My Son, My Brother, My Husband, My Friend

A Caledon Wander

2012-01-09T12:33:00.001-05:00

“All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring; renewed shall be blade that was broken, the crownless again shall be king.” J.R.R. Tolkien Lord of the Rings.

Caledon Natural Area

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Walk A Mile......

2012-01-09T11:59:00.006-05:00

I am not sure where the quote came from, "walk a mile in my shoes".

I have heard it many times associated with a father/son relationship. Growing up, I knew the stories that my father worked two jobs to support his young family of a wife and four children. It didn't really sink in until I had my own young family of three and was working 60 plus hours as an FBI Special Agent. Was I really walking a mile in my father's shoes? As a man have I walked in my father's footsteps or have I wandered outside those tracks and travelled my own path?

I took a different slant to the old saying recently while deer hunting in North Carolina with my son-in-law Travis. The first morning we awoke to 24 degree temperatures and about an inch of snow covering.

"Instead of shoes, I walked several miles in my father's, 1960s vintage, Woolrich, wool hunting pants."

For western New York state, my father's weapon was a 16ga Winchester Model 12 pump shotgun with slugs. (which Sam has now) For NC I carried my Thompson Center Encore pistol in 7mm-08 caliber slung over my shoulder.

Although Dad had a 40" waist (4" larger than mine) and a 32" inseam (2" shorter) I kept his pants from falling with an old pair of his suspenders, and snow out of my boots with a set of my modern gators. I guess you could call it a team effort.

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We chased deer for 2 1/2 days never getting a clear chance to shoot. Too wooded, too far or too dark. All in all I had a great time in the woods with Travis, and I know that is something my father taught me long before I had a chance to walk a mile in his pants. Make the best of every minute in the outdoors. Rain or shine, warm or cold. It's being out among God's world and creatures with family or friend that counts, not the harvest.

Two Nights In Lynchburg - Bliss

2011-11-24T15:43:00.000-05:00

A Winey Saturday With Friends

2011-11-06T19:13:00.003-05:00

Saturday was beautiful. Sunny, cool and very little wind. Five of our close friends loaded up and departed our house at 10 am. We headed for the Three Fox Winery in Delaplane, VA near Sky Meadows State Park for tasting and lunch.

The place was very crowded so we were very glad we got there early.

After lunch we walked to the top of the hill overlooking the facility.

From Three Fox, we loaded up and headed for Delaplane Cellers, just a mile down Route 17.

Only 2 acres under cultivation, the tasting room has been open for two years.

First Aid For The Sole

2011-10-24T23:42:00.002-04:00

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After our first canoe and camping adventure in June, which involved, broken wooden paddles, fish hooks, fingers and forgotten keys, I was excited when my friend John R. wanted to do some hiking in the Shenandoah Mountains. I recommended my favorite hike, Old Rag Mountain. It was a done deal and we headed out early on a beautiful, cool, fall, Monday morning.

We got parked at the lower lot and headed up the road for the upper trail head a half mile away. A fall weekday was perfect for John's introduction to Old Rag's ridge trail and its mile of rock scramble, which can backup in a major queue on the weekends. Except for me having to backtrack 1/4 mile to the upper trail head to retrieve my walking stick, leaning against the Port-a-potty, the first hour was uneventful.

That is until we reached the stretch somewhere near the 2nd or 3rd switchback. I stopped to catch my breath and turned around to check on John, when I heard a crashing in the underbrush. Not 50' back down the trail, a 150-200 lb Black Bear crossed the trail behind us. I yelled "Bear" and was very mad that I didn't catch him with my Nikon D40 as he crossed. John only caught a glimpse. Smokey wasn't in a big hurry so we had 2-3 minutes to watch him just off the trail.

The Old Rag ridge rock scramble begins after the trails merges into this open venue overlooking the valley below. It's a great place for a breather, snack and a few photos.

From here the scramble begins. Up, down, over, under and through.

By now our, my legs were starting to get tired.

And then it happened. "Oh, man." John said. "What now John? Is there blood?", I asked, as I turned around to see John holding up his right boot. The sole of his right, 15 year old leather Vasque boot had completely separated.

To the rescue. Out comes the Nalgene bottle wrapped with Duck Tape. It doesn't take long to wrap two 3' foot pieces to hold the sole in place. I say to John as I wrap. "I'm just glad there was no blood involved on this one."

We took a break for lunch at 1:00pm, about 20 minutes short of the summit as we both were running out of juice.

Our lunch view

The required summit sign post photo.

The return trip down the saddle trail and Wheatly Hollow fire road can be tedious at time but it is still a beautiful walk in the woods.

Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC), an all volunteer organization, does an amazing job on trail maintenance.

The fire road

Old Rag from below.

The start of the last 1/2 mile of paved road leading to the lower parking lot. 7 hours round trip. 9.4 miles. Three apples. 2 Clif Bars. 1 Nalgene of water. 1 Nalgene of Gatorade. 1 Cream Cheese and jelly sandwich on Wholewheat. 2400' feet of climbing and 2400' of gliding. All in a days play for a couple of almost old guys who cherished every moment and every cramp.

