Westward, ho! 2001

“Okay... I don't leave for another 2-1/2 weeks, but I just GOTTA get this thread rolling!
"Why?" you ask?
Cuz I'm giddy as a school girl! I am reeeely psyched since talking to The Friendly Ranger the night before last.

She called in response to a card I sent her a couple of weeks ago - actually, she wrote back, and the call was a follow-up to the letter.

I'm gonna hit the road on July 2nd. TFR is gonna take me on a work-hike beginning Friday, July 12. We'll be in the Sawtooth Wilderness, ID, for four or five days. Then, she's gonna introduce me to her newest hobby - rock climbing.

"So whatcha gonna do between July 2nd and 12th?" you ask?

hmmmm... depends.
I'll prolly drive to Philadelphia and stay with my Philly through the 4th (she was gonna come here for a visit, but can't swing the days). Then, take AmyG to dinner, and head west the next morning. Hello...Amy?

First westward stop? The UP. If Sunshine will have me, I'll pay her a visit. I want to do a hike in The Porcupines, and will do so whether Sunny has me or not. I haven't talked to Sunny in a while - can you tell?

If time allows, I wanna do an overniter near TRNP, ND. If not, I'll continue to an overnight visit with some friends that have recently moved to Missoula, MT (again, if time permits). From there, it will be on to my Idaho Bro's place.

I'll be in ID until the 19th or so. I'll go from there to The Trinity Alps, CA, for a multiniter. Then, It's on to the Wieminuche (sp?) Wilderness, CO, for another multiniter. After that, it's home to GA, with another stop or two included.

It will be interesting to come back to this post afterward, and see just how close I stick to this itenerary...

God Bless America!”

“Great itinerary gojo. Woo-hoo! The friendly ranger is back! I hope you have a great trip with a little added spice a la TFR.”

“Sounds great, gojo. Almost makes teaching for a living worthwhile, doesn't it? Have a great time! We'll be looking forward to the trip report and pics.”

“Man, if I weren't taking the next two weeks off backapcking, I would be jealous as hell!! Sounds like a most excellent time, Gojo!”

“you go joe....and you mind Sarabelle ok?”

“Gojo, sounds like a super trip! If you are drivin by (Detroit area) on your way to see Sunny, we'd love for you and Belle to stop by.”

“Know that you can always drop in at Rhinelander, gojo. We're not that far from Sunshine and we always have plenty of dog food on hand for sarabelle, though I know she's been spoiled by pasties, LOL.”

“Sounds like a pretty cool plan, man. Good Luck and have fun. You too Sarabelle!”

“Doin the Winds from July 7th to the 13th. I told ya about the EASY place were gonna be. If your close to Lander between those dates, let me know. Other than that if your gonna go thru Salt Lake on your way to Colo. a quickie day hike may be in call for.”

“Hey gojo!! You're always welcome. You said between July 2 and 12, right?? You're timing is great! I should be able to go to the Porkies with you. :oD I'm leaving the 14th to pick up the girls and then headed over to visit their grandparents. Keep me posted.


PS I have plenty of dog food for Sarabelle, too. She's not getting any pasties, tho! ;o)”

“Whoo-hoo!
Sounds like a plan, Sunny!
I am DY-YING to tastey a pasty.
So you'll be able to join us in the Porkys? Coolio! Mebbe we can make it a multi-niter.

I have been thinking about scrapping PA - time + gas...
I would be better off heading up that way AFTER my roadtrip... I will have more money come late July. Where's Aimee? I should prolly give'er a ring...

pekka -
I'll peruse the map, and highlight Rhinelander. I tend to start driving before dawn, and continue till I drop - usually after midnight. I can't make any guarantees... it depends on when I pass thru that area...

Griz -
As much as I would LOVE to hit the Winds, I'm not gonna make it there this year. I won't even touch WY soil (or asphalt). Thanks for the reminder, tho.

Me mind Belle, OM?
I'm at her beck and call...

