Blog 24 – I love Colorado
The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or just wonder?)
By writing this blog I want to inspire you and show you that–
YES—YOU CAN > >- Change your life at any time to make it more magnificent!
- Live with little money and still have an excellent life.
- Be able to live life getting very little sleep.
- Live ANYWHERE in the world and still make your life a fantastic event!
- See experiences that will add to and make your life better.
- I want to inspire you as to the wonders of the earth.
- Perhaps this is my new “gig”, traveling the world doing the same?
Design the life YOU want to live, NOW, then live that life.
************************************************Remember, to read past blog posts, go to https://kitsummers.com/blog/
***If you are reading this through Facebook, I can send you the blog by email, which can have more photos. Sent me an email and write “email blog” as the subject and write your name. Send email to >> kitsummers@gmail.com
*** If you are not my Facebook friend, yet, please befriend me.
***The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing.
***Going where I want, when I want and seeing wonderful places and people.
***I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
***I will have secrets to unfold and good news!I’m glad to take you on my journeys with me!
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AND, ONTO MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>
My van kept saying to me, “Come on Kit, I want to be in some selfies.” So, I felt obliged, you will see shots of the van (just for comparison to the background.)
6/14/19—Made it to Capital Reef National Park, arriving at about 3:33 PM in a rainstorm. So, I will not be able to see much today. I found out you can camp (sleep in your vehicle or a tent) for free at dispersed camping, right outside the park. I found a place easily; many vehicles already here.
Dinner was coated chicken, quite tasty, with a salad. Already working on photos and text for your next blog. Yes, I’m always thinking of you.
Physically walked the exit I will have to take to get out of here for in the morning. There is a good chance I will be awake before the sun has shown his face, so I have to be ready. Turn a little to the left, then a hard right to get to the road. I set my GPS for the Welcome Center for the park, so an easy drive in the morning.
It is 6:28 in the evening. I have already eaten my dinner and had a glass of wine. Reading now was comforting. Then I started thinking about my loneliness. I thought Tina was the one, but she chose her God over my strong love for her. I thought Cho Cho was the one, but she is too young and too far away. Mary Ellen and I were together for almost 30 years, but we drifted apart. I’ve said before, having a relationship can be one of the hardest things you can do.
I am alright on my own, but I do want to be with someone who I can love and help through life as she does the same for me. For now, I live this van life alone (smiling as I type.)
As you know, I can awaken quite early, often between 2 and 4am. So, I am tired now, sleep should envelop me soon. I will think of you as I drift off for my short sleep. I do hope you think of me at times.
A gentle rain just starting hitting the van roof, comforting it is. Should be cold tonight, but that makes it even nicer in my warm sleepy bag. Goodnight for now, my friend.
6/15—Yes, little sleep for me last night. I arrived at the park at 7am and started looking around. The visitor center opens at 8, I was the premier one in. The first thing for me, drive down “Scenic” road ten miles, continue on a dirt road another 10, then hike many kilometers from there. As you see from the photos, it was spectacular.
It is Saturday and the weather is perfect, so many are at this park.
In thinking about it, I do like to always take the “different” path, perhaps you have noticed? It makes it hard for me to go to a place where thousands (millions) have been. But, then I say to myself, “But you’ve not been there, Kit.” And, I remember that the majority of humanity has never been. Have you been all the way down Scenic Road in Capital Reef Park and then hiked from there?
The reason I went so early is to avoid the crowds, nicer alone. Talk about crowds, yikes, as I was leaving the park around 11am there were hordes of vehicles driving in. I had made the correct decision.
I pulled over to have some lunch at a grassy area. Grabbed my juggling clubs and did some practice. I really need to put in time daily to get over this throwing problem with my left hand and arm.
It was strange for me that people “name” their vehicle. But, I did. My van is named, “Sue” now. Sue Kendi is an old love and friend who died of cancer a few years ago. She means so much to me.
I AM A KILLER! Every day, as I am driving, many many bugs are killed because I drive into them (or, do they fly into my van?) I feel terrible, what can I do?
I pulled into a McDonalds to use their free wifi, have a Mcchicken and charge all my “things”. Then I found a place with limited houses where I slept the night.
6/16—Slept well and looking forward to exploring a different part, Arches National Park, today. At a McDonald’s doing some editing using their free wifi and charging some things. It is Sunday and I don’t want to go into the park until later after some of the crowds have cleared out.
Just talked with my daughters, Jasmine and April, via Facebook video, how wonderful. Jasmine has been over there helping woman and kids live a better life. April just went over for a two-week visit. I love it that my love each other so very much. I miss them so much.
After spending some time on the computer, and also talking with my daughters, I finally headed out to Arches Park at about 11am. I got in the long line of cars to get in, oh the crowds! Arriving on a Sunday, it was just too much for me. How could I enjoy this amazing landscape with all these people around.
So, I departed the park (I was here with Tina a few years ago and did much exploring.) But, I found another small local park! I worked on a few different projects, did some unicycling and also some juggling.
Some people who saw me juggling joined in and also juggled, great to see! The father and son were each working on juggling 5 balls. I gave some tips and they also bought a copy of my book, Juggling with Finesse.
Then the rain started; much rain. I did not know about this forecast, glad I wasn’t still in Arches Park. So, to beat the crowds I will be there on a Monday and will arrive early when people are still asleep.
6/17—Got to Arches at about 7:30am, already many people going into the park, and remember, it’s Monday. Because they have a campground, the park is not looked up at night. I drove right by the booths where they collect money.
