Oklahoma, Day Two

Slept a little less soundly after my first day on Oklahoma, but awoke in fine enough shape to get in the van mid-morning and head North to Kingfisher, where my grandmother was born, and where several generations of Callisons lived their lives. I knew the way easily, as the day before I'd gone to El Reno, which is on the way to Kingfisher, so the drive was a relaxed one. Great weather-sunny, warm, barely a cloud in the sky, and no traffic, which helped to make it a pleasant one-hour drive.

I headed straight for The Kingfisher cemetery, and with the help of a 22 year old photo of my Mother visiting the same site, and some persistence, I did eventually find the family plot. It has a large "Callison" stone in which "Gone but not Forgotten" is carved. There were a few graves there. One is my great-grandfather, Mattie Callison's Dad, Henry Clay Callison. Henry Clay was a famous and well loved U.S. Senator in the mid 19th century, and he was named after this fellow, interestingly. My grandmother's sister, my Great Aunt, Wilma Callison Snethen is also buried there. It is this Aunt who left money for my Mother in her will and helped to precipitate her reunion with her birth family.

There were many weeds mixed in with the grasses all around the cemetery; if I had pulled the weeds, it would be bare dirt, and they would just grow back, so I left them. One seems to wish to leave a grave side in nicer condition, if possible, it seems. I placed offerings, and did a simple ceremony to honor and show my thanks for their strength and gifts. There was a healthy cedar very close to my great-grandfather's grave. Some of the bark had fallen to the ground and I saved a piece to bring home with me; it adorns a wall in my van now. I love looking at it and recalling the time there. There were a few nice trees in their corner of the place, which pleased me, and must have pleased others, too over the years. I found myself wondering if any of my living relatives had been to visit there recently. There was no one else in the cemetery the entire time I was there, so it was very peaceful and still. I was not able to take the time to attempt to find anyone from the family who might be around here now, but perhaps I will one day.

The last thing I did was to tie a good sized chunk of frankincense to the cedar tree with some some waxed cord that I had. I hope the cedar enjoys the gift. It looked very sweet, tucked in amongst the bark.

I then went just a few blocks away to visit the "Chisholm Trail Museum" and right across the street, the home of Governer Seay, a Civil War hero and well-loved Governor. He lived in the "mansion" for nine years with a couple of his sisters, as he was unmarried. There were only five of us on the house tour, and the fellow working at the Museum simply came and rounded us up to say "I'll give you all the tour now". It was a lovely home, parts of it reminded me of my Grandmother's (my Dad's Mom) home in Marietta, Ohio. There were so many well-preserved artifacts in both the Museum and home, very enjoyable to see.

It was another easy ride back to my campground, during which I made a stop at a local big shop to pick up a few necessary items. Interesting mix of folks, certainly different than I see in my own neck of the woods most days. Nice to see the local flavors and behaviors and "stuff". Along the route I took to and from Kingfisher, there are a lot of churches, a couple of pretty sweet "downtowns", gas stations and fast food. I also passed the impressive entrance to Fort Smith, a very famous Army Station on the Chisholm trail. The famous "Buffalo Soldiers"--black American fighting men, were stationed here and worked hard and sacrificed much. Alas, I did not visit there, but it sounds fascinating.

Got back to the van early enough to wash a load of laundry and make myself a simple meal. I was tired, but it took me awhile to settle down to the point where I could fall asleep; there is a lot of internal processing happening, of course. And then there is the fact that I am driving hundreds of miles every day. My schedule is still loose enough that I only book my stop/sleep spot the evening before I am to drive there. I have to play it by ear. How far do I want to drive? How will it work, time wise? I like not having to adhere to anything very precisely to far in advance. I'm pretty much taking it as it comes. I had a route in mind, it's just the stops along the way that are flexible.

Looking forward to getting to my Brother's place in Ohio and staying put a bit. Not to mention, I can park the van and ride in a car a bit! Once I part from Ohio, I will feel I am on the home stretch. It will be good to be back, and I need to get back so I can have some recovery time and time with my family and time to catch up on all that needs attending before I turn around and fly to the UK mid-month!

Kansas

I finally got out of Denver early afternoon Tuesday--yesterday? It seems week ago, already.

The van was still being tweaked just a couple of hours before I skipped town. I decided to forgo a couple of minor fixes that could wait, and called "good enough" on all the rest. There are still a couple of troubling aspects; I am not thrilled with what happens when I fill the tank with gas; I see dribbles. But, hopefully it's just a few minor dribbles and nothing more dangerous. It's costing a fortune in gasoline--I figure it's going to be about $75/day. At 15 mpg, and despite having an approximately 40 gallon tank, you can imagine how many gas station trips I'll be making. I am not one to let my tank get below 1/4 full, and both yesterday and today, I re-filled when it was just under half; I'd rather have the gas full when the day begins than search for convenience and cost while on major highways.

