O Canada

O CANADA ...

our home on 'native' land...

true patriot love ... in all thy 'ones' command...

with glowing hearts, we see thee rise ...


the True North strong and free ..

Welcome to Canada ...

"Home of the Silver Birch"

"Land of the Beaver" ...

Home of Canadian Tire ...
And Tim Hortons (Can't believe we didn't get
a proper picture. But this is Kamloops,
where you can bet there are many 'double doubles'
and where we definitely found one.)


Home of the Royal Mounted Police ...


Ahhhh, Canada!

It's so good to be home ...

Among our old friends ...


Where hospitality is generously offered ...

Alberta! Home of son #3 ... Timothy Reid Moffat

What a good boy, eh?

Here he is with friends and big toys...

Never too old for big toys (Dad on Tim's big bike)

Tim on his little bike...

It's parents weekend in Grande Prairie!
Elizabeth with the 'roomates' out for cheap steak night.
Tyler (left) and Eric (right)

Ready to show old Dad around the 'home base' for his work.
Schlumberger has been in the oil business for many years.

Equipment from the old days ...

Mud was a problem then .. and still is!

Today's Equipment ...

Tim is part of a 12 truck convoy that costs
a million dollars a day to hire.
They set up a truck city at old oil sites,
and with liquid nitrogen pumped into the earth,
'fracture' old wells
to open up new fissures of accessibility.
Yes, it is dangerous and not eco friendly.
Here's to energy alternatives!
(Tim fully agrees.)

A demonstration of how to put on chains quickly...

This is Tim's rig.

Mom tries to get a perspective ...

And so does Dad.

Check out these gears!

Down the highway at 'Grande Cache'.

This is the new home of Patricia Burley,
daughter of friends, Diane and Bernie Burley from Pen Lake.
She joined us for lunch in the RV.
Patricia has long been a forest fire fighter.
Currently she is with the National Parks.

So, what's a 'cache'? You're looking at one.
In the old days of trappers and voyageurs,
furs, dried and cured foods, and trapping supplies
were stored in these structures for the winter,
safe from wolverines and bears.

And speaking of National Parks...we should thank this person,
Sir Wilfred Laurier, Canada's 7th Prime Minister.
In 1905 his government created the provinces of
Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Foreseeing the future importance of preserving
Canada's natural heritage,he established
the "The Jasper Forest Park of Canada" in 1907.
Come, have a look ...

Beauty assaults you at every turn in the road.

Here, we approach Mt. Robson, dream destination
for climbers all over the world.

While there are taller mountains in North America, few offer the almost 3000m (10,000 ft) that Mount Robson offers.

View from Mt. Robson Lodge..

Mt. Robson was first successfully climbed in 1913,
when the Alpine Club of Canada held a mountaineering camp here.
Kane, McCarthy and Foster
made it up the mountain in 8 hours.

Lazier pursuits back down on the Moose River.

Welcome to the great little city of Jasper.

Okay, we're heading 15 kmstraight up now into Fiddle Valley,
amidst Palliser limestone that's 360 million years young.
We left the boat at the bottom.

People have been coming up here for years .. to soak in the beauty ...

and soak in the sulfur springs pool!

Everything old is new again!

The Eberhart-Moffats at Miette Hot Springs,
hottest mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies
@ 40 degrees (104 F)

That night at "Whistler's Campground".

Meet some fellow campers...

The first bear of 7 that we saw!

Glad we were in the truck in the presence of Mama Bear.

Have a look at the depth of snow on the mountains above.
We are beholding a 'glacier' and approaching
the Columbia Ice Fields.

Days of yore when the foot of the Athabasca Glacier
came all the way to this base.

View of the present Visitor's Centre ...

View from the Centre. See how far the glacier has receded?

The Brewster Company has long been taking people up on the glacier. Peter rode in one of these back in 1963
with his parents.


Later model ...

The classic model ...

This is was our mode of ascent.

Meet Sam,driver and ice explorer, and
a font of environmental and philosophical
wisdom.


All aboard!


We had to go down before we could go up!


Take a closer look. Most highways never attempt
more than an 8 degree incline.
This hill had a grade of 32 degrees.


A glacier - up front and personal...
At the apex of the continental divide,
these waters flow both east and west and
are the source of all our ground water.

And you're here with us!

Moving south down the Rockies ...

A reminder of former dangers ...

everpresent.

This could be 'Mt. Rundle' as we are approching Banff.

In the mid 1800's the first 'white' explorers
retraced the steps of the natives, and
looked to the west, straining their eyes to see
a route through the imposing wall of mountains.
They found their way through Bow Valley (below),
and so did the railway in 1883.

Once the mountain barrier had been penetrated,
the railway brought the adventurous and the rich
to this playground - an oasis of civilization
in this vast mountain wilderness.
Do you see what we're talking about ...
in the distance?

Look closer ...

And closer ...

Welcome the the famous ...

And just down the road and across this picturesque bridge ...
The quaint city of Banff. And nearby ...
a wonderful 3 mile hike through Johnson Canyon.

You got here a lot quicker than we did!

At the fabulous Lake Louise (in spirit with Peter's Mom).

Having left our boat again, at the 'Crossings',
we returned an hour back up the road,
heading east from the mountains on the
David Thompson Highway.

David Thompson, Canada's greatest explorer,
who opened up the continent,
charted 3.9 million square kilometers, and
traveled over 55,000 miles
(equivalent to circling the globe twice).
Though he died in obscurity, history has
raised him to prominence.
We have enjoyed reading one
of the many books that tell his colourful story.

The Conestoga carts that pulled the few goods of
settlers west.

Peter and Elizabeth at "Rocky Mountain House",
built by the Northwest Company in 1799.
David Thompson wintered here in 1801,02 & 06,
using it as a base for his discovery of the Columbia River.
For over 70 years it was the most westerly
and southerly post in the Blackfoot territory
and remained in operation until 1875.

The famous Voyageurs...

Canada's first citizens.


Canada's early four footed creatures.

A puppet show in honour of the 150th Anniversary
of David Thompson's death and the 200th
Anniversary of the crossing of the Rockies.

Ever heard of a 'Hoo Doo'? You are in the presence of one.

Aboriginal peoples used 'hoo doo' to refer to evil,
supernatural forces. Some believe hoodoos
to be giants turned to stone by the Great Spirit
due to their evil deeds.

Peter, the Giant Slayer.

"You do that hoo doo that you do so well."

Welcom to the Royal Tyrrell Museum at Drumheller ..
both a place of display and a research institution
with 21,000 sq. feet of exhibits, walking one
through each age in our evolutionary history as a planet.
This place is a MUST for dinosaur loving
children and grandchildren.

We appear to be in a perilous postion here ...

But look whose about to bail us out!

Further on at Dinosaur Provincial Park,
in Canada's 'bad lands', active
excavations persist.

Out in the field

Finding bones!

Heading back to the RV .. and off over the prairies.

A moose on the prairies? Yes .. It's Moosejaw, Saskatchewan!

We enjoyed time exploring here. It reminded us
of Pendleton, Oregon .. with underground streets
where the Chinese people once worked and lived.
Supposedly, Al Capone took refuge here
during Prohibition. Hence, the name "Little Chicago".
Above and below .. the famous "wedding cake" houses.

And up the road, another icon ...

Welcome now to Indian Head SA.

We were feeling very nostalgic here for the
days of our prairie ministry (1974-78) ..
so we stopped in.

If you've never been here, and it looks familiar ...
It's because this is the set for "Little Mosque on the Prairie".

Peter loves all things 'cars'.


Home town folks are so friendly here.
Meet 'Eva', who shared a lot of local lore.


On the street we smelled 'cinnamin buns'.
Here was the source. We so enjoyed
our time here that we accidently left our lap top.
Would you believe this woman put it on a
bus heading east, where we later received it
back in Brandon, Manitoba?
Thank you, Indian Head!

Later at the famous 1904 Swinging Bridge in Souris, Manitoba.
Elizabeth testing the springy boards.

We have special people to meet in Manitoba ...

Jeri Bjornson, serving in ministry at Boissevain!
How great to share this reunion, Jeri!
Thank you for your hospitality and great friendship.

In front of St. Pauls on a rainy day.
Can't believe we didn't take more pictures.

And at Elkhorn, Manitoba? Beth Kerr,
who did 3 years of her field education
serving Parkminster .. leaving
a legacy of gifts like 'confirmation mentors'
and 'neighbourhood groups'.
Doesn't she look great?
Beth has now begun a new
ministry in Portage La Prairie.

We are now entering the little town of 'Starbuck' Manitoba,
named (we've been told) by the first 2 oxen to clear the territory.
This is the home of one of the 4 churches we served
in our years here ...

Peter stands in front of Starbuck United Church.


30 years later, we meet some of the former
children of the Pastoral Charge. Linda and
Andy Livingston (parents: Bill and Helen Livingston)
are out checking water in the fields of their farm
on the La Salle River.
We were once very close to this family,
that lost its oldest son, Kim, in an accident while
hunting further north. It was Canada's
Thanksgiving weekend.
A year does not go by that we don't remember.
Father Bill's funeral had taken place just
the week before we made this surprise visit.
Mother Helen and sister-in-law Inga
were away together.
So sorry we missed you both!
But the next generation is wonderful!
And, we'll be back when the gas prices drop!

Peter and farmerette, Linda.

With Linda's family .. husband David Neilson,
son Eric (14), and daughter Kylie (11)

With Andy's family (wow is Andy a picture of Bill):
Wife, Marie, sons Zack and Dawson, and Katia (the princess).
How wonderful to see all of you, so many years later.
"Nothing shall separate us!"

On down the river a piece, we came to the place
of our second church, Ferndale United.
Though the building has been moved,
the foundation remains.
We looked across the road to see if another
favourite family was there ...
and they were!

And as on so many wonderful occasions,
we were welcomed to their table.
Meet Herman and Shirley Troster.
Son, Paul is visiting too,
with grandchildren: Flin (4 ) and Griffith (hockey
statistic pro). Paul is still a lovely quiet person.
Where did these talkative ones come from?
We could go on at length about
these special people and our history together.
How grateful we are for our surprise reunion,
and we ask your prayers for Shirley
as she continues her cancer treatments.
Godspeed, dear ones.

Here we are in Sanford. As you can see, the local
Cooperative elevators have been rendered redundant
by the centralization of larger corporate agri-business.

Sanford United Church

The manse of Meridian Pastoral Charge -
our first home and the place we welcomed
Andrew home from the hospital after his birth.

And these terrific folks were on hand for that birth
with lots of help and support!
Alf and Elaine Rex have continued
to be good friends over the years.
How wonderful to be together again.
We would ask again for prayers.
Alf is still facing serious health issues.

Here Elaine has taken us to visit her daughter Jan
and family. Roy and Jan's wedding was the
last one I performed before we moved
to Ontario. Can you imagine these changes?
Meet Courtney (22), with a great vocal
and drama career in the making .. and
Stephanie, in her last year of high school,
planning to become a CA and take
over her father's business.

And the last of our 4 communities .. but hardly the least,
Domain...

Home of bins and barns...

And lots of equipment!

Avonlea United Church .. at Domain.

It's Sunday morning, June 8th .. and You are Here
with the minister, Alan, and organist, Jane!
Jane Manness and husband , Stuart,
were our hosts.

