tag:primalmates.com,2005:/blogs/two-for-the-road-tour?p=2Two For The Road Tour2018-10-13T06:03:31-07:00PoetryMusicfalsetag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/46723782017-10-03T09:03:45-07:002023-12-11T20:36:14-08:00"Poetry Spoken Here"<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f656e67fbf53c9a8d73b6396efd251c54c457d5e/original/unknown-1.jpeg?1492281059" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We received a copy of an interview which we did last fall on Poetry Spoken Here .<br><br>We met Charlie Rossitier, the host of this program @ Bennington College in Bennington, Vermont last fall where he heard us perform in the Carriage House with PoetryMusic. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We'd like to thank Charlie for his interest and his thoughtful interview.<br>Charlie is also a poet, so this made the interview even more interesting.<br>There are 3 PoetryMusic pieces played during the interview.<br><br>Check it out below:</span></p>
<p><br><span class="font_large"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/poetry-spoken-here/episode-042-poetrymusic-and-celebrating-poetry-month">https://soundcloud.com/poetry-spoken-here/episode-042-poetrymusic-and-celebrating-poetry-month</a></span></p>PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/48729562017-10-03T05:01:32-07:002023-01-16T14:48:41-08:00September 2017 Tour<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/fbb8984323548396f75a510cf758a7a7a24ef2d1/original/autumn-2.jpg?1506977275" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We traveled through Washington State, Idaho and into Montana in September through the smoky West to perform our PoetryMusic in several libraries and a few other venues including a benefit concert for the Community Hall in Basin Montana. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We had planned to take some time seeing Glacier NP, but we were only able to skirt the Southern edge of the Park due to Forest Fires.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Instead, we traveled up into BC for a few days of R & R before heading back to the Pacific NW through the San Juans for a few more performances on the Islands.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">All in all, it was a great trip, despite the smoke during the first 1/2 of the trip.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">So, going backwards, ie the end of our trip is the start of this blog - </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">On Orcas Island, the library had an art piece displayed with a description of why libraries are so important.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ba3f1c8d47b06d0a134e274a0d27afdcca9ad68f/original/art-piece-orcas-1.jpg?1507025066" class="size_l justify_center border_" />"The library is a living legacy, an endowment of grace, given by the hearts and minds who wrote, painted, designed & recorded their passions, their insights, their journey and encounters with the phenomenon of life...on this perplexing, beautiful, terrible strange planet.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">And it is a legacy given to us all freely as the air is given, as shadow and light are given: to inspire and provoke: to encourage and explain; but most importantly to connect us,</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">the seekers of knowledge, truth and beauty to the phoenix of the human soul.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Wherever there is a library, there is hope."</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Looking out from the top of Mt. Constitution, Orcas Island</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/1d0c790a23684f460ea4e47de2b97947bd39fd96/original/img-4291-1.jpg?1507026189" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Autumn has come! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/7cdce1513a13cf9dd3cabeac8f08429fe6d342ab/original/img-4297-2.jpg?1507026395" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Friday Harbor, San Juan Island <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/60657ef6d97d407bfdffc8a607adf924ea1eca20/original/friday-harbor-1.jpg?1507031628" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">2 more pictures from Orcas Island<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/bb5c24bde98b15578fdeb883cbbd79a45ba61d9d/original/rosario-grounds-1.jpg?1507026747" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/85980413cac0346aee6e22f0cf060f12aadd00ee/original/painting-picture-1.jpg?1507027007" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">Random Howse, Eastsound, Orcas Island </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/0bf69ce823551f31bf7160beee6f5e26c2e27351/original/on-stage-random-howes-2-1.jpg?1507027437" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/9b04553adb1567c5f6ccd6b63072965f606ce103/original/sun-1.jpg?1507027553" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">Chris has written a new composition to a poem by Robert Creeley called Loop. This piece would pop into our heads spontaneously while walking "up the hill", "along the path", "into the house", "out of the woods".... :)</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Read from top and around clockwise.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/630527acc2a169a42d86ee043f3bb89bdae7b4e1/original/loop-2-1.jpg?1507028639" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">We were invited to join MJ Williams and Ann Tappan in Basin, Montana to do a fund raiser for the Basin Community Center. We stayed almost a week in Basin. This was one of the highlights of our tour. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">"BASIN — There are places where creativity blossoms. You can breathe in their heady energy as soon as you step into the space.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">For 18 years, the Montana Artists Refuge in Basin has been such a place — welcoming some 300 artists to this tiny historic mining town. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Into the refuge’s high-ceiling, airy studios came actors, dancers, composers, musicians, opera singers, painters, sculptors, writers of fiction and nonfiction, poets, screenwriters, filmmakers, multi-media artists, costume designers and more. They journeyed from as far as China and Poland or as near as Missoula and Great Falls. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Many looked shell-shocked when they first drove into the tiny town of 212 — a place so sleepy dogs nap in the middle of Basin Street, the main thoroughfare. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">But as sun and mountain air and starry skies poured in their studio windows, a door in the mind swung open — spilling out plays, poems, music." *</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Quoted from an article by the Billings Gazette.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The Montana Artists Refuge officially closed in October of 2011, but to us, the spirit of the refuge lives on and we heartily agree with the description given above.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We would especially like to thank MJ Williams and Nancy Owens for welcoming us with open arms. We had great time hanging out, eating home cooked meals, sipping on Margaritas before the sun went down on their deck, and the chance to play music with MJ and Ann was a real treat for us!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/e2ad5cae318d1698c2a4d8050f25e5b872f7784b/original/montana-artists-refuge-2-1.jpg?1507030152" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"> MJ Williams & Ann Tappan</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c2e832a5a482d329654ea1cbc6237e6061b043fe/original/mj-ann-1.jpg?1507030593" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The reason we love Basin is exemplified in this sign as you come into town.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/218887a077b36acfa6cca90f7c2b57ddbfd750ff/original/sign-awake-in-basin-1.jpg?1507031127" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">So, with this sign, it is time to sign off. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We would like to thank all the people and organizations who supported this tour, Jill & Griff Enabnit - Stokes, Dian Koefod, Spokane Downtown Library, East Helena Library, Havre Library, Friday Harbor Library, MJ Williams and Nancy Owen, Random Howes and Rosario Resort. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Also, a very special thanks to Mark Miller, dear friend, musician and composer who continues to share his wonderful compositions he has set to poems with us!</span></p>PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/46271952017-03-15T17:18:58-07:002023-01-16T14:49:00-08:00PoetryMusic in California - February, 2017<p><span class="font_large">Wild horses could not stop us from our PoetryMusic tour through California in February!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/106494bfff0a46c5e0faef4700532abbb7bb44f6/original/whoa-nellie-2-1.jpg?1489365956" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We made it around and through the weather, mudslides, floods & all potential obstacles in California. <br><br>THE SHOW MUST GO ON!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f4b797740377cb8f6a8ac413a741a595c354682c/original/back-at-it-1.jpg?1489431805" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We are so grateful for the chance to travel and play PoetryMusic in libraries. <br>We have now been presenting this program for over 2 1/2 years with over 45,000 miles of travel around the US and we look forward to continuing this journey which seems to be taking us forward. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Libraries & librarians are the best of what our society has to offer us. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">In a time of budget cuts and divisive politics, people still love their libraries and support them. <br>Librarians continue to find so many creative ways to serve their communities. <br>Maybe libraries will even help us through the political upheavals as they are developing resource bases for verifiable information and critical thinking skills in the age of "fake news" including our mainstream media. <br>We'd like to thank all of them for the great work they do. <br>We wish we could feature all the librarians we have met. <br>Circumstances did not allow for pictures of everyone, but we were able to get a few pics. <br><br>Round Valley Library in Covelo, California was our first stop, we were not yet in picture taking mode, but your library gets the prize for most enthusiastic listeners! <br><br>And we'd like to thank our Covelo hosts Michael & Sharon Mills for the overnight stay in their beautiful home. We really enjoyed meeting you and sharing travel & camping stories across the SW. Meet you in the desert someday soon!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Ukiah - Mendocino County Library Rocks! <br>Poet Librarian Melissa Eleftherian Carr was responsible for bringing us to Mendocino County. <br>We enjoyed playing @ all three libraries in Mendocino County. ( Covelo, Fort Bragg & Ukiah ) <br>Melissa was willing to pose for us next to James Madison & the Bill of Rights. <br>Check out her poems @ https://apoetlibrarian.wordpress.com/published-poetry-2/.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/95ffc5e1f15855c17755ad571a7406d9548ef1b3/original/melissa-1.jpg?1489369084" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We move on to the Bay Area as the winter storms continue to hit the coast.<br><br>Fortunately we were invited for home stays during the worst parts of the rainstorm in the Bay Area. <br><br>The first performances in this area were in Belmont, Moraga & Menlo Park.<br><br>A couple weeks before leaving on this tour, we received a call from Dave Karlin who teaches a music appreciation class in Belmont California. He had seen that we were playing at the Belmont Library and asked if we would consider playing for his class during the time we were in the area. We were able to add this performance to the calendar & Dave graciously asked us if we would like to stay with him at his home in Half Moon Bay for a couple nights before the performance.<br><br>We accepted this generous offer as the weather at this point was cold & rainy, and originally we were going to camp along the coast near Half Moon Bay. <br><br>Wow, what can we say, but having a warm, comfortable and beautiful place to stay with close access to the beach.<br>And best of all....the most fabulous hosts!<br><br>A walk on the beach -<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f9eeb244b93f0795fa68a3bde93686f7eed62899/original/half-moon-bay-1.jpg?1489437707" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We cannot thank Dave & Barb Karlin enough for hosting us.<br>It was a real pleasure to spend some time with you and we appreciated all the delicious food and wine you served us & thankful we did not need to camp in the rain:)<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/7b22a46ebab7cf686ab40d4ab6b55a8362453c8a/original/dave-barb-karlin-1.jpg?1489620027" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>On the morning we left for Dave's class in Belmont, the worst part of the storm was hitting the Bay Area.<br>We headed out following Dave and we immediately are in stop and go traffic on Hwy 1. - We needed to take a detour as the road to Belmont had been partially closed with a mud slide. ..we followed Dave north...are we going t make it???? <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/cfe75c0964959619e5330a8916add58b7c310278/original/are-we-going-to-make-it-1.jpg?1489437197" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We did make it, but It was our shortest set up time ever for PoetryMusic! <br><br>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br><br>Then over the next few days on to more libraries in Morago, Atherton & Menlo Park . <br><br>Atherton Library<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/9e798709b0f2a3c4a1b8c8644edd0552365a2967/original/atherton-library-1-1.jpg?1489443565" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Menlo Park is one of the larger libraries we played in. <br>They have a significant number of ongoing programs and excellent staff support for their programs!<br>The library is filled with people everywhere we look. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c503987bf0ae573e17f0e632d655011ca807cb91/original/unknown.jpeg?1489443904" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The best part of this performance was that Colleen's cousin Karen & her husband Robin came to see us play. <br><br>We were invited to stay with Karen & Robin after the performance at a time we needed another warm, dry indoor setting. <br><br>We had developed a leak in the back door of the van which soaked our bed. ( human error:)<br><br>Robin helped us to dry out all our bedding by building a nice hot fire and we spread out our mattress, pillows & bedding taking up the whole front room living area. Everything dried out and we were thankful that the bedding prevented the instruments & equipment from getting wet underneath the bed. <br><br>Karen & Robin were so gracious, then served us food and wine - wow, what great hospitality. <br><br>Thanks Dear Cousins - it was so great to catch up!<br><br>Karen & Robin <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/e39ef82465a30e8fe1d5bbcffa0b636f355dffea/original/karen-robin-1.jpg?1489434626" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>At this point we are headed South to LA & San Diego County area libraries. <br><br>The weather is still cold & rainy, and we planned to camp enroute, so of course we needed to find a camp site with hot springs to warm up in. <br><br>We are always on the look-out for new hot springs en-route, sure enough, Mercey Hot Springs pops up on the radar. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/e57093c6a55a5774b1784674bdbb007313df698e/original/mercey-hot-springs-registration-1.jpg?1489524804" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Ahhhh - beautiful spot & great water. <br><br>We hiked up into the hills above the Mercey Hot Springs - the hills are GREEN!<br>2 years ago when we last came to California, Californians were in the midst of a multiple year drought. The reservoirs were almost empty, rivers and streams with minimal flows or dry and trees very dry and stressed. <br>This time, the reservoirs and streams are full. Some rivers were flooding. <br><br>Sometimes the green hills of California reminded us of Ireland. <br><br>Picture taken from atop the hill overlooking Mercey Hot Spring cabins. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/8e3989482738c6808afad69ccb78c4cc54d3850d/original/mercey-hills-2-1.jpg?1489620340" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We make our way down to Southern California where it is a little drier and warmer and are happy to go back to play in Menifee CA @ the Sun City Library.<br><br>Shirley Wible is the program Librarian and has a keen interest in Poetry. <br>She offers a Poetry class for her community and her class and this program are well attended.<br>It was great to see Shirley again and have a chance to catch up with her community and library news. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/3f7bee2a27136cc56e017cd74db7af1967f36d17/original/sun-city-ext-04.jpg?1489623166" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br><br>One of the most beautiful<strong> modern</strong> libraries we have played at is in the hills of San Diego County in Fallbrook, CA,<br>The history of this library includes an arson fire which completely destroyed the building and all of its contents in 1985.<br>According to the Los Angeles Times, the fire caused about $1 million in damage and destroyed 30,000 books.<br>Irreplaceable historical records and original artwork were also destroyed.<br><br>Look what eventually came out of that - wow, a beautiful state of the art building,( eco-conscious) a room with a grand piano for performances and programs with great acoustics, a roof made up of succulent plants & beautiful artwork around the library. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/e4d8f451ce53b16c527b6354f9968ddc310b4872/original/06-fallbrook-library.jpg?1489433468" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The weather was still quite chilly in southern California at this point and yet aother storm was moving in. <br>We decided forgo camping this night and instead stay in an Air B & B. We found the best one we have ever found for the best price ever! Andee & Drew were great hosts, plus they had a beautiful backyard spa paradise.<br><br>We'd like to thank them as they truly offer kindness, hospitality & affordability which was beyond any B & B we've stayed at.<br>( If anyone would like to stay with them in Fallbrook, go to Airbnb and look under Andree & Andrew, a Primal Mates pick:)<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/bedc81690e873f9b21e36eaf88a1777a69ef5f9e/original/9832146c-8f9e-46fb-bc67-77b3861326ea.jpg?1489435184" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>On to Laguna Beach, we love this coastline in the Laguna Beach area and enjoy this town.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/466e2335ca306f656151d4d244891dbde6a27eef/original/laguna-beach-1.jpg?1489466732" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We played here 2 years ago and we were so happy to be invited back by librarian Jon Giliam. <br>This community seems to especially love poetry & on top of that, it's Valentine's Day!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/e429e1492560ed620ce08d94936394a150cefd7b/original/jon-giliam-1.jpg?1489439758" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Jon recommended a place to eat dinner after our performance- and it was so delicious with great ambience and service! <br>We think it's called Nick's, but not certain - it definitely is a Primal Mate Pick! <br>We did not eat out like this usually, but we celebrate this occasion with great appreciation for the excellent food and wine!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/80865bb999beef5b1c84a100d3f91adf112da578/original/delicious-food-1.jpg?1489441131" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The weather is starting to improve and warm up a little. We found a great place to camp just north of Laguna Beach.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/66a074078f93b7b8d1c40b7c2f31b160bd318625/original/camp-spot-2-1.jpg?1489441774" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We camped here 2 different times as the access to several performances around this area were so convenient and this spot is particularly beautiful.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/d5a16cf7cd0cb54e97ec85631b1429dd51f72c3a/original/sunset-3-1.jpg?1489465470" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We have time to walk to Crystal Cove Beach.<br><br>Surfers waiting to catch a wave - <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/efcb81cf3b8ec7f62716f52b2f3300c6ebfae3e4/original/surfers-waiting-1.jpg?1489620970" class="size_l justify_center border_" />In the visitor center, we saw this poem by a 4th grader - <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/899f35cc4012ab1deaa52e8c70298827fb6c521a/original/oh-sea-1.jpg?1489621141" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We were transfixed by the sea, beach and beauty of this area - and especially enjoying this warm day in particular. <br><br>But .....too soon, another storm is moving into southern California as we head south of LA to play our next performance at Fountain Valley Library. We find a motel just before the heavens let loose of incredible amounts of water and some flooding which we fortunately avoided. <br><br>The rain does let up the next day and we leave early to have lunch with Chris' nephew Sam at a delicious small Turkish restaurant, Mr. Kebap, a Primal Mates pick for sure!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/18676d30be77da32ef943cfb24e26e4ee2e25b0c/original/sam-1.jpg?1489526775" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We are so happy to see Sam again as it has been many years since we've seen each other, we had a lot to catch up on.<br><br>After lunch we head over to Fountain Valley Library.<br>Emi Wong is the Librarian and the turnout is mostly young people around high school age.<br>On this tour especially, we have seen many young people attend the program - we love their interest, enthusiasm and questions. <br><br>Emi Wong <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/b9a925ed938bfa0e2e1ad644faaf63046331a6ad/original/emmy-wong-fountain-valley-1.jpg?1489442497" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The best part of this day's performance is that our musician friend & composer / trombonist Michael Vlatkovich joined us to play on a few pieces. <br><br>We always look forward to seeing Michael! <br><br>He is a wonderful player and a has a great sense of humor and wit & we had a good time hanging out with him after the performance over dinner. Yes we ate well on this particular day!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/dbe03b75a291e9080a3b5624daa345064bef5654/original/michael-vlatkovich-1.jpg?1489442709" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>OK, at this point we have a little time off before our next performance, so we head to a place where we think we will be out of the rain, and it just may be warmer, a place in the Anza Borrego. This part of the desert a remote section in Southern San Diego County, not very far from the Mexican Border. <br><br>Along the way, the landscape changes as we head inland and south, we leave the traffic behind.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/61fc0183f978d7c3cf5c75427ae70dba4f69aad6/original/ocitillo-road-1.jpg?1489465855" class="size_l justify_center border_" />And yes it<em><strong> IS </strong></em>getting warmer and we are looking for our turn-off....<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/e356660c237044d75cf8a952e674df60772db4ea/original/old-stge-road-caliente-hot-aprings-1.jpg?1489465962" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Ahhh, Agua Caliente, a lovely place to camp in the desert with few people and a nice county park with Hot Springs ( yay ) & trails. <br>We can have a camp fire here, listen to cowboy music, gaze at the starts & howl at the moon and Chris can play his Melodica:)<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/56a7f3978edf9d9a95059492aae2a1245cc65e83/original/camp-1.jpg?1489466432" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a5fad5aa866dc89746036278aa5fa0d4049c6ebb/original/chris-melodica-1.jpg?1489467300" class="size_l justify_center border_" />This landscape & desert "inhabitants" are like no other, some mystical electric world of it's own, as if we are on another planet.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/5b73bf0dbffe47f38dfca2f9f34340a4121939f8/original/chris-melodica-1-1.jpg?1489467602" class="size_l justify_center border_" />After R & R in the Anza Borrego Desert, we are officially heading north for the rest of our tour.<br>Our next library performance is not too far away from Agua Caliente, maybe 2 1/2 hours North. <br>One of the most beautiful & oldest library ( circa 1894 ) we have played in on the West Coast is the A.K. Smiley Library in Redlands, CA.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/6930ebbd41a827201b3137acad54c147c8df0d6d/original/a-k-smiley-library-1.jpg?1489371378" class="size_l justify_center border_" />This is probably our most favorite library we have played in. <br><br>Exploring the inside of this library reveals nooks and crannies, tower, outdoor garden courtyard, artwork throughout, beautiful woodwork and architecture and across a grassy park- like area behind the library is one of the oldest Lincoln Memorials West of the Mississippi. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Daniel Slota, Librarian, ( below ) next to the Smiley Brothers. ( puppets ) <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/37289a1b02bf40134b4daaaa26952956165405b2/original/daniel-slota-1.jpg?1489371414" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Daniel told us that a little while ago he was concerned that libraries would not survive the current direction of funding cuts for libraries. Presently, he is encouraged to see the outpouring of support and he specifically knew of a community which saw it's library close down, but now re-opened after the community came together to find ways to fund their library. <br><br>Redlands is fortunate because they have always been well funded from the start. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">For anyone traveling through Redlands, CA, it is more than worth the time to visit this library and learn about it's history.<br>For more info: http://www.akspl.org/about-akspl/.<br><br><br>We made it back to the Bay Area for 3 more performances @ the San Carlos, Walnut Creek & Foster City libraries. <br><br>Bitian Zhang was our contact person @ San Carlos Library & she was very interested in our program and helped us set up. <br><br>We enjoyed talking with Bitian about Amherst Massachusetts as she had gone to college there. <br><br>She was very interested in the Emily Dickinson poems in the program and very happy we had been able to present this program at the Amherst MA library last fall. <br><br>Chris & Bitian<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/4076913e029ee7ec4da26d38f478c7016276d896/original/chris-bitian-2-1.jpg?1489528055" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We enjoyed our time in Walnut Creek and their beautiful library there. <br>They have a nice room for performances and programs. <br>The artwork is modern, unique and interesting.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f086c0f707cd3baf4bf2ff5ab4f449e75d217564/original/marta-thoma-5.jpg?1489528692" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Our last performance in the Bay Area was @ Foster City Library. <br>We really enjoyed performing here 2 years ago and impressed with the turn-outs they have for their performances. <br>Could it partly be the wine and cheese they serve before the show?? <br>We'd like to think PoetryMusic was the main draw:)<br><br>After we packed up and ready to load our equipment out of the library, one of the librarians offered Colleen a spin around the library on their Library Bicycle Cart - <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/5df9ff32598353ffce3dfee2dffeb1b84252839d/original/colleen-on-library-bike-1.jpg?1489529328" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We'd like to thank our friends Jim & Linda Hudak for inviting us to stay with them during this part of our tour. <br>Great hospitality folks and always great to see you, thanks for being a part of our PoetryMusic support team!!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/0ac8280bfe50fba82b6c6c3b390c40c318374219/original/jim-linda-1.jpg?1489529532" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We were fortunate to spend a few days in Bolinas California with our good friend Jim Bohman and to present a home concert for Jim's friends. What a great night that was! <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/236f0da6b8d2b8c06852405521f172d4b4a3071f/original/jim-chris-1.jpg?1489530247" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Bolinas is a rare, unique & beautiful place on the planet. We took many pictures a couple years ago when we were able to spend even more time in Bolinas.<br>If interested check out our blog 2014-2015 for more pics of Bolinas and everywhere else:)<br>But, here's one more....<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/7b7e9a2a3c5f2aa5c0803c04877162bc09ddab8f/original/flowers-in-bolinas-1.jpg?1489531026" class="size_l justify_center border_" />...... because the flowers are so gorgeous in Bolinas!<br><br>2 more libraries to play before heading back home in Healdsburg & Sonoma. <br><br>On of our all time favorite musicians Paul Mc Candless lives in Healdsburg, CA. We also consider Paul one of our musical mentors. Many years ago, we recorded a CD Album called "Something Forgotten Remembered" in San Francisco with Paul on woodwinds, Art Lande - piano & Bill Douglas on bass - it was a great experience to play with musicians at such a high level of artistic / musical caliber.<br>To listen to this recording, go to http://www.nimbitmusic.com/chrisleecolleenobrien<br><br>We played @ Healdsburg and Sonoma on the last day of our tour - a busy last day, but how wonderful to have Paul join us in Healdsburg to play several PoetryMusic pieces with us. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/38c3e6787d5f3cbd42c50638b3fbc43f738b065e/original/picture-with-paul-1.jpg?1489617730" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We'd like to thank Paul & Joan for the great hang, dinner and conversation the night before this performance. <br><br>So, at this point we are headed back to Port Angeles, WA, we drive up 101 and spend a night at Vichy Hot Springs in Ukiah, this was a bit of a splurge, but we thought a deserved one since we worked so hard on our last day. <br><br>Then on to Gold Beach, OR where our long-time friends Tim & Laura Gratehead take us in for another night. <br>We consider Tim & Laura honorary PoetryMusic ( & Primal Mates ) members as they have taken us in many times on our travels up and down the coast during our many tours over the years. <br>We do not have a picture of them for this post, but here is a picture one of Tim's wonderful paintings. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/5f311d870708d66714cce6c9b56c3b945b171216/original/tims-painting-1.jpg?1489619460" class="size_l justify_center border_" />So ends another PoetryMusic tour:)<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/9f19d6f9c0efa234493c511ae6fefb55a2b9ac92/original/library-always-open-1.jpg?1489623507" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span><br><br><br><br><br> </p>PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/43455832016-10-18T10:04:15-07:002023-01-16T14:47:58-08:00 - Late Summer - Fall PoetryMusic Tour, 2016 - On The Road to the East Coast!<div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Getting our music together for another tour with PoetryMusic. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a0abf1690349c27e451dc90aabd87e85a752d7f1/original/primal-9694.jpg?1474832342" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>All systems go!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/0d82dd2aed7791b901212e6153db41bdc43c8ef3/original/on-the-road-picture-1-van-packed-1.jpg?1472391761" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We left on August 24th for a 7 week tour.<br>This time, we travel to the east coast with performances on the way in Utah, Colorado & Wisconsin.<br><br>A beautiful day for traveling through Washington State.<br>We take Hwy 101 down Hoods Canal to avoid the Seattle area traffic and cross White Pass on "The Road Less Traveled" the southern most pass across the Cascades Mountains in Washington.<br>Views of Mt. Rainier were spectacular from both the West and East side of the mountain!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/2396df7324e9c95f026ca32adeab41c220fb82f9/original/on-the-road-day-one-rainer-1.jpg?1472392595" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>As we wind our way down the pass and travel through eastern Washington, the sudden change of the landscape from the west side to the east side of the Cascades is striking as the west is so green and the east is warm brown & golden. <div style="text-align: center;">
<br>Sunset in Eastern Washington</div>