My First Bike Overnight Ride

2011-10-18T11:37:00.006-04:00

Connecting with and reading bikeovernights.org has been the catalysis for me to hit the road to a nearby private campsite for my first overnighter. I was making due by using my old, 1995 Performance M505 MTB with 26x1.5 road tires because I knew my Trek 1000, with its 700x25 tires wasn’t suitable for carrying the extra weight. I was surprised how well my Topeak rear rack and MTX TrunkBag DX worked for this first go around. Totally unsuitable in wet weather, the TrunkBag with its dropdown side panniers was plenty large enough for an overnighter.

Tropical storm Lee hit Virginia hard and drenched my first set of plans back in September, so last Friday was the first opportunity to load up and head out. I am a moderately experienced backpacker so I already have the kit necessary for this inaugural foray into bike touring. MSR Stove, Big Agnes air mattress, North Face Rock 22 tent and a 20 degree North Face synthetic bag, rounds out my basic list of equipment. I debated on just using a sheet and fleece liner for sleeping but was glad to have the bag as it got down to the upper 40s that night. The sleeping bag went into a waterproof paddling bag which made it much easier to “lash” on top of the rear bag with the tent.

Fredericksburg, VA is a pretty busy place with traffic, especially on a Friday afternoon. Leaving from home, crossing through town and its main shopping area, I knew the first half of the trip was going to be the most challenging. I also knew I had to face this hill on River Road at Motts Run. I am not too proud to report that my 60 year old legs weren’t up to the task and I had to walk the second half.

As beautiful as River road is to drive, there is no shoulder and the roadway is quite narrow. Being just outside of town it is also a few busy commuting road on Friday afternoon. I was very relieved to make the turn onto Spotswood Furnace Road and take a break.

The second half of my 28 mile journey took me down quiet back roads and I only had one, close dog encounter. A quick spray in the face from my water bottle stopped him in his tracks with that dumb look on his face of, “What did I do to deserve that? This is my road.”

The campground was nearly deserted when I arrived so I had my pick of sites in a wonderful pine forest. It didn’t take long to get the tent set up and have my Red Beans and Rice dinner ready. Just before dark I took a short walk down to the Rappahannock River which was running close to flood stage.

Saturday dawned clear and cool, but very windy. My luck was holding as it was out of the Northwest, which put it at my back on the way home.

Most of my riding miles are done on my Trek 1000. The M505 MTB has a longer top tube and lower handle bars. It also has a seat that is healthier for more standing than sitting. When everything was said and done, my first overnighter was well worth the tingle in my hands and a few tender spots here and there. I know now that there will be longer tours in my future and a new bike to go along with me.

Thump.... "Rock, Jay!!" Two Days On The River.

2011-06-06T14:32:00.007-04:00

News flash: Two almost old guys, Jay and John, prove the rule of threes theory.

You know the rule, s..t happen in threes.

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By 9am we had dropped my truck at Motts Run ramp and we were ready to launch into the Rapidan River at Ely's Ford for our two day fish and float. Day one was a 6 mile run to the confluence of the Rapidan and the Rappahannock were we would camp for the night.

I was a bit concerned that we packed to heavy, having never actually done an over night trip where I was carrying everything in the canoe. But comparing everyone else launching that morning with their 40 quart coolers full of beer, 8-man tents and lawn chairs, I knew we were in pretty good shape. (note the crew behind us in the photo below)

John struck first and boated the first fish of the trip. Being the good and well paid guide that I was, I wasn't disappointed.... until he caught his 4th and I wasn't even on the board yet.

And then at about the 2nd hour, the first of the rule of threes came into play.
But wait, I'm getting ahead of myself. I forgot to tell you the last thing John said to me as we loaded the canoe. "Should we bring the extra paddle Jay?". "No, we won't need it. I've never broken a paddle before".

That's right, rule number one. Bring an extra paddle. I had just got finished pushing us off a rock while steering through a rapid, I took a heavy stroke and SNAP, one of John's beautiful, wooden, Canadian paddles broke in half. John tried to make me feel better by saying it was over 30 years old, BUT.

This is a view looking back through Todd's Ford Ledge, I would guess a class 2 rapid and the biggest we saw during the whole trip. By then I had smoothed off the broken handle of the paddle and John was doing his best to help me steer the front end of our loaded canoe.

And then the second rule of threes hit us. Sorry folks. No photos because it involved blood and fish hooks. From the front of the boat I hear,
"Oh, darn".
"You ok John?", I asked.
"I just hooked myself".
"How bad John"?
"Two fingers and I can't see the barbs. We may have to head for the emergency room Jay".
"That's a long paddle, John, with fish hooks in the fingers", I said.
So out goes the anchor and I climbed into about 3 feet of water to go up front and take a look.
Bottom line... it took about 20 minutes with two different pliers to get the hooks cut apart and extracted from John's thumb and middle finger. He was a real trooper, knew his tetanus shot was up to date and went right back to fishing.

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Later that afternoon, "Sorry John, my guiding fee is non-refundable". I had just landed a 12" small mouth bass, the big fish of the day. He caught more on Saturday, but my last one was bigger.