Thanks, "ever buddy"
;ob”

“gojo and Sunshine: I'm busy on the 4th and the 9th of July, but open otherwise, so I could even zip up to the Porkies to say hello on other dates, even if only for a day hike portion of the trip, and you wouldn't have to detour.

Right now I'm packing the car for a few days in Marquette up on Superior, back on Tuesday 6/19. I'll check in then.”

“That wold be a good thing! Is ther nother TT peeple aroun ther that could go with us? I think we will mebbe be ther at the eleventeenth. We wold have the goooood times!
(o:3”

“Oh, you're the one who has that adorable Sarabelle! She's soooo cute!

Gosh, gojo sounds like a great plan and with a girl huh? An even better time! :)”

“It don't get no better times more than with me when I am ther.
do:3”

“Left home around noon yesterday, and reached Sunshine's at 7 tonight. It's raining at the moment, so I'm not gonna go out and check the odometer, but the distance here is about 1300 miles.

What a groovy chick! We're engaged!

...not really.

Man - MI is beautiful... especially the UP. We're gonna drive to The Porcupines tomorrow for a dayhike, then return to Sunny's. I may or may not return to The Porkys for an overniter. I'll likely head west tomorrow (Wednesday) night. Sunshine has plans for Thursday, so a Wednesday dayer is all she'll be able to pull off. Sunny is cool - I'm glad I came here.

I've decided to scrap the LMNG hike - Idaho beckons! Instead, I'm gonna pick up US Hwy 2 here in the UP, and follow it to Glacier NP. Because of the 'ol Belle-and-chain, a Glacier hike will not be in the picture, but it would be a nice side drive enroute to Missoula, MT. At least I'll get in a drive along that super dooper highway thru Glacier (I forget the name of it, and Sunny doesn't know either). I might do a carcamp thing there, too. Hell... who knows.

And after a couple brewskies and a Mudslide (that'll be me now), who cares? Hehehee!

'nite John Boy.”

“gojo, if you are still going to be in the vicinity on the 6th -- such as coming out from a Porkies overnighter, let me know. Sunshine has my phone and e-mail. I'll be driving my mother-in-law back to Marquette on Friday morning, then I could head west to the Porkies to say hello if you aren't gone already.”

“This is like the adventures of "Travellinng Matt" (Fraggle Rock reference for you youngsters)

Have a fun trip and give Sarabelle a pat, pat.

If I may suggest, lay off the westward Ho comments. You may find yourself sleeping in the rain!”

“gojo -

I'm still expecting to hook up with you in late July..I have that shirt you requested, but you have to come and get it..otherwise - no deal.

I'll e-mail you off list with the same information, in case you aren't checking this thread.

Safe travels, go jo..may God look after you and sarabelle!!”

“Well, we went walkin in the woods today. We was at the Pokey Pine Combs Mountins. We rode in Ms Sunnys truk to the woods and got out and went walkin. We walked bout eleventy times and got to Cumby Eyland! I sayed "Hey! Ther is The Lannic Oshen!" But my daddy sayed that it ain't no oshen but it is a Lake Sperrier. It is the BIG LAKE!

We are havin the goooood times at Ms Sunnys. I wish ever buddy was ther, to.

By.”

“We'll be driving Going-to-the-Sun Road too, gojo. Although I still have to wait 26 days. Tell us what the weather's like over there.”

“Safe travels, gojo. Sounds like you're having a blast. It makes me wish I had more vacation time, that's for sure.”

“There's nobody I'd rather hike vicariously through than gojo. I'm looking forward to the Weminuche report since it looks like I won't make it there again this year.

God Bless Amereica!”

“Sunny's off to work, and I'm packing. I'll be outta here in a few...

Tex - did you get the email I sent you night before last? I CANNOT check my email at the address that is on my bio page (school server thing). I sent the e from here. I NEEEEED THAT SHIRT BEFORE I MEET TFR! Pweeeeeze? Can you forward it to my bro's place in ID? Perdy pweeeeeeeeeze?!

