It's been a long while since I've posted, obviously. I was at Sally's on the Olympic Peninsula for 2 wonderful months, and we had adventures on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Discovery Trail, the fishing village of Sikiu, Cape Flattery, Poulsbo, Port Angeles, Sequim, Port Townsend, Lavender farms, cider farms, and her lovely 6.5 acres of pine trees, ravens, eagles, and peace. I did get home sick as time went on, and I started the hunt for a home while there. I found a funky, quirky 1971 patio home in Sun City which closes on October 31. I also came to the decision to sell Minnie, due to the ongoing expense, so she's listed on Craigslist if you are interested. LOL. I'll buy a pop up camper eventually that I can pull behind my Highlander so I can continue my adventures during those hot AZ summer months. 

I'm staying at my dear friend Wacky's while she and her husband Jeff are in Europe for the month. It's a slice of paradise and thank god the evenings and mornings are cool so I can hike in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve every morning and hang out in her oasis in the evenings. 

It was an amazing six months and 7 thousand miles, and I'm thankful that I was able to take that journey. One day, I will journey again. Until then, be well my friends. 

Love and joy, Watson

Journal Entry from July 15 - A Stoned Afternoon

 July 15 a drunk morning and a stoned afternoon of journaling: 

I am in General Sibley Park south of Bismarck. No wifi, so I am writing in my journal. I arrived yesterday after driving from Maple Grove MN on I94. It always takes me longer than Google Maps says, and yesterday was brutal due to the crosswinds. Needless to say, but I will anyway, my gas mileage sucked. It was, though, a beautiful drive with lush green farmlands and trees. I kept seeing these lush waterways along the interstate, and I thought, "Geez, how can we get this water to the southwest?" More on that later. 

General Sibley Park has almost 100 sites but they are spaced well apart. Grass and trees are everywhere, so it's lovely. My spot was on the edge of the park with access to a 2 mile nature trail. I held that walk til Monday as Willow had diarrhea the night before and sleep had eluded both of us. We got up 5 times in the night. Poor thing. I attribute that to the crappy KOA "K"ampground  we stayed the night before... there was an obvious  lack of grooming and maintenance. So, don't stay at the North Minneapolis KOA. Glad we were there just one night. 

My first night at General S park, I enjoyed sitting outside drinking Corona and I kept hearing a high pitched screech. My neighbors had a baby, but surely that can't be it. There were turkeys in a yard across from the park...could it be them? There were all kinds of bird song, but nope, not them either. It was the baby! Holy crap, I love babies, but I wanted to stick a pacifier in that little one's mouth. Thank God they went inside their camper so Willow and I could have a good night's sleep. 

I knew it was gonna be a cool night, 48 degrees ya'll! So I put my thermal skylight covers on and closed all the windows but one. Woke in the morning to 57 degrees inside and thew on my thermal gear to step outside. Fucking awesome. Even put on my furry slippers. Willow was shaking a bit, but that could also be because she spied a squirrel...her favorite prey. Anyway, morning coffee outside after a long night's sleep with no diarrhea was a blessed event After coffee and Willow's breakfast, which she wolfed down like a starving stray, we put on our hiking gear and headed out for a walk on the Interpretive Trail which goes around the 138 acre park. 

On the trail we learned about the lush water I saw along I94. These are known as Riparian Ecosystems, which are the river channels, floodplains, sandbars, and vegetation areas important to all that live in ND. Well okay ND, keep your water. 

Along the trail are these river channels, and although it seems impossible just looking at the lush surroundings, there was a boat launch on the channel which leads to the Missouri River. Very cool. 

The trail had information about General Sibley, whom I decided, I would protest against if I was alive back then. Sure, he was following orders, but fucking don't kill the people who are native to the land which is expansive enough to house all of humankind back then each with their own 5000 acres. Geesh. It was a fucked up time in our history. Kinda like it is now. Anyway, I digress. Immersed in nature, I can escape those "newsworthy" events that are shaking up our world. Thank goodness. Blissfully unaware. . 