I left Denver at about noon, and headed to Goodland, Kansas, which is just over the State border. It was about a four hour, sunny, relatively easy drive, although very windy. Settled into the Goodland KOA easily, went to bed early, and slept soundly. Awoke this morn, made my coffee, hit the (semi-hot) shower, and then the road. Today I was more ambitious and drove over 6 hours. Unfortunately, it rained much of time, and was even more windy. Stopped for a quick breakfast to go and pretty much drove non-stop, except to stop for gasoline. Kansas is boring...boring....boring. What you see in the photo is mostly what I drove through---all day. There were also a few small town centers en route, because I chose a path that placed me on some secondary highways. I had enough of super highway with NO curves or variety.

I saw swooping hawks, a pair of fast ducks, many fields full of cows and horses, and one field with a few buffalo. I saw dozens and dozens of silos--they all look alike--am I going in circles? There was big and impressive variety and beauty in the cloud formations and sky colors as I wound my way southeast.. Made one stop to pick up a few sundries in a drugstore, and was enchanted by the sweet older woman who rang up my sale; she had a soft, warm accent that I'd never heard before, very endearing.

The last hour was tough; I was getting weary, and was on a hard-packed dirt road when I was getting close to my goal---mud, stones and water flying in all directions. Awful. I had to wipe down windows and doors with industrial towels and rain-X once I arrived.

I was greeted sweetly, assigned a nice enough spot, and got my wifi codes. I also called a Pizza place and got pizza and a salad delivered right to my van. Hot, tasty and very satisfying. I had cold meals yesterday, which made me feel a bit sad inside. I plan on eating a lot more, as I have lost weight through illness and stress, and need to strengthen and fill out this bony frame more. BBQ, here I come!

Tomorrow I head into Oklahoma. I haven't yet decided where to hunker down for the night once there; I need to search in earnest tonight and book a place, as it's nice to know it's all set and waiting, and to be greeted by name. I figure that Oklahoma will look a lot like eastern Colorado and all of Kansas; flat, brown, and full of big American cars and trucks. Never saw so many BIG Fords and Chevys in my life. At one point, I saw a Honda and was very surprised by it. Not a Prius to be found in all of Kansas, perhaps? :-) I sure didn't see any......

I will land somewhere very near the land of my maternal Grandmother tomorrow--El Reno. I will be visiting her grave there, and also spend some time in Kingfisher, where she grew up, and all of her family are buried. I had considered looking up living relatives while there, but I am so behind schedule that I will not be doing that, at least for now. Will likely spend 2 nights there, so that I have time to really poke around, visit the Historical Society, and take a good amount of photos. I've been in such a rush to move, and have moved through nothing but fields so far--not much to photograph.

Not very exciting, yet. Maybe it won't be "exciting". I don't know what to expect, other than that every day will be different, and I will be moving ever closer to home in the process. I am at 1800 ft elevation now, and glad to be getting lower.

After Oklahoma, Arkansas! Greener there, perhaps? I look forward to seeing some actual spring!

It Won't be Long, Yeah......

I've been in Colorado since February 23; twenty days, almost 3 weeks. I never would have imagined that I'd be in such a long "pregnant pause" at the start of this journey. Most of that time I was felled by a potent flu, and now that the flu is fading (although the cough is stubborn), my spring allergies are kicking in; figures, yes? My Zyrtec pills were packed, now comes the daily dosing that will prevent my eyes, ears and throat from painfully imploding.

I've had access to my friend Kathy's Prius the past few days, which has helped my outlook a great deal; loss of mobility was wearing on me. I made a circuit all around Denver yesterday, traveling clockwise in a 30-mile circle to visit a leather factory and make a couple of other local stops. Beginning to get a handle on the lay of the land here.

One can sense spring in the air, but the eves are still pretty chilly, and trees and grasses have yet to take on the yellow-green glow of spring. Much more brown here than in New England, certainly. I've been at altitude for weeks now, but it still isn't good to me. That trip to Bhutan may not be in the cards for me, after all; I suffer all sorts of maladies at altitude. Sad.

All of the mechanical work on the Van is now complete. New stereo, radio, Sat Nav, Bluetooth, a new set of speakers and a security system are being installed right now. The final pieces---new seats--will be installed after that, and then we should be good to go. I am gaining my own strength back, slowly but surely. My route has been morphing a bit, heading out in a more southerly direction, hitting several States that I've never been to, and perhaps having warmer weather along the way.