Hey! I just remembered that I setup email at Netscape last year. I'll check on it and post the addy later (if it still exists)...

I need to scoot if I'm to make western ND today.

"By."”

“My email addy:
GojoPlymel@netscape.net”

“Hey Gojo... thanks fer postin' yer continuing adventures. Glad to see yer havin' fun.

And thanks fer the 'nother updates Belle.”

“Dija sniff 'er butt Belle?”

“yo gojo and belle....
take care of one another and drink it all in.....I look forward to seeing your posts here........it is that vicarious thing that toejam mentioned.....”

“gojo, I miss you already! Take care of your charming self and Belle, too.



Ladies, gojo still needs a Trail Ho in the following states:

Hawaii


Seriously tho, gojo is a wonderful house guest and a joy to have around.

Happy trails, buddy and thanks for the memories. Hope to see you on the trails again. :o)”

“hee, hee! gojo forgot to log off of Trail Talk and I'm not accustomed to sharing my computer. Ooops! That was me, not gojo!”

“Gojo -

I sent you an e-mail at the address you gave me, but it bounced back..

Please e-mail me at lapb24@yahoo.com
with the mailing info on the shirt and I'll get it right out.

Safe travels, Sweetie!!”

“Hope you have a good drive through Glacier, gojo. Hope Missoula is a good time too! Enjoy MT, we are happy to have you (and Sarabelle).”

“Update:
Glasgow, MT. The public libarry.

Got off the UP around noon EDT yesterday, 7/7. Stayed the night in Minot, ND.

We cruised through the Little Missouri Natl. Grasslands this morning. We took a short walk, but nothing close to a dayhike.

Wow. We had a GREAT time at Sunny's! That was the bestest start to a roadtrip immaginable. Thank you, Sunshine. (Did you get somethin' at work?) Look for another >something< within the next couple weeks...

Texy,
I tried checking my email just now, but the site is acting screwy. I'll e my bro's snail mail addy (hey, I did that yesterday!... I'll do it again). Thanks a TON!

We have been on the road for 6-1/2 hours this morning (including several stops), and have barely penetrated MT - this is one BIG state! It doesn't look like we'll reach Glacier before dark...

Steve Hiker-
As a matter of fact, Belle DID get a good whif! LOL!

We'll, my butt's rested, so I better boogie...

Peace, y'all.

Hey Tone!”

“Tex -
I sent another email.”

“If you are in Glasgow, I doubt very much that you will reach Glacier before dark. MT is a very big state, hence our nickname "The Big Sky" country. You are going to be so glad when you get to Glacier, gojo, because you are about to go through some barren country. Are you going through Great Falls or across the Blackfoot Res.? Geez, a TTer so near. I sure wish I could show ya' some cool stuff.”

“Hey gojo! The e-mail I sent you got bumped back, too.

Yes, I did get that special something at work. Thank you! Sunshine wasn't in the office when it came but I did get it just the same. I tried to tell you about it but the message came back.

I'm dropping off the film today. I'll send you some copies when they come back.

Safe travels.”

“Salmon, ID.

It's me.

I reached Glacier about 7 p.m. on Saturday. My map shows that the Highway to the Sun drive is within the NP fee area, so I opted to skirt around the south side along US 2. We car-camped at Devil Cr. CG, on the southern edge of the park. I found out from another camper that the HTTS fee is $10.00, and camping along the way is $14.00. I paid $10.00 at Devil Cr. and saved a buck or two.

The weather was good. I had plenty of daylight to explore up the creek and gather firewood. I had a nice warm fire, and an ice cool beer... or two. We were on the road to Missoula by 6:30 Sunday morning. The air was crispy. It was the best morning yet.

I arrived at my friends' place in Missoula around 10:30. Instead of accepting my offer to treat for brunch, Kara, the Mrs., insisted that she cook omlettes. We had our brunch on the patio of their apartment on a table that we Shanghied from another patio. Across 12 feet of well manicured grass was a stone retaining wall that stood beside the Rattlesnake River. Accoss the river was a wooded public park. It was a really nice setting to have been in the largest town within an eleventy hunnerd mile radius. Missoula is a nice town.

