Tuesday June 13, 2023
Clifford and I are camped at Willow Creek Campground in the Ward Charcoal Oven Nevada State Park. Yesterday we took the Suburban to D&S, the vehicle repair shop in Ely, Nevada, to fix the leaking bearing that we discovered right after we arrived at the campground.
Today Clifford got a message from the mechanic at D&S. The mechanic says the failed bearing is because we are carrying too much weight (6-gallon containers of water) and other stuff on top of towing. The weight could be an issue, but it doesn’t explain three failures in 250 miles of highway driving at moderate speed. One failure was shortly after a bearing replacement when the Suburban was not loaded and we weren’t towing. Things are not adding up here. (Eventually it is determined that the bearings from Big O are cheap Chinese imports inadequate for the size and weight of the Suburban.)
It was only after our ride dropped us off at the campground yesterday that we realized that we left the mail with some items that Clifford needs, my purse, and my cell phone in her truck. I was totally bummed about not having my phone for taking photos until we get back to Ely to get the Suburban.
For the next week (except for taking photos with Clifford’s cell), I work on little projects that don’t involve my phone – texts and emails with Clifford’s cell, journal in the morning, fiddle in the evening, and work on February 2022 blog. I am reading Law of Attraction. Of course, this is not new to me, but the presentation is different and I appreciate the Words of Wisdom that come forth for my consideration. I write my favorites in my journal.
“Today, no matter what I’m doing and no matter who I am doing it with, it is my dominant intention to look for things I like.”
The weather has been interesting with clouds and rain some days, even thundershowers with very loud and close thunder, a beautiful rainbow one day, hail another day, but sunshine often. On windy days, except for a couple photos of flowers or clouds, I focus on indoor projects – preparing photos for blogs, journaling, and reading, while Clifford continues fussing with antennas trying to get better reception and transmission on his ham radio.
Although we can’t sit out every day, Clifford works on his antennas frequently, and I do Tai chi outside as often as I can.
Once in a while it is warm and calm enough to play music together, mostly fiddle tunes from the Phoenix Folk Group in the UK. Clifford also plays and sings a great variety of popular songs. It’s always nice when this can be done outside. Since there are few people here, there is no one to complain.
One day Clifford and I walk to the charcoal ovens together, which was a fun hike and interesting as we read the kiosks about the reason for them being there. It was an environmental disaster to cut all the trees, changing the valley ecology. Sometimes the people making these decisions are looking only at the profit motive, not the long-term welfare of the land and it’s ecological systems.
Another day, Clifford and I hike on the trail toward the mountain. There are a variety of flowers along the trail and the wild iris are especially delightful.
I show Clifford the bench I discovered along the creek and then we continue on to the foot bridge, which is so dilapidated that I wouldn’t trust walking across it. We take a different route back to camp.
I make chili for dinner and it is nice enough that we are able to sit outside to eat. No word from the mechanic as to status of suburban.
Despite the inconvenience and expense of the Suburban issues and no cell phone, I am grateful and happy to be alive. Today’s Words of Wisdom from Law of Attraction confirm that that is a good idea! “Get your eyes, words, and thoughts off of WHAT-IS (if what is is not what you want) and put them purely on what you want now, which encourages me to stay focused on the positive, including the trees for shade and ambiance, flowers, using Clifford’s phone since mine is still in Ely, pleasant temperatures, scenic views, and the fun hikes together.
One morning, after making a smoothie for our breakfast, I go on a hike by myself. The sky is amazing blue and wildflowers are plentiful. I work with Wild Child, as I call the wind, to get moments of stillness for photos of flowers, still using Clifford’s cell. It is getting warm for me by time I head back, but what a lovely time with nature.
In the afternoon I send photos to family and friends, get in an hour of fiddle practice, and still have time to work on the next blog. It is an enjoyable and productive day.
The next day is much too windy to go walking, so the focus is on indoor projects: fiddle inside, work on next blog, journal, and tai chi for me. Clifford always has radio and a list of projects that he works on.
Monday June 19 starts with breakfast, my usual projects, and radio for Clifford. He is always tweaking his antenna to get the best communication possible no matter where we are located. Finally a call from Jennifer, the receptionist at D&S. The Suburban is done and she comes out to get us. Back in Ely with wheels again, we run a few errands before heading out to camp. I am very happy to have my phone back!
