can imagine the nervousness that this process brings about.

Generally what happens is that at the meeting after the observation there is a one-on-one meeting with the principal and they try to couch the bad things they see with a few positive comments. At the end of the meeting the only thing I wanted to ask the principal after his review, was, “Do you know if that job at McDonalds is still available?” The entire process is meant for the teacher to be reflective in their teaching, but all too often you don’t really walk away with a lot of confidence, because it seems like we always remember all the negative things and not the positive things.

When the trainer asked us if we remembered anything good about the process, no hands went up, which told me that quite a few people had a bad experience. I immediately raised my hand with my response. Everyone was surprised that something good came of my meeting and not theirs.

“Yes, mine was great. It was canceled.”

A fleeting experience

Pictures, memories, imagery of anything is never as good for me as the real thing. That is why I must always remind myself to 'carpe diem.'
Last night was a prime example. The pictures do not do the experience justice. I always love it when I'm able to just be there, and many times I don't realize how special it was until the experience is over. I find that I love to out on the water paddling the kayak. There is such a sense of peace, power, and my sense of 'smallness' in the universe. For now, for me, 'carpe weekend.'

Last day of freedom...

The last day before school.

There were no winners....

Today was a fitting end to summer and perhaps to a small degree a sense of closure to a difficult time in our lives. No, closure is too strong of a word. With Mary Lou not here, there never will be a sense of closure to the fact she is no longer here. Today the court system of Sonoma County rendered a sentence in the case of Arnold Silva, the man that killed Mary Lou in January of 2006. The justice system played out all of its legal proceedings and sentenced him to 43 years in prison. There is truly no justice as nothing that the legal system can do, will bring back the life of Mary Lou. One irresponsible person is off the road system and not able to inflict harm to anyone else until he is 75 years old at the earliest. It truly is sad, the cost of irresponsibility, and the extent to which it effects other people. One person’s choice can affect so many people, positively or negatively.

It is really a bittersweet joy that we have experienced these last few days. Almost like the birth of a child and the death of a parent. On Wednesday, Rachael, Andrew’s new bride just accepted a third grade teaching position at the same school where she did a long-term substitute position last fall. With their recent marriage and both having contracts as credentialed teachers this fall the future indeed appears bright for them. By contrast, a future without the physical presence of Mary Lou gives a feeling of the fact that something is missing, which indeed it is.

I do believe there is justice in the Universe, but not necessarily when, how, and where I want. It really is a good thing that I am not God, as I may not let life play out as it should. I must believe that it will play out for the good, and I would hope that the loss of Mary Lou will have some good come from it. In the short term, I don’t see it. In the long term I can only hope.

Here is a link to the Press Democrat article:

http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/article/20070824/NEWS/708240357/1033/NEWS01

Andrew's birthday

Today was Andrew's b'day. He wanted to go fishing, so he, Rachael, and I went down to the Klamath this morning to see if we couldn't catch a salmon. Long story short; we did, we couldn't. There were about 50 other bank fishermen there as well as about 20 gillnetters fishing. We saw one salmon netted. But, as we were getting in the kayaks to paddle from the mouth to the launching ramp a guy offered us about a 10 pound steelhead as he couldn't sell it. We said yes, and so we didn't come home empty handed. Sandi and I grilled it tonight and it was as they say in Mexico, "muy bien."

Tahoe was great

Toes at Tahoe

 

Hey, haven't I seen those toes somewhere else? We just spent a week at South Lake Tahoe and the lake really is as beautiful as people say it is.

Jellyfish Sailors

These jellyfish always intrigue me. If I happen upon them in time they have a very beautiful blueish purplish cast to their bodies. If I'm a little late, they're just plain clear. Sometimes the neatest things to see at the beach are only to seen by looking very closely near your feet.


Velella velella - “By-the-wind sailor”
Dark blue, flat float keeps them at the surface. A membrane extends up from the float like a sail. Underneath the float is a colony of tiny brownish jelly-like animals (hydroids). Often seen floating in large patch resembling a raft. May be washed ashore. Size: float is usually less than 3 inches. No sting

Just a beautiful rose looking at beautiful woman!

I'm not sure who was attracted to whom first, but they both seem to be enjoying the other.
This was at the Jackson and Perkins Rose Garden in Medford just before we went to the reunion.

Reunion Pics

Pre-wedding June 13, 2007

July 6 Senate Bldg. Mt. Vernon

I really hate it when I spend 40 minutes putting my thoughts down on paper all to have them not save.
Maybe I'll come back to it when I'm in the mood again.
Below is a quote from George Washington's Rules of Civility;

110th Labour to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Celestial fire Called Conscience.