Hoping to leave in 5 days---this coming Sunday. I'll be heading into Kansas and commencing my stays at KOAs along the way. The only real stop planned for Kansas, besides the camp ground, is a visit to the Museum of Oz. Their spring hours are in effect, and I am looking forward to being there; Ruby Slippers, here I come. From there, I'll ride into the center of Oklahoma, seeking out Maternal Ancestral homelands, visiting the town my Grandmother (whom I never knew, and in fact my own Mother never knew until she discovered she was adopted when she was in her sixties) lived and raised her family, and the place where she is buried. I'll see the tombs of many, many relatives. There is even a slight chance that I can locate some living, long-lost family while there.

The family were pioneers; they secured their own homestead as participants of the land grab there in the 1870s, when folks could "claim" their own 160 acres from the US government. The area was "peopled" practically overnight. It's right on the Chisholm trail, and loaded with history. It was a crossroads for all; freed and runaway slaves, immigrants from all parts of Europe, Natives whose lives were being torn asunder as they were forced off of their own lands and marched to reservations (typically the worst tracts of land).

I will likely be in Kingfisher County for a couple of days, and then drive east into Arkansas, another State that I have never visited. Will cross the mighty Mississippi over land for the first time ever, entering Memphis. Looking forward to seeing the City and visiting Graceland!

The rest of the itinerary will be shared as I proceed. I'd love to hear from you, please do feel free to comment here, and encourage!

expect the unexpected, and take it one step at a time

The day after I wrote my last entry here I became very ill with a flu. My pal Charles was likewise struck down. There I was in a bare bones, although perfectly cozy, cabin, with limited resources (what I brought in one smallish suitcase, enough for about 3 days). No meds for such an event, no comforts from home, no one to help, other than Charles, who was as sick as I. He managed to go out and grab us some ginger ale, but that's about the poor fellow could manage on both our behalves. Had several miserable, sleepless, muscle aching, head pounding, puking into the toilet nights. I did rally enough on day four to actually pack up my stuff and drive the van to Denver. I had to--that vehicle needed to get into the garage so that work could begin. The trip cannot commence until the van is road-worthy.

Once settled in, it became clear that my ordeal was not yet over, and I've spent several nights here, too, in a hot, sleepless, miserable state. Fever, chills, no appetite, and the most painful body aches. Tummy still very touchy, so I've hardly eaten on top of all else. Low low low energy.

Thankfully, I am now in a real, comfortable home with my long time dear friend Kathy, who has been treating me as if I were her own family member, watching out for me, suggesting things that will help, keeping around simple food that I can stomach, and being a beacon of light and love in the midst of my pain. I am SO thankful to be here with her, and to be on the receiving end of such selfless, compassionate care.

I am feeling slightly, incrementally better, and hope that in 48 hours this will be just about over. I haven't had a flu in years,and years, and now I remember how much it sux! The fallout from this setback is primarily that I'm going to be getting a much later start on the road trip than I had planned. I do have the time and space to be fluid on timing, but I had hoped to be back by the Equinox in order to attend a sewing/art workshop. It's still possible that I'll make it, but we will simply have to see.

The van is having extensive work done on it now, from fore to aft. It's a '92 Dodge RAM Van conversion RV. 21 feet long, 9 feet high. All original parts. Well kitted-out inside. There has already been work on it; new carpets, new monitors/gauges for the tanks and fuel lines, new sink, new toilet and a couple of other things. After all the engine and guts work is finished in a few days, we're upgrading the stereo system and adding a security system as well. This thing is going to be a road warrior!

Was hoping to hit the hot springs as my first stop when I leave here, but I've been informed that it's school vacation here during the first two weeks of March, and since I don't have a firm departure date, I can't book it yet. It may still work out; I remain hopeful.

The only attitude I can take with all of this is "que sera, sera"; what will be will be. I'll start off when I can, I'll go where I can, hot springs or not, and begin my adventures as planned. I knew before I started that the one thing I could not do was to predict anything as a "for sure" situation. Fluidity and inventiveness are the cornerstones of this journey; and set-backs and surprises are to be expected.

An afternoon at the RMV and an afternoon by a lake

The day after I arrived, my local friend Charles and I went to the RMV and completed all of the paperwork required for the sale of the van; the legal and business end of things must be properly sorted, of course. Since weird little glitches and unexpected loopholes can often lead to setbacks and delays in these situations, I hoped for the best and figured there could well be tangles to unweave once we got there. There was a moment of confusion when my insurance company back home requested that we follow a labryrinthine process involving much overnight mailing and daytime trips to RMVs for my busy husband back home. But wiser (or more forgiving) heads exist in Colorado-we got my temporary 60 day Colorado plate (tag). No inpsection, no questions asked, really. No one will know I'm from MA by my vehicle, which I like---driving under the radar a bit.

