'Operation Ketchikan'

Ketchikan December 2013...

 December 5th

Beauty of sunrise...day 01

I find myself currently heading North to Alaska, Ketchikan Alaska that is. I'm enroute with a friends 28 year old son, Travis, to repair and prepared his mother's house to rent. His mother died earlier this past Spring. At that time I made myself available to assist in this project. Traveling in winter...to Alaska...why not:) Typically 'snowbirds' head south for sun and warmth. The good news...sun is in the forecast for the next couple days. And warmth? Yeah...I don't think so:)

Eagles....everywhere!

After many 'fun' traveling adventures this year...Mexico, Massachusetts, Memphis and a Motorcycle 'bucket list' ride...I am now able to add to the 'M' pattern. This time 'ministry'. Thank you for your prayers regarding the work, time with Mr. T and waiting for the unexpected. 

So...hello Alaska, old friend, its been awhile. Nearly thirty-two years.

  So now it's December 17th, twelve days has past since the beginning of this adventure that I now dub 'Operation Ketchikan'. I sit aboard an Alaska airline 737 on a mostly cloudy day heading back to Portland, Oregon. Only bummer, unable to view the Creators handiwork below.

Bathroom surround...before

Ministry it definitely was! I found myself a janitor (cleaning the basement was our constant mission during the first three days and often throughout this trip), a builder, a roofer, an electrician, a teacher, a friend, a cook and a sundry of other hats were worn, none the more despised, but that of plumber:) Oh boy, was I ever again put to the test as we removed the old tub surround, did water damage repair, intalled new surround and had multiple attempts (at this moment successful) at repairing and reinstalling a 1950 'Homart' tub facet. Did I ever say how "I hate plumbing". :) Grandma Towle you bust me up. The amount of tape and boxes alone would have allowed her to open her own package store:)

Bathroom surround...after

We found ourselves easily working 8 to 10 hour days with some at 12 hours, working right up to the literal eleventh hour. To be exact I stopped at 11:15am in order to catch the ferry across the 'Narrows' to the airport.

The 'Acid Test'

Down time included most meals together and partial days on Sunday's, breaking away to enjoy worship with our Calvary Bible brothers and sisters, including their children's Christmas play. What a pleasure and wonderful depiction of our Saviors good news! We also journeyed a bit to the north and south to Totem Bight and Saxman to enjoy the view and history of Totem poles. Funny, I say "a bit". Guess there is only about 50 miles of road.

OK Team

Along with above, the memories of Ketchikan will forever hold the friendship and labor with Travis and his aunt Marna Towle, the amazing twenty inches of rain (nearly half of Oregon's annual) that provided for our own 'Lake Superior' in the front yard, a leak through the chimney, damage to the siding and a constant river down the streets similar to what you find in San Francisco on this tiny island of Revillagigedo.

The sign says it all...

Thank you Father for Your provision of service, Your protection, Your guidance through this vessel, Your Word of hope and the comfort and strength of Your Spirit. To Him be the honor and glory forever, amen! This is what ReFirement is all about........Let the journey continue!

  

Basement Door Transformation

Yeah...right:)

People, Places and Praises...Day 26

June 30...Day 26...Throughout this journey my desire has been to visit various expressions, that is different fellowships of the body. Multiple reasons caused this not to be the case. Other than one Sunday in Yellowstone, today became the second. My visit with the family at the Lakeview First Baptist church, provided new energy, praise and emotion. A guest speaker, Brad Carr, told of Philippine trips with youth and using basketball as a door into their prisons, their communities and their lives. All while using the beautiful character of Christ. I had the joy in talking to many, often sharing the story of this journey. 

Leaving Lakeview, I made my way to Bly, Oregon. Bly what you say? As I rode the forty miles I was thinking of the special and important role that this tiny town played in my life and my future. In 1975 and 1976 I worked for the Angeles National Forrest. After high school graduation and one year of college I decided to place my application in for the Fremont National Forrest, and it was accepted. After two weeks of working in as an assistant engineer, they asked for volunteers to attend a week long fire training school. What little boy doesn't dream of this opportunity? And they were placing this right into my lap. Dude! Well, the rest is now truly history. Why did they need additional firefighters? It was due to the 'Lost Fire', that would eventually cover more than ten thousand acres. So you could say, that in the 'LOST' Fire, I found my way! And how blessed and grateful I am for that way!