<div><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a0c829fa71753cd78c60b50e0d8dfc4a54676deb/original/on-the-road-day-1-eastern-washinton-1.jpg?1472392895" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We travel along "The Oregon Trail" ( sounds better than 1-84) through Oregon and through Idaho before turning off the trail to camp near Lava Hot Springs just east of Pocatello Washington. <br>This is a great stop and the public hot springs are some of the best in the West. <br>There are several pools, some very hot.<br>Of course we take advantage of the hot springs after a long day of driving - ahhh!<br>The one below is set in a beautiful grotto type setting and looks like a Roman bath.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c8e76f534556dedd5040565b7da71f936a92d20d/original/lava-hot-springs-roman-bath-1.jpg?1472394127" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c2e821d0cde6113f3167225c780f692494d4a2c9/original/lava-hot-springs-2-1.jpg?1472400565" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>On to Mystic Hot Springs in Utah before our schedule of performances begin in Salt Lake City! <br>Yes, we do work too:) ( If you can call playing music "work" - this is the most joyful "work" we've done!<br><br>Salt Lake City - Beautiful Old Buildings in downtown Salt Lake. This picture below is about 1/5th of the whole building - City Hall is Huge!<br>Each side of the building has an entrance like this. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/d32deb164f87100f54a7520e4f60b2a4338deb76/original/city-hall-salt-lake-1.jpg?1472760705" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Our 2 performances in Salt Lake City were well attended and folks were exceptionally enthusiastic about the program.<br>We played @ the Anderson - Foothills and Sprague Branch Libraries in Salt Lake City, both are beautiful libraries. Foothills was a very new library built into the hillside.<br>The Sprague Branch's high-gabled English Tudor style building and was selected by the American Library Association in 1935 as the "Most Beautiful Branch Library in America." The two-level facility was opened in 1928 and has been renovated several times as use continues to increase. <br>Fortunately for us, both community rooms where we performed had superb acoustics!<br><br>Sprague Branch Library - <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/fd6592f4d5a0be246ea3d310659c7c404394f42f/original/sprague-library.jpg?1472935518" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Cherie Koefod is the librarian who booked us in the Sprague Branch Library. Koefod is the family name of first cousins to Colleen. Cherie is fairly certain she is related to Colleen's cousins as the Koefod's settled into Idaho over 100 years ago. The Koefods are descendants of Arnie Inger Koefod from Bornholm Island.<br>Colleen is looking forward to talking to her Idaho cousin Dian about this connection! <br><br>We'd like to thank Cherie for all her efforts in presenting our program and for the great turn-out!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/b85fe3257f06d41f906c81a0e08aab23fd801343/original/cherie-koefod-1.jpg?1472936447" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>We head on to Moab for our next performance. We love Moab and the outdoor playground surrounding Moab. We are able to camp a few miles east of town in Sandflat Recreation area and seemed to have the Juniper Campground to ourselves the first night. <br>Wow, what a great spot on the planet this was!<br>Incredible views in every direction including of the Lasal Mountains to the east, canyons and table top mesas and a myriad of rock formations. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/8e1da990a6ca449d9877b72076a3b972af6f1216/original/sand-flat-juniper-campground-ahhhh-1.jpg?1472936819" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ef786d67090a086c08fbb06b3e5bef387aa45f6e/original/sand-flat-sprinty-juniper-campground-1.jpg?1472936899" class="size_l justify_center border_" />And what a sunset!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c5c68262933246da43912e1546f3c7df31bf4152/original/sand-flat-juniper-campground-sunset-1.jpg?1472937040" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The next day, we start to make preparations for the evening performance, but first we find the community rec center in Moab - what a great place!<br>Indoor and outdoor pools in a setting that made us think we were staying at a fancy resort in the most awesome setting.<br><br>Megan Flynn is the librarian for Grand County Library in Moab. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c73ed63ee274fd4c7682e041c3e8594787521d1c/original/megan-colleen-moab-library-1.jpg?1472937624" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We played here one year ago and we were so happy to be invited back. <br>Thanks to Meg for making this happen and for all her great assistance and support!<br>We hope to make Moab a yearly stop on our travels!<br><br><br>This is a plaque at the front entrance to the library, and we could not agree more with this quote. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/92c6a01eff7cea18c6c68aac2dd341ffb25f0bb8/original/megan-colleen-moab-library-1-1.jpg?1472937304" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>On to Colorado!<br>Highway 90 is a little ways south of Moab and for those who want the road mostly to yourself, this is a great way to get to SW Colorado taking you through Paradox Valley.<br>Paradox Valley is a basin located in Montrose County in the U.S. state of Colorado. The dry, sparsely populated valley is named after the apparently paradoxical course of the Dolores River—instead of flowing down the length of the valley, the river cuts across the middle.<br><br>The little towns are remote and of course interesting.<br><br>We initially drove past the General Store in Bedrock but stopped and turned around to go back because this store beckoned us back to take a look. <br><br>As Colleen was taking a picture of the store, the store's owner, Anthony Pisano came out on the top floor terrace was waving at us. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/240ef6c868d9c42790c067b5b9831f6b1b882795/original/anthony-pisano-on-top-of-2nd-floor-1.jpg?1473263484" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Bedrock store is the oldest and longest running General Store in Colorado.<br>It was built in 1881 and filled with history of the area including the fact that the town is called Bedrock because that is exactly what it is built on. <br>Anthony invited us in and showed his work inside to restore this beautiful old store. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/7f6696b3a4458c1e654acf1f3cb4ab03c9631457/original/paradox-store-no-springs-honest-weight-1.jpg?1473264325" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/4b84af5f6dc967552e4de253ef7b897381d04816/original/anthony-chris-bedrock-1.jpg?1473264369" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We heard about Anthony's plan for the store and told him we would pass the information on to other travelers.<br>This is a great stop on the road in this most beautiful remote valley.<br>Anthony offered to take our picture before we leave.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c57d8c1bc151d186fc8e14eca2aaa2ed16f23305/original/howdy-from-bedrock-colorado-1.jpg?1473264556" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>We definitely plan to come back through Bedrock in the future!<br><br>We head on down the road to spend the night near Ouray, Colorado and to soak our road weary bones in their beautiful public hot springs. Ouray sits at the base of the San Juan Mountains on the north side of the mountains. We've always loved coming here and driving into Ouray is spectacular!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/db0911cb5f3b7983a97360421747d4b11bc9d9e7/original/img-1105.jpg?1474042671" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f1fbed03626f7fa39c380b304a077aa37f07d159/original/img-1107.jpg?1474042732" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We find a great camp spot along a creek outside of town and plan our next day's journey to Gunnison, CO where we will begin our Colorado Library performances. <br><br>We travel on to Gunnison and have time to explore the neighborhoods. Our walk reveals some very beautiful old stone residences and buildings built in the late 1800's by a master stone mason, Frederick Zugelder. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/1bc91d52b23de95449da071f28d6f7f3ce88d743/original/img-1114.jpg?1474043669" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We head over to the library & take in the colorful Hollyhock in front of the library. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/2668c5fa010faeea1145e1a6e45e0989a87f59af/original/img-1131.jpg?1474043959" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Tonight, we play "in the stacks". Since we use the i-phone for our program, we generally take pictures before the performance. <br>We 'd like to thank the library & all the folks who came out, it was a great turn-out and enthusiastic response in Gunnison.<br>We appreciated all the great comments and questions. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/2ccababbce34c8016a51864f81359668bfe52b27/original/img-1136.jpg?1474043961" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We leave Gunnison the next day and drive through Saguache on the way to Valley View, Hot Springs. <br><br>Yes, we do love hot springs in beautiful natural places and know this may be our last hot spring stop before hitting the front range and then heading across the plains to the midwest and east coast. <br><br>We have watched Saguache change over a decade. <br>Some of the old buildings are donning new coats of paint and a few buildings are being renovated.<br>More people are moving in and opening a few businesses.<br><br>We are drawn to one of the older businesses.<br>The Crescent News has been in existence since 1867.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/5a71a1b8e25bfddc5efdbd9b52bedb77b3ec118a/original/saguache-1-1.jpg?1474045236" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We look inside this old building and see the most amazing old print machines. <br>Initially it does not look like anyone is in, but the sign in the window says "open".<br>We walk in and standing inside is Dean Coombs who is the paper's entire staff. <br>The Saguache Crescent was purchased by the Coombs family in 1917, and it has been in the family for three generations.<br>It still uses a 1921 linotype machine to set the print, and a 1921 printing press.<br>It features a decorative masthead, no photos, and publishes "all the good news fit to print".<br>Coombs refuses to print bad news. He says that his mother set that policy and it is non-negotiable.<p>Dean started working with his dad on the Crescent news as a kid. He took over the paper in his early 20's after his dad's death and says he will continue with this work because what else would he do? He is the only one who can repair these machines. He says the 1921 Linotype machine is the oldest working Linotype in the USA.<br>( see below) <br><br> <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/57004c5daf778c2eaeb740a87d4dd413bce6e830/original/linotype-machine-1921-1.jpg?1474047513" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Time to go to our favorite hot springs in the West - Valley View Hot Springs aka Orient Land Trust.<br>We cross open range on the way and have a little chat with the local cows.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/3fa2d2d22ca524b7f94fc7bb9c9050f63094d164/original/valley-view-1-1.jpg?1474048618" class="size_l justify_center border_" />There are several natural hot spring pools dotting the hillside, a beautiful swimming pool with flow through water, no chlorine.<br>While the varied natural hot spring pools is wonderful, the camping is also great.<br>There are a few cabins and bunk rooms to choose from if one would like to sleep indoors on a bed. <br><br>We choose a camp site that we have returned to several times, at the end of the road, overlooking the San Luis Valley.<br>This for us the the best reason to go to Valley View just for the reason of the name of this hot springs - a spectacular "Valley View". <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/967cc51c5fa4740f1587fa582d67e6d252c70fd0/original/valley-view-2-1.jpg?1474048980" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We spend a whole day watching the showers come and go, lightening and beams of light from the heavens.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/09d5ad2352f4576a05c99628bac01ea6837a0bcb/original/valley-view-1.jpg?1474048725" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We still are watching as the sun goes down.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/06759aa41981579a513e96d5920d932d52b377f4/original/valley-view-4-1.jpg?1474049212" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The next day, we head out for LaVeta for our next performance. <br>But first, we stop at Orient Land Trust sustainable farm which is about 4 miles to the west and a little south of the hot springs on the valley floor. <br>Here, they have a beautiful organic garden and raise happy animals. <br>All electricity is powered by their hydroelectric system which comes from the water flowing from the hot springs down to the valley floor. <br><br>This farm has been around a few years before the cooperative "bought the farm":)<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/dcdd249e47c2fe13f7e134278a6804b1f566ea68/original/old-farm-1-1.jpg?1474050024" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/961dab5f9eb0eac9a5fca842681f0b89a9d3f240/original/old-farm-2-1.jpg?1474050026" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Ah La Veta, one of our favorite small towns in Colorado. We are so happy to play at the Parkside Gallery hosted by Brent and Babz Seawell. <br>The Parkside is one of La Veta's most beautiful buildings. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/dfb93c1c44cd3071d1c93d32af8041640b5ef0e7/original/the-parkside-1.jpg?1474830395" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a7155ba084aa2e721b4bf03db9f29b831285d543/original/duo-parkside-1.jpg?1474836466" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Brent & Babz are great hosts and we always look forward to seeing them. They have played music together for years. <br>Backstage we saw one of their art pieces which captures the spirit of their duo. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c9395f949c5fe9eb9fc26a682eadb0b7dbf31a17/original/cattle-rustlers-in-laveta-1-1.jpg?1474830793" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We'd like to thanks Brent & Babz for making it possible for us to go on our yearly pilgrimage to La Veta to play @ the Parkside Gallery.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/59f274dbd585d88f8bf248222294b9d10a666548/original/brent-babz-and-us-1.jpg?1474831005" class="size_l justify_center border_" />On to Eldorado Springs, the home we left just over 2 years ago to "hit the road". We spend the night on "the flats" above Eldorado Springs, camped in our trusty Sprinter Van. ( many thanks to Kathy! ) At this point ( picture below ) we are hiking over to our Eldo friend's house nearby as we are invited to celebrate Labor Day on Davey Jones deck. Davey has the best spot in Eldorado Springs. Thanks for the great hang Davey!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/9969719fab3c4634a7ad39109b6c9127468293fa/original/sprinty-on-the-flats-1.jpg?1474831599" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Our good friend and former neighbor Kathy shows us the diligent work she did on the old Eldorado Springs sign! <br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/557eb918d6ef4d7eace8327b94b811e8dc76a64f/original/kathy-eldo-sign-1.jpg?1474832847" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Eldorado Springs is certainly one of the most unique and beautiful places to live near a large metropolitan area. It is surrounded by open space and backed by Eldorado Canyon State Park. There are trails in every direction to hike. It seems like one could be 200 miles from the nearest big city. It was great to spend a little time here before moving on to Boulder, our home base for several days while we perform for 3 very fine libraries in Fort Collins, Loveland, Colorado Springs and one home gallery concert with musician & friend Mark Miller. <br><br>In Loveland, our librarian arranged to have us play at the Rialto Theater. We were surprised to see a large sandwich board on the sidewalk in front of the Rialto. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/84e821e5566f9d305083717c8a18d904f6a24902/original/bill-board-1.jpg?1474835267" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br><br>We'd like to thank Chuck Ceraso for hosting a home gallery concert in Lafayette, CO. What a great turn-out and chance to see old friends and "mates"! <br>We were surrounded by Chuck's beautiful paintings which helped to inspire the PoetryMusic even further. <br>Here is one of our favorite paintings of Chuck's below - <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/6b0a83b235af5454904ddbfd0d1944e4ba6d74d5/original/afternoon-path-chuck-ceraso.jpg?1474834041" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>And a special thanks to Mark Miller and Dana Walker for "home base" in Boulder. These good friends have been "instrumental" in supporting PoetryMusic. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/3a530cd18b190084bffacdf45a40c711c4a2be29/original/mark-dana-2-use-this-one-1.jpg?1474834716" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Our week in Colorado reminded us of why we lived there for so many years & how much we enjoyed living there. And we know we have more than one home!<br><br>We leave Colorado behind as we set out across the prairie crossing eastern Colorado into Nebraska before our next performance in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. <br><br>It's too far to reach Wisconsin in a reasonable days drive, so we stop in a Nebraska State Park off the Highway just in time to catch the sunset. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/6082c8835604693806db0fede8039f87008cbbf1/original/nebraska-campsite-sunset-1.jpg?1474836454" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We made it to Fond du Lac WI and have a wonderful stay with our friends Paula & Michael Sergi. Paula Sergi is a fabulous poet and she is part of the PoetryMusic story in that she would send us poems back in the 80's / 90s and Chris wrote compositions to several of her poems. We were able to play 2 of her pieces in Fond du Lac. We played @ the Thelma Sadoff Center for the arts over 9 years ago. <br>This time, we play in a beautifully renovated building. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/76e316fd4cc0daf40af9eb8d9860e29a2b515034/original/thelma-venue.jpg?1476580888" class="size_l justify_center border_" />After this event, we had a great hang with Paula & Michael.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f904e269d8622621bb8fac938d615c571749995a/original/hanging-with-the-sergis-1.jpg?1476580984" class="size_l justify_center border_" />And Emily Dickinson?<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a22598eb23ba181bfbc26cbe23672e3e39daa99c/original/emily-sergi-2-1.jpg?1476581073" class="size_l justify_center border_" />It turns out that Paula loves Emily Dickinson and in fact will read her poems in costume at poetry events. Needless to say, we had many laughs this night. <br><br>Over the next couple of days, we play 2 libraries in Madison, WI. And at night we return to Fond du Lac for more fun with the Sergi's. <br>Madison is a very nice town. We caught this picture on our way in to Madison near the Capitol - the clouds are looking a bit ominous!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/e406a397e67bb679e41e7fccd82dc401d2bb4c11/original/madison-capitol-ominous-2-1.jpg?1476582673" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> (A sign of our times perhaps? There was no light or color tweeking for this picture.)<br><br>We'd like to thank the Sergi's for a great stay and support for our program. And thank you Paula for your always awesome poetry!<br><br>We drive on to Massachusetts for our next performances through Chicago, IL, Ohio, upstate NY before reaching Lowell MA. <br>The toll roads take us a bit by surprise, especially thru Chicago and Ohio These roads are in poor repair and seem to cost way too much for such poor quality roads. The toll roads further east are less expensive and in better condition. The state roads were in generally much better condition. Hmmm, makes one wonder a bit.<br>We also did not like how cars are "herded" into "comfort stations" on the toll roads, for all rest stops, food and gas needs. The food choices are awful as they have only bad fast food "joints" . This was truly the only down side of our travels. We made a decision to avoid driving back this way and vowed to not pay a toll on the way back. <br><br>We are happy to make it to upstate NY as it is very beautiful and on to Massachusetts with the quaint small towns and beautiful old architecture.<br><br>Our first performance in Massachusetts is at the main branch of the Lowell Public Library - and WOW, were we taken by the beauty of this very old library!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/338df6d4fdf42a5d38f84b65cd295af685ae769a/original/lowell-library-1-1.jpg?1476584104" class="size_l justify_center border_" />This is one of the oldest libraries in the country. Boston may have the oldest library by a couple years, but Lowell had the first Public Library system in the country. <br><br>Sean Thibideau is the librarian who invited us to play at the Pollard Memorial Library in Lowell and we have to say, he is an excellent local historian and resource for the community. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/177b5c6543379bb6bd17aedbdb3c1381e9b262b8/original/sean-1.jpg?1476664675" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Sean told us that the library was funded by the mill owners in hopes of being able to recruit young women from area family farms to work in the cotton mills. <br>The industrialists offered to look after these young women and provide culture in an attempt to convince the families that they would be taken care of properly. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/033b2ae3f0001c619866ed5e63b3f839105ad0d1/original/cotton-mill-lowell-library-1.jpg?1476585475" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Sean took us on a tour of the library before our performance. The paintings, sculptures and dedications to soldiers lost in the wars as far back as the civil war were sadly impressive. Being in this library gave us a perspective of the times this library was built in. ( 1844 )<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/5475fce2c0a7df73a174d207f5c071e47560801a/original/sign-of-the-times-1.jpg?1476660583" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The most fun piece of information we learned from Sean is that Jack Kerouac who grew up in Lowell MA skipped school to hang out at the Lowell Library.<br>Sean showed us Jack's corner where he used to read.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f7c731fbef2b2fda5623faef9a6a54ac27dacf97/original/jacks-corner-1.jpg?1476665107" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We have a PoetryMusic piece based on the last paragraph of "On The Road" by Jack Kerouac, composition by Colorado musician / composer, Peter Sommer. <br>The folks attending our performance at Pollard Memorial Library especially enjoyed this piece. It felt great to play in Jack's library!<br>"On The Road" seems like our theme song. <br><br>We'd like to thank Sean for inviting us to Pollard Memorial Library and for sharing his wealth of knowledge of Lowell, MA history !<br><br>Over the next few days we go on to play in Middleboro, Amherst and Dennisport MA. <br>We enjoyed all these towns and their libraries and thank these libraries and librarians for inviting us.<br><br>We would like to include all the libraries we played in with pictures & commentary, but time and circumstances made it difficult for us to do this.<br>But, we can say unanimously, all the libraries we played for and their librarians are really the best our society offers us!<br><br>We have a fondness for Amherst, MA because the librarian @ Jones Library in Amherst asked if we did any Emily Dickinson poems. <br>Chris said, "not yet" and proceeded to write 4 compositions set to Emily Dickinson poems. <br>Performing these poems in Amherst was such a fulfilling experience. <br>The people attending this performance showed their appreciation of these pieces in particular. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/904dd55eb5937fb07eedff306b25e8607153bc7e/original/jones-library-1.jpg?1476663039" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We were given a private tour of the Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost collection of poems, pictures and historical archives on the 2nd floor of the library. <br>Emily lived most of her life in Amherst, MA and often signed her letters "Amherst".<br>The following picture is one of Emily's hand written poems.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/153e51b0ec614a23bd5890510118570463d06ae5/original/emily-dickinson-poem-1.jpg?1476663816" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Within our set list of poem pieces, we have a beautiful poem by Robert Frost The Road Not Taken - another theme song for us. This poem was set to music by the young, brilliant musician & composer Jacob Collier.<br><br>We saw this picture of him in the archive room, so.... in honor of Robert Frost.... ( another handsome devil:)<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/22855dbcb276fcfd5ccc7c566a583d10b663b0b0/original/robert-frost-1.jpg?1476663870" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>At this point, we earned a few days off. It is the last weekend in September and we are happy the weather is still beautiful, warm & sunny.<br>Our last Massachusetts performance was in Dennis Port towards the bottom middle part of Cape Cod, so we decided to go to the tip of Cape Cod to explore Provincetown and the surrounding area. But before going up there, Colleen check's out the beach in Dennis Port and lo and behold....<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/d2ae1fb89d6d68dfd16d1542db427a801d0fe2c5/original/swans-in-dennisport-1.jpg?1476666138" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Even folks on the beach who have lived in the area for decades said that they had not seen swans swimming in the ocean before. <br><br><br>Moving on to Provincetown the one landmark that stands out from wherever one is in Provincetown is the Pilgrim's Tower. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/9c9945c7f8c0ac15425f4991c1d0ffded5e4ebee/original/pilgrims-tower-1.jpg?1476666439" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Colleen took many pictures of this tower from many angles up close and at a distance because it was so prominent and oddly overpowering, even Midieval looking.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/566270189405c159456354414a6416a5ddc4d593/original/pilgrims-tower-2-1.jpg?1476666652" class="size_l justify_center border_" />This tower is the tallest all granite building in the US, built in 1906.<br>The tower's purpose is to commemorate the Mayflower Pilgrims’ first landing in the New World in Provincetown, in November 1620.<br>Here the Pilgrims spent 5 weeks exploring the tip of Cape Cod, before they sailed on to Plymouth.<br>They also drew up and signed the Mayflower Compact, which established the rule of law for the new land. <br><br>They surely must of had a flag to plant to show this was their land:)<br><br> ( If you want to see a very funny skit by Eddie Izzard about the Brits planting flags Watch:"Do you have a flag?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-PlQitfriE )<br><br>It is great to walk around Provincetown as many of the oldest buildings are still intact. Beautiful design & architecture, colorful houses, awesome gardens and outdoor art pieces, many good restaurants and lots to do. <br><br>On the day we came, we were approached on bicycle by "LipSchtick" who was promoting his one-person show to be performed that night. FUN!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/087640c18344dfa79ccbf55baf94330eb84799fe/original/lipschtick-1.jpg?1476667694" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We also walked on the breakwater jetty out to the beach and light houses - the tide was coming in the first time we attempted going all the way across. <br><br>We decided to avoid getting wet and came back when the tide was out the next morning. What a great walk this is!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f7d34134560e669c582ac18cc472fff753950350/original/chris-on-jetty-1.jpg?1476668315" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We loved the beaches across the jetty, uncrowded, beautiful sand, and water temperatures comfortable for swimming:)<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/4634ec1c1cb4703b541c11900fc8f41925d198b4/original/beach-water-1.jpg?1476668770" class="size_l justify_center border_" />There were 3 lighthouses along these beaches - here's one....<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/90f66af20a5a980afe03df056cb28da9afb8911d/original/provincetown-lighthouse-1.jpg?1476751171" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We wished we could have played in the Provincetown library....<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/b983a49056c663ba225e2e87b600f26e153bfb35/original/provincetown-library-outside-1.jpg?1476751203" class="size_l justify_center border_" />....but they had something that took up much of the library - <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/7a960305f663045edfd35242b16e820554c94415/original/rose-dorthea-1.jpg?1476669044" class="size_l justify_center border_" />It was impossible to get the whole of the sailing vessel contained in the picture, given the space.<br><br>The Rose Dorothea was one of the famous “Indian Head” schooners designed by Thomas McManus and built at the Tarr & James Shipyard in Essex, MA in 1905. This is a 1/2 scale model of the Rose Dorothea. ( Could have fooled us! )<br>How could PoetryMusic compete with the Rose Dorothea? We'll need to get our sea chanties and drunken sailor songs together to play at this library:) <br>Colleen started to make some headway when she met up with one of the local pirates...aaaaaaarghhhhh!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/484d93fd22ab9470252eea31e0b62ece7363e999/original/pirate-colleen-1.jpg?1476669508" class="size_l justify_center border_" />There are so many more great pictures that we took but this blog is getting a bit long. <br><br>So, at this point, it's time to go back to NY state to play in Kingston NY for one performance @ the Kingston Library and then on to Poughkeepsie NY to play at the new Boardman Branch Library. <br><br>Poughkeepsie has a beautiful walking bridge over the Hudson River a "Rails to Trails" Bridge.</p>
<p>The Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge was built in the late 19th century to link New York and New England to an extensive, nationwide railway network. For decades, it was a major rail corridor for both freight and passengers. <br><br>We are thankful for the "rails to trails movement" across the US as we have one of these trails where we live in Port Angeles, WA. <br>A world without cars is possible!</p>
<p>This was our view looking out over the Hudson River towards the vehicle bridge down river from the Bridge Walkway.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a4c6fb11865b3f61f43eded384641776c5e6c7d7/original/hudson-from-the-walkway-1.jpg?1476738414" class="size_l justify_center border_" />This was our first day of rain on our travels since leaving Port Angeles over 5 weeks ago. And no, this is not a black & white picture - but this particular day did look like we were living in a black and white world. </p>
<p>In Poughkeepsie we had a wonderful surprise! Our longtime & good friend Duane Grant drove up from NYC to see us and to see what we were up to these days:)<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c4c5c57e0c20ba83f07c98eda43cac3ea56ac4c7/original/duane-chris-1.jpg?1476736525" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We were able to hang out after our gig with Duane and catch up on our respective lives since we last saw each other 9 years ago! <br>We hope to see each other sooner next time! <br><br>Next we head back through Eastern MA to Springfield for a performance at their beautiful old library. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/4ff1a5147fcec668b5cc78dcaaa7c4e91f9b8c68/original/srpingfield-library-1.jpg?1476739050" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We came early ( to get out of the rain:) Behind the library is the Quadrangle,a cluster of museums and cultural institutions. <br>It's a beautiful old plaza which contains the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden which is in the center of the Quadrangle and surrounded by a park, the city library, five museums and a Cathedral.<br><br>We love Dr. Seuss books and have fond memories of reading these books to our son when he was a child.<br>Seeing this Sculpture Garden was a real treat!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/af62a1bcb04d77c7c6cc5e412b540a812d71446f/original/dr-seuss-1.jpg?1476740744" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/005733e67d41e05c2b377129190a720ccf4b327a/original/seuss-2-1.jpg?1476752900" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The Springfield City Library has fantastic acoustics for our instrumentation and for voice. A very good turnout, enthusiastic listeners and great questions after the program. There was someone videotaping this performance, so we hope to share a video recording soon!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/8230884cf660397b58a84af67becd7712a2aee1c/original/springfield-city-library-1.jpg?1476741360" class="size_l justify_center border_" />After this concert we drive the Mohawk Trail to Bennington, VT. <br>This drive had to be one of the most beautiful drives we took in the Northeast and very few cars to boot!<br>The leaves are just beginning to turn.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/82838351f3abd0c39c8d420a24ec8256c19e56ec/original/mohawk-trail-1.jpg?1476742208" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We hope at this point we can run into Bernie Saunders in Vermont and talk him into running independently in the upcoming presidential election:)<br><br>Bennington College has a very rural look and feel and is just on the outskirts of town and closest to North Bennington. <br>We loved this train station below. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/d98a0e3650df9b6ec7e95a243d842d83aa78b977/original/train-station-north-bennington-1.jpg?1476743108" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We go to the campus to find Bruce Williamson, our friend and wonderful musician who teaches in the jazz music program. <br>The music school is in Jennings Hall which is in the background below across the pond.<br>We thought we were in the English countryside on the Bennington campus. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/3cbb95d72e4152fa49bc713e7fec046374a1c6de/original/bennington-across-the-pond-to-jennings-hall-1.jpg?1476743431" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We play in the Carriage House for the students. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/b5fd9d290a38535c76f0ff80d8968088e2db677c/original/carriage-house-1.jpg?1476744141" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The turn-out is great as is the response to the music. <br>And the best part is that Bruce joined us on 3 pieces, one of which is freely improvised.<br>What great fun it was to play music with Bruce and hang out a couple of evenings at Pompanuck!<br><br>We would like to thank Bruce for all his efforts for helping to bring us to Bennington College! <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/151f1baac92d621ca456f8b622e3d597581fb6fc/original/bruce-chris-1.jpg?1476744958" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>At this point in our journey, we cannot believe we only have 2 performances left. Both on the same day.<br>The first one during the day in Rochester NY and the last one in Irondequoit NY, just a few miles north of Rochester.<br><br>We especially like Rochester. <br>We follow the Erie Canal on the way to Rochester.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/1b9c954e591f0fe9e93f457c194627683f7dfd3e/original/erie-canal-1.jpg?1476745771" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/915ff78efdb68c4a6396f09f0d6ca8f349cea8c6/original/rochester-ny-1-1.jpg?1476745813" class="size_l justify_center border_" />This is a big day for us playing 2 libraries, but it all worked out great including having a nice relaxed & delicious lunch in Rochester.<br><br>While walking back to the library from our lunch the @ the Owl House in Rochester ( owlhouserochester.com/) a PoetryMusic pick!:) we hear and see these pedalers having a great time going from brew pub to brew pub sampling the local beers. <br>They were cheering for us to hop on the back to join them.<br>If we had not had another performance this day, we just may have gone with them!