BajaNomad

ROAD TRIP 2010 - lastest post: "END OF THE TRAIL"

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irenemm - 9-7-2010 at 08:19 AM

wow
you have taken more people down memory land and all of us have so enjoyed it. your pictures and history keep all of us coming back.
this has been one of the best trips I have ever taken.
thanks so much.
looking forward to more of the adventure.
stay safe and drive careful

BIG BAD BEARS!

Pompano - 9-7-2010 at 09:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
I saw one feeding on a road kill on I-15 just south of Great Falls, Roger. It was a large deer that it had hauled to the side of the highway and was dismembering it. You could hear the tendons snapping as he tore with those powerful claws. Then he just high tailed it out of there with it in his mouth.

Nobody stopped to look. It happened so fast that the crowds you see in Yellowstone Park didn't have time to gather.


That grizzly feeding must have been an exciting time for you, Igor.

I have seen an increase of black bears in our Up North neighborhood, but that's normal for the times. Blacks adjust quite well to human habitations ...and especially the garbage dumps!

On the grizzlies, I had a very close encounter one night when sleeping in my pup tent at King Salmon airport close to Naknek, Alaska. We were in the commercial salmon business,hauling thousands of salmon daily via airplane, helicopter, and by boat. We stank of fish. From time to time, an airplane would be chewed up by some bruins who smelled the salmon buckets.



One morning I woke to a fresh snowfall surrounding my tent..and a large set of bear prints about 2 feet away from where my sleeping head was the night before. The footprints were bigger than a dinner plate.




MAKES YOU GLAD YOU DON'T STORE BACON IN THE TENT!

NORTH DAKOTA...

Pompano - 9-7-2010 at 11:06 AM



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"WELCOME TO LIFE IN THE VAST LANE"





We enter the western regions of North Dakota and begin a...

....

...zzzzzzzzzz...zzzzzzzzzzzzz.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

The scenery just gets better and better....

Pompano - 9-7-2010 at 11:41 AM


Pompano - 9-7-2010 at 12:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fi shabductor
You have mobile internet service Pompano?


Yes....I've used the Verizon aircard for a few years now. It works very well ..

....and almost everywhere. :yes:





Like now..at 65mph shooting sharptail. Of course, I am not driving.
:spingrin:

Skipjack Joe - 9-7-2010 at 05:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pompano
On the grizzlies, I had a very close encounter one night when sleeping in my pup tent at King Salmon airport close to Naknek, Alaska. We were in the commercial salmon business,hauling thousands of salmon daily via airplane, helicopter, and by boat. We stank of fish. From time to time, an airplane would be chewed up by some bruins who smelled the salmon buckets.


One side note about King Salmon since we're on the subject.

We were terrified the first trip we camped at King Salmon. We put up the tent next to the launch ramp and were told by countless people that grizzlies would come around at night as they move in after dark. Well, I heard them out there but nothing happened. The last trip we camped behind the motel and Alex heard them sniffing at night but again they kept their distance.

But, and this will bring back memories, the absolutely most hateful animal in King Salmon is a million times smaller than the bear: they call them 'white socks' as I recall.

I had no idea how evil these things were and at first let them hover around and sit on my forearms. Then I looked down and there was blood streaming down the sides. Didn't feel a thing! They cut into you with some form of anesthesia that makes it pain free and then lap up your blood. The itching starts a day later. Mosquito bites last a week. These guys made us itch for 3-4 weeks as the scabs were repeatedly scratched off.

We learned our lesson though. You spray yourself as soon as you get off the plane .... and hope for a strong breeze.

We haven't fished the Bristol Bay area extensively but I believe I read somewhere that most float trips end up with white socks the last 2 days as they like the lowland water of rivers.

You can see how they came to be called 'white socks' - One of the segments of each leg is white.

[Edited on 9-8-2010 by Skipjack Joe]

whitewocks.jpg - 47kB

northern mosquitos

tripledigitken - 9-7-2010 at 07:03 PM

(speaking of mosquitos)

Dawson City, AK

I can't even imagine camping on that trip without the head netting. Those skeets laughed at bug spray!!


I'd spend the first 5 minutes after getting into the tent hunting down the last skeet.




[Edited on 9-8-2010 by tripledigitken]

Cypress - 9-8-2010 at 06:03 AM

Pompano, Thanks. Ever had any experience with Chiggers? Chiggers, AKA Red Bugs, will drive a person crazy with itching, but don't carry any disease or venom. They're tiny, almost microscopic, but will get your undivided attention. Found in grass and underbrush, become active when the low temps. get above 45 degrees, found in the south USA.

Pompano - 9-8-2010 at 06:45 AM

Opps...sorry, Cypress. I realize now that this last post about bugs would benefit from having it's own title..so I am deleting it here and moving it to a new thread.

Hey...it's early and I am only on my second coffee!

it will be called...OUCH. WHAT BIT ME

[Edited on 9-8-2010 by Pompano]

NORTH DAKOTA!!

Pompano - 9-10-2010 at 12:42 PM




NORTH DAKOTA





Co-Pilot is immediately and overwhelmingly enthralled with the place and begs me to stop so she came embrace this welcome sign.

Some ND facts:
NORTH DAKOTA is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States of America, along the Canadian border, about halfway between the Pacific Ocean and the Great Lakes.

North Dakota is the 19th largest state by area in the U.S. It is also the third least populous..after Alaska and Wyoming... with only about 646,850 residents as of 2009.

North Dakota was carved out of the Dakota Territory and admitted to the Union on November 2, 1889, simultaneously with it's little brother, South North Dakota.

The state capital is Bismarck and the largest city is Fargo.

The city of Fargo was never in the movie, FARGO. The cinema had absolutely nothing to do with North Dakota. That slapstick comedy was made in stumpjumper country...Minnesota.

NOBODY in North Dakota says, "Ya, sure.. ya betcha."...unless it's a visiting stumpjumper.


HISTORY
Prior to European contact, Native Americans inhabited North Dakota for thousands of years. The first European to reach the area was the French-Canadian trader La Vérendrye, who led an exploration party to Mandan villages in 1738. The trading arrangement between tribes was such that North Dakota tribes rarely dealt directly with Europeans. Who could blame them? However, the native tribes were in sufficient contact that by the time that Lewis and Clark entered North Dakota in 1804, they were aware of the French and then Spanish claims to their territory. And that's when the terms 'sovereign nation' and 'Indian casino' were first coined.

Much of present-day North Dakota was included in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Much of acquired land was organized into Stumpjumper and Nebraska Territories. Dakota Territory, making up present-day North and South Dakota, along with parts of present-day Wyoming and Montana, was organized on March 2, 1861. Dakota Territory was settled sparsely until the late 1800s, when the railroads entered the region and aggressively marketed the land. My ancestors were here long before this, but remained well hidden from authorities.

Emigration
Since 1923, North Dakota has experienced a virtually constant decline in population, particularly among younger people with university degrees. One of the major causes of emigration in North Dakota looms from a lack of skilled jobs for graduates...and frostbite. Some propose the expansion of economic development programs to create skilled and high-tech jobs, but the effectiveness of such programs has been open to debate.

Race and ancestry
Most North Dakotans are of Northern European descent. The five largest ancestry groups in North Dakota are: German (46.9%) (299,774), Norwegian (30.1%) (191,983), Irish (8.2%) (52,539), English (4.9%) (31,586), and Squareheads (Swedish) (4.8%) (30,880).

Religion
North Dakota has the lowest percentage of non-religious people of any state, and it also has the most churches per capita of any state. There are a few remote families hidden away in the Badlands that worship a little brown jug.

Education
Most youngsters graduate from high school and go on to earn a college decree.

Education
Most youngsters graduate from high school and go on to earn a college decree.


POLITICS
Early voters fashioned a number of laws and social reforms, in an attempt to insulate North Dakota from the power of out-of-state banks and corporations, a number of which are still in place today. Additionally, anti-corporate laws were passed, which virtually prohibited a corporation or bank from owning title to land zoned as farmland. These laws, which still exist today, and which have upheld by both the State and Federal court systems, make it almost impossible to foreclose on farmland, as even after foreclosure, the property title cannot be held by a bank or mortgage company. Thus, virtually every farm in existence today in North Dakota is still a "family-owned" farm. As a result, the state with the highest per capita percentage of millionaires is North Dakota. Please do not tell them.


ECONOMY

A round of federal construction projects began in the 1950s including indoor plumbing, electrical power, the Garrison Dam, and the Minot and Grand Forks Air Force bases. There was a boom in oil exploration in western North Dakota in the 1980s, as rising petroleum prices made development profitable. So far nobody has found any...but Dakotans are determined people. Luckily they have lots of gas.
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Speaking of Mosquitos...






Because ND mosquitos will drain every drop of blood from your body if you are not prepared...I PHONE AHEAD TO HAVE OUR HIGHWAY SPRAYED
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.....so I can go pick up my August mail.

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AND SO WITHOUT FURTHER ADO...OUR ROAD TRIP CONTINUES:

We now enter North Dakota.....

..unlike General Armstrong Custer..who did a STOOPID thing ..he left.




[Edited on 9-11-2010 by Pompano]

Cypress - 9-10-2010 at 01:09 PM

Pompano, Enjoying your road trip..:biggrin: Custer did do a "STOOPID thing" and it cost him his life along with the rest of his command.

THE BADLANDS - NORTH DAKOTA

Pompano - 9-12-2010 at 03:15 PM




NORTH DAKOTA - PART 2

North Dakota is located in the center of the North American continent. The exact geographical center is located 97 miles NE of Bismarck, 15 miles SW of Rugby.




PERTINENT FACTS ABOUT NORTH DAKOTA

It is legal to shoot an Indian on horseback, provided you are in a covered wagon.

What is a seven-course meal in North Dakota? A hamburger and a sixpack.


COMPETITIVE SPIRITS

Two North Dakotans are skydiving. One jumps out the plane and pulls the cord--nothing happens. So he pulls the emergency cord and still nothing. The other one jumps out of the plane and yells,
"Oh! So you wanna race, huh?"

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WELCOME TO NORTH DAKOTA - "ROUGHRIDER COUNTRY"




NORTH DAKOTA...does not have Mt. Rushmore. That is south of us in some obscure state with a funny name.



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What North Dakota does have is:





Teddy Roosevelt history.

Roughrider Country. He made it his home and this is his cabin in the ND Badlands. On the Maltese Ranch.


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BUT..MOST IMPORTANT...North Dakota has...DEEP-FRIED PICKLES!!

DENNIS - 9-12-2010 at 03:23 PM

YUCK.......

Cypress - 9-12-2010 at 03:35 PM

Deep fried pickles are great.:bounce: But everything deep fried is great!:biggrin:

Pompano - 9-12-2010 at 04:36 PM

OKAY....COME ALONG! WE'RE RIDING THRU DAKOTA TERRITORY!








BE PREPARED FOR A VARIED LANDSCAPE...

Oh, Give me a home..Where the buffalo roam...

Pompano - 9-15-2010 at 07:46 PM

One thing you will find a lot of in North Dakota is buffalo..or more correctly.. BISON



................................................................................................................................................. "I go to pet them, yes?'





Colors are changing fast now all over Up North. What a sight the hillsides are..it's like they are on fire.




We drove through the Badlands of North Dakota. These scenic hills and river valleys are in the extreme southwestern corner of the state. Site of Theodore Roosevelt Natl Park.







A good time for rainbows in these parts, too.

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All Creatures Great and Small... prepare for the coming winter season.



A bull elk in his prime...nice. I figure the distance to be about 100 yards. WAY TOO CLOSE. I am SURE he knows it's not elk season yet. :rolleyes:

Teddy Roosevelt was an avid hunter and conservationist. He created some of America's greatest national parks. The area literally abounds with game.



Two red fox play tag on top of a haybale..and give me a few nice photo-ops. :yes:



A muley buck and doe..a herd of wild mustangs..and a prairiedog town. Not a bad day for the camera. :yes:



Seems like every day on the Big Open brings some different weather.





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We always help organize the decoys for a goose shoot coming up. This is half the fun of hunting..the planning and preparaton..anticipation.



The spring conditions were perfect and ND has another banner year of waterfowling ahead. We have some of the best duck and goose productions areas in the northern hemisphere..thanks to organizations like Ducks Unlimited, sportsmen's clubs, and excise taxes on firearms and ammunition. Huge sums are donated to purchase wetlands for waterfowl habitat. Without this help, the federal government would not have enough resources in the field to achieve the successes we have today.



..

