Detour

[DDT (12)]

                                                      Detour…

No place to be, no one to please, nobody to impress, nothing left to prove… so why not? Yeah, I’m on a major road trip to be sure, but… do I really have to ride every day? Do I really have to do anything at all?

So, the other night I made another curious call… I rented a cabin in Idaho online for five days starting this Saturday. Heck, Thursday I’ll have been on the road two weeks with only one day off, so… what the hey… I know about where that cabin is, so I’m vaguely familiar with the area, but it has other virtues and appeal, too.

For starters it is off the beaten path, on twenty-seven secluded acres on a mountain overlooking the Clearwater River. It’s near Orofino, ID, just off US HWY 12 down the west side of the Lolo Pass. I’ve ridden through there several times, and I’ve even stayed in Orofino a couple of nights at a time on a couple of occasions.

I’m thinking it might be perfect for some relaxation, reflection, and contemplation… It’ll also afford me an opportunity to continue my so far illusive quest to grill a good steak… or to grill a steak good… whatever…

I’ll be able to do laundry, lollygag some, wander around local roads, drop by local diners, you know, stuff I don’t normally do on a road trip, at least not this way. Well, I have done some of this before, and it is a nice respite from the ‘routine’ of daily random travel. It also solves the problem of where to stay each night… I won’t have to scramble for a room over the Labor Day weekend, and I for sure won’t have to fight holiday traffic. Plus, any elevated pooperosity levels can also be easily addressed.

More than anything, though, I’ll have an opportunity to do some clear thinking in an environment seemingly most conducive for that. I do have a thing or two to ponder. ‘End of life’ is a morbid thought most of us avoid because of its obvious connotation. The topic itself is repugnant, distasteful, unpleasant, not to mention downright scary! Still…

I need to write out some updated specific instructions and list all pertinent information so the settling of my affairs will be relatively easy and simple… I need to rethink all of my ‘living will’ issues, organ donor information, making a new will, lots of stuff we don’t normally think of off the top of our head… I’m sure my daughter will appreciate my effort! This is nothing new… I’ve done all of this before following significant change in my life… and now it’s time to do it again…

Another nagging issue is writing a book. When I was first asked about that, my flippant answer was there were only two things standing in my way… To write a book one needs to have something worthwhile to say; then, they need to be able to say it well. I lack both items! Still, questions persist…

I have seriously considered doing something like that. On the other hand, I’ve also considered the implications of taking on such a task. I enjoy playing around with my thoughts and experiences; and, writing them down does have a way of helping me remember details and record them for later. It’s also fun to receive positive feedback from my friends. I wouldn’t want this to ever turn into work, though, and I fear that could happen.

I have a mental picture of a ruthless, relentless editor pressing me to spice things up, add some pizazz, perhaps throw in a few salacious details… “This is too bland and needs re-writing.” Humbug! I’m just enjoying my life, man, get off my back!!! So… I’ve not done anything about this so far… Maybe it’s time to think about it some more… Nah, probably not…

At the moment I see myself sitting in the shade of that cabin starring off into the distance, allowing my brain to ‘free-wheel’ and ponder whatever might bubble up to the fore… I love doing that. I’ve been doing it for years!

I remember thirty years or so ago pulling over along the Blue Ridge Parkway, setting up my camp chair in the shade and just enjoying the good feeling that comes from thinking about things that don’t usually cross my mind during ‘normal’ life… I’ve been doing it all across North America ever since… And, I think I’m a better person for it…

Anyway, I’ve paid the money and locked down the deal… Five days in a remote cabin… solitude, time, a grill, who knows, I’ll probably do a campfire, too… Heck, I might even practice yodeling…

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

  Heck there might even be some cougars up there for you.  Enjoy your mountain get away. 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Sometimes I wonder , sometimes I think I can read between the lines .

[Hook#3287]

Sounds like a great way to spend Labor Day.

[GiG]

As long as you're rewritting your will,
I was kinda eyeballing those sweet chaps, Ol friend...

[Thunderbolt]

Have a marshmallow or two for us Bruce sitting by that campfire.  In answer to your question on the other thread we haven't been riding much.  Down to just the 99 Interstate now but hope to get up to the BRP and points beyond soon.  Boy this retirement thing has sure taken some getting used to.

[Valkorado]

Quote:

"To write a book one needs to have something worthwhile to say; then, they need to be able to say it well. I lack both items"!

Since when?

[Roidfingers]

I'm just gonna copy and paste all these threads and I'll have a book. 

[DDT (12)]

Heck there might even be some cougars up there for you.   Enjoy your mountain get away.  