A window to celebrate the children from 1988 - 1999.
We knew quite a few.

Something I never got to do much as minister..
sing in the choir (except on one infamous Christmas Eve).
Wedged between
Sharon and MaryAnn .. I am very happy to
follow along. Thank goodness for an ear
on each side.

Coffee after the service

Thanks to everyone for the warm
hospitality of Domain, still present
and strong after decades.

And just down the street (yup, these are the streets)

We come the to home of Stuart and Jane.
These two were just a pace behind us in age
when we were here and all newlyweds.
This home, being built when we left,
is on the farm where Stuart grew up
in the big Manness family.

Mother Gladys Manness .. Blessed Matriarch.

And this young woman on the right is Jane and Stuart's
daughter, Angela .. born at the same time as Andrew Moffat.
Meet her family .. husband, Darren, and sons Luke and Tyler.

Stuart, firing up the barbeque.

The old folks at home (not).

Alan and Kathy Wilson, now living in Winnipeg,
came out just to see us! Thank you, friends!

The best of reunions with Shirley Cole,
former choir director. How do you
stay so young, Shirley?
It has to do with music and spirit.
She has plenty of both.

And dear Laurette and Larry Manson,
who have never failed in the Christmas Card department.
They welcomed us into their home on our
last Domain night.

Thank you to all of you! We leave you with the
rainbow sign (below) that arched
over Domain as we left the next day.
Blessings in Abundance!


Back on the road and a mad dash for home.

One brief pitstop in Duluth, Minnesota
to visit a train we have passed for years.
(Duluth Missage and Iron Range Railway #226 - 1941)

In this exact place (above) we have taken
pictures of the Moffat boys in
various ages and stages.

Over the reknown MaKinak Bridge
for a brief rendez-vous in Petosky with
nephew Michael Eberhart (son
of brother Bill and Sue of Florida)

Yes, all too brief, but great, none the less

Stopping home to meet Mike's children:
Daniel (12) and Emily (14).
So sorry to miss Cheryl and baby
Mitchell Dryden - at day care.

"All's well that ends well." We are so grateful
to the Spirit that we are safely HOME AT LAST!

For the many at a distance who welcomed and
hosted us over the past 9 months and 40,000 km
(roughly 25,000 miles) ,
we offer our heartfelt gratitude,
along with this little review of our summer
to acquaint you with our home
and our family.

Here we are back in Toronto with Andrew,
where he shows us around Bishop Stracken school,
where he has just finished his first year,
teaching high school math and coaching swimming.

He and Sarah have been building a 'grandparents flat'
in the basement in anticipation ...
the nursery now taking the place
of the old guest room.

And below, a Moffat gathering on Andrew and Sarah's
back deck. Next to Andrew and Sarah
are nephew Steve and wife Monica Moffat.
Somehow all the women in this picture
look pregnant. Must be maternal identification.

But these are the true ma coys...
Sarah due September 3
and Monica on October 5th (?)

Above is the glorious place that we spend as family.
From atop of Wolf's mountain, meet Pen Lake
summer haven of Moffats since the early 1900's.

Our humble little cottage

And you're here in time for the big launch!

Bill Lewis, Peter's childhood friend and former
owner of an Aristocraft .. present
for the inaugural run.

Nostalgic moments for two old boys (Up and Down)

Look at that 'Merc' spring to action!

Andrew gets in on the action ...

With his best girl friend!

Dick and Peter after their first run together.

Put to bed after a first big day.

There's a lot of extended family in these parts.
Meet Norma and Lang Moffat at their cottage
across the lake.

Pen Lake is a place to entertain friends. Here
Rob and Allysa and baby Toby come to
be with Andrew and Sarah,
while Tim welcomes Freda,
a childhood friendship that
has survived!

Every year we spend a day and night with Bill and Lucille Lewis,
this time at their place on Lake Haliburton.

There's a lot of lake community here ...

At the opening ceremony of the new Cottager's Association
Natural Reserve.

Steve Moffat is on the Lake Association Board.
Monica made the official sign above!

And now .. the big event ..
a Baby shower, welcoming their children
to "our world" and themselves
to the lake now as "mothers".

Everything is ready!

Sarah led the team of 'Andrew and Tim' in
the production of this fruit cabob spray.

Guests arrive by boat. Meet Debbie Court
and Dibbie Appleton!

John and Debbie Hay are here. Remember them
from Phoenix, Arizona?

Here is Auntie Margaret, one of the last troupers
of her generation. She arrives on foot!


Cousin Susan (Margaret's daughter) chats
with Marion Moffat, co-host of this fun event.


Nan, is the amazing 90 year old grandmother
who raised Stephen. Here she is
with daughter, Jackie ..
always an asset to any party.



Wonderful neighbours, Gaye Musselman,
Nancy Rogers and Betty Hudson (l. 2 r.)

Nan visits with Diane Charlton, our cousin
who you met in pictures from Florida at
Christmas time.

If ever there were a 'dynamic duo' it is here
in the Mother/Daughter catering team
of Kari Williams and Darci (Marion's daughter & grandaughter)

We greet the great Kimmel women,
whom we visited in Maine and California!

Heather and George Dickson, Sarah's parents,
join Sarah in greeting Lake of Bays friend,
Jinty Stewart.

Cousin Catherine Moffat tells a story.

Official Welcome, gift and game time.

Everyone contributed to a stroller/car seat ensemble
for both couples. But you just can't
stop some from bringing other gifts.

Pen Lake is a place of pleasurel
Uncle Dick and Stephen launch
brother John's old sail boat,
"Patch of Blue".
It's been many years since she last sailed.

Tim with a blessed haircut tries out the skull
that his grandfather once enjoyed.

But favoured by far .. are the quiet
waters for skiing.

2008 was a good year at the regatta for hardware.

But the end of July brought the "change over".
Dick and Marion took up residence,
and we returned home.

There were a few relaxed August moments,
camping at the Pinery on Lake Huron ...

And attending the formal engagement party
of our god daughter, Laura O'Krafka...

Here she is with her niece, Bryn...

and fiance, Matt Davies (lucky guy)...

But we were back to the lake on Labour Day
weekend to help Dick and Marion close the cottage
(boo hoo time)

But guess what great events awaited us back
in Toronto?!

Here's you first peek of the peanut in the bed below...

Allison Elizabeth Dickson Moffat,
born on the day she was supposed to arrive,
and just one day after Elizabeth's 63rd birthday.

Welcome to the world, little Allison.

Know what she is singing?
"Alli .. alli .. alli .. lujah!"

Thank you, Sarah and Andrew.
What amazing parents you are!

Grandaddy and Grandmommy Moffat,
transported in joy.

So this is the end of the great adventure..
but the beginning of many more ...

Meet the Camino Peregrinas
(or the 'Camino Chicas', as we've dubbed ourselves)
We leave tomorrow afternoon,
September 16th
for Spain..
where we plan to make an ancient pilgrimage
along the Camino de Santiago.
It traverses 750 km along a power meridian
of the earth from the French Pyrenees
to the Cathedral of St. James in Santiago.
We will complete the journey on October 22.
I will return home after a visit
with Ethan, Marisa, Andrea and Guillermo.

We are all women either making
decade birthdays or at transitional moments
in our lives. One of my motivations is to walk
in honour of several women who
died prematurely from cancer.
We all believe this event will
change us.

We walk "for all who have made the journey before
and all who follow in the days ahead".
(from 'Walk Sister Walk', by Nan Thompson)

You can follow us on another blog,
published by Kathy Shortt @

www.shorttcamino.blogspot.com

So, faithful blogmates ..
May the Spirit attend us til we all meet again
along the road!

Blessings.

Peter and Elizabeth Eberhart-Moffat

Holy Chihuly!

Holy Chihuly! It's August 20th; the Olympics are in their second week; Usain Bolt from Jamaica is just about to run the 200 on the day before his 22nd birthday (another world record at 19.30 and with a head wind, no less!); and here we are .. still reporting the adventures of "Moffats on the Road"! It's very difficult to cast our focus backward when there is so much in our immediate future. Any day now will bring the news of the birth of our first 'Moffat' grandchild (to Sarah and Andrew), and Elizabeth is into regular training for her pilgrimage (Sept 18 - Oct 22) with six other women across northern Spain on the famous Camino de Santiago de Compostela.

If you are even reading this, we are grateful. Life is too full for everyone to believe that we still might have vicarious companions as we bring this blog home. So, thank you, friends and family for your perseverance over the long haul. It's been quite a seasonal soap opera of shared exploration, expedition and reunion.

Now, if the bright glass display above is not enough of a clue as to what a 'Chihuly' is all about .. you'll have to come along with us to find out more. We'll start from the Grand Coulee Dam in north-central Washington state, just below.

In recognition of this historic battlefield between progress and ecology, you might want to sing "Goodnight Irene, Goodnight" with these famous Woody Guthrie lyrics: Roll on Columbia, roll on .. Roll on Columbia, roll on. Your power is turning our night into dawn .. Roll on Columbia, roll on. And so, we continue on up the river ...
West through Snoqualmie Pass at 3022 ft. ...


Into the delightful city of Tacoma, nestled on Puget Sound just south of Seattle ... under the eagle eye of a quiet volcanic giant ... Mt. Ranier, the highest peak in the Cascade Range @ 14,410 ft ...

... famous, among several things, as the place where the practice of 'standing during the Star Spangled Banner' originated (another great trivia question) ...

To a precious house on Tacoma's North G Street, over looking the Sound ...

Up the front walk to the home of my teenage buddy ...

Wingate Charl Unger Johnson or 'Winnie the Pooh #2'.

Winnie and I met in a swimming class in high school, where she taught me to do a 1 1/2 dive off the low board. It was to be the first plunge into a pool of youthful adventures, shared by us both. I'm proud of this friend, who eventually, as a single mom, raised two great kids while doing interior design in Denver, Colorado and teaching downhill skiing at Copper Mountain. Below is son Bryan, daughter-in-law Betsy (both teachers), and grandsons Henry and Myles ...


My... life is a going concern with these active little ones. I loved Betsy's comment to me: "I always considered myself to be the very best of mothers ... until I had children." Does she not speak for us all? These cutie pies do, however, have the good fortune of wonderful parents.

One cannot introduce Winnie's Tacoma family without mention of "Guinness", a very real presence .. a cat who sits up and begs for treats .. a sight almost worth the trip to behold.



Here we are on Winnie's deck giving thanks for this very special reunion. Below, the view that accompanied this dinner ...


In the distance below, you will see the current "Tacoma Narrows Bridge", a structure with a famous history of its own. Opened for the first time on July 1, 1940, with the largest suspension span in the world at the time, this steel ribbon highway, known as "Galloping Gerdie", collapsed on November 7th of that same year in a windstorm. Famous as the most dramatic failure in bridge building history, Galloping Gerdie changed forever how engineers design these structures. It's successor, once again connecting Tacoma to Gig Harbor, opened on October 14, 1950, designed to carry 60,000 cars a day. But traffic in recent years has risen to 90,000 daily. So in July of 2007, a parallel bridge was opened to more fully facilitate traffic in two directions. Oh, and in 1992, the remains of Galloping Gerdie were placed on the national Register of Historic Places as a sunken reef.




The Narrows Bridge at dusk is a sight to see with the setting western sun...

Definitely a romantic evening walk ...