TO BE CONTINUED:




[Edited on 9-22-2010 by Pompano]

Toro Sentado

Skipjack Joe - 9-15-2010 at 09:21 PM



sitting-bull_small.jpg - 46kB

irenemm - 9-16-2010 at 01:40 AM

I love this trip
thank you so much

Cypress - 9-16-2010 at 05:10 AM

Pompano, Thanks for the report and pictures. Makes me crave some duck/goose 'n dressing or gumbo or.....:D

Pompano - 9-16-2010 at 05:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe




Yes, Igor...Toro Sentado..et al. :rolleyes:


Iflyfish - 9-16-2010 at 06:13 AM

Uff Da!!! What a trip ya have goin there guy!

The Icelandic side of my family settled in North Dakota and each year celebrate Icelandic Independance Day on August 2nd, "The Deuce".

Great trip report, what a life!!

IflyfishhatofftoPompano'sadventure

Pompano - 9-16-2010 at 06:28 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Iflyfish
Uff Da!!! What a trip ya have goin there guy!

The Icelandic side of my family settled in North Dakota and each year celebrate Icelandic Independance Day on August 2nd, "The Deuce".

Great trip report, what a life!!

IflyfishhatofftoPompano'sadventure


iflyfish...your ND ancestors must have settled near Valhalla, ND? The area is full of Icelandic influences. A nice place.


p.s. nobody outside the cast of 'Fargo' says uff da anymore. :saint:



[Edited on 9-16-2010 by Pompano]

Iflyfish - 9-16-2010 at 06:37 AM

I am an antique Uff Da'er.

Valhalla and Mountain is where my kin come from. Ludefisk anyone?!

How about dem der lefse eh?!

Iflyfish

Pompano - 9-16-2010 at 06:48 AM

Iflyfish..I am very familiar with both towns. Had a hunting cabin near there a long time ago.

Lutefisk and lefse are Norse..not Icelandic.


Old ND motto: "Lutefisk is best served... to someone else."

Iceland comes to North Dakota.

Pompano - 9-16-2010 at 08:05 AM

This is near Valhalla, ND.



I love camping in Icelandic territory..the campsites are FREE....plus spotless with lots of firewood!

The area here is a 'secret and little known' place in the normal Great Plains. 'A forest' just south of the Canadian border.





These border stations are soooo busy.

Plus lots of illegals crossing every day. Like...Moose, elk, deer, bear, rabbits, squirrels, geese, ducks, sasquatch, etc..




No...this is not an illegal alien shooting, but a legal elk taken in the Valhalla forest. Nice bull, guys. Lots of very good dinners to come.



..to the east a bit is another entry port...nearer Lake of the Woody, Minnesota. ;D




When's the last time you saw a Sabre jet? Everybody know what a Sabre is..and what war?




This part of ND was home to the earliest European visitors..the furtrappers. Who held their wild rendezous every year...a time for all to come together..natives and trappers. Think Marde Gras Up North!

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A typical Icelandic church in the Valhalla vicinity.


Valhalla... It's a Norman Rockwell painting in the making.

TO BE CONTINUED:

Sunman - 9-16-2010 at 08:21 AM

Somebody give that poor F-86 some love, that thing needs some paint bad.

We used to fly them here as drones but they've even been retired from that for 10 years or more.

Oh, and it was the Korean War.

Pompano - 9-16-2010 at 08:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Sunman
Somebody give that poor F-86 some love, that thing needs some paint bad.

We used to fly them here as drones but they've even been retired from that for 10 years or more.

Oh, and it was the Korean War.


Right on, Sunman...Korea. My Baja neighbor flew them there. I don't think he had a regular flying license, though. :rolleyes:

And that sabre is undergoing it's annual repainting. Getting ready for next year's high school class to put their slogan's on..it's all fun!

capt. mike - 9-16-2010 at 08:50 AM

my 1st model plane was an F86 D series.
i was maybe 10? when i finished it , it looked a lot like the standing one.

Skipjack Joe - 9-16-2010 at 10:04 AM

My last stop will be Valhalla. :lol:

I posted a picture of Yatanka Tatanka because that's what I associate with Dakotas. That, and Calamity Jane. I found great images of Wounded Knee as well but didn't want to put a damper on the upbeat nature of this thread.

Nevertheless, there is great beauty in that face.

Sunman - 9-16-2010 at 12:03 PM

Quote:
[quoteAnd that sabre is undergoing it's annual repainting. Getting ready for next year's high school class to put their slogan's on..it's all fun!


Awesome, those old war birds deserve some respect!

[Edited on 9-16-2010 by Sunman]

Igor..you have touched on one of my passions.

Pompano - 9-16-2010 at 12:20 PM

Native Americans









We crossed the eastern half of Montana and visited Ft. Peck Indian Reservation..and then most of the North Dakota reserves.

Even one in South North Dakota. :rolleyes:

The history, culture, and crafts of these first norteamericanos is VERY interesting, indeed. On your next visit to the Dakotas, be sure to schedule some downtime with them. You wont' regret it!




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Some of the original inhabitants of the Great Plains..in particular, the Dakotas..are the following:

NORTH DAKOTA INDIAN TRIBES - NATIVE AMERICANS

Arapaho

Certain traditions indicate that the Arapaho at one time lived in the Red River Valley in what is now Minnesota and North Dakota, but they had left before the historic period.

Arikara
Signifying "horns," or "elk," and having reference to their ancient manner of wearing the hair with two pieces of bone standing up, one on each side of the crest; -ra is the plural suffix.

Stâr-râh-he' [tstarahi], their own name, according to Lewis and Clark


Assiniboin In early days the Assiniboin were constantly coming across from Canada to fight and trade with the tribes of the upper Missouri, but they did not settle within the limits of North Dakota for any considerable period.


Cheyenne

When they left Minnesota the Cheyenne settled for a while on the Sheyenne fork of Red River after which they moved beyond the limits of the State of North Dakota.

Chippewa
After they had obtained guns the Chippewa pushed westward as far as the Turtle Mountains which gave their name to a Chippewa band. There were 2,966 Chippewa in North Dakota in 1910.

Dakota
While working their way west from Minnesota, bands of Dakota occupied at various times parts of the eastern, southern, and southwestern margins of North Dakota and a part of the Standing Rock Agency is within the limits of the State. In 1910 1,190 Dakota were making their homes on its soil.
Hidatsa. Derived from the name of a former village and said, on somewhat doubtful authority, to signify "willows." Also called:
A-me-she', Crow name, meaning "people who live in earth houses."
Gi-aucth-in-in-e-wug, Chippewa name, meaning "men of the olden time."
Gros Ventres of the Missouri, traders' name, probably derived from the sign for them in the sign language.


Mandan
Probably a corruption of the Dakota word applied to them, Mawatani. Also called:
A-rach-bo-cu, Hidatsa name
Numakaki, own name prior to 1837, meaning "men," "people."
U-ka'-she, Crow name, meaning "earth houses."



Generally......

Sioux

The Sioux Nation(s) are a group of Indian Nations collected under one rubric due to language, associations, traditions and an Act of Congress that defined them as one "Nation". The three tribes are the Lakota, the Dakota, and the Nakota.
The Nakota or Yankton Sioux were a small subset of the Sioux Nations.
The Lakota (also Teton) Sioux are the largest of the three subsets of the Sioux Nations. They are the stereotypical "plains indian" "Movie Indian", complete with a complex horse driven culture, tipis, and head gear straight out of a John Wayne show.

Siouian Languages
The Siouian language group is a large family of languages that include the Sioux, the Mandian and the Haditsian. It is a verb last language that uses infixes on the verb to identify the subject (that is, a verb like "to hit" apa is aMapa "I hit"; aWapa, "you hit" and just apa "he or she hits".) Also, Lakota and Dakota have different grammars for women as for men.



TO BE CONTINUED:


Heather - 9-16-2010 at 01:44 PM

Pompano, have thorougly enjoyed your trip North, almost as much as I enjoy your posts from the South!

My mother was from Saskatchewen and I am forever greatful that she emigrated to Hawaii and met her a good old US Marine! They married in Canada and honeymooned at Glacier National Park (or so the story goes)!

I think we did a similar drive to yours in the late 60's. Started by boat from Hawaii to San Francisco, and then up to the grandparents in Sask., and then to the other grandparents in Vermont, and finally to Mass. where my dad had recruiting duty. I don't remember much of it, as I was going into 1st grade at the time! Am remembering some of it from your pictures, though! Thanks again.

Pompano - 9-16-2010 at 07:23 PM

My pleasure, Heather. Stay tuned for some more memories as we travel.

AmoPescar - 9-16-2010 at 10:41 PM

Hi Roger and Co-Pilot,

I know you didn't make it to Redmond, WA, but I thought I'd let you know about the new Facebook page for my brother's restaurant. Maybe wet your appetite for another time! Lots of great pics...you might want to look AFTER a meal when you're full.

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Redmond-WA/Frankie...

As I've written before, I'm thoroughly enjoying traveling along with you guys on this trip! Your pictures, narratives, facts, maps, etc. are really great!!! I really appreciate all the time you have put into sharing your journey with us who are at home on the couch.


Tu Amigo, Miguelamo/Amopescar :bounce: :tumble: :yes: :spingrin:

NORTH DAKOTA..An Exposé

Pompano - 9-17-2010 at 06:59 AM

NORTH DAKOTA Exposé


Thanks, Heather, Amopescar and others who have messaged. Photography and attempting to write are a couple of my favorite hobbies, so I thoroughly enjoy posting these ramblings...even while boring the hell outta you! :yes:

Now I am going to have some fun:
On this North Dakota part of our trip, we'll be picking Canadian coins out of our pocket change..... and tossing them into fountains to make 89% of our wishes come true.
So, with the help of a Co-Pilot & a collaborater, let's get started...



A North Dakota Factual Exposé :rolleyes:

On November 2, 1889, North Dakota became the 39th state. It was originally settled by Canadians searching for somewhere to live that wasn't cold and boring. Naturally, the expedition was a miserable failure.
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Westhope is North Dakota's state's busiest point of entry into Canada. Over 72,000 people per year cross the border there - mostly Hollywood types who are still making good on their promises to leave the country after Bush was elected.
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Writing Rock State Historical Site near Grenora, North Dakota, features two granite boulders with carvings of the mythological Thunderbird. Which is either an example of early Indian religion or a declaration of their love for cheap, fortified wine.
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North Dakota got its name from the Sioux Indian word "Da-ko-ta", meaning "pasty white guys"
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The town of Rugby, North Dakota, is the geographical center of the North American continent, which - for those of you with public school educations - is the one that's right above that ice-cream-cone-shaped continent.


In 1987, North Dakota passed a law making English the state's official language, as a direct snub to those who only speak Canadian.
"Whut's dat aboot, eh?" - I mean, who can understand THAT goofy monkey-jabber?


In 1989, North Dakota attempted to drop the word "North" from the state's name, seeking to become known simply as "Dakota". The bill was defeated after their neighbor to the south threatened to change its name to "Smart Dakota".




Max Taubert of Casselton, North Dakota built a 50-foot-tall pyramid out of empty oil cans. Experts are still debating whether Taubert was an artistic genius or just a lazy slob who couldn't remember that trash day was Tuesday.






The Dakota Dinosaur Museum in Dickinson, North Dakota, contains dozens of complete dinosaur skeltons and celebrates the North Dakota state recreational pastime of watching things slowly turn to stone.


The largest state-owned sheep research center in the US is located in Hettinger, North Dakota, and specializes in trying to discover what it is about sheep that makes ordinary men suddenly unable to quit each other.

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The original grave of Sioux Indian leader Sitting Bull can be found in Fort Yates, North Dakota. His last words before being killed in 1890 were "Me think-um white man not have guts to pull trigger".

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Jamestown, North Dakota is home to the world's largest buffalo statue. It's 26 feet tall, weighs 60 tons and features a small plaque at its base that says "Yes, we KNOW it's actually a 'bison'. We don't care. Shut up."




The historic Opera House in Ellendale, North Dakota was shut down after 90 years of successful operation in 1999 when it made the regrettable decision to put on performances of the controversial musical, "The Pedophiles of Penzance".



North Dakota's biggest tourist attraction is the annual Killdeer Mountain Roundup Rodeo, which is the one time of year when residents can chase, tackle, and tie up animals for pleasure without running afoul of the state's beastiality laws.

Before becoming President, Teddy Roosevelt came to the Dakota territory in 1883 to hunt bison. He left in 1898 to fight in the Spanish-American War because he thought it would be more fun to hunt Spaniards.

Known as "The Small, Friendly German Town on the Dakota Prairie", New Leipzig, North Dakota, hosts an annual Oktoberfest celebration during which it invades and conquers the neighboring city of New Paris.



Every year, New Rockford, North Dakota hosts the Central North Dakota Steam Threshers Reunion, which features a variety of antique farm machinery, some of which is so old that it's actually been used to harvest non-government subsidized crops.