We had a great river-side campsite with two other groups. One was a Scout Troop from Nokesville, VA. I warned John he was in for a real treat, camping near 14 Boy Scouts. We lucked out. Saturday was their 2nd night out and after 2 days of paddling, the camp was quiet pretty early.

After dinner of freeze dried Mountain House Lasagna with sauce, John tried his luck from the bank.

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This photo is looking down river from our campsite through the "Rock Garden". Something we had to start with on Sunday morning. It involved getting out and pushing a couple of time but in general we felt pretty good since most of the canoes were walking through this section.

My Sunday started better than expected with the big fish of the trip, a 13"er. By then John had lost his two Rapala minnows and was struggling to find a menu the Rappahannock fish preferred. Mimicking John's success on Saturday with his Rapalas, I switched to a 1/8 oz. black, lead-head jig with a 3" Gulp silver and black minnow.

The Rappahannock has some amazing history tied with 18th century westward expansion. I think this photo shows the remains of Scott's guide lock at the upper end of what was a canal.

One of our pull off points to stretch our legs

We stopped for lunch about 90 minutes above our take out point at Mott's Run. It was a beautiful overcast, not to hot day.
The third rule of threes hit me as we sat on a log by the river and finished our Peanut & Jelly bagles.
"Oh, C..p John!".
"What's wrong Jay", John asks?
"My truck keys are sitting in the cup holder, in your van... back at Ely's Ford".
"Are you sure"?
"Positive", I groaned.
"I guess you can call Valerie and have her bring an extra set to Mott's", John says, smiling.
"Do I have to? I won't live that one down for a while"?

Yes, the rule of threes is alive and well on another Chamberlain adventure.
I am just very glad John was a willing partner, doesn't bleed very much and has a high threshold for pain.

William Penn summed it up pretty well in this quote:
“A true friend freely, advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously, and continues a friend unchangeably.”

I hope this is just the first of many more paddling adventure with my friend John.

Red Rock Canyon Near Las Vegas, NV

2011-03-18T11:54:00.002-04:00

The Harris mid year sales meeting was in Las Vegas. I had a chance to do some hiking in Red Rock Canyon. I was hoping to reach the 6000 foot summit of Turtlehead Mountain. The Sandstone Quarry trailhead parking was at about 4280 feet. The trail map said 5 miles round trip. I managed to reach about 5400 feet but there was no trail and the loose rock and scree was a bit much for these old and out of shape legs.

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A view of Turtle Mountain on the way up.

Turtle Mountain is getting closer.

By the time I got this high, the trail was unmarked and I had to choose left or right around this big knob. I ended up keeping left and only made it to the 5400 foot level. On the way down I saw a group coming down the right side.

Red Rock Canyon is a big rock climbing area. Miles of walls like this one to choose from.

A Thankful Thanksgiving

2010-11-26T15:49:00.002-05:00

Could Be The Last Float Of the 2010 Season

2010-11-22T15:39:00.002-05:00

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Dan and I headed to the Rappahannock put-in at Mott's Run after a manly breakfast at the 2400 Diner. Figured we better try and get one more Smallmouth trip in before the Wx really turns bad. We paddle for 30 minutes up stream, in the upper pool and floated back.

Ok so I owe Dan his guiding fee back after boating the only smallie of the day, a healthy 14"er on my Rebel Diving Crawfish.

I tried all different color of Case Stix baits for Dan and even tied on another color Crawfish, to no avail. Skunk city. But still, the day started out cool and foggy and God rewarded us with a beautiful finish including a Redtailed hawk.

We will look forward to the 2011 season.

Dan Beat Me Like A Drum!!

2010-10-10T21:06:00.002-04:00

Today was our first time on the water all year. No fair.
I had the first one in the boat today, a healthy, 12" Rappahannock smallie, caught on the Rebel CrawFish.

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That didn't stop Dan from hauling in an amazing 17"er on a Case, White and Pepper Stix bait..

Dan's smallie was the biggest we have caught together. His previous record was a 16"er last year out of the same pool, below the Mott's Run access ramp.

30 minutes later, his guide put him on this 14.5" small with the same Case White Stix bait. The fish today were the healthiest we have seen them in 3 or 4 years.
I also have to say I am getting way to many photos in my collection of Dan's fish eating grin.

To end this great day on the water we heard a tremendous splash, and turned to see this Bald Eagle (look for the golf ball in the tree) with a fish in his talons.

Jamaica - My Favorite Photos

2010-09-19T19:52:00.002-04:00

After a week at Couples Swept Away, Negril, Jamaica with Valerie, I collected these my favorite photos.

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Segway Training

2010-08-29T21:42:00.001-04:00

A week ago Molly and I had the opportunity to try out the Segway at Kevin Breen's birthday party.

Maggi and Travis were here for the weekend and we saw free training.

John, one of the trainers did a great job getting Valerie past her initial fears. He turned her into a pro in no times.

