tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75831242012-02-16T22:54:08.167-05:00A site of my mutterings, started when I was first in Augusta Georgia.Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.comBlogger1731100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-670345480044841342011-06-25T00:19:00.001-05:002011-06-25T00:19:45.904-05:00

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-56797730472545910792011-01-27T16:27:00.001-05:002011-01-27T16:27:21.709-05:00

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-61613094621559425602010-12-23T19:26:00.000-05:002010-12-23T19:26:23.871-05:00

..... I am ready for this trip, but I am also worried.  I hope et no point do I get stuck somewhere or get in an accident.  After saying my goodbyes I was on the road by 6:45 am.  Starlight slowly gave way to pinking sky as I drove northwards.  The sun not making its first full appearance till I was in Fort Collins.  So many things already felt familiar, yet different.  Like I was doing this

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-8517635046395710362010-10-11T19:16:00.002-05:002010-10-11T19:29:45.195-05:00

(NOTE : I am posting random entries and tidbits from my journal trying to catch up to present day)One week left here this summer. One week till I can put one more notch in my belt of a summer at the lighthouse. Sad to say, I feel so blasse about the thought of my remaining time. As if I have written all of this before. True, these are the same feelings I always have around this time, and in

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-56651234702292694442010-10-10T21:16:00.000-05:002010-10-10T21:17:46.923-05:00

14 June 2010 The sign in the waiting area encourages people to use mass transit. Twilight Tolstoy’s have written their smarmy quips about taxes, Schwinns, and poop smoothies. It’s so infantile and yet I add my line amongst them. “Plus bikers aren’t fat” On the ferry the locals read their papers and sip their coffee in silence, while tourists chatter to shake off the morning groginess. A

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-54999932540228656522010-06-21T13:13:00.002-05:002010-06-28T16:57:08.572-05:00

It has been hard, waiting for things to happen. The BLM recently changed the policy regarding docents at Patos, making it nearly impossible for me to go out this year. Now I will be waiting till July to go out to Stuart. That's fine. I have come to accept it as a part of the process. The waiting for something to happen has left me apathetic to my writing. Add on top of it, this year I do not

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-58080828114462891772010-05-21T18:52:00.007-05:002010-05-21T19:46:16.289-05:00

WeMo camping under the stars on the edge of the Kilpecker Sand Dunes in Wyoming.Big Sandy ReservoirBirth place of "Big Sandy's Boot"The Road Warriors once again take to the road in their faithful WeMo. (Name of the car)Granite Falls Wyoming, had to stop for other reasons, but the view was amazing!

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-36795881715930970502010-05-21T18:44:00.002-05:002010-05-21T18:45:15.863-05:00

An article about me, they called for an interview. Boy did I feel like a rock star.Here are some photos from the event taken by the onsite photographer.

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-85931331252284415352010-05-19T09:59:00.003-05:002010-05-19T10:07:55.803-05:00

Left early yesterday after a small little set back at the house.  Once my passport was re-found, I said goodbye to Tom with a big hug and a kiss.  The send off was rather uneventful, rain clouds and fog hung low over the gray road all the way to Rawlins.  A few times I was a little worried as far as the comfort of the kite festival.  While driving through a sleepy Loveland, I smiled as I passed a

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-86391161294247859622010-04-12T08:00:00.003-05:002010-05-19T09:59:49.757-05:00

(Spokane Wa)There was definitely something familiar about walking around downtown Spokane. Although for the life of me I couldn't remember where Aunties & Uncles was. I vaguely remembered it being near the Opera house, and with enough sidewalk stumbling I found it. It had changed somewhat inside. Downsizing to almost only the bottom floor. Still bright and loving, the walls the same muted

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-90590867252756122982010-04-05T18:59:00.002-05:002010-04-12T16:29:48.792-05:00

For more photos see: Chris NABX 2010Aoxomoxoa, we have all felt it. Whether we fly stunts, fighters, traction, or anything else our childish community of peter-pans has devised to put into the sky. It is that divine feeling, or transcendence that one feels at any age. Pure unaltered bliss that you can only know when you fly simply for the sake of flying. It is aoxomoxa that overcomes you and

