Hi there!
I guess I have some catch-up blogging to do, huh?!? Before I tell you about Thanksgiving and what has happened since, I will continue my last blog...... Yesterday evening I completed The Walk at about 6 pm. My daughter Kate is busy with school and with work, so I am working around her schedule. She got home at about 5:45 pm last night, so I walked from my friend Erik's house so that I could meet her at home when she got there. I did!!!! It was great to see her. I haven't seen her in about 3 months. We went out to dinner and after that she got to meet Erik and his friends and roommates. I don't know if you know or not, but the destination from the beginning was to be at my daughter's doorstep. It is interesting to walk around here and to remember that I drove down here not quite 30 years ago to visit my girlfriend, Kate's mother, who also went to Cal Poly. Now all these years later, I have a daughter who goes to the same college her mom went to! It is a nice place with nice people. This Thursday Kate will have more time, so we will be able to spend some quality time together then. Maybe we'll go for a hike!!!
Sooooooo, back up the coast we go!....... Before I left my motel in San Simeon, a nice young lady at the front desk named Alex told me about a community Thanksgiving dinner being offered in Cambria. I thought that that sounded great. We have something similar back home in Fortuna. I walked on, enjoying the sunny day with the rain having left us. I made my way down the coast until I got to San Simeon State Park. It was still fairly early in the day as I paid my fee to camp there. It is a beautiful campground and I was surprised to see how many people were camping there the day before Thanksgiving. I walked down a hill and entered the campground, and as I came around a corner, there was a couple with two young daughters- one in a stroller! I saw them and said, "Hey, a stroller with a real kid!" We started talking and they got excited about what I was doing! We hadn't talked that long when they said, "Would you like to have Thanksgiving with us tomorrow?" I said, "You bet!!!" Isn't that great? They told me what site number they were in. I told them about the dinner in Cambria and they said that someone had just told them about the same thing. I told them that I would like to take them up on their offer, but that I would also like to go into town and see if they needed help with the preparation or serving of the dinner. I said goodbye for now, then found my campsite and set up my tent. After that I walked into Cambria and found the Veterans Hall where the dinner was to be held the next day. I was lucky enough to find the couple there who organized the whole thing. I asked if I could help and they said no! They said that they had plenty of help already, so they told me to just come and enjoy the fellowship and food. Sounded good! When I got back to camp I went to my new friend's campsite and told them that I would indeed like to have Thanksgiving with them. Their names are Aylon and Joanna, and their daughters are Ayla and Maya. I went back to my tent, thankful for the fact that earlier this morning I didn't know what I was going to do for Thanksgiving, and now I had two Thanksgivings to enjoy! God is good! That night it was very cold! It froze! Guess what? My sleeping bag is not that good! Time for a new bag......
Good Thanksgiving morning!....... I got up, enjoyed a coin-operated shower in the campground, then took off walking for Cambria. I got there 45 minutes later and the Vet's Hall was full! There were a lot of people there eating and enjoying themselves. I got some food and the people were very friendly. I got to talking to a number of people and made some new friends. I like Cambria. It is a cute little town and it reminds me a lot of my hometown of Ferndale, California. The people are very nice too. I finished my food (I didn't eat a lot- I had to save room!) and my new friend Janet introduced me to a couple who are friends of hers. They offered me a ride back to the campground, so I accepted it. We had a great visit, and they took me right to my campsite. I thanked them, then ran to site 64, where the family was waiting for me. They were staying in their RV, and I think Joanna cooked a lot of the day in the RV. She had done a lot of prep at home, but she put together a large and amazing spread! We had everything! Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, greenbean casserole, dressing........ you know, everything! And two kinds of pies! We sat outside at the picnic table by a campfire and shared Thanksgiving together. It was great. I thought about how blessed I was just to have had the kind of day I had had! Thank you! They were thankful for my company, and I was very thankful for theirs. We shared- we blessed eachother. That's what it's all about, isn't it? So thank you, Aylon, Joanna, Maya, and Ayla- thank you for making this day special. Once again, the greatest blessing on this journey has been the people. God provides, and He often does it through people. WE are His hands, His arms, His feet.......WE are the conduit that He flows through. What an honor and a privilege.................
Brrrrrr!!!!!! Another freezing night! But the morning was bright and sunny. I packed up, went and said goodbye to the family, and headed out. Today I was headed to Cayucos. Cayucos is about halfway between San Simeon and Morro Bay State Park campground, and I knew that I was going to have to stay at a motel there. I spent the night at an economical motel there, then left in the morning.
I was headed to Morro Bay State Campground that night. Before I left town I bought a sandwich and some other stuff for lunch that day. I walked along, enjoying the sights along the way. It wasn't long before I could see Morro Rock off in the distance. Morro Rock is a huge chunk of rock that sits all by itself just off the shore of the community of Morro Bay- you can see it for miles. I had put my rain gear on today, as it was sprinkling a bit. I walked along the highway here, which is more like a freeway here than the two-lane Highway 1 that I am used to. You don't realize it until you are out there walking- how noisy it is! All the sounds of the tires, the vehicles, everything... is quite loud. You don't really notice it until all the traffic momentarily clears, then you relish and enjoy the quiet. It usually doesn't last long! I made my way into Morro Bay and got off on Main Street. I got onto a bike path and found a place to sit to enjoy my lunch. I finished about half of the food that I had bought, then packed up and hit the trail again. A short ways down the path I encountered a man coming my direction. I met up with him and greeted him. He returned my greeting. His name is Kevin. I gathered from our conversation that he was in need, so I gave him the rest of my lunch. He was very grateful! Then I got to thinking about all the food I still had in my food bag so I told him, "Wait a minute, I've got more." I got out the bag and dumped it all out on the sidewalk. I kept what I needed for a couple meals, then gave him the rest. It turns out that he was out of propane, so he had no way to cook. But guess what I found yesterday? Alongside the road was a $20 bill! I told Kevin, "Hey, I found something yesterday, and I think it has your name on it to buy some propane with!" So I gave it to him to use to buy some propane. We were both blessed, and we both made a new friend. Thanks Kevin......... We said goodbye and I headed back down the road. Then guess what it started to do? Yep. Rain again! Then it started to get heavy. So I have to confess that this weather changed my plans...I was headed to a campground, but now it was to a motel instead! I priced a few right when I got into town, and ended up selecting the Villager Motel. The owner/desk clerk who met me is named Dan. We got to talking and he shared all kinds of things about himself and his family with me. His family was out of town for the night, so he was here by himself. He told me about his mother and father, and how he had just taken his father back to India, where he wanted to go for his last days. Dan misses his parents very much. Dan also told me about how he is also an engineer, and how his company from Paso Robles is the one that designed and built the cap that stopped the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico! He also told me about how his father had put his own brothers through college, and how his father had made it a lifelong commitment to help the poor. I made a good friend in Dan. I checked into my room and then later went across the street for dinner. I had some comfort food- a hot roast beef sandwich with gravy and mashed potatoes- just right for cold, rainy weather. I even took a picture of it! After eating I had an idea. I selected two pieces of different kinds of pie, then asked the waitress to box them up separately to go. I paid, then headed out the door. I went into the motel office and Dan came to the counter. I asked him if he had had desert yet and he said no- so I let him pick which piece of pie he wanted. Dang! He chose the chocolate! Oh well. Maybe I should have gotten two pieces of chocolate cream pie...... We enjoyed our deserts while he told me more about India and his visits there. He told me how his father had told him about Mahatma Gandhi. They called him Bapoo Mahatma Gandhi. "Bapoo" means "grandfather" in India. I shared with Dan that I had called my own grandfather "Bapoo"!!!! Isn't that interesting? I don't know how I or my family came up with that pet name for my grandpa, but we did. I thanked Dan for sharing with me, then said good night and went to bed.