Pics:http://picasaweb.google.com/jnshoop/July6SenateBldgMtVernon?authkey=bpa12Xec9oo

July 5 Arlington / Memorials

July 4 Parade Floating the Potomac

What an interesting 4th. It started out when I went to the parade. I took the Metro to 12th and Constitution and watched the parade atop a sidewalk flower. It was a special experience, but I do wish I could have spent it with family. The crowds are huge. I was probably watching it from about 10 rows back from the sidewalk. Some of the marchers were from Texas, Louisana, and the South. Since I arrived at the parade early I had the time to go uptown and get a burger. It was actually pretty pleasant as the stress was not there since I knew where I was at and knew which subway to get back... at least until next time. I bought a red, white, and blue hat since I had left my other one in the room.
Linda called and said that they would be here to pick me up at my hotel at 2:00 so I left early so as not to keep them waiting. Bob, Linda, and Chris arrived at about 1:45. It was good to see them. Next, we drove about 45 minutes to Bob's house and loaded up some kayaks. They planned something for me that they knew I would like to do. They took me geocaching on a trail about 30 minutes from Bob's house that was actually part of the Appalachian Trail that goes from just above Florida to Maine. We met a hiker that had been on the trail since April and had started in Georgia. The cache site was near a rock outcropping that overlooked the Potomac River and Harpers Ferry. Chris (Littlefoot) found the cache after looking under a few overhanging rocks. It rained on us and so we were wet the rest of the time. It was very much like Crescent City since it like a rain forest except for the fact that it was much warmer. Next we put the kayaks in and floated down the Potomac River. The Potomac is the same river that flows by Washington, DC and separates West (?) Virginia. The upper is much less developed of course. It probably flowed at about 1-2 miles per hour. It was probably 200 yards wide, but we could see the bottom at 3-4 feet. We took a couple of the side channels and it reminded me a lot of floating down Mill Creek with all the overhanging trees. It was a great float in an area with a lot of history. Chris and Bob kept Linda and I entertained with their water gun antics. Chris won.

Pics:http://picasaweb.google.com/jnshoop/4thOfJulyFloatingThePotomac?authkey=cCBLG9eXVoM

June 3 Washington DC

June 3 Washington, DC
Today we had two workshops at a place called Decatur House which is just around the corner from the White House. One was about the history of children writing letters and the different ways that Presidents’ respond. The other was about how to use the lesson plans about the White House in the classroom. That was too much like school and I was wishing that someone, anyone would call me and I would have to leave the room. They didn’t, I did. I walked around until it was time for lunch. I bought HB a really pretty scarf. See, I did put my time to good use.

The White House Tour was not as good as I expected. I think that it took me longer to fill out all the paperwork I had to submit than the actual tour lasted. But, I did get to see the inside. Evidently the President was there, but we weren’t a large enough group of supporters. I think that as an organization teachers are for the most part Democrats, but that doesn’t mean that Mrs. Bush couldn’t have made an appearance. Observation: Guys are for the most part big boys. As we were leaving the White House grounds there was a very muscular security guard that was about 7’ tall carrying a small arsenal. Machine gun with sight, side arm, flak jacket, a belt full of….whatever. For the next hour that’s all that these two guys were talking about, they didn’t mention one thing about the White House.

Again we were treated to a nice lunch; build your own sandwiches, chips, drinks. After that we went to the National Archives to listen to another talk about field trips there. I don’t think that the lady realized that we were from California. She was going on an on as if we may really bring our classes there.

Anyway, I left because my feet were getting tired and I wanted to put them up at the hotel for awhile… right in front of the air conditioner. I got on the correct line, but managed to get off on the wrong stop. I don’t think there are too many people that can stretch a 3 minute bus ride into a 30 minute walk. I did. I think that I’ll throw my socks and shoes away before I get home. They’re defiled. Remember those dress clothes (slacks, button up shirt, shoes, belt) I brought to go to the White House? You don’t? I did. Anyway, they’re still in my luggage and I still haven’t worn them. All I’ve been doing is lugging them around. Now I understand where the term luggage comes from. I would really have felt bad if I’d brought a suitcase and a suit.

Van, the guy I’m rooming with came in about 6:00 and heard that there was going to be a dress rehearsal of the entertainment at the steps of the Capital Building. It was in preparation for the entertainment on the 4th. Anyway, we got there and you had to go through a security checkpoint to get into the viewing area. We got some great seats on the steps of the Capital, but of course it was so far back that the performers looking like ants on the stage. Tony Dantzman was the MC. There were some bands playing and singers singing. We were there for only about an hour, but it was really cool. The Washington National Philharmonic Orchestra played about three pieces and they ended the night with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture complete with real cannon fire. At the very end of it the rain started falling. We decided it was one of the things, either that piece has the power to change the elements, or all the musicians were cleaning their pipes on the final note.

Pics:http://picasaweb.google.com/jnshoop/Concert73Parade74?authkey=jB3XrmR-FkA

Gettysburg June 2

June 2 Gettysburg
After we left Philadelphia we had about a 2-1/2 hour bus ride to Gettysburg during which we watched the DVD Gettysburg. This entire area is a historical area. It’s really disheartening to think that of all the people that we’ve lost in battle throughout our nation’s history, we did so fighting against ourselves, brother and against brother, countrymen against countrymen.

To see the scope and size of the battlefield at Gettysburg makes me sad. Of course, that is the only really battlefield I’ve ever seen. But this is American soil. They spoke the same language, they had the same ancestors, they were the descendents of those that had fought side by side against the British for their freedom.

The NPS tour guide met us a the motel and gave us an interesting and entertaining talk prior to going to the battlefield. What surprised me the most was the fact that leading up to this conflict Gettysburg was even not the top choice to do battle on. It was just circumstance that led to both sides being there. Also, the Confederates were 8-0-1 and so they came into the battle with a lot of confidence. While most of the monuments we stopped at did not mean much, there were so many that it helped put into perspective the size of the conflict. Also, we were there on the eve of the anniversary, July 1-3, 1863.