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-26825763665928104442010-03-19T14:38:00.002-05:002010-03-19T14:46:09.131-05:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cbau/4380798629/Dear B,It is snowing again, and much like the moisture laden flakes falling from the sky, I feel heavy and burdened. I feel unable to let go off this oppressive feeling that someone I trusted so completely routinely lied to my face. Almost a year has gone by and without any form of real closure I feel more and more betrayed. Why I ever put any sort of

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-34086185332342293272010-03-19T14:08:00.004-05:002010-03-19T14:34:25.630-05:00

B, Mar 12th On the road again. This weekend its off to Powder Mountain Utah for the Superfly. It is the next stop on the Snowkite Circuit, with only one or maybe two more before the season ends. I wont be able to make the snowkite Rodeo in Montana because it is the same weekend as the North America Buggy Expo on Ivanpah lake south of Vegas. You guys probably drove through there last year

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-6931716643598464252010-03-10T16:14:00.001-05:002010-03-10T16:16:31.509-05:00

For the first time ever, Colorado Kiteforce has upgraded their ever popular Therapy Sessions to a full blown competition. With roughly 30 competitors from near and far, (some hailing from Russia, Peru, and even farther!) the fields for both Pro and Amateur were well rounded. The event, set to kick off around noon on Friday was postponed due to wind conditions. Although many had set up on the

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-55338144398020208682010-03-03T17:22:00.001-05:002010-03-03T17:22:34.050-05:00

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-47719331767567975932009-09-07T19:51:00.004-05:002009-09-07T20:00:53.409-05:00

Travel makes us look sweet and sleepy.. maybe because we are.Yellowstone CountrySitting in the Park, with/on BenElizabeth Blank at Ballestreri Winery amongst the Sunflowers.

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-5490661041518360912009-08-24T11:53:00.000-05:002009-08-24T11:55:00.489-05:00

19 July I awoke early this morning. It was so peaceful all I could do was smile and reach out and pet the soft ears of Percy who lay nearby. It was a nice respite from a restless night. For some reason I had a lot of trouble sleeping, constantly waking to toss and turn. I have so many great plans for the future and things I want to accomplish. Thankfully Turn Point and Patos give me a

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-79757563447570741302009-08-03T14:26:00.002-05:002009-08-03T14:29:09.832-05:00

8 July 09 Started raining late last night and it looks like it will continue for awhile. Unlike yesterdays drizzle, these are big drops and enough to be of the soaking variety. I am still going to open the museum, but other then that I dont know what I will do. Yesterdays injury to my thumb with my carving tools has left my hand nearly useless for picking up or doing functional things.

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-33657272397997326772009-07-27T13:29:00.001-05:002009-07-27T13:29:44.043-05:00

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-11913868178712832072009-07-27T12:46:00.000-05:002009-07-27T12:47:42.279-05:00

7 July 09 I struggled with getting out of bed this morning. I was so comfortable and I wanted to return to dreamland. The clouds cleared a little last night for the sunset and there was enough light for me to work on my carving for an hour before slipping between the sheets. It has been raining most of the day today. Nothing that really soaks the clothes, just enough to keep the ground

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-69286536667726955092009-07-16T14:04:00.000-05:002009-07-16T14:06:08.193-05:00

23 June 2009, Patos Island Yesterday evening while I was working in the field the only visitors to the island, a gentlemen and his two daughters and one of their friends, came down the path while I was looking at Camas seeds. After chatting awhile they invited me out to dinner on their boat. We talked of the island and life, the history and the stories, over hamburgers and wine. It was the

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-42094150908003841412009-07-16T13:58:00.001-05:002009-07-16T14:04:24.932-05:00

Patos Island, 20 June 2009 It is a funny thing about campsites, people apologize for walking on the trail that goes by the edges of my campsite. It is as if my camp has walls and doors, ones you can see through. My life is on display, as is every camper. It’s a weird irony that people wish to respect the privacy of your camp by not intruding, but are quick to comment on your particular way of

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-51835034358456511512009-07-05T19:52:00.002-05:002009-07-05T19:54:06.410-05:00

Yep, I am back up doing the lighthouse thing again. So every now and then I will post something from my journal. Again if you want a copy of the 'book' from this year please let me know. Nic17 June 09, Back on Patos, lost my camera back at the landing on North Beach. Didn’t Paul Theroux in The Old Patagonia Express say something about the joy of traveling without a camera. I also stupidly

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-22825461965868407012009-04-27T11:35:00.005-05:002009-04-27T12:58:42.860-05:00