Right now I am typing to you on offline on battery power while I am at the “Windows” section of the park. I will go out later and do some hiking around. The sun is bright and it is a delightful day.
Just hiked the trail to the “Windows” section of Arches. As I walked I passed many people going the other direction. Only one person looked up, made eye contact, and said “hi”. That makes me sad that SOOOO many people are unfriendly and will not take the time to be friendly.
Often, as I am passing them, I simply say, “Really?”, or, “What?”, and keep walking. Just trying to make people think. What is more important to them?
Or, am I thinking incorrectly?
For me, people are more important than features in life.
Especially you, of course.
10:11, already too many people here. I think I will travel to some national parks further east and north. Of course, you will find out in my future writing. As I wrote before, I was through Arches a couple of years ago with Tina, so, nothing really new for me here.
I did drive down and took the walk to Landscape Arch. There were so many people here now. It is a couple of kilometers out there.
I must have passed sixty-six and a half people. Only one lady looked up and said “hi”. This always makes me so sad when people are not friendly when it’s so easy to look up, smile, and say, “hi”. And, it makes life better for everyone.
I was surprised at how many foreigners there were taking the walk, many different accents, and languages.
On my way back I started playing and saying things like >>
- I’d point the way they were going and say, “It’s that way.” Or,
- “Is it this way to San Diego?” or I used “Paris”, New York City” and “the bathroom.”, Or,
- “You’re winning the race!
People laughed and loosened up, it seemed. It made it fun for me to come up with things to say.
How about you, are you friendly and try and make joy for others?
In exiting Arches, GPS took me on a dirt road, “Arches Salt Wash.” I was hesitant at first, having dealt with a bad dirt road in the past, but the adventurous in me said–“GO”! Off I went. It was a pretty good dirt road, all 20 miles of it. It reminded me of what I took to your house, Cole.
6-18—I’ve been parked on a walking street in Aspen, Colorado for some time this afternoon. I cannot believe how many young beautiful women are walking by—not that I am looking—HA! Smiling as I write these words right now. It does amaze me how many beautiful and in shape people are in Aspen. I’ve not seen anyone overweight or out-of-shape.
I’ve written before about the people I see at Walmart and the ones I see at Costco. At Costco the people, overall, are in shape. At Walmart—Well?
I walked over to where I performed in 1981, much the same, what great memories if brings back. Made me want to get out my clubs and do a show, but most of the show would be on the ground. There are many more shops all around, so it is different than I remember.
I must build on my comedy and magic skills to get a great show together. I already have a show together, but could improve it. And, how is your show looking?
So, while parked in front of a restaurant that has meals from $16 to $48, I ate a delicious and healthy dinner, made by myself, for a cost of under one dollar.
6/19—Slept in the van while parked in the business district. I knew that, once the stores closed it would very quiet, which it was. I slept well.
From Aspen I went south, first time driving this route, Route 82. This road went up to over 426.72 meters! (14,000 feet). You will see the snow in the photos. As I was driving I was smiling much as I saw the wonderfulness of the area.
Some parts of the road had a drop off of many meters—with no guard rail. Certain times got very scary, especially with a car coming the other direction. If I went over it would be the end of van life (and, perhaps, the end of Kit?)
Drove by snow in route. At one point I had to, I made three snowballs and did some juggling, see the photo?
In a small town called twin lakes, just the one road, I pulled over to make a salad. Right on the other side of the road was a cop car, with a cop just sitting there staring, I thought into a speed checker. Just out to give tickets and bring in money.
I ate and sat there for a bit, then I wanted to go say, “Why are you wasting time, why aren’t you out after real criminals?” So, I got out of the van and walked up to the window. The guy didn’t even look. After a bit I saw that it was just a fake cop. NOW—who’s the “real dummy” here?
Drove into the south of Boulder, Colorado today. At a nice quiet Walmart where I will sleep tonight. My workshop on July 3-4, so I have some time to spend before then. Perhaps I will return to Rocky Mountains National Park (RMNP) for a time?
6/20—Very quiet at the Walmart, as I thought, slept well. In the morning I did some online work while in Walmart, words to you. It’s been a few says, shower time. I parked in a place at the side of Walmart where no one would see me. Can you imagine—naked at Walmart?
TO THE FORESTS FOR ME!
So, I arrived in Boulder on a Thursday. I really don’t need to be here until Sunday, when I will be going to the Boulder Juggling Club to promote my workshop. So, what’s a Kit to do. I was there a couple of years ago with Tina, being only about 35 miles away, I had to go! RMNP was awaiting.
So, that’s 3 national parks in one week, a new record.
What a splendid day!
Before I headed up to the hills, I looked on the internet about a non-profit bike repair shop. Once again, I had backed into a place without carefully checking, yikes. I backed into the bike, which I keep on a rack on the back of the van.
I thought I had just bent a crank. But, once CommunityCycles.org examined it, I found out I had bent the frame. So, the bike was no good. They looked around and found a used bike, in good shape, that they just gave me! How wonderful. Before I took the bike they looked it over and made adjustments where they were needed.
THIS MAKES ME SO HAPPY!
From now on, I made it a habit to physically get out of the van and check behind me for any obstacles and to see how far I have to go before contacting something.
I think the new bike is much better than the one I had. The one I had is a road bike and can’t really do trails. This new one can do road and trails, it’s great.
I got everything loaded and off I went toward RMNP.
