One More Wild Swim

How exceptional is this? How special? We can 'load-up' in our little Honda...with labrador, extra water, a couple of fig bars and swimsuit (just in case) and drive 10-12 miles up out of our basin and after a short hike find a crystal clear water swim. We can linger for a couple of hours and never see another human. We often access these gems by bicycle, but with dog in tow there are limitations. We charge our 'wild batteries' with these outings...have done so for the last fifty years. When you live in remote Northern California the options are numerous. You have to be willing to dedicate a couple of hours to 'charging time' and be willing to swat a few mosquitoes but there it is, availible to almost anyone with a need for 'wilderness therapy' and getting your mind right for re-entry into this capricious world.

No Base- jumping or Slack-lining In My Future.

I hereby resolve that I, a new grandpop, will not be sky-diving, base-jumping or slack-lining during my seventies or eighties. Nineties? Well, you never know... The grandchild will be a teenager and you know how persuasive teenagers can be. We launch out on two crank-propelled wheels into the wild and unpredictable world of village and country roads almost daily. We always wear our helmets and we most often ride as a team, looking out for each other's well-being..."Car Back!". I marvel at how well we all survive the pitfalls that are placed in front of us every day. Virus, plagues, out of control cell growths, distracted drivers and slippery stairs are thrown in our paths nearly every month of the year. How do we do it? Keep your head up and practice 'excellent attitude' but when your brain says "Don't Jump!" just smile and turn away.

First Grandpop Entry

May 24, 2026 our granddaughter, Maeve L. Elliot began her air-breathing adventure on planet Earth... Park City, Utah. We were hovering nearby (Fish Lake, Utah) anticipating this event. We first set eyes on her during her third day. What really stands out here is the outstanding parenting we witnessed. It's as if they have been training for this role for the last several years. Maeve will one day realize how fortunate she was to arrive in their capable hands.

Retirement…Eight Months Later

Wandering the Southwest in our van 'Seymour' for at least four weeks..."Waiting for Baby Tour." We found quiet corners of Utah. We reconnected with friends in Santa Fe. We played with our old roommate in Western Colorado. All the while our focus is on Park City, Utah, where our grandbaby is about to pop. Western Colorado is winning our favorite playground award. Delores, Silverton and Ridgeway have been very entertaining so far. The baby isn't due for another week so we'll revisit Paonia, Grand Mesa, Colorado Natl. Monument and possibly Arches Natl. Park before we get closer to Park City and grandparenthood.

Spring In My Step

March 20, '26...Last dream of the morning in which an old friend exclaims, "Chuck, you are so lucky to still have spring in your step." Yes, I am so thankful to have good legs, good lungs and spring in my step. We walk the Labrador every morning, at least one mile and often three or four miles. We prefer off-pavement explorations. Nori, the dog, appreciates a cold plunge along the route...a creek, a river or a lake. She usually finds a perfect stick and carries it for most of the hike. We have learned the value of hiking poles on trails so, the three of us are similarly armed. Hiking is our favorite family activity, no matter the weather or terrain we can always find an invigorating route. So thankful to be living 'on the edge of civilization' here in Plumas County, California.

I Needed A Handle

Forty-five years ago I completed my Masters degree which focused on education/psychology and counseling...a Special Education M,A. I landed back on Earth by submitting to five years of factory/assembly line work at the newly birthed Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in Chico, California. We then moved up four thousand feet in elevation so that my wife could continue her career working for the Department of Agriculture in Chester, California. I functioned as a 'utility infielder' for Plumas County School District and in my spare time I built the 'cabin-in-the-woods' that we have lived in ever since. After thirteen years of blissful co-existance, my wife and I decided to take a chance on pregnancy. Our son was a "handful" and required an amazing amount of attention and loving care. We were up for the task. Four years into fatherhood I realized our son would be interacting with hundreds of judgemental little beings and their parents for the next dozen years. They would want to know...what do your parents do? His mother worked for the Forest Service but his Dad...part-time a little bit of everything. I needed a 'handle'. I expressed this to my longtime friend Judd Hanna and he bluntly said, "Chuckie, what would you rather be doing?"... I want to start a bicycle shop.