Winter has come and gone, and all i have left are the memories and the photos. I decided to make this short little movie of my two best buddies here. Both of which might not be in Boulder when I come back from the lighthouse. Bigger and better things for the two of them.... I'll miss them.~Nic

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-68679289140143306602009-04-26T15:42:00.002-05:002009-04-27T12:58:08.322-05:00

I have been thinking recently about traveling and finding ways for people to pay me to do so. This is the constant dilemma of every traveler in the world. Either finding a job that pays you to do what you love, or finding a way to fund it. Right now with me in school it seems really hard to find those opportunities that I can actually take advantage of. I mean, I still have the light house to

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-59400805895325426302009-04-22T08:16:00.004-05:002009-04-22T08:29:13.654-05:00

The other team is running the scenario we just ran. They do a pretty good job at rescuing all of the victims from the water! After this one we moved up to harder rapids, faster current, and entrapments. Lots of fun... very dangerous... and freaking cold!

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-32495776644366490922009-04-22T08:11:00.002-05:002009-04-22T08:16:13.258-05:00

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-45813776605087170642009-04-06T20:13:00.001-05:002009-04-06T20:13:28.009-05:00

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-33195939692923821682009-04-01T10:38:00.002-05:002009-04-01T10:47:25.261-05:00

Dec 23rd, 2007 (Driving to Galveston with family en route to Cruise ship)One thing I notice right away as we drive along the miles and miles of cracked highway corridor; the advertisers must have it easy. Their flashy billboards and bright colors provide a welcome relief to the travelers eyes bombarded by the utter drabness of dilapetated buildings, dusty laundry, and industrial parks. Even the

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-4636322241089425562009-03-12T08:01:00.002-05:002009-03-12T08:06:14.884-05:00

Oh boy... I am so EXCITED!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait until next wednesday, the day my new 'toy' arrives in the mail. Last year around Thanksgiving I met Chris Turner, a local kite 'head', when I blew out a part of one of my stunt kites. After we became fast friends he infected me with the 'power kiting' bug. Although we have yet to ever really fly together, aside from that one time in front of the

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-80720750608971822912009-03-03T18:21:00.002-05:002009-03-03T18:25:13.877-05:00

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-44251904493905308962009-02-21T22:09:00.003-05:002009-02-21T22:12:32.469-05:00

Wow... these past few days have been so much fun... and epic... and it's only the beginning!!! here are some photos.

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-30009385224963723312009-02-17T16:30:00.002-05:002009-02-17T16:42:22.458-05:00

I think back to my days on the island, (Orcas) truly magical times. I am reminded of the day that Alex Danskin and I walked out ot the field by Camp Orkila and laid down in the tall grass and watched the few clouds there were that day drift by on the inbelieably bright blus summer day. It was the summer my cousin Kevin was making a movie, a typical two bit western with his best frien Erica.

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-57203990067548463122009-02-15T18:26:00.004-05:002009-02-15T18:37:15.684-05:00

I've been trying to keep myself busy the past few weeks, with working on my creative writing, attending the Boulder International Film Festival, and trying to get as much time outside doing what I love. As a result I have adopted my personal motto for the half year or what have you, "No excuses, just priorities". With that I am going to go out and do all the things I love, stay busy,. and stop

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-82126303268532734642009-02-09T22:29:00.002-05:002009-02-09T22:34:36.352-05:00

Ok so I actually have about 300 more photos that I haven't put up on here, this is just a random collection of some of the photos I did take. Please enjoy. More to come from my recent escapades shortly.

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-56756317871728820662009-02-09T22:28:00.000-05:002009-02-09T22:29:49.830-05:00

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-14861966931448163202009-02-09T22:26:00.001-05:002009-02-09T22:28:10.633-05:00

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-49774322598888863042009-02-09T22:23:00.001-05:002009-02-09T22:25:54.011-05:00

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-40240096014173158482009-02-09T22:17:00.004-05:002009-02-09T22:22:44.884-05:00

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-31895570186629476692009-01-24T14:00:00.002-05:002009-01-24T14:08:23.010-05:00

Jan 21st cont...There is something pleasing about a map. TI's lines and etchings ay 'here i am, all of the knowledge you need, and I can be trusted, I am the culmination of all of the great thinkers of life that may have wondered across my pages and folds. What better way to finish a meal then to have that wonderful coated feeling of formage, and a cafe with it's somkey darkness. Thankfully

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-76611431293547349092009-01-21T11:44:00.007-05:002009-01-21T15:29:32.068-05:00

Jan 21st --- AH! out on a walk to the department store today to purchase some clothes for the next week (luggage is still lost) we passed by a true traditional book binder that was hand tooling the leather binding. OH!!! I have a new dream job!*Le Jardin d' Luxembourg*It's beautiful here, serene. The terns and pigeons disturbed from the fountains lift off and dance lazily around the palace.