Estes Park is a tourist town right at the entrance to the part. Being 4pm, I will stay here for tonight and start exploring the national park tomorrow. I went for a walk, a few blocks away, in a park right on the road, I saw a huge elk feeding on the grass right in a park in town. I am told they come down and do this often. So used to humans. I did want to jump on and go for a ride, but didn’t.
Saw a McDonalds in town and went in to use their free wifi. I couldn’t believe it, the only McDonalds I had found that don’t have free wifi, or any wifi. I talked to a lady about the elk I saw and she said they just saw some big horned sheep doing the same. It’s like a zoo around here!
It took some looking, I found a dirt pull-off off of one of the roads up in the hills. Had dinner (salad and chicken) and I will bed down for the night. You have to remember, I am parked on a mountain road in the woods where there are hotels nearby that charge, probably, $300 to $500 a night to stay. Yes, I am smiling while typing these words.
Why do I always arrive at national parks on a weekend? Just happens that way, I wish I would arrive on a Tuesday. I will have to arrive there about 6 or 7am and start looking around before all the touristas arrive. And, tomorrow is a Friday, so I have to plan to find wifi to get these words off to you. I do hope you appreciate that.
6/21—Back to Boulder, meeting Peter Davison at 3:30 on Friday. Raining most of the day, but getting some things done.
IF YOU LOOK ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE YOU WILL FIND MORE PHOTOS >>
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Did you meet my challenge for last week?
Do something that you may not like doing, do it and make yourself enjoy it.
My Challenge for you to meet over the next week >>
Offer to clean a friend’s house.June 21, 201900Blog 23 – The outdoors is best!
The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or just wonder?)By writing this blog I want to inspire you and show you that–YES—YOU CAN > >Change your life at any time to make it more magnificent!Live with little money and still have an excellent life.Be able to live life getting very little sleep.Live ANYWHERE in the world and still make your life a fantastic event!See experiences that will add to and make your life better.I want to inspire you as to the wonders of the earth.Perhaps this is my new “gig”, traveling the world doing the same?Design the life YOU want to live, NOW, then live that life.************************************************Remember, to read past blog posts, go to https://kitsummers.com/blog/***If you are reading this through Facebook, I can send you the blog by email, which can have more photos. Sent me an email and write “email blog” as the subject and write your name. Send email to >> kitsummers@gmail.com*** If you are not my Facebook friend, yet, please befriend me.***The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing.***Going where I want, when I want and seeing wonderful places and people.***I will have places to show you and tales to tell.***I will have secrets to unfold and good news!I’m glad to take you on my journeys with me!********************************************* *********************************************I’ve written this before, if there is ANYTHING about your life that you do not like, you can make changes and improvements to most anything. You have that power, I am here to help you as I can.*********************************************6/8—Off I go again looking for the wilderness. As you know, I will be on my way to Boulder, Colorado to arrive around July 2. So, taking a slow journey to the northeast.I do have to say again, I am so happy with the work that Noe and AMR did on the van. The steering is much sharper and the van is in top shape now. Ready to roll into your town, what would you think of having me as a visitor? Here they are, take a look >>amrautovista.comInterstate 15 north from San Diego to Las Vegas, through the desert, not much to see. But, I do remember a turn off from years and years back – Zzyxx Road (pronounced, Zizicks). I have taken the turn off, but a unique name. I also saw a sign to watch out for tortoises. Personally, I am always watching for tortoises, how about you?
On freecampsites.org I saw a site near Cima, CA, I had to go. In Cima, which is in the Mojave National Preserve, there are just a few buildings, no one around. Arriving at about 3pm, plenty of beer and food, I will be here for the night. So, I am typing to you on battery power and offline, how I like it.It’s been a few days. No one around, I will be using my shower system, naked to the world, but there is no one here so no one will see. Yet, a few cars did drive by, but where I am it would be hard to see me, sorry.
