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  • BLOG 28 — Enjoying New Mexico

    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,
    my better blog in on my website.
    *** 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!

    ********************************************* *********************************************

    Words to inspire you >> There has been no one like you — ever. 

    Make the most of your life — starting right now!

    ****************************

    HERE ARE MY DAILY JOTTINGS ENJOY –

    7/26—Here I am at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. A couple years ago Tina and I were here, I like it so much I had to return. Such a beautiful place, if you can come see, you must.

    The Gunnison River has been carving this canyon for eons. The walls are an average of 2,000 feet in height (or, would that be deep?) The walls being mainly vertical, along the edge is not a place where you would want to do any dancing.

    Twenty years ago, Congress declared 14 miles of Colorado’s deepest canyon worthy of national park status. If you’ve stood along the edge of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park you understand why—yet the Black Canyon is still the state’s least-visited national park. I suggest you go before that changes.

    President Herbert Hoover first established this national park in 1933. In 1999 the pristine nature of this place resulted in legislation converting the area to the Congressional-designated wilderness it is.

    Something that Tina and I did not do, I drove the road down to the bottom of the gorge, at the river itself. There is a campground down here and I’m here for the night. Only 15 campsites, cozy that way. Only one other person staying – the way I like it.

    National parks such as Yellowstone and Yosemite draw too many people. I’ve said before, it is like a zoo and you are just trying to fit in. I like Gunnison much better, less people and more private. Yet, the splendor speaks for itself.

    6:04pm now. Interesting how you can simply stare at a campfire for what seems like hours. Wondering what direction the fire is going to go and how strong. Have you done such? Yes, I know, you have better things to do with your time (but, then again?)

    Just met my next door neighbors, an older couple (now wait a second—I’m an older couple—I keep forgetting about my age, 60 last birthday.) Jim and Dora Cash, they have a new camping rig they are trying out; a camper on top of a pickup. Looks quite comfortable. Like always, I am trying to talk them into living on the road for good. Yet, their older cat (15) holds them back for now.

    Stopped on the way to pick up fuel for the fire. I have never paid for wood, I am always able to find much out in the wilderness.

    7/27—Slept surprisingly well. I stayed in bed until past 6am. Usually I am up before the crack of dawn. When I have something I can work on, like when I lived with Tina and could get on the internet early, I often awoke at 2am, then up for the day I was. Now, with no reason to awaken, I can stay longer in slumber.

    Overnight there was rain, but a gentle and light rain. I thought the wood I brought would be too wet for a fire, but it started right up. Once again, I got a huge roaring fire going.

    It still surprises me – I had a huge pile of would that went into the fire – now it is nothing but a small pile of ashes. Where does it go? I guess up in the air as smoke?

    My favorite for breakfast – fried potatoes and onions with a large cup of green tea—as usual. Don’t tell Ronald, but I sometimes grab a bunch of his napkins to clean up stuff. Now, “That’s my kind of place.”

    Along with getting on their free wifi at McDonald’s, many have electrical outlets and I use those to charge my electronics, including my extra charger which can later charge things, later.

    It’s sometimes difficult whether to tell you what I am planning on doing (which can, and often does, change) or tell you after it has occurred. Hmm, I guess I will make you wait.

    Slept well at East Portal Campground. In the morning, went for a walk down to see the river, so nice. With no one around, I set up and took my shower next to the van.

    Then, the drive down South Rim Road, how spectacular it is! There are ten view points with parking then you walk a ways to the rim. Did not see each one, but many, as you see from photos.

    At one view point I walked out toward the edge. A French couple noticed I was not balancing well, so they came and gave me “a hand”. Nice of the to notice and to help. Negotiating rocks can be trouble for me, while younger I would dance on rock surfaces.

    I got to the end at High Point. I was about to take the five mile round walk to the end, Warner Point, then the black clouds rolled in. The rain started, slow and first, then big drops. Then the winds starts, so quick they came in and very strong, must have been over 30 mph. Good thing I didn’t take the walk out there, might have been blown off the cliffs.

    Take a look, impressive Black Canyon of the Gunnison is >>

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2VN1-PyL5A

    7/28—Going south from Montrose, Colorado, and almost to Ridgway, I saw a sign that said National Park access. So, off I went.

    The dirt road started out nice, but as I got further down it got scarier and scarier. Tighter it go, and the drop off on one side with as least 15 feet. Steep uphills, as well as downhills. A narrow road, there was no where to turn around, so I did all I could do, go forward.

    Finally, seven miles in, I was able to turn around. On my return, seeing the terrain, I wondered how I made it. Went into Ridgway, a nice small town, I like it here. I am parked at a park (there’s that strange word again.)Very nice, big trees, grass covering most of it, kids playing. A tourist mecca.

    Planning to stay the night here, it was only the afternoon, so, further south I went. The town of Ouray I have been to before, love this town. Another small tourist mecca town.

    Just out of town I was going to stay in a large parking lot with trees, then I looked on GPS and found Amphitheater Campground in Uncompahgre (can you pronounce that name?) National Forest. Soooo much nicer here.