The Battle of Gettysburg (July 1 – July 3, 1863), fought in, and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, as part of the Gettysburg Campaign, was the battle with the largest number of casualties in the American Civil War[1] and is frequently cited as the war's turning point.[2] Union Maj. Gen. George Gordon Meade's Army of the Potomac defeated attacks by Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, ending Lee's invasion of the North.
Following his success at Chancellorsville in May 1863, Lee led his army through the Shenandoah Valley for his second invasion of the North, hoping to reach as far as Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, or even Philadelphia, and to influence Northern politicians to give up their prosecution of the war. Prodded by President Abraham Lincoln, Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker moved his army in pursuit but was relieved almost on the eve of battle and replaced by Meade.
The two armies began to collide at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863, as Lee urgently concentrated his forces there. Low ridges to the northwest of town were defended initially by a Union cavalry division, which was soon reinforced with two corps of Union infantry. However, two large Confederate corps assaulted them from the northwest and north, collapsing the hastily developed Union lines, sending the defenders retreating through the streets of town to the hills just to the south.
On the second day of battle, most of both armies had assembled. The Union line was laid out in a defensive formation resembling a fishhook. Lee launched a heavy assault on the Union left flank, and fierce fighting raged at Little Round Top, the Wheatfield, Devil's Den, and the Peach Orchard. On the Union right, demonstrations escalated into full-scale assaults on Culp's Hill and Cemetery Hill. Across the battlefield, despite significant losses, the Union defenders held their lines.
On the third day of battle, July 3, fighting resumed on Culp's Hill, and cavalry battles raged to the east and south, but the main event was a dramatic infantry assault by 12,500 Confederates against the center of the Union line on Cemetery Ridge. Pickett's Charge was repulsed by Union rifle and artillery fire at great losses to the Confederate army. Lee led his army on a torturous retreat back to Virginia. Between 46,000 and 51,000 Americans were casualties in the three-day battle. That November, President Lincoln used the dedication ceremony for the Gettysburg National Cemetery to honor the dead, both Union and Confederate, and redefine the purpose of the war in his historic Gettysburg Address.
-Wikipedia

It was sad to see the very ground that men and women had died in such a horrific war. The conditions were terrible at best; hot, humid, exhausted troops, little to no rations, trying to lie down where they could without being bitten by the snakes. The bravery that these men exhibited was amazing. They both totally believed in their cause. If the Confederates had won, there very well be slavery alive and well in what is now the United States.

I stood on the very ground where Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address. Again, it was as if I were standing in the presence of greatness. It really is a hallowed ground. The very blades of grass are nourished by the blood spilled on these grounds. It really makes me believe that there are people called to do things that are beyond a normal human capacity. This trip makes me realize how much sacrifice has been given to allow the freedom we have today. It is only in our small window of time that we equate what we have, and in reality, we are only the beneficiaries of the freedoms that others have died for. It so easy to say, but there is so much to comprehend.

Pics:http://picasaweb.google.com/jnshoop/Gettysburg7207?authkey=JuqBTeJDe2U

June 30 Philadelphia Liberty Bell

As you can see by my last post I had a lot of time to write. Don’t worry, I’ll correct it later. Bus rides are kind of anti-climatic, so I’ll not even go there. I suppose one who is an astute observer of man…and woman-kind could find something salient and interesting to write about it, but personally I don’t like to type.

Now, Philadelphia of course, was very interesting. We were able to go in and see the real Liberty Bell. It is testament of history that pealed its message to the founders of our nation. It was, like at St. Paul's in New York, as if I were standing in the presence of greatness. Such a young country we are, and yet we have so much history. It seems like every age has its apex, the period at which it is at its height, and its low period, the age at which people question its direction. I think that we are at its low point, and we are about to strike out in a new direction. I wonder what direction it will be. The only thing that is constant, is change.

I was able to tour through our nation’s first capital, before it was moved to DC. What struck me as most memorable was the fact that the Congress and Senate were in the same building, the Congress on the first floor, and the Senate on the second floor. Great men with high ideals made big directions that we attempt to abide by today.


The Philadelphia Convention (now also known as the Constitutional Convention, the Federal Convention, or the "Grand Convention at Philadelphia") took place from May 25 to September 17, 1787, to address problems in The United States of America following independence from Great Britain. Although it was purportedly intended only to revise the Articles of Confederation, the intention of many of the Convention's proponents, chief among them James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, was from the outset to create a new government rather than "fix" the existing one. The delegates elected George Washington to preside over the convention. The result of the Convention was the United States Constitution. The Convention is one of the central events in the history of the United States.
-Wikipedia

I suppose any country can lay claim to “God’s will,” but I wonder if he doesn't really just bestow greatness to any that are moving in the right direction.

I had a Philly Cheese Sandwich, and I can say, with all honesty, that HB makes them better than the one I had. Now, that’s not to say that I got to all of them, but I ate until my stomach said “NO.” I really did get a feel of patriotism and love of country while in Philadelphia. I would imagine that on the 4th, it really breaks loose there. There was a great multi-media presentation (great speaker) about our country that was very moving.

http://picasaweb.google.com/jnshoop/PhiladelphiaLibertyBell710702?authkey=Ihc_TCgSXOU

June 29 Bus Tour St. Paul's GZ

June 29 Bus Tour St. Paul’s Cathedral GZ

Life doesn’t change much, my breakfast the last three mornings have been pretty much the same; a muffin and cup of coffee. It seems like the shops are pretty much form a repetious pattern. I go to the corner, buy from a street vendor and sit down and eat on the steps. I watch the people go by and think how much different their life is from mine. I am in my own world and so are they.