I want total quiet and dark tonight, so I think I will drive back to one of the turn-offs I saw on my way out here. And, with only one gallon of water, I am able to clean thoroughly. How much water do you use?Yet, I wanted to send some messages, so I went to a McDonalds just outside of Vegas. After, off again to another Walmart. At this Walmart, I was sitting and working on my computer for a few hours.Somehow I ended up with a big wallet in my cart. She must have thrown it in the by mistake. I looked through to find a phone number for her, in that I do not trust others to keep it safe. There were a few hundred dollars and many credit cards. If I was the wrong person, I could have been rich, but, not seeing a phone number, I did turn it in at customer service. They said she had come by a few times looking for it. She will find it with everything in that was there.So, what would you do if you found a wallet with much cash and cards?And, along with that, I got a call today from Brand at LVCC—lasvegascircuscenter.com. He told me that a kid found my wallet in the foam pit that someday (a bunch of foam pieces that are hard to get out of.) I had jumped in and tried to get out, it was hard. Obviously, I lost my wallet in there, of course.As you know, I had already replaced the wallet and most of the cards, much better it is. Yet, I got a call from Brand that they found my wallet! They have a pit with many broken up foam pieces, hard to get out of. Some kid found my wallet in there.Went to LVCC, so good to see Brand and Michelle, two old friends at this point. I am looking forward to what they do with LVCC, so much potential. Brand wants to have my juggling/performance workshop in there in the future, too, a good thing.I had already replaced most all my cards and am now licensed and van registered in Arizona, so that’s a good thing, because it is much cheaper for these in Arizona; about $30 a year. In Pennsylvania, it is $65, plus you have to pay a car place about $100 to inspect your car.How about that, just at the time I am back in Las Vegas, the kid finds my wallet.I suggest to you again keep limited things in your wallet, keep most of your cash and cards elsewhere in your car. Also, what you do keep in your wallet, keep a list on your computer with each card, account #, expiration date, three-digit code on the back, and the phone number for a lost card.This evening I found an empty lot in which to park that is near the restaurant where I will be having breakfast with Mike in the morning. There is a wall with homes behind it on one side. A guy drove up in his van saying he was the owner. I said I just wanted to sleep overnight and would not touch anything. He basically said, “Have a good sleep.”Last night was somewhat noisy, had to wear my sound blocker ear things. Here the silence is too loud and might wake me up.Never forget –I’m a happy boy on the road.I like this lifestyle so much.Yet, I hardly ever get comments.Or questions.Is anyone even reading these words?6/10—On a map, I saw, to the north, a small “Great Basin National Park”. In that I want to go to every National Park in the US, 58 in all, this will be one of. So, finishing up in Las Vegas, then heading toward the north, a slow drive to end up in Boulder, Colorado to arrive the first days of July.Breakfast with Mike Goudeau, on old juggling friend. We talked of times in the past, like when we first met in 1977. He keeps busy continuing to perform, a good thing. A funny man, watch this >>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3eYf-D63Ck6/11-13—At Great Basin National Park, how wonderful it is.I’ve never been up the east side of Nevada, really no big deal—yet.Took awhile, but finally made it out of Vegas with all the cars, traffic and people. Driving north on 93, I am aiming for Great Basin, yet I was passing a park on my left, but not much to see.Why lookie there, I will be passing Cathedral Gorge, State Park. It is about 3:30 in the afternoon. I usually find a place to stay for the night between 3 and 5pm. So, here I am.There are some magnificent hill formations, hope the photos came out OK. I am surprised at the number of people who are here, it is a Monday night, after all, the place is about full.The first night I spent in Baker Campground. Just a couple of people there, and each site is separate so you can’t be seen.When I first get to a campsite I go in search of dry/dead wood for the fire. Seems that most people look around on the ground for wood, I look up in the trees. Many times branches break and hang until I snatch them off. Also, there are often dead and dry small trees you can break down. Had a couple of huge fires.
Great Basin National Park is only open in the summer, too much snow through the winter months. There is some up on the hilltops now, I did hike up some and saw a patch of snow. Of course, I juggled 3 snowballs. But, it’s hard to take a selfy while juggling, sorr
y.This first campsite I found is about ten feet away from a running brook/stream. How comforting is this constant noise. I expect I will sleep very well. Tina always loved to sleep next to a running stream. Nice to hear the water dancing BY (or, BYE, as in bye bye water?) By the way, I never said I would BUY you any of this water, you couldn’t afford it.So, just today to greater heights >>I drove through desert sagebrush.Then dry bushes.Then a few trees.Then massive forests.Mountains in a sea of sagebrush.Normally when water falls it gathers in streams, the goes to rivers, and finally to the sea. When this area does get rain it has no outlet, therefore the basin name. The h2o stays put. The snow is melting up high in the mountains, so all streams are running full steam.Right now the time is 3:42pm. The temperature in the van is 95f, but there is a good cool breeze. Tonight it should get down in the 40’s, so about a 50-degree temperature change. From very hot to very cold.Part of my dinner tonight was some of the lettuce and spinach I grow in my onboard garden, delicious. I’m about the only one in the entire campground, the way I like it. Wish you were here, though.The next day I drove to Lehman caves.Some spectacular sites down there.Watch this and be amazed >>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIDanjpgboAStayed at a different campground for tonight, Upper Lehman Creek Campground. This one also had a stream near, how nice. Dinner was a salad (I try and eat one daily) along with Fetechini Alfredo on angel hair pasta, another good meal. Sitting here with a glass of wine and smiling, I am enjoying my life much, at the moment.The sun is just going down (actually, the earth if turning away from the sun.) Coldness comes quick.It was nice to be relaxed at the Great Basin for three days. If you know me, you know that I am always—go go go. Nice to relax for a time.6/14—At a Walmart last night, very quiet this one.Off toward more forests while driving to Boulder, Colorado.*********************************************Did you meet my challenge for last week?“Keep a smile on your face for most of the week—make it a new habit in your life.”This will make others feel better, and, more important, make you feel better.My Challenge for you to meet over the next week >>Do something that you may not like doing, do it and make yourself enjoy it.June 14, 2019Blog 22 – Home again?