This patron is ready for lunch on the deck at "Dukes" ...


And, so are we!
Great lobster chowder and ceaser salads here .. and northwest berry pie! Below,


Olympic hopefuls, rowing in Commencement Harbor.

Now we are approaching the Museum of Glass (above) and the Walk of Glass (below)


Tacoma is also famous for its 'Chihulies', and you are getting here, a view of 'the real things'.


Dale Chihuly is a revolutionary of the Studio Glass Movement, whose achievements have influenced contemporary art in general. Though these solitary glass sculptures stretch traditional ideas of small glass art, you have to see his big works to appreciate the scope of this artist's imagination and capabilities. Come with us into the old train station, which currently houses the US Courtrooms, to see what we mean.

We're now inside the rotunda and closing in on a 'hanging Chihuly'...

Here it is up close... 600 pieces of glass, weighing 2000 pounds. Dale Chihuly has taken the art of glass blowing into the team production of large scale collaborative installment and environmental art, using the full insights of his studies in archetecture and interior design.

Here is more ...

Holy Chihuly!

And speaking of special 'creations' .. how about the two below ?!
Meet 5 year old Mina and 2 year old Miles. They are the children of Richard and Annie Lander (friends of Andrew and Sarah) and the grandchildren of Dave and Doreen Lander (United Church minister friends of ours, Doreen being featured in our first or second blog chapter).

Left to Right: Daddy Richard, Miles, Peter, Mina, Mommy Annie and Elizabeth

A rendition of "I know a weenie man" before bed.

It's Sunday, May 18th, and we are on the road to Mt. Saint Helen's for the 28th Anniversary (1980) of the epic eruption. Our little family was camping nearby the summer that followed that event and were not allowed to get close. How amazing after all these years that we finally get to visit on an anniversary that brought many of the survivors back to tell their stories. See the mountain there in the distance?

A fascinated crowd comes to commemorate and to learn.

There's always a few nuts in every crowd. But get a load of the depth of the snow!


We are standing on the deck at the current Visitors Centre, the very place from which the radioed message was sent before the messenger lost his life ... "Seattle, this is it!"

A lone wolf walks the snow covered slopes.


The tiny red lights on the scale model above, indicate the area encompassed in the flow zone.


This great remnant of the old forest, shows how trees were like toothpicks before the 600 degree lateral blast of gas and flying stone. Below, a forest cemetery...

Equal to the force of thousands of atomic bombs, trees were mowed down as far as 17 miles (27km) from the volcano, all laying in patterns revealing the direction the blast was channeled and deflected by ridges and valleys.

The onslaught of water, ash and debris formed a hot slurry of mud that rushed down the slopes at speeds up to 80 miles an hour, slowing down to 15-30 miles an hour on the lower slopes.


Hear these first hand accounts from survivors:
"It was morning and we were on the riverbank, when all of the sudden we saw the river rising fast, so we ran for the car. Then a huge log jam held back by a railroad trestle rounded the bend and burst, releasing a sea of mud and logs. The car was swept away and so were we."


"The mudflow surrounded us so quickly we didn't have time to panic. We immediately started struggling to survive. My friend Roald managed to jump from one log to another, but I was pulled under. I fought to stay above the mud and logs until finally Roald pulled me out. The oddest thing was we never heard the mountain errupt. We thought the dark gray sky was an overcast day."



This phenomenon of silence is quite a fascinating aspect to the eruption. Though dogs were reported to be barking and running around wildly before the eruption, and birds stopped singing,
those closest to the event heard nothing. Hikers and climbers on nearby Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood and Mt. Ranier watched the mountain disintegrate in eerie silence. The force of the explosion pushed sound waves upward into the upper atmosphere, where it bounced back to distant places. The result was that people hundreds of miles away heard sounds, while those nearby heard nada. Below is a display that attempts to portray this peculiarity.
Within a few hours of this 9 hour eruption, ash began to blanket towns east of the volcano, blotting out sunlight and turning day into night. Cities as far away as Denver (1000 miles) reported dusting over the next few days. Most people and animals killed by this event died from suffocation by inhaling dust particles. In all, the mountain spewed out 540 million tons of ash, which fell over an area greater than 22.000 sq. miles.

Below, a landscape in the aftermath of 20 years.


Above .. track nature's incredible regenerative capabilities .. the same flow area photographed in 1980, 2000 and 2006.

On our way home from this amazing day's adventure, we stopped in the neat little town of Centralia, Washington .. at one of Winnie's favourite haunts .. the retro Olympic Hotel. Below, inside ...



"Here's to Life! Our ingress to it is naked and bare;
Our progress through it is trouble and care; Our egress
from it is 'God knows where'; So, may our friends down 'here' be our friends out 'there'!" (a toast of Dad's, slightly modified)

Staying at Winnie's home provided a place for lost things to be mailed to us; to make important phone calls; and for 'Lil' to apply herself to the blog.

In the meantime, Winnie and Peter went out to play ...

Both enjoyed Tacoma's many antique and junk shops. Below is an example of how these pursuits can engage a lot of one's time...

Opps! Peter's found a stash of magazine car ads!

And, always, there are special old cars to admire ... remember these models with the portholes?

Happy hours at the Le May antique car collection ...



"Okay, you grills, smile for me..."

Such a happy camper ...

And then, there was this other special collection in an old car dealership ...

This collection went on down the stairs into several rooms, until - at the back of one corner - was spied an anitque in a different catagory. Behold, a 20 year old replica of an aristocraft, the very model that Peter fell in love with at Pen Lake as a boy. Several of his friends and cousins had them.

Take a closer look ... yellow leather apolstery, no less!


An original Mercury engine!

Now we know why that trailer ball on the back of the RV was installed!

Even Henry's excited about all this.


Yup .. "Sweet Sixteen" now rides the waves at Pen Lake, evoking many nostalgic memories for the lake crowd. If you continue to check in with us on the blog .. we will include pictures from July of the boys enjoying this toy.



In the meantime ...
we've come to the end of our wonderful adventures with Winnie and are making our 'goodbyes'.

Wins, so many bouquets to you of gratitude and love. Keep blooming where you are planted! Sorry to miss you at the New Trier reunion this fall (will be in Spain), but don't you think our own reunion was even better? We do!


And so we push off again from this 'Land that Lures' .. this time headed for the Canadian border, a visit with son Tim in Grande Prairie, Alberta, ..an encounter with the Rockies at Jasper and Banff, ..the dinosaurs at Drumheller, .. a reunion with members of our first pastoral charge in Manitoba ... and then "home again, home again, jiggety jig". We ought to be able to share all this in one more chapter, entitled "O Canada" - yet to be published.

Hang in there, Blogmates. Hoping your summer is filled with glorious re-creating moments.

Elizabeth and Peter

The Golden Girls from the West

Dearest Blogmates ...

As you might glean from these little industrious Canadians above, we are back at 'our home on native land' and re-engaging with the many work projects at hand. It's been a month since our last check-in! We apologize for leaving you stranded near the end of our trip. Number one on the 'due-do' list for us is to begin to bring the blog home and with it, all of you!

I'm (Elizabeth) excited about this chapter. It has to do with a history celebrated by the descendants of these three amazing "Golden Girls from the West" ... the Kettenbach sisters of Lewiston, Idaho.

Meet (above) these daughters of pioneers:

• Elizabeth LeRoi Skillern (1896-1975), eldest sister, whose vivacious charm and civic leadership, landed her the nickname of "Blizz" (short for 'Blizzard');
• Sally Mary Lorenz (1898 - circa 1983), middle sister, who I was always told I looked like;
• and my own mother, Wilhelmina Frances Eberhart (1907-1997), known as "Dudie", a shortening of her father's nickname for her -"Doodles Sack" ("bag of wind"), supposedly the German name for a 'bag pipe' ..

It was our joy on this trip to reconnect with Kettenbach Kin. But it was obvious that all of us are a little rusty on the details of the generations that preceeded our mothers. While rustling up some pictures here in the room that Dudie called 'home' for the last decade of her life, I found some amazing stuff squirreled away in her dresser. Could Mom have led me to it? Of course she did! She knows I'm ready now in retirement to attend to these matters.

The most interesting 'find' was a first hand autobiographical account dictated by the grandmother of the 'Golden Girls', namely 'Elizabeth (Libby) Ruddy White'. She lived with the sisters in the Kettenbach home for the last chapter of her 87 year life. Mom told me she loved to go to the 'picture show' and when she returned home would tell 'the wholllllllleeee' story to anyone who would listen. Her story telling gift is evident from the account she left. I want to share some of it here for the sake of all the cousins, believing it is interesting enough historically for the rest of you to appreciate.

So where does this story begin? No doubt with the Nez Perce Indians who hunted in the hills and valleys around the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. Below is their famous leader and humanitarian, Chief Joseph.

Next would be the renown Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806), commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, headed by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, and greatly influenced by the efforts of a young native scout and mother, Sacagawea. It was the first 'American' overland exploration to the Pacific coast and back.

Chief Joseph offered hospitality to this expedition and had this to say:

The first white men of your people who came to our country were named Lewis and Clark. They brought many things which our people had never seen. They talked straight and our people gave them a great feast as proof that their hearts were friendly. They made presents to our chiefs and our people made presents to them. We had a great many horses of which we gave them what they needed, and they gave us guns and tobacco in return. All the Nez Perce made friends with Lewis and Clark and agreed to let them pass through their country and never to make war on white men. This promise the Nez Perce have never broken. (1874)

What followed, were thousands of settlers along what became known as, "the Oregon Trail" ...

One of them was Daniel Marion White. He was my great grandfather. According to 'Libby's account ... Daniel as a boy had listened by the camp wagons as settlers spoke of the wonderful country near Lewiston, Idaho. Though his own father had brought them west from Indiana and settled them on land near Cottage Grove in Oregon, Daniel eventually got permission from his father to give up school and leave home. With a riding horse, a pack horse, a new suit of clothes and $200 ("a comfortable fortune").. Daniel set out to find adventure.

For three years he worked in the mines near Kamiah and Elk City, eventually owning and selling a mine (after the original owner became ill). With his saddle bags full of valuable nuggets of gold, he made the perilous trip to Lewiston through country where robbers were plentiful. Eventually Daniel came to own and operate "White's Ferry" (the Lower Ferry at Lewiston) that taxied people and goods across the Snake River.

There were few white women in the Lewiston district. Part of the story that Libby didn't choose to record involved Daniel's 'common-law' relationship with a Nez Perce woman who gave him two sons (Forest and Frank?? Come on here, I need some help). Both Dudie and cousin Betty spoke to me of these half-uncles who were a part of their lives. Betty was always ready to give you the real scoop, right?

But Daniel, like other early traders and settlers, held out on any official marriage until the white women came west.

Enter, the 'Ruddy' family from Exeter, Ontario! It's true .. I'm not the first Canadian in this lineage! Michael Ruddy and his wife Elizabeth O'Neill Ruddy had farmed 100 acres and produced a family of 2 brothers and 6 sisters, all born in Canada.

One day Michael came in from a ride and said to Elizabeth, "I'm tired of living through the long, hard winters here and I'm going to find a home where it is warmer". (Canadians who have endured the winter of 2007-8 will be able to identify, eh?) So in May of 1868, Michael took his family to San Francisco on the second train to cross the continent! "Remember", Libby remarked, "the train was not like the modern luxurious trains of today. There were no meals served, no sleeping accommodations, and the trip took 8 or 9 days. It was quite an experience for Father and Mother taking care of a big family."