The ride through this area along Oregon 140, reminded me how much this five month experience taught me that 'city life' would not be my place. I then rode into my sixth National Park/Monument, Crater Lake. This is at least my fifth visit, never with the loss of WONDER! Finally, I made camp at a 1990's family favorite, Diamond Lake. Now nearly 11:30 pm, and deathly quiet for over an hour. Quite surprising since this large campground is very full. They must of played hard today:)

Well, past time for bed myself. Tomorrow, Day 27, I ride back into my hometown of Silverton. Wild, unplanned, but happens to be on my 'favorite' number. More of that tomorrow.

People, Places and Praises...Days 24 & 25

 June 28 & 29 Day 24-25...Tires or not tires...well, really that's not the question. The question is...before leaving Ely, Nevada, heading across the loneliest highway in America or test the tires for the 300 miles to Reno. Call me dummy...I went with the Reno option. Oh, and a LOT of prayer! I've been very intentional about checking the bags and the bike often, but something about the scorching heat that seem to peel the rubber off. Seriously, some crazy heat! And the 'Loneliest Road in America', yeah rather lonely, but as so many of the Highways that I've ENJOYED this past month, it did not disappoint!

After a two hour stop for fresh treads, I traveled the additional few miles to the 'Del Webb' community on the north side of Reno. It is here that my 'not really' Aunt Shirley lives. Shirley is actually my mother's cousin, hence my second cousin, but having only known her prior to the age of five, we called her 'aunt'. Anyway, I was able to spend 24 hours, minus some sleep, doing a ton of catching up. The conversation with Shirley, Bob and their grandson Nate, flowed like we've done such often. The hospitality, the food, bunk, laundry, and Nate's IT magic was lovely!

Though I got a late start in the 103 degree Reno weather, the temps quickly lowered a good 15 degrees as I ventured along highway 395 in northern California, coming to a evening stop in Lakeview, Oregon.

Cool Trailer on GL 1800

Rick, Nate, Shirley and Bob

People, Places and Praises 2013...Days 22 & 23

June 26 & 27 Day 22-23...Two more days...two totally different days. What began as a beautiful ride out of North Park quickly turned into a quite desolate and very hot day. Other than a brief peak into Dinosaur National Monument and a comfortable place to place my tent, the day became the most wearing on me. Because of this I've had to change from my 'no hurry' to moving out early for likely the remainder of the trip due to rising temperatures. Not really a problem as it just means that I stop earlier in the day in order to beat those temps.

Today, Thursday the 27th, the ride was back to providing very special scenery. From Utah's Highway 191 and 89 once again emphasized the joy and beauty off the Interstates. Again I wish that I could add pictures from this ride because I know that there are no words to describe the view. Eventually I would head unto Highway 50 which lead me to Ely, Nevada. Tomorrow I expect to see more of the beauty as I experienced today as I travel Nevada Highway 50, dubbed the 'Loneliest Highway in America'.

 One unfortunate thing that I quickly noticed...the change of youth, both in appearance and attitude. From Wyoming east and back west through Utah, I had viewed a youth with much better appearance and attitude. What is the 'west' to do? Who knows! Just an observation.

People, Places and Praises...Day 19

June 23 Day 19...Today's agenda...Seam sealer and a double shot latte! I know, I know...it's a foo foo drink:) Can you say five inches of rain? Scattered over three hours, from four to seven AM, as I lost count somewhere around twelve at the number of thunder-heads to roll through. I'm sure this storm must have been the size of Kansas:) Grateful...that this, the first (and hopefully the last) real test of my forty dollar, who knows what name, tent past the test! Of course there were some drops, but through it all I've become a greater believer in a Creator. Come on...can you honesty believe that 'chance' could have arranged the remarkable complexity of our 'skin'? Drop after drop (thankfully just over my head) and my hands NEVER failed their function... i.e. the ability to catch the drops and dry almost immediately, ready for the next drop. I'm sure that the humidity inside must have been 100%:) I'm also amazed at the tent stakes and poles...that wind was unrelenting! How they remained the course, I don't know. I'm just thankful that they did! And my tablet and camera...bone dry. Yeah God! I now await to confirm that the skies are finished, for the sun to assist with some drying of the tent fly, and to begin another day.

People. Places andPraises...Days 20 & 21

 June 24 & 25 Day 20 & 21...So Sunday I was heading toward Wray, Colorado when a bigger weather front than the previous day sent me south, unbeknowns into Kansas, ending up in St. Francis. Originally I set my tent under a tree thinking that the front would stay in Colorado...I was so wrong! Fortunately I had wised up and moved tent under a shelter where I was 'mostly' protected from the nickled sized hail and sixty mph winds. The 'good thing', it lasted only a half hour or so.

In the morning I enjoyed a wonderful latte and a special whole foods breakfast at 'Fresh Seven Coffee'. What a cool retrofit of of a cargo trailer. That along with their motorcycle repair shop make this a 'goldmine' find and town.