The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or just wonder?)By writing this blog I want to inspire you and show you that–YES, YOU CAN > >• Change your life at any time to make it more magnificent!• Live with little money and still have an excellent life.• Be able to live life getting very little sleep.• Live ANYWHERE in the world and still make your life a fantastic event!• See experiences that will add to and make your life better.• I want to inspire you as to the wonders of the earth.• Perhaps this is my new “gig”, traveling the world doing the same?Design the life YOU want to live, NOW, then live that life.*************************************************** ***Remember, to read past blog posts, go to https://kitsummers.com/blog/***If you are reading this through Facebook, I can send you the blog by email, which can have more photos. Sent me an email and write “email blog” as the subject and write your name. Send email to >> kitsummers@gmail.com*** If you are not my Facebook friend, yet, please befriend me.***The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing.***Going where I want, when I want and seeing wonderful places and people.***I will have places to show you and tales to tell.***I will have secrets to unfold and good news!I’m glad to take you on my journeys with me!********************************************** ********************************************** Do you use your brain right?Your brain is the ultimate computer. It contains more than 10 billion cells. Messages pass from one nerve ending to another at up to 280 miles per hour going through your brain in nerve-wires.Your brain holds miles of wiring. A computer with some of the same capabilities would weigh over 10,000 tons. (Yes, you are smarter than your laptop.) Like your computer, stay connected to power by eating right.If a computer is disconnected from its input and output, it’s useless. Your brain is the same way; we need our nervous system to tell the body what to do. Program it properly.You have to program that computer for success. For myself, after my accident, the software was still good, but the hardware had to be retrained. In my retraining, I found out that our brains are much faster than a computer.Compared to a current computer the brain seems much slower. With their advanced speed and accuracy, computers can out-calculate us any day, but no computer can help a robot to walk, to swim, or to juggle (at this point, anyway).Computers have a long way to go to catch up with us in thinking ability and memory. Any memory system, be it a biological system such as the human brain, or an electronic system such as a modern computer, must perform four functions.Computers, like our own brain, use input, output, information processing, and storage. Disconnected from input and output, a computer’s control unit would be useless.Similarly, your brain depends on nerves that wire it to the body’s sensory organs and muscles.You have more input into your brain programming than you imagine, train it right.==============================NOW TO MY DAILY EVENTS >>5/31/2019—Back in my home city where I grew up and spent so much time—San Diego, California. But, currently, I just want to get back to the mountains, return to the wilderness.I decided to go and see Balboa Park, where I did so much performing. They had a new thing going on, “Food Truck Friday”. Of course, it was Friday and on the main drag there was a roll of food trucks each with a different cuisine.I did see one juggler, Kenny Shelton, I gave him some suggestions for improving his show and making more money.Tomorrow I will be returning to Balboa Park to see a Facebook friend, Kim Ransom. It took a while to find a location to park and sleep right outside the park. There are so many apartments in the area all the sparking spaces were taken up.Finally, I found a spot and pulled in. It’s a handicapped spot. I had qualified for disabled parking with all my accidents. Yet, when someone might come and investigate my van they will see my unicycle on the back. So, a handicapped man with a unicycle – hmm. I don’t miss-use the privilege, just when I need.So, the night is coming. I will be sipping my glass of wine and gently go off to sleep. Hope you sleep well tonight yourself.June 1, 2019—Slept surprisingly well last night. When I awaken I never know what the time could be, 2am or 6am or ? It ended up that it was after six in the morning, so I slept quite well. I quickly packed up and drove over to Balboa Park, where I am meeting Kim later.Today is the day for the 5k running race in the park, so many runners walking around (hasn’t started yet.) I would join them, but with my asthma, I would last about 100 meters. As you know, I used to love running daily and did. In high school, my fastest mile time was under five minutes.Just got back from an early morning walk through the park. Balboa Park is huge, I just went through a small segment. Of course, with so many trash cans, I picked up trash on the ground where I could a placed it in a trash bin.
Wildlife—I saw wildlife! Up at the koi pond, I saw some very large koi fish. Also at the pond, I saw numerous ducks. They seem to eat the grass from the lawn. Then I came upon a mama and her tiny five ducklings, who were also eating lawn and bugs.Saw two squirrels who seemed quite tame, with so many people around they have to be used to humans. I had nothing with me, but it seemed they would have loved to get some food from me.So, if you look, you can find wildlife in cities of the world. Most of the time I would rather be in the wild without humans (except you, of course.)I met with Kim Raskin, what a wonderful lady! We had a Japanese lunch in the Japanese gardens, then went exploring the park. We think the same on many topics, talked with delight today with Kim.Kim and I attended the same high school, her five years ahead of me. So, of course, she is five years smarter than I am?Because wind affects the juggling of scarves, I taught Kim to juggle in the van while sitting. That is the first time I have taught someone that way. It was hilarious. Yet, she did learn and says she will stay with her new skill.
6/2—Did some and editing at a McDonalds with their free wifi. I was going to stay parked there and sleep, but I looked up and found a local park where I got some shuteye. Very quiet, a nice sleep for me last night.6/3-5—Connected again with my old friend Diana Navarro. Am staying with her and her husband Ed and a few of her kids who are still around. Five kids and 19 grandkids, a big family.Diana’s son, Seth, wanted me to acknowledge him, so—Hi Sethy.While staying with the Navarro’s, I am still sleeping in my van. Sleeping and working in my van, as you know, I am so comfortable and know this is my home.Ed knew of a trustworthy mechanic who is working on my van now. It had needed some work on the underneath/steering system. At Pep Boys they wanted to charge me over $1000, about $500 here, that makes me smile. Noe at amrautovista.com did superb work and things turned out great.So strange not to have the van for a night. They had needed to keep my van overnight to finish up. The van is such a part of me now, to be without was troubling.When I went in to pick up my van yesterday he told me of some other issues with the underside and the steering system. The total now comes to $1,400. I will have to put it on a credit card, but yikes, where will the money come in from?Yet, you know me and know that I always find a way, which will happen this time, too.With them keeping the van overnight. I feel such a loss without my van, it is such a part of me now. I knew this work needed to be done, finally doing it I am.6/6—Feel kind of strange today. I actually asked myself, “What are you doing living in a van and traveling?” I think I just need to get back to the wilderness. It’s a strange feeling, like I am wasting my life away or something. You tell me, am I?6/7—The van turned out great and will keep me going and able to write to you. Picked up the van this morning, feels great to be getting back on the road.Just wondering what direction will be next for me. I was going to head north along the Pacific coast, but I had set up to present my juggling workshop right before the Boulder Juggling Festival, which takes place on July 5-7. So, looks like I will be taking a slow drive northeast to Colorad0, next.I have until July 2 to be in Boulder, so, I think I will just meander my way there. I saw the south national parks in Utah with Tina, I think I will stay to the north and go to some national forests. Forests I have been to in the past have been spectacular. Perhaps I will even see a wild animal, a bear or an orangutan?What fun I am having, wish you were here with me.********************************************* Did you meet my challenge for last week?Pick up trash where you can and dispose of it right.Together we will make the world a better place.Just today I saw a bag laying on the ground. I picked it up and filled it with other trash. Do you do the same? Together we could make the world a better place.My Challenge for you to meet by next week >>Keep a smile on your face for most of the week—make it a new habit in your life.This will make others feel better, and, more important, make you feel better.June 7, 2019Blog 21 – WELCOME TO CALIFORNIA!