In the morning I stopped by to say goodbye to Dan. He told me to stop by anytime and stay and visit. He is a good man. Once again, I consider it a privilege, and an honor, to listen to someone and the things that they have to share with me.
Well, today was THE DAY!! Today was the day that I knew I was going to walk into San Luis Obispo! It is rather hard to believe- two months and about 550 miles of walking! I walked out of Morro Bay and enjoyed the beautiful sights and the beautiful weather. Along the way KSBY TV found me and interviewed me. You already know the rest of the story, as I wrote it yesterday............
So now what? First of all, I'm a bit tired right now......and a bit tired of writing. But I like writing. I have had mixed thoughts and feelings these last few days- as I think you can probably well imagine. I am sad that the walking is over- for now! I am happy with this accomplishment. Mostly I am very thankful for the privilege of meeting all the people that I met. Right now I am thankful for Erik and his friends taking me in and giving me a place to stay. I'm not sure just what all to think right now. I want to stick around a while so that I can spend some time with Kate. Then I will look into taking the bus and/or train home. Then what? I don't know. I want to keep writing. Do you want me to keep writing? Please let me know by writing me an email at craiggmesman@gmail.com Is there anything you'd like me to write about? Tell me. Right now I have to go because I am tired. I am done walking- at least for now. What does this all mean? Not sure exactly- I just hope that what I have done has touched people and that somehow people will be moved however they are supposed to to help the children in Honduras. May God's will be done............
Good night,
God bless,
Craig
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Hello from San Luis Obispo!!!! Monday Nov 29, 2010
Hello everyone!
Guess where I am? I think you know already! I am in San Luis Obispo! The final destination (for now). Actually I'm not quite finished yet. I am at my friend Erik's home right now. Remember him and his family who I met way up the coast at Anchor Bay? He walked up and met me yesterday and walked me to his house. He and his roommates made a great dinner for all of us to celebrate. Later in the evening we watched my interview on TV from my interview earlier in the afternoon on local KSBY TV. Right now I am sitting on Erik's couch typing this and waiting for a call from my daughter Kate. She just flew in late last night and she's probably still sleeping! I am not finished yet- I still want to walk the 4 miles or so to her place from here- then I will be finished!! I will write more later.............
Thank you for tuning in and thank you for your prayers and your support.
God bless,
Craig
Guess where I am? I think you know already! I am in San Luis Obispo! The final destination (for now). Actually I'm not quite finished yet. I am at my friend Erik's home right now. Remember him and his family who I met way up the coast at Anchor Bay? He walked up and met me yesterday and walked me to his house. He and his roommates made a great dinner for all of us to celebrate. Later in the evening we watched my interview on TV from my interview earlier in the afternoon on local KSBY TV. Right now I am sitting on Erik's couch typing this and waiting for a call from my daughter Kate. She just flew in late last night and she's probably still sleeping! I am not finished yet- I still want to walk the 4 miles or so to her place from here- then I will be finished!! I will write more later.............
Thank you for tuning in and thank you for your prayers and your support.
God bless,
Craig
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Hi there from San Simeon! Wed, November 24, 2010
Hello there everyone!
Thank you for checking in. I've been away from internet service for a while! It has been a combination of weather and the rugged coast conditions that have kept me away. I've holed up a few times because of the weather- we've had some rain (serious at times!) and I figure- why set out in the rain? The weather becomes critical when you are out like this. Also, the coast down here is quite remote. There is a long stretch that still doesn't have electricity! The campgrounds and even the tiny town of Gorda are all powered by generators! It is amazingly rugged, and amazingly beautiful!
Well, back to the unfolding story... I said good bye to Ian Campbell III, and he said a wonderful prayer for me and the kids... I bid him farewell and left. As I was leaving, I heard someone yelling. It turns out it was the touring cyclist who was coasting speedily down the hill towards me. He pulled up right next to me and said, "Are you Craig?" I said yes. His name is Gil and he had heard about me from Eric at the campground the night before! Gil had biked from Virginia to Oregon, then from Oregon down to here (and beyond). Gil is in his 50's and had had about 6 miles of bike experience on a bike path back home before he left!!!! We can do anything if we decide to do it! And how much more so if God is behind it! He walked with me until we came upon a little inn and cafe. He offered to buy me a cup of coffee, so we went in and enjoyed a pleasant visit. The waitress was interested in what we both were doing, and gave us the coffee on the house! Thank you! Safe travels, Gil........
It was a beautiful, sunny day, and I walked along, thoroughly enjoying it. Being "out there" and walking like this is incredible. You don't just "see" things, you experience them. I see, smell, feel, and hear all the things along the coast- the smell of the ocean, the barking of the seals......... I love it. Anyways, I was walking along the edge of a turnout- the shoulder where there is still pavement between the road and the dirt turnout. I don't approach people unless they indicate that they are interested- I try to let the spirit lead... I was walking along and an SUV pulled up right in front of me. A couple, in their 30's, jumped out and came up to me to see what I was doing! It was David and Yrsina from San Diego. They are newlyweds who left their kids behind to get away for a while. They were very interested in The Walk and said they'd bring it back to their church. Before they left, they put their arms around me and said a prayer for me and the kids. Thank you! I thanked them, said goodbye, and waved to them as they drove off. I walked on. At the next turnout a few feet down the road, another SUV pulled in front of me! I thought- "That doesn't look like their SUV." It wasn't! Another couple, same age group, hopped out and came over to me! Same story! Newlyweds from N Carolina, who left children at home for a getaway! Derek and Traci listened to my story and were very interested. They wished me well and she gave me half of a tuna sandwich for lunch. It was good! Thank you, both of you couples... may God bless your future lives together.....