Culture, by definition, are the behaviors, habits, and that make up a group of people. I had always thought of culture as in different countries, but now I must re-define that conception. I see there are indeed cultural differences in a microcultural level, area to area of a city, as well as on a broader scale. Cities, especially, have their own culture, but we do not see that as a culture, but rather our own perception of how we feel there. I would think that even a person growing up in one city may feel a sense of disconnect when going to another city. Their learning curve may be much quicker, but I would think that they too do not feel intirely comfortable.

That culture and feeling really come across when walking around the neighborhoods. There is a sense of belonging and identity to the people that live there. They do the same things that we do in a small community; go to work, shop, and find ways to entertain themselves. They may do it differently than I do, but they go through the same motions. They feel comfortable in there surrounding as I do in mine. I especially like the feeling of community in these small neighborhoods. It’s not that I don’t feel it in mine it’s just that I see it easier here. I see small stores every 30’ with individual owners that must provide a service to the people in their neighborhood. If they do not fulfill that service they go out of business. These owners have much to lose, much more, than say, a person that works at a large store and therefore has little to no responsibility to the success or failure of the store. These large stores have been the death knell for the sense of community and neighborhood. That is not to say that we do not have those, only that their definition is evolving. The only thing constant is change.

Unfortunately, as I write this the only thing that really sticks out in my mind towards the end of the bus tour. We did drive through the city seeing the sights. We stopped at a house that George Washington lived in when he was a general of the Union forces. The house sat on a hill that was at the highest point on the land as well as having a commanding view of the channels that come up on either side of it. We didn’t go in the house, just walked around it.

We stopped at a beautiful bridge that had a commanding view of the New York skyline as well as a dramatic view of the Statue of Liberty. While walking across there were comments by others of, “wow, what a beautiful skyline.” I didn’t quite feel that way. It was very photographic to me, but not necessairly beautiful. Beautiful to me is a mountain range of a sunset over the ocean,. To each his won. Lynn Wood had purchased some spaghetti bowls at a place called Little Italy. She had carried them quite awhile and it looked as if her arms were getting tired so I offered to carry them for her. Pretty soon everyone started asking me to carry their items too. I declined. But, I know that anything carried for a time can become tired, so we ended up switching off and on for the remainder of the trip.

We then walked about 2 blocks to St. Paul’s Cathedral, a beautiful church built in about 1762. Of course it was built with the large granite blocks as well as the spires reaching for the sky. Someone asked me why I thought they had tall spires on old churches. Personally, I think that they built these churches this way because in a sense the prayers of the people were being directed to God. While on this trip I try to remember to show respect to those that have gone on before as well as to what the church or building has witnessed through the ages. There aren’t too many churches that I walk in and I feel of presence of something. Most churches to me are just buildings where I show respect because of the use of that building. When I walked into St. Paul’s I had the feeling that something very important had happened there. It was a sense of power, of solemness, of reverence. Of course it was a church, but to me it exuded power. During 911 it had been used as a rest and replenishment area for the rescue firemen working to find people. There were candles burning, to which I found out later were to take the prayers of people to heaven. There were mementoes, heart-wrenching letters and pictures to and from those who had lost their lives.

There was a bench that George Washington had sat in while attending the church. Just writing about this makes these emotions wail up in me again. I walked up near the pulpit to get a view of what the minister might have had of George Washington as he was sitting there. It’s hard to explain, but I do feel as if I were in the presence of power and greatness. No, not really just that, but maybe it can best be explained by the lingering fragrance of a beautiful perfume, but with a sense of power and not smell.

Next, we walked to the back of the church and listened while Ken, the tour guide told us about 911 and the buildings that had been across the street. The church was an oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle. High-rises rose on three sides and had been on the 4th side prior to 911. The church and graves, and old shady trees were a stark contrast to the past and the present.

The Twin Towers site looked somewhat like any new construction site. There were workers in bright vest and yellow hard hats scurrying around the site. They had the area, which was about 100 yards square, cut deep into the earth preparing it for a memorial that will go up there. While I know that many people died here, I did not feel the power here. Maybe it was because it was all concentrated at the church.

Anyway, at that point about 4 of us left the group and made our way to the subway and our hotel as we had to go there and get the tickets for the Yankees vs. As game. Sue Pass, Janet Parker, Charity, and I basically followed the crowd to the entrance. It’s neat to feel the excitement of the game especially since we were in one of baseball’s special places. What made it more important was the fact that this was the last season here as they are already building a new stadium across the parking lot. As soon as we walked on the grounds I bought a hotdog as I was really hungry since I hadn’t eaten anything for about 6 hours. I really didn’t know where my seat was but rather than try to find it I walked to the field levels seats to ask an attendant. Of course I took my time and relished the moment and the view prior to asking and being informed that my seat was “up there, way up there.” He was right, we were behind home plate, and well, well, out of the range and hopes of any foul balls. I only wish that my family had been there to enjoy the experience. That would have made it a 12 instead if a 7. The As lost, but I walked away on cloud 9. I was amazed how fast the stadium cleared out and everyone made their way to the subway. I was very impressed how efficently that masses of humanity went their own separate ways. I was so tired that I don’t remember if I called or emailed, but I do know that as soon as my head hit the pillow I was out.