For two years the Ruddy familly lived in San Francisco. Michael traveled all over California looking for the right place to resettle his family. As there was yet no irrigation system in California, Michael became discouraged over the lack of water and decided to look elsewhere. He had been told of the rich soil and good prospects of Idaho . Taking a steamer up to Portland, Oregon, then a boat up the Columbia and down the Snake Rivers, he finally came to Lewiston, at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. When Michael first looked at the land surrounding Lewiston, he was bewildered. "How could you plow such hills", he wondered.

The next day he fell to talking with a man on the street and was told of the amazing fertility of the Idaho soil. The man said, "I have a place up there on top of that hill. I am going there tomorrow. Come with me." The man was Bill Caldwell. He later married Maria, one of the Ruddy sisters. Below, see some of the fertility of those Lewiston hills ...


The farm that Mr. Caldwell showed Michael was about a mile from the top of the hill. "It had never been surveyed, but had been plowed and there was grain growing two feet high - also wild gooseberries, currants, wild cherries and salvus berries, and plenty of nice water running all around the place." When the family later followed, they were apprehensive about the steepness of the hill they had to climb from Lewiston and the frequent appearance of Indians, fears that were soon overcome. But the native bachelors had this to say about the new family: "We can all have wives now for Mr. Ruddy has arrived with six daughters!"

Above meet the teller of this history, Libby Ruddy White with two of her great grandchildren, Bill and Eloise Eberhart, my brother and sister (circa 1938).

"The three room house my father built after he had purchased the place," Libby wrote, "was built of thick boards, just cut from logs and hand hewn for shingles. This house, though rough, was warm and had a good fireplace that helped to make a very comfortable living room. There was a little kitchen and a long table in the living room that served as a place to dine for the big family and their frequent guests. Travelers coming from the mines would stop for meals. Settlers and miners on their way to Lewiston for supplies would stop to rest and visit and stay for dinner. On the way back, they would again stop for dinner and spend the night."

Below, see the 'Ruddy home' that was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior on July 30, 1974.


Michael died shortly after the family was settled in this house, and Libby's mother found a way to turn the natural flow of humanity into a business. Her home became an 'inn' and an official stop for ...the Well's Fargo stage coach. A dime was the smallest change at the time, but most transactions were negotiated in gold dust, which was measured out in spoonfuls. Imagine!


One of the more famous visitors at the Ruddy Family Inn was ...Buffalo Bill Cody, army scout and founder of "Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show". Remember 'Annie Oakley'? She was one of his best acts.

Libby says, "There was no school when they arrived for she and her siblings to attend. The second year they were in Idaho, her mother said, 'I am going to Lewiston and see if I can find a way to send you girls to school.' She rented a small house about a block from Fifth Street near where the Idaho Hotel now stands. (Does it still stand?) The town was very new and rough, with chickens and pigs running loose. Mother (Elizabeth Ruddy) then rented a small room and hired Mrs. Simons for a teacher. There were only a few pupils - I remember Josie McGrane, Anna McGrane, Tom McGrane, Emma Norward, and Dr. Stanton's step daughter, Nellie Leland."

"Mrs. Simons decided to put on a play at the end of the first school year. She rented a large room near where the Bollinger Hotel now stands, that was generally used for gambling. She whitewashed it inside and out and arranged for seats. it was quite an undertaking, as there was to be no charge for the play. It's production was for the purpose of training us children. In those days the soldiers at Fort Lapwai often rode into town, tipsy. However, some of the children at the Fort joined us at school. Though our play was free and there were so few of us, the night of the play there was a good crowd made up mostly of gamblers and a few women."

"Dressed in white, with full skirts and flowers in my hair," Libby describes, "I was almost a leading lady. Here is the song I sang ...

I'm Mistress Jinks of Madison Square
I wear fine clothes and puff my hair
And how the gentlemen at me stare
When my husband's in the Army!

When I finished, the miners and soldiers applauded loudly and some one cried, 'Pass the hat', while others threw coins toward me. The money when counted came to over $70, and with this money a school bell was bought. This bell called children to school for many years, but I do not know exactly what became of it." (Isn't this too much!)

Libby's naturally entertaining ways (we can all blame her for starting this) were put to use at her mother's inn for visitors. Among them was Daniel Marion White, the now 35 year old ferry man, who was still waiting for a white woman. (somehow I'm feeling I must apologize on his behalf). One day he wrote Libby a letter asking if he could pay her a visit with a view toward marriage. "I don't want to marry anybody," declared 15 year old Libby. "He is a good man," her mother replied. "You better think about it."

"One evening he came up the hill and stayed for dinner. Later, as was the custom, we 'sat up' in front of the fireplace. Before telling me the story of his life to that point, Daniel first asked if I would sing. And so I sang ...

Just one year ago today love,
I became your happy bride.
I changed a mansion for a cottage
To dwell down by the river side.

When I sang that song, Mr. White sprang to his feet and cried,'I can't stand that!', then he left the house. He soon returned and asked me, 'Where did you get that song?' I replied that I had been singing it for years. Then he asked, 'How would you like to live down by the river side where I live?' His brother and his wife lived with him in his house by the ferry and I was invited to come and visit. We rode horseback down the steep trail and I stayed as an overnight guest. Riding back home up the trail the next day, he asked me how I would like to live there. I was so young and knew nothing of love, but I answered, 'O, I love the river'. 'Would you like to live by the river then,' he asked. 'Yes,' I answered. 'I think I would'. Before he left that evening it was understood that we would be married New Year's Day."

"Mr. White immediately began to build an addition to his 'house by the river', enlarging it to the point where in those days it was, truly, a 'mansion by the river'. We were married in Lewiston on New Year's Day 1877 in the home of my sister, Mrs. Wordon, with Father Catalda officiating. Mr. and Mrs. C.P. Coburn stood up with us. After the wedding supper we all went to a dance, and later, with a team and buggy, we drove to our new home by the river. As we approached, we saw the house all lighted up, a fire in the fireplace and cakes and pies in abundance. This was the work of our Alpowa neighbor, Mrs. Freeman. My sister and her husband, Mr. Caldwell, were there. I was shown my new home for the first time. It had two stories, a large parlor, and the most beautiful bedroom I had ever seen. There was a carpet of exquisite beauty, a gorgeous walnut bedroom set with marble tops, a nice rocking chair, and two with straight backs."

"We lived at the river house about eight years and my daughter, Mary Jane (mother of the Kettenbach sisters) was born there about a year after we were married. Two years later my son William Johnson White was born. My husband was indeed kind and patient, teaching me many things, even how to cook. However, he continued to cook breakfast himself each morning. We girls were never taught to cook at home, as Mother preferred the kitchen to herself." (And this must be where 'out of the kitchen!' came from.)

If you're still reading, you've been very patient. But after all these years, Libby's account demanded to be shared. How could I keep something so rich just for myself?

So come with us now into 'Kettenbach' country ... starting with Salem, the capital city of Oregon.

Descendants of the early pioneers, discussing life ... Let's get closer. Meet Sam Skillern, my first cousin and son of Auntie Blizz. He is famous in our Eberhart family for having found the solution to a rather obnoxious 'attention getting' formula I had found as a toddler with the use of the word 'shut up'. While driving with us through Yellowstone Park, he suggested we throw 'shut up' to the bears, being fed in those days by tourists through the windows of their cars. At any rate, this seemed to do the trick. Thank you, Sam ...


Salem is a beautifully floral town and Sam , like his father, has enjoyed the hobby life of a gardener. Though he and wife, Teddy, have moved to an apartment to facilitate wheelchair access after Teddy's long battle with MS, we wanted to travel back down their street to find their old home.



The back yard at their house, as I remember it, was like 'the Garden of Eden'. It had authentic 'holly bushes' too.
Here we are at Sam's church after a wonderful service on Sunday, May 4th.

One of the thrills of showing up after so many years, is that the children have all become wonderful adults! The night we arrived, Sam's son, Sammy the turd(3rd), and wife Jennifer had pylons outside on the street to save room for the RV, and a big Canadian flag on their porch to welcome us. Inside was a roaring fire and everyone had gathered to greet us.


(Left to right) 'Lil the Pill', Sam, Samuel (4th), Teddy, Jennifer, Sammy (3rd), and Andrew. Andrew, Sam and sister, Sarah Skillern smile on terra firma with Samuel up top. Did you know, Samuel, that garage climbing has a long history in this family?

Here we are with our marvelous hosts during the Salem chapter. There is so much to brag about these guys. Suffice it to say they are very involved in the outreach ministries of their city. Thank you, Sammy and Jennifer, for your AAA hospitality. Best of luck with those ongoing renovations on your prairie cottage home! Come see us up north!

You are now getting a peek at the famous Columbia River Gorge through the Cascade Range, down which the Lewis and Clark expedition found its way at last to the Pacific Ocean. (Side bar: .. members of the expedition were 'meat' eaters, and nearly starving the winter they spent here, forewent the fabulous salmon from this gorge in favor of horse and dog meat!)

What followed were fur trappers and traders, as one beaver pelt could command1/2 lb of beads, a kettle, one lb of shot, 5 lbs of sugar, 1 lb of tobacco, 2 awls, 12 buttons or 20 fish hooks (thank goodness for digital cameras).

During the Steamboat Era (1851-1920) 200 vessels made daily use of the Columbia, and in the 1880's rail lines through here linked Oregon with the rest of the Union. With the coming of the gasoline engine, the Gorge still remained a highway. Whether you travel the historic route as we did, take Interstate 84 or #14 on the Washington side of the river ... you will be treated to a visual feast of water, cliff and sky.


Samuel C. Lancaster, design engineer of the highway envisioned Crown Point as the perfect place for a rest stop and observatory. Portland architect Edgar Lazarus designed 'Vista House' to "recall the ancient and mystic Thor's crown". Vista Point was dedicated on May 5, 1918 to the memory of Oregon's pioneers, just two years after Woodrow Wilson officially opened the highway. Here we are picnicking at Vista Point.



Inside view. A subterranean gift shop, restaurant and museum celebrating the history of the gorge can be found circling Vista House below the parking lot. It's a very cool design. Thankfully, a heritage group has saved this building from dereliction, cost over runs, and the natural deterioration of the powerful wind and elements.



Have a last look at the gorge while contemplating what Oregon Governor, George Olgott, had to say in warning to the legislature in 1921 ...

So prodigal has
nature been with us;
so lavishly
has she spread her feasts
at our banquet table
We have been apt to feel
that these glories
would be never ending.

The Gorge is honeycombed by wonderful waterfalls.

Famous Multnomah Falls. Perhaps your grand parents were once here?!


Where is Waldo?
September 4, 1995, a 400 ton rock slid from the face of upper Multnomah Falls and dropped 225 feet into the Falls upper plunge pool. Weighing as much as a school bus filled with concrete, it sent a 70 foot splash over the Benson Bridge, drenching a wedding party. You heard it here.

We're heading up into the Wallowa Mountains to find more cousins.



Following the trucks through the moutain towns of Minam, Lostine, and finally .. "Enterprise".


Following my cousin's directions, we finally found 'Hurricane Creek Road', where the views from front yards were spectacular ...


