Just an update for now, and I will fill every one in later, as I am currently posting from beautiful sunny Patos Island in the San Juan Islands. and the sunset is about to start. (the highlight of our little patos family). But I wanted to tell everyone that from a week ago, and until June 4th I am on Patos Island, helping to document all of the historical bits. A monumental task, and I am absolutely LOVING IT!!!. I hope everyone is having a great summer, and I will send an update replete with journal excerpts and pictures as soon as I am back on one of the big islands, or maybe the mainland.
All my love and best wishes
Nic
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Off to Orcas Island
Well I am leaving out of Omak this morning, I was going to take off over Hwy 20, but the pass is closed for a week or so due to the really high amount of avalanches and landslides. It turns out that there has been so much movement on the passes up there that the water and the soil has dumped ut across the road, which of course is not safe driving conditions. Unsure of when it will all be cleared up. So now I am headed down Hwy 97 to Hwy 2 and up over Snoqualmie pass. It doesn't help that my mom is currently telling me about all the deaths and accidents at this one little spot on Hwy 97. Eh... oh well... I am pretty sure we will make it over safe.
It's time for island time.
It's time for island time.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
First writing assignment
Ok, so i just finished my first writing assignment for my creative writing class. I was supposed to either write about a person I saw in passing or about an overheard conversation. This is the product:
The young guy at the marble shop.
I had arrived in Omak the day before, after driving a day and a half from Denver. I had been eager to visit my mom for several months and now I was sitting in the new bistro talking about my next few months as a lighthouse keeper with my mom and Jeff. During a casual pause in the conversation, i glanced out the window across the street at a half filled marble and granite store. Its not uncommon to find stores in such condition here in Omak, a farming town on the edge of the reservation. As my mom starts discussing generators and estimated fuel consumption, a guy, no more than 25 steps out of the marble shop. He is dusty and covered in contruction grime, the odds and ends of his work have left specialized markings on his outfit. I quietly chuckle that people pay a hundred dollars for a pair of jeans that look like his. His hair is a dirty blond, or is that only the dust clinging to his locks.
The three of us finish our meal and walk over to the marble shop, my mom is hoping to find ideas for a kitchen makeover. As her and Jeff discuss proper colors and edges, I find myself drawn to a yellow lab laying in the corner next to a 12 inch circulr saw. I am staring at him as this young man walks between us towards a work bench. Behind him trails the cologne of cigarettes, sweat, and lumber. He seems to have the eyese of a 'drifter', one who does a job long enough to experience it before mvoing on. I wonder if his gypsy spirit has brought him to Omak, or this is where he is from, but has yet to find home. We walk past a slab of thulite, native only to this region, and I imagine the story of his life and its future drawn out in the features. Although upon close inspection one sees cracks, dents, rust stains, or unappealing lins, the beauty is only striking when you see the whole slab. It makes me think of how I was at first turned away by the smell of cigarettes, but now found myself romatacizing him as a gypsy.
This particular chunk of embedded rose quartz is craggy and spotted, its edges well defined. This spot represents his time when he will be on the volunteer fire lines for the wildfires that rage through this area. He says he does it out of duty, or to save lives, however he is really trying to define his own boundaries. Trying to find that distinct line between what he is and what he shouldn't be. This dark green smudge speckled with black dots is from his youth, cooking meth and 'finding' himself. The white waving line that fades in some spots and is bold in others represents the common thread he held on to since a child, to beat another man for an offense is acceptable, to strike an animal or child is unforgiveable. The black and brown splotches thrown about seemingly at random are his reminders of intentional malice and feigned ignorance. He neglected his sisters cries for help to save her from their father. He claims that baby isn't his, but he knows the truth inside and it scares him. He spent the last of the hundred dollars he stole from his boss on a fifth of whiskey.
Although the dark and brooding parts are overwhelming at first, I am amazed by his life as a whole. I believe it was Aristotle that said one must not judge a person to be flourishing or not by glancing at only aspects of their life. Instead to judge if one has truly 'lived' you must examine the whole of their life, including the way they died.
My fingers, previously tracing the lines of the granite now run off the course hewn edge.
The young guy at the marble shop.