Fort Berthold Community College near New Town, North Dakota, was the first tribally chartered college in North Dakota and offers courses in casino operations and victim-card playing.

Rutland, North Dakota created the World's Largest Hamburger. Over nine thousand people came to sample the nearly two-ton burger, and all of them went home hungry, since Michael Moore was first in line.
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Turtle Lake, North Dakota hosts the annual United States Turtle Racing Championship. The losers of the race compete again later in the day during the United States Turtle Soup Cook-off. No-no, Olivia..don't worry. I'm talking North Dakota here. :rolleyes:


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Bismark, North Dakota features a statue of Lewis & Clark's Indian guide Sacagewea. She's depicted gazing westward toward the country she helped open, while the baby strapped to her back is shown giving the finger eastward to the country that forced his mom to live on a reservation.
The Lewis & Clark expedition encountered hungry grizzly bears in North Dakota, which is also where they lost their first Indian guide, Snackagewea.


1970's. Lake Sakakawea, created by the Missouri River, was the scene of intensive studies by USDE geologists to determine if there was any coal present.

Well ..DUH! Maybe they should've gone fishing with me and glanced at the shoreline. "Hey GUYS! Yoo Hooo..I kinda THINK that black line is COAL..wadda-ya-say?"

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North Dakota's highest point, White Butte, features numerous small piles of rocks. Known as shepherder's monuments, they were piled there by sheepherders as a way to pass the time. Sorta like a primitive version of Microsoft Solitaire. Hmm...White Butte?...sheepherders?? White Butt maybe? :rolleyes:



The International Peace Garden straddles the international boundary between North Dakota and the Canadian province of Manitoba. Like the peace movement itself, it's filled entirely with pansies.



The Fort Union Trading Post in North Dakota was the principal fur-trading site in the region from 1829 to 1867. It was one of the few places in the country where no one would raise an eyebrow upon hearing the phrase "I'm going into town to see if I can trade my beaver for a bottle of whiskey".


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TO BE CONTINUED.....unless I get banned. :rolleyes:



[Edited on 9-17-2010 by Pompano]

Cypress - 9-17-2010 at 07:19 AM

Pompano, Thanks for the education and the humor.:yes: Looking forward to the next class.

Iflyfish - 9-17-2010 at 07:44 AM

This has been a fascinating trip. I learned that my Icelandic relatives stole the right to claim lefse as their own and that my uff da is archaic. Uff da, sad about that. I will float off to Vallhala in my burning boat with Norwegian lefse on my sunken chest.

North Dakota may hold one of the largest oil reserves in the country. My uncle talked my father into sinking some hard earned wheat money into some dry holes, missed the mother load, guess in the long run he was right.

The Bakken Formation in North Dakota could boost America’s Oil reserves by an incredible 10 times.

Dem der dino's sure left us wid sum good stuff der eh?! you betcha!

Iflyfishicelandic

Pompano - 9-17-2010 at 08:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Iflyfish
This has been a fascinating trip. I learned that my Icelandic relatives stole the right to claim lefse as their own and that my uff da is archaic. Uff da, sad about that. I will float off to Vallhala in my burning boat with Norwegian lefse on my sunken chest.

North Dakota may hold one of the largest oil reserves in the country. My uncle talked my father into sinking some hard earned wheat money into some dry holes, missed the mother load, guess in the long run he was right.

The Bakken Formation in North Dakota could boost America’s Oil reserves by an incredible 10 times.

Dem der dino's sure left us wid sum good stuff der eh?! you betcha!

Iflyfishicelandic


Iflyfishicelendic...The Bakken Oil Formation extends all the way from Sask - North Dakota - Wyoming - Colorado. With the greatest amount in western ND (The Bakken part). This amount of oil is estimated to be more than Saudi Arabia and Iraq combined. But, our hands are somewhat tied...for the moment. :rolleyes:

Martyman - 9-17-2010 at 08:47 AM

Hey Pomp;
As a good leftist I should be pouting about your jokes but they are f-ing funny!!! Keep up the entertainment.

A White Butt Pansy
Martyman

Vince - 9-17-2010 at 09:50 AM

Roger- Thanks for the travelogue and photos, I enjoyed them. We took the ND trip last summer and loved seeing your state, especially Teddy's park. It brought back memories for Pat having been a cheerleader for USD when we played UND. We are headed for Dakota Day Oct. 1 for the same ticket, USDvsUND. Maybe see you in Coyote Bay soon. Patrick will be there first then daughter Julie and family.

doradodan - 9-17-2010 at 10:45 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pompano
Quote:
Originally posted by Iflyfish
Uff Da!!! What a trip ya have goin there guy!

The Icelandic side of my family settled in North Dakota and each year celebrate Icelandic Independance Day on August 2nd, "The Deuce".

Great trip report, what a life!!

IflyfishhatofftoPompano'sadventure
My hometown of Dovray MN still has a july celebration called Ufda Days. Well ya, dont ya know.

iflyfish...your ND ancestors must have settled near Valhalla, ND? The area is full of Icelandic influences. A nice place.


p.s. nobody outside the cast of 'Fargo' says uff da anymore. :saint:



[Edited on 9-16-2010 by Pompano]

Pompano - 9-17-2010 at 10:45 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Martyman
Hey Pomp;
As a good leftist I should be pouting about your jokes but they are f-ing funny!!! Keep up the entertainment.

A White Butt Pansy
Martyman


Martyman...please know that I have as many leftist friends as rightist and all my jibes are in good fun only. Next time it's the conservative's turn to be roasted!
Thanks for reading and glad you are enjoying our trip.



Quote:
Originally posted by Vince
Roger- Thanks for the travelogue and photos, I enjoyed them. We took the ND trip last summer and loved seeing your state, especially Teddy's park. It brought back memories for Pat having been a cheerleader for USD when we played UND. We are headed for Dakota Day Oct. 1 for the same ticket, USDvsUND. Maybe see you in Coyote Bay soon. Patrick will be there first then daughter Julie and family.


Hi Vince...I knew you were a Dakota fan! The Park is indeed one of my favorite places and reminds me a bit of Baja. We lived in it during my childhood and had many a great campout..rattlesnake and porcupine adventures galore!

UND is my old alma mater..and is SURE to win..BIG! GO FIGHTING SOUIX!!

I'll be waiting for you in Coyote, amigo...travel safe.

Pompano - 9-17-2010 at 11:06 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by doradodan
Quote:
Originally posted by Pompano
Quote:
Originally posted by Iflyfish
Uff Da!!! What a trip ya have goin there guy!

The Icelandic side of my family settled in North Dakota and each year celebrate Icelandic Independance Day on August 2nd, "The Deuce".

Great trip report, what a life!!

IflyfishhatofftoPompano'sadventure
My hometown of Dovray MN still has a july celebration called Ufda Days. Well ya, dont ya know.

iflyfish...your ND ancestors must have settled near Valhalla, ND? The area is full of Icelandic influences. A nice place.


p.s. nobody outside the cast of 'Fargo' says uff da anymore. :saint:



[Edited on 9-16-2010 by Pompano]


"Ya sure, ya betcha..darn tootin."

doradodan...Here's something from back home for you.. the latest Ole and Lena joke I heard.



Ole and Lena

Vell, Ole and Lena went to the same Lutheran Church. Lena went every Sunday and taught Sunday School. Ole went on Christmas and Easter and once in awhile he went on one of the other Sundays.

On one of those Sundays, he was in the pew right behind Lena and he noticed vhat a fine looking woman she was. Vhile dey were taking up the collection, Ole leaned forward and said,

"Hey, Lena, how about you and me go to dinner in New Ulm next Friday?"

"Yah, Ole, dot vould be nice," said Lena.

Well, Ole couldn't believe his luck. All week long he polished up his old Ford, and on Friday he picked Lena up and took her to the finest restaurant in New Ulm. When they sat down, Ole looked over at Lena and said,

"Hey, Lena, vould you like a c-cktail before dinner?"

"Oh, no, Ole," said Lena. "Vat vould I tell my Sunday School class?"

Vell, Ole was set back a bit, so he didn't say much until after dinner. Then he reached in his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes.

"Hey, Lena," said Ole, "vould you like a smoke?"

"Oh, no, Ole," said Lena. "Vat vould I tell my Sunday School class?"

Vell, Ole vas feeling pretty low after that, so he yust got in his Ford and vas driving Lena home ven dey passed the Hot Springs Motel. He'd struck out twice already, so he figured he had nothing to lose.

"Hey, Lena," said Ole, "how vould you like to stop at that motel with me?"

"Yah, Ole, dot vould be nice," said Lena.

Vell, Ole couldn't believe his luck. He did a U-turn right then and there across the median and everything, and drove back to the motel and checked in vith Lena.

The next morning Ole got up first. He looked at Lena lying there in the bed, her blond curls on the pillow. "Vat have I done? Vat have I done?" thought Ole. He shook Lena and she woke up. "Lena, I've got to ask you von ting," said Ole. "Vat are you going to tell your Sunday School class?"

"Lena said, "The same ting I alvays tell dem. You don't have to smoke or drink to have a good time!"

This is my LAST post on ND..honest!

Pompano - 9-20-2010 at 06:40 AM


NORTH DAKOTA





As you come into North Dakota from the west (Montana) you find the Badlands.



"It was here that the romance of my life began."
-Theodore Roosevelt




Explore the rugged badlands terrain, watch wildlife, or relax in the shade of a cottonwood tree at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and enjoy the lifestyle and scenes that charmed Theodore Roosevelt in the 1880s. TR's experiences in the Dakota badlands shaped his adult life, directed him to the Presidency and on to become one of the world's leading land conservationists.

Here are some typical scenes we saw during our last tour of the Badlands.



..and some fun stuff, too!




One thing about the weather in ND..just wait an hour and it will change..
Want an old-time haircut?..this is the place. Take time to smell the flowers. Need a good fish dinner or just cool off the feet?







ND Damselfly


NORTH DAKOTA ECONOMY


Factoid: ND is the only state that has a state-owned bank in the nation.

Factoid: ND is/was the world's third largest nuclear power.


One of the 'discontinued' missile command centers. Any one of 30 could launch all 600 ICBMs..MinuteMan Mark V's which were at one time scattered all over ND and eastern Montana. Known as Wing 6, these sites are obsolete today. As a college summer job I worked for an environmental air-control company and was down inside every missile silo in Wing 6. Had to climb down a 90ft ladder many times each day...good excercise, but very solemn.

AGRICULTURE



Supported by its extremely fertile soil, North Dakota's agricultural economy is much larger than most other states.

In terms of revenue generated, North Dakota's top five agricultural products are: wheat, cattle and calves, soybeans, corn for grain, and sugar beets.

Crops
Wheat is the leading farm product in North Dakota, ranking second in production behind Kansas. North Dakota grows more durum wheat ..used for pasta.. than any other state.



North Dakota also leads all other states in the production of barley and sunflower seeds and is a leader in the production of flaxseed (linseed oil).

North Dakota is among the leading states in the production of canola seed, honey, navy beans, oats, pinto beans, rye, soybeans and sugar beets.



Hay is important, grown for livestock feed.



Organic Farming
As of 2008, North Dakota ranks third in the number of certified organic cropland acres.

North Dakota is by far the leader in production of oilseeds (flax & sunflowers). The state also leads the nation in production of organic oats, buckwheat and rye.

As of 2009, more than 40 companies in North Dakota are organically certified to handle and/or process organic products. These companies are diverse in size, ranging from commercial scale food processors to value-added on-farm processing plants, and in products, ranging from meat slaughter..Hi to Nomad Don Jorge.. to flour milling.



MINING
North Dakota's most valuable mined product is petroleum...oil. We have more oil than OPEC! Let's just hope we can go after it.... a little more efficiently, of course. :rolleyes:

Coal and natural gas are also important.


POPULATION

The original native American tribes in what is now North Dakota were the Mandan, Sioux, Arikara, Chippewa, Cheyenne, Assiniboine, and Hidatsa. Today only the Sioux and Chippewa remain; they comprise about 4% of the population.


(Lakota Souix smoke signal saying: "Got Buffalo..Barbeque Today!")

Most settlers arrived from the 1880s to 1910, usually straight from Europe. Since then the population has held steady at about 650,000.

Young people are moving out of rural areas to other states or to the few cities. The four urban counties (containing Fargo, Grand Forks Bismark and Minot) grew from 134,000 people in 1930 to 338,000 in 2007, while the other 49 counties--heavily rural--declined from 546,000 in 1930 to only 301,000 in 2007, and the decline continues.

Thanks to high prices for oil and wheat, the state is prosperous and the state budget has a surplus. Higher education is a priority; North Dakota ranks first in spending per capita on state colleges and universities.


"Old Main" building on my old alma mater.