The next morning we took about a 1-1/2 bus ride to the home of Theodore Roosevelt at place called Saga no (sp) and toured his home where he spent 4 months of the year. I really didn’t know too much about him and can only now appreciate all he did for wildlife and conservation. He loved the outdoors and cared about the future of the wild areas of our country. Also, he was very family oriented another thing that I admire about a person. I think that he would’ve been a person I would have voted for President. We then went to see a huge model of the City of New York. I was probably the size of a professional basketball court. No, about 1-1/2 times as large. There was also a huge sculpture of Earth set in the middle of a huge concrete shallow pool that is used as an ice skating rink in the winter and skateboarding place in the summer. Upon leaving we saw the unique skywriters. There were 6 planes flying side by side and at just the correct moment they would emit smoke which between all six of them formed letters in the sky. Very cool. They were advertising something about US Tennis Open and tickets. There weren’t too many people on the bus because some had opted out of the trip rather than sit on the bus again all day so I was able to scoot around getting the best view.

When we got back Janet and Mary felt like they wanted to stretch their legs so we walled around the neighborhood until we good place to eat Thai food.

http://picasaweb.google.com/jnshoop/June29TourGZSP?authkey=Bv4cOUdTTz4

New York Gilmen / Lerman Natural History 6-28-07

New York Gilmen / Lerman Natural History Museum 6-28-07

Today we walked to the New York History Museum which is right across the street from Central Park which is right across the street from the Natural History Museum. So, as you can there was a lot of oooing and awwwing. The talk was just basically what we will be doing tomorrow since we are taking a bus tour of the city. Yeh, the museums were neat for the first 3 hours. After that I must have been getting tired. I walked around with Janet Parker and Mary Horn. It was nice and cool in the museums but when we walked out the blast of warm humid air feels like a blast furnace. There are quite a few people that have gone to see a Broadway show, but I really don’t have any interest.

This evening I walked down the street and marveled at what macrocosm cities have become. I try to imagine if this were my home instead of a place to visit and it’s so very hard to imagine. What really struck me was the fact that so many people eat out. I suppose there are some here, but I haven’t seen a major grocery store since we passed one about 100 miles up the road. I know that there must be some around here, but all I’ve seen so far are the small convenience stores.
Tomorrow have a bus tour of the city that should be fun. I am planning to see the NY Yankees play the Oakland As tomorrow as Janet Parker has an extra ticket. It should be an enjoyable day.

Pics

http://picasaweb.google.com/jnshoop/GLNNYNaturalHistoryMuseum62807?authkey=WN9YWStEs5E

The Plimoth Plantation June 27, 2007

The day started with a shuttle ride to the Plantation site. It is set up to recognize the Mayflower, but also to show what impact it had on the Native Americas. It was, of course, the beginning of the end for the Native Americans and their way of life. The re-creation part was the village. The people were acting as if they were caught in time. They had period clothes on as well as using the language of the period. If you were to ask them a question of anything that would beyond their time period they would answer you with something like, “Sir, I know not of what you speak.” One guy was railing against the leaders of their group and how the “investors’ back in England would be very disappointed with the choices that these leaders were making.

It always amazes me and helps me realize how similar and how very much different these people were. They were not unlike ourselves as they were looking for a better opportunity for themselves and their families. They had to put up with so much difficulty with this transition, but they had many of the same problems we have today.
What struck me was the fact that the Native Americans while recognizing other tribes, did not lay claim to land the way the new white settlers did.

There is a certain freedom that I recognize in being here alone. Some parts of it I like, and some I don’t. If we stop somewhere, I can take off and go wherever I want. All I have to do is find out when we are to be back. I really don’t even need to tell my roommate which by the way is a guy of about 32 years old by the name of Van Granger. He is also a 5th grade teacher from Grants Pass. He’s pretty relaxed and doesn’t get too uptight about things. If I want to go to dinner I can just wander around by myself and go wherever I want. On the flip side it is kind of lonely traveling by myself. I didn’t realize this until we stopped at a grocery store and everyone was running off in pairs or groups to shop for lunch. It reminded me of the Green Tortoise Trips where everyone is acting in very much the same way. It is only the fourth day and I’m already thinking these types of thoughts. Sometime I feel like a ghost watching the happenings around me. Not that I never talk to anyone, it’s just that I don’t make much effort to ‘hang out” with people. It’s kind of nice. Yes, it’s not perfect, but it’s not all bad either. It’s good that I like being myself. I would like to share these experiences with someone. I wish you all could be here to share this experience with me. It does bring back great memories of our trip across the US. That was fun.

To its credit, the area between Plimoth, MA and New York has its beauty, but I marvel how many people are here. Even the less developed areas have been impacted by man. The trash on a trail, the wrapper hidden in the grass, the can floating in a waterway, it’s a sign of man’s impact and I wonder what the future will bring. We see our present environment as our reality, but what would a person living here 300 years ago think of today’s world. I have to think that if there is a God he is very saddened to see the state of Earth. The transition is so slow in our lives that all too often we cannot recognize the degradation of the natural world. One of the presentations that I saw today is probably made me start thinking of this. The point was made how large some of the trees were when the people first arrived in 1620. They said that some of the trees were 10’ across at the stump and now today, a large tree is one that is 3’ at the stump. Also, the presenters said that 20 years after the immigrants arrived they had cut down for farming 75% of the forests which meant that the animals that depended on those forestlands were not able to live. The term “carrying capacity” comes to mind. I wonder at what point the Earth will reach that capacity.