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-60946315440157844592009-01-21T11:39:00.002-05:002009-01-21T11:44:38.612-05:00

I step off the plane , and it's cold and grey, as only Paris in winter can be. They lost my luggage, the hope is that it will be at the hotel sometime tomorrow. It seems every architect ever called on to design an airport has conspired to use the same color scheme. Grey and drab. Maybe it's an effort to camouflage the soot and grime, but instead of hiding the filth it makes one feel as if

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-4550762431798480242009-01-09T15:44:00.003-05:002009-01-09T15:45:58.440-05:00

ok.... after reviewing, editing, making, and reviewing yet again. I made and sent out 20 books without noticing some mistakes that were there. So I do apologize for those of you with the first editions of my book that have some of these errors. Just appreciate that I make mistakes and I am sorry!!! Other then that, enjoy.Nic

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-89843840983106393692009-01-07T11:03:00.002-05:002009-01-07T11:13:42.279-05:00

I have a world to conquer, and I wonder if I am ready for it. A world of adventure and opportunity, a world I have only barely come to understand as of yet. There is definitely an inherent truth I believe I have come to understand. An unspoken truth about life, people, love, beauty. It is something I have always tried to put into words and fail at miserably. I think of that ethereal feeling

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-55288818715075935272009-01-03T21:18:00.003-05:002009-01-03T21:22:23.653-05:00

Well I have sent off the first 20, some of you still need to send me your addresses so that I can get the books off to you. For those of you that already know yours are in the mail, you will love the amount of postage I used. All old stamps from the days when they kept bumping up the postage every few months for 3 years. Hope everyone enjoys them!!! I must remind you... it's not Shakespeare,

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-69175543381384823702008-12-15T11:29:00.001-05:002008-12-15T11:32:14.844-05:00

Went to Breckenridge with Lauren and Chris for our first day up this season. It was perfect, couldn't of asked for a better day. The weather was amazing, the company was great, and the snow was perfect. I loved it.

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-51639599137920202942008-12-15T11:28:00.002-05:002008-12-15T11:29:48.826-05:00

Ok, I know I already have my big summer trip planned and ready to go, (Back to the lighthouse) but now I have another one and it is just around the corner. On Jan 19th going to Paris for 7 days. Fabulous... I need to get out of here... I need to go.... I need to be."Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-45696625596647903192008-12-01T20:15:00.002-05:002008-12-01T20:18:24.100-05:00

well, bought a new kite a week or so ago. As soon as I bought it the wind died... now... it's gusting up to 50 mph in places.... WTH!!! I JUST WANT TO FLY!!! it doesn't help I found a new buddy to go flying with that just so happened to sell me the kite. I am blaming the lack of wind and now the gusting retarded wind on him. I just want to fly her, I haven't even taken her out of the package..

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-13873010575776344152008-11-28T15:02:00.002-05:002008-11-28T15:06:54.096-05:00

For those of you too far away to come and see the house, here are some of the new house photos.

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-82180531082068331012008-11-19T12:46:00.001-05:002008-11-19T12:47:19.012-05:00

This was from our recent event here at the school that I did costumes and dances for.

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-7035146846677120172008-11-17T14:17:00.002-05:002008-11-17T14:18:52.485-05:00

Well, I am putting the finishing touches on the bindings of my book, so anyone interested in a copy please send me an email or call me and let me know. Love you all,Nic* mtthumper@gmail.comps. I will post new updates shortly, I am tied up with a lot at the moment.

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-19676371434804530752008-09-19T11:01:00.003-05:002008-09-19T11:02:58.070-05:00

Funny thing, I was at the spa having a massage facial day etc... Wonderful bit of relaxation really, and as I was drifting off under the subtl touches and strokes of my masseuse, my mind drifted off to the sunsets on Patos. Watching the colors streak across the sky behind the silhouette of the lighthouse. absolutely fantastic... what a great place to go when you need to relac.