I had arrived in Omak the day before, after driving a day and a half from Denver. I had been eager to visit my mom for several months and now I was sitting in the new bistro talking about my next few months as a lighthouse keeper with my mom and Jeff. During a casual pause in the conversation, i glanced out the window across the street at a half filled marble and granite store. Its not uncommon to find stores in such condition here in Omak, a farming town on the edge of the reservation. As my mom starts discussing generators and estimated fuel consumption, a guy, no more than 25 steps out of the marble shop. He is dusty and covered in contruction grime, the odds and ends of his work have left specialized markings on his outfit. I quietly chuckle that people pay a hundred dollars for a pair of jeans that look like his. His hair is a dirty blond, or is that only the dust clinging to his locks.
The three of us finish our meal and walk over to the marble shop, my mom is hoping to find ideas for a kitchen makeover. As her and Jeff discuss proper colors and edges, I find myself drawn to a yellow lab laying in the corner next to a 12 inch circulr saw. I am staring at him as this young man walks between us towards a work bench. Behind him trails the cologne of cigarettes, sweat, and lumber. He seems to have the eyese of a 'drifter', one who does a job long enough to experience it before mvoing on. I wonder if his gypsy spirit has brought him to Omak, or this is where he is from, but has yet to find home. We walk past a slab of thulite, native only to this region, and I imagine the story of his life and its future drawn out in the features. Although upon close inspection one sees cracks, dents, rust stains, or unappealing lins, the beauty is only striking when you see the whole slab. It makes me think of how I was at first turned away by the smell of cigarettes, but now found myself romatacizing him as a gypsy.
This particular chunk of embedded rose quartz is craggy and spotted, its edges well defined. This spot represents his time when he will be on the volunteer fire lines for the wildfires that rage through this area. He says he does it out of duty, or to save lives, however he is really trying to define his own boundaries. Trying to find that distinct line between what he is and what he shouldn't be. This dark green smudge speckled with black dots is from his youth, cooking meth and 'finding' himself. The white waving line that fades in some spots and is bold in others represents the common thread he held on to since a child, to beat another man for an offense is acceptable, to strike an animal or child is unforgiveable. The black and brown splotches thrown about seemingly at random are his reminders of intentional malice and feigned ignorance. He neglected his sisters cries for help to save her from their father. He claims that baby isn't his, but he knows the truth inside and it scares him. He spent the last of the hundred dollars he stole from his boss on a fifth of whiskey.
Although the dark and brooding parts are overwhelming at first, I am amazed by his life as a whole. I believe it was Aristotle that said one must not judge a person to be flourishing or not by glancing at only aspects of their life. Instead to judge if one has truly 'lived' you must examine the whole of their life, including the way they died.
My fingers, previously tracing the lines of the granite now run off the course hewn edge.
Thinking about kayaking
Alright, while I sit here in Omak I am contemplating which rivers to go run. This is primo flood season for a lot of the ones around here, so I have to be careful. Oh yeah, and aside from the planned trip to run down and see my rafting budy in Wenatchee, I am prolly going to stick to simple floats like the Okanagon river and the Methow. Less likely to encounter any issues.
Anyways, back to staring at the stats for the irvers.
Nic
Anyways, back to staring at the stats for the irvers.
Nic
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Excerpts from my Drive
So later on I will update this replete with pictures, however here is some of my journal enterings during the day and a half drive up here.
First off, some of the tallies and notes I made along the way:
7 Antelope Herds Wyoming, with 3 individual males
Metal statues I saw on ridges or out in the middle of nowhere:
Colorado: a Buffalo
Wyoming: Horse, Horse and Rider, Sleeping cowboy on a horse, uhm... a sitting elk?, an upright cowboy on a horse with an American flag, the best one would have to be the triceratops located between a massive power plant, oil fields, and a Dinosaur museum
Montana: none....unless you count the derelict tractor left on the ridge.
Idaho: a Miner with a raised pick and a headlamp
Washington: 2 mules with hats in the middle of the town of Reardon, and my two favorites are the 6 native american figures dancing on the plateau and the sasquatch on the hill.
Alright, now to the various journal entries:
Wyoming
- For all of the bad drivers in the city limits, I am always thankful when I am back to sharing the blacktop with Semi's, Rv's, and farm equipment.
Montana
- followers of Jack Kerouac may have a special place in their hearts for route 66, however, that place in my heart is reserved for I90.
- Following the yellowstone river with the kayak on top makes me want to do a big trip kayaking it.