Now it gets more interesting. I was headed to McWay Canyon day use area. My cyclists guide said something about there being some walk-in environmental campsites there. Anyways, later in the afternoon, right before the McWay turnoff, I heard a honk and it was David and Yrsina! I waved and they drove up ahead and turned into McWay themselves. I thought, maybe they're going in there to check it out. I turned in a few minutes later. The front sign said nothing about campsites. Further in I noticed a bulletin board. I walked up to it and it did mention campsites- but no price, and also it was necessary to reserve them well in advance. I confess that I decided to take my chances. I found the trail, and as I walked along it, I saw David and Yrsina's SUV across the creek. I waved, but didn't see anyone- no matter, I was in a hurry to try to find a place to bed down for the night. I crossed under the highway and was making my way down the bumpy trail with my overweight stroller, when I noticed a few people on the trail up ahead. I waited for them to clear out. Several of them did, but a man came down the trail and right up to me. It was David!! He said, "Do you want dinner?" Guess what? THEY were camped at the environmental campsites! He said that the one next to theirs was vacant, so I set up there. I got all set up and two guys came up to me and said, very nicely, "Uh, we had this site reserved from 6 months ago!" I apologized and told them I'd vacate. David and Yrsina said, "Hey, there's plenty of room for you by us." So I picked up my tent like a large pizza and carried to their site. It was a beautiful spot! The site was up on a rocky promontory above the crashing surf below. They had me over for dinner- Steak! Amen! Guess what else they had that they offered me the use of? A portable, outdoor shower! I took them up on it the next morning. Nice. They shared their breakfast with me, and said another wonderful prayer with me. Thank you, David and Yrsina. These are wonderful brothers and sisters- it is my privilege to meet them, and to continue to meet people like them. Thank you Lord....... May You watch over them closely for the rest of their lives.......
I set out again. I met a three-man PG&E workcrew as I left. They were great guys and I stopped and talked to them for a while. You know, there are all sorts of people out there. There are those who don't want to make eye contact with me, and there are those who are instantly warm and receptive... an observation...... I said goodbye and walked on.
I keep looking out on the water to see if I may be able to spot a whale. Today I saw a disturbance on the water way out there- about a half mile out or so. I stopped and looked, and I think it was a pod of Killer whales! Actually, two pods. The other was further out and they were swimming south parallel to the coast. I found that they can swim faster than I can walk! I tried to keep up, but couldn't. Wow!!
I walked on, and once again, was not sure just where I was going to stay that night. I had two choices, so that was good. Either Kirk Creek up ahead, or Limekiln State Park, two miles closer. My book said that Limekiln didn't have hiker/biker sites, but it was getting late and I decided to check. Glad I did! Ranger Rich was very gracious, and said that the hiker/biker sites were being developed, but in the meantime I could pick any site for the same price! I selected a site towards the beach, between two occupied sites (but no one present). As I was setting up, a pickup truck pulled in and a man said, "Hey, I've got a lantern if you need it." I accepted and got to talking to him. His name is Joel and he works as a metalworker on the big bridge job that I had just walked through. He lives in Antioch, but camps out here during the week. Guess what? He said, "Hey, I need some help eating the rest of this food before I go home for the weekend. My wife won't eat anything that has been in the ice chest." Guess what he had? Steak again! He barbequed it and we also had some fresh green beans and mushrooms. Joel is a good cook! Guess what else? Joel is a believer! He said he'd take the need of the kids back to his church! Joel is a very low-key kind of guy. He is at peace with himself and it shows. He is very open and kind, and once again, it is a privilege to meet people like him. Thank you Joel. May God watch over you and keep you safe and happy....... I stayed in Limekiln for a couple days. It was wet and I changed sites- I moved under the redwood tree canopy. I hiked up a trail (can you believe that?!?) to see the old lime kilns, and also to see a 100' high waterfall. What I really liked was Limekiln Creek. It has a lot of water and has quite a few young Steelhead trout in it. This is the southern edge of their distribution on the west coast. I found those fish almost all the way up to the falls! This stream is steep, with cascading pools and riffles. If you didn't already know, I have a degree in freshwater fisheries and I used to work with the California Conservation Corps and the CA Dept of Fish and Game- so that's why I am so interested. I am continually amazed at the amount of flow in the streams that I observe as I walk down the coast. There is a lot of water for this time of year. I spent some time talking with Ranger Rich about the fish in his stream. What a jewel that stream is!! The camp host, John, let me sit in his 5th wheel trailer and use his internet service to write the previous blog. Thank you John. It uses satellites to get the signal out.
The second morning in Limekiln I woke up to being wet- heavy rain last night. I had some campmates move in last night. They were some younger couples, and guess what? Yep! Believers again! They listened to my story and said they'd share it at their church. Before I left, we all got in a circle, holding hands, and they said prayers for me and the kids! Amen. Once again, a great privilege........ May God bless you kids......... (that's how you know you're getting older- when you start calling twenty-some-year-olds "kids"! Oh well!)