Factoid: North Dakota State University.....What do you have to do there to graduate?
Milk a cow with your left hand.

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How about some HISTORY?


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Ethnicity of North Dakota European pioneers
Three out of four residents today are descended from German and Norwegian pioneers who arrived as farmers in growth years, 1880 to 1914. Many of the German speakers came from Russia, and are known as "Russian Germans." Yankees arrived too; they became townspeople, not farmers. Religion has always been strong, especially in Lutheran and Catholic churches.


A couple of sod houses built by pioneers to the Great Plains..where lumber was nowhere to be found.
Lower left corner is my Dad's homemade hunting trailer...set up near the Badlands. And some of my early pioneer relatives on the right.

Norwegians!
Norwegian folk came to North Dakota with a reputation for honesty, hospitality, and thrift; they were modernizers and prohibitionists and soon acquired new traits involving good manners, a greater respect for women, more democratic ideas, and disregard for European class distinctions. "In Norway," pioneer Omund writes in his diary, "we were in many respects a helpless tool in the hands of the state. There we had the state church. The child must be baptized or a fine must be paid." Omund said that when Norwegians came to America they became "a more wideawake people and more independent thinking. . . . The Norwegian, who has lived a while in America, is more civilized than if he had not been here. He has seen more, experienced more, thought more, and all this has opened his eyes and broadened his view."

The old cabin here is one of my ancestor's. Omund Opheim was the first white man to settle this far west at the time. He quickly made friends with the local tribes by gifting them strawberries from his garden..hey, it worked and they got along famously ever after. These were very hard times. One time after a very harsh blizzard which snowbound them for days, he found a frozen corpse just 50 yards from his front door. A testament to how extreme the weather gets in North Dakota.


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Religion and churches played a major part in settlement of the Great Plains. And still does today...a very refreshing and good-natured kind of religion...the kind that makes you good things for others...


...and so Co-Pilot gets her Xmas present early and the older women critique the new device. :rolleyes:



While on this clean-up roll, we decide to make a stop at an old hunting shack of mine in northern Dakota. Take some time to mow the yard, say Hi to some neighbors...get a ride on a 4wheeler..



..clean out an old storage shed...

..and check in with the post office for any old mail..



This very small town (pop. 45) is like the old TV show, Petticoat Junction. Very quiet and laidback. Where each resident has a mailbox and combination. Walk to the post office to get your mail..and you get coffee with French vanilla creamer and fresh orange juice poured by the postmistress. She's glad for the company.


Small town scenes typical of North Dakota.


Here's some news about North Dakota that may interest people looking for good real estate deals...




Like Victorian? Or a pre-fab quickie? Every one of the above places are under $35,000. A hint on buying these is the old North Dakota slogan..."Fifty below zero keeps the riffraff out." :rolleyes:
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Now we come to one of the main reasons for me to be in North Dakota in the fall.

HUNTING NORTH DAKOTA



Hunter's Moon







And THAT'S ALL for North Dakota, folks...

We're off for a quick trip through Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinios....then home to BAJA!




Iflyfish - 9-20-2010 at 11:05 AM

Thanks for sharing this wonderful adventure with us. Best travelogue on North Dakota that I have ever seen. My Dakota relatives have really enjoyed it!

Iflyfish

Natalie Ann - 9-20-2010 at 12:33 PM

North Dakota.... good memories, Pompano... and a favorite song form my youth.

;

nena

MINNESOTA - LAND OF 1000 LAKES

Pompano - 9-22-2010 at 08:41 AM


MINNESOTA - RAINY RIVER - LAKE ELMO

Now..time to get on with our Road Trip.

We leave the great state of North Dakota!....and venture east into the good-neighbor state of Minnesota.

We're going home and then visit some old Baja amigos.




The northwestern corner of Minnesota. A place on the Rainy River next to Lake of the Woods...truly 'God's Country.' Perhaps some of you know about this wonderous place?


Lake of the Woods...a VERY scenic lake with thousands of rock/pine islands, 65,000 miles of shoreline, and some of the best walleye fishing in the world. Wild, pristine wilderness full of wildlife ..stretching from Minnesota, USA to Ontario, Canada. It's my Baja of the North.



Anybody recall the beautiful water scenes in the beer commercials for Hamm's beer many years ago? I'll try to sing the jingle....cough, cough...."FROM the land of sky-blue waaaa-ters..WAaaa-ters. HAMM'S..The beer refreshing. HAMM'S..the beer refreshing. HAMM'S BEER!" ...or something like that. :rolleyes:

Yup..the background for that commercial was..you guessed it... Lake of the Woods.



I spent a lot of my younger years near here..and now lots of my older....canoeing, camping, and fishing in the wilderness areas. I wouldn't trade those experiences and memories for anything. These days, the lure of my home Up North takes me back every year...about the time Baja gets REALLY HOT! :rolleyes:
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That...and the anticipation of taking some young pals out fishing..and seeing those huge smiles when posing with thier prizes. Priceless!



The lake is prime walleye country. Full of trophy fish, calm most of the time, but can become a dangerous place to be during a windstorm..best to sit in camp or home and be safe.
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Minnesota is truly the Land of a Thousand Lakes. Minnesota has 90,000 miles of shoreline, more than California, Florida and Hawaii combined.




I have ALWAYS loved photographing clouds. And Up North, they are full of life and vigor..

..sometimes a little TOO MUCH vigor! :yes:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=13673#pid1150...




{Note: Speaking of the sky and 'vigor'. Up North, this has been a familiar sight since the early 60's...a SAC B-52H bomber flys high overhead on a regular patrol and/or training mission. From it's present heading, it's probably heading back to SAC command in Minot, ND. These guys can carry nukes...to protect our nation by way of the sure knowledge of a sudden and 100% fatal response to nuclear attack. Additionally, the 150 nuclear-tipped Minuteman Mark III ICBM's in ND silos are another 'deterent' to attack. :rolleyes: }
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FURTRAPPERS & VOYAGEURS....I missed my calling..:rolleyes:

Early visitors to Lake of The Woods...


Tons of history, too..the factual kind...about the early native americans and later the French trappers and voyageurs, who opened this area to the western world. Sometimes it was the 'coureur des bois'..unauthorized fur traders.. who did the most to bring European influence to this wilderness.



We arrive to unpack, greet some friends coming to welcome us..and their dog, Jake..who comes running to see me...

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...at full blast!
Hoo-boy, there's nothing like a Lab for boisterous greetings with lots of face-licking. :rolleyes:
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Just got here and already it's time to get things ready for tomorrow's dinner guests. Oh well, that's what it's all about ..friends for dinner.



First, though...Clean, clean, clean...also Check for mice..Check the hot water...Check the mattress?...Check the office toilet..uh, that's another story.


Looks damn spotless to me, tesoro. But be my guest and knock yourself out.

Factoid: Women see things invisible to men....:yes:
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Co-Pilot! Wonderful quiche! Great wine! Good company! Can I sit down now?


The woodland birds are having thier meal, too.


This unfortunate fellow was a little stunned after he T-boned on the window pane...but recovered to fly again! Reminded me of some flying misadventures I've been on in the past..courtesy of an old chopper & 180 pilot, Dusty. We had some times.
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Welcome to The GarageWorkshop...a place where great ideas are born...and is a refuge of sorts. :)
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These are two of my favotite photos.

Upper Right photo: Hunter is saying: "I got these son-of-a-b-tches about 9 o'clock this morning."
Lower Left photo: Game warden is saying: I got this son-of-a-b-tch about 10 o'clock this morning."
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Basically, these are the tools with which to construct a log home...plus lots and lots of elbow grease.




And...that most important tool. A shot of Don Julio..ahhh.



Who doesn't have a still-running antique dozer in their shed?



The grandkid's treehouse. I had one like it when I was a pup, too. Not quite as level, but back then it was my first real construction job.





The syrup shed. Have you ever made maple syrup straight from the trees?




If you want it quick, buy it at the market! This is work..work..work..and I put the cost at about $100 a pint...more or less. :)
Like putting a cost per ounce on a flyfishing trip to Alaska! :yes:



Later..on our last day Up North, we take the 4wheeler down the woodtrail to the creek.

Nice fall weather for a ride and a last look around ...before we have to hit the trail for O'Hare field in Chicago.

You see, Co-Pilot must fly back to Italy for a short while. Visas only last so long for the..ahem.. legal visitors to America. :rolleyes:

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But first we want to visit some old Baja amigos who live in a nice haven called Lake Elmo. It's on the route to Chicago from Rainy River. So off we go... to...The Cities. Minneapolis/St. Paul.

I thought this photo came out fairly well for taking it from the freeway at 65mph...whaddya think?
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Factoid: The city of St. Paul. The original name of the settlement that became St. Paul was Pig's Eye. Named for the French-Canadian whiskey trader, Pierre "Pig's Eye" Parrant, who had led squatters to the settlement.



We arrive to meet my cookie-addicted compadre at his Lake Elmo home. (He looks a little like I imagine "Pig's Eye" to look.)


Meet my old childhood chum, lifelong friend, and Baja/Mulege amigo...Randy. He's a research chemist..and a mad scientist-type..

..and his wife, Ginny, is the charming and patient type. :rolleyes:




We find a nearby RV park for the motorhome. A huge forested park with very nice campsites...even a sheriff for protection. From what we can't imagine. Over-friendly Goldens, maybe?
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Did I mention Randy and Ginny have four golden retrievers? They did have 5, but old Max went to doggy heaven last year. It was all I could do to keep Co-Pilot from becoming a dognapper. She loves all animals. She settled for smothering them with affection.


The next day I sense something....suddenly....like a revalation!

"Hey... I smell fresh carmel rolls and pies!!"


And...Sure enough!!..there was a great bakery/eatery just down the road a few miles...:rolleyes:


Now you have to excuse me....3 caramel rolls always make me drowsy....zzzzzz..zzzzzzzzzzzz

We hope you enjoyed our stay at Lake of the Woods and Lake Elmo. :yes:

TO BE CONTINUED..Next: The Minnesota State Fair!

(oh wow... "be still my heart"). ..:rolleyes:

BajaBlanca - 9-22-2010 at 08:33 PM

amazing doesn't begin to describe how wonderful this voyage has been. gracias. muchas gracias.

"The Great Minnesota Get-Together"

Pompano - 9-25-2010 at 12:07 PM



Hey... Good Morning to all. I'm a little late today, so I hope you're still ready to get on with our Road Trip?

(I know.. I know, this is boring as hell for most of you.. but hey, it's my rice bowl. :rolleyes: Besides that, I'm hoping that you enjoy visiting with us and maybe learning a little more about our great America..and .. have some fun while we're at it. :D )



Sooo....We are now in Lake Elmo, Minnesota... near Minneapolis/St. Paul with our long-time amigos and hosts, Randy and Ginny. One night during our dinner conversation we all decided it would be fun to attend a local annual event that had just got underway.

It turned out to be a "Ya sure, ya betcha! Uff da, vee had such a good time. She vus a real doozy,don't-cha-know?" - kind of event. :D




The Minnesota State Fair







Its slogan is "The Great Minnesota Get-Together." It's probably the largest state fair in the United States in terms of daily attendance. It's held at the state fairgrounds, adjoining the Saint Paul campus of the University of Minnesota. Just in case you are ever asked, the site is midway between the state's capital city of St. Paul and the largest city, Minneapolis. :rolleyes:



Residents of the state and region come to the fair to be entertained, exhibit their best livestock, show off their abilities in a variety of fields including art and cooking, learn about new products and services... and one of my favorites.. enjoy many different types of food—often on a stick. It typically runs for twelve days, running from late August into early September with the last day being Labor Day. In 2009, attendance was about 1,800,000, up almost 100,000 from the previous year...this years projections are busting 2,000,000 ...so you can see this is no small potatoes we're talking here! ;)





Heck...even the crowd waiting to use the one bathroom is HUGE. :rolleyes:


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Got to have some .. History!


Minnesota Territory first held a Territorial Fair in 1854, although the first Minnesota State Fair didn't occur until 1859, the year after statehood. Since then, the fair has run annually except for five different years. In 1861 and 1862, the fair was not held because of the Civil War and the Dakota War of 1862. Scheduling issues between the fair and the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois caused the 1893 show to be canceled. The fair again closed because of war in 1945, as fuel was in short supply. It was again closed in 1946 because of an outbreak of polio.

In its early years during the 19th century, the fair was held in many different locations. Some were not far from the current site, but others were relatively far-flung. For a time in the 1870s, the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul held competing fairs. Minneapolis, the younger city of the pair, eventually outdid its neighbor by staging the larger fair.