    As I was driving in I saw many departing, it being Sunday after all. Less people, the better the campground. You might be sensing that I do not like people, and you are incorrect. I like you, after all.

    I won’t be taking a camping site because I am not going to build a fire. I will just park in the parking lot for the night and save on the cost of a campsite. And, yet, this is in the trees and as nice as a campsite would be.

    Yet, a move again. I was not tired and took Route 550 into the national forest. What a beautiful drive. I took some photos but it is getting dark, 7:14pm. I saw some gorgeous waterfalls and the forest is breathtaking.

    Found a turnoff and went down the dirt road. There were others parked for the night along here. And, how nice it is – a stream along one side, the forest on the other. Only a little ways up there is snow on the peaks.

    I will be in my warm sleepy bag tonight smiling as I sleep. Quiet and dark, perfect setup for a great sleep. Towns and cities work out for sleep, but being in the wilderness to sleep makes you sleep so much better.

    Planning to stay in this spot until the sun is up high enough for photos (see, I think of you.) I seldom think about sleep, I just do it because I know my brain needs it. But, I think I will love my sleep tonight. Hope yours is good.

    A guy just road by on his motorcycle, slowly. He had one kid in front of him on the seat, and two behind holding on. A scary site if you ask me (so don’t ask.)

    Whoops, just got a message on my computer that my battery was getting low, so I hooked it up to the charger I have and will be good for another 11 hours (I will be charging it up again before then.)

    Everything seems to be going right for me, a smiling I am.

    Writing to you like this brings me joy, it makes me think back on all the great things I am seeing and discovering on my journey. I hope you are enjoying reading my words as much as I am in generating the events to write about.

    7-29—Thinking about my superb day yesterday, I should have stayed in the Uncompahgre National Forest more days, in that it was absolutely fabulous.

    From Mountains with snow at the peaks, I drive south into the desert and the heat.

    Saw a little one on the map, Chaco Culture National Park. And, here I am for a couple days. I had no idea what to expect, from what I’ve seen so far, some very old things to see. The ranger said they do not know why, but this area was settled over 1,000 years ago.

    Route 550 is called, “Million Dollar Highway”, and I can see why the views are worth big bucks. I took some photos along the way, hope they came out for you.

    On this early morning drive, I saw six different deer in different locations along the road, that made my day in itself.

    Take a look >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wte47AEZzwA

    The drive took me up to about 12,000 feet, up by the snow and closer to God?

    A sixteen-mile drive on a dirt road to get to the park, parts were quite bumpy, things in the van got tossed around, nothing was broken, though. Arrival at Chaco, not much to see, at first. My plan is to go to the campground and then explore the park tomorrow.

    Take a look >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vutG2vUqFBA

    No trees in the whole area and I needed carbon to have a fire. Yet, it was Monday and I knew that people who were here over the weekend would have left any extra wood they had, so exploring I would go. Found much left over wood, enough for a fire that night, then in the morning.

    In walking from campsite to campsite I heard it start small, then get stronger and stronger—a snake who likes to play a rattle. Then I saw him, coiled up under a bush smiling at me; as I backed off I smiled back. I thought of you, of course, and scurried back to get my camera.

    By the time I got back he could not be seen, and no, I was not about to start searching and feeling around the brush for him to get a photo. Next time you will get a shot (and I won’t get a bite.)

    I saw him looking around the area (no, not the snake), our friendly camp host, David Whitfield. He is semi-retired and is here for a few months. His wife is back home still working as a neurological nurse. I talked with him about him and his wife traveling as I do; he liked the idea.

    As we got to know each other I taught him to juggle with scarves, and he bought a copy of my book, “Juggling with Finesse.” I should have let him know how he and his wife could go on to their new career in juggling, performing in Vegas?

    Built between AD 1150 and 1200, These were homes for farming families. There are many small communities like this in the Chacon existence. Also, many different languages were spoken the Chacon peoples.

    Created in 1907, Chaco Canyon National Monument became became Chaco Culture National Historical Park in 1980, and, in 1987, a World Heritage Site. Much history here.

    These ancient Chacon went on to become the native American people we know of today—Hopi and Navajo to name a couple. Personally, I do not like the name “Indians”. These peoples should be named by their native names.

    You see, when Columbus sailed he thought he discovered a back way to India, therefore he called the people, Indian. Sad thing, the name stuck.

    There are many left over memories of the Chacon. Pictographs on many of the rocks. Yet, many have vandalized the area; writing on the rocks and carving things. One thing cost taxpayers over $7000 to fix.

    Took a long walk today, that felt great. Before I departed the campground I filled my water containers and cleaned up the area as best I could. Today being a Tuesday, I was the only one at many of the sites.

    For me, the Chacon peoples remind me that they could be the ancient Rome of the Americas. And, this place where they lived is HUGE.

    In driving out I said to myself, “Good thing these these ancient people had these terrific paved roads to drive on, that would make their life a lot easier” (that was a comedy attempt, by the way.)

