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.
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.
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:)
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.
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!
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!
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!
'ALWAYS' - Take these pieces thrown away, put them together night and night. Wash by the sun, dried by the rain, to be my father in the fatherless days.
'Say' by John Mayer. Say what you need to say...8x ... It's better to say to much than to not say what you need to say.
'You Don't Even Know Me Anymore' by Mark Shultz...I turned around to see my son, I remember his first birthday and I was twenty-one. I missed his life, I missed it all, oh to him who was a stranger living down the hall. He said I learned to live without you dad, but I'd give it all just to have you back. But you don't even know who I am anymore, I used to wait at all my games, still you never came and I I've been waiting right here over all these years, all the time you said you'd owe me, I wanted you to show me, but do even know me anymore? I watched my days turn into years, and now I'm wondering how I round up here? I dream my dreams, I made my plans, but all I've built here is an empty man... And I don't even know who I am anymore, God I'm praying through the days, let me make for these years. Oh have I waited to long, can I start again? To be the man you wanted of me, begging you to show me. Do you really know me anymore?
Air Force pics...Dad's 1958, Mine 1978
'Blink' by Revive... Teach me to number my days and count every every moment before they slip away, taking all the colors before they fade to gray. I Don't want to miss even just a second more of this. It happens in a blink, it happens in a flash, it happens in the time it took to back, I try to hold on tight, but there's no stopping time, what is it I've done with my life? It happens in a blink, it happens in a blink. When it's all said and done, no one remembers how far we have run, the only thing that matters is how we have loved. flashI don't want to miss even just a second more of this. It happens in a blink, it happens in a flash, it happens in the time it took to look back. I try to hold on tight, but there's no stopping time. What is it that I've done with my life? It happens in a blink, it happens in a blink, it happens in a blink. Slow down, slow down, before today becomes our yesterday. Slow down, slow down before you turn around and it's to late.
'Love Remains' by JJ Keller... He cries in the corner where nobody sees, he's the kid with the story no one would believe. He's every night, dear God won't You please, could you send someone here to love me. Who will love me for me, not for what I have done or what I will become? Who will love me for me, cause nobody has shown me what love, what love really means.
There you have it...I've said what I need to say. I wish that I would have had my father as a father should be. I did not! So, I will remember, that is treasure the 'best' memories and give him honor as best I can. Thank You my heavenly Father for Your grace onto this child. Might I always to able to 'extend' that same grace to others. Amen!
June 16 - Day 12...Father's Day! My return to Red Oak became surprisingly emotional on Friday morning while preparing my gear on the bike for the final leg into Iowa. Why, you ask? I had decided to plug my Mp3 player into my ears and listen to a directory that I've titled 'Dad Songs'. This directory was created within weeks of the death of my father Richard Ray Williams on September fifth 2010. Songs include 'Love Me' by JJ Keller, 'Always' by the Newsboys and 'You Don't Know Me Anymore' by Mark Schultz. I may add some of the lyrics to the end of this particular blog.
Father's Day included a ride with uncle Ron. We journeyed to the 'huge' Red Oak cemetery, and went over to the plots in which Ron and Joann will be laid to rest. It was here that I decided to place some of my father's ashes. My dad and his 'kid' brother Ron were quite the friends throughout life. I couldn't think of a better place. Before spreading the ashes we recalled some memories that both of us had of dad. The decision to bring the ashes, where to place them, the memories, it all seems like the right thing to do. Someday I will travel again to 'Lago de Chapala' and there conclude the spreading of his ashes. The significance...nothing more than honoring my dad, even though in and of himself he was not a man of honor. To me though Ephesians 6 says to "Honor you father and mother". What it does not say...honor them when they'll living beautifully for the Lord. It just says, "Honor them!"
Rick & Kerry at CWS
My Great-Grandfathers Burial Site
From here we went over to 'Viking Lake' where Ron had been camp host and Park Ranger. He shared many good memories of those years and met a couple old friends.
Now That's Life...
Late afternoon Cheryl made a wonderful Father's Day meal, we chatted and enjoyed conversation like we had done so only a week prior. It feels so very right to have family this close:) Shortly I will get prepared to head off to the College World Series, where the first game that we watch happen to be our own Oregon State Beavers. Go Beavs!!!