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NWS Snow Totals

2010-02-08T10:33:00.004-05:00

Saturday, February 6, 2010 (http://capitalclimate.blogspot.com/)
New All-Time Snowfall Records At Washington Dulles, Baltimore, Wilmington
Midnight Update: This Is Also The 4th Highest 2-Day Storm Total In Washington History And The 2nd Highest At Washington National:
The 17.8 Inch Two-Day Storm Total Snowfall Recorded Today At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Is The Second Highest Two-Day Storm Total Record...Second Only To The 18.7 Inches For National Airport From 18-19 February 1979. This Would Also Be The 4th Highest Two-Day Storm Total All-Time Snowfall For Washington Records Which Date Back To 1871...Behind Only The 27-28 January 1922 Knickerbocker Storm With 26.0 Inches...The 12-13 February 1899 Storm Which Produced 19.0 Inches...And The 18.7 Inches Which Fell 18-19 February 1979.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stafford Co., VA
Roseville 23.5" 530 PM 2/06
Stafford 17.0" 1200 PM 2/06

Fairfax Co., VA
Burke 25.0" 625 PM 2/06
Chantilly 28.0" 600 PM 2/06

Clarke Co., VA
Berryville 32.0" 230 PM 2/06

Fauquier Co.,
Marshall 32.0" 829 PM 2/06
Warrenton 27.0" 500 PM 2/06

Loudoun Co., VA
Dulles Int'l 32.4" 550 PM 2/06
Purcellville 30.0" 400 PM 2/06
Leesburg 28.0" 207 PM 2/06

Allegany Co, MD
Frostburg 36.0" 112 PM 2/06

Washington Co, MD
Hancock 30.5" 315 PM 2/06

Alaska, Virginia Style

2010-02-06T13:45:00.002-05:00

It's been snowing since about 11:00 on Friday.

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Very hard to determine just how much snow has fallin. We had a few hours last night of a sleet rain mix so the totals could have been 6-8 inches more.

While we were shoveling this morning I guessed the rate was at least 2" per hour.

Washington Post Weather Gang 1:30pm 2/6/2010
Incredible snow totals continue to increase throughout the metro area. Widely divergent accumulations (interactive map) range from as little as 15" (mainly to the south and southeast) to over 30" (north and west). While radar indicates snow is starting to decrease in intensity, another 2-4" is possible (highest additional snow south and east). Light to occasionally moderate snow should taper off from west to east between 5 and 6 p.m. Some very light, non-accumulationg snow or flurries may linger until between 8 and 10 p.m. Blowing snow will continue to be an issue with winds from the north at around 20 mph, with higher gusts.

As of 1 p.m., (these numbers are preliminary) Reagan National (DCA) has accumulated 16", putting it #8 on the all-time list, just behind December's Snowpocalypse (16.4"). It should pass that number in the next hour or two. The seasonal total is about 43", putting it in third place all time (behind 1995-1996, 46"; and 1898-99, 54.4"--though the station was at 24th and M St then). BWI (Baltimore-Washington International) has accumulated 26.5" (as of 12:30 p.m.), just 0.3" shy of its all-time record (it may have surpassed that number by now.

Quantico Crows

2010-01-22T20:35:00.006-05:00

LZ Falcon was about 120 x 350 yard in size. We set our blind on the northwest side because we wanted the wind and rain/snow/sleet to our back. To start, we really didn't know what direction the black bandits might come in from.
Me, JFC, 1940 Browning A5 12 gauge.
RPC is ready, Stevens, pump 12 gauge. Photo is looking Southwest down the length of the LZ. We had our back to the woods.

We used burlap camo from Gander held in place by 60" tall, green garden stakes and wire ties from Lowe's.

We started with 5 decoys set out about 30-35 yards. The other side of the LZ was all 6-10' pines. We met at 1 pm in heavy rain/sleet/snow mix but decided to go for it anyway. Just as we got the decoys set and the blind in place, about 1:45, it stopped raining. Before we could get in place and shotguns loaded we heard and then saw two separate flocks of crows heading out from their roosts across the LZ from us. I managed a high passing shot on one with no luck. About 2:30 - 3:00 we heard one from our back. I started calling with the H.S. Strut Hammerin' Crow Call and he was heading our way. Bob and then I ended up with a shot as he came in right to left heading for the decoys. Crows 2 - RPC/JFC 0.

After our second encounter it got pretty slow. I retrieved one decoy and put it up about 15 feet high in a tree, off to our right. About 4:00 we heard one calling from across the LZ. I started calling back and in he came. RPC caught sight of him first and said, "you take him this time". "Where?". I said. "Straight ahead, just above the decoys" Crows 3 JFC 0. Keep you head down fool, I thought to myself. And that was it for the action. We bagged everything up at sunset 5:15 and headed back to the cars. We both decided that it had been WAY TOO LONG since either of us had been out in the woods and plans are afoot to go after the black bandits again.

Crosman 1377 ~ Before and After

2010-01-18T15:52:00.008-05:00

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Above is the 1377 with the original plastic breech and brass bolt handle and rather cheap 459MT scope mounts designed to "clamp" on the barrel.

The scope was the $10, Leaper red dot and I found that the barrel would rotate with very little effort.

Here is the 1377 with the new Crosman all steel breech installed. VERY solid mount with the 3/8" dovetail scope mount built into the top of the breech. Plus there is an allen head set screw that hold the barrel from moving.

I have tweaked the trigger spring a little but wasn't to sure how far I wanted to compress it until I shot the gun enough to learn the trigger.