One of the most significant dates in the fair's history was September 2, 1901 when then-Vice President Theodore Roosevelt was visiting and first uttered the famous phrase, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." (Good ol' Teddy..my favorite president.) Roosevelt became president just days later after William McKinley was assassinated.

In 1925, the Minnesota State Fair was the site of the Norse-American Centennial celebration. During his appearance at the Norse-American Centennial, President Calvin Coolidge gave recognition to the contributions of Scandinavian-Americans ..and noted Lief Erikson ... as the real discoverer of America! ...not that what's-his-name Italian who got lost and thought he was in India. Right, Co-Pilot? :rolleyes:


So...What do you see at the State Fair?
Answer: LOTS! Here's just a few things..opps ...tings!


Livestock departments - and 4H



A large portion of the Fairgrounds are occupied by livestock barns, where various farm animals are displayed. The animals and their owners take part in livestock shows to compete for awards. Most of the shows take place in the coliseum, a large indoor arena on the fairgrounds. Open class livestock competitions are held in horses, beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, sheep, dairy goats, llamas, poultry (chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons) rabbits, and stock dogs.


Here we have..alpacas, elk and buffalo ranching associations, and a cute pooch (one of those Lapsidoodles, I think...)



Below.... are these little suckers cute or what?




.

Meet ..REGGIE!









Co-Pilot!!...don't touch that sheep!...


Co-Pilot!!...don't touch that duck!...


Co-Pilot!!...don't touch that pig!...


Groan...just great! She loves animals..has to touch them ALL. Now.. Go wash your hands..





4-H has a significant presence at the fair, both in their own building and in the livestock areas. Contests include herdsmanship, showmanship, judging teams, public presentations, non-livestock exhibits, and county club exhibits. Livestock displays include beef and dairy cattle, dairy and market goats, poultry (chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, and pigeons), rabbits, sheep, and swine.




Co-Pilot wants to let every one of them out.... :rolleyes:





Factoid: During the 2009 State Fair four students fell ill with the H1N1 influenza virus (all recovered), and as a precaution, hundreds of other 4-Hers were evacuated from the 4-H dormitories on the grounds.




Hmmm..right out of Gulliver's Travels..??



"Oh, go ahead, Co-Pilot, scratch away, get your face licked..again.





Factoid: On August 31, 2007, a bull escaped from its handler, charging several fairgoers before charging a fire hydrant and meeting it's Waterloo. No people were seriously injured in the mishap.

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Many Unusual Exhibits

...Opps...

Well...maybe this one is not so unusual. More of a natural exhibit.. for a horse. :rolleyes: About these country fairs....You are blessed with some occasional ...ah...Road Apples.

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..and don't forget all the THINGS to buy.

Co-Pilot quote: "This is better than the mall, yes?"





Harley gear is always IN..right, Co-pilot? :D



1. A classic Airstream..made into a diner. 2. Fish Houses are second homes to most Minnesotans....primary to bachelors. 3. Damn...looks like Batman's jetski. 4. I dunno about you, but I'd have to cut in half to fit into THAT ambulance...




FURS Anyone? (PETA members might want to avert your eyes for the next few photos...)




"Hey, Co-Pilot...nice rack." :rolleyes:




Pioneer Days

Co-Pilot looks over an old snowsleigh caboose...complete with a heater. Nothing like that in the Alps, I don't think.


Another favorite place...the Blacksmith

A great-uncle of mine, Norman Opheim, had a blacksmith shop almost like one on his ND ranch for many, many years. He forged all the parts and tools needed for his spread by hand. What a wonder that place was to me as a child. I miss the smells and sounds of that great place..and time. Super-hot charcoal coals, red-hot pokers hissing in the waterbarrel, pulleys and belts running overhead, the clang of the hammer, and the showers of sparks. And presto..a new plowshare..or a horseshoe to fit the Clydesdale. It's now a museum back in the Dakotas.





Here's a typical pioneer home. Complete with some pioneer-types.



This photo brings back such good memories. Sitting in her sunroom at the ranchhouse, spinning wool on her wheel was where I often saw my grandmother, Caroline. That old spinning wheel was a favorite hobby of hers until she died in 1965. I can imagine what memories she had of those golden..but sometimes harsh... times.



Hey, C0-Pilot chances upon this discovery: Labor Unions were there..even one for her... airline attendants!



Food..I say....FOOD!

One of the primary attractions at the State Fair is the wide variety of foods to be had. Many foods at the fair are served "on a stick." Classic fair foods such as cotton candy are readily available. Many foods reflect Minnesota's agriculture; cheese curds, milk shakes, corn dogs, and FootLong Hot Dogs are popular favorites. Many foods at the fair are deep fried or come on a stick; from the classic corn dog to alligator-on-a-stick or ..deep-fried candy bars. ahh...'Kid Health Food.' :yes:



New to the fair in 2006 was hotdish on a stick, a variant of a classic staple of Minnesotan cuisine. (little factoid: I existed on hotdish as a kid...ummm.)

In 2007 the new food was spaghetti on a stick. Hmm...? But how does it?...oh, never mind.

2008's new foods were two types of bacon, one called "Pig Lickers", which is chocolate covered, and the other a quarter pound of maple glazed bacon...yummy, eh?


Corn Dog Pizza from the State Fair. Fried corn dogs are sliced lengthwise and arranged like the spokes of a wheel on a basic cheese pizza. ‘Nuff said.



How about some Deep-Fried Cheddar-Bacon Mashed Potatoes on a stick. A Midwestern delight that combines pork, cheese and potatoes. Lipitor, not included. ;D

COOKIES!!

Got Milk?
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! GET YER HOT DOGS HERE!


munch, munch, slobber, slobber....burp!....ahhhhhh










Voted 'Best New Fair Food of 2010' Grilled marshmallow, banana, and chocolate sandwich!

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I wonder...? I'm told it tastes just like chicken..??


Naw..no iguana, thanks just the same.





Shows

The State Fair is host to numerous shows, including concerts, comedy shows, product demonstrations, and the State Fair Talent Contest. The Grandstand is a large outdoor concert hall that also features 3 floors of interior exhibition space. It hosts the largest of the fairs concerts and until 2002 was also the site of stock car races run on a small oval track. In 2003 the facility completed the first phase of a $35 million remodeling project that removed large sections of bleachers and increased seating capacity to 17,000. Local television and radio stations will normally set up temporary studios at the State Fair, and one of the most popular events is the live broadcast of Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion.

Co-Pilot gets on the tube. It's SHOWTIME! Ah..the glitter and glitz of show biz..



Science

In recent years the science building has been housing the Eco Experience exhibit, which features activities and exhibits including the design and construction of an eco-friendly house, a rain garden, exhibits addressing climate change, energy conservation, renewable energy, biodiesel fuel and vehicles, and organic farming.


Entertainment

Music

Every year there are many musical venues. The most notable venue being the Grandstand which have featured performers such as REO Speedwagon, Boston, Christina Aguilera, Backstreet Boys, Def Leppard, Styx, Foreigner, Bob Dylan, Santana, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Rush, KISS & "Weird Al" Yankovic, among others.

Tim McGraw is a yearly favorite.


Kid Rock ... rocks.



There are also many free entertainment venues from local bands and a selection of national acts. This year, 2010, Boyz II Men performed 2 nights at one of the free venues. We enjoyed it immensely.



Rides


There are several rides that are permanent fixtures at the fair. The most popular of these is the Giant Slide, on which fairgoers ride down a large metal slide on burlap sacks. The Skyride is an aerial lift ride that carried fairgoers across the grounds in a gondola. The Space Tower is a gyro tower that rotates as it lifts people over 300 feet in the air, giving spectacular views of the entire Minneapolis/St. Paul area. The Haunted House is another favorite of fairgoers. Further down the block is a water raft ride. The log chute is another popular thrill ride. The fair's oldest ride, Ye Old Mill, is a tunnel of love style ride that caters to all ages. We went 3 times. :rolleyes:



The Midway is a carnival-like setting that contains most of the rides at the State Fair. The attractions include several funhouses, roller coasters and other thrill rides as well as numerous games of skill.


Adventure Park is where the extreme thrill rides are located. This includes the Ejection Seat and other rides like it.


Kidway is the carnival area on the fairgrounds geared toward children.


Gondola Tramways

There is also the Skyline tram which will take you overhead to see all the exhibits and midways below you.
..with a little warning....










DNR...Department of Natural Resources... had some great exhibits and themes.





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Well...it's getting close to departure time for us, Co-Pilot. Co-Pilot?


Hey..I lost track of Co-Pilot somewhere..?

Ahh...there she is. What?

Good grief..NO!.. we are NOT buying a horse for Baja!


Come on, tesoro..get in the rig. We're burning daylight..


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TO BE CONTINUED....down the Road.


Cypress - 9-25-2010 at 02:23 PM

Pompano, Thanks! A 1,450 lb. hog! That's a lot of pork. The only thing better than a a little piece of pork is a bigger piece of pork.:lol:

If Lutefisk is Involved

Gypsy Jan - 9-25-2010 at 03:13 PM

I must respectfully decline the invitation to participate.

Sincerely yours, Gypsy Jan

[Edited on 9-26-2010 by Gypsy Jan]

Skipjack Joe - 9-25-2010 at 04:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pompano







This is hilarious!

Although I must admit, my culinary skills are at about this level. :(

bajamedic - 9-25-2010 at 07:36 PM

Wow, WOW and Wow, I love the travel, photos and the "real story" behind them, thanks to both Roger and Co-Pilot. JH

"WISCONSIN - ILLINOIS - OHARE AIRPORT"

Pompano - 9-27-2010 at 07:04 PM

Well, we certainly enjoyed the Minnesota State Fair and hope you had fun with us, too. Many thanks to our hosts, Randy & Ginny. Muchas gracias, muchachos, see you in Baja this winter. :yes:

In fact, we enjoyed the State Fair so much, that we are now a bit overdue for our Illinois leg of this Road Trip. We have to be at Chicago's O'Hare airport soon. To explain our haste, Co-Pilot is an Italian citizen...who respects and obeys the visitation laws of a foreigner in the US...namely; her vistor's visa is only good for the 2-month maximum and it expires in just a few more days.

We gotta move fast to catch the Alitalia flight from Chicago to Rome. Let's roll...





Leaving the Twin Cities and Minnesota, we drive east, southeast.....to cross... ..The Badger State:




As luck would have it..it started raining cats and dogs. Did you hear about all the flooding in southern Minnesota and Wisconsin? Well, this is the beginning of it right here...







What can I tell you about Wisconsin that you don't already know? Beer capitol of America?..sure. Land of Cheese?..Oh, yeah.

Quiz: which photo below does not fit?










Let's see..there's gotta be something I can tell you concerning the place....??


WISCONSIN

Origin of the name - Named after the Wisconsin River and means "grassy place" in the Chippewa language.


BWM..Before White Man...There were many Native Indians of Wisconsin including the Chippewa, Dakota, Fox, Iowa, Kickapoo, Mohican, Miami, Munsee, Iroquois, Oto, Ottawa, Potawatomi, Tionontati, Winnebago and Wyandot tribes.

1634 - Jean Nicolet was the first known European to reach Wisconsin in search of the Northwest Passage.

1774 - Quebec Act makes Wisconsin a part of Province of Quebec..??


1775 - 1783 - The American Revolution creates the United States of America.


July 4, 1776 - United States Declaration of Independence


July 10, 1778 - France declares war against Britain and makes an alliance with the American revolutionary forces.


September 3, 1783 - The Treaty of Paris is signed by the victorious United States and the defeated Great Britain. The United States takes ownership of Wisconsin.

If you think those factoids are great..read THIS!

The nation's first kindergarten was established in Wisconsin in 1856. Its first students were local German-speaking youngsters.

The state flower of Wisconsin is the "Road Construction Ahead" sign. :rolleyes:

Noah's Ark in Wisconsin Dells is America's largest waterpark, and is also Wisconsin's only non-alcoholic fluid-related attraction.


Wisconsin gets its name from the Oneida Indian phrase "Oui-con-sun", meaning "nothing but polka music on the radio".


Wisconsin is America's top milk producing state. Although vegetarians consider milking cows to be a form of animal abuse, they should just shut the hell up before I break their brittle, calcium-deficient little arms!


The state motto of Wisconsin is "Home of Schlitz, Blatz, Pabst, and other beers that sound like vomiting noises".

The Republican Party was born in 1854 in Ripon, Wisconsin. It was started as an attempt to replace the Whig party, which self-destructed after candidate Millard Fillmore completely discredited himself by making a bizarre screaming sound at the end of a campaign speech in 1852.


Cannibalistic serial killers Ed Gein and Jeffrey Dahmer both hail from Wisconsin. Which was probably just a coincidence, even though it's true that nothing compliments the taste of human flesh like good ol' Wisconsin cheese.