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/dbf5577717e4dd1fdd4b1cf989c86eb443758db3/original/rochester-pedal-tours-1.jpg?1476746379" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Ah well!<br><br>We also walked by the National Museum of Play!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/420d3317ace5717d9b3af5647e494ee63ac1d125/original/play-museum-1.jpg?1476747163" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/dfe0b5425135fab5a6beec043e9575fbe6b6da48/original/lake-eric-1-1.jpg?1476747789" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>We had time to drive past the Eastman School of Music before heading on to Irondequoit where we found a nice park on Lake Ontario.<br>Chris takes a nap in the van while Colleen goes off to the beautiful beach to check out this mega lake. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/1a5b46e7207a6bd85ab689983bbdd16ab342cc68/original/lake-eric-1.jpg?1476747444" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The folks who came to the libraries in Rochester and Irondequoit told us what great a music town Rochester is and they asked us to come back and stay awhile:)<br><br>A good place to end the official music part of the tour.<br><br>On the way back, we kept our promises about avoiding going through Chicago and not paying any more tolls.<br><br>We drive to Niagara Falls and west through Canada to Michigan and then turned north to the northern most tip of the lower Michigan Peninsula.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/557589ead269a085c159f68738fa61b19f203f0e/original/google-map-1.jpg?1476749397" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br> It may seem like a long ways to avoid tolls and Chicago, but wow, was it worth it.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/2ed4a02dbff47b9fae03d3e6d9ecc0bba7764fb4/original/bush-with-burning-sky-1.jpg?1476748827" class="size_l justify_center border_" />This picture above was taken at the northern most tip of Michigan's lower peninsula in Mackinaw City - ahhhh, it was just beautiful all the way around here! <br><br>The next day we drove the Mackinac Bridge to Michigan's Upper Peninsula.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ae7737c037b6df67d93c9d6ad334812956f5dcca/original/bridge-1-1.jpg?1476748994" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Then across the upper Michigan Peninsula as the sun was rising! No traffic, in fact, more often than not, we had the road to ourselves!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/96291ebf2b48a4e662b390bf6aa2f83c2ed69456/original/sun-rising-upper-peninsula-1.jpg?1476749654" class="size_l justify_center border_" />On and on we went, our longest days drive during this whole trip..... on into northern Wisconsin and into Minnesota - land of 10,000 lakes, this route was just beautiful all the way through Minnesota! "The Road Not Taken" :) ( by most anyway ) <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/71883aa539ac11c79c73f77b08734f7151ecc407/original/heading-home-through-minnesota-1.jpg?1476751834" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>One of the 10,000 lakes in Minnesota!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/5c185a5ec65b6fff73d3798129afeb7634805fb9/original/minnesota-lake-1.jpg?1476751881" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Crossing the Mississippi River In Minnesota<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f3f1e3d72e3a7a35f7d8a495b10da5cacec42b1d/original/mississippi-river-in-minnisota-3-use-this-one-1.jpg?1476751907" class="size_l justify_center border_" />On we go into North Dakota where we had hoped to join up with native americans and all those supporting native americans in their stand to protect their lands @ Standing Rock ND. <br><br>They are also standing up for all of us in trying to bring attention to our most crucial problems in this world regarding the exploitation of the earth through the quest for every more oil & gas, and industrial agriculture all of which destroys our soil, water, air and whole eco - systems.<br><br>At the beginning of our road travels in 2014 - 2015 we met a native american elder in Covelo, CA who told us that indigenous peoples across the world are now uniting for the first time ever in an attempt to reach out to everyone on the planet to join them in helping to stop this environmental destruction and slow down global warming.<br><br>He told us that his people & all native people see these changes in ways most of us do not as they have lived off the land for many hundreds if not thousands of years and have passed information on through their stories down thru the ages. He said they have not forgotten this connection.<br>The quick changes they see are unlike anything they have seen in their collective histories. <br> <br>He told us that we, as traveling musicians were in a good position to pass on this message through music and through people we meet on our travels. <br><br>We were in a time crunch to get back to our home town as we passed the turn-off of 1-94 to Standing Rock just last week, so we nodded our heads in respect, acknowledgement & support for our native brothers and sisters and all those who are becoming protectors of the earth. <br><br>Just like most Americans - we are too busy to stop for the most important struggle of our time if not the most important struggle ever in the history of human history.<br>But, we are passing on his message to those we meet during our travels and also through our music and blog and vow to do more. <br><br>So, further west we see this sign and realize we are home.<br>The Big West is our real home, not just one place, but the vast western home from Montana, Wyoming, Colorado & New Mexico to the most western states.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/cee2a97bf1429cc609fe4d658769224d13737574/original/home-1.jpg?1476755549" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Until we meet again, Music Speaks Volumes, Poetry Sings!<br> </p>
</div>PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/39178962015-11-08T19:26:27-08:002023-01-16T14:49:44-08:00End Of The Road! ( for now :)Another rainbow leads us out of Alaska on "Top Of The World Road"!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/26785f962f1dc5e39564d66eec36c4c179134042/original/rainbow.jpg?1440873720" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>What a year this has been!<br>We were out traveling & playing music for just over 14 months.<br>We drove over 30,000 miles.<br>We camped much of this time en route to our performances.<br>We found some awesome places, hikes, hot springs and beautiful campsites along the way.<br>We have met great folks everywhere.<br>We still think librarians are the best people on earth!<br>We did not miss one performance. ( over 100 )<br>We still cannot believe this tour went so well, without a "hitch"!<br><br>As we were leaving Alaska in late July, we still did not know where we would ultimately land.<br>We planned to take some time off the road @ Ghost Ranch in New Mexico in October to help us figure this out.<br><br>The Caribou seem to be heading in the same direction as us, another good sign perhaps?<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c844bd111cb16a73dd6f12f4e606ac949f31d6f3/original/img-5878.jpg?1446862156" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We head into the Yukon and cross the Yukon River by Ferry as there are no bridges in this area.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/fdc6aae8406199c6de2015697202125535d2772b/original/img-5980.jpg?1446862943" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>The Yukon River is a beauty & flows fast.<br>The river originates in BC, flows through the Yukon and Alaska and empties into the Bering Sea.<br>It's area of drainage is 25% larger than the Province of Alberta and the State of Texas.<br><br>We follow the Yukon River heading south along her eastern shore.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/294ad19b35cffdb4fd6243da1883a67a3583c22e/original/img-6027.jpg?1446863251" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We found a lovely hot springs just north of Whitehorse, Yukon called Takhini Hot Springs.<br>After driving over 1000 miles in 2 days, we decided to camp here for a couple of days and soak in the hot springs.<br>They have a very nice quaint restaurant serving excellent local organic food.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/740d2da683d66fd6d7d9599ca4920bcbf84240d7/original/takhini-hot-springs-2008.jpg?1446863879" class="size_l justify_center border_" />From here, we decided to take the Cassiar Highway back through Northern BC because it is spectacularly beautiful, more adventurous, sparsely populated ( except for the bears ) and less traveled....of course!<br><br>The Cassiar Highway starts just east of Whitehorse and is an alternative and more primitive route going south through NW BC.<br>It is also the shorter route traveling back to the states versus taking the Alcan Highway.<br>We camped at one of the most beautiful lakes we have seen on our travels, Boya Lake.<br>This is the view from our camp.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/5560efaab28a72544a470b195a7f96ce6c61480a/original/boya-lake-2-1.jpg?1447027736" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Boya Lake is situated on the Liard Plain, an area carved out by glaciers 20,000 years ago.<br>It is one of the few lakes in the north that is warm enough for swimming.<br>The park rents out canoes and kayaks to explore the seemingly limitless bays and islands.<br>The lake is noted for its colour and clarity.<br>The bottom is composed of marl, a mixture of silt and shell fragments.<br>The crystal clear waters and aqua-marine lake color are a result of the light reflecting from the marl bottom.<br>This is truly an awesome lake!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/e3449eff34ed3a33ccde6e45c1cb7f65153cf71d/original/boya-lake-2-oh-boya.jpg?1446859701" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Towards the southern end of the Cassiar Hwy, we decided to explore the only area in SE Alaska which is accessible by road, Hyder Alaska.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a3810ff2b5c04f2cd74255b80040c51a35f82340/original/cassiar-3-use-this-one.jpg?1446861460" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We head west on a most awesome road with over 50 Avalanche Shoots.<br>We are thankful that our travels are at this time of year (August) but one of area local's told us it was no problem for them to drive out in the winter as long as they called the Avalanche Crew ahead of time!!<br><br>Hyder is on the eastern fringe of Misty Fjords National Monument, at the head of Portland Canal, a town that may be in Alaska but identifies more closely with its Canadian neighbors just across the border in Stewart, British Columbia.<br><br>Estuary @ end of 70 mile long Portland Canal -<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f8deb683a810a4dcc0063ee56bbcbc23cb043ada/original/estuary-at-end-of-portland-canal.jpg?1446921951" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Even though Hyder has mainland road access, the town is so isolated from the rest of Alaska its 72 residents are almost totally dependent on larger Stewart (pop. 700), just across the Canadian border.<br><br>Hyder's residents use Canadian money, set their watches to Pacific Standard Time (not Alaska Standard Time), use Stewart’s area code and send their children to Canadian schools.<br><br>When there’s trouble, the famed Canadian Mounties step in.<br><br>All this can make a side trip here something of an international affair.<br><br>Along the road to Salmon Glacier-North of Hyder -<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/8c3211e5e16c4c227eba3384001a0aa7e63137e7/original/beautiful-mirror-image.jpg?1446860547" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Almost to the top of the pass, wow!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/b19c401cb9a7f354b910dbc928b6ced3c3f8eb5e/original/img-6237.jpg?1446911579" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Top of the pass looking over the Glacier!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c146c4d7653dd610536cb18a8d137c88f61847ba/original/salmon-glacier-1.jpg?1447028061" class="size_l justify_center border_" />At this pass we met Keith "Bear Man" Scott.<br>Keith has been coming to this area from Newfoundland every summer for decades to study the bears and to take photos of the bears, glaciers, ice caves and other places he has explored in the area.<br>He camps out here from May through September in a tent.<br>This day was chilly, with intermittent rain and fog which initially obscured our view of the glacier.<br>He told us to "wait a little while, 20 minutes max, and the fog would lift and we could get a good picture" and just like he said, the fog lifted within 20 minutes.<br><br>Keith with Colleen below -<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/4ee7a38b84869380cf259772389f211ad9dd82c5/original/1.jpg?1446911977" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Keith loves nature and bears in particular.<br>During the winter, he shares his knowledge with kids in school programs with the intent of creating more awareness about the interconnection of all things with nature and the importance of protecting nature for the bears and for all of us.<br><br>He has had very close contact with bears including grizzlies, black bear and has also photographed and studied the lesser known "Spirit Bears" or Kermode Bear.<br>This is one of Keith's pictures of the Spirit Bear below.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/fbaa7e35bf6995a463557039da3ae1bcd67eae76/original/2-02-kermo2-dh2.jpg?1446921088" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Keith says the following about these bears.<br>They are basically black "white" bears and they are less aggressive than their cousins.<br>He confirmed that these bears are not white because of living around the glaciers, but because of a genetic difference from the black bear.<br>The Kermode bears can show a range of color, from white, to blue white ( Glacier Bear ) to "rainbow" ie from white, blue to brown. ( Rainbow Bear )<br><br>Keith convinced us to stay one more day and go back to the platform in the early morning or just around sunset to view the bears.<br>He was right when he said waiting one more day would be well worth our time.<br>In fact, it was one of the highlights of all our travels!!<br><br>"Goin Fishin"<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/bbe97e6cd869a8ba841c2f8ee05cbecd70be9c07/original/5597.gif?1446911090" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>We headed back to the Cassiar Highway then south, back to "civilization" on the Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway 16.<br><br>We take the Icefield Parkway Road off the Yellowhead Hwy which heads south from Jasper Alberta down the spine of the Rockies to Banff.<br>This is one of the most spectacular drives in the world with abundant wildlife!<br><br>Ah, there is nothing like the Canadian Rockies and her turquoise & green rivers & streams!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/17092a750b936a1314e500c225269d765a6dffad/original/jasper-to-banff-1.jpg?1447029458" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/3de1339fe77db1a89bfb016494f09da03d6e46a3/original/jasper-to-banff-1-1.jpg?1447033868" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Time to head back into USA.<br><br>Our first performance in Montana is in Kalispell.<br>We love the rivers in Montana and we lucked out finding a great camp site right on the Flathead River near town.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a2f9c4337e2623fa219bca7e3c650a216afc2c7a/original/chris-on-the-flathead-1.jpg?1447035753" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Look who wants to come for dinner?<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/b5861155851d5235e382b557e64132d9503e498d/original/parasail-on-the-kalispell-1.jpg?1447035755" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>This night, The Blue Moon rises over the Flathead River!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/0361ad6cc7d41a6a5e72fb41dc3f64142dc68e79/original/blue-moon-3.jpg?1447035952" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Kalispell Library -<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/7c1867a3510f2762166ee5ea3a0854afb09b83fd/original/kalispell-library-1.jpg?1447037102" class="size_l justify_center border_" />It was a very hot the day we played @ the Kalispell Library.<br>Our librarian went above and beyond the usual great treatment we get from librarians and made us a couple lemonades before our performance.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/0c1ae7a1b469bb9052041c76843464cde5d55d70/original/lemonade-anyone-1.jpg?1447037033" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>On to Helena!<br><br>Helena Montana is one of our favorite small cities in the west!<br>Helena has a look of a European city with her grand cathedral close to downtown.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/0e86a2ede2e170c1c98f0cd5a08853405409f8f1/original/cathedral-2.jpg?1447034056" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We have 2 library performances in this area & one performance @ the Chaucer Street Quarry.<br>The Quarry is one of our favorite venues.<br>We had camped here last year at the beginning of the tour and we were invited to play in the Quarry if we came back through the area.<br><br>What a beautiful evening it was.<br>MJ Williams joined us for a few pieces.<br>MJ is a wonderful jazz vocalist, trombonist & composer.<br>We love her music and we love playing music with her!<br>The acoustics are fantastic in the quarry!<br>We all had a great time!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/d2fd24ceefa4af9acf220f6d425ac8a1316c60d6/original/at-the-quarry-with-mj.jpg?1447034802" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/1860f4815bce70f8e23bf77a4c22b4a300b8cbb2/original/quarry-big-picture.jpg?1447034842" class="size_l justify_center border_" />At this point, we have come full circle in this tour as we had gone through Helena at the beginning of our tour and towards the end of our tour, one year later.<br><br>We played about 6 more performances in Colorado and Utah in September before we made it to Ghost Ranch towards the end of September.<br><br>Ghost Ranch is an awesome place and staying there for even a short while gave us a chance to consider what was next for us.<br><br>The great magnet moves in mysterious ways and we are pulled back to Portland for now.<br><br>We look forward to reconnecting with family, old friends and all the wonderful musicians in this area.<br><br>We'd like to thank all who supported us on our tour & thank all the librarians who invited us into their libraries and communities!<br><br>We are at the end of the road.....for now!<br><br>"Stay Tuned!"<br><br><br><br><br><br><br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/38174072015-08-29T11:43:31-07:002023-01-16T14:50:07-08:00"Big Alaska"From Juneau we set sail for Skagway and begin the journey NW to the mainland of Alaska.<br><br>Alaska is such a huge area, it is still difficult to comprehend this immense land that encompasses the state of Alaska, even after driving to the mainland and back out again.<br><br>You could fit Texas into Alaska 2 times!<br>One-fifth the size of the Lower 48, Alaska is bigger than Texas, California, and Montana combined!<br>Alaska is also far-flung: 3.1 times wider (east to west) and 1.9 times taller (north to south) than Texas.<br><br>From north to south, Alaska measures 1420 miles, the distance from Denver to Mexico City, and east to west 2500 miles, the distance from Savannah, GA to Santa Barbara, CA.<br><br>Alaska also has the most northern point (Point Barrow) and the most western point (Cape Wrangell, Alaska -- further west than Hawaii) in the U.S.<br><br>Wow!<br><br>What can we say, except we still cannot fathom the distance. <br>Especially since most of the driving can only be done in a small area of the mainland, you need a boat or plane to get to most areas of Alaska.<br><br>So Skagway is a northern point of the inside passage in SE Alaska, the most northern, though you could also get off the ferry in Haines, but we chose Skagway because we have a library performance there!! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a9aca877c13ce14ff98fd1bef131c938062f45ed/large/skagway-to-anchorage-map.jpg?1439429186" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" />At this point, we are headed to Anchorage and then to Homer Alaska.<br>To give another idea of the distances and how far west Alaska goes, Homer, Alaska on the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula is north of Hawaii.<br>The drive from Skagway to Homer is about 1000 miles.<br><br>The skies become smokier the further north we go from the fires in Canada & Alaska.<br>This picture is taken after entering the Yukon.<br>There are several massive sized lakes in the Yukon, a vast, beautiful and unpopulated land.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f4154816fa99741cd1e602d187239360665ea797/original/lynn-canal-smokey-skies-skagway.jpg?1439757351" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We make our way to Anchorage over 3-4 days of driving to play in 2 uniquely different libraries in the area, the Loussac and Girdwood libraries<br>The picture below is taken with The Girdwood Librarian, Helen Wood -<br>We had a great time playing & meeting folks at both libraries!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/5d98a1dde25a906710e15b50141606ee64c54055/original/girdwood-library-and-librarian.jpg?1439759341" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We were very excited to head down the Kenai Peninsula to Homer Alaska, a place we called home for one of the most incredible years of our lives when our son Eric was 3 years old in 1985 & 1986.<br><br>30 years ago, we traveled around the bend in the road and saw this:<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f179f95e10cc4a272c54dad0e097fd5c4f48799c/original/homer-alaska-spit-eagle.jpg?1439763251" class="size_l justify_center border_" />(disclamier, not our picture, our camera cannot capture the totality of this:)<br><br>We turned on the local community radio station and listened to great music coming over the airwaves from KBBI Homer.<br>All range of styles, but great quality and selection of material.<br>We saw posters on bulletin boards of all the community happenings, and for a town this size, we were impressed and thought this is the place for us!<br><br>Chris had a jazz show on KBBI Homer broadcasting his show in town & out over the water with fishermen picking up the airwaves and calling in to comment on the program.<br><br>This is the year we started to develop our duo of voice, vibes and cello.<br>Prior to this time, we had played in bands, ie quartets, quintets with Chris on drums and Colleen singing.<br><br>This journey to Homer has brought us full circle to the place our duo began.<br>Our family life was the best this year as we had lots of time to spend with our son Eric in our beautiful cozy cabin.<br>We loved Homer and our life there, and this was the beginning of a new life for us in so many ways.<br><br>Now it is 30 years later and we are able to meet up with our dear friends from that time who graciously invited us to stay with them and to host a home concert for us.<br>Peter & Wendy asked us to play in their home 30 years ago for one of our first gigs as a duo - Life is Good!!<br><br>The other part of our meeting up this time with Wendy & Peter is that they both love and write thoughtful & beautiful poetry!<br>We were and still are amazed at how they live and lived their lives.<br>They built their own home which is one of the most warm and beautiful homes we have ever been in.<br>Homer has a reputation for supporting the arts, and both Wendy & Peter have contributed greatly to a range of art happenings & projects, from comedy improv to dance and writing and much more. They are also world travelers and continue to do good works for those in need.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/671453c852fc501f6c29dce19880e7e08a72c1a1/original/homer-1.jpg?1439762270" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c2b40bfb7af1656592206c0fc0d0636346e21a94/original/homer-2.jpg?1439762365" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>As we sat around the table catching up on 30 years of life, we all realized then & now, we are kindred spirits in this world!<br><br>Thank you Wendy & Peter for the most wonderful, gracious stay in Homer!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/533bc7d3be273d07905cb60f1f94bc451dde41d1/original/peter-wendy.jpg?1439762869" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>North to Denali.<br><br>We have met up with our good friend and neighbor Kathy from Eldorado Springs, Colorado on this portion of our journey.<br>Initially meeting up in Anchorage we parted to meet again in Homer and at this point, we meet up in one of the most amazing places on earth, Denali NP!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f7f0c8ef56982996a5cf002e6461742870c20e79/original/kathy-and-colleen-in-denali.jpg?1440011507" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>We are more than lucky, because much of our time in Denali NP is with mostly clear skies and warm weather.<br><br>"The Great One" is out in full glory for us to gaze upon her immense beauty!!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/9ea3986c043b2192f7f2a831c33bc4d8e7323587/original/denali.jpg?1440011537" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Denali is the mountain with the highest base-to-summit vertical rise above sea level in the world (just over 18,000 feet, or 5,486 meters), (20,320 ft; 6,193 m.).<br>Many folks think this would be Mt. Everest, but Everest starts at a much higher altitude from base to top.<br><br>We hiked across the tundra and made noises and kept our eyes on the surrounding area to watch-out for Grizzly Bears!<br>Knowing that we are visitors in bear country makes us hyper alert & aware of our surroundings.<br><br>Kathy brought along bear spray, but it is a little breezy the day we take this hike, so it makes us think twice about the unlikely possibility of needing to use it.<br><br>Of course we all know & agree that our most pressing risks or dangers are not bears, but somehow bears remain in our Psyche as something more dangerous than anything else.<br><br>It makes our hike & stay in Denali all the more exciting.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a529f0d949cebd09e84f9ba3f3f249029277ef60/original/phillips-mace-1-embedded-grizzly.jpg?1440797498" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> Disclaimer, our friend Kathy was able to get pictures of Denali bears like the above with her keen eye and great camera - this is not our photo - as we observed the 300 yard rule in Denali, picking out a Grizz with our i-phone looks more like the following picture. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a25e08d8eeff0999e6daeb6fed964980bb4bbd59/original/far-away-picture-of-grizz.jpg?1440797811" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Later in our journey we came much closer to black & grizzly bears like the previous picture of the "big grizz" - on our next post - near Hyder Alaska.<br>"Stay Tuned"!<br><br>So, now we make our way back to Base Camp.<br>Our bus driver deftly takes us over this pass and tells us that they are required to have many hours of training driving on this road.<br>In fact, at this spot, they need to be able to back up and turn around when confronted with an oncoming bus.<br>( The road is narrow and just to the left of this cliff, this picture is taken from inside the bus looking out and down! )<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/12e06924d3394e08800923fceba54f088ccbb711/original/cliff-road-denali.jpg?1440798638" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We were happy to get over the pass safely, and on the way back to base camp our friendly bus driver stopped for us to take pictures of this Caribou close to the road.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a45f2d543cc4a9a7b9562e6f4f05929bd205ade0/original/caribou.jpg?1440013655" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We found out the trees in Denali NP are displacing the tundra due to global warming, so the Caribou are being displaced from their former range and now need to go higher or further north to forage. The moose are moving in to Caribou's former territory in the park.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f3469ae4ea4d7c466633948abb094e164871ee0a/original/moose-denali-3890-890.jpg?1440798192" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Back at base camp, we enjoy a delicious King Crab dinner! Guess we are not thinking too much of the bears at this point<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c5c16a438fa2d1030aea62983c901a0fb2279173/original/king-crab.jpg?1440012718" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>It's time to head North through Fairbanks and west to make way to our next performance in Delta Junction.<br><br>Just north of Denali the skies become very smoky. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/5221aefd3dc6f7dc5ca462378e6b38963bb1cad9/original/smoke.jpg?1440818042" class="size_l justify_center border_" />There are fires in many areas but the smoke seems to be coming from the west.<br>It gets thicker and starts to become alarming as it begins to cause throat, eye and lung irritation.<br>By the time we get to Nenana, we stop at the visitor center to see if we should turn around, but we hear the smoke has come in behind us too.<br>The radio station from Fairbanks said that the air quality was extreme and hazardous and told folks to stay indoors.<br>We decided to keep going and hoped that if we headed east from Fairbanks, the air quality would improve, and thankfully it did improve a little!<br><br>It made us think of how people and animals are impacted by all these fires, and this year in particular is a bad fire year for all of the west, from California, thru Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and even in the SE Alaska rain forests, they are seeing fires for the first time.<br>But the interior of Alaska seems to be experiencing the worst of the fires in Alaska.<br><br>We made it to Delta Junction to play @ Delta Community Library. <br>We have been in touch with librarian Joyce McCombs over many months and we're looking forward to meeting her as she has given us great information and support for our program.<br><br>Joyce with Chris below.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a99d8f07937a89e3c8dbb3f2e62965dfa8a03a93/original/joyce.jpg?1440015511" class="size_l justify_center border_" />There was a good turnout & enthusiasm for our concert was wonderful!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/937f88033588d55e626fc1b4bf5a82ed84310f1b/original/delta-junction-2.jpg?1440016846" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Now our journey to McCarthy Alaska and Kenicott Mine begins!<br><br>We take the Richardson Highway south for our 276 mile journey to McCarthy.<br>The last 60 miles takes us about 5 hours over a gravel road with many washboards.<br>We do not want to discourage anyone from taking this road, because it is more than worth the time & effort and it's basically a good road, with washboards.<br>And for most, it would take about 2.5 to 3 hours, but we needed to go slower to protect all our "gear" instruments, PA etc.<br><br>The Richardson Highway is a beautiful drive south from Delta Junction and follows the Alaska pipeline much of the way.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/04f284a9165e735a132e2980f31f53dd73ad97e9/original/pipeline.jpg?1440778499" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Fireweed was out in full bloom - wow!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/3661b34a2abd5edf658228433a10234fa909db6c/original/fireweed.jpg?1440778799" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>McCarthy and Kennicott Mine<br><br> <br>We turned off the Richardson Highway and headed east to the road to McCarthy.<br>We follow the Copper River much of the way. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/b3579ca5860b3bab9542f73ec29f62af45b1dd8e/original/copper-river.jpg?1440779110" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We cross other rivers too and drive past many beautiful lakes.<br>This river crosses a gorge and the bridge is single lane, so we stop for a moment to make sure no one is coming from the other side.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/cc81779d30bb8e48d5e7c342fcd15199413e2c56/original/kusk-river.jpg?1440779815" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The Kuskulana River looks like a milky light chocolate color. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/cb371578d47f5f464e3ce774b8be2f1c0a658a01/original/milky-light-choco-river.jpg?1440780046" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Rock flour, or glacial flour, consists of fine-grained, silt-sized particles of rock, generated by mechanical grinding of bedrock by glacial erosion or by artificial grinding to a similar size. Because the material is very small, it becomes suspended in melt water making the water appear cloudy, which is sometimes known as glacial milk.<br>Hmmm, do we want to drink this water? We figure we could get lots of minerals from this water, maybe some we don't want!<br><br>We pass over a few more rivers, the road starts to narrow a bit.<br>This picture shows the road in good condition, but the small washboards cause our van to bump and shake more unless we reduce our speed to about 10 mph or even less in some places.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ef7698616d7b75690611ef0587aad4afad623ba3/original/road-to-mccarthy.jpg?1440780515" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We finally come to the end of the McCarthy Road, just across the river from McCarthy. <br>We are able to cross the river in the van, but there is a foot bridge over the river we can walk across.<br>Many years ago, Colleen crossed this river in a basket pulling herself over using a pully system.<br><br>We find our camp site before venturing across the river - we still have another day before our performance to explore this area & walk into town.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ecbd4ef8c4a44b54728fa8198ebb56d2f533f64d/original/copper-river-camp.jpg?1440781022" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The next picture is looking up river from our campsite towards Kennicott Glacier. ( Folks dispute whether Kennicott is spelled with an i or an e )<br><br>You can't see it in the picture, but we spot a bear above the banks of the river within the trees, close to the other end of this camping area.<br>We are happy to be down-river from this bear, though folks up there are on higher ground.<br><br>We learned after we set up camp that the glacier has a river running under it which turns into the Copper River.<br>Ice damns build up and occasionally the ice dams break releasing huge quantities of water downstream. <br>We did hear the river roar a bit louder the night we camped here and several times looked out the window to see if the water was rising.<br>It did a bit, but not enough to sweep us downstream.<br>Not a great nights sleep!<br><br>We were happy that we had a room in town the day of our performance ON THE 2nd FLOOR!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/6688f3f985b1a0ffd00fa67360ed1b47cb9af2e7/original/looking-the-other-way.jpg?1440781584" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Another picture of this view about midnight!