The Return from the AK

Well I think it is only fitting that I post a few pictures that were taken along my drive up here and a recent hike to an old mine. I have quickly found, as evident by one of the first pictures while driving north through the Yukon that this place has a lot to offer. I used to think that God’s beauty and work were the Alps…don’t get my wrong, but I have had the privilege of seeing another area that His hand has touched. Ray, I know what Iraq looks like and we have already established that he took a nap during that area of the world. However, the beauty the AK possess can not be explained. I only hope that each you take the time to come and visit. And yes that is the first brown bear I have seen, I am not sure what he meant when he stared at me but I am pretty sure it meant that he could eat me and no one would know. Now let explain something. Actually I don’t have anything to explain right now except for a simple complaint. I used to be somewhat frustrated with urinals that don’t have stalls or guards or what have you. Not because of peepers or something but I hated it when someone with a full bladder would let it go and I would get sprayed with their waste. By the way it is not sterile and Pegg shouldn’t have drank it that one time. Anyway, yes I am a stage freight guy. Not that I typically urinate in front of others but I have had my fair share of pee tests mainly because of my career not my usage. And with out fail I have to drink to moment of bursting and a bitter taste in my mouth before I can flow…and it is painful. Back to my point with the stalls, I have encountered a bigger issue. At one of my stops across North America (many stories to come) I stopped with the urge…to pee that is. I come in and there is one urinal in a public bathroom but it was no joke 6 inches from the only sink. No problem right…wrong. The toilet flushes in the pooper stall. A large, and by large I mean whale of a man, comes out and despite the fact I was already struggling for air decides to wash his hands. This is the one time I wish somebody wouldn’t have; much like Aaron. Nevertheless he begins to wash his hands. And I don’t know what language he was singing the birthday song in but he must have taken nearly a minute. Mind you my relaxed body state and normally easy flow as now ceased. Because he was touching me. Not in a “red light” kind of way but in the “he was large and his love handles were crowding my personal space” kind of way. I thought someone staring at you while relieving yourself was bad enough, but someone touching you whose bodily odor is still present in the room and taking 7 days to wash his hands; is perhaps the most uncomfortable and painful thing I have been through. Next to watching Aaron poop in the back of someone’s car…ask him about it.
I will be posting more soon, some pointless and some meaningless…I mean worth reading.

the AK

I am in Anchorage looking for a house to buy. I will be writting a lot here shortly, just waiting to pick some pics and some stories to tell you about. Wait for it...

A Blurr

Well I am starting the final and probably largest leg of my journey today. I started in Germany and from here flew to Radford where I walked into people's homes with strawberry creame slushes and cups of coffee. I spoke to some nursing students and played some ball with the old summer fun gang; even planted some bushes with the dj. I then went to Georgia where i jumped out planes...ummm....yeah, and then picked up my car in Hotlanta and started the journey across North America. Stopping in Knoxville for a little bit of Jersey, on to Richmond KY for my little sissi, followed by dinner and brew at the Motor Speed way. Proceeded by a walk through the Windy City and lunch in Rochester MN. Continued by solving a murder, or having dinner in Fargo and another doughnut for lunch in Bismark. Spent a week at the place I find peace and solitude in Camp. The went to Turner Montana with mom and dad a brief stop off at home in Glasgow and back to Turner. I now leave this am to drive through Canada and the Yukon. There are many stories to tell of this journey and those will come out in a mini series perhaps. Maybe Enigma can produce it. Love you all, miss you all and will see you soon.
pH

Meanings

You have to be looking for something to back the title here. I myself am not entirely sure what to make of it. On one side you have drinking fountains which at the right moment can be the most refreshing things in site. On the other, a conglamorate of signs and lights that can represent satisfaction or perhaps confusion and frustration. I don't know. What about you? What do you think? I recently had an argument about lemonade vs water. Personally lemonade is my favorite but water tends to quench that need...not sure why that is. Something about 80% of something. Anyway, I really am making it obvious that I have no idea what to write about. Maybe the words are ruining the pictures. What the... Anyway, I am going to write about what Dr. Pegg had to say and then I am going to write some about what is going on. Check them out. Oh yeah, interested in some good listening...check out the kershel record...will blow your mind.
pH

The Journey

I guess at times we just don't know how much people appreciate your presence. Whether it is something special, annoying, irritating or what have you. People still tend to smile when they see you. You do however see that it is a genuine gesture and not a fake one. I just recently spent the past few days in my home town. I haven't been there for 5 years and as I walked through the church doors, school cafeteria, and seperate business to see old yet so familar faces, I was greeted with open arms...firm shakes....and a warmfelt smile! It says something to know that each of those people cared and wanted to know what was going on, where I was headed and what continues to drive me. They each prayed, laughed, spoke, and even shared old memories that continue to hold strong today. I missed them all, and at times didn't know it. I hope that never happens again. I will carry those faces with me...the good...and the bad.
pH

Gulliver's Travels

So many of you have wondered where I am, what the rain, wind and sun have done to me over the past month and some change. Well, the scene to your right is a shot right out of my front living room window in Turner Montana. Don't bother asking, but there are only 51 people in this town and today I could see 47 miles with out obstruction. In other words...there is nothing here. However, an interesting concept hit me last night as my dad and I competed on the lanes for the best score and my mother opened presents for the 50th time in her life. Playing in the same lanes with us where the people that feed the world...with out doubt the US. From wheat and corn to beef and pork. I was tossing large balls...hahahaha...at some pins with some of the most influential farmers in this country. Each owning land exceeding 10,000 acres. It was a concept hard to grasp. That beer bellied guy that just threw a gutter ball puts the food on your table. When you stopped to think about it...it was an erie and underated thought. It is obvious to see that this is their way of life and despite putting in 20 hour days on a tractor fighting the dust bowls, they could still pause for a pitcher and a good laugh.

It is good to be back. Coming up are some stories from Airborne School, the road trip, camp, and many more.
pH