Problem is... the cougars out there are the ones that eat you! Thanks, I'm sure I will

DDT

Sometimes I wonder , sometimes I think I can read between the lines .

Hmmmm, reckon? Actually there is nothing between the lines here... that I know of. If there is, perhaps you'll let me in on it! Enjoy your MITM Ride... I'll be thinking about y'all. Heck, I might even give y'all a call... if I can get a signal, that is...

DDT

As long as you're rewritting your will,
I was kinda eyeballing those sweet chaps, Ol friend...

I'd need some kind of assurance you wouldn't burn them on a long pole... they ain't underwear, ya know! Stay cool, my friend...

DDT

Have a marshmallow or two for us Bruce sitting by that campfire.  In answer to your question on the other thread we haven't been riding much.  Down to just the 99 Interstate now but hope to get up to the BRP and points beyond soon.  Boy this retirement thing has sure taken some getting used to.

Retirement ain't hard! I took to it right off!!! I've about got it mastered now, so if you need any pointers, let me know...  lol  Hope y'all do get in some riding, and if you do go to the BRP, you'll be in one of my most favorite riding areas! Enjoy. As for marshmallows, hadn't planned on any, but you can bet I will have a happy thought about y'all, as I reflect back upon lots of fond memories...

DDT

Quote:

"To write a book one needs to have something worthwhile to say; then, they need to be able to say it well. I lack both items"!

Since when?

Thanks for the suggestion of... I do appreciate it! Y'all have a good ride this weekend... I'll be thinking good thoughts about your group, too...

DDT




DDT

I'm just gonna copy and paste all these threads and I'll have a book.  

One way to do it, I reckon. Glad you think enough of them to consider doing that! It sure is fun doing the things I can later write about... Hope you get to do some 'long range adventurizing', too...

DDT

[old2soon]

Idaho-Cabin-Solitude=FISHING!  RIDE SAFE.

[3fan4life]

Heck, I might even practice yodeling…

DDT

It may be a good thing that the cabin you're staying at is so isolated.   

[DDT (12)]

Idaho-Cabin-Solitude=FISHING!  RIDE SAFE.

Lots of fishing done around there for sure... I'm not a fisher-person, though... I have this strange effect on fish whenever I try... they all get lock-jaw for miles around! That solitude thing, though, now that's an entirely different matter!

DDT





DDT [/quote]





It may be a good thing that the cabin you're staying at is so isolated.   
[/quote]




You got that right! I couldn't carry a tune in a washtub, so singing in public is definitely out... Yodeling is no better, so I'll only be doing it when nobody is around... including cougars!

DDT

[Daniel Meyer]

 

Well said, as usual!

[DDT (12)]

Thanks, Daniel... Your writing is the standard by which the rest of our musings are measured. If I could write like you, I would jump at writing a book!

DDT

[Romeo]

Heck there might even be some cougars up there for you.  Enjoy your mountain get away. 

last time I saw he was living up in the muscle shoal with a female cougar. She never did get used to him.

[DDT (12)]

Heck there might even be some cougars up there for you.  Enjoy your mountain get away. 

last time I saw he was living up in the muscle shoal with a female cougar. She never did get used to him.

Yep, a line from one of my favorite movies...

DDT

[Pete]

Write the BOOK, Make it an E-book, Make it a living book so you can add/change if you want to.
An e-book will allow you to link to pictures, other articles, videos etc.
Use Word or Open Office(free) or PDF Format and JPG for pictures.

It takes time and it opens the mind, you will be surprised at what you may write.

Take your time and share it with friends for editing/changes/updates.

Publish it on the web for download.
Do it cause you want to and expect it to take some real time - MONTHS.

[LandElephant]

I believe my friend I know where those cabins are. Not far from the Loscha River and some mighty fine fishing. Caught a trout or two from there.

Fishing can be like riding. Getting to the river is the goal. Catching is extra. For me, the joy of a good cast with a light flyrod is almost as good as a tight line through a good s3t of curces.

It allows you to venture out away from the norm ansd seek that special spot where all the forces come together.

Enjoy your quest.  I remember in Bardstown when you asked me where I was headed and I replied "I know know where I need to be, I just haven't figured out how I'm going to get there. Where ever my front tire is aimed is where I'm going."

Charlie Morse
Landelephant

[DirtyDan]

You keep going Bruce

I think I'm done riding

Dan

[DDT (12)]

Write the BOOK, Make it an E-book, Make it a living book so you can add/change if you want to.
An e-book will allow you to link to pictures, other articles, videos etc.
Use Word or Open Office(free) or PDF Format and JPG for pictures.

It takes time and it opens the mind, you will be surprised at what you may write.