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/0ed99e0a9299c7841497a8fb70fa2c1e9851eedd/original/midnight.jpg?1440787694" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The next day, we break camp and get ready to go cross the river and make our way to Kennicott Mine.<br><br>Chris unloading our instruments and gear onto our carts for the river crossing!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/b1d8c6425580406e66fc0942baf01ae758610a51/original/chris-packing.jpg?1440782877" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Colleen heads across the river -<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f6d6d5d688954bed342539472a7ad99d7ae98b4b/original/colleen.jpg?1440782961" class="size_l justify_center border_" />On the other side, our loaner Toyota pick-up truck will take us up to Kenicott Mine. ( Check out the left front tire....will we make it? )<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a9faa9d28b694a2485c86e3996928a8888c979ed/original/toyota-truck.jpg?1440783287" class="size_l justify_center border_" />On the road to Kennicott Mine!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a7bd522c66b12a90e1a30c45e8928bd6c8038471/original/on-the-road-to-kennicott-mine.jpg?1440783470" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Kennicott Mine is a fascinating place and the location in a remote setting.<br>Kennicott Mine sits just inside of one of the largest protected places on earth, the Wrangell - St. Elias NP which is a shared NP with Canada.<br><br>Wrangell St. Elias contains the tallest mountains in North America ( besides Denali ) both in number ie several over 15,000 feet and a few 18.000 to 20,000 plus feet setting.<br><br>There are ice-fields above Kennicott and glaciers spill out from the ice fields.<br><br>Those who have traveled to the interior of this park say there are a few "Yosemite" like valleys with granite walls higher than those found in Yosemite.<br>For one to travel any distance into this park, it would take expedition type planning due to the size and remoteness of this area.<br>It is possible to hike easily from Kennicott for shorter hikes, and even walk onto one of the glaciers.<br><br>The Kennicott mine is being "stabilized" as the park service calls it.<br><br>The new paint on the buildings are the original color of the buildings.<br><br>The original members of this community were a tight knit group who mainly worked for the mine or to support the families of the miners.<br>They had a school, gardens, and a recreation hall with all sorts of activities including performances and dances.<br><br>Some pics of the mine, buildings & surrounding landscape from different perspectives.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/5c104cff292851b3905df6f5772f07c68ae1de15/original/kennecott-north-end-of-town-cropped.jpg?1440784554" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ac19b9bcce9246a2df52b458985fbbfd53e190e2/original/looking-towards-mine-and-mountains-north.jpg?1440786254" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/870629a0da96f86c1c8542bfbf493a306b7c6ce9/original/kennicott-3.jpg?1440786302" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Refurbished buildings<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f016e672923f3e4a43cc926062bda64fd809bf6d/original/post-office-kennecott.jpg?1440788168" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/32d8c3ce7c1c7b52221407cac24282b3cb03b0ba/original/kennicott-buildings.jpg?1440787896" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Boiler Room - making electricity for Kennicott and the mine.<br>This boiler room contained 8 huge Babcock and Wilcox Boilers which provided electricity to power the mine and the town of Kennicott.<br>Those working in the boiler "room" were happy to work there in the winter!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/9e728890b44e8738bd81c95600410fde23a40661/original/booiler-room-1.jpg?1440800000" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/cc30b45c8b514944ef390420bcf10e243e38caff/original/boiler-room-2.jpg?1440799994" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>This mine is so fascinating. <br>The mine was abandoned virtually overnight in 1938 when the price of copper dropped too low.<br>When Colleen visited here over 25 years ago, there were still place settings on the tables in family cottages and canned foods in the cupboards.<br><br>For more on the history of Kennicott, here is a link.<br><br>http://www.17silkstockingrow.com/history.htm<br><br>Back to preparations for our concert - we arrive at the Rec Hall to unpack our gear, and yes we made it, even with an almost flat tire!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/50d507c288d8e6e24a8d2cbe851ab8c51e0ef601/original/chris-unpacking.jpg?1440800398" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We are finally set up for the evenings performance. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a10e9eedb2b8fd175dd17d2a80a0ca6148516afe/original/set-up.jpg?1440800559" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We decided to take a stroll before the performance to see more of the incredible landscape and sights around here!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/3c2d84a6ff5eb68e13b5a5ade8c2fefc699009c2/original/site-1.jpg?1440800780" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/52de2398a67bf3f0d38e833036c3a83bc9b8dc89/original/site-2.jpg?1440800790" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We walk over to the Kennicott Glacier Lodge.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/34d081ea52595480587c6a48f2969539bf1a295b/original/mccarthy-kennicott-glacier-lodge-03.jpg?1440800935" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We get closer and look up to the deck level from the bottom of the stairs and see someone waving at us!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f8d8565a8c648a681ea3712686c14021c2d6f2e1/original/kathy-waving.jpg?1440801065" class="size_l justify_center border_" />It is our friend Kathy! We have not seen her since leaving Denali.<br>Kathy took some great pics and video's of the concert - we hope to post these in the future.<br>The evenings performance was wonderful, we were impressed at the number of people who made the effort to come, especially Kathy.<br><br>After the performance, there is still plenty of light to make our way down to McCarthy, about 4 miles.<br>Our left front tire a little flatter than before, makes our ride a little smoother actually and we make it back easily.<br><br>McCarthy is a town with a population of about 50 people year round.<br>"In the day" it was called Shushana Junction but eventually changed its name to McCarthy, and became the site of a turnaround station for the railroad.<br>"McCarthy was quite a miners’ and railroaders’ town, with all the – ahem – “entertainment” a young man on the frontier might require.<br>Restaurants, pool halls, hotels, saloons, a dress shop, shoe shop, garage, hardware store, and thriving red light district all popped up to provide services to more than 800 people in the area. The two towns coexisted for the 27 years that Kennicott was in operation. Traditions from those days, such as the 4th of July baseball game, are still carried out today."<br><br>For more history, go to http://www.largestnationalpark.com/history.html.<br><br>Present day McCarthy is rustically charming.<br>The locals preserve the history and buildings in a way that makes this town feel like it was 100 years ago.<br><br>Our hotel with our room on the 2nd floor, right side of building.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/6c445531268d7eaa9e6af5615b2e15c28ad9c9e0/original/our-hotel.jpg?1440867197" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The Golden Saloon on the left and McCarthy Lodge Bistro on the right of this building served up great food, drinks and ambiance!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/3ddb36d34a716dc3d4fe801ef0d2519930ac3357/original/golden-saloon-and-restaurant.jpg?1440867676" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We went over to the Saloon for a drink and look who we saw.<br>"How much is that doggy in the window...arf ...arf"!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/7ff720f400456cb74267c1176f63ff3c4464bc3f/original/how-much-is-that-doggy-in-the-window.jpg?1440867902" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The Wrangell Mountains Center used to be the general store in McCarthy.<br>Wrangell Mountains Center fosters appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of wildlands and mountain culture in Alaska through scientific and artistic inquiry in the Wrangell Mountains. Meeting the needs of students, writers, artists, scientists, travelers and local citizens, we offer opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to explore, express, and be transformed through direct experience with this extraordinary place.<br><br>The Wrangell Mountain Center and Ma Johnson's were the 2 groups to bring us to McCarthy and hosted our stay and concert @ Kennicott Mines.<br>For more info on the Wrangell Mountain Center - go to Wrangells.org.<br>We really appreciated the chance to come here - it was one of the highlights of our travels!<br><br>Here is a picture of the center in the old general store!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/be43502ebdad7086730f8a4613cc76f77d5c8094/original/3-merchant-mountain.jpg?1440868518" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Metal Sculpture Raven outside the Wrangell Mountain Center -<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c68163bd27b0cf9523b4a9793645da7de0a186e1/original/scene-2-crow.jpg?1440868802" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Our journey to McCarthy and Kennicott has drawn to a close and we now head back on the gravel road to Kenny Lake, which is on the Edgerton Highway just beyond the where the McCarthy road starts. <br><br>Our friends Gay and David Wellman have a B & B which they graciously offered as our lodging for our time with them.<br>Gay & Colleen worked together as RN's on the night shift @ Alaska Hospital and Medical Center in the late 70's.<br>Working nights helped to create a comradery & friendship that has lasted over all these years, truly a kindred spirit!<br><br>Gay made it possible for us to play in Kenny Lake Community Center & to do a workshop with the young people of Kenny Lake in their library.<br>She also helped to connect us with the folks in McCarthy which resulted in our travels & performance @ Kennicott Mine Recreation Hall.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/27b5d45e0ffd67316359357efe2e67076b099c9d/original/david-gay.jpg?1440869907" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Every year in late summer, they host the "One World Camp", " One World Camp offers an opportunity to look at significant issues of life on Planet Earth in a venue that is made available by the Planet itself. Participants experience a sense of uplift, hope, and renewal of purpose in the beautiful natural setting of Wellwood Nature Preserve. Those who attend One World Camp share ideas, meet other good people, and contribute to the revitalization of the planet while enjoying and exploring the wildland trails and views of the Nature Preserve, in the heart of Alaska’s Copper River Country. Participants will explore practical solutions to troubling problems of the world, make lasting friendships, and find a unique opportunity to reset the personal compass during this weekend of outdoor activity, thoughtful conversation, and direct service.<br><br>For more info on their great & much needed work, go to http://www.wconserve.org/.<br><br>We performed our Poetry in Music concert @ the Kenny Lake Community Hall. <br>We had a great turn-out and enthusiasm for our program and found Kenny Lake Folks to be especially "down-home" friendly and willing to experience something new.<br>The acoustics were really great in this hall! A wonderful evening for all of us!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/0cd041578281e061d44293b69e056651bff45704/original/kenny-lake-community-hall.jpg?1440870801" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The next morning we had about the most fun we've had with a presentation & workshop for kids at the Kenny Lake Library.<br>Several of these young folks volunteered to improvise singing poems by Shel Silverstein - they were more than willing to participate and they were awesome!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/934ccacf6c230d1330e5c2b97129b25c8f40f52f/original/kenny-lake-library.jpg?1440870969" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>At this time, it seems we are starting to head back to the "lower 48", but we have 2 more performances before leaving Alaska on our way out.<br>We take the Tok Cutoff Rd. north to Tok for our last performance in Alaska, but on the way, we "picked up" a gig at Red Eagle Lodge where we presented our program to guests and friends of the folks who own this beautiful, historic lodge and grounds.<br><br>A short description from Red Eagle Lodge website: "Red Eagle Lodge is known for the richness of its history and spectacular setting in the Copper Valley, adjacent to Wrangel-St. Elias National Park. Located on the original site of the historic Chistochina Roadhouse, Red Eagle Lodge is the place for adventure. Whether you choose to wander the trail to the Beaver Dam or fish in the Copper River, you'll be surrounded by awesome scenery and the peace of unpopulated space."<br><br>Owners Richard & Judy Dennis are "true Alaskans" in their love of Alaska and the lifestyle embraced by living in these beautiful and more remote places.<br>They are generous, friendly and warm-hearted. <br><br><br><br>These are some of the reasons we love Alaska! <br>The people living rustic lives in one of the most incredible places on earth, unpopulated, wild and grand. <br>Folks buiding their own homes & structures, making it through the winter, capable and able to deal with the elements and life on the edge of the wilderness.<br>Folks here also help their neighbors and folks they don't know in ways not seen as often in the "lower 48".<br> "The Last Frontier" still applies here.<br><br>We have met so many in Alaskans who say they came & stay here for all of these reasons and they were and are able to be themselves and do all that they dreamed of doing.<br><br>One young man told us that it doesn't matter if someone is an old homesteader of many years or someone who arrived in Alaska 2 weeks ago, all are accepted as Alaskans from the get-go.<br><br>Of course Alaskans would also say that Anchorage & the suburbs are NOT Alaska!<br><br>Our sweet cabin for the night we stayed at Red Eagle Lodge.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/9868a2449649b0e51695bcd740eb1ae68465afbb/original/sweet-cabin.jpg?1440872582" class="size_l justify_center border_" />On to Tok Alaska where we have one last performance -<br>We were initially going to play in the Mushers Hall in Tok, but a saavy local teacher thought a more intimate setting would be more appropriate for the concert.<br>Lucia hosted us in her home and her daughter opened the show for us with her boyfriend.<br>It is always a treat for us to hear local talent!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/89e72d4cd62c7906eabe6c38db738158ffbe7517/original/tok-home-concert.jpg?1440872913" class="size_l justify_center border_" />This really was a nice evening and "hang" with Lucia especially as she loves poetry.<br>We had our first moose, ie burgers after our concert.<br><br>Many Alaskans provide food for themselves and their families through sustainable hunting and fishing.<br>It seemed most of the folks we talked to would hunt for one moose, and fish for salmon & halibut either in the ocean or rivers, sometimes using a "water wheel" to catch salmon in rivers such as the Copper River.<br>They freeze the moose meat & fish and place in the freezer and they provide their families with food for the rest of the year.<br>What a difference from going to the grocery store to pick up packaged pieces of fish & meat.<br>Most have a respect for wildlife & nature and do not want more than a sustainable lifestyle in relation to the balance of the nature and wildlife that surrounds them.<br><br>Lucia suggests we take the "Top of the World" road out of Alaska into the Yukon - and we are so glad we did!<br>Another rainbow appears & leads us out of Alaska!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/26785f962f1dc5e39564d66eec36c4c179134042/original/rainbow.jpg?1440873720" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br>Next: "Back to the Future"<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/38085252015-08-12T14:13:51-07:002023-01-16T14:50:26-08:00Juneau in June, Gustavus & Glacier National BayAh, Juneau. We have both been to Juneau previously, Colleen even lived here part of the year in 1977.<br><br>It is so beautiful around here!<br><br>It's great to be able to spend time with good friends who live here!<br><br>View of Auke Bay & Mendenhall Glacier ( Ferry Terminal north of Juneau ) from the ferry.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/32352c1c01a4e5425d7434313059e315971a7f30/original/mendenhall-glacier.jpg?1438979266" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Our ferry drops us off and heads south.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/52e883639433f9792222e75335659c7ab45efcd3/original/theres-our-ferry.jpg?1438978505" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>This picture is taken about 1130 pm, as the days grow longer - and dusk lasts for hours it seems!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/43db5c4a36d70c34543205d6effec2ac184ff75c/original/after-sunset-toms-deck.jpg?1438978339" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Colleen's new boat! ( "Where to next Chris"? )<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/190b754c4bfa059b10d6531cb3ffe4056159c4a9/original/colleens-new-boat.jpg?1438979017" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We performed at McPhetres Hall in Juneau which is on the same campus as Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Juneau.<br>The acoustics were wonderful in this hall - and we'd like to thank Paula Rohrbacher for suggesting this venue and doing the work to make this event happen.<br>We stayed with Paula and her husband Charles at the beginning of our stay and had great conversations around the dining room table about life and poetry.<br>Charles introduced us to several Polish poets, we were deeply impressed with the poetry he shared with us.<br>What a great stay with Paula & Charles! Thanks folks!!<br><br>Juneau was home base for us for almost 2 weeks as we set off from Juneau to go to Gustavus and Glacier Bay National Park.<br>We arrived in Gustavus one day prior to our excursion into Glacier Bay and our performance was after this excursion in the evening.<br><br>What a day it was!!<br><br>Tidewater Glaciers<br>Glacier Bay in Southeast Alaska was completely covered by ice just 200 years ago according to information provided by the National Park Service.<br>By the time John Muir visited the bay first in 1879, he found that the ice had retreated 48 miles up the bay.<br>By 1916 the Grand Pacific Glacier headed Tarr inlet 65 miles from Glacier Bay's mouth.<br>Such rapid retreat is known nowhere else on earth!<br>Scientists have documented it, hoping to learn how glacial activity relates to climate changes.<br>Glacier Bay National Park includes 16 tidewater glaciers:12 actively calve icebergs into the bay.<br><br>The show can be spectacular. As water undermines the ice fronts, great blocks of ice up to 200 feet high break loose and crash into the water."<br><br>We actually saw huge chunks of ice calve off Margie Glacier, but did not have our i-phone camera close enough at hand, but here's a fairly impressive picture just before this happened.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/e87c9606a20dd6b73c418dfd408cb18fb69a97ae/original/margie-glacier-2.jpg?1439414263" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/77040efdc2b68f9cfa3c55e478f667a23895f546/original/margie-glacier-afar.jpg?1439414764" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>The wildlife on this tour was incredible - we saw 4 Grizzly Bears, one a sow with 2 cubs, Dall Sheep, Killer Whales, Humpback Whales, dozens of Sea Otters, many birds including Puffins, Bald Eagles, Cormorants, Blue Heron to name a few of the more than 240 species of birds coming to this area & of course many fish jumping all around!<br><br>This next picture is not as clear as we saw our mama grizzly with her 2 cubs, but, not bad for the i-phone eh?<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ce517902c9d50f47bc4bc72a38e161c4bb11e63c/original/grizzly-in-glacier-np.jpg?1439415311" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Can you see the 2 Sea Otters below?<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/7e9db32bd4d4571f38efc91852088e034e063820/original/sea-otters.jpg?1439415605" class="size_l justify_center border_" />A spectacular day we had on the water.<br><br>Then back to Gustavus where we had a performance at "The Outpost", - Camalou Studio.<br><br>Our host is Lou Cacioppo, a most gracious, generous person and an incredible artist.<br>His art includes mask making, paintings & sculpture.<br>He's also a musician, has a great voice and accompanies himself on guitar.<br>He is a master carpenter and built his own house, outbuildings and studio as well as helping other people build their homes.<br>He's unbelievably talented.<br><br>Lou hosts local & regional musicians & artists in his studio.<br><br>Lou made us a delicious meal before our performance, so he is obviously also a great cook in addition to all of the above.<br><br>Here are 2 of Lou's art pieces.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/455d1d88e5c0b04a3ce7d6057a8a3ae08d1a2bd5/original/lou-1.jpg?1439416965" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/2e68431736f9ad65c1001f7e12a06c5608a73756/original/broken-heart.jpg?1439417665" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Lou's quote: “Through portrait sculpture, in masks, I create visual links that portray the underlying feelings and emotions of every day life. My art addresses changes in the modern world, changes so vast and rapid that man can scarcely adjust. The nature of one’s whole context changing from week to week is a kind of stress not previously known to man and not acknowledged due to the masks we wear. We suffer for the need of instantaneous gratification, and we are losing our compassion and therefore our desire to physically socialize. We are moving towards individual isolation. Through my art I am striving to slow if not stop that direction.”<br><br>http://www.camaloustudio.com/bio<br><br>Thank you Lou!<br><br>------------------------------<br><br>Back on the ferry for the 3.5 hour journey back to Juneau for a few more days before heading north to the main body of Alaska.<br><br>We were so very fortunate to stay with a very dear friend of Colleen's, Tom Nave and his wife Susan.<br><br>We had great times on their deck overlooking the water in their lovely home north of Juneau on Auke Bay.<br><br>Tom & Susan took us on a cocktail tour of the bay.<br>We picked up Tom & Susan's son and girlfriend from Douglas Island to join us on the tour.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/5ddd4eb2ca3779ec36b77f261130941d26546074/original/toms-son.jpg?1439419296" class="size_l justify_center border_" />A beautiful evening on the bay!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f7f67822690081a87a73958e40504b55f89592a2/original/on-the-bay.jpg?1439419628" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Colleen tried to get Susan's picture several times, but.....<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/2c8cd01e7f8458f71ea22fc14132784163c63764/original/susan.jpg?1439419706" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Our captain agreed to posing for a picture.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f631483ac3a928d9b79548e68adf1b713b671dce/original/captain-tom.jpg?1439419794" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We were able to catch up on decades of life since Colleen last saw Tom in the late 70's.<br><br>In fact Tom was the person who inspired Colleen to visit Alaska in the first place and introduced her to sea kayaking with Humpback Whales -- a story to tell if anyone would like to ask.<br><br>Thanks Tom & Susan for a great stay!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/5ddd8cfd9a4524f836caf97fe7c6826114d2e159/original/tom-susan.jpg?1439419866" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Next up...Skagway and points north!<br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/37751952015-07-15T17:51:46-07:002023-01-16T14:50:46-08:00SitkaWe again boarded the ferry in Ketchikan with our van for the 24 hour trip to Sitka.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c641c6616c54a9cca168dc61a316b360f4091110/original/going-to-sitka.jpg?1436751095" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br>This time, we book a cabin on the ferry for a good nights rest since we are performing a few hours after arriving in Sitka.<br>We even have a bathroom with a shower.<br><br><br>"All hands on deck!"<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/e97d773835e3c78f7db7f81d3021c4919f424937/original/chris-all-hands.jpg?1436746740" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The weather on the way is a little cool and rainy & walking on deck sure wakes you up if feeling a little sleepy.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/bf5cdb600b984bcc0a30ae7999b0288409b25dc6/original/cold.jpg?1436747259" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>We both agree that Sitka is our favorite town in SE Alaska.<br><br>We love all the communities we visited in SE, but the combination of life in Sitka, it's beautiful setting, maybe the fact that it was never a gold rush town gives it a different vibe.<br><br>There are fewer ocean liners coming to Sitka than other parts of SE Alaska, the community prefers this and when the ocean liners do come, they need to anchor away from the downtown area leaving the beautiful views of Sitka intact.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/505207dcaaf9179f94b1bbe61afb752e15d36789/original/sitka-2.jpg?1436748282" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>As all areas of SE Alaska, there is an active local arts and music scene, but Sitka has a fine arts campus at the historic Sheldon Jackson Campus.<br><br>On the day we arrived, we had a few hours to look around before our set-up time at the library which just happened to be on the same campus.<br><br>We lucked out because we were invited to attend the grand opening of the new performance center on campus in which much of the community had volunteered many thousands of hours to refurbish. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/94ec09e47f23d8b3e65afbe49659c031b9ae564c/original/odess-theater.jpg?1436748677" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>We are sure glad we went!<br><br>This building is beautiful, inside and out.<br>The dedication and turn-out from the community gave us a great opportunity to see a good portion of the community as several hundred people attended.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/26e9c555483664d2910e19728a32d8ac673969e0/original/inside-theater.jpg?1437008268" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>The presentations and community response revealed a very cohesive group of people who are very committed to a full and rich life in Sitka and a great appreciation for, participation in and all around support for the arts.<br><br>After the initial dedication, everyone was invited to help themselves to excellent appetizers including local smoked salmon on polenta as one of many delicious choices.<br><br>We took our food upstairs to listen to the local young violin duo. ( brothers )<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/deace54727484e85ceaf5fcc7ee0f7d5a8d2bf0e/original/brothers-violin.jpg?1436749378" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>As we were leaving to get ready for our performance across the grounds, we were encouraged to take 2 plates of food with us to eat later.<br>How could we refuse?<br><br>The Kettleson Memorial Library for the city of Sitka is temporarily at the Sheldon Jackson Library. We really liked this library.<br>Soon, they will move down to the waterfront to move into their new library overlooking their beautiful waterways, islands and volcano, Mt. Edgecombe. ( now extinct )<br><br>Robb Farmer is the new librarian in Sitka, at least fairly new. He and his wife love Sitka. They came up from Kentucky.<br>They told us they thought they had come to a very magical, beautiful place & that Sitka was a very well educated community.<br>Robb also told us that the circulation of books in this library is higher than anywhere else in Alaska.<br><br>Robb took a few pictures for us during our performance.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/d768f58960c7975fed63e1531a7940b402c23c5c/original/c-c-playing.jpg?1436750689" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Mt. Edgecombe<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/7cb4add80578ead88c1b7841911001efe2c8738a/original/mt-edgecombe.jpg?1436750969" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We had a total of 5 days on Sitka, mostly because we had to wait that long for the ferry.<br>Of all the places to wait, we were glad it was in this town.<br><br>We found a great camp spot just across The O'Connel Suspension Bridge on Japonski Island.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c1e626722304cd98acc9dc695c48f45b05ecfe98/original/oconnel-bridge-with-fishing-boat.jpg?1437005288" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We were within walking distance of town, overlooking the harbor and fishing boats.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ad4a7389c76a645cec122a0e305afdfc3b2848eb/original/boats.jpg?1437005328" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Sitka's location was originally settled by the Tlingit people over 10,000 years ago.<br>The Russians settled Old Sitka in 1799, calling it Redoubt Saint Michael.<br><br>The original Russian Orthodox Church burned, but later replaced by the new church.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/17443964700927e8916fb353659c6eee1aff28be/original/russian-orthodox-church-in-sitka.jpg?1437005503" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Sitka has a beautiful National Historic Park set at the site of an historic battle. <br><br> The site, located near the mouth of the Indian River, served in 1804 as the location of an armed conflict between the native Tlingit people and Russian fur hunters (accompanied by their Aleut allies), known today as the Battle of Sitka. This is fascinating history and a place that preserves the battle ground and the totems.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/8288504375fdb4d04b23d5ab1649ab17332f8f7e/original/sitka-national-historic-park.jpg?1437005806" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Battle ground<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/3ebfc77eb64cbda6fc27f0517a0033976e4d899f/original/battle-of-sitka.jpg?1437006434" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Sannaheit House Post<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/b07b579e9c2867703c4d752536ee337d9eb51f9f/original/great-face.jpg?1437006967" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The grounds of the Sitka Historic Park included trails which linked up with other trails in Sitka which can take you across town on the outskirts, through the woods, bogs and meadows or up into the mountains. Hiking from town seems to be a past-time for many Sitkans and certainly inspired us to check out the trails.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a188ac43ff0426a91330de89b334af0298a259c4/original/sitka-woods.jpg?1437007289" class="size_l justify_center border_" />And look who we come across in the woods playing Shakahachie!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/8005f29d6ea8e593bc38d477e8e56260b7f34196/original/shakahachie.jpg?1437007446" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/4b4a2e5152e2ac300f0faa59526924bf36b77fb8/original/flowers.jpg?1437007599" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We talked about living in Sitka.<br>Sitka appeals to us for so many reasons, we continue on our journey for now, but who knows....<br><br>Next Stop, Juneau!<br><br><br><br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/37737792015-07-12T16:14:23-07:002023-05-30T01:04:46-07:00Ketchikan, AlaskaWe boarded the ferry at Hollis on Prince of Wales Island to make the 3 hour journey back to Ketchikan and find ourselves a room @ Eagle View Hostel before our our following day's performance at the Ketchikan Library.<br><br>Ketchikan is at the most southern point of the Alaska Marine Highways System in Alaska.<br>Ketchikan rains more than most SE Alaskan communities, about 162 inches of rain per year, but in some years, even topping 200 inches of rain.<br>We noticed that locals do not use umbrellas, and this seems to be true for all of SE Alaska.<br><br>Ketchikan is humming with tourists off the cruise ships.<br>When we were there, there were 5 ocean liners in town, and some say there are as many as 10,000 visitors daily from the Ocean Liners.<br>They pull up right downtown and totally block the views looking across the Tongass Narrows.<br>Most folks in town are happy for the business.<br><br>The largest collection of Native American totem poles in the world is in Ketchikan!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/9949d974c60671be8cf74b889b1c4a1fddbb0cea/original/poles.jpg?1436745362" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Ketchikan is also busy with many fishing & commercial boats, & float planes coming into and out of the waterway.<br><br>In fact, Ketchikan seemed about the busiest place we've seen so far in the inside passage.<br><br>We walked and climbed stairs up from the downtown area as there is only one way to go if heading east, and that is UP!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/72cfe3ad61f34d3384645a48d86cf3187e8a2b92/original/going-up.jpg?1436735959" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/cb98074c1f1970618f86b61e18b8fdadaf49f73c/original/steps.jpg?1436736092" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Creek Street is built along the shores of Ketchikan Creek.<br>It was built over the water because it was simply too difficult to blast away the rocky hills surrounding the creek.<br>This is a common theme with Ketchikan as a large percentage of the town was built ‘over the water’.<br><br>The History of Creek Street can be summed up by fishermen, bootleggers, & prostitutes.<br>Creek Street is known as Ketchikan’s old red-light district. In the mid 1920’s there were over 20 bawdy houses on Creek Street alone!<br><br>Read more: http://www.experienceketchikan.com/creek-street-ketchikan.html#ixzz3fiOOjbjm<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ff4986851ce6985e7b8e2b1337093e2b0dabdc31/original/creek-street-ketchikan.jpg?1436736477" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Ocean Liner dwarfs the Alaskan Gypsy<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/d21e75a3c163ad0b778fe7febd061adb476ae6d3/original/ocean-liner-dwarfs-the-alaskan-gypsy.jpg?1436737077" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Hardy young people of Ketchikan.