The trail was lovely and Willow chased everything that moved. She was a contented soul when we returned to camp. 

I don't eat breakfast until late in the morning, and this morning after our walk, I thought, "It's a Bloody Mary kinda day!" So that's what I'm doing now, and I'm a little bit drunk after just a few sips. I'm nearly alone in this area of the park, and I hear only lawn mowers, and what? firecrackers. There are houses that border the park and these unsupervised little shits are firing at will. Since I'm a bit tipsy, I yelled across at them, "Just stop. You are ruining my peace, and my dog is scared to death." LOL

So, that's my day so far. Willow and I are going to play frisbee golf this afternoon and maybe walk back to the river channel on the off chance we could hitch a ride on a boat to the river. Hahaha. There was a big river paddle boat heading out on an evening cruise when we crossed the bridge coming in yesterday. Fun. Reminded me of Omaha. 

Later that same day....we went to play frisbee golf. Willow does not know how to play with humans yet. She's part cattle dog, so agility games are good for her; however, she is afraid when someone throws anything, so it's a long journey learning to play. Thus we'll play frisbee golf, which is me playing to get her used to things thrown. And after I threw, we ran...yes hard to do at my age...to the firsbee which usually landed about 30 to 40 feet away...I think that's not stellar, but I felt okay with it since I suck at frisbee. I usually made it in 3 or 4 shots. I was cheering myself every time I made a good throw or made it in the basket. I imagine if someone saw me they would find it quite ridiculous. Willow loved it...well the running anyway. 

After we played 9 holes, I turned on Pandora and listened to the Heavy UK, smoked a joint...well a hit cuz I'm a total one hit wonder... did the dishes. Then I sat my ass down to write this. 

Damn, it's gorgeous right now. A few clouds floating in a bright blue sky, a slight breeze and 75 degrees. These are the days I look forward to on my trip. I feel super peaceful and care free. 

My clothes keep getting looser, in fact, I put on my hiking pants today with a zipper and button closure (which is completely against my clothing belief system...elastic and stretch please!) and I put my phone and keys in the pockets adding weight and they were falling down my hips as I played frisbee. Uh, do I hear a "Hallelujah!"? I love being in shape. The pandemic messed that up for awhile. So, a good day. 

I quit washing my hair...like for a week now...I get it wet sometimes...anyway it looks better...no curly frizzy fly away hair. What an adjustment not having an appliance for my hair. It's great really. Here's my getting ready to "go out" routine: 

Brush teeth, take a PTA bath, wet my hair and fluff, put on deodorant (aren't ya glad?), face and body lotion, brush my crazy eyebrows, get dressed in something stretchy and comfy, put on my better Birkenstock knock offs, grab my decent (clean) visor, clean my glasses, and wahla, I'm out the door for dinner. 

Pretty easy. If it's not easy I just say no. I mean, I like a challenge, but not with the simple things. 

I live an adventurous challenge everyday these days. Maybe it's called retirement. LOL It's great. I may die from the additional cigarettes I can smoke when I'm just sitting outside like a retiree. I'm working on that...soon. 

Here's how I ended this journal entry that day: 

I'm sure when I start typing this when I'm not stoned, I'll want to edit this post. DON'T DO IT! 

Peace, heart emoji, 5 sheets of TP at a time, Watson

Finally Photos

 After much haggling with Google Photos, I have pictures to share!

Here is my camp in Maple Grove MN where I spent a week without electric and water hookups, but all good. I had a primo spot next to the toilets, fresh water, and dish washing sink...really awesome. When I arrived Friday, all spots were full with the exception of the one next to mine...very nice. The camp was next to Lake Independence and the trails were great. 