Pics:http://picasaweb.google.com/jnshoop/PlimothPlantation62707?authkey=0EDZ6j6miKY

The Mayflower II June 26, 2007

The Mayflower II June 26,2007
I love traveling, I got carded again. Maybe I look younger on the East Coast. After having a real lobster dinner in Plimoth, MA. we went to see the Mayflower II tied up to the dock. This ship was built in 1955 as near as possible to the actual ship. Since there weren’t any real good written records about the Mayflower they had to use what they knew based on ships of the era.

We were met by this lady dressed up as the wife of the Master of the voyage. Very soon we learned that she was ‘of a higher station’ than us. She would not proceed with her presentation unless the women curtsied and the men took off their hats and bowed to her. (Yes, I did)

She was totally in character for almost an hour. The tour wasn’t really very long, but it was long enough as we were led below the deck and listened to her talk for about 40 minutes. The space was about as big as our living room, but much more crowded. They even had about a 25’ boat stored there that would have taken up lot of passenger space. There were 102 passengers cramped in a very small space. I don’t remember how long the actual voyage took, but 45 minutes was long enough for me, and we didn’t even smell a chamber pot!

Pics:http://picasaweb.google.com/jnshoop/SturbridgeVillagePlimothMayflowerIIJune262007?authkey=KzhfzaNimX8

Monday, June 25, 2007 Salem / Lowell, Mass.

Monday, June 25, 2007 Salem / Lowell, Mass.
I forgot what the air feels like here. It’s damp, heavy, and has a swampy smell to it. Crescent City probably has the same humidity index, but it’s cooler, so we don’t notice it.

The first thing that caught my eye was the streets here do not have concrete curbs, they’re granite. Cut granite. I asked the tour guide why that’s so and he didn’t really know, that’s just the way it is. It’s always been that way, and that’s the way it always will be.

Our tour started in the harbor area of Salem. He told us that since the ground was so poor here the only thing that the colonists could do was depend on the sea, so many of them became either fishermen or privateers, paid and sanctioned pirates. Salem became a big and important seaport. In fact, it was more important than Boston. Both ports developed a sea trade business. He shared an interesting fact; when the ships left from Boston they went around the tip of Africa to trade in the Orient. When the ships left Salem they went around the tip of South America and along the coast of North America. That explains why when Lewis and Clark reached the mouth of the Columbia they were surprised to see the natives were wearing British uniforms and had metal pots, something unheard for the Indians to have, unless they traded for them.

We walked to the center of Salem where they have a memorial to the Salem Witch Trials. Of course, the stores in the town really attempt to capitalize on the theme as every other store is a witch themed store. Either that or a candle store. I didn’t realize that there were so many people in need of candles!

After about an hour bus ride and short nap we were in a town called Lowell, Mass. It is a National Historic Landmark recognizing the significance of the textile industry to the area. It is very much like a western logging town where the entire area is dependent on that one industry. Since the governors could no longer sanction privateers they had to do something else. The land was not fit for farming as there is so much granite here. They did have to import the cotton, but they built an entire town and industry based on the production of textiles. The working conditions were terrible. They had the machines in operation when we were there and it was so loud that they gave us ear plugs to use. I did my small part to support the community by buying a cotton bole (sp) for $1.25. It’s an actual cotton ball with seeds still in it and the little cap stem still attached. It’s actually pretty cool unless you’ve already seen one before…which I hadn’t. Most of the people that I raved to it about had already seen one, so they weren’t too impressed.

I can’t imagine working in that kind of environment doing the same thing for 10-12 hours per day. Anyway, the textile industry went away to other countries which in and of itself presents a number of problems. Are we to buy American made clothes at a higher price that support our own economy, or buy foreign made clothes where we may be contributing to the exploitation of people? In effect, we may be supporting a new market much like the town of Lowell, MA at its inception.

Now we are at a place called Sturbridge, MA where on Tuesday we are to see a re-creation of a colonial village.

Sat. June 23, 2007

Medford June 23

Electronic ticketing is pretty cool. I’m always amazed how things work when they work well. After I had cleared Security and they determined that I was not carrying any illegal weapons or 12 ounce bottles of water, I was fishing around in my pockets while waiting in the boarding area and discovered I had one of those snap-off knives. I promptly threw if away.

The flight from Medford to Salt Lake City was pretty uneventful. I sat next to Mary Horn, a kindergarten teacher at Bess Maxwell. After we got through the formalities of who and where and marveling at the aridness of Eastern Oregon and Idaho I had to regale her with the potential of electric cars. She was very patient.

The mountains were for the most part pretty barren and had little to no snow on them. As we came closer to Salt Lake City there were more and more cultivated fields that were round that very visible against the light tan color of the ground. Then just before we dropped down into Salt Lake City there was this huge open pit mine. I’m not sure if it was a gold mine or a copper mine, but it was BIG, and wide, and deep. Salt Lake City sits in a huge bowl. I really wonder what Joseph Smith was really thinking when he said that his troupe was going to stop. It’s in the middle of a desert! Maybe he just didn’t want to walk any farther. And it really is a huge lake. Salt Lake is supposed to be 6 times saltier than the ocean, which means even really skinny people can float. Besides the snow melt from the surrounding mountains (it really is in a bowl) there is only large creek / smaller river that flows into it. It’s called the Jordan River (duh) because it flows out of a lake and into a dead sea.