So, Limekiln was the place to be, rather than Kirk Creek. I took my time getting packed. I put all my wet stuff in the sun to dry it all out. Thank you Sun! I told the ranger, the camp hosts, my campmates..... all, goodbye and left. I headed out into a non-rainy day! Today was going to be an easy walk, only about 7 miles or so, to get to Plaskett Creek campground. I headed out into a dry day, with mostly sunny skies (now I sound like a weatherman!) I saw Kirk Creek campground. Nice, but Limekiln was a better place to be. I walked on to Plaskett Creek campground and set up there. There was another cyclist there, but was not around at the time. Later he came into camp and I met him. His name is Ron. He moves and lives along the coast here. I stayed at this campground for two days also- again, the weather is a key factor. The next day I got up and spent some time getting caught up on my journal writing. It is normal for me to be 2 to 4 days behind in my writing. As I got caught up, Ron offered to take me down to the rocky beach below for some jade hunting. I said, "Sure!" We made our way down the steep trail and got down into a tight, rocky little cove. There were others down there doing the same thing. There is a vein of jade in this area that runs out into the ocean. They tried to tell my what to look for, and it took a while, but I did find a few little pieces. It reminded me of agate hunting up north. Green agates, really! While I was down there, I met a nice young man named Jason. After we climbed out of the cove, he showed us some of the jade he had found that he had in his trunk. He said he loved jade, and that it had changed his life. Ron and I said goodbye to him and walked back to camp. In the morning I got up and packed, still a bit damp, and left. As I headed south on the highway, I recognized the little white car parked up ahead. It was Jason again! He was up early, jade hunting.... I stopped and got to talking to him. Guess what? He's a believer too! He shared with me his faith story. He told me how he knows there is a God and that He protects him and takes care of him. He said, "I could just start walking down this road right now and I'd be OK." What a statement of faith! What a privilege to hear that statement. That's what I keep finding. Thank you. I bid him farewell, grabbed his hand, and said prayers for him and for me. May God continue to keep Jason safe and happy....
I walked on........ (imagine that!) I met some more touring cyclists along the way. Lately I've noticed that they are mostly local people on a short tour- 2 to 4 days or so. Mostly from the Bay area down to the LA area. I've gotten to know some of them and one small group was on a sort of a reunion tour. Last year they had cycled from Cairo, Egypt, down to South Africa. Now they were on a little reunion jaunt, and also raising money and awareness for needy children in Africa! We talked for a while and had a great visit...
That night I made my way to Ragged Point. No campgrounds around here. So I splurged and got a room at the inn. It was nice. But as I sat in the restaurant, enjoying a cheeseburger, I missed being out there with the people at the campgrounds. I felt nice and warm, and well-fed here, but also lonely. I would rather have been out there, with my people! In the morning I woke early to the sound of......rain! Great. No holing up in a costly motel! So off I was into the rain. Oh well. I got packed, then suited up. I set out into the rain and it wasn't that bad.......yet. I walked on and the rain came and went. However, later in the day I got caught in several blowing rainstorms, and ended up getting my feet wet. Not good. The clouds were so low that I couldn't see Hearst Castle up on top of the hill. I went there for the first time about 8 months ago with my daughter Kate. Interesting. I did see something else though. Elephant seals. This is their hangout. They are HUGE! And with bad attitudes to match! I watched them along the beach for a while, then headed south (surprise!). I was pretty wet and it was getting cold. My destination had been San Simeon State Beach, but when I entered the city limits of San Simeon, along with the row of hotels and motels, I changed my mind! I found and "economical" motel and checked in. There was a hot tub! Amen! And a heater in the room. Another Amen! PLUS, there was a washer and dryer- a double Amen! So here I sit, in the Courtesy Inn's lobby, using their computer to write this. After this I am headed to San Simeon State Beach campground in the sun! After that, I am not sure just what my schedule is. However, I do know this. Earlier this morning I sent an e-mail to Erik Poor- the guy I met with his family in Anchor Bay up the coast. Remember him? He and his wife live in San Luis Obispo. Well guess what? I was blogging here and the phone rang. It was Erik! He was happy to hear from me and he offered me his home to stay at for as long as I need to! He also wants to walk along with me for a while when I enter SLO! Is that too cool or what? Amen! Thank you Erik! Happy Thanksgiving Erik....
I want to wish you all Happy Thanksgiving too. We all have so much to be thankful for. I know I do.......
Happy Thanksgiving,
God Bless,
Craig
Thank you for checking in. I've been away from internet service for a while! It has been a combination of weather and the rugged coast conditions that have kept me away. I've holed up a few times because of the weather- we've had some rain (serious at times!) and I figure- why set out in the rain? The weather becomes critical when you are out like this. Also, the coast down here is quite remote. There is a long stretch that still doesn't have electricity! The campgrounds and even the tiny town of Gorda are all powered by generators! It is amazingly rugged, and amazingly beautiful!
Well, back to the unfolding story... I said good bye to Ian Campbell III, and he said a wonderful prayer for me and the kids... I bid him farewell and left. As I was leaving, I heard someone yelling. It turns out it was the touring cyclist who was coasting speedily down the hill towards me. He pulled up right next to me and said, "Are you Craig?" I said yes. His name is Gil and he had heard about me from Eric at the campground the night before! Gil had biked from Virginia to Oregon, then from Oregon down to here (and beyond). Gil is in his 50's and had had about 6 miles of bike experience on a bike path back home before he left!!!! We can do anything if we decide to do it! And how much more so if God is behind it! He walked with me until we came upon a little inn and cafe. He offered to buy me a cup of coffee, so we went in and enjoyed a pleasant visit. The waitress was interested in what we both were doing, and gave us the coffee on the house! Thank you! Safe travels, Gil........
It was a beautiful, sunny day, and I walked along, thoroughly enjoying it. Being "out there" and walking like this is incredible. You don't just "see" things, you experience them. I see, smell, feel, and hear all the things along the coast- the smell of the ocean, the barking of the seals......... I love it. Anyways, I was walking along the edge of a turnout- the shoulder where there is still pavement between the road and the dirt turnout. I don't approach people unless they indicate that they are interested- I try to let the spirit lead... I was walking along and an SUV pulled up right in front of me. A couple, in their 30's, jumped out and came up to me to see what I was doing! It was David and Yrsina from San Diego. They are newlyweds who left their kids behind to get away for a while. They were very interested in The Walk and said they'd bring it back to their church. Before they left, they put their arms around me and said a prayer for me and the kids. Thank you! I thanked them, said goodbye, and waved to them as they drove off. I walked on. At the next turnout a few feet down the road, another SUV pulled in front of me! I thought- "That doesn't look like their SUV." It wasn't! Another couple, same age group, hopped out and came over to me! Same story! Newlyweds from N Carolina, who left children at home for a getaway! Derek and Traci listened to my story and were very interested. They wished me well and she gave me half of a tuna sandwich for lunch. It was good! Thank you, both of you couples... may God bless your future lives together.....