I got new 3 new tires in Maple Grove and headed to Bismarck ND for 2 nights and camped near the Missouri River. Good trails there and a frisbee golf course, so of course, I played although I'm terrible. Trying to get Willow used to me throwing whatever...I'd throw, we'd run to the frisbee and when I made it in the "hole"...is that what they call it...I would jump and yell in my happy voice. She did well putting up with the throwing and with me. LOL

After 2 days in General Sibley Park, and an oil change in town, we headed to Billings MT for a night. The drive was spectacular and we stopped at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Painted Canyon overlook. Yep, the exact spot a woman was gored by a bison a few days before. Seriously, it's right off the interstate...how the heck does that happen? 

Not great photos and yep, a thumb. But it was gorgeous, and I didn't see a single Bison. Whew!

In Billings, I camped at the Missouri headwaters which is 3 rivers joining and all that was flying was mosquitoes everywhere all the time. Ugh. But pretty none the less. 

I was going to take the Beartooth Highway down to the north part of Yellowstone; however, the more I read about the drive, I came to realize I would be white knuckling it the whole way. Jason, let's put that drive on our bucket list and go together in not an RV. So on to Bozeman I went and camped along the beautiful Yellowstone River. 

I hung out in Bozeman the next morning and walked the city park trail and had breakfast. 

I drove from Bozeman to Couer d'Alene ID and stayed for 2 nights in a nice camp but with no trails, so I was kind of stuck. I did get to see Lake Couer d'Alene as I left for the Cascade mountains of Washington. 

I stayed at this little run down place in the alpine lakes area of the cascades. It was quaint though with some hilarious people talking about ridiculous things...which I only just overheard because, well, they were 50 feet from me. LOL. 

And then I arrived at Sally and Bob's in Sequim WA. It's pretty much heaven. Cool weather, 10 minute bike ride to the ocean, taking the boat out onto the ocean, hearing the ship horns as they travel port to port, and watching the eagles dive for fish in the pond. More pics to follow, but here are a few. 

Watson signing out with peace in my heart. 

Journey to Sequim

I traveled across Minnesota and North Dakota, Montana and Idaho into Washington over 6 days. I arrived in Sequim WA Sunday and settled Minnie in a corner surrounded by pine trees on Sally and Bob's 6 acres. I spent 2 nights in General Sibley State Park south of Bismarck which was green, expansive and had great trails. I spent the next night in Billings, the next in Bozeman, 2 nights in Couer d'Alene, and one in the alpine lakes area of the Cascades. My pictures are not conveying yet to my computer so forthcoming...and I'm sure I didn't always capture the beauty of these northern states. Sal is about a 10 minute bike ride to the ocean, so you can imagine this place is pretty dang magical. I'm tired tonight so signing out and hoping to share photos of my journey soon. 

Peace ya'll. Watson

NE, IA, MN and soon the Northwest!

 I have been visiting with friends and family constantly and just haven't stopped socializing to write. I was also off grid all last week, so no wifi connection. 

Joyce and I walked all over historic Omaha. She lives in Dundee (yes, where Paul McCartney hangs out with Warren Buffet and Bono hangs out with Susie Buffet.) We walked a different direction each day and covered about 18 miles in 5 days. Here we are in Memorial Park at the traveling sculpture which is the same as the one in Key West and San Diego; however, I believe it is not as large. 

Willow peed in Warren Buffet's yard...her claim to fame on one of our walks. Joyce, Mike and I ate well and played well. Trixie, Steve, and Hiatt came for Saturday brunch, so I got to see most of the COT...Mary, Ray and Lisa, I hope to see you next time! Thank you Joyce and Mike!

I went back to J&Ks for a few days and then back into Omaha for a wedding. NE Carol's daughter, Emily, married Mike...a simple, fun wedding with lots of laughter and love. Congratulations Emily and Mike!

The bride and groom:

Carol and I had some fun of our own. 

I headed back to J&Ks for a few days and then took off for Iowa. I will never be able to thank Jerry and Kathy enough for their amazing hospitality. Thank you Jerry and Kathy...love you guys so much! 

I parked Minnie at the Dallas County Fairgrounds and Leslie, one of my high school pals, and her husband Paul, packed Willow and I into their car and into West Des Moines we went to stay. We went to a street dance, went kayaking, and bicycling. They live in a beautiful place and area near the Des Moines River. There is so much to do within minutes of their house and we took full advantage. Thank you Leslie and Paul!