    Over 400 miles of prehistoric road networks carried goods and linked Chaco to outlying communities and resource areas. One of the longest roads heads north towards the prehistoric communities of Salmon and Aztec.

    These are not merely foot paths, but carefully engineered roads, labor-intensive to build and maintain. These roads were important for the Chaco people, as was travel. Seashells, macaws, copper bells, cocao and chocolate was traded as far south as Mexico.

    7/30—6am, humm, awakening the whole camp, someone’s car alarm went off. He had to search around for awhile until he found the keys. I had been up for over an hour already, up with the sun, as usual. Made me laugh, but I’m sure the people who were awakened did not laugh.

    Oakley” (I like that for a first name), came over later that morning to apologize for the morning alarm clock that went off.

    As I let him know that I had already been up for a couple hours, after I told him about my blog, he wanted to join my list of people I email to, like you. Welcome, Oakley, I hope you like the read.

    And, about the sun, a beautiful bright sun coming up on a clear blue sky, should be a great day. As I thought I would, I developed a big fire and am enjoying that.

    After I washed dishes I didn’t just dump the water on the barren ground. I went to find a bush

    who could use the water. As I walked away I glanced back and the bush was smiling at me.

    7-31—After I left camp I ventured off to see my sister, Kath, in Santa Fe, NM. She was not home at the time, and I was not liking being in another “city”, wanted to get back to the wilderness right away, so I jumped back on the road south.

    Kath got my message so I did a U-Turn and headed back. We will be together for a few days.

    She has two trees that are producing an abundance of apricots. These are very small ones, perhaps two centimeters round (one inch.)

    We had not been speaking to each other for some months, I wanted to reconnect and be comfortable together again.

    8-1-19—Today she is having a fumigator come and spray for recluse spiders and other varmints. She says it is organic and should be alright, but we both question that idea.

    Within twenty miles was Black Canyon campground in the Santa Fe National Forest. Kath suggested we get out away from the insect killer for one night. I came early to get a site, only one campsite left in the campground, I grabbed it.

    Kath stayed behind to let the bug-killer in. She will be driving up later in her own camping vehicle. She has traveled much and lived in her own RV. So, we will be parked next to each other, each sleeping in our own vehicle.

    Currently it is 2:45 in the afternoon, I thought she would be here by now. I stopped on the way and gathered up plenty of wood for the fire. As usual, I break the wood into about two foot lengths, sorting kindling, small, large, and huge pieces.

    Kath arrived about 3:33 at Black Canyon Campground. We are each so independent we tend to clash. Yet, we still get along alright. Also, she is totally against President Trump, and, as you might know, I think he is doing good in the world. So, differences.

    We got along alright, but toward the evening she started harping on my family and friends. Such vile and hatred, so had to take. In fact, I could not take it and went for a long walk in the forest. She had said she was leaving and I stayed on the outskirts until she did.

    8/2—Right now it is 7:18am and I already had my big fire and potatoes with onions. The green tea flowed down well today.

    A hummy bird just buzzed by my head, I love nature so much.

    Have no idea where I am headed at this point. I am sort of thinking of returning to San

    Diego, but gas is so expensive in California. What do you think I should do?


    0
  • Blog 27 – “On the Road Again . . . “ (come on, you know the words.)

    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!

    ********************************************* *********************************************

    Words to inspire you >>

    Success isn’t easy, and that’s a good thing—at least in business. If it was easy, everybody would be doing it and your competition would be outrageous!

    While these inspiring words may make you smile, be thankful that success is not easy. Next time you feel face difficulties – remember this inspirational quote!

    Never let your past decisions determine your future outcome. Mark Dudley, Morning Inspirations I

    Our character is not defined in the good times, but in the hard times. Paul Brodie

    Adversity, challenges, life issues that is where our character is built!

    Words can inspire, thoughts can provoke, but only action truly brings you closer to your dreams. Brad Sugars

    Motivational words and thoughts can be inspiring, but until you take the first step, you must motivate yourself, otherwise, your dream will just remain a dream.

    If you want something out of life you have to go out there and get it, because it is not just going to be given to you. Kelvin Waites

    If you want something out of life you have to go out there and get it, because it is not just going to be given to you. Kelvin Waites, Hit’em Before They Hit You

    No one is going to climb the stairs for you, you must start one stair at a time. None of us are entitled, we all must work for what we want in life.

    No one can give you your goals. No one can dig for you. This is your journey. Warren Philip Gates, Success and the Powerful Introvert

    Having a specific meaning and purpose in your life helps to encourage you towards living a fulfilling and inspired life. Vic Johnson, Goal Setting

    If life has no meaning then what is the purpose?

    ****************************

    HERE ARE MY DAILY JOTTINGS ENJOY –

    7/20—Was heading south to go to Arizona, then I remembered I had told my juggler friend, Colin, that I would use my big van to help him move on Tuesday. Only about 40 miles out, I returned on route 6, a nice drive that goes the path of a lovely stream, but, of course, traffic was much.