Nestled at the foot of the mountains is the retirement home of Patsy and Tom Wade. Both were public school teachers in Portland.
Let's have a look out their living room window and dream.

Here I am with Patsy & Tom at Wallowa Lake in front of Chief Joseph Mountain. Patsy is one of Auntie Blizz's grand daughters. Her mother, Sally Ann Hayes, was my first cousin. But being the youngest born of that generation, I have been closer in age to my first cousins once removed. The summer of my 9th year I spent out west by myself with Auntie Blizz and Aunt Sally. Patsy was one of my favorite play mates here at Wallowa Lake, where we stayed at her grandmother's wonderful summer place, called "Skillern's Stockade". It's been sold and gone from the family like too many of the patron saints.

Tom is a man with a mission. He can build anything, here re-roofing the chicken house.

Old dog runs are becoming well protected vegetable gardens. Patsy, can't believe I don't have more pictures of you! Guess we were having too much fun to bother. Please give Yeller (the yellow lab) and Maisie ( a basset hound) a good scratch for us. Enjoy these fabulous bonus days in the clean air of Enterprize. Here's to a female cousins retreat and possibly a writing workshop out there. Thank you both for an unforgettable reunion. xoxoxox

And speaking of writing and good books, here's a great story told by a master. Last Go Round is a true story of the very first Pendleton Round-Up, when the top cowboy contenders were an afro American, George Fletcher, a Nez Perce Indian by the name of Jackson Sundown, and a young cowboy from Tennesee, Jonathan Spain. Through out the trip we have been reading books out loud to each other, appropriate to the areas we were visiting. We got on a cowboy jag with cult favorite, Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. But Last Go Round is equally as good, much shorter, and its true! The next round up is September 10-13th. Can't make it this year, Patsy, but we'll definately meet you and Tom there another year!

We did pay a visit, however, on Saturday, May 10.

Pendleton (just like Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan) has an historic underground city of it's own. In both cases it was truly an 'underworld' of saloons and gambling during prohibition. But these underworlds were also the places from which Chinese immigrants conducted their businesses, often 'Chinese Laundries'. It was also where they lived and retreated after curfew, places safe from the racist harassment of others .. a deplorable truth on both sides of the border. These conditions existed during the era of the local gold mines, roughly 1885 - 1916.



Above see the street grates with prism glass squares that dispersed light into the tunnels.

Here our tour leader shows us where the Empire Meat company butchered and stored their meat in ice pits, kept cool by an underground stream. Meet some of the locals ...


We also visited one of the former brothels of Pendleton ...


The original door, exposed for the first time in years since it was closed.

Come on up the stairs with us ...

Meet the famous proprietor, Madam Stella from Walla Walla.

Her 'girls' had working and private rooms. Below, a private room.

Enough of this ... Come with us now to the other side of the Columbia River to Kennewick Washington, where we spent a week with another first cousin, Cora Jane Williams & husband, Perry. Cora Jane is Sam Skillern's sister and one of Auntie Blizz' three children. Perry and Cora Jane have two sons and three daughters. How lucky were we to be with them on 'Mother's Day' when all but their oldest son, Dana, managed to come home for a visit.
Some of the men in the family .. from right, Peter, Perry, son John and son-in-law Jon.

And the women .. daughter Laura , mother Cora Jane, Lil, and daughter Sarah

This picture includes eldest daughter, Martha on the left.

Perry Williams has been a pro-golfer through out his career, ending as a rules official for the senior PGA. What I didn't know is that he was a Music major in college and has a wonderful voice! One of the joys of this encounter was the opportunity to sing in Perry's church choir on Pentecost Sunday, with Cora Jane behind me as an alto and daughter Laura, beside me .. a soprano whose debut Dudie came west just to experience. She was so proud of Laura's talent. I am now taking up the flag. To the Williams Family, one and all, we thank you! How great it was to be welcomed home by our faithful western clan as if we truly belonged there. Somewhere in the celestial choir, the sisters are pinching each other's wings and singing, "There'll be Joy!" (Natalie Sleeth)

The episcopal sanctuary prepared for a joint Pentecost and Mother's Day Service.

Moving toward Lewiston, Idaho and those characteristic hills.
Below, Lewiston Idaho along the shores of the Clearwater River.

Remember the famous family Inn on the top of the Lewiston hills? Here is a descendant enjoying their view and the characteristic winds, 4 generations after Canadians Michael and Elizabeth Ruddy brought their family here from San Francisco.

Then up the road west of Spokane, Washington, at Nine Mile Falls we came to this home, perched high on a hill above the Spokane River.

Meet Gwen Hyke Horvath and her husband, Bill. Gwen is another first cousin, once removed through Aunt Sally and her husband, Lorry Lorenz. We too share memories of that summer when I was 9 and came to Lewiston to play. We played again this time, and so did Peter and Bill,who shared their love of rock collections, shells and petrified wood. Bill is informed on so many fascinating topics and knows Canada well. He wrapped a few extra pounds around us with great pancakes, stir fries and sandwiches.
Gwen, retired teacher, loves her garden. It's 'show and tell' time. Sniff and smile.
Here's the view from the house ...
Bill is a wood worker two. Meet this American icon on a pole outside their front door.
After together watching the end of the made-for-TV series of 'Lonesome Dove', Gwen and Bill decked us out in a manner that fulfilled all our childhood cowboy fantasies.

Peter, in his new boots, gets a bit carried away... no political implications here, promise.

To the Descendants of those Golden Girls from the West, we bid farewell and thank you for a glorious time. There are more of you still to visit. So we will be back. In the meantime, let's allow Chief Joseph to have the 'last say'. Though we thought we were saving an ignorant, savage people, it is their wisdom of the sacredness of the Creation that now holds the power to heal the earth, and us ...

On a visit to Washington, D.C., 1879

At last I was granted permission to come to Washington and
bring my friend Yellow Bull and our interpreter with me. I am
glad I came. I have shaken hands with a good many friends,
but there are some things I want to know which no one seems
able to explain. I cannot understand how the Government sends
a man out to fight us, as it did General Miles, and then breaks
his word. Such a government has something wrong about it.

I cannot understand why so many chiefs are allowed to talk
so many different ways, and promise so many different things.
I have seen the Great Father Chief [President Hayes];
the Next Great Chief [Secretary of the Interior]; the Commissioner
Chief; the Law Chief; and many other law chiefs [Congressmen]
and they all say they are my friends, and that I shall have justice,
but while all their mouths talk right I do not understand why
nothing is done for my people. I have heard talk and talk but nothing
is done. Good words do not last long unless they amount to something.

Words do not pay for my dead people. They do not pay for my country
now overrun by white men. They do not protect my father's grave.
They do not pay for my horses and cattle. Good words do not give
me back my children. Good words will not make good the promise
of your war chief, General Miles. Good words will not give my people
a home where they can live in peace and take care of themselves.

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing. It makes my heart sick
when I remember all the good words and all the broken promises.
There has been too much talking by men who had no right to talk.
Too many misinterpretations have been made; too many
misunderstandings have come up between the white men and the Indians.

If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian he can live
in peace. There need be no trouble. Treat all men alike. Give them
the same laws. Give them all an even chance to live and grow. All
men were made by the same Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers.
The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal
rights upon it.

You might as well expect all rivers to run backward as that any man
who was born a free man should be contented penned up and denied
liberty to go where he pleases. If you tie a horse to a stake, do you
expect he will grow fat? If you pen an Indian up on a small spot
of earth and compel him to stay there, he will not be contented
nor will he grow and prosper. I have asked some of the
Great White Chiefs where they get their authority to say to
the Indian that he shall stay in one place, while he sees
white men going where they please. They cannot tell me.

I only ask of the Government to be treated as all other men are treated.

If I cannot go to my own home, let me have a home in a country
where my people will not die so fast. I would like to go to
Bitter Root Valley. There my people would be happy;
where they are now they are dying. Three have died since
I left my camp to come to Washington.

When I think of our condition, my heart is heavy. I see men
of my own race treated as outlaws and driven from country to
country, or shot down like animals.

I know that my race must change. We cannot hold our own with
the white men as we are. We only ask an even chance to live as other
men live. We ask to be recognized as men. We ask that the same
law shall work alike on all men. If an Indian breaks the law,
punish him by the law. If a white man breaks the law, punish him also.

Let me be a free man, free to travel, free to stop, free to work,
free to trade where I choose, free to choose my own teachers,
free to follow the religion of my fathers, free to talk, think and
act for myself -- and I will obey every law or submit to the penalty.

Whenever the white man treats the Indian as they treat each other,
then we shall have no more wars. We shall be all alike – brothers
of one father and mother, with one sky above us and one country
around us and one government for all. Then the Great Spirit Chief
who rules above will smile upon this land and send rain to wash
out the bloody spots made by brothers' hands upon the face of the earth.

For this time the Indian race is waiting and praying.
I hope no more groans of wounded men and women will ever go
to the ear of the Great Spirit Chief above, and that all people may be one people.

Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekht has spoken for his people.

[TEXT: Chester Anders Fee, Chief Joseph:
The Biography of a Great Indian, Wilson-Erickson, 1936.]

California Dreaming: Chapter 2 (northern exposure)

To our Community of Heart and all our Angels of Good Will,

Hello again! It's Sunday, the first day of JUNE .. and it is indeed "busting out all over"! As we disparately seek to catch you up on our lives, we are in Red Deer, Alberta - within a couple of weeks of return. As soon as we crossed the international border, we could feel the centrifugal force of 'home' at work in us. Most recently, we have been awed by the magnificence of the Canadian Rockies. Much as we did a 'catch up' with our "Redwoods" chapter a while back, we would like to jump forward with our next chapter and simply drive you through Jasper and Banff National Parks. The views will tell it all.

In the meantime, we take you back again. As we set forth from Santa Cruz, we felt we were entering the northern climes of California. Where were you on Monday, April 14th? See the map below? We were approaching San Francisco Bay along a coast very similar to the Big Sur.

The night before, we had camped at Half moon Bay in very windy conditions...


Above, Monday morning and our first sign of approach to urban developments. South of San Francisco, is the coastal town of Pacifica. As you can see, the coast is still a cliff high above the sea.


What are all those creatures far below us on the beach?

Within minutes they had joined us on the rim. In the background a 'dog walker' fills a trough of water for dozens of canine friends who accompany him on these daily excursions.

But this is a famous 'hang gliding zone'...


Without the right equipment, we can still imagine the feeling of 'take off'...

The 'wind sock' foretells perfect conditions, but it's the wrong type of wind. No hang gliders would dare it ...
This man, however, was prepared to launch an 'unmanned' flight ...

Have a look, way up in the heavens ...

As we rounded the corner of the peninsula, we had our first inspiring encounter with this famous icon of San Francisco ...

Getting a little bit more 'up front and personal' ...

Can't take credit for this shot, but enjoy it anyway ...

Below, the engineer responsible for making this vision a reality ... chief engineer, Joseph B. Strauss. In 1930, against all those who felt either that a bridge would not withstand the pressure of tides or the fury of storms .. AND those who felt a bridge would bring down property values, Strauss won approval for a bond issue. It was depression time, and it took the $6 million of A.P. Gionnini, founder of Bank of America, to get the project started. The bridge building began in 1933.
Here we are at Golden Gate National Park.


Guess all of you know what famous prison can be seen from this perspective ...

So lets rev up the RV and start across...