The trip continued Colorado bound to stay the evening at an old Air Force friends house, who was my 'best man' of our wedding, almost 34 years ago. The visit and trip down nostalgia lane with Dave and LaRae gave way to the amazing fing that another Air Force friend and my groomsman lived an hour north. Thus today I had a great meal at 'Chocolate Rose' in Wellington with Mike Harte. Afterwards, Mike joined me for 20 miles of my ride toward 'Cameron Pass'. And now I find myself resting at very nice motel in Walden, Colorado which is home of an amazingly beautiful valley called 'North Park'.

In the 'Fresh Seven'

Rick & Mike

My 'moment by moment' thinking has given more special days along this trip than what I could have planned for and today to ride through the Rockies, wow! So...until the next moment:) 

Walden Valley

People, Places and Praises...Day 18...A Most Difficult Day!

Doug, Cheryl, Ali Jo, Joann, Ronny and Rick

June 22 - Day 18...Goodbyes are seldom fun. This particular goodbye is very difficult! I've had a wonderful time getting reacquainted with several family members, many of whom I had not seen for eighteen years and others over forty. I was able to get to really know Doug better...Doug, that's a good thing:) To meet for the first time and absolutely enjoy time with little Ali Jo! To live out many nostalgic memories with Cheryl, often late into the night. And to just talk, be with, and enjoy Uncle Ron and Aunt Joann. I love them so much, as one would their own parents. I know that the feeling is mutual. As Ron and I hugged, knowing that it could be the last, we both held back from going into a complete sob. I love you uncle Ron, and love the MANY memories that I will forever hold of our numerous times together. I can't thank you enough.................

Ali Jo and her friend Ty

 

Randy, Ron & Rick Williams...1975

It is now close to midnight, camp is set at Bluestem Lake, outside of Sprague, Nebraska. The wind continues to howl in these midwest States, as it has since my entry into Nebraska and Iowa ten days ago. The moon is a brilliant full and a celebration of fireworks can be heard in a nearby town. I now lay my head down as I complete day one of my homeward journey, knowing that the return trip will include a meet with an old, old friend (and our 'best man') and then with my aunt (who is really a second cousin) outside of Reno. Otherwise, where will the days take me? I can only imagine. The agenda is loose, holding the same three words from day two (ok, it's four words) NO HURRY...RELAX...LISTEN! At this moment it is to 25 to 30 mph winds. Good night!

Rick, Ali Jo, Joann and Ronny

Did you ever know that you're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

People, Places and Praises...Day 17 - Last CWS Game

Roy...Go MSU & Rick...Go OSU

June 21 Day 17...Another day back at the College Wolrd Series. The Beavs were in a 'must win' situation against the Bulldogs of Mississippi State, whom they had lost game one to by a score of 5 to 4. Before the game I had two agenda items...one, to buy tickets for the game and two, to work my volunteer shift at the World Series 'Fan Fest'. For the tickets I went at first to toward the box office and immediately realized that the line would test anyones patience. So I walked across the street profiling the scalpers. Walking up to one gentleman holding up two tickets I asked if he'd sell just one. He said no, but that the man standng next to him probably would. He had just sold two seats, looking directly at third base, to Roy, a 76 year old Bulldog fan who only needed one seat. So thirty dollars later I was set for the game.

Had fun at 'Fan Fest' adjacent to the park

I then headed over to determine the what and where of my 'Fan Fest' shift. I was assigned to assist with Emily, a junior in High School, whose aspirations are to become a Vet. Other than having to douse down eight pints of fluid to keep hydrated, I had a blast! We had kids, big kids, aka adults, and some itty bitty kids. It was a so much fun getting the drill/game started by tossing the ball and then encouraging all.

Great seats for $30

When my shift was over I hurried into the game having missed three innings, but only one Bulldog run scored. The Bulldogs would add three more on a three run homerun a couple of innings later. The OSU Beavers would only muster one lone run and thus end their 2013 run toward a national title. Sitting next to Roy and bantering him slightly made this a memorable game for sure. He has a wonderful smile and amazing spirit, even more realized as I learned about his rough journey through life.

Little 'Granger'

Later in the evening game the UCLA Bruins would win their game as well to set up a Bulldog/Bruin best of three game series for the title. The way I see it, I don't have a dog who can lose this fight. Mississippi State is my 'birth' State and I've been a UCLA fan since the sixties. Even so, I have decided that I've accomplished what I hoped for, that is attend the CWS. How fabulous is that! 'Bucket List' accomplished! So I will begin my journey back toward Oregon on Saturday, the 22nd. The championship series does not begin until Monday, thus it would be nearly another week before I could start back. I think that Karen and little 'Granger', our two month old Schipperkee, are ready for my return...I know that I am!