Now it gets more interesting. I was headed to McWay Canyon day use area. My cyclists guide said something about there being some walk-in environmental campsites there. Anyways, later in the afternoon, right before the McWay turnoff, I heard a honk and it was David and Yrsina! I waved and they drove up ahead and turned into McWay themselves. I thought, maybe they're going in there to check it out. I turned in a few minutes later. The front sign said nothing about campsites. Further in I noticed a bulletin board. I walked up to it and it did mention campsites- but no price, and also it was necessary to reserve them well in advance. I confess that I decided to take my chances. I found the trail, and as I walked along it, I saw David and Yrsina's SUV across the creek. I waved, but didn't see anyone- no matter, I was in a hurry to try to find a place to bed down for the night. I crossed under the highway and was making my way down the bumpy trail with my overweight stroller, when I noticed a few people on the trail up ahead. I waited for them to clear out. Several of them did, but a man came down the trail and right up to me. It was David!! He said, "Do you want dinner?" Guess what? THEY were camped at the environmental campsites! He said that the one next to theirs was vacant, so I set up there. I got all set up and two guys came up to me and said, very nicely, "Uh, we had this site reserved from 6 months ago!" I apologized and told them I'd vacate. David and Yrsina said, "Hey, there's plenty of room for you by us." So I picked up my tent like a large pizza and carried to their site. It was a beautiful spot! The site was up on a rocky promontory above the crashing surf below. They had me over for dinner- Steak! Amen! Guess what else they had that they offered me the use of? A portable, outdoor shower! I took them up on it the next morning. Nice. They shared their breakfast with me, and said another wonderful prayer with me. Thank you, David and Yrsina. These are wonderful brothers and sisters- it is my privilege to meet them, and to continue to meet people like them. Thank you Lord....... May You watch over them closely for the rest of their lives.......
I set out again. I met a three-man PG&E workcrew as I left. They were great guys and I stopped and talked to them for a while. You know, there are all sorts of people out there. There are those who don't want to make eye contact with me, and there are those who are instantly warm and receptive... an observation...... I said goodbye and walked on.
I keep looking out on the water to see if I may be able to spot a whale. Today I saw a disturbance on the water way out there- about a half mile out or so. I stopped and looked, and I think it was a pod of Killer whales! Actually, two pods. The other was further out and they were swimming south parallel to the coast. I found that they can swim faster than I can walk! I tried to keep up, but couldn't. Wow!!
I walked on, and once again, was not sure just where I was going to stay that night. I had two choices, so that was good. Either Kirk Creek up ahead, or Limekiln State Park, two miles closer. My book said that Limekiln didn't have hiker/biker sites, but it was getting late and I decided to check. Glad I did! Ranger Rich was very gracious, and said that the hiker/biker sites were being developed, but in the meantime I could pick any site for the same price! I selected a site towards the beach, between two occupied sites (but no one present). As I was setting up, a pickup truck pulled in and a man said, "Hey, I've got a lantern if you need it." I accepted and got to talking to him. His name is Joel and he works as a metalworker on the big bridge job that I had just walked through. He lives in Antioch, but camps out here during the week. Guess what? He said, "Hey, I need some help eating the rest of this food before I go home for the weekend. My wife won't eat anything that has been in the ice chest." Guess what he had? Steak again! He barbequed it and we also had some fresh green beans and mushrooms. Joel is a good cook! Guess what else? Joel is a believer! He said he'd take the need of the kids back to his church! Joel is a very low-key kind of guy. He is at peace with himself and it shows. He is very open and kind, and once again, it is a privilege to meet people like him. Thank you Joel. May God watch over you and keep you safe and happy....... I stayed in Limekiln for a couple days. It was wet and I changed sites- I moved under the redwood tree canopy. I hiked up a trail (can you believe that?!?) to see the old lime kilns, and also to see a 100' high waterfall. What I really liked was Limekiln Creek. It has a lot of water and has quite a few young Steelhead trout in it. This is the southern edge of their distribution on the west coast. I found those fish almost all the way up to the falls! This stream is steep, with cascading pools and riffles. If you didn't already know, I have a degree in freshwater fisheries and I used to work with the California Conservation Corps and the CA Dept of Fish and Game- so that's why I am so interested. I am continually amazed at the amount of flow in the streams that I observe as I walk down the coast. There is a lot of water for this time of year. I spent some time talking with Ranger Rich about the fish in his stream. What a jewel that stream is!! The camp host, John, let me sit in his 5th wheel trailer and use his internet service to write the previous blog. Thank you John. It uses satellites to get the signal out.
The second morning in Limekiln I woke up to being wet- heavy rain last night. I had some campmates move in last night. They were some younger couples, and guess what? Yep! Believers again! They listened to my story and said they'd share it at their church. Before I left, we all got in a circle, holding hands, and they said prayers for me and the kids! Amen. Once again, a great privilege........ May God bless you kids......... (that's how you know you're getting older- when you start calling twenty-some-year-olds "kids"! Oh well!)
So, Limekiln was the place to be, rather than Kirk Creek. I took my time getting packed. I put all my wet stuff in the sun to dry it all out. Thank you Sun! I told the ranger, the camp hosts, my campmates..... all, goodbye and left. I headed out into a non-rainy day! Today was going to be an easy walk, only about 7 miles or so, to get to Plaskett Creek campground. I headed out into a dry day, with mostly sunny skies (now I sound like a weatherman!) I saw Kirk Creek campground. Nice, but Limekiln was a better place to be. I walked on to Plaskett Creek campground and set up there. There was another cyclist there, but was not around at the time. Later he came into camp and I met him. His name is Ron. He moves and lives along the coast here. I stayed at this campground for two days also- again, the weather is a key factor. The next day I got up and spent some time getting caught up on my journal writing. It is normal for me to be 2 to 4 days behind in my writing. As I got caught up, Ron offered to take me down to the rocky beach below for some jade hunting. I said, "Sure!" We made our way down the steep trail and got down into a tight, rocky little cove. There were others down there doing the same thing. There is a vein of jade in this area that runs out into the ocean. They tried to tell my what to look for, and it took a while, but I did find a few little pieces. It reminded me of agate hunting up north. Green agates, really! While I was down there, I met a nice young man named Jason. After we climbed out of the cove, he showed us some of the jade he had found that he had in his trunk. He said he loved jade, and that it had changed his life. Ron and I said goodbye to him and walked back to camp. In the morning I got up and packed, still a bit damp, and left. As I headed south on the highway, I recognized the little white car parked up ahead. It was Jason again! He was up early, jade hunting.... I stopped and got to talking to him. Guess what? He's a believer too! He shared with me his faith story. He told me how he knows there is a God and that He protects him and takes care of him. He said, "I could just start walking down this road right now and I'd be OK." What a statement of faith! What a privilege to hear that statement. That's what I keep finding. Thank you. I bid him farewell, grabbed his hand, and said prayers for him and for me. May God continue to keep Jason safe and happy....