<br>It's not particularly warm out this day and the temperature of the water is about 50 degrees - brrrr!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/15f24016669eb7e625d4b1f48fc6183a83995c08/original/young-people.jpg?1436737592" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We went to the library early to set up, and wow, what a beautiful library Ketchikan has. <br><br>The new library is up the hill away from the hustle and bustle of downtown and has beautiful views of the mountains out the windows looking east. The windows seem to cover the whole eastern wall of the library, from floor to ceiling.<br><br>An impressive, colorful & whimsical fabric covered tree sculpture fills a good portion of the children's library.<br><br>According to our librarian Lisa and written info fabric sculpture took hundreds of hours to make with commonly available materials.<br>The chicken wire base was covered with scraps of every imaginable fabric custom sewn in strips to fit tree shapes, embroidered and embellished.<br>Once installed, the artists used huge circular needles to “sew” the fabric to the wire base to give it shape.<br><br>The words on the tree are sayings about books, reading and libraries in many languages. The leaves are pressed newsprint shaped with wire and hand painted by artists and local school children. The branches to which the leaves are attached are covered with yarn. <br><br>At the end of the branches are soft sculptures, dolls and paper mache figures of characters from popular books such as Charlotte’s Web, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and My Father’s Dragon.<br><br>It feels great to hug this tree because it is so soft and comfortable and our librarian assured us that this is encouraged and the children love their library tree. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c1e39dc7d910bc4a64af2c8100d4dfed92f75e8a/original/poet-tree.jpg?1436738842" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We also noticed a poem by Shel Sliverstein on the Poet Tree.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/eabae1265f957e74cd213b78bce73ca5eaceadae/original/poet-tree.jpg?1436740178" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/47c4b264b83f357fd68ed3c21eef5cc9acb7e248/original/poet-tree-poem.jpg?1436738697" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The community room we played in also had fabulous views and floor to ceiling windows on the east side. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/77b45a71482b2a618a006e1d3755a907f8afe57b/original/chris.jpg?1436740980" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Our librarian Lisa Pierson.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/09d32fe509e31a3035abded1a9495685634fc4b2/original/lisa.jpg?1436741199" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We had a really nice time performing at the Ketchikan Library and meeting Lisa & the folks who came out!<br><br>After the performance, we were ready to relax with dinner and local music at a place recommended to us by Lisa, The New York Cafe.<br>The ambiance, food, beer and wine choices were very good and the local musicians were great!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/2b6c2531db73d53c5c04986ead3de37e4bedeeb6/original/good-local-music-4.jpg?1436741820" class="size_l justify_center border_" />In fact, we went back 2 other times as their coffee & breakfasts are excellent!<br>The New York Cafe is a Primal Mates Pick for best place for coffee, food, ambiance & music.<br><br>Besides, the locals hang out here and a good way to tell they are locals is by the number of people who wear Rubber Boots. (also known as "Sitka Sneakers" )<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/4cbc9710e9a07c80b3d23c5e9fa008933b509154/original/sneaker-2.jpg?1436742100" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Next Stop, Sitka!<br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/37463142015-07-02T11:48:39-07:002022-07-26T12:51:37-07:00Inside Passage - SE Alaska, Prince of Wales IslandWe set off from Prince Rupert BC to Alaska's Inside Passage on the MSV Matanuska!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/202cbae9325261cb19805337a9a3a8f75857b09f/original/276831546-eb723e5cf7.jpg?1435861217" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The weather was warm and sunny after the early morning clouds burned off and the experience of being on the water traveling through these waterways with over a thousand islands is about the most awesome way to travel!<br><br>This is Colleen's 5th trip through SE Alaska's inside passage and Chris' 2nd trip.<br><br>For both of us, this is our most favorite way to travel of all.<br>It has been almost 30 years since we traveled this way, so it felt both new but also beautifully familiar.<br><br>This group of islands through SE Alaska is called the Alexander Archipelago and spans hundreds of miles.<br><br>The Alaska Marine Highway takes us all the way to the northern portion of SE Alaska where we disembarked at Skagway for our last performance in SE Alaska and then to drive through the Yukon to the main body of Alaska.<br><br>This marine highway actually continues on to south central Alaska and then to the Aleutian Islands.<br><br>Ferries on this system serve communities that have no road access, and the vessels can transport people, freight, and vehicles.<br><br>The Alaska Marine Highway spans a whopping 3,500 miles from Bellingham Washington to Dutch Harbor, Unalaska in the Aleutian Islands.<br><br>This marine highway system is a rare example (in the USA) of a shipping line offering regularly scheduled service for the primary purpose of transportation rather than of leisure or entertainment.<br><br>Voyages can last many days, but, in contrast to the luxury of a typical cruise line, cabins cost extra, and most food is served cafeteria-style.<br>The cost of ferry travel is more affordable, though taking a vehicle does add the largest amount to the price of ferry travel.<br><br>What we notice about traveling by ferry is that folks are more likely to be outside on deck then the Ocean Liner travelers.<br>We also noticed many more children on the ferries.<br><br>We did book a roomy outside cabin from Ketchikan to Sitka since this was the longest leg of traveling by ferry, ie 24 hours.<br><br>Ahh, quite nice to be able to be lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking motion of the ferry and quiet 'thrumming' of the engines.<br><br>The picture below is taken on the inter-island ferry headed towards Prince of Wales Island which is the 5th largest Island in the US.<br>The Island is behind the smaller islands in the front, the mountains in the distance are on Prince of Wales Island.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/da5540b93ad9e7dfb54c30c4392d14008ae2f0fc/original/se-1.jpg?1434598016" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>PRINCE OF WALES ISLAND<br><br>We were so happy to be invited to come to Prince of Wales Island by the director of the library in Craig on Prince of Wales.<br>Craig library just won a medal from the National Library & Museum Services.<br><br>According to their website: "The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the community.<br>For 21 years, the award has celebrated institutions that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service to make a difference for individuals, families, and communities.<br><br>The 2015 National Medal finalists have made real and lasting contributions to their local communities through programs that engage and inspire the public.<br>The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums.<br>Their mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement."<br><br>Craig Library was one of 30 finalists and just before our arrival on Prince of Wales Island, they were one of 5 winners.<br><br>Amy Marshall, director of the Craig Library was awarded the medal for her library by Michelle Obama.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a334b440697cdc91ccb919cb9eb8dc9ab406c894/original/amy-marshall.jpg?1435857234" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Amy was instrumental in making it possible for us to come to Alaska through SE Alaska to present our Music in Poetry Program.<br><br>We played 2 concerts, one in Craig and one in Thorne Bay, and we presented an informal workshop for locals at Craig library which included a group discussion about integrating poetry and music. We created a song with melody and chords based on a poem.<br><br>Below is a picture of Amy with us on Craig's High School Auditorium stage.<br>This is a beautiful school and the auditorium has great acoustics.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a7e94496b44779c1f48bc0b5d4c304de2289f72d/original/amy-c-c.jpg?1434599321" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We went to Kasaan Village on the way to our Thorne Bay performance.<br>The road was gravel and quite bumpy in places, but totally worth the time and bumps.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a72d8f00670cd2e386d507f38d9f8f65edb7d7f1/original/kasaan-sign-and-totem.jpg?1435857819" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Kasaan is one of the main historical communities of the Kaigani Haida.<br>Residents moved from their former village on Skowl Arm, now called Old Kasaan, starting in 1893 and mostly in the period 1902-1904.<br>This migration was prompted by the promise of jobs and a school occasioned by development of copper mining and a cannery near the present location. Kasaan was established as a city in 1976.<br><br>We initially visited the carving shed before hiking to the Old Village of Kasaan.<br>We met Eric and Harley who were involved in many projects.<br>Both told us they are 1st Nation members of the Kaigani Haidi Community.<br>They have been working on a canoe, masks and working to restore the Whale House in Old Kasaan.<br><br>They say they are apprentices of a master carver and that they are learning both traditional forms and finding new methods to build.<br><br>Eric agreed to model the war helmet as Harley threw a rock at his head to show how effective the war helmet is.<br>These 2 were quite engaging, funny and very dedicated to their work!.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a1f4867ce543aadbc97f30514d101a7bc6c6182b/original/war-helmet.jpg?1435859045" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We took the 1 mile hike through the rain forest to the Old Village of Kasaan - there was no-one else visiting while we were there, it was as if we stumbled into an ancient, mysterious, beautiful place.<br><br>Dozens of totems are scattered throughout this old village. <br>One of our favorites was the Whale Totem.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ec44bcd849029461a584f0fcc210c6dec283223d/original/whale-totem.jpg?1435859913" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The Whale House Is being restored.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ddf1f461e73847cb965005f0b02520d09e60620f/original/whale-house-kassan.jpg?1435860014" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>One of the many totems in the Old Village of Kasaan. Eric tells us these totems were made in the mid 1800's.<br>We were surprised how well they have held up given that they are in a rain forest.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/6a1bfda2e679ed12255a61b26e26462c561cb7d6/original/totem-kasaan.jpg?1435860185" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We head back to the van to make our journey back to the main road to Thorne Bay.<br><br>The person opening for us is Sophia Martin, "The Girl From the North Country".<br>Sophia is 10 years old, and wow, what a voice!<br>She also plays the ukulele well and writes great songs!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/8bb6c1c14f0aa57f6c36e72102651055d4aadfd0/original/sophia.jpg?1435860659" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Our Vista Volunteer Jamie did a great job getting the word out for the performance which took place at the High School.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/77d73bc9b0aa0a907641103008a3698adf11cba3/original/vista-2.jpg?1435861856" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We had a little time to check out other places in Prince of Wales, this is in Klawock.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c966448c23c6fca109ccfad42dd5999b0c1768e5/original/c-c.jpg?1435862269" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Looking North from Old Town Craig.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/416c040463dbd5ee978ca6eac25df16da5eaa705/original/north-from-craig.jpg?1435862558" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/81bf0f71073b7d2fe373aa5cdd55cd44c2ef1326/original/scenes-from-craig.jpg?1435863506" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>We were so fortunate to be staying in a beautiful B & B right on the water in Craig with water views in all directions and near walks through the woods to the beach.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f4fcea0c2bee53d66ef53e9f1eaac1aa7e0ccbbe/original/old-boat.jpg?1435864638" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/32dd825916330a0a9e30bb9cc0b3d75e5b461ced/original/sunset-in-craig.jpg?1435862762" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We'd like to thank Amy Marshall for inviting us to Prince of Wales Island! We had a great time!<br><br>Next stop, Ketchikan!<br><br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/37337982015-06-11T12:16:00-07:002023-01-16T14:51:05-08:00North to AlaskaWe headed into British Columbia, Canada for the long trek north to Prince Rupert where we planned to catch our ferry to SE Alaska.<br><br>Just like our first day on the road leaving our home in Eldorado Springs, Colorado last August, we saw several rainbows in the Okanagan Valley area of BC.<br>We took this as another good omen for our travels!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/7d57637be3d05bf268a8bd57aefba51da04805d9/original/rainbow-when-first-in-canada-may-24th.jpg?1433810600" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The most awesome part of the travels through BC so far was the Yellowknife Highway from Prince George to Prince Rupert. ( 446 miles )<br>We saw several large rivers on the way, at least a dozen. The Skeena is a wild river and wider than the Columbia River in parts.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/4c68f7144ae6fef0a9de03fbddacb765c42ad402/original/use-this-river.jpg?1433811213" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/8dc7f0384021d40feaa897d24587d85e9f0c75d3/original/bridge-over-river.jpg?1434044926" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Besides more rivers in one area than we have ever seen, there were incredible mountains, valleys and meadows along this route. <br><br>Just as we thought we saw a group of mountains more beautiful than any seen before, there would be more mountains at least as or more beautiful than the others.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/0868915e99ccf15deec4d5a896fd98522fbd38b8/original/use-on-blog.jpg?1433972408" class="size_l justify_center border_" />It didn't take long to figure out we could not drive 100 mph:)<br><br>We found a nice campsite along the Bulkley River.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/2d3fe1b567b8bd56d366c42519b6ae5f9bba50f5/original/hudson-bay-mountain.jpg?1434045275" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Chris builds a nice hot fire!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/35fcaf3e618ceabfbb9c7da85255ecd514b2c3c4/original/campfire.jpg?1433971864" class="size_l justify_center border_" />This fire helps to keep the giant, numerous mosquitoes at bay and keeps us warm after sunset. <br><br>We have also placed another order for a natural mosquito repellent to our friend Jill who has created a potion which works very well indeed!<br>She has assured us she will send our much needed repellent ahead to Juneau where we have a friend's address for forwarded mail & packages.<br>We may just have enough potion left for this leg of our journey.<br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>For great natural skin care & aroma therapy products - a primal mates pick - check out:<br>Essential Life Aromatherapy<br>ELAromatherapy@gmail.com<br>http://www.elaromatherapy.com<br>---------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>The long light of summer in the north country is becoming more prominent as sunset at this point is about 10 pm.<br>The light continues to linger until after 11 pm and starts coming back around 2:30 am. <br><br>We drove about 3 days and over 1,000 miles to get to Prince Rupert from Ellensburg, Washington.<br><br>We finally arrive in Prince Rupert, along the northern BC Coast and just south of SE Alaska.<br>Disclaimer - this pic is not our photo, but just want to give a perspective regarding Prince Rupert's location and surrounding environs.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/9ee8e9272f9d5829089485beac5ef944ce160521/original/10413735.jpg?1434047466" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Canadians consider Prince Rupert in Northern BC but it is still just a little over mid-way up if you look at a map. BC is a huge province!<br><br>We love Prince Rupert, it's a bustling port town with future plans for becoming a major trade route hub.<br><br>The Port of Prince Rupert enjoys significant competitive advantages over other west coast ports.<br><br>A few of these advantages include:<br><br>-Shortest Trade Route Between North America and Asia's fast growing economies.<br>-This port is North America's closest port to key Asian markets by up to three days - it's 36 hours closer to Shanghai than Vancouver and over 68 hours closer than Los Angeles.<br>-The Port of Prince Rupert has one of the deepest natural harbors in the world and the deepest & safest ice free inner harbour entrance of any port.<br>-The Port is a terminus station of CN Rail, a major Class 1 North American carrier. CN is the only railway to serve ports on the Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf Coasts which means greater efficiencies for shippers, importers and exporters.<br><br>OK, enough of shipping and the port advantages, not actually trying to plug commerce for Prince Rupert - Just fascinated that it is the shortest trade route to Asia.<br>(We are actually against the TPP as it stands now!)<br><br>This town is in a beautiful setting, offers many great eateries, seafood, walks and more.<br><br>Our lodgings for 3 days in Prince Rupert is the Pioneer Guesthouse.<br>This is more of a hostel with access to a nice, fully furnished & functional kitchen with all utilities provided.<br>This is close in to downtown and in the Cow Bay District of Prince Rupert.<br>We did not need to move our van once as we were able to walk to everything we needed or wanted in PR.<br>We were able to bring in our instruments and rehearse for our upcoming performances in SE Alaska.<br><br>The Pioneer Guesthouse is a Primal Mates Pic for best Inn.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/856ff4efe90cf522bdca32590fbf1e86ad21fa44/original/pioneer-logo-2-use.jpg?1434047939" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/5fcfe38ed7f6085c6a9cbb441375e856f6c753d3/original/pioneer-guest-house.jpg?1434048246" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Scenes on the water and around town -<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/5c54a7b5d05f197faea1a5664ba0601e666c130e/original/freighter-ship-in-posts.jpg?1434048534" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/d0441fa823c1de8354374be88ea8631e10019937/original/boat-4.jpg?1434049097" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Chris' favorite pier house B & B!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/3215a603a07ba69cae377f537074025ebd096cec/original/green-house.jpg?1434048656" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/38999b4a5a6f64c3f477dccd4fd255e345cd2b71/original/kwinsta.jpg?1434049352" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/237ebfdb066af7d35df3ba189461115400d89cbc/original/across-the-water.jpg?1434049533" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>At this point, we are excited to get on the ferry which will take us into SE Alaska, even though we have to get up at 3 am and wait in line for check-in and customs. <br><br>We are told to get rid of our eggs, fruit and some vegetables - but are reassured that the food will go to a food kitchen and be served to those in need.<br>We wonder why the food we bought in the US will be taken as we head back into the US from Canada - go figure!<br><br>North to Alaska!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/1c211971e236816ddd74a2519e522658a97ac322/original/north-to-alaska.jpg?1434050106" class="size_l justify_center border_" />PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/37259792015-06-03T15:00:05-07:002023-01-16T14:51:27-08:00Back to the Great Pacific Northwest!In mid-April we headed back to the Pacific NW where we had 16 performances scheduled in libraries and a few other venues.<br>It helped that April was Poetry Month!<br><br>At this point we have been out 8 months on the road and feel a renewed energy as we start heading north on our way to Alaska.<br>Thanks to our friends and family in the area, we have been treated to great home stays with the best hospitality & food anyone can ask for!<br><br>The libraries and venues were all unique & diverse.<br><br>We were very happy to meet the many librarians, and all who came to our performances and gave us such focused attention to the program and offered up great questions.<br><br>We were particularly impressed with Medford Library and librarian Laura Kimberly who shows great enthusiasm for presenting programs for her community.<br>She has great ideas for enticing people to come to the Medford Library.<br>For poetry month, she had a "Pie for Poetry" event in which people could get a piece of pie for reading a poem.<br>Through the month of April, she gave out raffle tickets with a prize of books of poems.<br>Our friends Kathy & Kon happened to win this raffle - congrats K & K!<br><br>One of our performance highlights include the Kala performance space in Astoria.<br>This space has great acoustics and a warm, intimate ambiance.<br>KALA is the ground floor presentation space and upper loft production office of HIPFiSHmonthly, the Columbia Pacific Region's free alternative monthly newspaper. KALA features monthly exhibits in conjunction with Astoria's Second Saturday Art Walk, and live performance; including music, theater, authors and more. For events at KALA, visit our website.<br><br>- See more at: http://www.coastarts.org/directory/venues/k/kala@hipfish-monthly/#sthash.bcbmegnc.dpuf<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/8a91cc8902869c5bb966c35962aa4aa79e2f152e/original/kala-2.jpg?1433349526" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We'd like to thank Dinah Urell for presenting our concert for her community & for turning us on the the best pizza we have ever had at the Voodoo Room!<br>We had the smoked Salmon Pizza - wow, delicious, not at all what we expected. The secret they say is baking the pizza at a higher temperature.<br>The crust was the best - this place is a Primal Mates pick for best pizza!<br><br>Astoria has become a hip little town.<br>We enjoyed all the changes happening along the river & piers including the new restaurants, tasting rooms and local residents hanging out in great numbers!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/0ff97b6d6ff6e90aade544dfe0905dba535381f8/original/sea-lion-01.jpg?1433350356" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Then onto Manzanita to play at the Hoffman Center for the Performing Arts.<br>Manzanita is one of our favorite beach towns and beaches along the Oregon Coast.<br>We especially appreciate how long the beach is here and how far we can walk!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/4b87b63658e4958508130cb4cc98e28473c9e13b/original/beach-1.jpg?1433352072" class="size_l justify_center border_" />And we really appreciate our friends Martha & Bill who took us in for a 2nd time on this journey.<br>It was great to catch up and share all that has gone on since we last saw them in September.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a254ab26331311dc8caa660f5cb16a8f5a4f9a4b/original/bill-martha.jpg?1433352363" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>In McMinnville, the librarians decided to present our concert in a local tasting room - the sound was fantastic in this old building which used to be the old power house.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/163609447e8c45a8ae297a5952e09c18532a13d3/original/elizabeth-chambers-20140804-1695.jpg?1433354697" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>What a great blend, ie Oregon Pinot Noir , music & poetry.....ahhhh!!<br><br>Our friends Jack and Bobbi surprised as they came in the door because we thought they were out of town - so we spent a great night with them at their house with delicious food and wine and we were finally able to get a picture of one of our favorite posters which we used to see @ Noah's Wine Bar. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/5442e7fcd2cbf787c76d094a4b2273fc9e97e1da/original/mjk-tour.jpg?1433355163" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Another highlight was playing at the beautiful main Salem Library Auditorium - the best acoustics so far of all auditoriums we have been in.<br>It's design and intimate size makes for a very comfortable space & sound.<br><br>On our way back from Salem, we took "The Road Less Traveled" through some of western Oregon's beautiful countryside.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a6e531643b6e9cdf4181b39a75acb321e1a7bdc7/original/oregon-country-side.jpg?1433356574" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We stopped at Champoeg State Park to take a walk along the Willamette River.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/292cbd1d1a4b950ee5a0f3ff3f739a7777adba17/original/willamette-river-champoeg-park.jpg?1433356746" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Downtown Vancouver Washington has a beautiful fairly new library and a great room for music and events just off the main entrance to the library.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ac9f4e5c92f6da7392109724b6fcb24fa900577f/original/1311952204-fvrlbb-015s-415x500.jpg?1433359080" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Just after our program, the League of Women Voters meeting was to take place to develop strategies for upcoming elections and "Get Out the Vote Campaigns".<br><br>We were happy to see a gentlemen gathering signatures outside the library to amend the constitution to firmly establish that money is NOT speech, and that human beings, NOT corporations, are persons entitled to constitutional rights. <br><br>This is in regard to the ruling by the Supreme Court on January 21, 2010, in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the Supreme Court ruled that corporations are persons, entitled by the U.S. Constitution to buy elections and run our government.<br><br>We agreed with this gentleman that Human beings are people & corporations are legal fictions.<br><br>And that the Supreme Court is misguided in principle, and wrong on the law. In a democracy, the people rule.<br><br>We are thankful the library community rooms offers a democratic space for folks to come together for the common good!<br><br>-------------------------<br><br>In Portland, near the end of our stay, we were able to play at our favorite Portland Venue, O'Connor's in Multnomah Village.<br>Steve Arel, longtime owner, has a strong love of music and offers musicians a chance to play in the Vault, next to the restaurant.<br>We had a fantastic night - lots of friends, family and musician friends we played with years ago came to this event, plus several folks we had not met yet.<br>A wonderful last evening / gig in Portland before heading back up to the Seattle area.<br><br>Colleen with her niece Maggie!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c54884c712f44172c73a944ae994889c7992b287/original/maggie-colleen.jpg?1433359789" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>During our time in the NW, we visited Seattle area 2 different times for performances in 4 area libraries and one home concert.<br>The weather was warm and sunny for both visits.<br>The last visit took us to Bainbridge and Vashon Islands and Sylvan Way Library near Bremerton Washington.<br><br>Sylvan Way has a beautiful library and a community room where we did our performance.<br>We were so happy to see one of our youngest fans, Max with his mom Sherie at the performance.<br>Max and Sherie knew us from Boulder when they started to come hear us play at The Rock & Soul.<br>Max was 6 months old at that time, and from the first time he heard us, he was super attentive and interested in the music.<br>In fact, he would sit through much of our 2 hours of playing, watching, listening, smiling!<br>Max, Sherie and Max's dad Richard moved to Bainbridge Island when Max was about 2 1/2 years old.<br>We had not seen them since then until now.<br><br>Sherie graciously invited us to stay with them the night before our Sylvan Way Library performance.<br>Max was so happy to see us, now 8 years old, he ran up and gave us big hugs and lots of attention as if we were long lost friends - which we were!<br><br>Here's Max and his mom Sherie with us at Sylvan Way Library.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/793151bde240de5d49a463d35487bcfb23700623/original/max.jpg?1433364090" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Thanks to Sherie, Richard & Max for the great stay on Bainbridge Island!<br><br>Then onto Vashon Island where our good friend Paula Hendricks lives.<br>Paula is a friend from our Bolinas days back in mid- 80's.<br>She hosted a home concert for us in her sweet home.<br>We met her friends and a long ago friend of ours, Susan Kernes came over from Seattle WA.<br>We had met Susan in Homer Alaska in 1985 when she was the KBBI Homer radio program director. ( The best radio station ever! )<br>2 past lives converge on Vashon as Susan and Paula meet each other.<br><br>It was wonderful to catch up with Susan after the concert, it had been about 30 years ago since we were all together.<br>What a great day it was, also sunny & warm.....of course!! <br><br>Thanks Paula!!<br>And thanks to Bill for all the help in preparing for this cozy event!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/2359b7d32dd1e174cdcbe86bde9e181b11dbeeef/original/paula.jpg?1433364825" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Now, on to our very last library concert in the "lower 48" in Richland Washington.<br>Richland has a very beautiful library with a great community room for performance and presentations!<br><br>Chris is telling the story of Ophelia.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/812f6c18917131cb51861b47dcf0df85e0d5dd29/original/use-for-richland.jpg?1433365527" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>We were having some technical difficulties with interfacing the main computer with Colleen's remote control by i-pad, so we asked for volunteers.<br>Al Ankrum immediately raised his hand and offered to be our "remote" and he barely blinked an eye when he learned the cord was so short, he needed to be on-stage with us. Thanks Al!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/10094526c4fc57b89fb654918d714212edc87b8c/original/al-ankrum.jpg?1433365967" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Richland also had a great turn-out including many children who came to this event thanks to Lisa Adams, librarian.<br>One little boy raised his hand at the end of our performance and asked "are you done yet so we can play the instruments?"<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ed60bcc138bcb61b7b61f543cd15e11960543f26/original/chris-and-kids.jpg?1433366232" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Al & Claire Ankrum are O'Brien family friends and they kindly offered us a place to stay during our time in Richland.<br>Great food, wine and conversations abound during our home stay.<br>Thanks Al & Claire for your gracioiusness & superb hospitality!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/d1f6f501820728f045f0cd4800f177b4d9240982/original/al-claire.jpg?1433366486" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>One last stop before we head North to Alaska.<br>We travel north to Ellensburg Washington to visit with Jon & Paula. Jon is Colleen's nephew.<br>Jon & Paula live in paradise with a beautiful home, acreage, fruit trees and a river running through it. <br>Jon & Paula had welcomed us previously back in September at the start of our journey so we'd like to doubly thank them for another great hang in paradise.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/8f1b2c6f8c3e5c1c548fc98664d53aafc24004c6/original/paula-jon.jpg?1433367499" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>So, does it look like we avoided camping on this part of our journey?<br><br>For those who do not know us personally, you may have gathered that we are from Portland and most our family and many old friends still reside in the area.<br><br>We'd like to share our gratitude for family and friends who have helped to support us on this part of our journey -<br>Those not in the blog are no less appreciated, we just didn't have the camera at hand, probably having too much fun!.<br><br>Many thanks to Chris' folks, Bob & Donna Lee, my brother Pat & Jocelyn, Teedy Lee for bringing the Lee family together on Mother's Day and made it one of the most memorable Mothers day ever! <br><br>Thanks also to Jerry & Judy Hahn, JoJo Linden, Kathy and Kon Damas, Al and Alexis Lee, Sue & Walt Gordinier, Jack Thornton & Bobbi Paris and many more for just being good friends & family. We are truly fortunate & love you!<br><br>Next up- "North to Alaska"<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/36885242015-05-03T14:34:10-07:002022-04-25T15:53:18-07:00Blue in Green<br>We left the desert behind in late March & headed back to California for several performances around the Bay Area, Central Coast and in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. <br><br>What a contrast of colors from the desert, as our world turned primarily to blue & green as seen below in this picture of the hills NE of Morro Bay.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/89e7e702488df955dc4529a2da51721a79571f26/original/california-hills-in-springtime.jpg?1430684608" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We feature 4 of Mark Miller's compositions in our spring program and two of them seem to ring out to us as we explore these environments.<br><br>A phrase in Shirley Graham's poem Blue Ophelia sings "I think it was the flowers that sent her over the edge".<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c9f816db57d577d7e4c008c70a4e60e3db57e02a/original/full-spring-shrub-bolinas.jpg?1430685335" class="size_l justify_center border_" />And Robert Bly's Poem "Indigo Bunting" with the phrase ...."the granite holding up walls"<br>Yosemite Park is a phenomenal place with many granite walls .<br>This picture is a mirror image of one of the many granite walls from "Mirror Lake".<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/806ff24311a47d4d34880c35dcc34fe855ec6785/original/reflection-of-granite-walls-2-use-wow.jpg?1430685836" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Half Dome - Yosemite National Park<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/0ea6878da93c9df35715d9d62a877579ba42199b/original/half-dome.jpg?1431699503" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>At this point we are not only integrating music in poetry, but also poetry in life and life in poetry and the music is our soundtrack. It's quite wonderful!