The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or just wonder?)
By writing this blog I want to inspire you and show you that–
YES, YOU CAN > >- Change your life at any time to make it more magnificent!
- Live with little money and still have an excellent life.
- Be able to live life getting very little sleep.
- Live ANYWHERE in the world and still make your life a fantastic event!
- See experiences that will add to and make your life better.
- I want to inspire you as to the wonders of the earth.
- Perhaps this is my new “gig”, traveling the world doing the same?
Design the life YOU want to live, NOW, then live that life.
*************************************************** ***Remember, to read past blog posts, go to https://kitsummers.com/blog/
***If you are reading this through Facebook, I can send you the blog by email, which can have more photos. Sent me an email and write “email blog” as the subject and write your name. Send email to >> kitsummers@gmail.com
*** If you are not my Facebook friend, yet, please befriend me.
***The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing.
***Going where I want, when I want and seeing wonderful places and people.
***I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
***I will have secrets to unfold and good news!I’m glad to take you on my journeys with me!
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************************* Yes, welcome to California. I had needed gas so I went to a station. $4.19 per gallon was the price, twice the price of what I paid in some states. I will have to limit my driving, I do have my unicycle and bicycle, but hard to pull the van behind me on these.
One good thing about this area is more people use their turn-signal. It really bugs me when people do not let you know what they are doing by using their turn-signal. I hope you do.
Doing what you want to do is an incredible thing. Yet, you must direct your path and your intensity must burn. Back when I juggled I learned to push myself toward the best I could be. Now I try and use the same drive toward all that I do. It is almost a meditation to drive yourself this way. Ultimately, you will learn to meditate your every action.
Once you are able to use this drive, your life can be uplifted and happiness will result from your efforts. I am completely happy, you see. Are you? Everything dies and changes, find happiness as often as you can until then.
I’ve lost much in life, and, almost my life, a few times. What remains is changed, but I can direct how my thoughts go. I am, and you should, be happy—without reason—and do it as often as you can. You have that control.
You can look out and see the bad, or you can see the joys in life. How we look out at the world and our life affects our entire existence. Have a happy heart and look out at the world seeing the splendors of your existence. If you can do that, it makes for a magnificent life.
I often say to myself, “It doesn’t matter, nothing matters”, then I go on to the next thing. Do not make negative or bad things too big in your life. See the good, and then make more good happen for yourself and others. Things are not, “that important.”
Do not resist life, flow with it and try and direct your path toward better things. Just smile and do your best—always. This everlastingly keeps a smile on my face.
Habits—We all have them. Good or bad, we each manufacture how they will be in and affect our life. Bad habits can be changed into good, or dropped altogether.
Mediocrity—so many people aim for that in their life. This simple thing keeps them happy, they do not see that they could have far more than that if they go toward excellence. You have to change your habits of acting, of thinking, of dreaming, and, perhaps, how you see the world, to make a better life.
To go beyond this mediocrity you must learn to give FULL attention and detail to whatever you are doing, and every time.
Life is how we see it. Look for the bad and you will find much. Look for the good and you will find much more of that.
NOW TO MY DAILY EVENTS >>
May 24—Sent my blog off to you this afternoon before I knew I would not be in a wifi area. From Las Vegas I went to see my Facebook from Cole Wagner who is near Yucca, Arizona.
Directions from him had me go on I-40 to Yucca, Arizona. I was told to take the turnoff for Alamo Road, which turns into a dirt road after three miles. A pretty good 20 mile dirt road it was.
Cole said at mile marker 23, look for Six Shooter Road on the right, which I found, then to go to Juniper and go left (all dirt roads, by the way.) Then he said his land was the first driveway to the left.
This is where things got dicey. The driveway had a one-foot mound of dirt to drive over. Then wound around a few different ways and I saw no tire tracks, so I thought it was wrong. Back I went out to the main dirt road to look elsewhere.
What a great adventure I am on.
Twice I almost got stuck in a “wash” (a wash is where, when there is a lot of rain the water follows a track across the road and leaves soft sand/dirt that you can get stuck in.) Scared me, much.
So, I did not know what to do. I decided to drive 15 miles out to a town and hoped my phone would connect from there—it did not. But someone there let me use their phone to call Cole.