I walked on........ (imagine that!) I met some more touring cyclists along the way. Lately I've noticed that they are mostly local people on a short tour- 2 to 4 days or so. Mostly from the Bay area down to the LA area. I've gotten to know some of them and one small group was on a sort of a reunion tour. Last year they had cycled from Cairo, Egypt, down to South Africa. Now they were on a little reunion jaunt, and also raising money and awareness for needy children in Africa! We talked for a while and had a great visit...
That night I made my way to Ragged Point. No campgrounds around here. So I splurged and got a room at the inn. It was nice. But as I sat in the restaurant, enjoying a cheeseburger, I missed being out there with the people at the campgrounds. I felt nice and warm, and well-fed here, but also lonely. I would rather have been out there, with my people! In the morning I woke early to the sound of......rain! Great. No holing up in a costly motel! So off I was into the rain. Oh well. I got packed, then suited up. I set out into the rain and it wasn't that bad.......yet. I walked on and the rain came and went. However, later in the day I got caught in several blowing rainstorms, and ended up getting my feet wet. Not good. The clouds were so low that I couldn't see Hearst Castle up on top of the hill. I went there for the first time about 8 months ago with my daughter Kate. Interesting. I did see something else though. Elephant seals. This is their hangout. They are HUGE! And with bad attitudes to match! I watched them along the beach for a while, then headed south (surprise!). I was pretty wet and it was getting cold. My destination had been San Simeon State Beach, but when I entered the city limits of San Simeon, along with the row of hotels and motels, I changed my mind! I found and "economical" motel and checked in. There was a hot tub! Amen! And a heater in the room. Another Amen! PLUS, there was a washer and dryer- a double Amen! So here I sit, in the Courtesy Inn's lobby, using their computer to write this. After this I am headed to San Simeon State Beach campground in the sun! After that, I am not sure just what my schedule is. However, I do know this. Earlier this morning I sent an e-mail to Erik Poor- the guy I met with his family in Anchor Bay up the coast. Remember him? He and his wife live in San Luis Obispo. Well guess what? I was blogging here and the phone rang. It was Erik! He was happy to hear from me and he offered me his home to stay at for as long as I need to! He also wants to walk along with me for a while when I enter SLO! Is that too cool or what? Amen! Thank you Erik! Happy Thanksgiving Erik....
I want to wish you all Happy Thanksgiving too. We all have so much to be thankful for. I know I do.......
Happy Thanksgiving,
God Bless,
Craig
Friday, November 19, 2010
Hello from Limekiln State Park. Fri Nov 19, 2010
Howdy doody!
I didn't make it to Kirk Creek! I got here last night just before dark and two miles before Kirk Creek. It is raining, so I am holed up here in John's trailer. He is the camp host at this beautiful park and is letting me use his internet. Thanks John!
I have more great stories about my experiences. I will write as much as I can, but I am doing it on the smallest keyboard I have ever used!
When I left Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park a few days ago, I stopped down the road at a small store for some supplies. An older gentleman saw my banner sign with the kids on it and we struck up a conversation. He lives nearby and expressed interest in me coming to his Tuesday night Bible study at the local Grange hall. So I did! Ian (that's his name) showed me where I could camp by him and later a man named Jack came and picked us up. I got to stand up and share the story about the Coder kids and The Walk. Some of the people there are interested in supporting the kids! I had a great time getting to know Ian and hearing his faith story. You see, Ian is homeless and used to live in Golden Gate Park for many years. He had some habits that he is breaking. He told me how he is a completely changed man in this last year since he met Jesus! Once again it is a privilege to meet someone like him and to hear him tell me his story. I camped that night by him in a beautiful spot overlooking the coast. Thank you Ian!! May God continue to bless you!
I would like to write more, but I don't have the time or patience to type on this tiny keyboard any more! I will write more later when I have more time...
I continue to have a grand time and to be blessed by meeting so many brothers and sisters... I will tell you more later...
Thank you,
God Bless,
Craig
I didn't make it to Kirk Creek! I got here last night just before dark and two miles before Kirk Creek. It is raining, so I am holed up here in John's trailer. He is the camp host at this beautiful park and is letting me use his internet. Thanks John!
I have more great stories about my experiences. I will write as much as I can, but I am doing it on the smallest keyboard I have ever used!
When I left Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park a few days ago, I stopped down the road at a small store for some supplies. An older gentleman saw my banner sign with the kids on it and we struck up a conversation. He lives nearby and expressed interest in me coming to his Tuesday night Bible study at the local Grange hall. So I did! Ian (that's his name) showed me where I could camp by him and later a man named Jack came and picked us up. I got to stand up and share the story about the Coder kids and The Walk. Some of the people there are interested in supporting the kids! I had a great time getting to know Ian and hearing his faith story. You see, Ian is homeless and used to live in Golden Gate Park for many years. He had some habits that he is breaking. He told me how he is a completely changed man in this last year since he met Jesus! Once again it is a privilege to meet someone like him and to hear him tell me his story. I camped that night by him in a beautiful spot overlooking the coast. Thank you Ian!! May God continue to bless you!
I would like to write more, but I don't have the time or patience to type on this tiny keyboard any more! I will write more later when I have more time...
I continue to have a grand time and to be blessed by meeting so many brothers and sisters... I will tell you more later...
Thank you,
God Bless,
Craig
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thursday, November 18
Good Evening, Craig is out of the service area again tonight. He did call this morning and said he was meeting wonderful, generous people and having a great time. He is staying at Kirk Creek Campground tonight. He thinks he saw Killer Whales today on his walk. I say think because they were about 200 feet down from where he was and he said he could see black and white in the water. I can't wait to see his pictures of his whale watching several days ago. He said the weather seems to be turning a bit but it is not raining down there yet. Unlike home(Ferndale) winter is definitely here. Be sure and write him and he will get back to you as soon as he gets to the next computer.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Hello from Big Sur State Park! Monday, November 15
Hello y'all,
Guess where I am? I am sitting in the Big Sur River Inn and Restaurant with my friend Cheryl Nicholson from Fortuna! She came down here to go to a conference in Monterey and came down to Pfieffer Big Sur State Park to see mw! I am sitting here using her new Ipad computer-it's pretty neat!
I don't have much time to blog, but I am doing fine and am ready to set out tomorrow morning again! I am in the home stretch!