The great thing was that the breech extended forward enough that the red dot didn't interfere with the loading port.

Just had to throw in one photo of my Yuengling pellet trap. There are 3, dollar store rag throw rugs folded inside with a couple layers of cardboard. Oh yeah, it was fun emptying the case too.

Christmas 2009 Photos

2009-12-30T14:53:00.004-05:00

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A Christmas Poem

2009-12-22T10:41:00.002-05:00

(Image from Jill Homer's blog "Up In Alaska")

MY CHRISTMAS POEM

I have a list of friends I know, all written in a book
And every year, when Christmas comes, I go and take a look;
And that is when I realize that these names are part,
Not of the book they’re written in, but of my very heart.
For each name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime,
And, in that meeting, they’ve become the rhythm in each rhyme
And while you may not be aware of any “special link”
Just meeting you has changed my life a lot more than you think.
For, once I’ve met somebody, the years cannot erase
The memory of a pleasant word or a friendly face.
So never think of my Christmas greeting as just a mere routine
Of names upon a Christmas list, forgotten in between.
For when I send a Christmas greeting that is addressed to you
It’s because you are on the list of friends whom I’m indebted to
For I am but the total of the many friends I’ve met
And you happen to be one of those I prefer not to forget.
And whether I have known you for many years or few,
In some way you have had a part in shaping things I do;
And every year, when Christmas comes, I realize anew,
The best gift life can offer is meeting friends like you!
May the spirit of Christmas, that forever endures,
Leave its richest blessings in the hearts of you and yours.

Author is a friend of retired FBI Agent Ron Grove, Sioux City, IA (57-94)

Family Snowball Fight

2009-12-21T23:07:00.001-05:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

A White Christmas It Will Be!!

2009-12-20T15:39:00.001-05:00

Sharrows and "Bikes May Use Full Lane" Now in National Traffic Sign Standard

2009-12-18T09:36:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, December 16, 2009
This morning, the US Federal Highway Administration published a new edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The December 2009 Edition of the MUTCD contains a number of new standards that apply to bicycle facilities.

Full details...

Send A Thank You Card To Our Troops

2009-12-17T10:41:00.003-05:00

http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1280.html

It's About Time ~ New And Refinished Floors

2009-11-30T19:59:00.007-05:00

21 years of hard use and our hardwood floors were ready for refinishing. While we were at it we decided to expand the floor into the family room and up the stairs. We are very happy with the job Fredericksburg Hardwoods did. They matched our existing Red Oak floor perfectly and did a great job on the stairs.

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All new flooring in the family room

Kitchen and foyer floors refinished.

Dad's Black Walnut grandfather clock sure looks good on the refinished floor.

Winston Churchill on Islam - 1899

2009-11-19T08:30:00.001-05:00

“As that wise sage, Anon, once observed, "All generalizations are false, including this one." Recognizing, then, the perils of generalizing about a religion, I nevertheless was impressed at the insight of such a young Winston, as set forth below.

Herewith a speech by Sir Winston Churchill, in 1899, when he was a young soldier and journalist. He was ever a master of the English language and creator of some great turns of phrase. Here's the speech:” (introduction, unknown author)

"How dreadful are the curses which Mohammedanism lays on its votaries! Besides the fanatical frenzy, which is as dangerous in a man as hydrophobia in a dog, there is this fearful fatalistic apathy. The effects are apparent in many countries; improvident habits, slovenly systems of agriculture, sluggish methods of commerce, and insecurity of property exist wherever the followers of the Prophet rule or live. A degraded sensualism deprives this life of its grace and refinement; and the next of its dignity and sanctity. The fact that in Mohammedan law every woman must belong to some man as his absolute property, either as a child, a wife, or a concubine, must delay the final extinction of slavery until the faith of Islam has ceased to be a great power among men. Individual Moslems may show splendid qualities, but the influence of the religion paralyses the social development of those who follow it. No stronger retrograde force exists in the world. Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith. It has already spread throughout Central Africa, raising fearless warriors at every step; and were it not that Christianity is sheltered in the strong arms of science, the science against which it had vainly struggled, the civilization of modern Europe might fall, as fell the civilization of ancient Rome."

[Sir Winston Churchill; The River War, first edition, volume II, pp. 248-250, London]

Are You Missing The Gift Of The Present?

2009-11-03T09:27:00.003-05:00

http://liveholiness.com/ Thank you Kate.

So you have a problem. You find that you’re spending way too much time
either dwelling on the past or thinking about the future. You truly want to
stop, but you don’t know how; the past and the future are constantly luring
you with their voices, and you keep listening to them.

You wonder why you’re constantly restless and why you lack interior peace
and joy, but the answer is right before you—literally right before you.
It’s called the present moment.

One of the reasons we sometimes miss the gifts that the Lord wants to give
to us each day is because we so often fail to live in the present moment.
But let’s examine the interior experience of living in the past and the
future and see what fruit it bears in our lives.

What happens when we dwell on the past (not good memories, but our negative
past)? We feel regret for past actions; we experience resentment
(literally “to feel again”) toward a person or persons; we dwell in our
hurts or in our failures. Regret, resentment, hurt, and failure. Not
exactly a great way to spend our day.