We're now on the north shore looking back. How about we walk 1/2 a mile back to the middle of the bridge?

Here we are. The wind is so strong and gusty that it throws one up against the railings. I (Lil) am thinking of my dear brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Sue Eberhart, who have very little regard for bridges. We were able to text them from here and say, "Glad you're not here!" Sue texted back, "Me too!"
Looking straight down ...
Even here, the hand of friendship and help extends ...

Safely back on 'terra firma' .. the bridge (and city) from the Marin Highlands.

Now for a trip back across the Bay ala the San Francisco ferry ...





Docking at the famous ferry landing at the foot of Market Street. This lighted clock as been a beacon of historical security to water craft far before the advent of modern navigational systems. For 150 years, ferries have facilitated the movement of commuters, passengers and goods from the Bay and beyond. This place has been the starting point for many a city parade and celebration.

It didn't take long for us to do the traditional tourist thing .. "on the streets of San Francisco".

The amazing inclines of this place ...


Our friendly conductor - engaging the 'brakes'.

Turning around at the end of the line ...

Up on Knob Hill .. Grace Episcopal Church, built on contributed private land after the 1906 earthquake and fire that leveled this area.

Walking the labyrinth and contemplating the journey ...

San Francisco is a city of famous hotels .. The Fairmount ...

The Mark Hopkins ...

In the lobby ...
The St. Francis Hotel ... scene of the 1922 "Fatty Arbuckle" affaire. Elizabeth's mother, Dudie, used to visit here. Her cousin, Matt Grandon, was the manager at the time.

Here is Elizabeth 'under' the famous St. Francis clock .. meeting point for many San Franciscans.

Down at Fishermen's Wharf is a great museum of old carnival attractions ...


Above, "Laughing Sal" - intrigued and terrified generations of children. We dare you to listen to her and not dissolve into hysteria.

Peter anxious for you to know that he neither sees, hears, speaks nor feels 'evil'.

There is a wonderful place near Mill Valley that looks like this from the street (above). Below, it looks like this from the back deck...

It is the home of a family we visited back in Maine in October, and now here in California. You may remember this great pic of the extendeed Kimmel family from Pen Lake in Muskoka ...

We visited Julie Kimmel back in Huntington Beach. This is the northern California home of Joel, Judy, Emily and Whitney (not present - though she was in Maine) Kimmel. This great family once again took us in and gave us a base for all our San Francisco wanderings.


"Thank you, again, friends. We loved being with you and continue to admire those early morning excursions!" (They're up at 5:30 AM most days to row in the harbour!).

Close by, the enchanting town of Sausalito. We enjoyed it via our bicycles.





One of Judy's local artist friends attending one of her fun projects ... (above). Below - a cliff house in the making ...

(lost our harbour picture here)

And watery residents in their house boats!

Just north of Mill Valley, we entered a territory well known for these ...

That's right - "Napa Valley" .. This is how the land looks here ...



A good place to pause ...And visit a local winery. This is the sight of the Jacuzzi winery (above). Below, their portal of honour for the 'wine gods'.
We've arrived at the capital of California .. Sacramento (a good trivia question).

Here in Sacramento is a special street ...

A special guest room ...

And a special western cousin ...

Meet 'Hal Penney" - first cousin to Peter and oldest son of Harold Penney, Louise Penney Moffat's brother (Peter's Mom).

Here we are with Hal and Char in their back yard. Together we shared many wonderful adventures. Below, a visit to a local classic car museum ...





Hal stands by a favourite of his. It belonged to Ricky Nelson ...


Lil and Char stand beside a Nash Metropolitan - sister-in-law, Sue, drove one of these once.


While the guys were lost in the depths of this museum, Lil and Char were treated to a ride from veteran car lover, 'Walt'. Here we are in Walt's 'rumble seat'.

We had a special tour of the town from this perspective. You can see why some call it "The Mother-in-law" seat. You can't hear a word they may be trying to say back there! Sights of old town we saw from there ...



Sacramento once had a triving 'paddle wheel ' boat trade.


"All aboard, cousins!"
Does this woman look anticipatory?

How about this man applying plastic toe guards?

This adorable enfant, belongs to this family ...
Meet the resident California Penneys .. (left to right in the back: Mark (Hal's son), Hal, Sue (Hal's sister), Ingrid (wife of Steve), Steve (Hal's brother and twin to Sue). Now, the front row (from left to right): Jessica (Mark's wife), Ashlynn Penney (daugher of Mark & Jessica and Char and Hal's grandaughter), Char (proud grandmother), red-shirted David (Hal's brother), Lil and Canadian cousin, Peter.

'Thank you, Hal and Char, for the efforts you made to see that this reunion happened! Thanks to all the family. See you all in the 'Robin'!"
The next day ... visiting in the home of Mark, Ashlynn, and Jessica.
The next day, in Vacaville, visiting in the home of Sue Penney Kuntz, her husband Larry, and 2 of 3 sons: Kevin and Dennis.

We're down in Danville now, south and west of San Francisco, where the four of us visited the Black Hawk collection ...
Yes, more cars .. all in black and under spot lights ...




After an afternoon of such pursuits, we went back to San Francisco Bay for dinner aboard Hal and Char's boat ...

See these two amazing souls? They were high school sweethearts. But it took years for them to re-find each other after the circuitous routes of life. The romance continues ...

We watched the sun set ...
And tried out the bunks ...
It's another day and we leave the Bay for the distant mountains ...

It's Sunday, April 20th - our anniversary! We are celebrating with lunch after worship at 'Tahoe Forest Church" in Truckee, California. We are in the home of Hal's daughter, Tara. She and her husband, Mike Vaughn and children - hosted us to another great reunion meal.

Now come down the hall with us, where 'Carrie ' wants to show us her special bedroom place.

Next to us, is 'Brooke' - also excited to show us around her space.

Connor wanted us to meet 'Spikey', his special pet.

We'd never met a 'bearded dragon' before. So cool.

Here they each wear their best smiles. "Thank you, Vaughn family! What a great new generation!"
We're at Tahoe now. This is the 'cabin' where Char spent her childhood holidays. Hal and Char have together updated this place with a distinctive 'bear' theme. Wonderful! And that gorgeous lake greets them here, across the road, every day they are here. Much of the time, they rent to others.



Hal and Peter want you to see how much snow still remains. (darn, another pic disappears!)


Hal used to visit Char here. He still does! :^)!
Lil and Peter explore the territory.

Have you ever seen such 'blue'? Objects can be seen 75 feet below the water's surface (although it was once possible to see down 120 feet). Tahoe has been averaging a clarity loss of one foot per year due to the growth of phytoplankton (free floating algae) in the lake. This is being caused by surface water run off carrying nutrients from landscaped areas being fertilized and airbourne pollutants from auto emissions, distant factories and farms.

Yes, we are having fun.

A side trip to Squaw Valley Ski Resort ...


Retired children at play (above) ...

(Above) Now here is a great rig! "We challenge you, Hal and Char, to an RV rendez-vous at Bryce Canyon, Utah, next spring! Can we ever thank you enough? Doubtful. You're the best!"
After our farewell, we head north - toward Redding. It's a beautiful area. See below?

And it's the home of Ethan Spooner's brother, Eli. Ethan is Elizabeth's birthson.

After a breakfast together, we took this picture in the bright sun. Left to right: Eli (Ethan's older brother), Hannah, Heather, Denise (wife and mother), and Ian. Brother Isaac was unable to join us. This family, home schooled, are non the less thriving. Denise is responsible for many aspects of the cooperative program with other home schooled children.

From Redding we headed to the 'Redwoods' = subject of a former chapter of this blog. But as we were coming into Oregon after the Redwoods, we saw this great place with so many wood treasures.
Bet you didn't know how many things can be fashioned from a 'burl'.

A face, perhaps ...


Or a chair...Here, master burl fashioner, sits with Lil as together they hold another burl treasure. Could this be a possible hobby for Peter? Very possibly ...

Just across the border, we came to the wonderful town of Ashland, Oregon.

This is the home of Gwen McMahon. She is Eloise Chevrier's good friend and one who helped organize Eloise's care at the scary time of her heart operations. Lil has looked up to her for years.

Ashland is also the home of a wonderful Shakespearian Festival - much like Stratford, Ontario.

Gwen's daughter, Terri, and son-in-law David, are members of the Shakespearian cast. Meet them below with daughter, Taylor.


"Gwen, our week with you was another gift 'beyond all beyonds'. Below we show you spring flowerings in Ashland. But more .. bouquets of love. Thank you, sister."

Could you all be 'dog tired' by now?


Well, it's time to sign off. But 'stay tuned'. Elizabeth's mother, Dudie, was an Idaho gal. She, along with her sisters Bliz and Sally, were notable souls from Lewiston, Idaho. After Gwen, we headed north to renew contacts with the 'Kettenback Clan' .. all Dudie's nieces and nephews.

Below we fortell of this western chapter. Meet one of the original pioneers...

California Dreaming: Chapter 1 - Places & People (March 26 to April 13)

Hello Friends!

At the rate we are going, we'll be blogging well into 2009 to catch up! We greet you from Tacoma, Washington where we are currently staying with our great friend, Winnie Unger Johnson, who Elizabeth has known since high school days. We hope this new chapter in our blog finds every one happy, with Spring in full swing and Summer not far behind.

Per usual, we are going way back, this time to our California Days. We will present California in two blog chapters. Each chapter will have two sections...starting with Places and ending with the great People who have graced our days. So, let us begin with ....

PLACES in Southern California

As we crossed from southern Arizona into California, we passed through the desert and up into the hills. Those early settlers who got this far, must have thought they had reached the ends of the earth! But the hope that spurred them was "gold in them thar hills"!

At the top of this landscape, we pulled off the road in order to give our poor RV a rest. Look at the fascinating tower and gift shop that we found, a relic of former times in automotive history. Built in 1923 to commemorate the pioneers, road and railway workers, this high mountain summit, "Desert Towers", has hosted countless tourists whose radiators overheated here.

While enjoying conversation with a font of wisdom and history owner named 'Ben', we were all startled by a rare appearance from a native to this area ... Here Ben bags this season's first rattler.

A former owner of this high pass retreat in the Valllecito Mountains, carved comical sculptures in the rocks nearby. Delightful caves for the young at heart are here to explore.


But, beware of the signs that lead you up a steep, exhausting climb to the "Desert Springs". The 'laugh' on us was almost worth the hike!

There have been many Mexican border towns to explore on our trek across Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. None was as sweet as "Tecate". Untouched by the hustle and hassle of cross border shopping, Tecate (off scenic #94) sits at the bottom of this valley, just a short stroll from California into Mexico.

Above, we begin our short descent to the border by car ... below, by foot into the town.

The town plaza is shady and cool, a perfect place to try a local 'Tecate' beer and watch the people milling about.
Our attentive server with Peter below ...
'Peter, always eager to add another license plate to his collection, is favoured by a generous man, 'Jesus' (yes, that was his name) and one of his helpful 'disciples' at a car parts department. Raoulle, the 'disciple', wanted to share with us the only thing he knew in English, his favourite Beatles song: "Go back ... go back ... go back to where you once belonged" And so we returned to California. "Vaya con Dios, Amigos!"
Once over the mountains, we came to these iconic giants on the shores of San Diego.

Many a sailor has shipped out from this harbour ...