I had Cole meet me in a little while at Juniper and Six Shooter Road, somewhere my GPS could get me to. I drove there, parked, and waited for awhile. I saw a man walking toward the van on the dirt road. I said, “Hi, Cole.” He got in and he directed up to the first place a saw, with the big dirt mound at the beginning. His trailer was back in a ways.
Earlier when we talked on the phone he told me there was a food-bank in Yucca, so I stopped by on the way. I told them I was traveling and have a family of four (which I did, previously, so I was not lying.)
They gave me much—including a huge box of potatoes and box of tomatoes and two big slabs of meat—all for Cole. He looked skinny and looked as though he had not been eating. So, I made Cole happy right away.
As you can see from the photos, Cole had an accident with his truck because of a bad foot and crashed into his trailer. I found out it has been this way for about four months. I could not have this and had to provide answers.
There were things under the truck that needed to be removed, we had to lift this truck. Cole said he has four jacks to lift vehicles, but none of them worked. So, I got mine out and we got to work.
Because I did not want to be the cause of anything bad, I did not do any of the placing of the jack or lifting with it, but I helped how I could.
It took awhile, but we finally got his truck free, after four months of being stuck there. My good deed for the year.
May 25—One night parked in my van at Cole’s place, then it was off to the next wander. I think I may have been here when I was age 14 and in the Boy Scouts, but was not sure. Joshua Tree National Park was awaiting.
Names intrigue me. I found out the “tree” was named after the Joshua of the bible, because it looks like the plant is reaching up and praying to God? The name stuck.
And, right before you enter the park you have to go through the town of “Twenty-nine Palms.” I was told that whoever discovered the area counted the palm trees and there were 29. Funny way to name a city.
Where I had my house and raised my daughters, Jasmine and April, I grew vegetables each summer. At one point I had 33 cucumber plants. So, I am going to have them rename the town where I lived, “Thirty-Three Cucumbers.”
Typing to you right now offline and battery power. There are toooooo many people here in Joshua Tree National Park. I’ve written before that I like less people, so many makes it not so nice, like being in a zoo or something. Right now I am parked at an area where you can take walks and there is a picnic area.
There is currently no more parking available, full up with 44 cars (I grabbed a space and hour ago.) So, there must be at least 150 people out looking around just in this small area. I had forgotten it was Memorial Day weekend (get it, “Forgotten-Memorial”?) that is why there are so many folks here.
The desert park of Joshua Tree, about 792,510 acres, lies between the Mojave and Colorado deserts. Where they converge you will find this area that was designated as a national monument in 1936, then a national park in 1994. Nice rock formations and plant varieties.
Learn more about the park here >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=9GyR5wuQCGI I went to see about doing some hiking myself, where I saw it is over boulders and you know me and boulders. With my vision difficulties and trouble with balance, it is just not safe. In my teens I remember I would run and dance on boulders and jump from one to another. Yes, the days of youth.
Planning to stay here tonight and perhaps tomorrow night, too.
Yet, changed my mind >>
- Too many cars.
- Too many people.
- Dark clouds rolled in.
- All the campsites were full.
- A strong cold wind started.
- Reasons to stay—NONE—off I went.
5/26—I ended up driving to a Walmart, very quiet, where I spent the night. I saw there was a Pep Boys nearby, and my steering seemed to be pulling to the right, but it might have been the wind, so I had them check. The van continues to get a little over 15 miles per gallon and is running excellent.
They did discover there is something in the steering that is stuck, so the alignment could not be set right. They could not loosen it. They used oils and loosening agents, nothing worked. I was told it needs a new one, $1200 cost and then I can have it done. Yet, where will I get the money?
I met “Atlanta” there at Pep Boys who was behind the counter. This pretty lady knew her stuff well and helped me with a smile. I told her about my weekly blog and she wanted to get on the list to receive by email. So, like you, another reader.
5/27-29—Stayed with my old friend Diana Aguilar-Navarro in Vista for a few nights. We lived near each other in the 1980’s; like a sister to me she is. I saw her raise her young boys into successful men, great to see.
Where to next?
Where to next?
At a Walmart again last night. Usually I park on the side or in back because of traffic and noise. Here was limited people and quiet, so I just kept to the parking lot. Slept well last night. As I’ve written before, most Walmarts allow people to park over night and sleep.
A little further south lives my friend, Daniel Powell. We graduated Point Loma High School together and lost touch for many years. After high school he went into commercial real estate. A millionaire before the age of 30, he is living the life that “’he” wants.
A bit disorganized, I’ve been helping him how I can to get things together and going. He had planned a trip to the UK that will last for a month, which he organized some time ago. He leaves tomorrow morning and is not packed, I am pushing him to get it done. I will be driving him to the airport. Seems that he does not really want to go now, but, oh well.
It appears that life frustrates Daniel and he’s bored. He has a Sprinter Van ($100,000) he can live in, I suggested he hit the road and rent out his house (he could make thousands each month with this magnificent home in Solana Beach.) I believe he will love life on the road and his spirits will change.
With traveling I find that I am completely happy, always seeing new things and meeting interesting people. I see how I could continue to do this until I die (or, perhaps I won’t die?)
The secret to happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, it is developing the capacity to enjoy what you have now, which could be less?
And, like me, Daniel is alone and looking.
Any free and single ladies out there who want to travel?
Perhaps be a co-pilot with either me or Daniel?
Any females want to be with a millionaire?
Or, with me, a hundredaire?