And now I've been in Minnesota for a week to see my sister Suz, her husband Jay, who's been my brother in law since I was 13!, nephew Jason and his wife Kristin and kiddos Jason and Ellory, and niece Katie and her husband Erik and kiddos Mac and Bridget. I DID NOT TAKE PICTURES...what was I thinking? They visited my camp at Baker Park Reserve about 20 minutes from them,  a few times and then Katie loaned me a car so I could drive in and visit them. Their lives are a lot about the kids these days, but they make as much time for themselves as they can. PJ is working two jobs, teaching mountain biking and valet, Ellory is playing softball but loves basketball, Mac is playing baseball and Bridget is playing volleyball. They are cool kids and their parents are too and of course Grammy O and Poppa are the coolest. LOL. I hadn't seen most of them for many years...it was awesome. Thank you my MN fam!

Baker Park is next to Lake Independence and there are miles of biking and walking trails. I do have photos of the Park but since I was off grid...they haven't transferred to my computer as of yet. I am now in a KOA campground, not super cool like Baker Park, but I have electricity and water and wifi, and I can do my laundry. :) I start my journey to the northwest on Sunday. First stop is Sibley State Park just south of Bismarck ND. I'll start planning the rest of my path to Sequim, WA tomorrow. 

Peace, love and cheers! Watson

I

Been Awhile

I was at NE Carol's in Omaha for a few days, in West Point NE with AZ Carol's parents for a night, and then back at the Jerry and Kathy Haven. Been awhile since I knew what day it is but I know where I'm going and when. 

Being at Carol's was like walking back in time to my 18 years in Omaha. We've been friends since the day our daughters met a month after I moved to Omaha from Phoenix. There's something about Carol. Girl can cook and bake. She loves animals more than humans...well sorta. She makes a mean margarita but we usually choose beer. She made home made Kahlua once. We tasted and modified that brew for hours...it was perfect. I don't remember anything more that night. Hiatt, you'll remember drinking that brew one night at my house as we planned my flower beds and you were so sick on your flight the next day. Yep, damn good Kahlua. 

Carol has a dog, Buster, who taught Willow to bark...at random...at passing neighbors...just for the love of hearing her voice. We've talked and Willow knows that's not so cool with me, so she's quieted down. Buster is pretty adorable and so is Carol. Carol lost her son Andrew in a fire 3 years ago. He was so young and his traveling soul was just at the beginning of his journeys. She's so strong. She is finding her way through the immense grief. Her daughter Emily is getting married July 1st, and I am so happy I can be there. We got you Carol. You are never alone no matter where your kids and your friends are. Hearts joined forever. 

I drove to West Point NE last Wednesday to spend time with AZ Carol's parents Duane and Ardith. I've gotten to know them well over the last almost 35 years and have had the honor to join in several family gatherings in West Point. They used to be RVers, so had a level pad for Minnie and shade. Their granddaughter, Nikki, and her husband, Ben, and 2 year old son Owen moved to West Point this year. Cool old house a block or so off main street that they are slowly making cosmetic changes to. Owen is a charmer....truly....I had to put my napkin over my eyes several times because he was smiling at me and showing his dimples and batting his eyelashes. What a cutie. I don't think I have pictures...I've been unplugged a lot lately, but I'll see if I can find one. It was a lovely stay and even better since I won at the card game Golf....yeah man!

Everyday at J&Ks is a joy. Walks, bike rides, boat rides, J&Ks daughters and their kids, cousin Richard's visits, and a night out at Donohue's where I got to see Gaile and her daughter Claudia who lost their husband, father and my cousin Joe 3 years ago. Joe was the guy whom everyone loved even though he likely owed them all money (said with great love.) When he died in the emergency room (heart attack) about 150 people came to the ER to say goodbye and see all the Watson family members gathered together in their grief. His funeral was about 350 people. Amazing outpouring of love and kindness. 