Wisconsin contains almost 8000 streams and rivers, 99% of which are clean enough to drink from directly if you don't mind the taste of deer urine.

(Which is also true for cans filled with Wisconsin beer.)


Boscobel, Wisconsin is the birthplace Gideon Bible Society, who - since 1889 - have made it their mission to place a Bible in every hotel room in the world so that patrons would no longer have to lay awake at night wondering which commandment they just broke.


We did find a very nice RV park for the night..and were treated to a wagon ride around the park, courtesy of the management..a nice touch from very friendly folks. (Which is kinda normal.... for these parts, anyway.)



ILLINOIS



The word Illinois is translated from the Indian word "iliniwok," meaning "warriors"

Short History of Illinois - The area was explored by the French in the late 1600s, ceded by France to the British in 1763, and ceded by them to the newly formed United States in 1783.


Chicago
Animals were also blamed for the start of the 1871 Great Chicago Fire. The Chicago Tribune ran a story claiming the fire started in the barn of Catherine O'Leary by a cow that kicked over a lantern. The paper later admitted it made the story up in 1893. Other theories behind the fire are just as outrageous. One accuses Daniel “Peg-leg” Sullivan of knocking over a lantern while trying to steal milk. Another slightly more believable theory is that Biela's Comet broke up and rained over the Midwest, starting four other large fires that day. The world may never know what really happened, and “Peg-Leg” ain't talking.

You can thank Chicago for a lot of life's simple pleasures:

Roller skates rolled onto the scene in 1884;

- the delicious Hostess Twinkie, with its amazing shelf life, came around in 1930;

- daytime soap operas were dramatically brought to television in 1949 with a series called “These are my Children”- it lasted less than a month.

We got to take part in a horseshoe game..fun times. I had'nt throw a shoe since the mid-80's when the M&M's invited us over to Punta Arena for their annual "Ho-shoe" contest ....er, let's see...these were not quite the same kind of shoes, though.. At the M&M's, you threw high heels or any other kind of Ho-shoe. :rolleyes:



Both Wisconsin and Illinois have some real pretty scenery...and activities abound for the outdoorsman. Ever been to the waterworld of Wisconsin Dells? Try it sometime!





Now we are nearing our destination and this part of the 2010 Road Trip is winding dooooowwwwwwnnnnnn.....

We have just made it under the wire...but ON SCHEDULE! We celebrate with a very pleasant night on the town, a romantic dinner for two.
..And then it's off to the airport the next morning. Co-Pilot has a very long flight ahead, even though it is non-stop - Chicago to Rome. Too bad about the 2-month only visa thing, but that's the way it is... when you obey the rules. :rolleyes:





Ciao, tesoro..arrivederchi!

Well folks, that's our 2010 Road Trip from Baja to Chicago..with some twists in the trail. Sure glad you came along and we hope you had some fun.


Is this The End?.....could be, but one thing I know for a fact..anything is possible.

..I reckon we'll see....:smug:

Ken Bondy - 9-27-2010 at 07:40 PM

Roger you and co-pilot are real treasures. I can't tell you how much I enjoy your posts. Would love to meet you guys for real some time.

willyAirstream - 9-27-2010 at 10:12 PM

Come Back co-pilot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great story, very entertaining, as always!

2010 ROAD TRIP CONT: WATERFOWL, INDIANS, PRESIDENTS

Pompano - 10-22-2010 at 09:56 AM

ROAD TRIP CONTINUED:

NEWS FLASH!


ROAD TRIP MAP - PLUS 3rd FLIGHT TO/FROM ITALY - I don't know about you folks, but I'm getting dizzy.

Co-Pilot
flys back from Italy .. sooner than expected for the trip to Baja. But I'm not complaining! Just means a little more improvising to get her to where I am..:rolleyes:

She flys comfy Alatalia from Rome to Chicago..then I put her aboard a series of progressively smaller planes.. which bring her closer to where I am..Up North at my Duk Shak. 'Comfy' is not exactly a word I would use to describe these planes.

(normally the only things that fly here... are my buddies Dusty & Randy, in whatever winged contraptions they have at the moment...or waterfowl winging south from the Artic Circle.)


(I'll tell you what plane Co-Pilot would have liked to fly the last leg...this B-52 bomber shown practicing low-level in my area. She loves all things aviation-wise. BTW..comforting to know B-52's and B-1's are up there..standing gaurd over America.)

The last plane she is on puts down on the staight road just outside my place...a taildragger Cessna 180. I talk with the pilot as and I help him get her luggage out of the fuselage compartment. Noticed a brand new set of tundra tires on his 180. I crack a Pacifico for me..and a diet coke for Co-Pilot..as we watch him thunder off to the south. Godspeed, amigo..and hope that those tundra tires keep doing the job.

NOW OUR ROAD TRIP CAN GET UNDERWAY AGAIN....

Our weather is perfect..for FALL.

AUTUMN UP NORTH...MY FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR



INDIAN SUMMER! What could be better?



It's still warm enough for some last minute shed cleanup. Plunger-fencing, anyone? En Gaurd!






Motorhome and boat wait patiently at Duk Shak ...for the next trip...ANYWHERE!



I take Co-Pilot on a tour of our local GAME & FISH department and the nearby Federal Game Refuge Headquarters.

A haven for birders, hunters, and naturalists from all over the world.



Whooping Crane and Sandhill Crane size comparisons.

Hint: the smaller sandhill crane (right) in this photo stands 3 feet tall. Whoopers are a very endangered species, but progress is being made, albeit slowly.

In early childhood we were taught to recognize the difference in flight...and came to realize their importance to Nature. We see a few every year as they pass by..high overhead.

Sandhills are very numerous and have liberal hunting limits. They sound very much like doves trilling..but certainly don't look like them! We call them 'doves on steroids.' The sandies migrate very high and are indeed a serious threat to planes in this area. After hearing them from my shak, I look up and finally can make out the tiny specks..WAY UP THERE!

Things are looking up for whoopers. The bird made news two years ago when a record number of crane deaths were reported during drought conditions on the Texas coast. But according to state and federal biologists, flock numbers have rebounded, and a new record high number of cranes traveled south to Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana this fall.

With 46 chicks fledging from a record 74 nests in August 2010 the flock size should reach record levels this fall — expected to be somewhere around 290.

Once numbering only 21 birds on earth, the previous population high was 270 in the fall of 2009. As in all such cases, responsible hunters and nature lovers of every kind contributed to the comeback of the whooping cranes.




Hunting Up North..or anywhere.. makes a huge difference in how you live your life. It creates a life-long appreciation for nature and an overbiding urge to protect and promote it for future generations. Hunting is more than a tradition..it's an honor and a priviledge.




We are at the DUK SHAK - SEPT-2010



Fun times here during the fall migration of millions of waterfowl.



Some Ducks Unlimited prints...Federal Waterfowl Stamps at the Shak. Please support this organization..DU..it has done more for the preservation of waterfowl & wildlife habitat than any program in history.


A SLIGHT PROBLEM ARISES...Co-Pilot cheers on the CREW.
Co-Pilot discovers a water cistern problem one fine afternoon..while I was hunting ...ahem...wild turkey at the village saloon.



Good Neighbors pitch in ..and make the job short..and FUN!



HUNTS AT DUK SHAK are varied to say the least...everything from elk to ruffed grouse. Lots of photo-ops.



uh...er...say, Co-Pilot? I wouldn't be kissing Daisy too much. She was just sticking her nose up Cheyenne's butt a few minutes ago. :rolleyes:


Friendships made at hunting camps last a lifetime.





WILDLIFE ABOUNDS NEAR DUK SHAK - Antelope, too.




Nice PRONGHORN BUCK with DOE



WHOA!--This Texan got a little lost!



Co-Pilot looks over some DUCK HABITAT near the Duk Shak - Courtesy of some 'DUCKS UNLIMITED CONTRIBUtORS'...meaning us... hunters.



Co-Pilot likes to come hunting with us and wear the hat I gave her. :rolleyes:




C0-Pilot inspects our breasting technique on these puddle ducks. Got a favorite recipe for duck breast? We grill some every day when hunting...simple, but very, very tasty!


And she says..."ALWAYS SOME MUSHROOMS TO GO WITH A GOOD DUCK DINNER."




I had some lumber left over from a shack project, so we help a neighbor buddy, Vince, build a deck onto his hunting cottage. Vince suffers from the same affliction as my compadre, Randy. Parkinson's. My reward: Evening deck c-cktails and good fellowship.


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ROAD TRIP 2010 HITS THE TRAIL AGAIN!



Well, suffice to say, we had some good times Up North at the Duk Shak...But Now it's TIME TO ROLL ON DOWN THE ROAD...Heading south to Baja..with a few turns here and there...want to come along?



"ON THE ROAD AGAIN....WAGONS HO!"



Luckily, the HIGHWAYS ARE NOT QUITE JAMMED YET....;)....so I let Co-Pilot get some hours in pulling a boat trailer. She's a real pistol and a damn quick study. No problems there.



Up North traffic makes life...INTERESTING.



RANCHING AND FARMING COUNTRY ---Here's 'ELSIE' THE DAIRY COW... Near New Salem, ND..Cute Gal, Eh?



Seeing this sight always reminds me of how a Montana sheepherder counts his flock...."One, two, three....WELL HELLOOOO, SUSIE!....four, five ,six.."



A large metal sculpture of migrating cranes created by an artistic rancher in western ND..NICE JOB, PARD.
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SWITCHING DAKOTAS....

Our southern neighbors. Please be polite and talk sl-oooowly while visiting them. :rolleyes:





CHEYENNE CROSSING in the gorgeous BLACK HILLS OF SD..we stop for dinner ...and find this very drinkable treat...not Red Truck, but damn good. (Course, I'm no wine expert, but I am an expert on what I like.)



Next morning at false dawn, we push on...GREETED WITH FOLLOWING WINDS..A DAMN GOOD SIGN FOR MOTORHOMES...RIGHT, RVERS?


[IMG]http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/bajaroger/Hurricane%20Jimena/NEWEST%20PHOTOS/Road%20Trip%20Photos%20USA-Canada/17CHIEFCRAZYHORSEBLACKHILL SSD2.jpg[IMG]
HEY, WHAT'S THAT UP AHEAD? AH..CRAZY HORSE..One of my favorite western characters.



This is the beginning sequence of Crazy's likeness being carved into the stone mountain in the Black Hills...quite near Mt. Rushmore. ...GUESS THIS MAKES CHIEF CRAZY HORSE THE 'PRESIDENT OF NATIVE AMERICANS.'



Of course, we have to take in some information movies, tour the museum, and soak some local color. " Immerse yourself, Roger" an old professor often told me. (It took me a few years to realize he didn't mean beer..sigh)



Getting into the spirit of things...Co-Pilot goes native on me. "WA-TE-HEY, MY BEAUTIFUL SQUAW! Where's my fry bread and pemmican?"





Winding lazily thru the Black Hills in an ideal spring-summer-fall adventure...ESPECIALLY IN AUTUMN. Here we chance upon a pristine little lake. A log and stone cabin here would be ...(as the Valley girls say)...AWESOME!


A Good Lesson Learned. Gracias, Teddy Roosevelt. MY FAVORITE PRESIDENT.

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Aha! And NOW....One of America's real treasures! MOUNT RUSHMORE!




THE SCULPTOR HIMSELF...SCULPTED BY HIS SON, NO LESS.







What a great place in America. And I got all the president's names right when asked by Co-Pilot, too! How about that..? My history teacher would be sooo proud...
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One of many great Black Hills campsites. South Dakota even has electricity now....



One day...while peacefully walking down the street in Deadwood, SD..I got the distinct feeling of being followed....and it was gaining on me...



I duck into an oldtime barber shop for a shave and trim...


Glancing over the reading material, I am reminded of where I am..this ain't New York or San Francisco, folks. Out here, you carry...or get carried.








Co-Pilot is off to pet some animal again..sigh. Damn, sure hope it's not a puma this time...
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TO BE CONTINUED:


Well...time to shut the old laptop off and meet the day. That's all for now, folks..but there's still some turnoffs to make before hitting the border.

All I can disclose is that everything hit the fan when we got to......


Till then, Pompano.

BornFisher - 10-22-2010 at 11:21 AM

WOW! All I can say is thank-you for the road trip. What a fantastic report!

DEVIL'S TOWER, WYOMING

Pompano - 10-23-2010 at 08:44 AM

DEVILS TOWER, WYOMING




The 2010 Road Trip: We left off here.....

Co-Pilot is off to pet some animal again..sigh. Damn, sure hope it's not a puma this time...