So, too, did we .. with our bicycles .. aboard a ferry bound for Coronado Island.


A familiar face aboard ship ...


A great ride to the other end of the Island landed us here at this famous hotel ..




Remember the movie "Some Like It Hot" with Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe? It was filmed here. Elizabeth was here too, once, visiting the family of her college roommate during the first Thanksgiving of their university days.

A glorious day to explore a glorious place ...


But "all good things must come to an end". Wending our way back to the mainland. Below, some regulars at the beach at La Jolla. The locals have given up their swimming privileges for these indigenous creatures ...

You''ve heard of a 'dog's life'? We're sticking with the beach bathing harbour seals.

A face that more than a mother could love ...

Enjoyed a great campsite near the beach at "Encinitas". Peter always has to test the waters ...


Lil, however, stocks up on vitamin D ...

Where there's a beach in California, there is always "pier life" to explore. Below, a lunch together on the pier with "checkers" provided.

I always imagined "Capistrano" to be somewhere in South America! Not so. It is the California home of the Mission, founded in 1776 by Padre Junipero Serra to 'christianize' and 'civilize' the Indians. Interesting that it is precisely the 'sacredness' of Creation, understood and honoured by our native peoples, that we need to recover for ourselves in order to save this grieving planet.

The swallows, made famous in a song by Leon Rene (recorded by the Ink Spots), legendarily come back here to build their nests in time for the Feast Day of patron Saint Joseph.




The old stone church and bell tower collapsed in 1812 during an earth quake, killing 40 worshipers.


The new Basilica, based on the old design, incorporates this guilded 'Retablo' made in Spain, featuring the Trinity, the Holy Mother, Padre Serra and St. Francis (Saint of the Missions). We have come to love the image of "Our Lady of Guadalupe" which has greeted us in so many places. She now travels with us in the RV.


Fast forward to LA and to Hollywood. Here's Peter at the Museum of Art. Surely, he's found the light!


Look up to the hills! Hardly what inspired the psalmist, but 'cool' non the less.


Above ... welcome to Grauman's Chinese Theater and the 'star' walk. Below, she was once here.


Found again by Peter ...Dorothy Kilgallen. Remember "What's my Line?" Kind of an 'in' joke for Peter and me.

Peter and Lil chooses some of their 'wanna be' favourites ...


But, be careful! You just might walk unknowingly into a screen set! Typical on the street interview ...
From the ridiculous to the sublime .. famous 'Wayfarer's Chapel" at Palos Verdes .. a non denominational place of rest for those on the journey, offered by the Swedenborgians .Check out this piece of real estate ..

And this chapel of light and trees!

Below, Peter poses with Rev. Harvey Tafley, who welcomed us.

Below, have a look at the view from Point Vincinte, where we enjoyed watching for grey whales passing north for the summer months.
Others try to capture the magic ...

There is a Venice in North America, too!

Sunset on the peer at Venice Beach ...

A place to share with a loved one ...


And then came the Nethercutt Collection .. a display of classic cars second to none! Peter has always wanted to see it up close, witness to the personal fortune of Merle Norman Cosmetic entrepreneur. Below, the home built to house the collection ...

Designed like a New York dealer's showroom from the '30's, including marble pillars and broadloom throughout.



Peter captures a snap of the Packard Pelican hood ornament. Below a walk through Cadillacs from the '30's.



Above, Elizabeth with a Duesenberg, a one only car built for 20 Grand in the '30's, as the license plate indicates. Below, Peter poses with a German made 'Maybach' - equally rare and unique.


Elizabeth imagines how different an RV trip might have been in this 1938 Pierce Arrow travel home.


Back on the road and another lunch by the sea, this time at Malibu. Peter well perched for a view.As cliff hangers go, the RV camp below takes the cake ...

Here we are backing into our site.



Peter: "Okay, honey. We're here! You can come out the back door now!"

Above: "Muscle Beach!" Below: Muscle beach? 'Water Boy' emerges again.

Dudie, upon my father's retirement: "I married you for LIFE, not for lunch." How our expectations are now changing. Below: another lunch at charming town of San Luis Obispo, home of Cal Poli University and another Serra Mission.



As we passed, the five bells were calling people to mass. So we slipped into the sanctuary for a beautiful post Easter experience of worship on the text: "I am the Bread of Life". The Padre conducting was from Canada! It was one of those unsolicited and stunning moments of grace. Why am I always 'surprised' by the surprising nature of the Spirit?
And then, from a spiritual space to a temporal temple (but with all it's art and archetecture, it is still moving) ... Meet William Randolph Hearst and "La Cuesta Encantada".

Back in 1984 our little family camped on the beach below, but decided not to ascend to the castle. This time around, we did. The Hearst Castle is a 26 year building project in collaboration with archetect/civil engineer - Julia Morgan on this 250,000 acre estate, part of Hearst's father's ranch. This 'dream home' has 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, coastal views, terraces, pools, walkways and guest casas. Hearst and mistress Marion Davies, loved to collect famous people together here. If invited here, you could stay as long as you wished, though your place at the banquet table would move further and further from Hearst the longer you stayed. It is reported that Maurice Rothchild stayed on for two years. Have a look around ...














Okay, enough human opulence. Now for some of natural opulence from the original Creator. Come on with us up the Big Sur ...

"You, again! Thought I left you guys back at Venice Beach." Hang on to your hats and coats. This windy place is better us 'California Gulls'.

We've made it up the coast quite far now. Do you recognize this place?

That tree over our left shoulders is the icon of Monterey Bay. You can find it on the scenic 17 mile road around the peninsula where the wind has sculpted the trees in a unique style.

Above: Walking on the beach at Carmel by the Sea... Below: at Pebble Beach Resort, home not only of golf, but of a famous car show.

The Pebble Beach Concourse ...

At noon Friday, on April 11, we participated in our first lottery drawing for a campsite. We were at Sea Cliffs State Park near New Breighton. When in California, the locals go to the beach for the weekend and camping sites are at a premium. People on a whim like us, need to secure a place on or before Friday morning. We got lucky. Here's a view of our beach.

You can see, this has been a popular place since the early days.

Two days of great biking through Rio Del Mar ...

This cement ship above is a famous landmark. Once bedecked as a nightclub, it has gone the way of sea walls and transitory things before the fury of ocean storms. Today it is a reef style home for fish and barnacles and a vast community of gulls. Just around the shore of the bay past the Breighton Beach fossil rocks - at a distance for a great afternoon's walk, is the funky beach at Santa Cruz. The mobs had assembled ...

And, as always, there's a pier...

And food for every appetite ... (this not being one of Peter's personal favourites. The smile is for the fact that he won't be eating one)

If you're really lucky, someone might sing you a song! ("Has anybody seen my gal ...")

Two hot rod guys chat it up with Peter and tip him off to another classic car collection at Danville.

At the end of the pier, we heard the distinct sound of collective mammal breathing ... Looking over the side, look what we found!

A pod of lounging sea lions playing chuckle belly. One younger member even performed some astounding jumps to the delight of the crowd. Word has it, this is one of their favourite hang outs.

This one above is for Tim ... Eat your heart out.

So that pretty well hits our highlights in "Southern California". It's time now to thank the great people who shared their lives with us on this part of the journey.

PEOPLE TREATS in Southern California

This is the Fallbrook, California home of Bill Lochhead. His mother, Hope, was Dudie's first cousin. And Bill spent his high school years living right next door to us in Wilmette, Illinois. He's the one who raised a big family and moved to California to work in "plastics" (shades of 'The Graduate'). The RV didn't quite make it under the car port.

Here is a shot of Elizabeth with Bill and wife, Lorena and the bikers on a jaunt to the little western town of Julian. Lots of antiques here, besides us.

Out for dinner in Timecula .. Bill, Lil, daughter Teresa, mother Lorena and son-in-law Ryan Mahoney. "How did Teresa grow up so fast? Great to meet you, Ryan, and be in your lovely home."

"Thank you, all of you, for the wonderful reunion you hosted. How wonderful to be caught up at last!"This bright face belongs to Julie Kimmel. We spent two great nights with her in Huntington Beach, lending her car for us to explore L.A. Julie is a delightful friend from Pen Lake, where the Moffats share summer time with other great family clusters like, the "KIMMELS". Below, they gather on the steps of their cottage ...

Julie and Ed in a happy moment. While we were visiting, Ed was slaving away on a water project in the Dominican. "It was great talking to you by phone, Ed! And, Julie, thank you for all you did to make our time together comfortable, convenient and fun! See you during regatta time, where we'll share some more of this ..."

Perhaps some of you will remember my first cousin, Betty Galligan, with whom we stayed for a week in Albuquerque, New Mexico back in March. Greg Scheib, her son currently lives in L.A. Below, 'about- to- be' newlyweds Greg and Elizabeth, join us after lunch together for a visit in the RV.

Below, on the beach at Malibu. "Thank you both for finding room in your busy pre-marital agendas, to drive out and see us. Great choice, Greg! Love in abundance to you both!"

At the top of our list for 'favourite RV campsite neighbours', were David and Chris Lewis. David, a marine biologist with Channel Islands National Park, was a font of seashore and RV wisdom. He has challenged us to go more 'solar' next time around. Here we are below toasting one of those memorable "Sea Cliffs" sunsets. "Great to meet you both. Remember, you have a great Roadtrek destination in Canada!"

One of the ukulele songs I've sung since my childhood, is "I know a wienie man." Forgive us the sharing of these lyrics, but you'll see why later:

I know a wienie man
He owns a wienie stand
He'll sell you anything from hot dogs on down.
Someday I'll share his life,
I'll be his wienie wife..
"Hotdogs" I love that wienie man!

After a lifetime, we finally found the real hot dog selling, ukulele playing Wienie Man on the pier at Santa Cruz! Unbelievable! You saw him strumming and singing a song earlier in this chapter. Couldn't help but share my little song with him, it was so apropos. Only later did I see his CD's on sale and realize I'd been teaching a pro. Meet Vince Tuzzi, a great musician and hot dog salesman who also entertains on occasion at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz. Below, a bit of mutual entertainment ...

Now, below .. we all stand with the real 'Wienie Wife', Maggie. Thanks, you two. What a hoot!

Well, folks, again you receive a 'gold star' for hanging in with us until the end. We realize inevitably there will be some 'typos' in our reporting. If you only knew the risk that exists for losing the whole program, you would understand why, after publishing, we don't go back in to fix things. We've lost three great pictures just in the typing of this text. But surely this is more than enough ..

Time to bow and out! Love to all of you!

Stay tuned for our upcoming chapter .. "Northern California: Places and People"

Silent Sentinels

Hello Friends! Wow have you been patient with us! Since Easter we've been lost to cyberspace in the vast reality of 'California, here we come'! There are many experiences to tell about and loads of wonderful people to thank. We promise to do this in our very next blog chapter. But since it's been so long since we had a visit, we thought instead, we would leap frog you forward into the immediate present.


Here is Peter in front of the gates of "Muir Woods", at the top of a very scary RV ride up the coastal mountains above Mill Valley (north of the Golden Gate Bridge). The ride was well worth our introduction to the incredible phenomenon known as the 'Red Woods'. Named after John Muir, a reknowned naturalist & conservationist of the late 1800's, these woods have been protected from the logger's saws.

“The clearest way into the Universe, is through a forest wilderness.”