While inside drinking coffee that morning, I listened to the "David Byrne and Brian Eno" station on Pandora (which I adore), and it made me happy indeed. I then walked several loops around the lake, maybe 3 miles or so. Warm, but windy, and once the sun went down low under the tree line, it got very chilly. Had the best burger that I have *ever* eaten! "Choice City", right here in Fort Collins; fabulous. Big, moist, great flavor, perfectly cooked.

Have been buddying around and seeing FC with my pal Charles, and I also met Bob, another employee here. Bob is helping Charles with the blocked shower drain (and its fallout) here in my cabin away from home. Bob is an old character with lots of stories to tell, and the insight and sensibilities of an ex-hippie holdout, living life on the simple edges, and being happy and open while doing it. I enjoyed chatting with him on my cement patio on the rocking iron lawn furniture, and he did a fine job cleaning up the shower floor after the heavier work. The scene almost seemed lifted from the book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintainance".

This was all while killing time awaiting a call from "Tim" the fellow who has been doing interior work on the van for us pre-purchase. His call was delayed, and their were issues with the vehicle that had to be dealth with on the spot once we were in place to see it, such as a locked up driver's seatbelt, lighting issues, and other smallish but important things that were missed. Once I had the vehicle and plates, we went for a spin! I'll be receiving a full tutorial and demos from Charles, the seller of the van, who claims that I will be thorougly competent on hooking up the utilities and all sorts after a few hours. Oh boy! I haven't yet made a factoid sheet for myself, with all the major points written down, because I've been fed a lot of info, and I don't want to be confuzzled on the road. I imagine Charles will get a text or two with questions from me as I make my way, particularly in the beginning.

The following day (Saturday) we went on a lot of errands, and we had the vanI I needed to purchase more bedding (I do like a lot of pillows!) for both lodge and the van, and a few other sundries, cleaning supplies, etc. Had an interesting meal at an "American Restaurant" as Charles called it; I ordered yummy nachos and brought home some pie.

Sunday was Meineke day. Only needed an oil change and a fluid check, enough to get me 100 miles or so to Denver. When I arrive in Denver, five boxes of stuff that I mailed from home will be waiting for me, and we'll get the car to a full service garage that is going to give the vehicle "the works". Tires, brakes, engine, new wipers, all systems checked. When it is finished, then Kathy and I will set to work on making my house on wheels a HOME. I really looking forward to making it both cozy and lovely.

I'll miss my cozy little lodge here. But so many adventures call; onward!

Flight

Six days until I fly out to meet my friends, my new van, and my short-term destiny.  It's "hotting up" now. Boxes are being packed with things that I will want and need in my vehicle and must send ahead.  Luggage has been selected and the sorting of required elements has commenced.   Photography gear is selected and  batteries are being charged, the memory cards formated.  Trying to finish up all the work, tasks, correspondences that need attention before I hit the road, and keeping a calm demeanor; there is no need to rush, or fret.

The route is morphing; I'm choosing a more southerly passage than I originally envisioned.   I'll be in many States that I have not yet visited, perhaps the climate will be a bit more temperate, and spring is just around the corner, in theory.  This new itinerary will allow me to visit some spots that I was not expecting to see, this time around, or maybe ever.  

Colorado-Kansas-Oklahoma-Arkansas-Tennessee-Kentucky-West Virginia-Ohio-Pennsylvania-New Jersey-New York-Connecticut-Massachusetts.   Five of these States I have never visited before.  I expect, now that I own a van, that I'll be ticking ever more of those of my list over the next span of years; I hope so.  And perhaps the most fun little possibility of this route change is visiting Graceland.  

    "For reasons I cannot explain, there's some part of me that wants to see Graceland;                                      I've reason to believe, we all will be received in Graceland."

Willie Nelson & Paul Simon performing Graceland, Live!

Had a nice, quick, local walk in the woods with my husband Rick today; I will miss this while I am on the road, we've done a lot of it this winter.  Almost 50 degrees this afternoon!  Green plants are popping up in the woods, the soil is not frozen in the least.  It's almost the "winter that wasn't".  A few inches of snow, a few days in the teens, but it's been the most spring-like winter I recall in my entire 50+ years.  I am hoping that the trend remains and that I will be driving through easy conditions. 

In any case, this is the pregnant pause.  It's all lined up, it's going to happen, the dominoes are in motion, but for now it's a bit like a dreamy slow-motion dance.   Soon enough I'll be taking a big inhale and stepping out, way out.  The Boston skyline will fade away and before you know it, I'll be near the Rockies, and looking eastward.

This will be the view on my way out, but the view on the trip back will be very different; I'll be behind the wheel, pulling into my own little home......