What happens when we live in the future? We experience fear of the unknown
or what may be; we worry about how events may turn out; we conjure up
scenarios that cause us great anxiety. Fear, worry, and anxiety. Again,
not a great way to spend our day.

No wonder why people who dwell on the past and who live in the future fail
to experience the peace and joy that the Lord wants to give them in the
present moment. The past is gone; the future is not here; and it is simply
irrational to spend our mental energy on things that cause us such interior
turmoil. Dwelling on the past and living in the future are both evidence
of our lack of trust in God: lack of trust in his mercy for our past and
lack of trust in his loving care for our future.

So what does Jesus say about all this?

Regarding the past: “Your sins are forgiven” (Luke 7:48 and many other
instances!).

Regarding the future: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,
what you will eat or drink, or your body, what you will wear… Can any of
you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? … If God so clothes
the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven
tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith… But
seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things
will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take
care of itself” (see Matthew 6:25-34).

God lives in the eternal present. When the Lord revealed Himself and His
name to Moses, He said, “I Am Who Am” (Exodus 3:14). The Lord did not say,
“I was who was” or “I will be who will be.” He simply said, “I Am.” We
need to learn to dwell with the Lord where He is, in the present.

What are the benefits of living in the present moment? The greatest
benefit is the peace that it brings. No regrets, no worries, just dwelling
in the present moment with “I Am.” Also, we experience more gratitude,
because we become acutely aware of God’s presence and how He is acting in
our lives each day. Furthermore, living in the present helps us to be
fully present to the people that we encounter each day and to see Christ in
them. Lastly, living in the present actually benefits our future because
by staying focused on the most important aspects of our lives we will be
well prepared for whatever the future brings us.

How do we acquire the habit of living in the present moment? We certainly
are not going to be perfect; but we can at least train ourselves to return
to the present moment when we find ourselves listening to the voices of the
past and the future. The best way to develop the habit of living in the
present moment is to spend at least 10 to 15 minutes daily in quiet prayer,
dwelling with the Lord who lives in the eternal present. After all, it is
the Lord who said, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:11). If we
can simply learn to be still in prayer each day, that stillness will
eventually begin to permeate the other hours of our day.

So, when you’re tempted to dwell on your past sins, simply pray, “Thank you
for forgiving me, Lord.” (If you know you need to confess your sins,
simply do it and let it go. God does not hold grudges).

When you’re tempted to live in the future, simply pray, “Jesus, I trust in
You,” and return to the gift of the present.

Hiking Praise - David Crowder Band

2009-10-27T22:31:00.001-04:00

Billy Goat Trail ~ section B

2009-10-22T10:08:00.005-04:00

On Saturday October 3rd, after having a wonderful lunch at the Old Angler's Inn, with our good friend Audrey, Valerie and I changed into our hiking cloths and hit the Billy Goat Trail, section B. It's a 3 mile round trip hike along the Potomac River within the C&O Canal National Historic Park.

(Click on any image to enlarge)

It was a beautiful sunny day and although there was some rock scrambling the trail was generally flat and well maintained. We made it home in plenty of time to attended the first annual Capitol Ale House Oktoberfest.

The trail was 1.6 miles along the river with the return via the C&O Canal tow path.

Lets Go Mountaineers WVU 35 - ECU 20

2009-09-15T15:14:00.006-04:00

We spent a great weekend in Morgantown visiting Molly. Maggi traveled up to meet us from West Jefferson, NC, her new home.

A Blast From The Past

2009-07-23T20:42:00.008-04:00

Christmas 1956, My first guns, cowboys or agent, doesn't matter

A mountain biker is born ~ circa 1952
(click on any image to enlarge)

Future NASCAR Pit Crew member ~ circa 1952

Enough with the girls will ya ~ 1957
L-R, Leslie, Janet, Wendy, Jay, Dale, Lisa

My first Adirondack summit with Dale and Lisa ~ 1956
L-R, Jay, Dale, Lisa

The Forth, Inn at Kelly's Ford 2009

2009-07-20T17:40:00.005-04:00

Maggi and Martha - They must be talking wedding stuff.

Valerie and Molly waiting for an opening in the Ladder Ball tournament.

Flying Circus Aerodrome & Airshow did a flyover before the fireworks started.

Last But Not Least

2009-05-21T11:06:00.003-04:00

After a morning and lunch in Stratford-upon-Avon we spent a few hours at Anne Hathaway's cottege.
(click on any image to enlarge)

Amazing Willow arches

A rainy and foggy day spent at Bleinham Palace was still amazing

Our last evening before heading home. We got a VIP evening tour of the Tower of London which included drinks and food in the Yeoman Warder's private pub.

2009-05-21T11:01:00.002-04:00

St. Albans Catherdal after a "packet sandwich" lunch in the park

(click on any image to enlarge)

Our Cotswold cottage on the "Green" in Broadway

Picnic lunch in the Bourton-on-the-Water, the Venice of the Cotswolds.