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-18655371783300643002008-09-15T10:33:00.001-05:002008-09-15T10:35:06.325-05:00

This photo was sent to me from a visitor this summer. They met with me at the lighthouse, we talked, enjoyed the scenery etc... and this is a photo they took of me right before they left. Thought I would share it, as it seems to capture my joy, my sunburned skin, my dogs, my happiness, and all around the magic of the moment.

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-28197577721136133532008-09-10T10:04:00.002-05:002008-09-10T10:09:22.860-05:00

Ok so just bought the new house in Longmont. With spare rooms and all, so anyone that wants to head this way (towards Boulder) I am more then happy to provide a free place to stay, transport etc... I have an all mountain pass, therefore free ski tickets, and of course there is the ton of gear at the house, cross country skiis, snowshoes, a 'woody' a climbing wall for the unitiated (to be built

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-31962633146576602412008-09-07T17:54:00.003-05:002008-09-07T17:56:59.563-05:00

Well I hope to have the book completed in time for Christmas. Those of you that would like a copy, please contact me at mtthumper@gmail.com, or comment on here and I will make sure to send it to you as soon as they are done. Right now I am trying to decide exactly what color cover I want.Oh yes, and dealing with all of the details of purchasing the new house. Finally went under contract!!!Nic

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-37791376878111718432008-08-28T17:43:00.001-05:002008-08-28T17:56:26.591-05:00

August 18th, Well its been raining all evening and this morning. The wind kicked up pretty strong over the night, weather station said it was gusts up to 30 knots. Today it’s supposed to be a little ‘better’. Better is a perspective word. I love it when it’s cold, windy, and a little rainy. It has this special effect on the light. Sunlight becomes diffused and filtered. The sea becomes

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-45418051533307714272008-08-23T12:55:00.001-05:002008-08-23T12:59:19.104-05:00

I am standing atop the point watching the sky to the south. The sound of crashing upon the rocks is barely audible on the verandah of the house, however here, the thunderous roar of a wave from a freighter wake, sounds like a freight train colliding with the rocks. Each successive deluge rams into the rock bed and I can feel its shudders reverberate through the rock and up the bluff. I

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-61283707022266940932008-08-23T12:51:00.001-05:002008-08-23T12:54:50.459-05:00

For some reason these past few days, I have found myself drawn to an older book called ‘The Best Known Works of Voltaire’. Childish stories really, simplistic, almost akin to Aesops fables, and each story has a character which travels all over their known world, for love, wisdom, or fear of persecution as a result of love. I read the stories with a light heart, and at each mention of a place

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-51314572692126780392008-08-23T12:49:00.001-05:002008-08-23T12:51:36.920-05:00

The sun is settling behind Salt Spring island and there is a deep sense of peace and calm over the water. There are no boats in sight but I feel a deep tumble as if there is a freighter ont he way. Even the birds are silent. The only visible movement for miles is the cormorants returning to their roost at the bottom of the bluff. Flying low over the water in a perfect formation of

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-50110173599242854222008-08-23T12:44:00.001-05:002008-08-23T12:47:53.705-05:00

Here is partial write up from one of my journal entriesJuly 29th Rain comes easily to the Northwest, and at 6:15 am this morning a light drizzle started. I awoke early to wish Daviel and his kayakers a safe journey as they passed the point, and at 6:37 they came in, gliding silently from the North shore. It is so peaceful right now. Water is dripping off the roof into buckets I have placed

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-69304828461955300182008-07-29T13:08:00.000-05:002008-11-14T19:43:37.824-05:00

10 July.I intended to sleep in a little bit this morning, but the sound of voices on the porch woke me up at 7:15. I have had a few late night visitors in the past, but never early morning ones. Today the museum is supposed to be closed, so i am going to do some work around the property, hike the trails etc... My usual regime of sweeping everything and mopping. I plan to do a little bit of

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-4813707069090556102008-07-25T16:35:00.000-05:002008-11-14T19:43:38.230-05:00

I wrote this partly for an assignment, but also just to write, I felt a little inspired. I have taken liberty with some of it, but I tried to capture the humor in the situation.River was not the first person I would go to if I had a problem with an outhouse. Her dread-locked grey hair, dingy miss-matched clothing, and general demeanor said I was more likely to encounter a few bags of alaskan