<br><br>This spring green seems to belie the state of California's predicament with their severe drought.<br>We have spent almost 5 months in California and have crossed the state from west to east, east to west, north to south and now southeast to north.<br>We have seen her deserts, mountains, foothills, valleys and coastal areas and been through the wine country.<br>We have seen dozens of low and almost empty reservoirs & lakes across the state - it is alarming, but it seems California is taking this drought seriously.<br>What a delicate balance it is between nature and human beings.<br>On the one hand, nature can drastically impact human beings.<br>And on the other hand, especially now, with so many people and so many demands on our precious resources, human beings are having a drastic impact on nature.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/7b20c9f508b98465f5664cde1008d3f86ead3363/original/emptyres.jpg?1430688521" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/347704ab67f8c7c4ccab9b1db622ba2c0d94e351/original/low-water-california-reservoirs.jpg?1430688672" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Then back to the ocean and bays where boating & sailing seems more normal as compared to the picture above.<br>And we certainly enjoyed sitting on the dock looking over this bay while eating excellent seafood and sampling local beer @ Rose's Grill On The Water.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/936f14f0f55793e53bdc1741ffe8ab5b2065b37f/original/sailboats-on-morro-bay.jpg?1431649217" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We loved Morro Bay and enjoyed playing at their newly remodeled library.<br><br>After leaving Morro Bay, We traveled up to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains for a few performances. <br>One of our favorite little towns we've seen so far is Forest Hills, California.<br><br>They had a small library, so our librarian had arranged to have us play in a very beautiful community building made with logs named the Veterans Memorial Hall. The acoustics here were wonderful.<br><br>Everyone loves it when Chris plays the Melodica!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/cd41db38f3af78b34a4b3c20e4822b81933be842/original/chris-melodica-forest-hill.jpg?1431650698" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Before movin on down the road, we were close enough to go visit our friend & one of our favorite bass players, Bill Douglas and his wife Nora near Grass Valley.<br>A great night of reminiscing, sharing and laughing. Plus we loved sleeping in their yurt! Thanks Bill & Nora!<br><br>Then, on to Napa Valley. <br>If anyone would like an inexpensive way to stay close to the vines in Napa Valley, and you like to camp, check out Bothe-Napa Valley State Park.<br>This is a beautiful area and the campsites are spacious and private. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/eb3b0e48b2502b9e803ac8561e7218d326b85c45/original/bothe-napa-valley-state-park-4f5e24d846d09d675b000d71.jpg?1431659621" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The temperatures at night were quite chilly, into the low 30's the night we stayed here.<br>Chris is quite good at building a campfire, so we stayed toasty warm before bedtime!<br><br>We finally made our way down to Napa to get ready to play at the Napa County Library.<br>We arrived early enough to go downtown and walk around the area.<br>We remembered that there had been a significant earthquake in this area not long ago ( September 2014, 7 months ago ) as evidenced by many buildings cordoned off with tape and fencing to keep people out of the unsafe areas.<br>The earthquake was magnitude-6.0 temblor.<br>Napa identified 294 sites in its street and sidewalk network needing post-quake repairs with costs for repairs estimated at about $300,000,000.<br><br>We were impressed by how beautiful the downtown and surrounding area are in Napa, with many old buildings still intact.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/e265c6636280ee7cb2a4aa110244b37ec196fe94/original/napa-2.jpg?1431661201" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The Napa County Library performance turned out several local writers and poets with great questions & responses regarding integrating music in poetry.<br><br>Next stop, Foster City just south of San Francisco. <br>The librarians at Foster City really know how to get people to their events.<br>Our night was a part of a series of music in the Foster City Library & they served wine and cheese.<br>We were happy to see the great turnout, the age range from children, young adults to elders and the diversity of the people.<br>And these folks loved the music in poetry program and were especially attentive!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/8c7e5ad5a1e3c2b361feafafc06489a9bdfab180/original/foster-city-library-crowd.jpg?1431663029" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Well, ok, this is one child who dozed off during our concert.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/8aedc586c89f76c73115abbf8cbe6898b221c058/original/child-foster-city-library.jpg?1431662173" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Our friend Jim Hudak made the long drive during the worst of traffic to come to our concert and he also took the pictures for this event, so for that Jim, you get a picture in our blog!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/35a64b3328090a60b7139214a6476aabb0dcf736/original/jim.jpg?1431667194" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Colleen played and sang in several incarnations of Jim Hudak's bands in the early 70's.<br><br>"The Midnight Ridge" was Colleen's favorite named band of this era.<br>Colleen & Jim were also in a musical together "The Mikado" during their high school days.<br>Lots of reminiscing going on about the olden days, about life and about music.<br><br>We'd like to thank Jim & Linda for another great stop - over at their home in Clayton, CA.<br><br>On our way to our next performance in Carson City Nevada - we were able to visit our son Eric living near Tahoe City.<br>Eric even gave up his bed and slept on a couch for his "aging" parents, and what a comfortable bed it was!<br>We had a nice 2 days to enjoy hiking in the woods, eating together and we were able to watch a couple of movies.<br><br>Charlie is about the sweetest of dogs in the whole world, he makes friends easily and people know him far and wide as he makes his way around the Tahoe area, Bay area and the NW. <br><br>Eric, your really sweet too!!<br><br>Here's Charlie aka "Chuck" with his coveted stick.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a78a07ec0105c95568c87af578e90babd4b77e91/original/chuck.jpg?1431666312" class="size_l justify_center border_" />And our sweet family!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/da493bc23e6944325348e0f1fb71ca8b41b676cd/original/family.jpg?1431666363" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>On to Carson City Library on a Sunday afternoon. Colleen's cousin Patty came to this event and had invited us to stay with her and her husband John in their beautiful home in Minden, NV. Thanks Patty and John for a memorable evening of stories, laughter and catching up while good food and the wine flowed into the night.<br><br>At this point, we are heading back to Oregon for our next performance in Medford.<br>We follow a road ( Highway 89 ) that takes us through some beautiful country between California and Oregon and past the southern flank of Mt. Shasta - what a gorgeous mountain!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/3dcf9f2441e0fb3784f5f61e98f5b12525c64606/original/images.jpeg?1431668529" class="size_l justify_center border_" />OK, we didn't take the above picture, but gives you an idea of what it looks like from McCleod.<br><br>We stop in McCloud California and find this to be our most favorite little town in California - how can anyone beat McCloud, in fact we thought this could be a town for us to move to. The forests are beautiful around here with drop dead views of Mt. Shasta.<br>The locals say that a few minutes from town, one can hike and not see a soul on many of the trails around this area.<br><br>McCloud has some great old buildings from it's heyday as a timber and railroad town.<br><br>Here is a picture we did take of the old Inn which has been refurbished.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/0f613c371162e6d15a752bc1cf2c107a8a852d03/original/mccloud-inn.jpg?1431669918" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Next stop - Ashland, Oregon!PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/36464132015-04-07T17:19:53-07:002022-04-25T15:52:48-07:00The Ides of MarchMarch 15th marks 6 months since we left Colorado on our current tour.<br>We have performances booked in Colorado in late summer, 2015 which will be 1 year "on the road" if all goes as planned.<br><br>What can we say?<br><br>The libraries & librarians have been wonderful!<br>The weather has mostly been great!<br>The music & poetry continue to inspire us!<br>We are still having fun!<br>We still like each other!<br>We are thankful our friend Mark Miller continues to write compositions for poems and sends them to us.<br><br>So, in March we headed to Las Vegas from Phoenix, AZ.<br>Las Vegas is a city that we usually pass through quickly.... without stopping.<br>This time we finally stopped and played in 2 beautiful libraries, both with state of the art auditoriums.<br>We figure the taxes from all the gambling help the libraries.<br>We also had a great tech team and would like to thank Mike and Jody for their assistance!<br><br>Summerlin Library Concert<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/6849720398de50ace4286bd4d3c618bbfdf929a6/original/echo-summerlin-concert.jpg?1428446725" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>We also crossed paths with our son Eric who was coming back from a big mountain ski competition near Taos, NM.<br>We met for breakfast near a replica of the Eiffel Tower. Eric's passion for skiing reminds us of our passion for music. ( without the risks:)<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/e1d9c37f0cf67f979fd67a1546c32bf4ff372e93/original/eiffel-tower.jpg?1428446391" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Las Vegas has a metro area population of close to 2 million people, but the surrounding landscape is vast, mountainous and unpopulated.<br>Just to the west of Las Vegas is an awesome area called Red Rock Canyon which we saw for the 1st time.<br>We took a day between our performances to hike & explore this area.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/e8f4fdb2697aa5650fcf2404cbb150b62585fe62/original/red-rock-canyon-2.jpg?1428449935" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Our 3rd performance in Nevada was in Boulder City. We loved this little town, it's in a beautiful setting near Hoover Dam and overlooks Lake Meade.<br>There is no gambling in Boulder City, which also added to it's character and quaintness compared to other Nevada towns.<br>They have a lovely library and Lynn the librarian has a keen interest in music & poetry & theater.<br><br>We camped nearLake Meade in a beautiful park within the Lake Meade National Recreation Area.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/96fbb0b4d178228f3faa4a04cd6e6a1133ad10ee/original/lake-meade.jpg?1428448214" class="size_l justify_center border_" />After Boulder City, we visited Nevada's oldest & largest state park, "Valley of Fire" about 55 miles NE of Las Vegas.<br>This area reminded us of southern Utah - Incredibly beautiful!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/085bfd4deea2b891f80d78ab70b206c20ba27f8f/original/colleen-in-valley-of-fire.jpg?1428451089" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The multiple colors within the rocks varies from beige to red.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ca0dcc2357f916eba78db4a388d95ec3b9d9ecef/original/rock-colors-in-valley-of-fire.jpg?1428451214" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Rock Sculpture abounds out here!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/750843680f3f2a69c7ec29159dac0ac389ecb0a4/original/rock-sculpture.jpg?1428451363" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We enjoy hiking the slot canyons!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c3ba1ccd0b442beaa791c5dac569315ec7248537/original/slot-canyon.jpg?1428451483" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Hole in the Rock!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/decad56ccdf241442a900d1211ee21aa6efb528a/original/colleen-hole-in-rock.jpg?1428452026" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/443452d585443f0e140eee276de63e1220b85f93/original/whoa-color.jpg?1428452157" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Living the Good Life!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/d3d8e9da10e55f7bc0daae415eda72f0c3ca5ec5/original/living-the-good-life.jpg?1428452327" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Next up, Back to California!PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/36209682015-03-24T13:16:22-07:002022-08-30T12:51:19-07:00Phoenix in FebruaryWe headed out to Arizona from southern California in mid February. <br>We had a few days before our busy schedule in Phoenix to see some beautiful desert / mountain country in a remote part of southern Arizona near the Mexican border. <br><br>Organ Pipe National Monument encompasses a vast area of some of the most beautiful desert country we have seen so far on our tour. <br>The Saguaro Cactus are huge, up to 60 feet tall. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/6d2a28b07b35670a4ecfd2ac82b3114999dcf40d/original/giant-saguaro-with-colleen.jpg?1427224269" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The Organ Pipe Cactus grows in a small area of the Sonoran Desert from southwestern Arizona to western Sonora, Mexico.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/dc641f129dd5f2574a0163fc17b162b9f1f2285d/original/organ-pipe-cactus.jpg?1427223810" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The hikes & camping were great here, as was the weather. <br>The benefits of being in this part of the country during the winter gradually began to sink in. <br><br>Then on to Phoenix where we had one of our busiest weeks so far, playing 6 libraries in Phoenix and 1 library in Prescott before heading out to Nevada.<br>The libraries in this area continue to be a great venue, both large and small.<br>Each library having their own unique characteristics, offerings and architecture.<br>The librarians here are all tuned in to their communities.<br><br>We were fortunate to have good friends in the Phoenix area, Dwight & Sandy who generously offered us a place to stay during our time in Phoenix.<br>Dwight is also a fantastic bass player / musician, and both of us had played with Dwight back in Colorado in the 90's.<br>He has played music in this area for about 15 years and he & Sandy have watched and experienced the incredible growth in the Phoenix area.<br>Dwight told us that the diameter of the metro area has grown to around 150 miles across at this point.<br><br>We began to understand the nature of commuting in this huge megapolis. <br><br>Despite the increasing population here, Phoenix still has a unique environment with rugged, spiny mountains rising up from the valley floor which separate neighborhoods and areas of Phoenix. The sky is very predominant here as most buildings are low.<br><br>There are many pockets of undeveloped land within this huge metropolis with some irrigation, & man - made lakes providing a more hospitable habitat & shelter for birds, animals, fish, plants, grasses and trees.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/2b56f16321b461a0790a95dde8f11afd658957bf/original/phxmtns.jpg?1427226316" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We ended our time in Arizona going to Pleasant Lake, one of Dwight and Sandy's favorite places to camp and to take their boat out.<br>And sure enough, this lake and surrounding environs was very pleasant indeed!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/0ebde26e34069e490838f404277bfbf87e264f62/original/lakepleasant.jpg?1427227539" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We camped in a nice private spot near the lake, built camp fires, roasted marshmallows and ate "S'mores" using the best dark chocolate.<br>Soooo good, Hershey's no more with S'mores! We listened to cowboy music and jazz, howled at the moon and saw wild burros.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/edb025b304fdf86fd3d09bd3430b2fbcce32ecfe/original/6032cf4c083b552fc267e610b7097c12.jpg?1427227771" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Thank you Dwight & Sandy for your great hospitality and fun weekend on Lake Pleasant!<br><br><br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/35115872015-02-06T15:55:49-08:002022-05-27T17:04:37-07:00January - Early February 2015 - Music & Poetry & travels in SoCal, Salton SeaWe developed a new set of music / poetry pieces for our winter presentations during our time in the desert.<br>Our new favorite poem music piece is called “Blue Ophelia”.<br>The music is by our friend Mark Miller and poem by Shirley Graham from Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada. <br><br><br>We project the poems with some images behind us while performing.<br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a4f381120d80f4c91b46d758042acef340daaa5d/original/blue-ophelia-1-006.jpg?1423266334" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/4f69ea7b6da90b80eab5db606a9b34a3a4e4b744/original/blue-ophelia-1-007.jpg?1423266358" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We wondered if seeing the poems and imagery would take away from a personal experience of hearing the sung poems.<br>The general consensus seems to be that seeing the poems and images enhances the program.<br><br>We made 2 treks to San Diego & LA from Desert Shores near the Salton Sea to perform in 9 libraries through the month of January.<br>During this time, we were able to enjoy lots of beach time and camped in several of SoCal's State Parks right on or near the beach.<br>Many of these State Park Beaches are right in town, and a few are more remote like one of our favorite's, Leo Carillo State Park north of Malibu.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ec08434310f3fc5a469641a3701162b7e0ff8195/original/2-birds-at-sunset.jpg?1424014128" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Colleen's favorite beach house, Encinitas, CA<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/adcf5b11768c7a5e5663c8a6577f2c2c4e075b45/original/adobe-fav.jpg?1424014366" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The weather was pleasant & perfect for beach camping.<br><br>The integration of camping and performing has worked quite well for us - sometimes we book a motel on the night of a performance, but otherwise, we mostly camp in our van.<br><br><br>The library venue has become one of the best venues for us for many reasons.<br>First, librarians are great, we love the librarians, and their communities love their librarians and libraries too!<br>Second, those who come to these concerts are great listeners and ask great questions.<br>More reasons: We love the music & the poems and find ourselves finding new ways of expression through this form.<br>The acoustics are almost always quite good, sometimes superb.<br>Sometimes we play right in the library amongst the "stacks", and often, the libraries have community rooms and sometimes very nice state of the art auditoriums.<br><br>Last night, we played in the most beautiful library on our tour so far, in Redlands, CA.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/8a7dc354985a6b264dda23e0308e3c7f631f0ef4/original/aksmilylibrary1.jpg?1423679806" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/810a215af2486cf1c5c35e862a868fb7aebfd33f/original/chris-me-in-bay-city.jpg?1423685441" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>As we walked around the library, every perspective was unique and beautiful, including the grounds.<br>Daniel is the adult programs and reference librarian and he gave us a tour, including a private tour of the library tower. <br>There are many comfy nooks and crannies in this old beautiful library to sit down with a book.<br>Our performance was in a beautiful old room next to one of the 2 gardens.<br>There is great art on the walls, including original signed lithographs of Norman Rockwell paintings of Huck Finn in the children's library room.<br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a051449b19f1f87c5450d59b55f0a69050ea6026/original/huck-finn.jpg?1423929899" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Daniel told us of the history of this library and the effort made by prominent citizens of the day and especially the effort of A.K. Smiley back in 1890's.<br>Today, this library continues to have great support from the community and excellent leadership & stewardship from library directors.<br><br>Daniel, like many of the librarians we have met, has a keen interest in all people from the community, including the homeless.<br>The public library is a space where people can still share in the best of what our society supports.<br>Our libraries are the great equalizer, bringing us all together, rich & poor, young and old. <br><br>Most librarians are acutely aware of the great needs of folks with mental illness and homelessness who often times spend their days in their libraries.<br>There is a consensus among librarians that the libraries fill an important role for these folks and that they are welcome.<br>And for those unemployed & underemployed, there are resources and access to the internet to keep them abreast of potential training & education programs and to keep up with the constantly changing computer / internet world.<br><br>SALTON SEA<br><br>We were fortunate to have a home base from which to travel to San Diego & LA.<br>Colleen's brother Jim lives right next to the Salton Sea, the largest body of water in California. <br><br>Jim care takes a community park & he graciously invited us to come and go from here as much as we would like.<br>We pulled up near Jim's trailer and dubbed our encampment, " Camp JimO " .<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/246eb84ab701c4176d5e81ab80e859a4f2d43867/original/salton-sea-1.jpg?1423931766" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f5c6ec026c4d58ac467451e73f7bbc259e52edd8/original/salton-sea-2.jpg?1423931797" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>This area is quite unique and a place where there is much debate about how to save the Salton Sea.<br>The Salton Sea is a shallow, saline, endorheic rift lake located directly on the San Andreas Fault, predominantly in California's Imperial and Coachella valleys.<br>The lake occupies the lowest elevations of the Salton Sink in the Colorado Desert of Imperial and Riverside counties in Southern California.<br><br>There is a lot of pollution from agricultural run-off, and the sea is shrinking precipitously.<br>Sometimes the smell from the lake is overwhelming, but most times, it is reminiscent of the smells from the ocean.<br>The "beach" is mostly made up of bones from die offs of fish and birds.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/32764fa9559fdc2f7d4f97b3c4248fcd7376f728/original/salton-sea-beach.jpg?1423932546" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>At first we were overwhelmed by the degrading sea, and during a rare wind-storm, the dust became unbearable at times.<br>But, we gradually became more attracted to the Salton Sea for there is a beauty here unlike anywhere else.<br>The birds we have seen on and above this lake are impressive.<br>They are so graceful and seem very content & relaxed in this environment.<br>They seem to have plenty of food from the sea, mostly Tilapia, which has so far survived the salinity of the water.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/e1051de122965bdaa51648b9a7d089432f42ca06/original/pelican-on-pier-post.jpg?1423932815" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Our favorite time to walk next to the sea is near and just after sunset. The sea often times takes on a pink glow along with the sky creating an ethereal, dreamlike world.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/5619a4f79a6fafc2bfe98090ce220637e53b7583/original/pink-sea.jpg?1423933683" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>It has been wonderful to hang out with Jim and we thank him for his kindness, gentle spirit & the great support he provided for this part of our tour.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/7888fbacb5f9003771c89d216d49266314c5535f/original/jim.jpg?1424017119" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We're heading out today on the 3:10 to Yuma!<br><br><br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/34443802015-01-11T08:05:00-08:002022-07-19T12:18:41-07:00December in the DesertWe had a break from our library performances in December, so we decided to take some time to see the deserts in southern California / Nevada. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/b07438d47a4a6d275ecc7ae2804033ffccb35dd1/original/christmas-desert-scene-for-e-mail.jpg?1419891012" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The contrasts, colors, geology & desert plants reveal a stark & prickly beauty.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/e4c45421ceabd96a585c3cdd6eb201a0e133ac21/original/barrel-cactus-cholla-agave-use.jpg?1419891438" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/df12e9c3ab63f69df22d0635265b2cc9d8889bab/original/chris-wresting-with-ocotillo-use.jpg?1419895584" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Hiking in these deserts at this time of year has been really incredible.... showing us how diverse & beautiful the desert can be. <br>We even saw our first tarantula in nature in the desert near the Salton Sea.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/61fd02c385bd3aeb1635bb7ae7cbb274e9af1b10/original/tarantula.jpg?1419891952" class="size_l justify_center border_" />In the Anza - Borrego Desert, there are 6 types of rattlesnakes. <br><br>We've seen a few rattlers on our hikes and we are relieved that they are not at all aggressive, and will not likely bite unless closely disturbed ie: if we picked one up or stepped on one...we hope to avoid both:)<br>.<br>We are practicing our mindfulness meditation walking in these deserts.<br><br>Our favorite areas to hike are the slot canyons, sand dunes and in or near oasis and wetland areas.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/b4b6464baf5f35d31988c3ade9c6e31af83b6ff7/original/colleen-in-slot.jpg?1419893860" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>One of our favorite oasis areas so far is China Ranch just outside the SE corner of Death Valley NP. ( Chinaranch.com )<br><br>China Ranch has a fascinating history and walks both in the oasis and in the desert outside of the oasis are incredibly beautiful with a great variety of terrain & landscapes, including a slot canyon. <br><br>The following picture we took looks almost like a mural, but this is how it really looks when looking out towards the desert from inside the date palm groves.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/62460dd321393697948e52fff756c035a993b8b6/original/china-ranch-1.jpg?1419895993" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br>There are at least 12 types of dates grown on the organic date farm at China Ranch and we sampled each and everyone...umm...delicious sweetness!<br>China Ranch makes the best date shakes we've ever had and taste the best after our hikes in the desert!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/843593048bd0d2f5b46384a6422d3ed53a784e73/original/dates-in-palm-tree.jpg?1419896236" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Just outside this oasis, the desert floor is surrounded by mountains with rock falls that are carried down to the valley floors.<br>The incredible range of colors in the rocks of this area are outstanding.<br>We learned that many folks come out to these areas to look for rocks, crystals and we met amateur to professional geologists fascinated by this area.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/0cb30062dd08e85549010138f1712ff0c13ebfba/original/colored-rocks.jpg?1420996344" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The Amargosa River runs through China Ranch and Tecopa.<br>This area is one of the few places along the Amargosa where the river is above ground, except during heavy rains and floods.<br>It seemed as if we had this valley to ourselves as we hiked several miles into the valley until the trail was engulfed by willows & cats claw....ouch!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/16e3319efa41cc457ba1067e2cd4e7f7cfff9658/original/amargosa-river-valley.jpg?1420997909" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We were fortunate to find a desert bungalow near the town of Tecopa, CA with the help of our friend Dana back in Boulder.<br><br>The weather became chilly in December so we are very happy to have our little bungalow to stay warm and to use as our base of operations in exploring the surrounding desert & to have a place to prepare for our upcoming performances in January.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/e8a5172d4d6a8bb496d75716bc81339ca7ebaaa0/original/desert-bungalow.jpg?1419894595" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Tecopa area has several hot spring choices from natural pools in a wetland area of the desert to the county park hot spring pools which are currently offered free to the public. How lucky can we get?<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/17150e83a44d845cc4b91165213188291f6aa202/original/wpid-photo-feb-12-2013-730-pm.jpg?1419895493" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Tecopa is a remote little town and one of the most unique towns we've been through on this journey.<br>There is a tiny library, and a small community center where the spotty local wifi is centered.<br>There is no cell coverage in this area, so this month did remind us of what it was like before all our connectivity through the internet.<br>Unplugging was a nice change.<br><br>The only restaurant in town is Pastel's Bistro which happens to serve up great tasting food. <br>John is the Bistro's chef extraordinaire and his partner Shelley is the hostess with the mostest.<br>They create a homey, comfortable environment, almost as if you are coming to dinner at their home.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/cb17c9c612d6fdce5d0d8fc13e035c35160322f2/original/pastels-bistro.jpg?1420989986" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The Bistro is part of Tecopa Hot Springs Resort which offers lodging, hot spring soaking pools, art gallery, labyrinth, camping, hookups for travel trailers and RV's, star gazing and campfires at night. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/033cc28a364ea5f1e04b2582176391075d881317/original/tecopa1.jpg?1420990232" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ddbf4d86bdd41914f9babc3f186e3ec981cce270/original/tecopa-hot-springs-resort-sign.jpg?1420990600" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/afa9fbd3e0ddd2cfc012ac7ad73a035a8d031f88/original/tecoopa-labrinthe.jpg?1420990382" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We played a well attended concert towards the end of our stay at Tecopa Hot Springs Resort Art Gallery.<br> - this pic was taken inside the gallery before the performance. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/d6aedada4b5720fa01148a09fa27ec6da9ca813f/original/tecopa-art-gallery.jpg?1420991158" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The Gypsy Time Travelers were holed up during our time in Tecopa.<br>We were happy to be able to see a couple performances, and we agreed that their vehicle was way cooler than ours.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/749caa51591d187ae307a4e377c858c0161dd226/original/gypsy-time-travelers.jpg?1420999100" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/08910280212b445bc99d812e7acf1f9a029cf269/original/7225a3-05b36fdbdb7cffbba68a16bba0575335.jpg?1420999290" class="size_l justify_center border_" />"Michel Olson and Christy Horne are the husband and wife team who have history ringing in the ears of millions of people across the USA!<br>They travel all across the United States in "Florence" their Recreational Castle, Blacksmith Shop and Stage Rig. <br>They combine fabulous storytelling with anvil accompaniment and have created an award winning Stage Show that has been called "The Best in Family EDUTAINMENT."<br><br>We traded travel stories with Michel and just as we were leaving Tecopa, Michael came over to our van and gave us one of his lucky horseshoes he had made to carry along on our travels. Kindred Spirits!<br><br>Tecopa Public Golf Coarse<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ae04b95041361f1379f45dde4fc7be0df81802f1/original/golf-course-use-this-one.jpg?1421001345" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Ken developed this spot when he could no longer afford the fees @ Pahrump Nevada's golf course.<br>He shares the course with anyone who would like to hit balls out into the desert, as long as they will go and retrieve them...watch out for the scorpions and snakes!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f2ac1bf28fb5c13a711e521234bf0a1c7ce245b6/original/ken-tee-1.jpg?1421001437" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Tecopa Community Church.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/e3aa9f78335b317cf11157da10429771e71cdb5c/original/church-in-tecopa.jpg?1421001810" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a5aef32bd1b2c62c0586ccd9d56f263e354d4569/large/cross-next-to-tecopa-church.jpg?1421001830" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" />Tasty selection of draft beer @ Death Valley Brewing.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/89daff4ff8179eee722d7f7754e72065163846fe/original/dv-brew.jpg?1421002085" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>We were fortunate pick up a gig at Death Valley's Inn @ Furnace Creek about 70 miles NW of Tecopa.<br>What a beautiful old hotel!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/41cd4f10d4fba39ab95f6b18e14b4031eb98694b/original/furnace-creek-inn.jpg?1420998654" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We were treated to a 2 night stay, including food and spirits for 2 performances.<br>One for the managers holiday luncheon and one for Christmas dinner.<br><br>Wow, lovely old hotel & beautiful gardens in this oasis paradise.<br>The historic Furnace Creek Inn was built in 1927 by the Pacific Coast Borax Company as a means to save their newly built Death Valley Railroad.<br>The Inn opened for business on February 1, 1927 with 12 guest rooms, a dining room and lobby area. Room rates were $10 per night and included meals.<br><br>All materials were local and workers came from around the area, including Shoshone Indians, who made the tiles for the roof of the Inn.<br>For us, it had the feel of Timberline Lodge, not in architecture certainly, but in the feel of the place and artisan touches.<br>Old rail tracks were used for much of the rod iron work made into light fixtures and beautifully designed rod iron fences.<br><br>Travertine Springs were tapped for electricity and water for the swimming pool.