I continue to meet great people and continue to learn from all of them. Once again I am experiencing the importance of having two ears and only one mouth! The weather continues to be lovely. I am so thankful for that!
People continue to be touched by the story of the Coders and the children. Please continue to keep them all in your prayers...
And thank you Cheryl for coming to see me and taking me out to dinner!
God bless,
Craig
Guess where I am? I am sitting in the Big Sur River Inn and Restaurant with my friend Cheryl Nicholson from Fortuna! She came down here to go to a conference in Monterey and came down to Pfieffer Big Sur State Park to see mw! I am sitting here using her new Ipad computer-it's pretty neat!
I don't have much time to blog, but I am doing fine and am ready to set out tomorrow morning again! I am in the home stretch!
I continue to meet great people and continue to learn from all of them. Once again I am experiencing the importance of having two ears and only one mouth! The weather continues to be lovely. I am so thankful for that!
People continue to be touched by the story of the Coders and the children. Please continue to keep them all in your prayers...
And thank you Cheryl for coming to see me and taking me out to dinner!
God bless,
Craig
Friday, November 12, 2010
Hi from Monterey! Friday November 12, 2010
Hello everybody!
Sorry I haven't written in a while. I am in Monterey for my third day. As I was walking out of Santa Cruz my phone rang and it was someone from the Central Coast News. She said there was a TV reporter in town at the time and he came out, met me along the way, and interviewed me! He was a nice guy and was genuinely interested in the story. He said that it would probably air that evening.
As I walked along my phone rang again.... this time it was Will Blackwell. Will is the young man that is raising money to go down to Honduras to help Bob and Joyce with the children. He had read my last blog and thought that I sounded a bit discouraged, so he called to encourage me and to cheer me up. He did!! That is the first time I talked to him and I can tell that he is a fine man. The Coders and the children are lucky to have him. We talked as I walked and we both encouraged one another. Thank you Will!
I made it that evening to a State Park called Sunset State Beach. I got there, set up camp, ate the second half of my lunch sandwich for dinner, bought some firewood, and got a nice fire going. I was sitting there in the dark enjoying the fire when I looked off in the distance and saw a blinking red light and a headlight. I knew what that was, so I got up and went to meet the new cyclist. It turned out to be Bengt Richter, a 71 year old man biking to Los Angeles from his home in Bainbridge Island near Seattle Washington. He came over and we enjoyed the fire and eachother's company. In the morning I realized either how quiet racoons can be, or how soundly I can sleep. They got into our stuff right outside my tent- I didn't hear a thing!
In the cool and damp morning I hit the road again. As I walked out past the kiosk, a young woman named Summer was there working. She said, "Hey, I saw you on TV last night!" So they got the story on the air right away! I continued on, walking through brussel sprouts fields. It is harvest time for these tasty little buds and there were many workers out in the fields harvesting. As I was walking through the fields, a van pulled up next to me and a man said, "Hey, I saw you on TV last night and figured you'd be in this stretch." He offered me some money and an energy drink. I politely declined both, but gave him my card with the web addresses on it. That was nice! My destination was Castroville- the Artichoke Capital of the World!! I made it there and found the only lodging in this area- a cheap motel! I looked over my shoulder all day, but never was passed by Bengt.........
The next day the destination was Monterey. I walked through Marina and Seaside, mostly along a very nice bike and pedestrian path. It was beautiful. I made it to the top of a rather steep hill in the center of Monterey. The place I was headed is called Veteran's Memorial Park. It is a park and a campground right in the city. I got there and there was a single tent set up in the hiker/biker area, but no one around. I ate dinner and then went to the bathrooms to get ready for bed. It was dark, and I headed back to the site to go to bed. I looked, and there was a bike in the campsite. A guy came up to me and said, "Hey, I'm Gabe. Want to have a fire? I know where there is some firewood." I said sure! So we built a nice fire and enjoyed a good conversation. It turns out that he knows some of the other cyclists that I have met and have gotten to know. It is like a community that it making its way down the coast. He knew Juergen, and had traveled with him. He had also met Bengt the night before in the Monterey hostel (so that's where Bengt went!). Gabe is 24 and is from Washington D.C. He was a private investigator, but said that just a few years of that was very stressful, so he quit to do the Seattle to L.A. tour, and then figure out what to do with his life after that. We put out the fire and went to bed. In the morning, guess what? It was the perfect time to camp at the Veteran's Memorial Park! Why? It was Veteran's Day!!! The huge grassy area in the center of the park was surrounded with a ring of American flags flying from posts! It was great! I took lots of pictures. I found the highest flag flying from the flagpole at the top of the park, and stood there and said the Pledge of Allegience. I left, enjoying the beautiful, sunny day.
It was a rather short walk, but I arrived at the hostel in Monterey. It is just a few blocks above Cannery Row. I got in, locked up my stroller, and asked how to get on the bus. I was told, but by the time I got out to the street and down the block, I forgot the details! Oh well! I went on walking down the street anyways. I needed to get to an outdoor/camping type of place so that I could buy another fuel canister for my stove. As I was walking down the street, I noticed a woman holding back a large dog that was straining at its leash to get to a man facing them. He said, "It's okay, he just wants to say hi." He seemed like a nice man, so I waited around until they finished talking. I approached him and asked if he knew where the buses ran and how to catch one. I told him that I was in the market for a new fuel canister. He said, "Are you a weirdo?" That threw me a bit! I didn't want to be honest, so I said, "No." That apparently was the right answer. He said, "Hop in, I'll drive you." How about an amen!!!! We hit it off right away. His name is Richard and he is a Viet Nam vet. We had a great conversation on the way to the store. I found the canister and offered to buy him some coffee. He took us to a place that I have actually been to before!!! We enjoyed a great conversation and he returned me right to the hostel! Thank you Richard! You're a good man. When I got there, I went inside and there was Bengt and another young lady named Jessica who I made friends with along the way! Both are touring cyclists. I've also had some great conversations with other people I've met in the hostel. This morning I was in the large common room, talking to a woman I had just met, when a voice from across the room said to me, "That's where I know you from! Olema Campground. Remember me? I was camped across the field from you!" He remembered the make of my tent and complimented me on my choice of gear! So you just never know!!
Today I treated myself to something fun. I went out on one of those whale-watching boats!! We went way out into Monterey Bay and we saw some humpback whales!! They surfaced and blew. They jumped clear out of the water a few times, as well as spy-hopping and breaching!! It was great! I loved it, as well as simply the boat ride itself. Thank you Lord!