    7/22—So, new tires, I love it. To make sure they do not wear unnecessarily, I went to Breaks Plus, a recommendation from Malcolm. They did an alignment, but the van was still now driving smooth, and, when going slow, I heard a noise that wasn’t right.

    I returned to Breaks Plus. They had my van for four hours. I expected a huge bill – there was NO bill. At one point I saw five guys under it looking and fixing.

    So, I feel really good about my van now, should last me another 200,000.

    7/23—Hanging out in Boulder for a few days. Colin returns later today and then I will help him move. At the Pearl Street Mall I coached and helped juggling acts as I could.

    https://www.facebook.com/johnstork28/photos/a.539782986101460/1546922702054145/?type=1&theater John did a fully and technically magnificent show. I gave John ideas to improve what he does. Yet, he seems quite bored with his show. I let him know he needs to add new material so it does not bore him.

    =====================

    Here is what John wrote to me in an email to me >>

    You’re a very inspirational person but you still know how to sit down, have a beer, and crack a joke. That’s a cool combo. : )

    Really enjoyed your casino performance! You were a beast!!!!! : ) I liked the cigar boxes in particular. A guy I really looked up to in the circus, Adam Kuchler, had a terrific cigar box/comedy routine, no talking. Maybe you’ve met him?

    Anyway, thanks for hanging out last night. Looking forward to hearing about your travels/seeing you down the road.”

    =====================

    I told him that back when I was performing at Ballys I was kind of getting bored with my show. I let him know how I would add or change something to keep it interesting. Have you seen my show from the old days?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZALVajgH6Q

    Helped Colin with his move to his new/different apartment. Up three flights of stairs, we moved him all in. So, Colin just changed apartments in the same apartment building, from a two-bedroom to a one-bedroom. But, he went from the first floor to the third, so, some steps to deal with.

    I think he said he was paying $1450 a month for rent in his old place, which is lower with the one-bedroom. I live comfortably off of just about $900 a month through SSDI for everything. And, last month I had a $1300 repair on the van. So, I am doing OK.

    For at least 40 years my mom lived in an apartment building in Ocean Beach, San Diego. I lived with her for a time after my accident back in 1982. I can’t stand apartment buildings. I am so much more comfortable living in my van.

    Later Colin took me out for an excellent Italian dinner, at a place he has been meaning to try. Quite delicious it was, each and every dish.

    After, he had needed some liquids to drink in his new place, like soda and such. He bought me a big bottle of wine, which I plan on trying this evening. No, I am not going to drink the whole bottle tonight. Thank you so much, Colin, for the superb dinner and the wine for the road.

    Then, with all my tasks complete in the Boulder area, to the south I headed. There were some more things I needed to do to the van, so after about twenty miles, I found a quiet parking lot where I stayed for the night.

    7/24—Why, lookie there, Pike National Forest was on the way south! I found a dirt road that meanders through the forest to Colorado Springs – so off I went. After traveling through for a bit and not seeing any cars, I saw a campground and pulled in.

    There were a number of people set up to camp here. I pulled in a flat campsite and was going to stay the night. As I opened my door I heard it – a running generator – yikes. For me, that noise ruins the forest experience. So, further down the road I headed.

    As I drove, I saw vehicles just pulled off the road and they were set up to camp. Then, I found one for myself, from where I am typing to you on battery power at 9:31 in the morning. I will be here for the night.

    This is called, dispersed camping, basically free a free place to park and sleep for the night. All national parks allow it, you don’t have to be in a campsite where you have to pay. I like this much better.

    What to do, what to do? I will have to gather firewood, of course. And, right now I am typing these words to you. There are always projects with the van to make it better and better. Constant improvement is what everyone should aim for in their life.

    As you know, I cannot sleep during the day, but some rest will do me good.

    It’s been a few days. I shower just when I get too itchy. I am not that close to people to stink (and I don’t—ha!) My shower bag hangs from a hook I put on the roof of the van. Then a clear plastic tube leads down to a shower-head that has an on/off control.

    I made it so, with the van side doors open I have a blue plastic sheet that goes on the outside with Velcro. I have more plastic sheet to protect the inside. So, a totally self-contained shower.

    But, when I know no is around (I like that, know no, the English language is interesting), like now, I am naked to the world with the van doors closed and standing outside the van getting clean and happy. I’m so glad I did not stay at that campground.

    A selfie with a naked me in the picture showering—naaaw–might get the camera wet. And, don’t look, but right now I am typing to you in the van while naked.

    So, I get wet with the shower hose then turn it off. I soap up and scrub my whole head and body. Then I rinse off. Takes less than a gallon of water and only takes a few minutes. I get as clean as any “real” shower.

    I know there are many people who spend an hour in the shower and gallons and gallons of water—yikes.

    Yet, even clean, flies are a problem. In the van I had three. I do not kill anything, even flies. I tried to direct them to the open door, but they didn’t go. So, I captured them with my fingers and threw them out the door, still alive.

    Then, sitting down outside, the flies found me. Some are big biting flies. I keep some bug repellent in the van, so I did, and they aren’t bugging (there’s that word again) me any more.

    Once again, the English language.

