page contents Google

OREGON HISTORICAL BUSINESS

The Oregon Historical Society holds a special place in my heart. I took a temporary job there as a museum guard, a six month assignment to watch over an exhibit called Soft Gold. Six months turned into twenty-odd years before I signed off. It was a dream job from guard, to exhibit worker, to curatorial […]

HUSBAND GOALS, FATHER GOALS 2023

Husband goals? First, get married. Father goals? Then have kids. But what’s next? Let’s start with husband goals.

CAR LOVE, OR LOVE CAR

Car love depends on who is in the car. Of course we all love a car we can pack to the rafters and drive down the road. But it’s not about what’s in there, it’s who. After 4100 miles of togetherness I’ve got nominations.

THE WESTERN WAY + + +

The western way shows a solitary figure on a journey of self-discovery. That was my goal when I started. Just me and the boys and a dog. John, Bill, Stu, and Ruby. I would encase the memory like high-silica ground water does to fallen logs buried in mud. Except my memory would take three weeks, […]

4100 MILES IN THREE WEEKS. WHAT I LEARNED:

e How it started. Wife: We could fly to Albuquerque and rent a car to see Monument Valley. Me: Or we could drive down and see what we miss from the air. Wife: You drive and I’ll meet you in Albuquerque. Me: Then I’m taking the dog with me. Wife: What?

DRIVING LESSONS FOR THE WORRIED ROAD WARRIOR

These driving lessons are for you, not your car. But you worry about your car? So do I. Just remember, part of travel is mingling with the locals along your fellow drivers. And their cars.

THE HOME STRETCH FROM BAKER CITY OREGON

It’s not a welcome mat, and the rest stops aren’t as lavishly furnished, but it’s a good sign. So was reserving a room in the Geiser Grand.

NAVIGATING WITH HELP ON MY SHOULDER

W. C. Fields said he wouldn’t work with kids or animals. I’m no W. C. Fields and I work with kids and animals. People have stories of bad pet travel. Not me. Ruby has been a travel star. People see her and flip a switch. What switch?

SUNRISE ARCHES FOR EARLY VIEWS

I asked someone who lives near Arches National Park their advice on what not to miss. After maps and visitors’ centers and miles gone before we sleep, I got an unexpected answer. “The most important thing about this part of the country is the sun. Try and see places like they were seen for ages, […]

LEARNING EARTH PROCESSES = GEOLOGY?

I’ve been learning earth processes since my first rock fight: Sandstone with friends, gravel for the bad guys down on the corner.