May 13th, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
It's 5 am and the dogs are agitated. Soft low grumbles come from deep within their bellies. I wipe some condensation off the window and there, about 200 yards off, silouhetted by the early dawn are a few elk. At first I can barely discern what they are, black ghosts shifting in the prairie, then a male raises his head high. Of course my walk with the dogs scares the last of them off, and now I am left gretting the morning to the soft coo of the mourning dove. There are clouds creeping in from the west over the mountains..... It's amazing to think that I may be looking at the same sunset, or sitting in the same spot as the Lewis and Clark expedition, this is why I live, not for the cities.
First off, some of the tallies and notes I made along the way:
7 Antelope Herds Wyoming, with 3 individual males
Metal statues I saw on ridges or out in the middle of nowhere:
Colorado: a Buffalo
Wyoming: Horse, Horse and Rider, Sleeping cowboy on a horse, uhm... a sitting elk?, an upright cowboy on a horse with an American flag, the best one would have to be the triceratops located between a massive power plant, oil fields, and a Dinosaur museum
Montana: none....unless you count the derelict tractor left on the ridge.
Idaho: a Miner with a raised pick and a headlamp
Washington: 2 mules with hats in the middle of the town of Reardon, and my two favorites are the 6 native american figures dancing on the plateau and the sasquatch on the hill.
Alright, now to the various journal entries:
Wyoming
- For all of the bad drivers in the city limits, I am always thankful when I am back to sharing the blacktop with Semi's, Rv's, and farm equipment.
Montana
- followers of Jack Kerouac may have a special place in their hearts for route 66, however, that place in my heart is reserved for I90.
- Following the yellowstone river with the kayak on top makes me want to do a big trip kayaking it.
May 13th, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
It's 5 am and the dogs are agitated. Soft low grumbles come from deep within their bellies. I wipe some condensation off the window and there, about 200 yards off, silouhetted by the early dawn are a few elk. At first I can barely discern what they are, black ghosts shifting in the prairie, then a male raises his head high. Of course my walk with the dogs scares the last of them off, and now I am left gretting the morning to the soft coo of the mourning dove. There are clouds creeping in from the west over the mountains..... It's amazing to think that I may be looking at the same sunset, or sitting in the same spot as the Lewis and Clark expedition, this is why I live, not for the cities.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Today is the day
Well it's about 630 on the morning on my departure, the sun is shining brilliantly through the window, nearly blinding me, Percy is at my feet, Tom is snoring in bed, and all of my packing and prepacking and checking and rechecking is complete. All I have left to do in the next hour or so is enjoy my cup of coffee, write this post (which happens to be my 100th post!!) and say my goodbyes to Tom and Lisa.
I am somewhat looking forward to the drive to Omak, but I am definitely not looking forward to the driving aspect. Aside from following the Rockies for a while and then crossing them, I will be spending the majority of my time on flat prairie. I have planned to make a stop every two hours for the dogs, and for myself to run around.
Tom pointed out something interesting yesterday while we were flying the stunt kite, first off it was a beautiful day, the sun was bright, the grass was green and lush, the temperature was just right... it was a perfect moment. Anyways, he pointed out that although I have taken quite a few road trips across long distances, even cross country, this is the first trip that I will be taking by myself. I thought about it, and aside from a few cross state trips, this will be the first long distance trip that I have taken by myself. I am somewhat indifferent when I think about it, yes I am excited this is my first solo trip, but also, it really doesn't matter to me, since all major trips have been just as exciting for me. If anything I would rather have company, that way we could talk and split the driving.
Well, I am going to go have my last breakfast in this house for the next 4 months. Play with the dogs, and wake up Tom and Lisa.
Love always, and I am wishing you all safe travels.
Nic
I am somewhat looking forward to the drive to Omak, but I am definitely not looking forward to the driving aspect. Aside from following the Rockies for a while and then crossing them, I will be spending the majority of my time on flat prairie. I have planned to make a stop every two hours for the dogs, and for myself to run around.