People, Places and Praises...Day 13 - College World Series 2013

I've Arrived at the 2013 CWS

June 17 - Day 13...Can you believe it? Been waiting for years for the day to attend the College World

With my cousin Kerry

Series. It's just amazing to me that the first ever game happens to be played and WON by our own Oregon State Beavers. I hope to attend their next game Wednesday afternoon against the likely local favorites, the Indiana Hoosiers. If they win that game (yeah right...IF) they get a second chance against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, whom they lost to in game one 5 to 4. For those who don't know, I was born in Mississippi, but who do you suppose that I'll be rooting for? My cousin, Kerry and I had a fun time on both the drive and during the games chatting about life and sports. It was good to connect again. Kerry and I are the oldest grand children, both are left-handed and baseball nuts. Though Kerry lived in Red oak, Iowa all of his life, this was his first CWS game as well. Pretty cool!

Beavers Win 11-4!

Today I will travel an hour north with uncle Ron to visit with the oldest living Williams, our aunt Erma, who is 98. Then afterwards I hope to make my 'world' famous (well at least in my little world) spaghetti and cheese meatballs. Oh baby!

People, Places and Praises...Days 14 thru 16

Aunt Erma, Uncle Ron, Aunt Barb

Aunt Erma relives years gone by...

June 18-20 Days 14 thru 16...The visit with Aunt Erma went great. She is the oldest living 'Williams' relative and has a most infectious smile:) She was married to my great-uncle Raymond, who was the brother of my grandfather Kenneth Eugene Williams. They were sons of my great grandfather Ray X Williams, of whom I had a four generation picture of the 'oldest' sons back in 1971. The visit was also attended by second cousins Donna, Glenda, Monie, Connie and her husband Rod.

Uncle Ron takes his turn

Ray X Williams 'Willamette Falls'

As most often occurs at family get-togethers of this type, many stories and pictures made their way around throughout the afternoon. Aunt Erma, in her mid-ninties, is sharper than a tack. Recently moved into a care home, but moves and thinks as someone many years her junior. I loved her stories of my dad, grandfather and great grand parents. One of the pictures passed around caught me by surprise as I knew immediately where it was taken. It was from March of 1955, likely during school Spring break, because my father along with great grandparents Ray X and Mammie traveled to the West coast. This particular picture was of Ray X with his typical hat and cigar at Williamette Falls in Oregon City, Oregon. I have past this particular Falls literally a couple thousand times on my ride to and from work for decades. I plan to go there one day and capture a similar photo and then combine it with the original and send it to the family.

Ricky, Rick, Ray X and Kenneth

Love that Turkey Leg :)

Wednesday, the 19th of June made for another fine day. I got to play mini-farmer as I mowed Cheryl and Doug's five acre parcel. Took me 55 years, but I was finally able to become part of the Williams family tradition of Iowan farmers. Ok, Doug and millions of other farmers might question that fact, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it:) While riding I thought about Ali Jo saying how she had not attended a baseball game before. I asked, not really knowing just how exicted she would be to attend with cousin Rick. The two of us had such a blast...at 'Fan Fest' hitting baseballs and running...she beat me, but she's quick to point out that Rick "was running backwards". We then shared a monstrous turkey leg and have a wonderful photo to remember it. And as we were about to enter the park we saw to the side a familiar looking character. Typically we see this fine looking gentleman around Christmas...could it be? We went up to ask, and would you believe, it WAS 'Santa Claus'. He showed us his drivers license from the North Pole for the necessary verification, asked that we not tell his secret and said that he was vacationing in Omaha to watch the game as well. We didn't ask who he was rooting for:) But I do hope that the Beavs have been nice and not naughty:)

Rooting for the Beavers!

On Vacation is he?

Thursday, the 20th I was off to visit with Aunt Barb, then Uncle Ron and Aunt Joann looking through archive photos and recalling stories of the past. Many of both I had totally forgotten, including a trip via Greyhound Bus that I apparently made by myself in 1965 at the age of seven. Wow! Or eating ice cream together with Cheryl and Randy all the while wearing some of the 'most ridiculous' swim attire. Best not show that picture to the grand kids, they would for sure have quite the laugh! Uncle Ron and I would later share some time and a drink at Mc D's while I connected to the WiFi, finally able to send out some pictures from this ride. I then bought fixings for spaghetti and cheese meatballs, made this together with Ali Jo and sat down to a wonderful meal and later more reflections of past days with my 'most special' of families!