Anyway, as soon as we touched down with our hopes up them were dashed when we walked through the terminal. Our connecting flight was cancelled. So, after walking to Customer Service we found out that we couldn’t get to Boston that evening as planned, we could only get as far as Cincinnati, Ohio. Now, I don’t really know what Cincinnati is famous for except the old TV show WKRP in Cincinnati. Besides that, the flight would not even leave until about 4 in the afternoon. That meant that after we devoured the lunch purchased with the $7 meal ticket they gave us, there would be a looonng afternoon to waste.

I love Dave Clark’s Grill. It seems that celebrities do things like this when there popularity starts to wane. They open restaurants, or some type of business with their name on it. I love Dave Clark’s Grill. I went in and ordered a Philly Cheese Sandwich (no, they’re not better than yours, Bun) and a beer. Both were good, but not great. But, the best part is, that, they carded me. That hasn’t happened for 25 years. I love Dave Clark’s Grill! I’ve never been prouder to pull out my wallet and show my drivers license. It’s much better than pulling it out for a CHP.

Anyway, lunch took about 40 minutes, and that includes reading the USA Today from front to back, twice. I was left with a large portion of the afternoon. Now, I figured that this may be the last time that I visit so I better make the best of it. After all, the last time I consulted my top 1,000 places to visit before I die, this didn’t even make the top 10,000. As I was wandering around I asked a Security Guard how difficult it would be to get back in if I left and he said all I would need was a Boarding Pass. Heck, I had plenty of those; Medford, Salt Lake City, Cincinnati, maybe even a Boston one. I then asked him if he could recommend any interesting places to visit while I was here. He was waiting for that question. He told me of a Shuttle Van that was free and takes you into the city. To be honest it was the word 'free' that really got my attention. Of course it drops you off in front of the Mormon Tabernacle. What they heck, it was free. They have pickups and drop offs every ½ hour. Perfect. Anyway, the people in the van were able to elaborate more on it. It seems that young people in the church can do this as their mission. They serve as tour guides and as evangelists; they even slip in some information on the buildings, which are, I might add, amazing. Someone sure had a good vision.

No, I did not convert to Mormonism even though they offered to help me see the errot of my ways many, many times during the course of the afternoon. I think I was probably offered more literature here than any other place on the two-week trip.

Father's Day

Today was a '12 on the 10 scale kind of day.' On Friday Randy asked me what I wanted to do for Father's Day. I'm sure he was somewhat reticent to actually pose the question to me, as he's never sure what I'll want to do. I told him I wanted to go to Hooper Peak, or at least where my cache site 'Hooper Peak optional' was at. Now, this probably won't mean anything to you unless you already geocache. If you don't, you can go to 'geocaching.com' and find out about it.

Yes, that is Hooper Peak in the background, so named by me. Chances are no one out of our immediate family calls it by this name. But, the way I look at it, a person has to start somewhere. I have plans of actually painting some time of plaque and placing it up there, then if someone finds it in the next hundred years, they'll probably just say, 'huh,' and throw it down the hill. But, I'll know the real truth.

Andrew and I camped at this spot a couple of years ago based on the whim I had after looking at the background over Sanger Lake. I think my comment was something like, " I wonder if anyone has every climbed to the top of that mountain?" So, we did it, and, yes, it was worth every scratch of it. No, there's not a trail. So, it's a by-guess, and by-golly kind of adventure, but the view is awesommmmee! You can actually see the ocean to the west and Mt. Shasta to the east. (Another great memory)

Thanks, Randy, I had a great day. Your time is your greatest gift to me, and I appreciated every moment of it.
Love, Dad
P.S. Randy really isn't cold. We had to make the best of the only patch of snow we came across.

Mo' pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/jnshoop/FatherSDayHooperPeakOptionalRandy61707

PU fuel cost vrs. PK electric cost.

May 12-May 19
The first week of a number figure to compare.In the last week I drove the ZAP Xebra PK 176 miles. If I had driven my PU that distance at 13 miles to the gallon I would have used 13.5 gallons of gas at a cost of $3.53 per gallon (in Crescent City). Gas: $3.53 X 13.5 = $47.79 Electric cost: 176 (miles) X $.03 per mile = $5.28. Savings $42.51.

Hmmmmmmm.........

Tesla her I come.

The deed.............DONE.

For better or worse, here's proof that the ZAP is in Crescent City. It was delivered last night about 11:00. Sandi and I took it to Safeway this morning. The looks and stares have only begun.

Since I'm not sure what the status of the batteries were, it's hard to gauge its performance. What I can say is that it got up to about 38 mph and there is a definite decrease in acceleration and speed as the the batteries lose their charge. But, it's fun to drive, and yes, it only has three wheels.

At this time, it has the highest rated speed (40 mph) capability of EVs (Electrical Vehicles). There are other makes out there, but they are limited to 25 mph since they do not have the safety features (25 mph crash tests, 5 mph bumper, air bags) that are required in the US, and thus are considered NEVs (Neighborhood Electric Vehicles). Of course this is a 'gas challenged' vehicle but does have the mpg equivalent of 135 mpg. And, as the price of gas goes up and electrical rates remain stable (since it is much more difficult to raise rates) the mpg equivalent goes up.

No, it cannot be used on trips other than around town. No, it cannot go on the freeway. Yes, it does answer many people's needs for commuting since 80% of the miles we drive as a nation are within 25 miles. For optimal battery performance it should be charged up each evening in a standard 110v outlet at a cost of about 2 cents per mile.