We continue:......(just grit your teeth and bear with me for a couple more states and we'll be back in Baja)


Hah..not a puma, cougar, or mountain lion at all.....merely a prairiedog town. Still fun critters to watch as they scurry around thier community, as Co-Pilot is doing here.





Many other creatures depend on these town for thier own survival. Rattlensnakes, black-footed ferret, hawks, eagles, .222-scoped pompanos, etc.. :rolleyes:
















Our campsite at the Tower.






Very unique camper trailer - a pup








This was one of the longest sets of horns I have ever seen on a Texas Longhorn.










Co-Pilot is thrilled that these whitetail fawns come so close to our campsite. Now I know where all my apples go..sigh.


[Edited on 10-23-2010 by Pompano]

bigboy - 10-23-2010 at 06:52 PM

I really enjoy this trip report.........the best I've had the pleasure of reading!

Lonesome Dove Ranch, Utah

Pompano - 10-25-2010 at 09:29 PM

2010 Road Trip Continued ...from Devil's Tower, Wyoming.
JOHNNY TEQUILA AND CINDY'S - SOUTHEAST UTAH

While researching our route south for interesting and/or unusual places, I see that we have a golden opportunity to visit some old and dear Baja amigos. "Johnny Tequila and Cindy."

Probably a few of you Baja vets will remember this nice couple? We met sometime around 1986. They lived for many years aboard thier trimaran, Quetzal, sailed all around the Baja coasts, but most often anchored it within the Bay of Conception and in front of mi casa at Coyote. For some time ashore, JT also built a primitive, but very cozy camp, (Rcho Lonesome Dove), on some leased acreage in a desert arroyo near the old Posada airport south of Mulege. We had some fine times at Lonesome Dove back then.

Johnny plays a great guitar, is a songwriter, and sang many nights around my patio firepit at Coyote Bay. He would talk to a newcomer to my firenights..and then come up with a personal ballad about that person. Always a hit and always amazed the recipients.
He has many other talents..including chiropractor, carpenter, and chew-the-fat master. Also one of us characters who try to be self-sufficient..and who can "build a shopping center out of a Q-tip." (remember that quote from a certain Harrison Ford movie?..now tell me which movie?)

Cindy is/was an RN nurse who went to further studies in the medical field. But much more than that, she was a great help to all who needed her in Baja. A delightful and welcome hostess-in-waiting for a lot of my early bachelor parties at Coyote Bay.

An interesting anecdote that Cindy will not mind if I share with you:

A long time ago, my father came to visit me at Coyote, and during the course of his stay I took him for a boat ride around Conception Bay. I decided to stop by mi amigos, JT & Cindy, for coffee. Like me, Dad was an avid coffee drinker at all times of the day.

Well, JT & Cindy had anchored Quetzal behind one of our Coyote islands..for privacy, as they often went au natural..nude.

It was my fault...I knew that JT and Cindy would be nude..as they always were when on the boat and to themselves. A lot of boaters do the same..fewer clothing makes for fewer trips to the laundromat. It was a normal thing for us Baja characters...but not this time!

The thing is ..my father is/was a little old school, and an unknown nudie, good-looking as she was, would be awkward for him to handle. Not against it, just not his usual experience.

Well, I came around the corner and pulled up alongside the Quetzal to have that coffee and introduce Dad to JT & Cindy.

JT is a quick study, saw my father was with me..and was on the other side of the boat by this time putting on a loin-cloth..but poor Cindy was right there..and was taken by surprise and had no time to get dressed, as she had to grab my boat's gunnels to hold it in place and not rub the catamaran..completely nude and kneeling right in front of my Dad's face with a knowing grin on her face.

Well...My father got one glimpse of a charm that is usually clothed and hidden from public view..and quickly turned and looked steadily out to sea. I grinned and said, "Dad, I'd like to introduce to my friend, Cindy. Cindy, this is my father, Clarence."

"Hi, glad to meet you, Mr. ______...Clarence."

My dad stuck his hand out blindly behind him and said, "My pleasure, Cindy..believe me."

I had to bite my lip to keep from roaring.

They became fast amigos after that hilarious intro..and JT/Cindy and Dad laughed a bunch in the remaining days when they took Dad sailing. Good times, good friends.



After many enjoyable years in Baja, JT & Cindy finally sold thier boathome, Quetzal, and moved back to the USA, finding a nice home in SE Utah about 6 years ago. The improvements JT made at Rcho Lonesome Dove, Baja were donated back to the landowner, Manuel Diaz. The only thing they kept..was the name..which they gave to thier new home in the USA.

This area of Utah is very quiet and peaceful...with lots of BLM land surrounding the little village of 15 people. 15 people? Yup..and a few trains rumbling by.


JT/Cindy's home in SE Utah. JT is not a 'normal' guy. The place he picks for a home has to have trains, a 100 yr-old barn, & wooden fences, and a vintage fire truck.

JT always wanted to be a fireman..and now he is the Town Fire Chief (crew of 1) For that honor, he gets to restore the old firetruck. :rolleyes:


JT and Cindy greet us at thier Utah home. (They had no choice as thier house is on a dead end road.) And Johnny is amused as Co-Pilot trys backing up the boat trailer...turning too sharp..and jack-knifes. A hilarious moment as I frantically try to signal her to stop...sigh. Certain drivers are only meant for forward travel.


Old casa photo of JT and crew in kitchen - Coyote 1989 or so? A lot younger Johnny is far right. Others present are the famous Jean Pierre, a French Algerian and true Baja character. He was called Pico de Oro or some such name, and briefly ran the old Hacienda cantina, Casablanca. {The same place that Pierce (infamous nomad Palmetto) ran later as the Pelican Reef Cafe.} Chantelle, Pier's neice from Paris, Chuck Riley, our resident Irishman (ex-Air America), and other Baja characters of old.


Old photo - Flapjack-Off Contest at Playa Escondido. JT is on van roof presenting me with a prize for 1st Place. I made my mother's recipe: Icelandic crepes. Ahem...so light they all floated away...honest. :rolleyes:


Old photo - beach launching tin boat at Agua Verde - 1988 We had some real fun going up and down that old canyon ridgetrail. I drove my old Minnie-Winnie down that suicide grade. Fishing/diving was good, though.



Old photo - a few parties at mi casa con amigos. Johnny Tequila singing an playing his guitar, of course. Nasty Nettie, Bordeaux Betty, etc..we all got nicknames back in the day. And we all had fun helping Bob and Evelyn build thier dream home in the Mulege river valley...gulp!


Old photo - JT's Quetzal takes on water when rudder breaks off during a freak windstorm (chubasco) at Playa Escondido.


Back to the present, JT and Noche are in the living room. I intoduced this wonderful dog to them as a puppy while we were all on a camping trip to a remote beach north of La Paz about 12 years ago. The poor little gal came up to my campfire one night..hiding from the coyotes who had eaten her mother...and were now searching for her. Your're quite the survivor, Noche.


Cindy puts her feet up after a long workday and commute..opps, that's Dr. Cindy now. RN turned MD...she studied/worked hard and is now practicing.


Co-Pilot comments on menu for dinner.."Ah..Italian pasta with tomato? But Cindy, I must tell you I am from Milano. Northern Italians do not use tomato sauce. We seldom eat pasta..and when we do we use a different kind of pasta without a red sauce..or rice. But...many thanks for the kind thought."

(Note to self: Remember to throw away all the Prego & Ragu sauces at mi casa.)


Co-Pilot feeds Mac, the house hound... :rolleyes:

TO BE CONTINUED...unless I am banned...or meet a naked boat lady. :rolleyes:


wessongroup - 10-26-2010 at 07:32 AM

what a life, good for you... many happy days...

"What happens in Vegas..."

Pompano - 10-26-2010 at 08:32 AM

Gotta hurry to finish this road trip report..before the next one starts!

Preview to the next stop:

Las Vegas, naturally. ;)





I have learned Italian. It's easy, same as Spanish.

Si and No.;) ;)



Vegas to be continued after I return my bank's call...

LAS VEGAS - 'THE MEADOWS'

Pompano - 10-27-2010 at 08:33 AM



ROAD TRIP 2010

LAS VEGAS


When most people think of Las Vegas, they picture the glow of the vibrant strip, the magnificent and spacious hotels, and the variety and splendor of the famous casinos. Today, you're never far from the glitz and glamor of the vibrant and exciting nightlife. But as a brief history of Las Vegas Nevada will indicate, it wasn't always this way.

(As some of you know, I'm a history buff, so please bear with me.)

Prehistory

The prehistoric landscape of what is now the Las Vegas Valley and most of southern Nevada was a virtual marsh of abundant water and vegetation. Over the course of hundreds of thousands of years, rivers that were present sank into the ground, and the marsh receded. The valley evolved into a parched, arid landscape that only supported the hardiest of animals and plants.

At some point in the valley's geologic history, the water that had been submerged below the terrain sporadically resurfaced and flowed into what is now the Colorado River. This helped proliferate luxurious plant life, creating a wetland oasis in the Mojave Desert landscape.

Evidence of prehistoric life in Las Vegas Valley manifested in 1993 when construction workers discovered the remains of a Columbian mammoth. Paleontologists estimate that the mammoth roamed the area some 8,000 to 15,000 years ago.

Native Americans lived in the Las Vegas Valley, beginning over 10,000 years ago. Archeologists have discovered baskets, petroglyphs, pictographs and other evidence in diverse locations, including Gypsum Cave and Tule Springs.


Paiutes moved into the area as early as AD 700, migrating between nearby mountains in the summer and spending winter in the valley, near Big Springs.


Origins

The Las Vegas valley was found by American explorer and mountain man Jedediah Smith and his party in 1827. The maps and routes discovered by Smith and others later were stolen by Mexican authorities and combined with other maps created by the Pike Expedition which previously had been captured by Spanish authorities in 1807. The combined map was then confirmed in 1829 by a trade caravan of 60 men led by the Mexican merchant Antonio Armijo charged with establishing a trade route to Los Angeles. By following the Pike and Smith routes through a tributary of Colorado River they came upon the Las Vegas Valley described by Smith as the best point to re-supply before going onto California. The travelers named the area "Las Vegas" which was Spanish for "The Meadows".

Before the discovery of the valley the route, Las Vegas was referred to as the 'journey of death'. However, exploration for water revealed an abundance of springs in the valley that reduced the journey by several days.

By the 1850's early Mormon settlers from Salt Lake City arrived. By the early 1900's, Las Vegas became a stop on the route of the developing railway. This in turn triggered a growth in local stores, saloons and boarding houses. The original stop is located where the Plaza Hotel now stands on Fremont Street in the downtown area. It's the only railway station in the world that is located inside a resort and casino.

The town was officially founded in 1905 and incorporated in 1911 with a population of only 800. Initially strict anti-gambling laws governed the state of Nevada but this all changed in 1931 when gambling was legalized throughout the state of Nevada. That same year divorce laws were liberalized in Nevada, making Las Vegas the place to obtain a divorce after only six weeks of residency.

Several factors in the history of Las Vegas Nevada led to its expansive growth from the 1930's to the present day. Gambling was legalized in Nevada. Railway development continued at a steady pace. And the giant Hoover Dam construction project began. All three of these factors allowed Las Vegas to expand and flourish while many other cities were stymied by the difficulties of the depression.


It was after World War II that Las Vegas began to develop its reputation of 'Sin City'. Hotels and casinos were developed and entertainment and tourism became the valley's largest employer.

This early growth triggered the construction of the first hotels on what was to later become the famous Las Vegas strip. It's a building boom that has more or less continued to the present day.

The only name remaining from the 1940's however is the Flamingo. Now the Flamingo Hilton, this property was among the first developed as a hotel and casino on the strip.


By the 1960s wealthy businessmen were being attracted to the city. Billionaire Kirk Kerkorian was a major player in developing the modern city; he bought the Flamingo and in 1968 opened the biggest hotel in the world, the International Hotel. And who can forget to mention Howard Hughes...he refused to leave his hotel room..and so bought it and created a change in the whole city... from the Wild West to a more sophisticated atmosphere and allure.


Now, a hundred years after its conception, Las Vegas is one of the largest cities of the 20th Century with a population exceeding two million. Wonderful resorts are still being created, all bigger and more luxurious than ever. Finally, Las Vegas remains the strongest contender for the world's major international tourist attraction.


Despite the success, the home mortgage crisis and the present Recession affects the economic success. The explosive growth conflicted with the land holdings of Bureau of Land Management (BLM)...which restricted growth.. thus rasing the price of homes and tightening supply of new homes. As a result, unaffordability led to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac subprime mortgage lending that were unstable and risky, not to mention the speculation and extra loan borrowing influenced by the low interest rates of the Federal Reserve, plus out-of-control spending by Congress.