    Fly is what they do, couldn’t anyone think of a better name for this bug? It’s like the letter “W”. Why would someone not think of a better name for this letter? It follows the letter “U” and then double “U”–W. Quite lazy if you ask me. Who can think of a better name for “W”?

    Why, just the other day I saw a special bug. In the dirt about five feet in front of me. It is called a “walk”, which it was doing.

    Finally, why are all numbers one syllable except for s-e-v-e-n? Why would they not just make it sev? I want to change it throughout the world to “sev”, are you with me on this? How can we make it happen?

    Good thing I have my Stanley Power IT-1200 so I can power up my computer! the battery was way down. Now, happily, I can continue to write to you.

    As I wrote before, all my life I have always been – GO GO GO. Strange to spending then entire day in this one campsite with no one around. You know, I could get a full body suntan (sunburn) while walking around this place unclothed, but I think you would look, so, no.

    When I am writing my blog out in a forest I am more focused and think I write a better blog. What do you think? I like to bring you with me in my travels and inspire and bring joy to you with my words. Does it work?

    Whoops, I accidentally opened a beer, so it looks like I am going to have to drink it down, darn. Why does this always happen to me?

    Drinking beer while getting wood, I amassed quite a collection of firewood—from kindling to small trees. Should be enough for tonight and then in the morning. If not, I will gather more. I gather, yet, carefully.

    You see, if a piece of wood looks like it is already turning into earth again, I will leave it. Also, I picked up one piece and it looked like there was an ant nest inside, so I carefully put it back where it was.

    2pm—now and clouds came in. It was so bright and clear. I hear thunder in the distance. I hope it does not rain, after I had gathered all that firewood.

    So quiet here, although now and then I hear a bird singing or calling. Should have a good sleep tonight.

    I do like the Riesling, Colin, goes down smooth.

    Thanks again.

    Still floss and brush every night, a good boy am I.

    Just put the plants out to soak up some rain, hoping they will.

    6pm now, signing off. The day was nicer than I imagined.

    Hope yours was, too.

    7/25—Some raindrops fell last night, I thought the wood might be too wet for a fire. But, I built an even bigger fire this morning. I like when I can go out to the fire pit and use a stick to bury some newspaper and the coals from the night before start the new fire.

    I awoke to a bright blue sky and the sun is just making her appearance (or, is the sun a he?)

    So, burning up firewood this morning. Part of me wants to save some of the wood for the next person, I try and be a nice guy that way. Another part says, “Burn it all.” Well, what should I do?

    Earlier I ate some peach and mango, I read once and like the idea of eating fruit first thing. Then, of course, I brewed up some of my green tea and I use organic maple syrup as a sweetener. Now I will fry up some potato and onion.

    Can’t leave until the fire burns down, shit. Sorry to use the fowl language, wait, do birds talk like that, they are fowl, after all. (or, is it, foul?) I made sure all the big pieces brunt down small enough to fit into the fire-ring, so it is safe. And, it did end up that I was able to leave some wood for the next people, so I feel good.

    I’m on a mountain, I have a mountain bike, so, of course, had to go for a ride. I had a choice to go to the left and go downhill or turn right and hit the uphill. Of course, I choose the up, that way I was going down on my return.

    I’ve set my life so that I do the most difficult first, or the part I do not want to do, but know I have to do it sometime. Get the worst out of the way first, and it can make your life easier and more pleasant.

    24 hours at this campsite seeing no people. I was hoping to see some animals out here all alone for 24 hours at this one campsite. I did see one squirrel, and I thought I heard a hippopotamus off in the distance, but I may be mistaken.

    The road out was a bumpy dirt road. Glad I have the alignment and the suspension checked thoroughly before I left.

    So pleasant to be back in the wilderness, feels like home to me.

    Then, on to Salida Circus to see Jen, she is the owner. Too many things going on and too busy, missed her this trip. Take a look >> 

    https://www.facebook.com/SalidaCircus/

    Down the road I go, heading toward Gunnison National Park. Tina and I went here before, it is so fantastic I have to take you there, too.

    On the way, traveling through, I saw a turn-off for campground in National Forest – I had to go. Being the only one in the entire campground, I had a choice of any of the sites. Of course, I choose the best (I think.)

    Dinner was Fettichini Alfredo, which I love. The Resling went well with that, Cole, thanks again for the suggestion. We all hate doing it, washing dishes after the scrumptious meal. I got that done with, then the rains started. A sprinkle at first, then more. I packed everything away and got in the van to write words to you.

    But, I moved. On the drive in a saw a gentle lake with parking next to it. So, here I am now for the night. For me, much better than a structured campground. Only 6:53pm right now. I will do some reading, some writing and then some sleep. I hope you sleep well tonight.

    Sometimes I take AdvilPM to help me sleep. It helps with a funny, I mean runny, nose and breathing. So, I should sleep good tonight. Good nighty night.

    I don’t take them every night, I don’t want to make a habit of it. I hope you haven’t, Tina.

    7/26—Friday, the weekly blog must go out. I am at a McDonalds where I am working on their free wifi. Enjoy the read, I would love to hear about your doings.