I left Missoula in the mid-afternoon, and arrived at my brother's place in ID four hours later.

We spent yesterday cruising around in the Tacoma. We're in Salmon for my brother's dental appt this morning. We fished enroute to here, and will do the same on our return. We're gunning for trout now, but will take an overniter (car) up near the "Church" for some Wednesday/Thursday salmon fishing.

I tried checking my e-mail...
it's acting screwy again.

Tex -
I >think< I managed to get a(nother) e to you.

Newgirl -
I cruised past the road to Jitter Bug (or whatever it is) hotspring twice since I've been in ID. I'll do it again this afternoon. Mebbe I'll stop for a hike on one of my passbys...

Sunshine -
You're welcome. It's the least I could do :o)

Bye fer now.”

“Glad you're having a good time Gojo. Maybe if you make it up to Goldbug, it won't be so crowded and you can have a nice soak in the hotsprings. That area around Salmon is just beautiful. Did you come in through Gibbonsville. There is a really good Mexican rest. there.”

“Came down US 93 from Missoo. I don't remember Gibbonsville. Then again, the towns' names all begin to blurr after a few days.

Since leaving the UP, I have spent 99% of my driving on either US 2 (prolly 1800 miles) or US 93...”

“Challis, ID.

Been hanging out with my bro and friends... still. We're going up to Stanley for some car-camping and fishing at Stanley Lake.

Then, I'm gonna meet TFR at the trailhead at 8 a.m. Saturday! She's gonna spend the first two days with another ranger working on some sorta backcountry project. I'll be at liberty to help, or spend my time dayhiking. After the second day, TFR, Belle, and I will strike out for three more days of trail work. We'll be in the White Cloud mountains - which will be a new destination for me.

Things are going well, and loosely as planned.

Gooooooood times!”

“Enjoy it dood!”

“Hey gojo..what rout are you taking to get to cal? if you decide to keep following two through washington and down i-5 let us know..you will be welcome for a visit...post here and then wewill figure a way to get you "private info" if you are heading this way”

“Gojo,

I got your phone message at work yesterday, but did not get nay answer when I called back.

Glad you got the shirt OK and wish you and Belle safe travels.

Lemme know if you'll have time to stop in on your way thru Texas..I'm hiking with bpbaby this weekend in Tenn and then will be back home on the 16th.

God Speed!!”

“I cannot believe that you are going to skirt all around Wyoming and not going to stop in Cody to see me! I-80 does NOT count.”

“Ely, NV.

As I had feared, I was unable to pinch enuff pennies to afford to continue on to CA. Instead, I'm enroute from ID to CO, via NV and UT. I'll cruise the Henry Mts, UT, this evening (where I'll prolly sleep) and do a dayhike there tomorrow a.m., then, drive to the Weimenuche from there, and start my multi-niter on Thursday.

Man! What a time I had in ID, especially with The Friendly Ranger! I'll do two seperate threads - one for a Sawtooth dayhike, and one for my hikes in the White Clouds with TFR.

Buh, for now.


God Bless America!”

“Glad to hear you're having a good time, gojo. Can hardly wait for those trip reports as I live my backpacking vicariously through others as my shoulder heals.”

“There ya go, ski...”

“Durango, CO.

I scrapped the Henry's dayhike. When I got into Hanksville, UT, last night, I decided to head on toward Weminuche Wilderness. I'm sitting in the wildernesses shadow as I write. I'm gonna car-camp at a nearby dispersed campsite tonight, and hit the trail tomorrow a.m. I've selected an in-and-out route that includes a 12,000 foot pass. I will cross Chicago Basin, which is shadowed by three fourteeners.

This oughta be good...”

“oh man...u are travelin thru west heaven there bro......enjoy!!”

“how are you posting???

WHY are you posting??? live it up! forget the damned computer for a while!!!!”