Lake Le Aqua Na

So yet another camping trip although this time I went with real live people (kind of rare). For the first time ever i went with my sister, bro-in-law, their 2 kids (pictured above) as well as Lauren and her bf. I must admit, despite the fact it was alot more work, it was a blast. I got to show off my cooking skills while Dan (my bro-in law) was very much at home. This guy was in the navy back in the day and when he got out he took a year or more to travel the country hiking, camping, working jobs you see on tv like crab boats, logging etc. He is an Eagle Scout as is his son and they both fit right at home. While fishing did not pan out the way one hopes, I did manage to catch a couple walleye.

The first night was I have to say the loudest night in terms of animals fighting etc I have personally ever witnessed (have you ever heard raccoons that were really pissed off) or coyotes that really had something to say? .. dam, at one point I thought there were vultures flying around out there.. but I slept good despite the chatter. This time no winds, tornadoes or major storms to speak of. After we packed up, it did start to down pour.. so we missed the rain. Once again my travel plans will change as my daughters place of employment cut her hours down to 1 day a week.... this means money I have earmarked for travel is now going towards her college ...... but hey, at least I am working so all is not bad.. lol life..its about change eh?

Again, More Changes .. Colchester Illinois

YES, I CHANGED THE BLOG TO "NORTHWEST BOUND" and YES. I TOOK THE PICTURE ABOVE OF THE BLACK BEAR IN CANADA and THE SUNRISE THROUGH THE TREES AT THE VERY BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE IN COLCHESTER

So once again, more changes ... well it looks like Alaska is not meant to be this year. In short, gas was figured out when it dropped to $1.98 a gallon and no college bills in sight. Now gas is $2.98 a gallon and the college bills "cometh" .. So instead of just spending $1000.00 on gas, it would be more like $3000.00 on gas ..soooooo instead my traveling will be to several closer destinations. Some here in Illinois as well as across several states to Montana, South Dakota Wyoming and who knows where else camping and fishing every step of the way ....
I just got back from a trip to Colchester Illinois where I camped a few days. This is the kind of town that you would miss if you blink your eyes. It is about 5 hours southwest of Chicago past Macomb Illinois close to the borders of both Missouri and Iowa. Had some good luck fishing catching alot of catfish and bluegill. I would have to say the most exciting thing was the storm that passed through the first night..about 8:00 the skies became dark very fast, the tops of the trees started bending and I brought myself into the tent after listening to the weather on the CB radio. The report said that winds could become strong with the potential of becoming VERY strong and be ready to seek shelter lol...As I sat in the tent watching the storm approach, the winds became not strong.. but very very strong to the point I thought a tornando was close.. without any warning while sitting in the tent (pictured above), the wind came and literally picked up half of my tent throwing my table and contents across the tent past my face .... so I grabbed a handful of extra stakes I keep with me, went outside and got the tent back down. The rain was so strong it came down sideways for about 45 min..finally the wind died down a bit and the rain diminished into a typical downpour until about 4:00am .. I actually slept great.. The tent once again did not leak at all... I awoke the next morning to a raccoon sitting on the bumper of Old Leroy .. made breakfast.. went fishing... Now back home for a few days, the next stop will be "lake Le-aqua-na" next weekend with my sister & her family as well as Lauren and her boyfriend.....then I will be off to wisc, minn, South Dakota, Wyoming ..... Until next time.. catch ya on the flip flop good buddy!

Opps, Change of Plans, Off To West Virginia

Well after making that last blog, Colorado is being hit by some major snow .. since I have already done my winter camping for the year and am now in the mood to pitch my tent on some actual dirt or grass, plans have changed. I am leaving in the morning to go to West Virginia for some camping and fishing in Pipestem. I have never been there but heard it is beautiful..you've heard the song "almost heaven, West Virginia, Blue ridge Mountains" well you get the idea... The weather seems to be ok, average 60-70 during the day 35-50 at night. some rain is expected later in the week so I guess I will see if my tent is rain proof. There are some lakes and streams close by so you know where I will be .. I will do a little hiking as well, at least as far as my knees will let me .. I also plan on simply laying back relaxing..catch up on reading and try my best to fihure out the meaning of life lol .. well I will post a picture as soon as I get back... until next time.. 10-4 good buddy.

I am back and the picture I posted above was taken in Pipestem West Virginia where I camped out.

But First, Off To Colorado

After receiving a text message from my former student teacher who is currently in Colorado, I have decided to take a trip to the Rocky Mountains for some camping and fishing. I have not been out west and cannot be more excited about going. I will first stop in Nebraska to camp one night in order to break the trip up since this trip too is solo. I will have my new "Wilson 1000" CB antenna on and expect to have "CB" entertainment throughout the trip. I will post a couple pics after I hit the road which should be about April 4-5. ..so until then, keep the wind at your back and the bugs off your bumper good buddy and I'll catch ya on the flip flop....

My First Post

Well I have just set this blog site up so that the few people who may be interested in my encounters as i drive northwest towards Alaska can read about my travels. While this is only the beginning of March 2009, I will obviously be adding short stories and pictures once I take off which should be about Mid-June.

For quite some time now, I have really wanted to go to Alaska, however I prefer to drive. As long as I have no deadlines, thats the way to go. My plan once started is to basically camp the entire way, at least 98% of the way. As long as no unforeseen circumstances come along, I am expecting all to go well.  I will miss my daughter who will not be with me as I take this journey solo. I will leave in Mid-June and if all goes according to plan I will be wandering back in late July/Early August. I will make my posts brief as not to bore anyone once my trip begins and as long as I can get a signal to log on ....Until next time :)