A night shot of our home for 4 days

More Photos From The UK

2009-05-21T10:56:00.004-04:00

Heading off to Kensington Palace after Easter service

(click on any image to enlarge)

Kensington Gardens

"The Goat" for an early dinner, a pint and pub food, after the tour of Kensington Palace

Favorite Photos From England - April 2009

2009-05-19T12:20:00.004-04:00

Room 13, Lime Tree Hotel, 135 - 137 Ebury Street, London, SW1

(click on any image to enlarge)

A tired first evening at the theater seeing Phantom

Riding the London cabs home one evening

Easter Sunday service, Westminster Cathedral

New Office View

2009-05-19T12:08:00.001-04:00

I took this shot, looking east down C Street, yesterday from my temporary 8th floor office located at 600 Maryland Ave, SW in DC. It's my official Harris business address but I hope to be relocated to Stafford later this summer. Meanwhile I can work from home or travel to WDC as needed. In the upper left hand corner of the photo is the top of the Capitol dome.

For The Birds

2009-04-08T11:11:00.004-04:00

Susitna 100 ~ Only In Alaska

2009-03-14T10:12:00.003-04:00

I just have to share this one with you.
You have all heard of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.
Did you know there are several cross country, winter races for bikes, skis and runners also.

I found it on Bicycles & Icicles; as Alaskan blog about riding bicycle. Amazing perspective.

Susitna 100 from indieAK films on Vimeo.

Bored To Tears

2009-03-11T11:17:00.003-04:00

Pretty sad when you are so bored laying on the couch after 10 days that taking a few photos makes your day.
(Click on any image to enlarge)

If It Hurts... It's Probably Worth It

2009-03-10T11:02:00.002-04:00

"Trust me, it's paradise. This is where the hungry come to feed.

For mine is a generation that circles the globe and searches for something we haven't tried before.

So never refuse an invitation, never resist the unfamiliar. Just keep your mind open and suck in the experience. And if it hurts, you know what? It's probably worth it.

You hope and you dream, but you never believe that something is going to happen to you. Not like it does in the movies. And when it actually does happen, it lasts forever. "

Closing statement read by Leonardo DiCaprio, Universal HD, 2007 Ironman Triathlon

Snow Day

2009-03-02T20:19:00.002-05:00

Click on any image to enlarge

Hardtail Heaven

2009-02-28T11:12:00.005-05:00

Heaven or hell. After an hour and 5 miles on the MCB Quantico mountain bike trails, I wasn't so sure which one to choose. GOSH!!! It's only been 5 years since I hit the trails with Sam for the last time. I just couldn't pass up a 60 degree day in February after discovering a map of the mixed use trails on the "mainside" of the base. Time passes on and how quickly ones butt and hands forget just how hard a hardtail (no shocks) MTB rides. Even on the softer, sandy trails my arms and shoulders were buzzing from the vibration of a 2 mile gradual downhill.

The trailhead parking and starting point behind the Quantico Child Development Center.

The top of the last long uphill where lunch was knocking on the door to get out.

Doah!!! Topo map reading hasn't always been my strong suit. I dicided to take the trail out and the powerline back. WRONG!! As you can see, powerlines go straight UP and DOWN the hills.

Elvis Has Left The Building

2009-02-27T14:55:00.002-05:00

As I do my last time ticket and approval, transfer my last employee to a temporary supervisor, check my Trilogy email one more time, scan my SAC badge for entry, leave a final voice message on my phone and check my drawers one more time, I am more than a bit sad at leaving Quantico and ERF for the last time.

Today is my last full day with BAE Systems assigned to a contract with the FBI. I will receive my LOW, Lack Of Work letter on Monday morning.

I have been coming to this campus, every day since the fall of 1997. I think the first time was in 75 or 76. Even when I retired, it was only for 4 days before I came back, going from a blue (FBI) badge to a green (contractor) badge. Next time it will be white badge with a big red V , for visitor.

This time, leaving has more finality, but along with it more hope and excitement.

One of my world wide FBI ham friends sent me a wonderful God Speed in reply to my last official Trilogy, in house email.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Elvis has left the building, but the Lord is by my side.

Once a Mountaineer, Always a Mountaineer

2009-02-07T10:15:00.001-05:00

CAVU Day At Sky Meadows

2009-02-04T08:56:00.004-05:00

Clear And Visibility Unlimited (CAVU)
A great term to discribe the day we had on the hillside at Sky Meadows State Park this past Saturday. The temp at 11:00 when we arrived was about 26 degrees and never went above freezing. Valerie and I hiked about 7 miles, starting with the Snowden loop and then heading up (1100 feet) to the Appalachian Trial on the ridge line.

Snowden Manor Ruins

We bumped into a Sierra Club group doing the same 7 mile loop.

New Game In Town ~ Waymarking

2009-01-22T08:25:00.009-05:00

I discovered a new game, way to explore, past time, technology application.

Waymarking.

A mix of multiple GPS based applications like geocaching, mapping, photography, travel documentation and mega geekdom. http://www.waymarking.com/ allows "members" to document a waymark (a point on earth captured on your GPS) that can be placed in a category. Presently there are 158145 waymarks worldwide, listed in 858 user-created categories.

It is basically telling a story and sharing interesting information (if your a history, outdoor adventurer or technology geek) about your world both locally and your travels.