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-79724880594602453862008-07-22T16:40:00.000-05:002008-11-14T19:43:39.018-05:00

Various bits from my journal:The late evening is settling about the Canadian Gulf Islands. The afternoon fog has continued to thicken and makes the islands float above the sea on the wings of fairies. Down the Strait somewhere south and out of view a large tanker is sounding its fog horn, warning that any boats in the way better move of be under the rick of being run over. I am surprised that

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-49392797719961030442008-07-19T16:32:00.001-05:002008-11-14T19:43:39.374-05:00

July 6th End of yet another really long day. We had just over a hundred visitors come by today. I walked the property trying to figure out more of my keys. Thankfully, one of the keys opens both the lighthouse and the fuel shed. I properly tagged it and went about figuring out the other 10 or so unknown keys. Some are to unknown padlocks, others must be to doors somewhere. When I wasn’t

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-80271478290251919202008-07-17T16:16:00.003-05:002008-11-14T19:43:39.791-05:00

Excerpts from my journal :STUART ISLAND4th July, Day 1First day of the new journal. After many false starts we were finally on our way to Stuart Island. Percy had recovered from his apparent bout with heat exhaustion, the weather had improved, and the boat was loaded. We left the Orcas dock around 7:20 and arrived at the county dock in Prevost harbor nearly 2 hours later. As we pulled up the

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-10368729991084252962008-07-05T15:25:00.001-05:002008-07-05T15:25:00.784-05:00

The next few hours passed in a blur as he stood watch over the fragile body. He wanted to be there when his son awoke, be there when he was confronted with what happened. he didn’t blame Mary for the accident, but he believed it wouldn’t of happened had he been there. That night the bed was left cold and the dinner unmade as the two grieving parents buried their only daughter. It was 2 fretful

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-35356781887823619992008-07-03T15:25:00.000-05:002008-07-03T15:25:01.286-05:00

The next morning as he cast off the mooring lines and turned the boat out of the protected cove, he saw his now extended family standing at the edge of the dock waving. Although the clouds had opened up and showers now poured down upon them, the children stood there smiling and waving furiously as the boat rounded the corner and was out of view. The next few days were bliss for the family.

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-60425167889674201382008-07-01T16:44:00.002-05:002008-07-01T16:46:20.968-05:00

Well, the time is finally here, I am off to Stuart Island tomorrow afternoon, and the first 'vacation' I have is on the 16th for the family reunion. If anyone needs to get a hold of me you can always call my grandma's house, or you can call my voicemail call button. I wont be able to check emails until I get back on the 16th, so I hope everyone has a great 4th of July. Thinking of all of you

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-21988819728249419642008-07-01T15:25:00.000-05:002008-07-01T16:42:07.944-05:00

He awoke from his memory with a jolt, a bruned aftertaste on his tongue. Why do I torment myself this way, why must I relive this, he thought to an empty room. The sun was now hiding on the other side of the world, and in its absence was the cold and dark night, forbidding yet comforting. He reached for his glass and walked to the bottle resting ont he bar. He tapped off his glass, watching the

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-70549694897378792452008-06-29T15:24:00.000-05:002008-07-01T16:41:47.761-05:00

As his kids took off running for the beach he followed the path to the garden and the cow pasture. There seemingly wreathed by her beloved irises stood Mary. he thought of the old nursery rhyme every time he saw her in the garden. He could never bring himself to think of her as ‘quite contrary’. He unlatched the gate to the cow pasture and grabbed the wheelbarrow and shovel alongside of the fence

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-73117536646211494922008-06-18T09:46:00.005-05:002008-11-14T19:43:40.360-05:00

I am leaving Patos this am on the water taxi. Chateau de odo'r and all of its contents have been packed away and I am sitting here watching the waves once more. It's like leaving a lover and boarding a plane. I say to my lover I will write and try to visit, but it does little to curb the hurt deep within us both.Tomorrow I will drive to Omak so I can do ... you guessed it... more camping,

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-7456979078845447332008-06-17T15:24:00.000-05:002008-06-17T20:53:38.066-05:00

Upon entry into the kitchen he was greeted by the smiling faces of his children happily occupied by their sandwiches, and a plate already laid out for him.“Where is your mother” he asked his children.“With Jules” his daughter replied through a mouthful of bread.“Who?”“The man you rescued” his son piped in.“Hmmm” he grunted as he bit in to his sandwich. He loved the way the lettuce crunched and