Thursday, I'm packing bags and leaving Minnie to stay with Joyce and Mike in Omaha for a few days. They are on the last leg of a 32 day adventure to the Arctic Circle so arrive home tonight. Can't wait to spend time with them and hopefully the other exclusive members of the Circle of Trust (COT). 

Did I mention we went to the Testicle Festival? Jerry and Kathy in the photo below. LOL. 

Kathy and I stopped at the Heron Bay bar on our bike ride. Platte River behind us. 

NE Carol in her back yard next to the wind chimes Allex's dad made. It has Andrews name on it and her and her kid's initials: CARE, Carol, Andrew, Rob, and Emily. 

Peace, love and balls.  Watson

The Druunk Watson

 I was with my cousins Jerry and Kathy Watson's in Springfield NE for four days. Its heaven on earth and that's no exaggeration. How blessed am I, a woman living a simple life, that I have these havens on earth. 

Well, I'm a terrible photographer and a professional drinker, so it makes sense. I'll be staying with Jerry and Kathy again next week. Kathy may have to quit her job before she gets fired because I'm a professional drinker and we are winos. Anyway, I let Willow off her leash here on day 2, and that dog ran, and ran, and came back when called. And, by day 3 and 4, she didn't shy away from Jerry and Kath...she was so comfortable...sunset ride on neighbor Jerry's Pontoon...magic for this dog. 

I sat in the screened pavilion for hours. Drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, smoking NOT Nebraska weed. I don't do that often. Hahaha. But when I do, I'm free. Retirement has given me the gift of doing whatever I want to do whenever I want to do it. I don't have much money, but I'm so God damn happy right now. And I'm too drunk to find the words...which is weird, cause I love words. And that pisses me off. LOL. 

Love you all. I wish for you the blessed happiness we deserve. Peace, Watson

 I left Lafayette last Monday and went to Chadron State Park in northwest Nebraska. It was beautiful as was the entire drive through northern CO and WY on my way there. The rains have created an oasis of green where normally the summer sun has already turned much to brown. 

I arrived at the park and needed to dump the sewer tanks before making camp. I left Willow inside and the driver side window down about 7 inches. That little Houdini squirmed her way out of that window and flew to the ground 6 feet below. She ran like the wind up and down the meadow area by the dump. I couldn't stop the dump process so I just let her be. When I was done, I called her and of course she didn't come. So I got in Minnie and drove toward the campground. She ran gleefully behind me for about 2000 feet to the turn where I stopped, got out with her leash, and thank Buddha, she ran right up to me. Whew. She's finally decided she's not really leaving home, just taking advantage of my carelessness to get in a good run. One day I pray, that she can be outside Minnie without a leash. 

We spent the next 2 days hiking the miles of park trails. So beautiful. 

After removing about 20 ticks, we packed up camp and drove on to Burwell NE to my cousin Bill Watson's homestead. He is a couple miles from the Calamus Reservoir and takes his pontoon out as often as he can. 

Bill built his cabin from a kit. It's so nice. He looks down on the golf course which he is on everyday, sometimes twice a day. I stayed four nights and I am certain my liver could not have survived more. His son Paul, named after my dad, was there with his son Crendan. Paul just retired from the service...Green Berets. He works with the Special Services Foundation providing support for veterans. He's a special person who cares so much for his comrades no matter which war they served, the foundation provides life changing services. I was glad to get to know him again as an adult. 

Bill has an eight month old puppy, Joe, who was named for Bill's brother Joe who passed away suddenly and too early about 3 years ago. Joe is Joe reincarnated. Doesn't listen to anyone and loves the ladies. Joe loves to play and he kept after Willow until she finally learned how to play. A huge milestone in Willow's life. They played for hours and when I told Willow it was time to go to the next place, she was not having it and I had to carry her out Bill's front door. 

Yesterday, I arrived at my cousin Jerry Watson's home on a small lake near Springfield NE outside of Omaha. I have the perfect spot and they have the perfect home, outdoor living and beach. More to follow on this stay...we will be here a few days and will be back before we leave for Iowa in July. Stay tuned. 