    0
  • BLOG 26–Still in Boulder

    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!

    ********************************************* *********************************************

    Words to inspire you.

    These words are from my book series.

    Beyond Your Potential.

    Change – we can’t avoid it.

    We resist change – and yet it is the resistance itself that brings on our suffering.

    We fear change – but it is the only way beautiful new creations emerge. 

    We deal with change – we cannot keep away from it.

    We welcome change – it is a driving force toward our achievements.

    We try to protect ourselves from change by clinging on to what we cannot make unchangeable, and then we mourn losing what we never owned to begin with, even when what we’ve lost really didn’t make us content in the first place. We have a choice, you know. 

    What if, instead, we embrace change – you and me equally – holding onto each other like best friends on a roller-coaster laughing and smiling? What if we work with change to make it work in our favor? No matter what “might” happen, we can find a way to flow with the changes and make them better. So, jump on board.

    Let’s go for the ride . . .

    We all go through many changes. For myself—from getting hit by a truck and living through a 37-day coma to going through a divorce after 23 years of marriage to getting hit by second truck 18 years after the first to spend a month in jail on a false charge—I have had my share of change.

    If you have been seeing my path in life, you know I have spent the past few years of my life writing books reflecting on what a half-century of living has taught me, the good and the bad. My annotations have come with mounting speed as I am now 54 years of age and quickly approaching 60? (Seems so old.)

    As I have lived my life, I have gone through many life-lessons that can add to your life. This book is written to provide you with ideas to, hopefully, improve and add to the life you are living.

    As has been stated in all my books, we only have “one chance” to live life.

    Through the writings of these books I want my life to continue after I am gone to, hopefully, bring a better life to you and to future life on Earth, or, is that too lofty of a goal? Do you have ways to help this world and the people who inhabit it? Use those skills now to make a better world for all of us.

    And, turn to others and help them reach their excellence.

    So far in these books, I have tried to focus on you and helping you advance; trying not to write too much of myself.

    In this book, I will be going more in-depth on things that occurred in my life. Not looking for sympathy, but hoping that, through my words, it will add to your life. As I have experienced my life, I’ve found that, without change, we go nowhere in our life on our journey.

    Through this series of books I hope to take you on a journey that will add a great deal to your existence. As you will understand, I have written about acquiring knowledge, yet, there is so much more than knowledge in life. Train your mind to think correctly.

    You must train your mind to really think, so few people actually do.

    Through this series of books I hope to take you on a journey that will add a great deal to your existence. As you will understand, I have written about acquiring knowledge, yet, there is so much more than knowledge in life. Train your mind to think correctly.

    To add to your thinking ability, ask yourself:

    Is what I am doing (or not doing) moving me forward to where I want to be?”

    Apply this to all details including what you eat, whether or not you work out, how much TV you view, how you are dealing with relationships and what you spend most of your day doing.

    Take the time to look at your life’s path. Whether you are in school, working, juggling, looking for a job, volunteering, helping others or traveling, take a look at your life, in detail, and decide if the various details align with your values.

    If the answer is no, then make the necessary changes!

    As I have already written, I know there are millions of people on Earth who have gone through much more gruesome events than I have. I know there is a chance that you, yourself, have faced some rather perplexing things in your life. Look for change to better your life.

    We can all make good changes.

    To start, try changing your daily routine. Remember that your realism is a result of the things you do on a regular basis, from how you sleep at night to what you eat for breakfast to where you work or school to what you do in the evening.

    If your objective is to change your life’s circumstances, you will have to rearrange the things you do every day, no matter how small they are. Make the necessary changes for your better life.

    Making even nominal changes to your daily routine can help you feel more excited, less bored and more involved in your life. For example:

    • Take an unusual route to work or school this week.

    • Eat something new and different for lunch.

    • Step out and meet someone new.

    • Ride your bike instead or driving somewhere.

    • Exercise before school or work rather than after.

    • Stop at a different coffee shop.

    Bringing on change will enliven you and present a new outlook on your life to achieve more in your future. Work on this with small as well as big things in your life.

    If we make all the little things in our life excellent, that will bring on a magnificent life for us. So, break your life down and do each thing you do aiming toward excellence. You can do it, I am here to help.

    Variety will bring spice to your life.

    Small changes may seem irrelevant, but they will make your life more appealing in the long run and will add variety. Making all the small things you do aiming toward brilliance will multiply together and bring your life to a higher point. Build your life bigger and better by starting with small controllable changes.

    Being full of small changes, this book is about you and for you. Use the ideas of this book, along with your own, and your life could be like a slingshot sent to the moon.

    Do not just read – TAKE ACTION – starting this moment!

    When you do take action, and it doesn’t matter how old you are; it’s never too late (or too early) to change your life toward the better. Read this series of books to learn how to make changes to feel more fulfilled, happy, and at peace. Read with an open mind to gain ideas to advance your life.

    Take the time to sort through the ideas in this book, pick out what is going to work for you to help you excel – THEN IMPLEMENT! – It must be done for your better life.