Tom pointed out something interesting yesterday while we were flying the stunt kite, first off it was a beautiful day, the sun was bright, the grass was green and lush, the temperature was just right... it was a perfect moment. Anyways, he pointed out that although I have taken quite a few road trips across long distances, even cross country, this is the first trip that I will be taking by myself. I thought about it, and aside from a few cross state trips, this will be the first long distance trip that I have taken by myself. I am somewhat indifferent when I think about it, yes I am excited this is my first solo trip, but also, it really doesn't matter to me, since all major trips have been just as exciting for me. If anything I would rather have company, that way we could talk and split the driving.
Well, I am going to go have my last breakfast in this house for the next 4 months. Play with the dogs, and wake up Tom and Lisa.
Love always, and I am wishing you all safe travels.
Nic
Friday, May 09, 2008
Turn Point Light station Update
Alright, so I am leaving on Monday from Boulder and driving to Omak, I am hoping to make it in two days. But I am leaving time and space for 3 days. So the picture above will be my 'home' for the next 4 months. Granted my view is going to be more like this:
As I will be staying on the camp host pad just above the lighthouse.
Funny, during a dinner with Marc, Julie, and Tom last night, we were talking about me writing a novel or a travel essay etc... and of course the topic of titles came up. For some reason we found the following hilarious and catchy "Drunk at the Lighthouse"
hahahahaha... all that that implies is kinda funny, especially since I most likely will not have any alcohol on the island.
Alright... back to packing. Okay that's a lie, I have been packed for some time, so now I am just at the point of re-arranging all of my packed materials.
~Nic
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
New motto
Thought about this when I finally found that new journal I had been looking for for 4 months... one that I can use for my Trip to Turn Point.... and I wrote this on the front page inscription:
I am headed to Turn Point, what will be your Turning Point
I am headed to Turn Point, what will be your Turning Point
Friday, May 02, 2008
Summer Reading List
Suggested reading sent in from friends, and if you look closely a few from some of my respected professors.
"Persian Fire" by Tom Holland, about the Persian point of view of the battle featured in '300'
"The Invisible Cure" by Helen Epstein, book about HIV/AIDS epidemic and the race for the cure
"Making Race and Nation" by Anthony Marx, book about the Apartheid in South Africa with a comparative perspective
"Global Capitalism" by Jeff Frieden, the history of Globalization
"Talons of the Eagle" by Peter Smith, US and Latin American relations
"the Mystery of Capital" by Hernando De Soto, economic development
"1776" and "John Adams" by David McCullough
"The Founding Brothers" by Joseph Ellis
"The Battle Cry of Freedom" by James McPherson
"Theodore Rex" by Edmund Morris
"The Devil in the White City" and "Isaac's Storm" by Erik Larson
"The Coldest Winter" by David Halberstram
"Supercapitalism" by Robert Reich
"The Great Risk Shift" by Jacob Hacker
Now of course the chances of me really reading all of these this summer is slim, plus i am supplementing the list with a few of my own titles. I will let everyone know on here as I finish one and move on to the next. Ok.. actually chances are I will be reading 2 or 3 at the minimum at any given time, but eh... that's alright.
Best Love and Wishes.... only 9 more days!
"Persian Fire" by Tom Holland, about the Persian point of view of the battle featured in '300'
"The Invisible Cure" by Helen Epstein, book about HIV/AIDS epidemic and the race for the cure
"Making Race and Nation" by Anthony Marx, book about the Apartheid in South Africa with a comparative perspective
"Global Capitalism" by Jeff Frieden, the history of Globalization
"Talons of the Eagle" by Peter Smith, US and Latin American relations
"the Mystery of Capital" by Hernando De Soto, economic development
"1776" and "John Adams" by David McCullough
"The Founding Brothers" by Joseph Ellis
"The Battle Cry of Freedom" by James McPherson
"Theodore Rex" by Edmund Morris
"The Devil in the White City" and "Isaac's Storm" by Erik Larson
"The Coldest Winter" by David Halberstram
"Supercapitalism" by Robert Reich
"The Great Risk Shift" by Jacob Hacker
Now of course the chances of me really reading all of these this summer is slim, plus i am supplementing the list with a few of my own titles. I will let everyone know on here as I finish one and move on to the next. Ok.. actually chances are I will be reading 2 or 3 at the minimum at any given time, but eh... that's alright.
Best Love and Wishes.... only 9 more days!
Shout out
I just want to give a shout out to those of you that have been using my webcall button. hopefully I have called back to you in timely manner, I am sorry if I haven't... that means I am an idiot.
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