5/31—Last night Daniel and I went to the local town. There was music and art shows at many shops. Daniel owns a shopping center property there, we hung out for a while. Food and drinks were abundant, so we did. After awhile I was feeling quite “happy” (if that’s the right word to use for drunk?)
Some of the new friends I made were the enchanting Sue Carr (see suecarr.com) and the posh Monica Simone (see westelm.com). Lovely ladies were many at these events (it drove me crazy—smiling as I type.)
Awoke and there was no clock to see what the time was. As you might know, I do not sleep very much, between 3 and 5 hours a night. Ends up that it was about 2am when I got up and took a shower.
Daniel does not have any wifi at his house, he just uses his phone for all his internet needs. So, this morning I am writing to you and editing past writing on this current blog, all offline.
Just dropped Daniel off at the airport. The airport is near Ocean Beach, my old home town. What’s strange is I do not know what to do or who to go see. I am awaiting two pieces of mail, should arrive today and/or tomorrow.
Also, there is supposed to be a juggling club meeting at Balboa Park, I will be there for that.
Cloudy and cold today here in SD. I remember, most morning clouds are all around, slowly burn off as the sun makes his shine.
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*************** Did you meet my challenge for last week?
“Make three news friends by next Friday.”
I did!
One is Cole Wagner.
Another is lovely Atlanta Lyles.
Third is classy Monica Simone.My Challenge for you to meet by next week >>
Pick up trash where you can and dispose of it right.May 31, 2019Blog 20 – Do I live in Arizona?
The Wanderings of Kit (Do you wander or just wonder?)By writing this blog I want to inspire you and show you that–YES, YOU CAN > >Change your life at any time to make it more magnificent!Live with little money and still have an excellent life.Be able to live life getting very little sleep.Live ANYWHERE in the world and still make your life a fantastic event!See experiences that will add to and make your life better.I want to inspire you as to the wonders of the earth.Perhaps this is my new “gig”, traveling the world doing the same?Design the life YOU want to live, now, then live that life.***************************************************REMEMBER, TO READ PAST BLOG POSTS, GO TO*** >>***https://kitsummers.com/blog/***If you are reading this through Facebook, I can send you the blog by email, which can have more photos. Sent me an email and write “email blog” as the subject and write you name. Send email to >> kitsummers@gmail.com*** If you are not my Facebook friend, yet, please befriend me.***The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing.***Going where I want, when I want and seeing wonderful places and people.***With this blog I want to help open your mind to more of the splendor of the world.***I will have places to show you and tales to tell.***I will have secrets to unfold and good news!I’m glad to take you on my journeys with me!*****************************************I used to have a talent of being an exceptional juggler, have you seen >>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZALVajgH6QThen my first accident >>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr8QFnD1yGc&t=16sA strong curiosity brought me to where I was and am now.I remain playfully and passionately curious about most everything in this life we live.Anymore, I have no “special” talents, but I have a great curiosity about the earth and life here. I wonder how bats fly, what worms eat, why people yawn, how light is processed in our eye, why some people can do splendid art and some can’t (me).Remember back when you were young all the curiosity you had, what happened to it? I find that bringing on a great curiosity makes the wonders of the earth stand out.Being relentlessly and randomly curious about everything around us is something that each of us can push ourselves to do, every moment of our life. Bring back that curious nature, bring back that play and joy – it will add much to your life.*******************************5/18-19—Not much to write to you about in the last week. I have continued to be at Las Vegas Circus Center, helping how I can and spending time. Michelle and Brand Hunt are the owners and are excellent hosts for my time here.Brand has built such a great training center for circus. They have not even had their big “Grand Opening”, I believe this place will be very successful.
Brand has done excellent with his other business, which brought in the money so he could build the circus center. Take a look >> crankuptheamps.com
5/23—Finally back on the road again. I had been waiting for some mail that was supposed to come into Las Vegas Circus Center for me. It was supposed to be here today but did not arrive. I have missed being on the road, in my adventure, so I am having Michelle forward the mail to me to San Diego and I got back on the road.Off to Costco first for a gas fill-up, $83 later I am smiling as I see a full gas gauge. Whenever I go to Costco for gas I go inside for “sampling”. There were about ten spots to “sample” the food, good stuff. I go front to back and try each, then on return, I do again. So, that was my dinner tonight.Had to drive for a while to finally get out of the LV area. As you might know, Las Vegas is down in a valley. I left in the afternoon, so, of course, there was much traffic.I took the turnoff to go see Hoover Dam, but then I thought, Oh Damn!, I don’t want to see a man-made dam. So, I turned around and headed down the road.
Taking highway 93 south to Kingman, AZ in the evening, I saw a turnoff, “Kingman Wash Access Road”, and I knew it was for me. I got onto the dirt road and drove a ways from the freeway, back into my zone. Away from people and traffic, on my own again. But, of course, I always treasure being with you.Sitting here typing to you, while eating chips and salsa and seeing wilderness out the windows, makes me happy again. Anymore, I can only spend so long in a city, then I must move on. Most all cities are the same, I like nature much much better.5/24/19—As you know, I lost my wallet last week. I heard that in Arizona you can get a license for a low price of $10. Also, my van is due to be registered again, which would be able $70. So, I got a new drivers license and also registered the van in Arizona—who would ever think—all this for a low price of $68.94. Then in the future, I can do the annual registration over the internet. Seems that I always find a way.Did you meet my challenge for last week?My Challenge for you to meet by next week >>Make three news friends by next Friday, I will.May 24, 2019