John Muir 1890

"God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand straining, leveling tempests and floods, but God cannot save them from fools – only Uncle Sam can do that.” John Muir 1897

It made us want to see more. So at the end of our 'California Time' we visited the most northern coast of California where a jigsaw puzzle of National Forests and State Parks seek to sustain the reality of this ancient forest.

Paul and Babe want you to know that things here are BIG!

See the mist and fog that regularly blankets this coast?

It's what makes a 'rain forest' in this northern temperate zone possible.




We chose to camp at Prairie Springs State Park. Good choice.
Below, our campsite.

Look what we saw from our RV door ...

The rushing creek became our lullaby for two nights.

Saturday, April 26th - toasting a day of hiking with a morning coffee.

The forest was waiting just beyond the campsite...

The trail opens up for the next 4 miles... Come on along with us.

Light and dark in dance together...

“The redwoods, once seen, leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always. They are not like any trees we know; they are ambassadors from another time.” John Steinbeck

Remember the 'Ents" from Lord of the Rings?

Tolkien understood the deep soul of trees that have

stood like 'silent sentinels' through the eons of time.

"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?"
No matter. When a redwood falls, the earth trembles.

Part of the experience of 'awe' comes from the profound silence.

There is a 'zen' of serenity and peace.

To be in this forest is to be in a state of prayer.

These are the tallest trees in the world, some after 2000 years,
having achieved 300+ feet .. the height of the Statue of Liberty ..

or a 40 story building.

They are giants whose parents were here before the dinosaurs.

So, look up. "Look way, way up!"

Below, Peter has taken 3 pictures, from the ground up.

Try to see to patch them together visually and see the whole tree.

And, this inveterate tree hugger wants you to know,

a Redwood requires a large group hug!

If you can see her in the distance, you can see both

the length and the breadth of this fallen giant.

There's lots of room inside.

Peter welcomes you to his home in the 'Shire'.

Look at the girth on this one! (The tree, I mean)

Even the 'clover I'm looking over' is huge.

Part of the silence rises from the absence of squirrels and chipmunks.

Occasionally one hears the sound of a lone bird.

One of the most prevelant habitats of the Redwood forest, is

the banana slug. Peter and I counted 25 on the trail

at our feet.

The big and the small of it.

Bear, mountain lion and the 'Roosevelt Elk" are the

big animals who call this place home.

Back on the trail.

"Now, I wonder, did you know ..."

Now you know, and you got it from a reliable source ...

Probably, you will be unable to read the sign below,

but you will see the very tiny size of the Redwood's pinecone,

no bigger than a grape.

"From small things, ..."

But the Redwood has regenerative alternatives.

A new tree can grow from roots, a burl, or a stump.

The Redwoods are the cause of 'enlightenment'.

We celebrate this advice from a tree:

Dear Friend

Stand Tall and Proud

Sink your roots deeply into the Earth
Reflect the light of your true nature

Think long term

Go out on a limb

Remember your place among all living beings

Embrace with joy the changing seasons

For each yields its own abundance

The Energy and Birth of Spring

The Growth and Contentment of Summer

The Wisdom to let go like leasves in the Fall

The Rest and Quiet renewal of Winter

Feel the wind and the sun

And delight in their presence

Look up at the moon that shines down upon you

And the mystery of the stars at night

Seek nourishment from the good things in life

Simple pleasures

Earth, fresh air, light

Be content with your natural beauty

Drink plenty of water

Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes...

Remember your roots

Enjoy the view!

(Ilan Shamir)

We could go on for hours uploading Redwood picture.

We hope this small collection was enough

to let you in on the experience

and to call out to you to come here yourself some day.

But it's time to pack the camper and head out again.

Which brings us to Ashland, Oregon, where we have spent the week (April 28 - May 3)

with life long Eberhart family friend, Gwen MacMahon.

Here in this Shakespearian Festival town (akin to Stratford, Ontario), the Peace House at Southern Oregon University is staging another witness of “Silent Sentinels” – a shimmering carpet of tiny flags spread over the university lawns, each one representing six people killed in the Iraq War. No speeches; no candles; no picket signs – just the silent image of the human cost of war – and the internal impact taking place in the hearts of people who gaze upon it.

The numbers are 3,974 American dead (now past 4,050) and 655,000 Iraqis dead. The dead Americans are represented by red flags sprinkled among the white ones at a ratio of 1 to 150. It’s even more overwhelming to observe when you realize that one of these flags represents five more bodies not shown. *

Please check back with us. We are working on a two part blog to celebrate the events and the great people we have experienced while "California Dreaming". In the meantime, "Happy Mother's Day" to all the wonderful maternal women who may be reading this.

Shalom, dear friends.

Elizabeth and Peter

*Learn more at: IraqBodyCountExhibit.org

March Breaking News

Dearest Blog Followers ... We have soooooo many blessings to share and bouquets to offer.

Truly, our cups runneth over, where March Break is concerned, especially. On March 8th, some of our Canadian family joined us. Dick and Marion Moffat (Peter's brother) and Andrew and Sarah, flew out of Toronto on a stormy Saturday, when 3/4's of the flights out of Pearson International were being cancelled. Here we are at Gate's Pass in the Tucson Mountains. They are beginning to relax and thaw out.


On Wednesday, March 12th, Tim flew into Phoenix .. and we all went up in the RV to join the reception party being hosted by wonderful Pen Lakers, the "Hays". Below, Tim shares dinner with Jen and Tim Hay, great summer friends (and that's not the 'fair weather' kind).


Andrew and Sarah enjoy conversation with David and Bridget Hay.

And Lil and Peter, Marion and Dick celebrate the company of John and Debbie Hay in their home.

John took this picture in their garage, where we off-loaded a lot of our stuff to make room in the RV for our excursions together. How wonderful it is to share winter times with summer friends!


Tucson was the stage for the first week. We rented a wonderful 'Santa Fe' style house in Saguaro Canyon, in the Tucson Mountains above the city.


Here's a picture we took from above on our first morning walk.


Can you see the city below us through the dusty desert haze? At night Tucson lay below us like a jeweled blanket.Here's a small section of the saguaro community that clustered around us in these days.


And, towering over us like a sentinel on duty, was this amazing specimen. We figure her to be at least 150 years old (according to what we learned at the Sonoran Desert Museum).

Days well earned by survivors of the Canadian winter - 2008.


WE INTERUPT THIS CHAPTER TO BRING YOU THE REAL MARCH BREAKING NEWS ... Sarah and Andrew are expecting their first child birth on September 2nd (Yes, Elizabeth's birthday!) Colour the Dicksons and Moffats 'pink' with pride and thanksgiving. Together this new family of three soak in the healing waters.

The second week we were together, we moved into the RV. Here we are enjoying one of the many dinners prepared by Sarah and Marion, our resident gourmets. (Lil had a real cooking holiday.) We are seated here beside a dark night window. (No it is not a 'hearth')

The next generation enjoying dinner before they retire to their tent outside.


Below, a campsite at Dead Horse State Park. Yes, it was frigid.

You can see that temps went down below freezing.

In hotter climes .. we visited the town of Tubac, close to the Mexican border at Nogales (we seem to have lost our pictures of this Mexican - someone - send some!). This town is a banquet of artist's wares.

See for yourself!

The food was great, too!

Remember these heroes from the past?

Remember these movies from the past?


Many were filmed on location at "Old Tucson". Here, Sarah auditions as Annie Oakley.

Us clergy types enjoyed the local chapel.

Peter gets comfortable again in the pulpit, while Richard leads us in a rousing rendition of "Will Your Anchor Hold?"
We enjoyed "shoot 'em up shows" and bank robberies and saloon girl follies. Here we are entertained by "The Three Amigos".

But we had our own "Three Amigos".


And, three older 'amigos' at San Xavier Mission (built by Father Kino in 1600's).

Can you recognize any of these mariachis?



Tim hams it up some more ...

And, Andrew!


Here are the guys at the Pima County Air Museum. (The girls were home in the pool.)

See the man in the red shirt below?


He was a pilot of this plane during the last war. Below he is questioned by the Moffat guys. They are much enthralled.

The family accompanies Lil to her alma mater, the University of Arizona. They all bought caps and sweat shirts.
Here Tim attends his mama at the Delta Gamma House, where she once was president and lived for three of her university years.

Now we are exploring the town of Jerome, Arizona .. perched precariously on a cliff. It once was a mining town. Then it was a hippie get-away. Now it is another wonderful artist colony.


Enjoying our Jerome fare and the great view from the top...

Below, we begin our climg through Oak Creek Canyon.



The Moffat Eagles in their Nest ...

At Slide Rock State Park, the next generation disappears up the canyon. Below, they return on a clip (thank goodness).
Resting by Oak Creek with new canine friend.

At Sedona we braved a Humvee ride up into the Red Rock hills.

Following a pink jeep. (We could go over rocks better.)



Below, a view from the top.


South of Sedona, we explored 'The Church of the Holy Cross'. Though special services still take place here, its appearance on the cover of 'National Geographic' have made it a tourist mecca and an any semblance to a community of faith , impossible.


Come on up the ramp and have a peek...

And no trip to Arizona would be complete without a peek over the south rim of The Grand Canyon.




Above, Andrew points out the trail where he and Tim ran to the bottom and back on a former trip. Below, you may be able to see the orange and black spots where Andrew and Tim are waving at you from across the craige.

We pose for our final portrait before returning to Phoenix on Thursday, March 20th to bid farewell. Below, Elizabeth and Peter and comforted in their loss by the Hays ...

And a wonderful ride the next day along the river washes of Phoenix.

Below, the Hays include us in another Pen Lake reunion, this time at David and Briget's home. We are joined by Richard Sieber, who came from Washington DC with his children to spend spring break.
On Holy Saturday, we headed south to Organ Pipe National Monument. Below the view of the sun rising on Easter morning as we celebrated with other Christians and the park sunrise service.

Below, we have just finished a lovely communion service.

Here are Denny and Joyce, campers who capably led us in the service.

And at the sunrise service, we met new friends from Prescott, Arizona, who invited us on a 4+ mile hike up into the Ajo Range, accessible only by 4 wheel drive. Meet Dwayne and Linda Wilenhauser and Frand and Bev Johnson - good folks.
Come on up the trail with us to the top ... (We actually had a rare siting of a 'gila monster'!)





Thank you all, for including us and for making Easter 2008 unforgetable! We end with signs of the 'spring' that is heading your way .. Sonoran Desert style.


(Below is a real mistletoe plant!)

This joyful Easter-tide,

Away with care and sorrow!

My Love, the Crucified,

Hath sprung to life this morrow.

Had Christ, that once was slain,

Ne’er burst His three day prison,

Our faith had been in vain;

But now hath Christ arisen,

Arisen, arisen, arisen!

My flesh in hope shall rest,

And for a season slumber;

Till trump from east to west,

Shall wake the dead in number.

Had Christ, that once was slain,

Ne’er burst His three day prison,

Our faith had been in vain;

But now hath Christ arisen,

Arisen, arisen, arisen!

Death’s flood hath lost his chill,

Since Jesus crossed the river:

Lover of souls, from ill

My passing soul deliver.

Had Christ, that once was slain

Ne'er burst His three day prison,

Our faith had been in vain;

But now hath Christ arisen,

Arisen, arisen, arisen!

(a favourite Easter Hymn)