Peace and party! Watson

Cherry Creek State Park

 Cherry Creek State Park camping is spacious and beautiful. Here's a picture of Julia's sister Katie's favorite site at sunset. 

My site had no hookups, so I was boon-docking, so to speak, for the first time. It worked well and saved $40. My cheap ass retirement spending appreciates that. Cherry Creek park and reservoir is within the Aurora CO city limits and has very nice beaches and fishing I hear. John Van Ginkel, an Atlantic High School friend, lives a half mile from the park, so he rode to the camp on Monday morning. As we walked along the beaches, about a mile from my site, there were piles and piles of trash everywhere. Not usual he said and it made him pretty angry. Continuing our walk, we came upon several police officers and a ranger with a Geiger counter combing an area just up from the beach. Interesting. I remembered seeing police car lights the night before, and did hear a sound that I thought was a car back firing. So, the story came out that there was an incident involving two men and gun shots; thus, why the beach was left in haste by the poor people who were trying to enjoy an evening on the beach. Always something happening somewhere as I travel. 

Willow has been observing squirrels and bunnies, and if she could, she would catch them and...eat them? Hell if I know what she would do. There were no squirrels to speak of in my neighborhood...gotta have trees ya know. So, this is a new specie she is studying with great intent. I do believe I could put this girl to work for a farmer who would like to rid themselves of them. She is also intently focused on bunnies, but seriously, I know they eat vegetables, but they are so cute I just could not stand any harm coming to them. Anyway, pass the word along that Willow is available for hire. Could be a great second income for me. 

I am leaving Colorado next week and going north to Wyoming and northern Nebraska. I haven't decided where I will camp first, but I need to call my cousin Bill who spends a lot of time on a plot of land somewhere in west/central Nebraska. I may venture toward Mt. Rushmore or the Black Hills, and eventually I will spend some time on the Niabrara River in northern Nebraska. 

Onward I go. Peace, Watson

Lafayette, Rain, Food, Alcohol, and Art

 When I set my itinerary for this six month journey, it included only occasional gentle rains. I am a wimp. California high desert cooperated, Phoenix cooperated, Colorado has not. As I stated in my last post, I moved into Julia's home last Wednesday with the plan of moving back into Minnie in a day or two. Ha! The rain kept coming for the next several days...ducks arrived on the street too... that's how wet it has been. Finally, this past Tuesday, I moved back into Minnie. Living together in close quarters came with both laughter and challenges, amazing meals prepared by Julia, and more than enough alcohol consumption. Maple, who we are quite sure is pregnant for real, has not been feeling well, and having Willow in her home has likely not been helping. But we made it through, and I am happy to report, we are all doing well. 

Neighbor Saxon is a trained cheese chef aficionado with a stash of cheese in her freezer that needed to be used. Julia invited her friend Lynne to join us for a fabulous fondue dinner. It was amazing as was the company. Lynne's husband is a well known artist, David Foley, and Julia has one of his paintings in her home. You may know of him from a gallery in Scottsdale and Santa Fe in addition to Colorado (and I'm sure others.).Here is the painting in Julia's home. 

Lafayette was a coal mining community, and has a plethora of historic homes and a historic downtown. In addition, Lafayette is home to many artists which is evidenced throughout the neighborhoods and downtown by the abundance of sculptures and murals. I have a number of photos of the murals; however, there are over 80 in Lafayette...possibly I'll find them all before I leave? 

Julia flew to Detroit to meet her daughter, Zetta, who is in law school in Ann Arbor. They are driving back to CO where Zetta has a summer position with the DA's office in Denver. Yes, she's impressive as is her sister, Marcella, who is in the peace corps serving the Zulu nation in South Africa. 

Willow and I moved back into the house this morning to ride out yet another 2 day storm system. I will be camping at Cherry Creek Park on Sunday and Monday...forecast is sunshine...please, please be true!

Peace, Watson