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-77445697080169261452008-06-15T15:23:00.000-05:002008-06-15T20:39:35.266-05:00

Ok this isn't really chapter 3, but it is the 3rd installment. here goes:He proceeded to the kitchen and found the beef stew from last night still in the pot on the stove. As he was heating it up, he helped himself to a few spoonfuls. ‘Mmmm’ he thought, as good as it was last night. his wife could make a gourmet meal out of a few potatoes, an onion and a piece of shoe leather.“A watched pot

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-40883759248617051662008-06-14T10:59:00.005-05:002008-11-14T19:43:40.826-05:00

It's been beautiful here on Patos. Then again, when is it not. Even on stormy days this island has something to offer. I wanted to share some more photos with you all.After the Orcas Island Fired Dept came out last time I was out here, they made myself and Nick (BLM guy) official members of the Patos Island Fire Dept. I love the T-shirt, freaking sweet.Here I am writing yet more into my

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-46660151364544470982008-06-11T13:40:00.002-05:002008-06-11T13:41:58.028-05:00

Well folks, I am back out at 'Paradise' aka Patos. Tom and the crew were surprised to see me come off the boat, as they thought that I would be on Stuart Island by now. The little Patos family greeted me with hugs and smiles all around, it was like coming home. Patos waved to me as we pulled up, and.... I brought sunshine with me, the whole time I am here it is supposed to be nice and sunny!Nic

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-9823990746807570052008-06-08T15:14:00.003-05:002008-11-14T19:43:40.965-05:00

For those of you that dont know I am planning on making a book of all my stuff this summer, so I wont be posting all of my stuff on here. I will give copies to friends and family, but I am also planning on gathering a few copies together, publishing them myself, and possibly selling them at some of the local bookstores. My intention is to have all of the profits go to the historical

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-44270640165745380872008-06-07T16:30:00.006-05:002008-11-14T19:43:41.378-05:00

I came back from Patos on the 4th and I am headed back out there on the 11th. I wanted to share some of the amazing photos that I took while I was out there, along with the first installment of the story I was writing while I was out there, it is a relatively short story, but a tragic one. tell me what you think.The story begins here:“I am going to Shaking Rock” she said with her back turned to

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-50079321058537496332008-05-28T21:07:00.002-05:002008-05-28T21:10:42.583-05:00

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

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-8755624319324222462008-05-18T10:09:00.002-05:002008-05-18T10:16:29.905-05:00

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

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-22401474614610372582008-05-14T19:09:00.003-05:002008-05-14T19:12:52.861-05:00

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

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-15758714701899249942008-05-14T16:30:00.002-05:002008-05-14T16:32:36.476-05:00

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

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-90007510703796212862008-05-13T18:28:00.002-05:002008-05-13T19:07:50.363-05:00

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 malesMetal statues I saw on ridges or out in the middle of nowhere:Colorado: a BuffaloWyoming: Horse, Horse and Rider, Sleeping cowboy on a horse, uhm...

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-25295475325489125942008-05-12T06:45:00.001-05:002008-05-12T07:38:44.139-05:00

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

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-42654749234476991322008-05-09T13:22:00.004-05:002008-11-14T19:43:41.728-05:00

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

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-24514864572767296222008-05-06T13:37:00.003-05:002008-05-06T13:40:04.270-05:00

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

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-28398120665557572732008-05-02T12:03:00.002-05:002008-05-03T15:52:22.346-05:00

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

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-31067188470272155262008-05-02T12:02:00.002-05:002008-05-02T12:03:13.704-05:00

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.

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-16643833461669887282008-04-28T10:43:00.003-05:002008-11-14T19:43:41.890-05:00

Alright here I go again, I am going to drive out of Denver on May 12th and make my way to Omak Washington. How perfect that I will be hitting up that old familiar stretch of I90 that my mom and I drove on twice when we moved to and from Wisconsin.Right now I am trying to decide where I am going to make my stops etc.... and where I will make the overnight stop. I know that I will stop in Spokane

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-32182197222015235732008-04-24T13:54:00.001-05:002008-04-24T13:54:27.313-05:00

Movie of the dance from the recent Norooz event I helped host at the college.