<br>The spring water is still used for irrigating the Inn’s gardens and flow-through pool.<br><br>We had this beautiful pool to ourselves. The water reminded us of Eldorado Springs Pool back in Colorado, but warmer.<br>Of course we made use of the saunas right next to the pool.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/6900243fdab565c72ccd5a16fb20347d681aafcf/original/dv-pool.jpg?1421046187" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/db3846971f72994970c58883c16f1f8e2bc7c427/original/garden-2.jpg?1421002476" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>After Furnace Creek Inn , we headed back to Tecopa for our last week in our desert bungalow.<br>We waited for the coldest morning to go to the natural hot springs just outside of Tecopa, it was 15 degrees out.<br>The water was nice and warm - the sunrise was beautiful, a great way to start our last day in Tecopa.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ca652de2a0541d984231f19aac13804cee2f6908/original/sunrise.jpg?1421047236" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Time to move on down the road!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/533b1d85d631195024cd6dc5709094bb46661f80/original/road-pic.jpg?1421047579" class="size_l justify_center border_" />PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/34391202014-12-26T07:52:57-08:002022-04-25T15:49:01-07:00Happy Holidays!Wishing you a Joyous Holiday Season and A Very Happy and Peaceful New Year!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/1f2e3d28136652e2c89ea694968147ff8eefee9b/original/christmas-dv.jpg?1419608993" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Furnace Creek Inn, Death Valley, December 25th, 2014PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/34374582014-12-25T14:40:08-08:002022-04-25T15:48:22-07:00Ojai CaliforniaDown the coast we went.<br><br>As the coastline becomes more populated with one town after another, we hug the coastline until we find ourselves in areas we have not traveled through previously.<br><br>We were surprised to see a number of oil rigs off the coast near Santa Barbara & the Channel Islands. <br>In fact, our friends from Ojai say that the petro industry has a huge presence and long history in this area of California. <br><br>As we leave the coastline, we head up into the rugged coastal mountains between the coast & Ojai and notice significant areas of agriculture here in the valleys and on hillsides. <br><br>We are told that this is one of the few areas with it’s own water supply due to a good water table and lots of springs.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c0f19d12c3d87355e09ed4b00c69870d5c307163/original/wineries.jpg?1419543924" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The town of Ojai is quite old & beautiful with mostly Spanish architecture set against mountain ranges & canyons.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/db4d8466519cda051a7d8c74ee6a886942e3509b/original/ojai-snow-scene.jpg?1419544164" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We played in the tasting room of an organic vineyard, Casa Barranca, in downtown Ojai on the day we arrived in town.<br>We were happy to see Dana, Colleen’s niece and her friend Mike @ Casa Baranca.<br>They graciously hosted us for an overnight stay after our library presentation @ the Ojai library, Thanks Dana & Mike!!<br><br>During our 2 sets, there was a friendly gentleman who appeared to be an avid & appreciative music listener sitting right in front of us.<br>To our pleasant surprise, he happened to own the ice-cream shop right next door and his tip was to give us 2 ice-cream waffle cones whenever we chose to come in and ask for them.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/fb06a75c11adc3194382d803e1b3353b7e2d147d/original/casa-barranca-wine-and-ojai-icecream.jpg?1419545637" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Of course we took him up on it the next day - it was warm and sunny and when we were just hot enough, we walked in and ordered our waffle cones & then crossed the street to enjoy our cones in the beautiful courtyard across the street.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/6e94df872d1add2e0a3b8978083ffc7888f06305/original/ojai-california-17-1333384-l.jpg?1419546354" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We also met up with Meg who is a sister to one of Chris' childhood friends.<br>Meg is the proprietor of "Nutmeg's Ojai House", a very fun and interesting store with great cards, crystals, and per the stores info: "offers American-Made, Fair Trade, Recycled, UpCycled, Spiritual, Organic, Green & "Functional Art."<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/eab890159ae77d63ed9acf2eefe7596c7915fa68/original/nutmeg-ojai-house.jpg?1419547070" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> <br><br>Next stop - Salton Sea!<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/33936172014-12-12T16:30:22-08:002022-04-25T15:47:12-07:00Arroyo Grande LibraryArroyo Grande library is a beautiful library, very busy, and we played in their main room.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/b899b51642a9e129437559abf9ebcbd9482c9c5b/original/chris-on-vibes-nice-one.jpg?1418430526" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/fd4d7db37e79804705bfa829c8c6746061ac4b4f/original/colleen-cello-smiles.jpg?1418430587" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>They have an area with comfortable big chairs in the center of the library where we performed.<br><br>We felt like we were joined in a circle with everyone as the chairs were arranged in such away that we would complete the circle with our instruments. <br><br>This was the best set-up we’ve encountered so far.<br>It provided a space and intimacy for an inclusive performance, as if everyone there were part of the performance.<br><br>The librarians did a great job promoting this event as evidenced by the turn-out and enthusiasm of the folks attending.<br><br>Next stop - Ojai, California!<br><br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/33936152014-12-12T16:22:21-08:002022-04-25T15:46:52-07:00PIsmo Beach - Week 14, November 10th - 15thAt this point, We still have another week before our next performance in Arroyo Grande, just east of Pismo Beach.<br><br>We were glad that an old school friend had a place in the area and had invited us to stay in their guest house.<br><br>Unfortunately, as time grew near and several attempts made to reach this friend failed, we thought, well, this is another part of the experience of being out on the road - and what could we do but go find some hot springs - just south of San Luis Obispo - near Avery Beach. Ahhhhh - just what the doctor ordered.<br><br>Then on to Pismo Beach area where we found a place to camp for about a week.<br>We found a a great camping spot with spacious campsites just south of downtown Pismo Beach at a really nice State Park called North Beach Campground.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/b166dfec60f210945ba53fb3d05869c30da3a26d/original/drystreambed.jpg?1418428172" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Our spot had a short trail from our site over a low grassy sand dune which led right onto the beach. We could walk to town easily from here. <br><br>We had stayed in Pismo Beach on another tour many years ago, and remembered we had liked this town.<br>We still like it!<br><br>Pismo has an air of the 50’s about it. Lots of neon signs and some art deco styled buildings mixed in with newer buildings with Spanish architectural influence.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/9d35a2cd9d34ac66e5a167d135beb53bb18575a6/original/pismo-sign.jpg?1418428595" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Pismo has a nice sandy beach, great for long walks.They have many affordable restaurants, wide streets with lots of room for bicyclists and pedestrians.<br>We walked on nice boardwalks over sand dunes and into groves of coastal eucalyptus.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/5fa1d9b56cf2934dc617f506b17545b8783acd07/original/chris-on-pismo-boardwalk.jpg?1418429058" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We were fortunate to see hundreds if not thousands of Monarch Butterflies clustered and hanging off the Eucalyptus leaves which they use for protection from the wind and colder weather.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/40177cbfb6b175164d0ef5b2e3219cdba87c3982/original/cluster1-920x360.jpg?1418430825" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We learned from a State Park Volunteer that Monarchs west of the Rocky Mountain Range overwinter in California along the coast. There are many roost sites along the California coast. The coastal forests provide a similar microhabitat to the mountains in Mexico where the monarchs east of the Rocky Mountains overwinter.We learned that the west coast Monarchs are not as threatened as Monarchs which migrate up from Mexico east of the Rocky Mountains.<br><br>http://www.monarchbutterfly.org/faqs/<br><br>Our week in Pismo seemed to go by quickly as we prepared to leave for our next performance.<br>But before moving on, another observation since being in California.<br><br>We’ve noticed through California that there are still a lot of folks camping in tents compared to anywhere else we have been. Maybe it’s the better & generally warmer weather, but we have seen more tent campers than RV’s in many areas.<br><br>It’s been heartening to see young people i.e. college age students and young families out there setting up their tents, cooking over camp stoves and kids playing in the great outdoors with no cell phones, computers or such to distract them.<br><br><br><br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/33929712014-12-12T15:39:12-08:002022-04-25T01:35:43-07:00South of Big SurHeading out of Big Sur we came to an area where several cars were pulled off Hwy 1 viewing ‘something’ on the beach & in the water.<br>We decided we wanted to see what was up, so we pulled off the road into a small parking area above a narrow beach and, woooo, here’s what we saw:<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/835650a4a3c7611668f30b8009d3e97015a64ed0/original/facebook-seals.jpg?1418426398" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/55e7d1ed5c44090b9d4375d3447fddbd93a4bb5b/original/seals-pic-2.jpg?1418426754" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The ones snoozing on the beach appear to be quite lazy, but we learned that most of the time, elephant seals are in the water and working very hard to catch their food. The snoozing on the beach is needed to rest up to go back at their way of living. Male elephant seals are much larger than the females and they make deep — guttural sounds.<br><br>Hunted nearly to extinction for their oil-rich blubber, elephant seals have made a remarkable comeback. Protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, they are expanding their range outward from remote islands and are now colonizing selected mainland beaches such as Piedras Blancas in the southern range of Big Sur, near San Simeon.<br><br>Elephant seals come ashore and form colonies for only a few months of each year to give birth, breed, and molt. The rest of the year the colonies disperse and individuals spend most of their time in pursuit of food, a quest which involves swimming thousands of miles and diving to great depths.<br><br>For more info elephant seals, check out the following link: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1115<br><br><br><br><br><br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/33841682014-12-10T14:50:32-08:002022-04-25T15:46:07-07:00Big SurWe headed down highway 1 into the Big Sur coastline of central California....wow!<br><br>We've driven through Big Sur a couple times in the past, but did not take the time to fully immerse ourselves in this wild part of the California Coast.<br>This part of the coast is even more dramatic than the northern coastline along Hwy 1.<br><br>We spent 5 days camping our way down this coast and spent our 1st night in a pull - out along Highway 1.<br>We had been informed by a retired trucker that this is allowed along this section of coastline and 'relatively safe'.<br><br>We had one of our best nights camping along the coast with an awesome view of the ocean.<br>The evening was warm, no wind and as we had prepared to be out for several days, our food selection on this 1st night was close to gourmet.<br><br>We listened to music into the night from Chris' carefully selected tunes & compositions. ( Now numbering into the thousands:) <br>This music is stored on a hard drive we carry with us. On some evenings, the random selections seem to be a perfectly planned sets of music as one piece flows into another.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/26eeec7f903a43742a784f6feab13a1b26bcddf1/original/van-in-big-sur-for-pm.jpg?1418245184" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/4db5e5d8a286ef1624b19a7deda87dc8b04ac207/original/sunset-over-rock.jpg?1418246906" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Heading on down the coast the next day, we stopped at one of the few Inns along this part of the coast.<br>Lucia Lodge. These little cottages hug the cliff a few hundred feet above the ocean.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/6753bdc517d917683f69cf3e7f580871a214bd16/original/lucia-lodge.jpg?1418247579" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The day was brilliant and warm. We talked with a couple folks who work there and they asked if we would like to play on their deck in the afternoon in exchange for dinner and drinks. "YES", we said, "of course! " What a day it was. And their food was exceptional.<br><br>We also met a a group of people either taking part in and or supporting a bike ride from Canada to the tip of Baja to raise awareness for a specific child developmental disability.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/95996746b21bc0a230258cb341bdfd05497f248e/original/biking-group.jpg?1418248694" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We turned down another invitation to play the next day to spend a day in the area of Kirk Creek where we were camped.<br>Kirk Creek Campground is right above the ocean, each site is spacious, some are very private, and all have great views of the ocean.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/b480cb64d29a7e3f693c475d8af59a009e319b3f/original/nice-pic.jpg?1418249205" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Our last stop in Big Sur was @ Plaskett Creek - we camped here for a couple nights and had great access to the beach and nice hiking along their headlands.<br>The person who camped next to us had just taken his first solo hang gliding flight.<br><br>He told us he was a bit nervous because he had just completed his hang gliding lessons the previous weekend where he had witnessed another hang glider fall to his death while testing a proto type of a smaller hang glider.<br><br>We actually saw our neighbor on his first solo flight gliding above us while we were out taking a walk on the headlands.<br><br>It turns out that he has a program on TV with his brother which is partly sponsored by Disney & National Geographic.<br><br>The program is called "Motion" "Motion started when two unlikely worlds came together. Two brothers with completely different backgrounds -- one was a TV producer and photographer and the other was a pro-mountain guide -- created a unique kind of outdoor show that captured America's wild places."<br><br>We were able to take a look at a couple programs - and really enjoyed them. <br>If you would like to take a look, go to: http://livewellnetwork.com/Motion/bio/6747477.<br><br><br>Headlands near Plaskett Creek<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ea84ab3a2fdfb69c689afc1e74f11f8a6da2ff02/original/plaskett-creek-headlands.jpg?1418251694" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/33838372014-12-10T12:36:27-08:002022-04-25T15:45:49-07:00Cesar Chavez Library - November 4th, 2014Caesar Chavez Library, Salinas California<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/27f6a3054549f13845c95ab0f1c86cb9066100b4/original/cesar-chavez-library-pic-1.jpg?1418243405" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Before heading down the Central Coast on Highway 1 through Big Sur, we went inland to Salinas to play @ the Cesar Chavez Library.<br>This library is more modern and architecturally more interesting than the other libraries we’ve played in.<br><br>The library is packed with kids & adults and seemed like a beehive of activity.<br>Most folks here speak Spanish, so we felt a bit ill-prepared to offer a relevant program.<br><br>Our listeners were mostly from the after school program, kids about 6-12 and a few mom’s and a college student writing a review of this performance. <br>( hmmm, we wonder what she wrote: )<br><br>The kids always love the improv of Gary Snyder’s poem “Wave”, especially with Chris on box drum and the part about “racing zebras”.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/4720c795c7dabf10148ddae4fb0b1bad67fc9e3e/original/zebras-running-4336.jpg?1418243591" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>There were also some great questions asked about the instruments, the vibes in particular.<br>Most folks everywhere we have been do not seem to know what the vibes are. <br>Most seem to know about the xylophone and and some know about the marimba, but not the vibes.<br>This gives Chris a chance to talk about these instruments and distinguish one from the other. ( he loves this )<br><br>During the performance, some kids giggled, but a few were so intent in their listening and response to the music through their body movements.<br><br>Chris can rarely look up from the vibes to see responses, but Colleen always loves watching the uninhibited responses of children and could see that a few of these kids were blossoming musicians and or dancers. ( perhaps poets too! )<br><br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/33797472014-12-09T15:10:50-08:002022-08-30T13:07:13-07:00San Francisco Bay Area Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco always feels great!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/d9b7336c2626aa42ef0550899190ca146420498a/original/golden-gate.jpg?1418162863" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>We played 3 libraries in the Bay area, 2 in Santa Rosa, the Downtown & NW Regional Library and one library in Pacifica CA which is just south of San Francisco along the ocean.<br><br>Central Santa Rosa Library - Downtown<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/326c8f408148841bd589bc679e3f971e5989472d/original/chris-colleen-vv-c-santa-rosa.jpg?1418164718" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Pacifica Library<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c66d1f5f62bbc3715c9cbdfd22182a56383092e7/original/chris-frame-drum-pacifica.jpg?1418164863" class="size_l justify_center border_" />NW Regional Library - we played in the Children's Section:) Wonderful responses and questions from all libraries!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/30770eafefb70bb573db1477999010bb5fe54774/original/nw-regional-library-with-librarian.jpg?1418165229" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>In 1986, we lived a short while in Bolinas, but we made life long friends here, one of whom we stayed with while in Bolinas - thanks Jim!<br><br>Folks who live in Bolinas are proud to take down the town's sign, hoping that people will not find the town.<br>There is a good chance for that to happen since you need to take a road off Hwy 1 which is not that easy to find if one is unfamiliar with the area.<br><br>Scenes from Bolinas<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/9b8d142bde709269a44cdb5a4725cab9368c5682/original/beach-chair-bolinas.jpg?1418166180" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/454af16d411d792e4271ed663353384c2f7368a4/original/good-vibes-mural.jpg?1418166165" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/58a97d3503c33f101478f4d99eb8676208eb06e1/original/boat-in-bolinas-for-blog.jpg?1418166117" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/55eb9c7ebde113aaadde086821cbb95ee61e6bdc/original/bolinas-across-the-bay.jpg?1418166006" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Humans in the back row left to right: Jim,Colleen & Chris, Front Row, Stella & Rain, in front of Jim's guest cottage.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/48f037208422f09b00faa896f81c158dd8d9efb2/original/bolinas-gang.jpg?1418166526" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We loved staying here, sharing many meals with Jim and taking walks daily, often times with our sweet dog companions. Jim's dog Stella is cousin to our son's dog Charile. Charlie comes to "camp Jim's" to spend time in paradise, free to run and play with Stella. Much reminiscing went on over a couple weeks about the 'olden days' and life in Bolinas. <br><br>Jim is a master wood worker / artist & builder. We hope someday, when the time is right, he may agree to complete the inside of our van with galley kitchen, cupboards and special touches that Jim brings to his artisan work. So, what will it take Jim? How many meals??PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/33340122014-11-26T16:03:56-08:002022-04-25T15:45:10-07:00Highway 1 - Northern California Coast<strong>Highway 1</strong><br><br>One of our favorite roads to travel in the US is Highway 1 along the rugged & beautiful California coastline.<br><br>The northern part of Hwy 1 starts in Legget California and heads west winding it’s way through the hills and beautiful northern California forest before reaching the coast at which point it turns south, closely hugging the Pacific.<br><br>For those who have the time, are willing to drive slow and are looking to be out of range of cell towers and wifi….this is the road for you.<br><br>The California Coastline along Highway 1 is spectacular, wild & mostly an unpopulated area through the northern California Coastline.<br>The exception to this is the San Francisco area.<br><br>Sometimes these areas will take ones breath away, from both the spectacular views / scenery, but also the steep, high cliffs and narrow, windy road which seems to take up much of this coastline.<br><br>The road follows the contours of the land, so every inlet needs to be gone around, i.e. no overpasses or straightened roadway.<br><br>Every river crossing means coming down off the cliffs, winding down to the river and crossing a small bridge before going up the other side, winding your way up and around the next series of rocky precipices.<br><br>For those afraid of heights, we would recommend not taking this road.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/dccbc26297f82b10412d41106ec26cee71cda41a/original/hwy-1-use-1st.jpg?1418157377" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ce377b17f028abd9d2aabc6e1247b49880da3057/original/hwy-1-use-1st-or-2nd.jpg?1418157492" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Most of the little towns which dot Hwy 1 can be quite quaint and unique with a rich history.<br>One of our favorite little towns along Hwy 1 in northern California is Point Arena.<br><br>The day we drove into Point Arena, we stopped on their main street ( one block long there abouts ) to admire the old architecture, character and quaintness of this little town.<br><br><br><img 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class="size_orig justify_center border_" alt="" /><br>We parked in front of a sweet little pub named after it's address: "215 Main". <br>There was a closed sign on the door, but Colleen decided to have a look at the menu and to see what it looked like inside.<br>As she was leaning against the front door, the door opened and she stumbled into the pub.<br><br>“Can I help you?” a very kind voice asked.<br><br>Colleen apologized for ‘breaking in’ in such a manner and introduced herself & Chris to Barbara who asked where we were traveling from and what we were doing.<br><br>We gave her the short version of our travels & playing music in libraries around the west, and Barbara quickly asked if we would like to play at the pub later in the afternoon / evening. We asked if dinner may be a possibility, and she said sure, and added to drinks would be thrown in. <br><br>The food was delicious and choice of California wines were exceptional and greatly appreciated.<br>215 Main is a Primal Mates pick for best pub!<br><br>Before we left the pub, Barbara invited us to stay in her guest room for the night in her house up on the hill.<br>( Her house was truly a lovely old, craftsman style bungalow with beautiful gardens & privacy.<br>It was another nice respite from camping and we thank Barbara for being such a kind, welcoming spirit in this world. )<br><br>Across the street from the pub was the old beautiful refurbished Point Arena Theater.<br>A few musicians invited us over to play at their jam session after playing at the pub.<br>We were completely awestruck by the beauty of the interior of this little theater.<br><br>Etched glass with scenes from the town, back lit to provide lighting on the stairs going up to the balcony along with many other pieces of artwork on the walls. An airiness & beauty of the theater surpassed any previous theater going experience.<br><br>So, we most heartily give a thumbs up to the Point Arena Theater and are happy for the local musicians to have such a beautiful and inclusive place to play. <br><br>Point Arena Pier<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/4c2102652881ea9111d1abcb6a111695dfc35559/original/point-arena-pier-use-for-blog.jpg?1418158254" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Point Arena Lighthouse, north of town.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a99d22537525900ee4558a728a75f2e1cf49a730/original/point-arena-lighthouse.jpg?1418158592" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br>Moving on down the coast, the following site took us by surprise!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/59f1ef777d482002e0d41ad4d41e16d040c6bf87/original/obelisk.jpg?1417044724" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>This obelisk seemed to be reaching towards heaven, crowned by the sun!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a5fa1ef6923c4ba6939b7310df73a56c2d189434/original/close-up-of-obelisk.jpg?1417045038" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Looking south from the Obelisk<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/22002407198c9478191c5b46df249b09d2ce3a7d/original/looking-south-from-obelisk-3.jpg?1417045175" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>What does it all mean?<br><br>Searching back in our memories and looking on the map, we remembered that this is named Bufano's Obelisk in the Timber Cove area of the Sonoma Coast.<br><br>The information below is from a Sonoma County website:<br><br>"Also known as “Madonna of Peace” and “The Expanding Universe,” the 93-foot sculpture dominates the cliff to such a degree that it’s visible far down the highway and from all nearby beaches and bluffs. The work is made of concrete, mosaic tile, redwood and lead.<br><br>Bufano started working on the obelisk in May, 1962, a few months before the Cuban missile crisis galvanized the world.<br>The reality of Soviet and American ballistic missiles poised for global war doubtless influenced the look of the sculpture (which does, indeed, resemble a huge missile). But Bufano’s missile—decorated as it is with the Madonna and child and topped by a huge open and welcoming hand—is all about peace and world harmony."<br><br>Our kinda guy!<br><br>- See more at: http://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/timber-cove-inn-bufanos-obelisk#sthash.Isv3uZN1.dpuf<br><br><br><br><br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/33000742014-11-18T10:14:48-08:002022-07-26T12:50:11-07:00"Like As The Waves" Sonnet 60As we follow the west coast down from Oregon into California, we've had such great opportunity to see beautiful beaches, headlands, rocky points and coves, wildlife and endless waves crashing on the shore.<br><br>All of this is an inspiration for our music.<br><br>The waves are particularly inspiring for one of our poetry pieces set to music by our good friend and wonderful musician composer Mark Miller.<br><br>Mark set 2 Shakespeare Sonnets to music, Sonnet 60 " Like as the Waves" & Sonnet 130 "My Mistress Eyes".<br><br>Those coming to our poetry / music concerts in the libraries often comment on these pieces being their favorites.<br><br>Mark has sent along other compositions set to poetry as we travel along, and we had a chance to look at one in Bolinas, CA, "Blue Ophelia".<br>We look forward to developing this piece and add this to our presentations in the near future.<br><br>A message to Mark: We've "cracked open" Blue Ophelia"!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/17e0f1c241a23af6ceb60a606a60f7052998c74b/original/sonnet-60-slide-001.jpg?1416332540" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/dcc5cec42a39c84dac3b17dd17c7971d6d24697e/original/waves-3.jpg?1416334401" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/a1cde10a5931d3793a1ccdc89328b27686cf9661/original/waves-2.jpg?1416334399" class="size_l justify_center border_" />PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/32775572014-11-11T15:59:38-08:002022-04-25T15:44:12-07:00Northern California, Mendocino County - October 2014California >>>>Here We Come"!<br><br>We plan to be spending the next several weeks in California until after Thanksgiving.<br>Our first group of performances were for the Mendocino Libraries in Willits, Covelo & Ukiah, CA.<br><br><span class="font_large"><strong>Covelo, California</strong></span><br><br>Our Mendocino library presentations all went very well, all the librarians were helpful and very friendly.<br><br>We would like to focus on Covelo California because it was the most unique area in that it was at the end of the road & in a more remote area with an interesting population mix. This mix of people included Round Valley Indian tribe members, ranchers, farmers including marijuana growers and others drawn to this land and it's ecology.<br><br>We were told by some that this town was a bit reminiscent of the old west, sometimes including <em><strong>"Shoot Outs"</strong></em>!<br><br>We were not disturbed by this info as we were very well taken care of by our librarian and were given precautions about camping and offered a place to park our van overnight.<br><br>We were so lucky to arrive when the Indian tribes had invited the surrounding community to their Salmon Festival, the 1st one in 30 years.<br>The salmon runs on the Klamath and Eel Rivers were the best in years.<br><br>We went over to the beautiful grounds of a park which the tribes managed and saw the long, narrow fire pit, and waited and watched as huge pieces of salmon were skewered on a stick and the bottom end of the stick was driven into the ground like a stake.<br><br>It would take about 1 & 1/2 hours for the salmon to bake.<br><br>This gave us time to set up at the library community hall and come back to enjoy a wonderful feast, including roasted corn, salads, flat bread and other delicious offerings.<br><br>And as you can see, the pieces of salmon were quite large and these were not divided for portions as everyone received a large piece of salmon for themselves, ahhh, delicious fresh, traditionally prepared salmon!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/4c29214290c30882350c41d0fc5d4c7f047ac6ee/original/salmon-fest-1.jpg?1415742335" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/85aa57ed46a387c54db5a0fdf2bfc987418a160f/original/salmon-2.jpg?1415743105" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/6b8c50cdceaab16c4df1eaff256511ddb47899c3/original/salmon-head-covelo.jpg?1415744685" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Before sitting down to eat, an Indian Elder gave a blessing and his daughter sang a beautiful song to bless the salmon.<br><br>The elder sat down with us while we were eating our dinner and spoke about forgiveness and a need for the Indian Nations to help bridge the gap between all of us, created by the violent and genocidal history provoked by the persistent onslaught of European settlers and later American settlers taking over Indian lands with the help of the US Government.<br><br>Our gracious tribal elder spoke of the challenges facing us all on earth given the rapid changes taking place with global warming.<br><br>These changes particularly impact those less affluent, especially the poor and poor nations, but will in a short while, impact us all.<br><br>He again stressed the need for forgiveness and the need to work together to slow down this change so that we can all come up with a better way to live on this earth and develop understanding of how to protect our precious resources which are needed to sustain all of us.<br><br>He spoke of the ancient wisdom almost lost to the Indian Nations by both the take over of their lands, & rounding up their people, but also of poor choices made by the tribes to make money and bad business decisions which helped to create more problems for the Indian Nations.<br><br>He parted with further wise words and the determination of Indian Nations to finally reclaim and share the wisdom of protecting the earth for all on earth.<br><br>His wise words are not new to us, but certainly renewed our inspiration to share his message through our travels and in our music.<br><br>On to the Covelo's Round Valley Library which was our favorite Library in Mendocino because not only was the community room where we played very beautiful with great acoustics and local art on the wall, but this library is a very important community center, with a kitchen for the community to share.<br><br>Whether planning community meals or using the community center / library for special events, all can partake in this wonderful offering in Covelo.<br>They also have a Covelo Farmers Market on these grounds offering up local fresh produce, baked goods, sauces and more.<br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/3a2b1ebdea53a975f83fd84e7f93a56e573f0030/original/stage-at-covelo.jpg?1415748440" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Our librarian at Round Valley, Rachel was especially helpful and gracious.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/1ed683eda561c32b2161399b86ca3bf268257b07/original/rachel.jpg?1415748168" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Rachel introduced us to a professor of sustainable ecology who wrote an important book on sustainable living back in the 70's.<br>He moved to Round Valley to pursue his dream of sustainable living.<br>We were generously offered a spot to park our van for the night on his farm / ranch and offered to join him for a glass of wine and in conversation after the concert.<br>We took him up on his offer and we learned about sustainable living and his concerns regarding our present course on this planet.<br><br>Some pics of his place, the surrounding land and his cat Grayson who keeps the mice out of the house.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/058f3ae58b63e19ea5dc259739d8fd58590939a9/original/sustainable-living-pic-1.jpg?1415749522" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/374c1d75b04278ea4da6bb7710d07ca6f0566c5f/original/round-valley.jpg?1416335858" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br><br>Grayson waiting for his next meal!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/d185e388c34ac8c709344c4ffceaa2f29ce18b6d/original/grayson-pic-1.jpg?1415749802" class="size_l justify_center border_" />"Nope, not yet!"