Soon after, properties were foreclosed, new home construction was stalled, and construction projects were either canceled, postponed, or continued with financial troubles. Even worse, the global financial situation had a negative effect on gaming and tourism revenue, thus allowing many of the companies to report net loss. At best... a sloooow recovery is predicted. We live, we learn.


Vegas At Night


"What Happens in Vegas...stays in Vegas."


I couldn't resist this colorful ceiling at the Bellagio It reminded me of a swarm of jellyfish.


Just one of the many Vegas treats...a nightly water ballet. Bravo! Bellissimo!





Inside our hotel...


Las Vegas = Opulence


"Hmmm...I wonder. What's behind Door No. 3?"

We can always use another trivia history quiz. Anybody recognize the boxer? Joe _____? Plus name me the others classic statues?

"I feel like Pan the Piper. All I need now is a good set of horns."





"Tesoro..What do you think? This make me look anything like Zorro?"


Nope.




Oh well, every turn is another fantasy. Here's Co-Pilot entering an enchanted garden inside our luxury casino. Daydreamers are welcomed.




Pumpkin steroids, perhaps? Naw....


.
.
Ah...Vegas, the city of sins and extravagences! So much to see and do here...it kind of overwhelms and hypnotizes you. Simply Great musicals, shows, dancing, dinners....and poker! We had a terrific time for 4 days and nights. But then said:

"Enough of this fairyland. Baja's more like OUR kind of magic."

So, it's..."ADIOS LAS VEGAS"....

.

.


...AND WHATEVER HAPPENED THERE...IS STAYING THERE!
.
.


Time to hit the trail...

We stop for a quick breakfast on the day we leave Vegas. Stateline casino on the Nev/Cal border on I-15. I think it was Whiskey Pete's??


Home of the 'Death Car'..full of machine gun holes.


And that super cheap breakfast. Almost free?...well, not really...


Saddle Up, Pilgrim. We're burning daylight.

Next Stop is....?

.


...here's a little clue..see ya there. We're almost HOME!
:yes:

To be continued...arrgghh.

The End of the Trail...

Pompano - 11-1-2010 at 07:50 AM

FINALLY!!...THE END OF THE ROAD TRIP.

I want to thank you all for coming along on this 2010 Road Trip. It was long and had many detours here and there, but ..WE HAD FUN!

And now, here's some photos of the last leg of our wandering route: Featuring Oceanside, Santee, and the San Diego waterfront.

OCEANSIDE .. always a favorite stop ..northbound or southbound.


I love to spend the day on this nice spot..picnicing while overlooking the beach below..and also people-watching as a never-ending parade of characters run, walk, and stroll down the malecon. Quite interesting.



And sometimes tragic. Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the unfortunate surfer who lost his life due to a shark attack at the Camp Pendelton beach area recently.
.
.
SANTEE LAKES, SANTEE


Probably my favorite RV park in San Diego County..Santee Lakes. 5 connected lakes with great scenery and wildlife everywhere..all within the city.


White egrets are one of many species of waterfowl and shorebirds frequenting the lakes. This one was a real spearfishing champion.


The RV park is very scenic and peaceful..as our back yard shows.


Nothing like steaks on the grill!



A study in black and white.

.

Some of my favorite things in life. Water, rock, and wine.

..and a few more...candles and dinner with a beautiful woman. Brava!
.
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SEAPORT VILLAGE, SD WATERFRONT


.
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close to....THE STAR OF INDIA






"Yo Ho-HO, the wind blows free...Oh, for the life on the ROLLING SEA!"

Okay, okay. I promise...no more singing. Can I whistle?
.
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ANTHONYS FISH GROTTO, SD WATERFRONT

Great seafood as always..and plenty of HISTORY.
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USS MIDWAY CARRIER - SD WATERFRONT

This one was a biggy!



I could not have kept Co-Pilot from going aboard the carrier, Midway,..even if I had been so foolish as to try. She was happily enthralled by this grand ship... full of.. planes!.








Since childhood, she wanted to become a pilot, but a later illness prevented that..so she did the next best thing for her...became an airline attendant..anything to keep flying! I recall some old flying times myself.




Taking charge...atta girl. Life's too short to be a woosie.


Co-Pilot went aboard early..and left late. A fine day touring a great lady...USS MIDWAY.
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MORE SAN DIEGO WATERFRONT


I've GOT to get me some of these trees for Coyote Bay.


Yeah? Okay, so it's a ..COPYCAT KISS. I'll take it ...GLADLY!.


.
.
....AND..THAT'S ALL FOLKS! END OF ROAD TRIP 2010. CO-PILOT IS OFF TO ITALY..AND ..

I'M OFF TO BAJA.

AND MUCHAS GRACIAS FOR JOINING US.







[Edited on 11-1-2010 by Pompano]

BajaBlanca - 11-1-2010 at 09:51 AM

what a beautiful photo to end this with !!! Bravissimo !!!! Sure hope we have the pleasure of meeting you both one day. great reading from start to finnsh !!! gracie mille and muchas gracias and thanx.

AndyP - 2-13-2014 at 01:02 PM

I was listening to a podcast of This American Life today, and was happy to hear a funny story about kayaking in Baja. It involved nudity and a character named Johnny Tequila operating as an amateur chiropractor, which sounded familiar so I searched and found this post. Have a listen it's pretty funny.

http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/517/d...

Quote:
Originally posted by Pompano
2010 Road Trip Continued ...from Devil's Tower, Wyoming.
JOHNNY TEQUILA AND CINDY'S - SOUTHEAST UTAH

While researching our route south for interesting and/or unusual places, I see that we have a golden opportunity to visit some old and dear Baja amigos. "Johnny Tequila and Cindy."

Probably a few of you Baja vets will remember this nice couple? We met sometime around 1986. They lived for many years aboard thier trimaran, Quetzal, sailed all around the Baja coasts, but most often anchored it within the Bay of Conception and in front of mi casa at Coyote. For some time ashore, JT also built a primitive, but very cozy camp, (Rcho Lonesome Dove), on some leased acreage in a desert arroyo near the old Posada airport south of Mulege. We had some fine times at Lonesome Dove back then.

Johnny plays a great guitar, is a songwriter, and sang many nights around my patio firepit at Coyote Bay. He would talk to a newcomer to my firenights..and then come up with a personal ballad about that person. Always a hit and always amazed the recipients.
He has many other talents..including chiropractor, carpenter, and chew-the-fat master. Also one of us characters who try to be self-sufficient..and who can "build a shopping center out of a Q-tip." (remember that quote from a certain Harrison Ford movie?..now tell me which movie?)

Cindy is/was an RN nurse who went to further studies in the medical field. But much more than that, she was a great help to all who needed her in Baja. A delightful and welcome hostess-in-waiting for a lot of my early bachelor parties at Coyote Bay.

An interesting anecdote that Cindy will not mind if I share with you:

A long time ago, my father came to visit me at Coyote, and during the course of his stay I took him for a boat ride around Conception Bay. I decided to stop by mi amigos, JT & Cindy, for coffee. Like me, Dad was an avid coffee drinker at all times of the day.

Well, JT & Cindy had anchored Quetzal behind one of our Coyote islands..for privacy, as they often went au natural..nude.

It was my fault...I knew that JT and Cindy would be nude..as they always were when on the boat and to themselves. A lot of boaters do the same..fewer clothing makes for fewer trips to the laundromat. It was a normal thing for us Baja characters...but not this time!

The thing is ..my father is/was a little old school, and an unknown nudie, good-looking as she was, would be awkward for him to handle. Not against it, just not his usual experience.

Well, I came around the corner and pulled up alongside the Quetzal to have that coffee and introduce Dad to JT & Cindy.

JT is a quick study, saw my father was with me..and was on the other side of the boat by this time putting on a loin-cloth..but poor Cindy was right there..and was taken by surprise and had no time to get dressed, as she had to grab my boat's gunnels to hold it in place and not rub the catamaran..completely nude and kneeling right in front of my Dad's face with a knowing grin on her face.

Well...My father got one glimpse of a charm that is usually clothed and hidden from public view..and quickly turned and looked steadily out to sea. I grinned and said, "Dad, I'd like to introduce to my friend, Cindy. Cindy, this is my father, Clarence."

"Hi, glad to meet you, Mr. ______...Clarence."

My dad stuck his hand out blindly behind him and said, "My pleasure, Cindy..believe me."

I had to bite my lip to keep from roaring.

They became fast amigos after that hilarious intro..and JT/Cindy and Dad laughed a bunch in the remaining days when they took Dad sailing. Good times, good friends.



After many enjoyable years in Baja, JT & Cindy finally sold thier boathome, Quetzal, and moved back to the USA, finding a nice home in SE Utah about 6 years ago. The improvements JT made at Rcho Lonesome Dove, Baja were donated back to the landowner, Manuel Diaz. The only thing they kept..was the name..which they gave to thier new home in the USA.

This area of Utah is very quiet and peaceful...with lots of BLM land surrounding the little village of 15 people. 15 people? Yup..and a few trains rumbling by.


JT/Cindy's home in SE Utah. JT is not a 'normal' guy. The place he picks for a home has to have trains, a 100 yr-old barn, & wooden fences, and a vintage fire truck.

JT always wanted to be a fireman..and now he is the Town Fire Chief (crew of 1) For that honor, he gets to restore the old firetruck. :rolleyes:


JT and Cindy greet us at thier Utah home. (They had no choice as thier house is on a dead end road.) And Johnny is amused as Co-Pilot trys backing up the boat trailer...turning too sharp..and jack-knifes. A hilarious moment as I frantically try to signal her to stop...sigh. Certain drivers are only meant for forward travel.


Old casa photo of JT and crew in kitchen - Coyote 1989 or so? A lot younger Johnny is far right. Others present are the famous Jean Pierre, a French Algerian and true Baja character. He was called Pico de Oro or some such name, and briefly ran the old Hacienda cantina, Casablanca. {The same place that Pierce (infamous nomad Palmetto) ran later as the Pelican Reef Cafe.} Chantelle, Pier's neice from Paris, Chuck Riley, our resident Irishman (ex-Air America), and other Baja characters of old.


Old photo - Flapjack-Off Contest at Playa Escondido. JT is on van roof presenting me with a prize for 1st Place. I made my mother's recipe: Icelandic crepes. Ahem...so light they all floated away...honest. :rolleyes:


Old photo - beach launching tin boat at Agua Verde - 1988 We had some real fun going up and down that old canyon ridgetrail. I drove my old Minnie-Winnie down that suicide grade. Fishing/diving was good, though.



Old photo - a few parties at mi casa con amigos. Johnny Tequila singing an playing his guitar, of course. Nasty Nettie, Bordeaux Betty, etc..we all got nicknames back in the day. And we all had fun helping Bob and Evelyn build thier dream home in the Mulege river valley...gulp!


Old photo - JT's Quetzal takes on water when rudder breaks off during a freak windstorm (chubasco) at Playa Escondido.


Back to the present, JT and Noche are in the living room. I intoduced this wonderful dog to them as a puppy while we were all on a camping trip to a remote beach north of La Paz about 12 years ago. The poor little gal came up to my campfire one night..hiding from the coyotes who had eaten her mother...and were now searching for her. Your're quite the survivor, Noche.


Cindy puts her feet up after a long workday and commute..opps, that's Dr. Cindy now. RN turned MD...she studied/worked hard and is now practicing.


Co-Pilot comments on menu for dinner.."Ah..Italian pasta with tomato? But Cindy, I must tell you I am from Milano. Northern Italians do not use tomato sauce. We seldom eat pasta..and when we do we use a different kind of pasta without a red sauce..or rice. But...many thanks for the kind thought."

(Note to self: Remember to throw away all the Prego & Ragu sauces at mi casa.)


Co-Pilot feeds Mac, the house hound... :rolleyes:

TO BE CONTINUED...unless I am banned...or meet a naked boat lady. :rolleyes:


Pompano - 2-13-2014 at 04:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by AndyP
I was listening to a podcast of This American Life today, and was happy to hear a funny story about kayaking in Baja. It involved nudity and a character named Johnny Tequila operating as an amateur chiropractor, which sounded familiar so I searched and found this post. Have a listen it's pretty funny.

http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/517/d...

Quote:
[TO BE CONTINUED...unless I am banned...or meet a naked boat lady. :rolleyes:


What can one say, AndyP?, it was 'Baja back in the day'...and anything was possible and might even have been true. It's a little fuzzy to recall.

Of course we never had that much tequila with JT....unless he was with us.




Here's an early photo of Johnny & Cindy's trimaran, 'Quetzal' (Bird of Pardise) anchored in their usual island cove and giving my parents a sail around the Bay. Nice folks.




[Edited on 2-13-2014 by Pompano]

Udo - 2-15-2014 at 11:29 AM

Great photos, Roger...thanks for sharing!
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