    What are your passions, desires, interests, and goals in life? Although these questions may take years to answer, you can start by asking yourself what you want people to think of you and what kind of heritage you want to leave behind. The following question applies to all parts of your life.

    How would you like you to be described and remembered by others?

    Figure out whether or not your lifestyle is associated with your personal principles. Chances are your life and your values disagree at times. Take some time to discover how you can merge the two. This comfort will bring a lasting relationship.

    What could you be doing differently to help you reach your life direction?

    Getting on to the bigger things, maybe you want to consider changing your career, changing your school, changing where you live, and/or changing the way you manage your time and money. This goes along with any and all relationships you have.

    You can improve your relationships. No matter your income or how huge your undertakings are, you will not be able to enjoy your success if you don’t have others to share this success with. Connect and bring on more friendships to add to your life.

    Work on your relationships you already have. Spend quality time with loved ones, and be kind toward them – understanding and caring for them. If you have been ignoring or arguing with a loved one, then dedicate some time to bring back the relationship.

    You must be willing to change and even admit that you were wrong.

    Make fresh, meaningful dealings with others. If you are lonely, get out there and meet people! You will have to stop waiting around for others to approach you. Take matters into your own hands, take control, and get down to business.

    Bring on social situations, join discussions, and always have a smile on your face. This is a fabulous way to attract other people, yet, you just don’t want to be too comfortable.

    Yes, don’t be too comfortable. Often people get stuck in the comfort of familiarity in their routine. Regardless of their fear of change, people need variety to have a happy life. You should practice this on a daily basis as well as on a larger scale later.

    To start, try to do something you’ve never done before – every single day. Bring variety into your life, you will be happier. Go to a movie you’ve never been to, talk that person you haven’t, eat something new and different, and so on.

    Along with the above, start a new hobby, juggle something you haven’t before or travel to a new place, try a new sport. Push yourself above and beyond what you normally do; try new things. Run an extra mile, take a new trail while hiking, learn that new song on your instrument and explore new artistic styles.

    Live your life with passion now and always!

    Learn to live in the current moment. The best way you feel more contented about your life is to stop living in the past and bring to an end your worrying about the future. I could never go back to the juggling I once did. I’ve learned to change with the changes to help get through difficult situations.

    Speaking of hard situations, if you suffer from depression and/or anxiety, it’s probably because you are looking at the past with anguish and seeing the future with troubled eyes and neglecting the present moment. If you find yourself constantly dwelling on the past, try the following exercise:

    First, admit to the memory and how it makes you feel. If it was a recent occurrence and you feel the need to scream or cry, then let it out. Consider writing of the event in a journal or talk about it with a loved one or a friend.

    Once you have suitably grieved the memory, you have to admit to yourself that the past is over, and nothing can undo it. As an alternative of being upset that it happened, be grateful that it is over, and your life will go on. Keep in mind that things always could have been worse and even worse than that. The next time you might goes back to that thought, acknowledge the memory, be appreciative that it is over, and let it go again.

    This is a great way to get through change.

    While it is not possible to forget the past totally, people often focus on negative or disturbing memories rather than on your positive ones (as I have continued to think about mine now and then.) Take time to consider all the good that has happened to you in the past. Even start a list of the good, which can help.

    Have a positive outlook. No matter what you have, what happens, who you’re with, or where you are, your perception of your situations are more important than the circumstances themselves

    *********************************************

    Here are my daily posts >>

    7/6—Still in Boulder, today is the second day of

    https://www.facebook.com/events/boulder-circus-center/boulder-juggling-festival-2019/258887081698233/

    7/9—Stayed with my Juggler friend Colin. He has a two bedroom apartment with the second room emptyuntil I showed up. Slept on an airbed, comfortable, but, at this point, I am more comfortable sleeping in the van, my home.

    Still in Boulder, until my credit card arrives in the mail and Malcolm has some friends who work on cars. I need new tires and the front end is still not right, after spending about $1,300 a few months ago to have it fixed.

    I was heading up to sleep in the mountain wilderness tonight, but, because of road construction, it is closed off. What to do, what to do?

    Pearl Street Mall is always a nice place to hang out (yet, seldom do I just “Hang out.”) As I wrote before, I am finding that Boulder has the highest concentration of petty females than anywhere I have been on earth. (Or am I just a lonely old man?)

    DSCF0361.JPG

    For a Tuesday, there are quite a few people here. Life is so hard, to write to you I have to go without my glasses to see right. To see the pretty girls I have to have them on. What to do, what to do. Yes, I know, switch off and on. I do love to be in love.

    Though-out my life I have been with a number of different females. I have never cheated or left them. It makes me think something is wrong with me that I have been, “left”. Very caring and very loving I try and be. Perhaps I am just to close to it (me) to see it. Yet, Mary Ellen and I were married for 23 years before she left.

    If you talk with any of my friends, you will hear that I have always been—go go go! Hard for me to relax. Yet, today I am tired and it’s nice just to sit and watch. (why look, there goes another pretty one.) I joke about girl watching (somewhat.)