Take your time and share it with friends for editing/changes/updates.

Publish it on the web for download.
Do it cause you want to and expect it to take some real time - MONTHS.

Thanks for the suggestion, Pete. I'll ponder on it some more, but... I dunno... Lots more to it than most of us know... and just what I do know seems almost overwhelming!

DDT

I believe my friend I know where those cabins are. Not far from the Loscha River and some mighty fine fishing. Caught a trout or two from there.

Fishing can be like riding. Getting to the river is the goal. Catching is extra. For me, the joy of a good cast with a light flyrod is almost as good as a tight line through a good s3t of curces.

It allows you to venture out away from the norm ansd seek that special spot where all the forces come together.

Enjoy your quest.  I remember in Bardstown when you asked me where I was headed and I replied "I know know where I need to be, I just haven't figured out how I'm going to get there. Where ever my front tire is aimed is where I'm going."

Charlie Morse
Landelephant

Doesn't surprise me to learn you know about that area and of the riding/fishing there... You are indeed a kindred spirit! I miss running into you at odd times and out of the way places unexpectedly and comparing notes, swapping adventure stories, etc. Of all the riders I know, you more than most truly do 'get it', at least pretty much the same way I see things anyway, and... well, you know... Thanks for the post! It's good to hear from you...

DDT

You keep going Bruce

I think I'm done riding

Dan

I hope not, Dan. But, that day comes for all of us, and then all we'll have are our memories... most likely. You will have many, many amazing things to let roll around in you noggin', and there will at least be some comfort in that. You've been there/done that for a lot of years and that puts you way ahead of the pack. Still, I know how you feel about the open road and the call of the 'out yonder', and I understand how difficult it will be to let it go. Give it up if you must... postpone it for as long as you can, if you can... I'll be looking for ya down the road.

DDT

DDT

[Robert]

One of the best times I had was the local hotel had no rooms, so I rented a cabin in New Mexico for a week. Just below the mountains and a bit cold but one of the best times I had, I will never forget it.

Sometime a detour can become a destination.

[DDT (12)]

One of the best times I had was the local hotel had no rooms, so I rented a cabin in New Mexico for a week. Just below the mountains and a bit cold but one of the best times I had, I will never forget it.

Sometime a detour can become a destination.

You are so right, amigo!!! Thanks for sharing that nugget of history... it reminds me of similar experiences... What you've said is so much more than merely putting a positive spin on an unfortunate situation... Many times in life, getting something other that what we thought we wanted turns out to be a huge blessing after all...

DDT

[Robert]

That turns out to be one big lesson to learn and love.

[havoc]

Hope you had a great few days. I for one feel you have many worthwhile things to say and you have talent for putting the words together in a tasty combination. I can definitely see where you are coming from though when it comes to actually writing a book and not being at all interested in having some corporate editor/publisher breathing down your back.

[DDT (12)]

That turns out to be one big lesson to learn and love.

Right again, Amigo!!! Thx...

DDT

Hope you had a great few days. I for one feel you have many worthwhile things to say and you have talent for putting the words together in a tasty combination. I can definitely see where you are coming from though when it comes to actually writing a book and not being at all interested in having some corporate editor/publisher breathing down your back.

I'm starting the slow departure steps as I write this to go to the cabin today... I'm not due at the cabin until later on this afternoon, so I do have a little time to kill. Thanks! I do think I'll have a splendid time, and I'm rather anxious to get on with it. Thanks so much for the compliment and encouragement. You obviously understand my hesitation and mild reluctance, and that says a thing or two about you, too... Hope your rides all go well, and I'll look forward to seeing you down the road sometime, some place...

DDT

[Wizzard]

Malta MT,, stayed in a motel there on the south side of 2 and right by the river. Nice little town.  . Also a real good BBQ place there.

[DDT (12)]

Malta MT,, stayed in a motel there on the south side of 2 and right by the river. Nice little town.  . Also a real good BBQ place there.

Not that much to look at when you first roll in, but... As so often happens, the real 'beauty' of a place doesn't become apparent until you scratch below the surface even just a little bit... Looks like you and I have traveled many, many of the same miles... and experienced many similar spiritual discoveries.

DDT

[Wizzard]

Malta MT,, stayed in a motel there on the south side of 2 and right by the river. Nice little town.  . Also a real good BBQ place there.

Not that much to look at when you first roll in, but... As so often happens, the real 'beauty' of a place doesn't become apparent until you scratch below the surface even just a little bit... Looks like you and I have traveled many, many of the same miles... and experienced many similar spiritual discoveries.

DDT

Yep, It's always nice when someone else travels the same route you did and writes about it and you can relate. Brings back great memories.