I don't like bumperstickers, but I thought of a good one in case I ever do relinquish and put one on. When I grow up I want to be a Tesla. The Tesla is the electric sports car coming out designed by Lotus that is capable of doing 160 mph, 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, and with a range of 200+ miles. Of course it has a cost of $92,000. I know, this ZAP will have to do a lot of growing, but, it's a start.

I’m this (-) close

That’s right, I’m that close to doing the deed of buying an electric vehicle. I can think of more reasons too do it than not to do it. Personally, I was going to use price as a ’trigger point’ to buy. When gas reached a certain price, for example $3.50 per gallon, I was going to pull the trigger and buy. That strategy is almost self-defeating in a way. What I’ve found so far is that the price of gas now $3.45. When I checked the latest ZAP PK price the cost had gone up $700.

Buying is almost as painful as finding out that you’re pregnant. There’s no going back. So, it’s a big step. Perhaps I’m making it out to be, to big of a step, after all, it’s only money. So, there’s no time like the present, as things aren’t getting any cheaper. Ultimately (my favorite word), it is the right thing to do on a number of levels. One, while the technology is not what I would optimally like, by buying now I am supporting and encouraging what will be to come. By fostering this technology it will open the doors to even better cars. Two, I can always sell it and buy the next best thing. Three, the sooner we get this paid for, the sooner Sandi can get the car she wants. And, with that in mind, it, in a way, takes care of the proverbial mid-life crisis sports car. Fourth, by supporting new products like this I am starting to live as if my grandchildren’s futures depend on it…which I believe it does. Fifth, wouldn’t my dad think it funny that the first brand new vehicle that I buy for myself is an all-electric one?

Vrrooom, vrooom. Not. Dad's reasons for an electric car.

I think that for at least the immediate future, electricity is the fuel of the future. Everything is already in place: production, grids, governmental regulation as to costs, and availability. There are a number of possible alternate energy sources, but I believe that electricity is the alternate fuel of the present. That is not to say that there will be not be another energy source that will be better in the near future. In the short term, with electricity to power our transportation, our world can tap into renewable resources like hydroelectric, solar, wind, or geothermal power; resources that reduce our environmental footprint. Furthermore, studies show that millions of electric vehicles can recharge at night using existing surplus electrical generation; a vast, virtually untapped resource.

Gasoline is a precious natural resource and vital to the world economy. Electrical vehicles use no gasoline and require no oil changes. Also, since there have less moving parts, I have to think that there will be less maintenance issues to deal with. Using less fossil fuel can help relieve our current energy shortages while ensuring that future generations can rely on the same inexpensive, useful, petroleum products that we all take for granted.

Gas keeps getting more expensive. The typical electric car costs a penny per mile versus ten cents per mile with gas. Electric motors have fewer moving parts, meaning fewer trips to the mechanic. But, that cost does not factor in the cost of replacing of the batteries now in use in electrical vehicles. Battery technology is expensive. There are battery powered cars to be marketed this fall with a range of 350 miles and the capability to go from 0-60 mph in 4 seconds and they look like a sports car. They are in fact designed by Lotus. Of course, they will cost a mere $92,000 when released.

Today, the majority of USA's foreign trade deficit is attributed to imported oil. Using an electric vehicle will reduce our reliance on foreign oil. Furthermore, by investing in advanced transportation technologies, the USA can take the technological lead in offering energy efficient products that emerging economies around the world can use to build their own transportation infrastructures.

Evidence is mounting that carbon emissions are contributing to ozone depletion, climate change, and global warming. ZAP vehicles can reduce CO2 emissions by more than 90 percent compared to internal combustion vehicles, even counting the emissions from fossil fueled power plants. The USA constitutes less than 10 percent of the world's population, but is responsible for almost 30 percent of the world's CO2 emissions. So, electric vehicles still must bear the responsibility for some of these emissions as electrical production still produces those emissions. But, it is a step in the right direction.

Reducing fossil fuel consumption relieves pressure on our natural resources. It eliminates the need to explore for oil in environmentally sensitive habitats. Less automotive emissions means less toxic pollutants in our air, water, and soil. Less oil consumption reduces the risk of oil spills which can safeguard sensitive coastal regions and wildlife for future generations to enjoy.

By using an alternative energy vehicle, I make a statement about my values and show my own social responsibility. All too often I feel helpless, feeling the world's problems are too big for just one person to solve on my own. However, as a consumer, I have the ultimate power in the products I purchase and in the vehicles I drive.

What will happen if the world continues in this same direction? No one really knows. Of course, none of us may be around when or if the world runs out of oil, the polar icecaps melt, or the world is covered in another ice age. Perhaps it will be a technological paradise like many of us hope, but how can we control what sort of world our children and our grandchildren will inherit? It is up to me in a small measure.

Now to answer the question that popped into your mind when you first saw this vehicle. The “dorky” factor. Yes, it does look dorky, but I believe that the VW Bug was at first met with these same judgements. I believe that I must be open to a new paradigm in my perceptions of the future. Americans are tied to oversize cars that are sold to us my the car manufacturers as these are the cars that we need. Of course to power these cars with all the embellishments there is a trade-off in reduced efficiency.

Trade-offs, that is what life and choices are all about. The question is for me, “What am I willing to give up in exchange for my social conscious be salved.” Or, am I content with the idea that, “I have mine, but you can’t have the opportunity to have yours.” I think that I am more interested in the function of my transportation rather than any identity that I would try to convey with the image of whatever vehicle that I wrap around myself. After all, aren’t vehicles an alter ego of what I want to have others perceive of me? In effect, form over function.