    There is a fountain which has 35 places it shoots up water from the ground, each at different intervals. This covers about ten feet by thirteen feet. The kids love it, some try and avoid the water, some try and be in the way as the water shoots up. Quite fun to watch, the kids have a great time.

    7-10—Back at Cindy’s, awaiting the two items I wrote about above.

    7/12—Here is the process that new tires happened >>

    Cindy Marvell is a good friend.

    Malcolm Jacobs is Cindy’s man friend.

    Malcolm has a friend, Jeff Murray, who is the east coast manager of Discount Tire.

    Jeff called Paul Romanowski, the manager at the Discount Tire in Boulder.

    Paul called me and said, come on if for free tires.

    So, of course, I jumped right on it.

    They made me so happy today.

    So, if you need tires – GO TO DISCOUNT TIRE IN YOUR TOWN!

    They only provide good.

    Thank you again, Jeff and Paul. 

    So, I have my tires, Malcolm has another friend who can help with the alignment so that I do not wear out the new tires right away. So, hopefully, this weekend I will get contact with Jeremy, who does the alignment.

    The last thing I await is my new credit card arriving at Peter’s PO Box. After these two things occur, I will be out to the wilderness.

    Eddie Goldstein took my juggling workshop years ago. We met up at Pearl Street Mall today; great to see him. Tonight I was to meet Eddie at https://stjulien.com/ , to do dancing. I arrived at 6:30, the time we were going to meet there. I did some dancing, which was fun. I waited until 7:39 and headed off to write these words for you, thinking he was not going to make it to St. Julien.

    Back to the wilderness soon.

    You will see.

    *****************************

    Did you meet my challenge for last week?

    I know you’ve been putting it off. Clean your floors and carpets this week.

    My Challenge for you to meet over the next week >> Volunteer somewhere to help in cleaning up part of the neighborhood. 


    0
  • Blog 25 – Boulder is excellent

    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!

    ********************************************* *********************************************

    Here are my dayly posts >>

    6/28/2019—Went to the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder. Performing was Brent Fiasco. A good juggler who the audience liked much. Take a look >>

    https://www.fiascosideshow.com/

    SO many great looking women in the Boulder area. And, it seems there are more females than guys—I like that!

    I love it that I bring my home with me and can go anywhere I like whenever I choose. Such a freedom I am experiencing!

    6/29Today I returned to the mall. Performing was Mark Riggs in an entertaining show. I saw Mark transfer from a 7 foot directly onto a ten foot unicycle. I was quite impressed. Originally from New Orleans he travels with the good weather all over the US. One thing I noticed while we talked was his nice teeth, stood out for me. Here he is >>

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcM85oFHYo0

    or >> https://www.facebook.com/allageentertainment/

    Next up was David Rodeitcher. –The Zip Code Man. Juggling is a part of his act, but, mainly, someone from the audience simply lets him know their zip code and he will tell them where they are from and about the area. He can do this with other countries in the world, too.

    Take a look >>

    https://www.travelboulder.com/boulders-most-entertaining-street-performers/

    David took my juggling workshop some years ago and said it helped him to advance, much. As I was watching the show I took many notes on how he could advance his show. He said he likes the ideas and will incorporate them into future performances.

    6/30—The weather was windy and cold today in Boulder. I did stop by Pearl Street Mall and I got to see John Stork, very entertaining. I had never seen his act before, I was quite impressed.

    First I saw some great hand-balancing on a four foot wide round table. This before juggling a torch, a machete, and a hammer. All with great unique comedy mixed in.

    Next he stacked chairs, first a 4 chair stack while he balanced on top, then an impressive five chair stack. He then did a handstand on the five chair stack, very impressive, I must say.

    Take a look >> storkchannel.com

    7/4—Happy Fourth of July, whatever that means. The last few days nothing much going on, not much happening. Although, yesterday I did my juggling workshop. Steve helped to get people there through his Facebook page, which is about the juggling Festival that will be happening this weekend. It ended up that only one person joined me to learn.

    Yesterday I presented the workshop hoping for a group of one (I was hoping for at least a group of 20. David wrote, on my rating sheet >>

    “I appreciate the broad overview of many tips and tricks, so I have the tools to practice any of them at home.” Nice words from Dave. We did in just day normally what is my two-day workshop.

    Well, I’ve been in Boulder for a week. A nice city, but still a city. I want to get back to the wilderness where I belong.

    July 5—Today the Boulder Juggling Festival starts.

    https://www.facebook.com/events/258887081698233/

    Many jugglers here. I see people working on tricks that I used to do with no problem. In the back of my mind I get angry that I can no longer juggle. At times it brings on tears. Did you ever see >>

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr8QFnD1yGc&t=76s

    This is Friday, the first day of three.

    Juggling, juggling, juggling

    You can only take so much when you can’t juggle anymore.

    *****************************

    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 >> I know you’ve been putting it off. Clean your floors and carpets this week.


    0
  • 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!

    *****************************************************************************************

    ******************************************************************************************

    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.​

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