<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/4ff69f37b6103013185a406c88ef024e502967b2/original/grayson-2.jpg?1415749946" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Ukiah - what a fun group of folks attending the Ukiah Library Performance! Best improvised bird sounds so far on our tour:)<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/759065cfd9095b7178f9b4f7a683737a3d6aa7c5/original/sign-on-street-free-jazz.jpg?1418242935" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br><br><br><br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/32512742014-10-26T09:20:05-07:002022-07-21T17:37:29-07:00Oregon Coast, from Bay City to Gold Beach - <p><strong>October 5th - 15th ( weeks 8-9 ) </strong><br><br>We left Bay City on October 5th after enjoying a delicious breakfast of salmon frittata, fruit and lots of hot coffee provided by Charlie at the Bay City Arts Center.<br><br>We decided to take a couple days enjoying the coast before starting a 5 day stretch of performances.<br>We drove about 20 miles, taking a less traveled route along the coast, off 101 to Cape Lookout State Park just west of Tillamook.<br><br>Cape Lookout is one of our favorite state parks so far, and a Primal Mates Pick for location, campground and great access to one of the best beaches in Oregon including the forests right above the beach with beautiful creeks, ferns, salal and several other forest floor plants. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/8abe59efa53ede7aeec287c6c7eb2190fdb6bd9d/original/cape-lookout-1.jpg?1414339319" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f7b69c352527757982f5942b5e72a2c25d592f7e/original/cape-lookout-2.jpg?1414339357" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/dc4a47b46b3e61083c7121297b5354764404ff52/original/cape-lookout-3.jpg?1414339369" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>After 2 nights of camping, we headed down the coast towards Yachats to play in a very nice seafood restaurant called the Drift Inn.<br>The place is always full because of the great seafood dishes and ambiance.<br>The interior is wood, with many cozy booths and a ceiling of colorful open Italian umbrellas strategically placed above the booths reminding us of the French movie, "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg".<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/7867c8f483fe20dfff627c2d8956167df678c7b0/original/umbrella.jpg?1414340306" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c10b4ae53ae87e12e7eabb9907a198b6a1812e1b/original/cello-vibes-yachats.jpg?1414340339" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br>From Yachats, we continued down the central and southern Oregon Coast playing at the beautiful Florence and North Bend Libraries.<br>The people attending these events were most gracious and asking great questions.<br><br>From North Bend, we took the road to Charleston, Oregon and stopped to pick up our 1st fresh shucked raw oysters from Qualman Oyster Farms.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/026dc5b636b405f2073dbf9b9dacd4c86d1e89f3/original/oysters-in-charleston.jpg?1414597029" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We took our oysters out to Sunset Bay and enjoyed eating our fill of oysters while looking out over this beautiful bay.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/13f942338707687cff3df314885bdce1b7925bea/original/sunset-bay.jpg?1414597837" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/7ffdd605f7d16f1021e49c645fb9747797415543/original/oyster-pile.jpg?1414597162" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Then onto Langlois Library on the southern Oregon Coast. A cozy library tucked just off 101. For the size of this little town, there was a great turn-out for our concert and we met Jo & Roger who offered to be our hosts for the evening & a place to stay overnight.<br><br>We always loved this part of the Oregon Coast and intrigued by the cranberry bogs, the lovely rivers, landscape & vegetation which are a change from the northern Oregon Coast. This area is much less populated than further up north and much nicer travels on 101 given fewer cars.<br><br>We were given directions and set off driving east off 101 onto a country road in the dark, and 2 miles up this road, we took a right up quite a steep and windy gravel road to the top of a hill. We were not able to see the views until the next morning, but their location and sweeping views of the area and ocean were astoundingly beautiful.<br><br>We enjoyed a wonderful dinner, breakfast and company with this stay and want to thank Jo & Roger for taking these strange wandering minstrels in for the night.<br>This offered us such wonderful respite from our travels and camping and a much needed good nights sleep!<br><br>Then, onto Gold Beach where we performed both at the Gold Beach Library, then we quickly packed up and drove a few blocks on 101 to Mangia Buff to play a dinner set.<br>This is a nice Italian Restaurant with seafood pasta dishes on the menu, along with more traditional Italian fare.<br>The mood of this restaurant inspired Colleen to sing one of her favorite Italian songs, "Senza Fine" by Gino Paoli.<br><br>We have been coming through Gold Beach for many years now and have made very good friends with a few kind folk.<br>Many thanks to our friends Tim & Laura for our stay in Gold Beach at their beautiful home in the woods.<br>Also thanks to our friend Dave for an excellent Italian style dinner!<br><br>Ciao!<br><br><br> </p>PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/32488782014-10-24T11:43:45-07:002022-04-25T15:43:35-07:00Bay City Art Center - Oregon CoastWe left Manzanita to travel a short ways down the coast to Bay City where we performed a concert at the Bay City Art Center, on Saturday night, October 4th.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/10c5e830ba4ea089aaf6cea7322f2fe4c43662ef/original/bay-city-art-center-sign.jpg?1414170422" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ef9eaff5431b655a577312d70a5dcda404b1f949/large/bay-city-art-center-concert.jpg?1414166366" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br>The acoustics were awesome in this old Masonic Lodge.<br>We were very impressed by this art center and by the folks who set up the center to benefit the community at large, the under served, children, adults.... everyone with an interest to do a wide range of artistic activities, including stone sculpture using hand chisels.<br><br>The center is open during the day and for special events and often dinner is provided prior to these events.<br>On the night we performed, Leeauna, welcomed us and had made a delicious mushroom / tomato pasta dish which we enjoyed prior to playing.<br>Folks came from around the area, and a few from the more northern part of the coast.<br><br>The next day, we were given a personal tour by Charlie who was one of the main founders of the art center.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/66a93d42d9fcb362bada92e55cb50da63c7e0e8d/original/charlie.jpg?1414166402" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Charlie's knowledge of art, of the area & it's history give him a perspective which supports this local community.<br>He is dedicated to providing access to & the tools / supplies for folks who are interested in learning a new art form and has a keen interest in helping people get started in an artistic process. All forms of art are welcome & supported here, including painting, drawing, sculpture, making art from found objects, music and more.<br>How fortunate Bay City is to have this center and the folks involved in the center who offer their expertise, time & effort to make this center possible.<br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/3e1fe9c268741e0580fe9b739011fe1be794845e/original/use-this-for-leaves-stone.jpg?1414177001" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/e46de82fa7c69e412fabd4632fd84e1a49c14af8/original/use-rock-sculpture.jpg?1414175611" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><strong>Bay City Arts Center is a Primal Pick for best community art center!</strong><br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/32324242014-10-23T14:38:31-07:002022-04-25T15:43:19-07:00Week 8 - Manzanita, Oregon CoastWe left Portland on October 3rd and headed down to the Oregon Coast.<br><br>We will now be on or near the coast all the way into California and maybe Baja if our plans remain on coarse.<br><br>The weather remained sunny and beautiful for the first few days before more fog and then rain greeted us on the southern Oregon Coast.<br><br>We met up with our good friends Martha & Bill in Manzanita to help Martha celebrate her birthday.<br>They are the most gracious of hosts and have a beautiful cabin / home in Manzanita.<br><br>Our son Eric met us with his pal Charlie or Chuck as Eric calls him, his trusty friend, companion border collie.<br>Everyone loves Charlie and he made several new friends on the beach.<br><br>Below is our first pic of the Oregon Coast taken from Neahkahnie Mountain.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/21e7afe7cb1219c7b36f1cd02ade7ee27a51defd/original/neahkhanie-mountain-pic-1.jpg?1414099963" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> <br> Charlie aka "Chuck" <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/1ae478ad4fe97164920ce1caad3f1773422f439e/original/chuck.jpg?1414100161" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/4eff0c3a571b61081dc3a8f0116fb36e40e4acae/original/eric-chris.jpg?1414164934" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/56172354e40260134e1a1bf3acb5e52b9653a78a/original/c-c-manzanita.jpg?1414164889" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br><br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/32247032014-10-09T08:00:58-07:002022-04-25T15:42:55-07:00"On the Road" - October 8th, 2014<br>We have been listening to Jack Kerouac's "On The Road" as we travel through the west.<br><br>Our travels and music have been inspired by this book as well as becoming a part of our library performances.<br><br>A musician friend of ours from Fort Collins, Peter Sommer wrote an inspired composition setting the last paragraph of this book to music. <br><br>To be able to play and sing these words, is like going from black and white, to color. <br><br>The music lifts the words off the page, as if breathing life and motion into the words.<br><br>The last paragraph goes like this -<br><br>"So, in America<br>When the sun goes down<br>and I sit on the old broken down river pier<br>watching the long, long skies......over New Jersey<br>and sense all that raw land that rolls<br>in one unbelievable huge bulge<br>over to the west coast<br>and all that road going<br>all the people dreaming, in the immensity of it<br>and in Iowa, I know by now<br>the children must be cryin<br>in the land where they let the children cry<br>and tonight, the stars'll be out<br>and don't you know that God is Pooh Bear?<br>the evening star must be drooping<br>and shedding her sparkler dims on the prairie<br>which is just before<br>the coming of complete night<br>that blesses the earth, darkens all rivers<br>cups the peaks, and folds the final shore in<br>and nobody....nobody knows<br>what's going to happen, to anybody<br>besides the forlorn rags of growing old<br>I think of Dean Moriarty<br>I even think of old Dean Moriarity<br>the father we never found<br>I think of Dean Moriarty"<br><br>So in America, we continue our journey, seeing this vast & beautiful land and meeting folks in all the places we stop and play.<br><br>Tonight we played at the North Bend Library along the southern Oregon coast.<br>The librarian, Gary Sharp and the folks who came, made this an extraordinary experience.<br>We'll catch up on our coastal events and pics soon, all of them have been quite wonderful.<br><br>For those who have not had a chance to hear the above piece and our other pieces of writing and poetry set to music, you can listen on this website under the poetry project or under music. <br>Best to you all!<br><br>C&C<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ce5abd92cb4098678c732b04bd0dc69bf97dd91e/original/chris-jpgjpg.jpg?1412973690" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/32221282014-10-07T16:44:03-07:002023-12-11T20:36:14-08:00Weeks 4 -7, Bend to Portland area and the Northwest - September 11th - October 2nd.From Sister's Oregon, we went to visit Colleen's nephew Casey and his family.<br><br>Casey took us on a tour of the Good Life Brewing Company in Bend where he manages sales & distribution.<br>We both agree, without question and without familial favoritism, Good Life Beer is now our favorite beer.<br>The fact that the Brewery cannot keep up with demand speaks for itself.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/d8307f4577404242ec4429b53f0ab2fa5172401d/original/good-life-beer.jpg?1412723476" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>So just as we are living the good life - "Good Life" Descender IPA is a Primal Mates pick for best beer!<br>Now we are hoping Casey's company may agree to help sponsor our tour.<br><br>Then on to Portland, but 1st, another hot springs stop at Belknap Crater Hot Springs on the McKenzie River.<br>We spent 2 nights next to the river, walking in the old growth woods along the river and walking the superb grounds across the bridge with gardens intermixed with forest.<br>We were again reminded of Greece within one area of the gardens when we ventured upon what appeared to be an ancient circular wall covered with ivy.<br>We found the only opening which took us to an inner courtyard garden complete with Grecian Style pillars, fountains & flowers.<br><br>These fountains & gardens inspired Colleen's lyrics to Chris' composition "The Fountain" written after the last visit to this other worldly place. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/2bdbe71c75adf887c7747b2178859f021761caf1/original/trees-near-belknap.jpg?1412725019" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/5fc71adab03625e84d7ed23934ebe321f0d2a000/original/flowers-next-to-river.jpg?1412725053" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/0e1b09ff5cb02f524364269ea820df6a144fa31a/original/opening-use-1st-into-courtyard.jpg?1412725099" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/0b6af27be5cd718c00b02bb943341f2fd1398250/original/inner-courtyard-1.jpg?1412725414" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We landed in Portland on September 11th. Both of us grew up in Portland and lived much of our lives here until our adventures began together taking us up to Homer, Alaska. More about that later as we are planning to include Alaska in our travels next summer.<br><br>We stayed Chris' Aunt Teedy for these 3 plus weeks while coming and going to our performances in the area and visiting many friends and relatives.<br><br>Lacy Timberland Library was our first gig in the area, just north of Olympia Washington on Puget Sound.<br>This library is placed amidst giant Douglas Fir Trees -<br>We had a very rapt group of listeners who asked great questions and also informed us of other poets and writers to consider.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/1b9e5fcb7f339cd3ba30cccccefb7aef9a0a0bf8/original/timberland-library.jpg?1413323207" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>From Lacy, we traveled north to take a ferry from Tacoma to Vashon Island to visit our good friend Paula before returning to Portland the next day.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/5dd8683f195e403d0874c28628a10ad0dd6c81a1/original/boarding-ferry.jpg?1413323446" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c7f686a08dbb4abb4b64829ed2e88edcb44336da/original/chris-on-ferry.jpg?1413323711" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br> Mt. Rainier<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/52a08d2618dd3f236c3248aec7412b5e134648f5/original/mt-rainer-from-ferry.jpg?1413323990" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Orenco Station Station in Hillsboro was our next gig in the area.<br>They have very good food and treated us very well and we had a reunion of sorts with Colleen's cousins, and a few family members and friends who drove all the way to Hillsboro. Very fun night!<br><br>The next day, we were off to Stevenson, Washington up the Columbia Gorge to play at their library.<br>This is a beautiful library with a nice room for music and programs on their ground floor.<br>This room had a display of colorful and quite artistically designed quilts from local quilt makers.<br><br>We presented our poetry music for this event & this time, we added pictures on a screen to display the poems above and behind including some relevant pictures placed next to some of the poems and writings.<br><br>Folks were quite taken by this and patient as Colleen was learning to forward the slides remotely while at the same time singing, playing cello and forwarding her own music - it now is becoming effortless as we adapt this piece into our presentation.<br><br>Tina Smith is Stevenson's librarian. She has been involved in the Vancouver, Washington Library system for many years in a range of capacities, including in administration. Tina has a wealth of knowledge regarding the library system and the communities they serve along with experience presenting a range of programs for diverse communities.<br><br>We'd like to thank Tina for inviting us to present our program and for the great feedback!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/be546045bc43f1a51fed016e2080e07881e2250e/original/stevenson-librarian-pic-with-quilt.jpg?1412971679" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/38a324a9d22ca438af7c28fe63a9071a2fd0da5d/original/quilt-2.jpg?1412971797" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>We'd also like to thank our dear & long-time friend Susan Gordiner for coming up to Stevenson and helping us set up and break down and for camping out with us the night of our performance in a nearby campground.<br><br>The next day, we decided to go across the Bridge of the Gods to the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge to hike up Eagle Creek.<br>Eagle Creek has a special place in our history, it is one of the first hikes we took together back in September of 1980.<br>Chris was 'hired' by Colleen to be the drummer in a quartet she had just formed.<br>By the time we took this hike, we had played several gigs together and had been getting together as "friends"<br>This hike was the beginning of our journey together as 'mates' as we finally told each other about how we felt.<br>Ahhh, young romance!<br><br>Eagle Creek is still one of our favorite hikes as the trail follows the creek on a gentle upwards grade.<br>There are several falls, bowls, cliffs, old growth woods, canyon views and the clear beautiful deep green color of the water makes this a primal pick for best hike. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/6721939faa5d9000c0ed81609355be1ba660e449/original/eagle-creek.jpg?1412973208" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>A few more gigs in the area before moving on down the Oregon Coast.<br><br>Bijou Cafe in Portland - Great Food!! The Bijou Cafe is known for it's breakfast and is usually only open for breakfast.<br>They open on weekends in the evening for dinner & music - go to bijoucafepdx.com for more info.<br><br>Rhododendron House Concert along the beautiful ZigZag River with Jack and Bobbi - former owners of Noah's Wine Bar in McMinnville and folks who have become our friends over many years of playing music for them at Noah's.<br>We played on their deck overlooking the Zigzag River which provided us with a steady soft stream sound to enhance the afternoon's music- the weather was fantastic for this event - and this lovely old historic cabin had a story book quality to it, providing a comfy ambience.<br>Many thanks to Bobbi & Jack for being such great hosts!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/c2bf50e0af7c102282e63f9945f5d3141563737c/original/bobbi-jack-2.jpg?1413325914" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>After leaving Jack & Bobbi's, we went on a beautiful hike in old growth forest along the Salmon River - then on to Kahneeta where we stayed the night in their campground. Kah-nee-ta is on Warm Springs Indian Reservation on the east side of Mt. Hood.<br>We used to escape the rain in the winter and drive to Kah-nee-ta to swim in their beautiful warm springs pool along the Deschutes river and surrounded by interesting rocks and plateaus.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/7dedcc7b0a700a8c0dbf259dd52863ff65859a7e/original/kahneeta.jpg?1413332307" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Ahhh, Timberline Lodge - we were fortunate to arrange a trade for a one night's stay in a beautiful room in the lodge and dinner in exchange for an evening of music on the balcony level of the lodge next to the Rams Head Bar.<br><br>The acoustics for music here are superb and this lodge is certainly a Primal Mates pick for best Lodge on a mountain.<br>Colleen played music here often in the mid-late 70's into the 80's and was happy that folks at the lodge were open to this arrangement.<br>This lodge is so incredibly beautiful, it takes our breath away.<br><br>Timberline Lodge, which opened September 28, 1937, is a hand-made wonder. Just about everything in the building from door hinges to furniture is hand-made, mostly from local materials. In early 1936 as the Great Depression raged, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) undertook what many would call a "make-work" project to build a lodge on the south side of Mt. Hood in Northern Oregon. This lodge is certainly a national treasure and shows a a better side of what our government can do.<br><br>The views from the lodge are awe inspiring both in looking up close at beautiful Mt. Hood from 6,000 feet up on her southern flank.<br>Looking south, you can see Mt. Jefferson and several other cascade peaks, as well as panoramic views east to west.<br>Many thanks to John Tullis in helping arrange this great trade.<br><br><br> Looking out the window of Timberline Lodge to Mt. Hood<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/dc19519b16b7127d34ce0cf6cebb20d4288b36ff/original/mt-hood.jpg?1413330320" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/1b3a439a6d7034c5e29fefc2103d031e58afb7da/original/wood-carving-timberline.jpg?1413330623" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/cdf59462e15863453d33e6ddf3370a4e0d4ff126/original/timberline-picture.jpg?1413330794" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>On Saturday, we left Timberline to go back to Portland for our last performance at a house concert hosted by our dear friend Stuart.<br>We love going to Stuart's house. He has whimsical art on his walls, he designed his house just the way he wanted it, he's artistic and brings this to life all throughout his house. And we love playing music for him and his friends because they are such great listeners and participate, in fact, this group made the best bird sounds needed for a particular piece we are doing on this tour, " I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings". What a fun group of people!<br>Thanks Stuart for your great hospitality and great.... fun spirit!!<br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/2d3c3b59d3dbd0f106748190182b3fc6127d7ef7/original/stuart-2.jpg?1413333021" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/31781032014-09-08T22:19:41-07:002022-04-25T15:42:16-07:00Week 3, August 29th- September 4th, Cour D Alene Idaho, to Sisters, Oregon<div style="text-align: right;"> </div><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/abe0eb9a0fa7e1670e1b7c57db9e73c67d7e8296/original/grande-ronde-cellars-use.jpg?1410236252" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Grande Ronde Wine Cellars - Friday, August 29th, Spokane, Washington<br><br>Great ambiance with beautiful old wide-plank wood floors and rock walls. Very tasty wines - owner Dave Westfall was a pleasure to work with and the acoustics in this old cellar were superb!<div style="text-align: center;"> </div>
<hr><br>The next day we played our 2nd home concert of this tour in a lovely backyard setting - like a secret garden, hosted by our friends Jill & Griff.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/85877c52611c93ed9309ee6f93f6705d21b9b6ea/original/jills-home-concert.jpg?1410383376" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We really enjoyed playing for and meeting friends, former students and neighbors of Jill & Griff''s.<br><br>It was great to catch up over the decades since we last saw each other - families, moves, places, jobs, life all while enjoying good food & wine - nourishing on all levels!<br><br>Thanks dear friends for hosting us in your lovely home & garden!<br><br>A picture of Jill & Griff in front of their home.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/2c5a0e6495cd2bc71912d51527651aaa4fec1fd5/original/jill-griff.jpg?1441043022" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>We also learned that Jill prepares excellent natural potions for skin using essential oils & creams including a natural insect repellent that works great.<br><br>Not one mosquito bite since leaving Spokane! <br>Primal Mates Pick for natural skin care products!<br>( elaromatherapy.com )<br><br><br><br>Next gig - Sisters, Oregon<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/7f17b8a1b8bdb3e835e8a2a59a0bf0cee1a9b74e/original/3-sisters-for-blog-photo.jpg?1410832771" class="size_l justify_center border_" />We remember Sisters, Oregon and surrounding area with great fondness for it's natural beauty.<br>We met up with several of Chris' friends from High School who have relocated to this area, lucky them!<br><br>Both of us have hiked and back packed this part of the Cascades in our earlier life together.<br>Lava flows, lakes, meadows & beautiful peaks make this a great place to take some time to explore.<br><br>Old McKenzie Pass Hwy, just west of Sisters, is only open in the summer. <br>Not much traffic on this pass, so traveling this road is an even better choice if one is looking for incredible views, a winding road thru the lava flows and places to stop and choose any number of hikes, including connecting with the Pacific Crest Trail.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/45977acb35c84a8a77480197f41169a35c5f0b1d/original/mckenzie-pass-1.jpg?1410835219" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/b9ea2db3d33fcf301baf0dc572fa6206c7267cb5/original/mckenzie-pass-2.jpg?1410835292" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>We played at Cork Cellars in Sisters on September 3rd - it may look like we only played for the wine, but, there was a nice crowd who came out and enjoyed the music, ambience, good food & wine. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/109167d4fccbc38f27fbe60df1e06fa86cbb3004/original/sisters-cork-wine-cellars.jpg?1410836066" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Jennifer, the proprietor of Cork Cellars treated us like family. We look forward to returning to Sisters & Cork Cellars.PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/31724632014-09-04T21:45:00-07:002022-11-04T22:16:14-07:00"Two for the Road Tour " Week 2, August 21st - 28th, Helena MT - Couer D Alene ID<span class="font_large"><strong>Helena, Montana</strong></span><br><br>Ahhh Montana, we love our travels through Montana. <br><br>The folks are kind and there is enough room for everyone!<br><br>On to Helena for our performance at the Montana Club in Helena, the oldest private club West of the Mississippi.<br><br>This beautiful building was built in 1885, but burned down and was rebuilt in 1905.<br><br>The room below is the dining room where we played on August 21st.<br><br>Wonderful room to play in with great acoustics, great listeners and great staff!<br><br>And yes, we did dress up a bit for this one.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/893f421bc2a9874d8eae788738d10a4f4589b373/original/image.jpg?1409271046" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Then, we were escorted by Brinn to the best private campsite anywhere - the rock quarry just south of downtown Helena, up on a hillside, looking over this beautiful small city.<br><br>Brinn shared the history of the quarry which had been purchased by his family.<br><br>He has a vision of making the quarry into a city park complete with stones from historic Helena arranged as rock sculptures. <br><br>We awakened in the morning to see some of the present rock / stone sculpture in the quarry. <br><br>We thought we might be in ancient Greece. <br><br>Certainly this was the most unique and best overnight stay so far! <br><br>The quarry has functioned as an outdoor amphitheater due to it's impressive acoustics hosting music and theater events. <br><br>We look forward to returning to Helena to explore this beautiful little city further and hope to play in her quarry next time around.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/ff061f7da5a22ac4e5f7bb2347e8c4bb3548df5c/original/image.jpg?1409272201" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>We also discovered that the quarry contained a "graveyard" for old pianos, may they rest in peace.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/8a911b8c53da889154d917b45c73e97b72786d73/original/piano-graveyard.jpg?1409895398" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>On to<strong> <span class="font_regular">Sandpoint Idaho</span></strong><span class="font_regular"> </span>to play a home concert on a nice sunny day outdoors.<br><br>Colleen's cousin Mary and her husband Jeff live in a beautiful home on 5 acres near town.<br><br>It was great to spend time with Colleen's cousins and meet neighbors and friends who came to listen to the music.<br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="vimeo" data-video-id="105603135" data-video-thumb-url="http://i.vimeocdn.com/video/488449983_295x166.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/105603135" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320"></iframe><br>Thanks to Mary & Jeff for hosting this event and for being such gracious hosts & many thanks to cousin Dian for the above video, the laughs and general all around support for our time in Idaho! ( and for showing us where to pick huckleberries. )<br><br>More R & R @ <strong>Priest Lake Idaho </strong>-<br><br>Priest Lake is a Primal Mates Pic for favorite lake.<br>Located in northern Idaho, just south of the Canadian Border, this lake and it's surroundings were the perfect setting for a few days of swimming, relaxing on the dock, kayaking, picking huckleberries with cousin Dian and our new found activity.....paddle boarding.<br><br>Let the pictures speak for themselves.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/96bd1e0ddfa6923eec292e131f7bbd118dc61d88/original/priest-lake-1-for-blog.jpg?1410217551" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/0567f5ea879fac5d8016daac712dfc9ceca4aab2/original/priest-lake-2.jpg?1410217639" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/791afd0766738d4fbb77d26f420dc395aefc3830/original/huckleberries.jpg?1410217655" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Time to move on to <strong>Spokane WA </strong>to play at Grande Ronde Cellars and another home concert hosted by good friends Jill & Griff - next post, Week 3 of our tour!<br><br> PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/31615302014-08-28T16:48:45-07:002022-04-25T15:41:33-07:00A little R & R @ the Confluence of Rivers<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/575c561f58f9d971becf4f33fb677fc5ebc6d52d/original/223145-the-beginning-of-the-missouri-river-at-the-confluence-of-the-jefferson-madison-rivers-in-montana-three-forks-united-states.jpg?1409269499" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Our friends Ann and Nick took us to this most beautiful place to swim and catch the current at this confluence of 3 rivers.<br>The Jefferson, Madison & Gallatin Rivers join here to become the headwaters of the Missouri River. <br>We were gently swept down river while taking in the scenery and enjoying being refreshed by these waters!PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/31614932014-08-28T16:42:34-07:002022-04-25T15:41:15-07:00Plonk - Bozeman, MT<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/2fe92b79f7a4da332a0a3a0e08e3096acb48bed3/original/plonk-pic-with-kelly.jpg?1409269235" class="size_l justify_center border_" />with Kelly Roberti @ Plonk in Bozeman, MT -PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/31614922014-08-28T16:39:16-07:002022-04-25T15:40:57-07:00Bozeman Library<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/0a8f628df1a2b612ac51a6c1cf474406821b1d49/original/bozeman-library.jpg?1409268573" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/f0463ff81e25576dc45297d4a6366cb9a42b997c/original/bozeman-library-pic-2.jpg?1409268537" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Bassist Kelly Roberti hosts a weekly event called "Jazz & More" at the lovely Bozeman Library. This is in the 7th season and was the 97th presentation.<br>We presented music from our poetry project and we were delighted by the witty & fun interview by Kelly during this performance.<br>Very nice to meet some of the Bozeman folks who attende.d This community is quite fortunate to have such a nice library with great programs as presented by Kelly Roberti.PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/31568092014-08-26T12:30:00-07:002022-04-25T15:40:39-07:00Big Sky Country - Montana<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/d81196dc0b809645688fae7e0e2948886953982f/original/image.jpg?1409084238" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Moving on to Billings MT from Wyoming to play at Walker's Grill - August 17th Food is great but, cattle rustlin is hard work!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/31e37c2ae57e33e14221075d661949bcf50b5810/original/image.jpg?1409014394" class="size_l justify_center border_" />PoetryMusictag:primalmates.com,2005:Post/31549542014-08-25T17:22:56-07:002022-04-25T15:40:04-07:00"Two For The Road Tour" Week 1 / August 14th - August 20th, ELDORADO SPRINGS TO BOZEMAN, MONTANARabbit Ears Pass & Strawberry Park Hot Springs near Steamboat Springs, CO<br><br>We took this Double Rainbow as a good sign as it followed us for many miles over Rabbit Ears Pass while driving to our 1st stop at Strawberry Park Hot Springs, just outside Steamboat Springs Colorado. This was a very welcome respite after all the preparations, and moving all our worldly belongings into storage before 'hitting the road'. <br><br>Strawberry Park is one of our favorite hot springs in Colorado. ( photo below rainbow )<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/cf2804d0bff979e9c75856ca17bb75fd1328d026/original/image.jpg?1409010140" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/139763/4d4059e134728e1a69af4bff5feb693f91105221/original/image.jpg?1409011091" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>The next day, we drove to Saratoga Springs in Wyoming for our 1st gig at Bella's Bistro, a Primal Mates Pic for great food & ambience. Our luck did not hold to play on their outdoors patio as a thunderstorm came through and caught us under an umbrella with our instruments and gear while a torrential rain seemed to develop into a deluge of biblical proportions.<br>The lightening just over head & the loud booms of thunder made us wonder ......hmmm, what we will do to play a little music.<br><br>We eventually were able to make our way inside to set up again and play in this lovely restaurant. <br>Thanks to Cassi & Tommy for their graciousness, the excellent food & wine and for having us!<br><br>Next stop - Thermopolis MT. PoetryMusic