Tomorrow I am off down the road again. I'm not sure where I will stay tomorrow night- it will probably be a night of "wild-camping." That's where you camp wherever you can.......
I continue to meet people who are very open, kind, honest, and sincere. What I keep finding is that sometimes I have something to say that they may need, but more often, it seems, it is I who is to do the listening. I am finding that there is a tremendous amount of wisdom and guidance and truth being proclaimed by my fellow man. Sometimes ya just gotta listen.......................
Thank you for checking in on me,
God bless,
Craig
Sorry I haven't written in a while. I am in Monterey for my third day. As I was walking out of Santa Cruz my phone rang and it was someone from the Central Coast News. She said there was a TV reporter in town at the time and he came out, met me along the way, and interviewed me! He was a nice guy and was genuinely interested in the story. He said that it would probably air that evening.
As I walked along my phone rang again.... this time it was Will Blackwell. Will is the young man that is raising money to go down to Honduras to help Bob and Joyce with the children. He had read my last blog and thought that I sounded a bit discouraged, so he called to encourage me and to cheer me up. He did!! That is the first time I talked to him and I can tell that he is a fine man. The Coders and the children are lucky to have him. We talked as I walked and we both encouraged one another. Thank you Will!
I made it that evening to a State Park called Sunset State Beach. I got there, set up camp, ate the second half of my lunch sandwich for dinner, bought some firewood, and got a nice fire going. I was sitting there in the dark enjoying the fire when I looked off in the distance and saw a blinking red light and a headlight. I knew what that was, so I got up and went to meet the new cyclist. It turned out to be Bengt Richter, a 71 year old man biking to Los Angeles from his home in Bainbridge Island near Seattle Washington. He came over and we enjoyed the fire and eachother's company. In the morning I realized either how quiet racoons can be, or how soundly I can sleep. They got into our stuff right outside my tent- I didn't hear a thing!
In the cool and damp morning I hit the road again. As I walked out past the kiosk, a young woman named Summer was there working. She said, "Hey, I saw you on TV last night!" So they got the story on the air right away! I continued on, walking through brussel sprouts fields. It is harvest time for these tasty little buds and there were many workers out in the fields harvesting. As I was walking through the fields, a van pulled up next to me and a man said, "Hey, I saw you on TV last night and figured you'd be in this stretch." He offered me some money and an energy drink. I politely declined both, but gave him my card with the web addresses on it. That was nice! My destination was Castroville- the Artichoke Capital of the World!! I made it there and found the only lodging in this area- a cheap motel! I looked over my shoulder all day, but never was passed by Bengt.........
The next day the destination was Monterey. I walked through Marina and Seaside, mostly along a very nice bike and pedestrian path. It was beautiful. I made it to the top of a rather steep hill in the center of Monterey. The place I was headed is called Veteran's Memorial Park. It is a park and a campground right in the city. I got there and there was a single tent set up in the hiker/biker area, but no one around. I ate dinner and then went to the bathrooms to get ready for bed. It was dark, and I headed back to the site to go to bed. I looked, and there was a bike in the campsite. A guy came up to me and said, "Hey, I'm Gabe. Want to have a fire? I know where there is some firewood." I said sure! So we built a nice fire and enjoyed a good conversation. It turns out that he knows some of the other cyclists that I have met and have gotten to know. It is like a community that it making its way down the coast. He knew Juergen, and had traveled with him. He had also met Bengt the night before in the Monterey hostel (so that's where Bengt went!). Gabe is 24 and is from Washington D.C. He was a private investigator, but said that just a few years of that was very stressful, so he quit to do the Seattle to L.A. tour, and then figure out what to do with his life after that. We put out the fire and went to bed. In the morning, guess what? It was the perfect time to camp at the Veteran's Memorial Park! Why? It was Veteran's Day!!! The huge grassy area in the center of the park was surrounded with a ring of American flags flying from posts! It was great! I took lots of pictures. I found the highest flag flying from the flagpole at the top of the park, and stood there and said the Pledge of Allegience. I left, enjoying the beautiful, sunny day.
It was a rather short walk, but I arrived at the hostel in Monterey. It is just a few blocks above Cannery Row. I got in, locked up my stroller, and asked how to get on the bus. I was told, but by the time I got out to the street and down the block, I forgot the details! Oh well! I went on walking down the street anyways. I needed to get to an outdoor/camping type of place so that I could buy another fuel canister for my stove. As I was walking down the street, I noticed a woman holding back a large dog that was straining at its leash to get to a man facing them. He said, "It's okay, he just wants to say hi." He seemed like a nice man, so I waited around until they finished talking. I approached him and asked if he knew where the buses ran and how to catch one. I told him that I was in the market for a new fuel canister. He said, "Are you a weirdo?" That threw me a bit! I didn't want to be honest, so I said, "No." That apparently was the right answer. He said, "Hop in, I'll drive you." How about an amen!!!! We hit it off right away. His name is Richard and he is a Viet Nam vet. We had a great conversation on the way to the store. I found the canister and offered to buy him some coffee. He took us to a place that I have actually been to before!!! We enjoyed a great conversation and he returned me right to the hostel! Thank you Richard! You're a good man. When I got there, I went inside and there was Bengt and another young lady named Jessica who I made friends with along the way! Both are touring cyclists. I've also had some great conversations with other people I've met in the hostel. This morning I was in the large common room, talking to a woman I had just met, when a voice from across the room said to me, "That's where I know you from! Olema Campground. Remember me? I was camped across the field from you!" He remembered the make of my tent and complimented me on my choice of gear! So you just never know!!
Today I treated myself to something fun. I went out on one of those whale-watching boats!! We went way out into Monterey Bay and we saw some humpback whales!! They surfaced and blew. They jumped clear out of the water a few times, as well as spy-hopping and breaching!! It was great! I loved it, as well as simply the boat ride itself. Thank you Lord!
Tomorrow I am off down the road again. I'm not sure where I will stay tomorrow night- it will probably be a night of "wild-camping." That's where you camp wherever you can.......
I continue to meet people who are very open, kind, honest, and sincere. What I keep finding is that sometimes I have something to say that they may need, but more often, it seems, it is I who is to do the listening. I am finding that there is a tremendous amount of wisdom and guidance and truth being proclaimed by my fellow man. Sometimes ya just gotta listen.......................
Thank you for checking in on me,
God bless,
Craig
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