June 12 thru 15 - Day 8 - 11...After Spearfish I traveled through the 'motocycle world of Sturgis', South Dakota, visiting the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Then traveling through the town of 'Deadwood' unto the Black Hills, enjoying both the Crazy Horse and Rushmore mountain carvings. Crazy Horse sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski began in June of 1948. The world's largest carving continues more than 30 years after the death of Korczak through the efforts of his wife and 7 of his children while completely dependant on private funds. Their perseverance is simply amazing! Sixty-five years and counting, wow! I then camped for the night on the Iron Mountain Highway with a view directly into George's face.
Crazy Horse...60 years of Work
In the morning my journey continued through southern South Dakota on Highway 18. Although a couple hours into this path, and getting discouraged due to the condition of the passing communities, I decided to dip south twenty miles onto Nebraska highway 20. Surprisingly it became quite 'midwest-like' immediately. That is, very quaint-like towns, with well kept historic structures. I had never known about the 'Sandhills' of Nebraska, but quickly became a student as I stopped at a few of their 'historic sites' along the way.
Friday took me the remainder of the distance through Nebraska's farm land, watching the thunder heads driven away from me. For which I was quite grateful, because I did not become victim of their heavy rain fall. Crossing the Missouri, I entered into my destination of Iowa. My travel to Red Oak sent me through the small town of Walnut. I've never witnessed such a 'antique show' before. Apparently, Father's Day weekend the main street and its adjacent streets are closed to traffic as antique vendors set up to sell their merchandise. It was a scene simular to 'Octoberfest' in Mount Angel, Oregon. Arriving in Griswold, I decided to stop for a haircut. My Great-grand father had been the mayor of this small farming community back in the 1960's. Because of this I hoped to find some interesting character's who might still have a memory of Ray X Williams. One person remembered the name, but that was it. Quite expensive for a 'buzz' cut and beard trim and no family memories. Bummer!
Yeah Vern...this is NOT a Campsite...
Awesome Ride Through Black Hills
Twenty-four hundred and seventeen miles later I arrived at Red Oak. The significance? As a boy I would travel with my grandfather in his semi rig from LA to Iowa to spend any where from four to six weeks with grand parents, aunts, uncles and cousins. I would be privileged to do this three or four summers and the memories made continue to be a treasure until this day. While here I will stay with my cousin Cheryl, her husband Doug and their 'horse-loving' nine year old, Aly. I've already had a couple great visits with my favorite of uncles, Ron and aunt Joann. And today has included time with my aunt Barb and cousin Kerry. He and I will head to the College World Series on Monday to take in a couple games. Again, Go Beavers!
June 11 - Day 7...Morning found me waking to the loud and brilliant sound of 'Five Creeks', and the
sweet serenade of birds calling me to awake. This could have easily been a destination campground. What a find! The staredown with a mosquito as big as a hummingbird, makes me grateful for the screen that prevents him (or her) from adding to his reservoir supply:) Nah, nah...this time dude!
Eric, Erin, Chris and Rick...Friends along the journey
Before breaking camp I take a jog UP to the upper campground. It is there that the Lord provides another 'moment'. Meeting Erin and Chris, who with uncle Eric are traveling from the beautiful Weat Virginia to take Erin to her new college in Colorado. Again, fun conversations of our journey's and the amazing sites that we've been blessed to experience. Blessings Erin on this new path. Ephesians 3:20 comes to mind, "Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or THINK, according to the power that works within us. To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever, amen!"
Across the 'Big Horn' Mountains
The ride east through Wyoming 'Alt 14' took me over another incredible pass, this one through the Bighorn mountains. It is one breath taking highway after another. The original plan was to make my way to see 'Devils Tower...which I did. That is if you think viewing from 15 miles away is the goal. Yeah, not quite what I had in mind. The past two days found me dodging showers. Well, they say the third time is a charm...so what is the 'fouth time' called? I call it WET! It appeared that I missed the rain one more time, but then...the wind took over and sent the storm directly into my path. So what's a guy to do? Head east where it "appears" clear. Searching for a site to lodge for night, I decided on a KOA Campground. I walked in and purchased a tent site that included showers, laundry and Wi-Fi. No sooner had I walked out of the office that something convinced me to just go ahead and rent a cabin for the night. I arrived at the cabin, unloaded my gear from the bike, called to yak with Karen when the sky unloaded its 'midwest' like rain and hail directly unto this small town of Spearfish, South Dakota. I haven't felt quite so brillant in along time. The plus...a wonderful lightning and thunder display! RAIN...it was bound to happen. Rain all you'd like tonight, my head is well covered:)
At 'Observation Point'
Not a big fan of 'techno' music, but I like the video...Plus you're able to travel the road I was able to ride through the Big Horn Mountains.
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.
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