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-84298077196145886662008-04-21T19:43:00.002-05:002008-04-21T19:47:59.951-05:00

Alright, so a quick update to my friends and family that watch this blog. I have finally come down with whatever it is that Lisa and Paul had, although I dont think that it is going to hit me as hard. It is just poor timing, because in the next three weeks, I not only have 7 finals, but I also have to make sure that everything is done and ready for my departure to the Turn Point Light Station.

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-25447675622236454072008-03-25T20:03:00.002-05:002008-03-25T20:08:58.234-05:00

well they just went and made my day... here are some excerpts from the email. I am smiling from ear to ear and jumping up and down like a retard."...During phase 1 BLM can offer a primitive camping experience with no running water, minimal electricity and a vault toilet nearby....""... must demonstrate proficiency with VHS marine radio... maintain daily radio contact... ""...should work towards

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-67633651618322401282008-03-17T10:34:00.002-05:002008-03-17T10:49:00.210-05:00

I have been talking to Nick from the BLM district that is in charge of the light stations etc. up in the San Juan Islands. Turns out, there is a bigger need for me at Patos Island. Oh darn.. have to go to an island that is close to Orcas (about 5 water miles) and live in a campsite. Those that know me will understand when I say that the following passage from the email I received made me giddy:

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-76918165876987697172008-02-28T16:41:00.002-05:002008-03-05T11:36:07.595-05:00

Big Timber Uncovered from The Risen Sun on Vimeo.

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-88512980320216926342008-02-28T00:05:00.001-05:002008-02-28T00:08:44.414-05:00

Ok so here is the deal. From now on and forever you only have to remember the one phone number to get a hold of me no matter where I am in the WORLD! You can even click that nice button i put on the top of my page that will auto call me. See here is the thing, you call 720-204-3118, and it will call me where ever I am/want it to. Say I am sitting in the coffee shop on my computer and I don't

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-72135028428276142652008-02-27T08:52:00.003-05:002008-02-27T09:50:26.091-05:00

Alright, I am in the beginnings of planning out a very long all summer long kayaking and climbing trip in Washington state and maybe BC. I am making an overall tick list of places I want to go and things I want to see. THE major ones on the list are my visits with family and friends. A family reunion in July, and spending some time in June with my mom in Idaho. Other then that here is Version

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-42536865054640059772008-02-25T10:58:00.006-05:002008-11-14T19:43:42.159-05:00

There is truly nothing as beautiful as the sound of fresh snow crunching under your feet as you move along the untracked road. This photo was taken a few weeks ago while I was cross country skiing through Caribou with family. I came upon it again this weekend, I couldn't help but close my eyes and remember exactly when and where I took this photo. The wind was something fierce, (looks like fog

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-79374494905707731782008-02-24T09:53:00.002-05:002008-11-14T19:43:42.290-05:00

What a great weekend, Marc rented a condo at Arrowhead and we were a 2 minute walk from the slopes. The room was great and we were able to chill with family and eat veggie lasagna while watching the world poker tour after the end of a very long skiing day. We left around 7 am from boulder on Saturday morning to drive up here. The drive wasn't too bad till we hit Idaho Springs, from then on

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-25527598679214251622008-01-21T12:03:00.002-05:002008-11-14T19:43:42.387-05:00

First off, this ski resort is my kind of resort.. my speed... my type of runs etc... I had to love spending the day up here. The drive up the mountain side made the whole trip worth it, let alone the incredibly runs and the beautiful scenery from the top of the mountain. Of course, finished off the runs with the classic FacePlants at the bar at the end of the day. I am geared up and ready to

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-62443849802230540252008-01-16T08:52:00.001-05:002008-11-14T19:43:42.579-05:00

Went cross country skiing with Paul and Lisa up at Caribou in Nederland. One of the many towns that we are looking to buy a house. It was absolutely fantastic, aside from the hard blowing wind and the constant stop and go advancement of our party.We had first tracks through almost 2 feet of fresh powder, which of course made my one massive forward face plant on a downhill stint quiet enjoyable.

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583124.post-3761438913689901682008-01-13T22:45:00.001-05:002008-11-14T19:43:42.873-05:00

Okay it took me a little bit to post this because sadly it took me a bit to load up the photos.Went skiing at Breckenridge (first time back on some sticks on real snow) with Marc, Julie and Tom. The town is absolutely beautiful, still decorated in christmas lights and fresh powder.

Swayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17826188430304495829noreply@blogger.com0