Here are a few I recently added.
Structures - Abandoned Train Tunnels
http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM5MD0
Signs of history
http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM5MG3
Bicycle Shops
http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM5MFZ

You can even go as far as visiting a waymark and then document that visit on line. It is a huge searchable database of locations.

Here are a few of the more interesting categories:
Garage Door Art
Gargoyles
Castles
Dinosaur Statues
Converted Firehouses
Free For Your Birthday
Gluten Free Restaurants
Butterfly Houses
Self Serve Pet Wash
Miniature Railroads
'Marry Me' Markers
Grave of a Famous Person
Elevated Everyday Objects
Super Fund Sites
Geographic High Points
Orphaned Bridges
Coin-Op Binoculars

I think you get the idea. Visit waymarking.com and do a search using your Zip code and enjoy some of your undiscovered local color. Or be a geek like me and take your GPS and camera out the next time you walk the dog.

Respectfully submitted for your ridicule....... garmin_geek

2 Years Of Blogging

2009-01-15T09:55:00.003-05:00

How can it be.
Today is the 2nd anniversary of this blog. It has been such a roller coaster ride of emotion. Getting Sam back safely from his Army deployment in Iraq and keeping our sanity was the main focus when we started here so many months ago.
And I will say this blog has done it's job. I am still semi-sane and really enjoy sharing my family, photos, beliefs and heartache with all who dare stop by.
It the words of Bartles & Jaymes,
Thank you for your support

Birthday Choice

2009-01-14T11:23:00.003-05:00

Molly mention she had decided on a Hefeweizen for her first "official beer". I thought the Paulaner was a good choice. We enjoyed another great meal and "Steal The Glass Night" at the Capitol Ale House in downtown Fredericksburg. Flying Dog Brewery was the featured beer last night. I got the Gonzo Porter (drinkable but not my favorite) and got to keep the glass. The manager delivered our food and when we told him what we were celebrating, he gave Molly a Flying Dog pint glass too.

Oh to be 21 again.

2009 Resolutions - NOT

2009-01-02T14:42:00.002-05:00

I am not so sure I believe in a setting New Years resolutions. It seems to me, when you do, you are setting yourself up for failure.

So how else can a person set goals for him/herself in an effort to improve, grow, step outside that box, conquer fears.

First, let me say that 408 miles of bicycling in one year, 365 days is pretty miserable. Only 27 rides in 56 weeks.

Man, that just don't get er done.

Yes, it was more miles by far than I had pedaled in many years. No, I didn't ride an organized century like I had hoped. But, come on, that has got to be one of my goals for 2009. More riding. More miles. Feel healthier. Drop those last 10 pounds.

OMG. Those sure sounds like a New Years resolutions to me.

I am guessing Valerie, averages over 20 miles of power walking every week. Set that to 50 weeks and we're talking 1000 miles of pavement pounding.

Now that's what I'm talking about!!

Get off the couch, MAN!! Hit the road!! See the USA in your Chevrolet!!

Happy New Year.

Santa Sighted Near Eagle River, AK

2008-12-25T00:06:00.001-05:00

The craziest thing happened. We just saw Santa ripping it up on tele at South Fork. He's mad good. He hucked this cliff and got like 10 seconds of air time and he doesn't need to skin back up, cause his reindeer fly down and give him a lift back up. Check it out at.
~~ Sam
http://twoakhuskies.blogspot.com/2008_12_01_archive.html#2608579250065662659

Christmas Eve Message From Mom

2008-12-24T11:03:00.004-05:00

Good Morning..

It is early morning on Christmas Eve Day..I just wanted to welcome you to this glorious day and tell you to take a moment today..breathe..and look around at all God has given us with the birth of His Son...There is so much beauty and so much love..not just in the nature and scenery around us but the beauty in each one of our souls and the love that He has so put in our hearts ... just by looking you can see that it is there. He gave us each other to love and cherish and without each other and our different souls brought together, we could not enjoy all that is around us. It is through the eyes of our spirit that we can appreciate this. Truly, our eyes are the window into our soul.

My greatest gift has been to bear our children...through the pain of labor such a beautiful thing was created and at the end of the hard laboring--a gift. Isn't that how life is..through the challenges and trials..through the pain we endure..God enriches our lives with such reward and beauty, it is hard to even describe. There is nothing as amazing in God's creation, then the gift of a child born..Isn't that what His birth is all about? I now understand why it was to be that way for all mother's bearing their children..the pain and the joy all mixed into one and when done..it is good.

I am thinking about each one of you today..It is hard not to be all together...realizing that this is how it has to be at times..it makes me appreciate the times we are even more. Not to forget, after it is all done..God keeps adding to your life through your children...that is you Gretchen. We are thankful for you now blended into our family.

Make this day wonderful. Keep Him in your heart in everything you do..remember that anything else is just the "earthly details" and only temporary..and know that there is no greater love than what your Dad and I feel for you..

God's peace this day..

Love you always,

Mom

Merry Christmas - Carol of the Bells

2008-12-18T08:44:00.006-05:00

I don't know Trace Bundy but Mike on his bike had this YouTube video on his Blog.

Pretty cool, Carol of the Bells!!

The Chamberlain family's favorite Claymation version.

New interstate road map takes shape for bicyclists

2008-12-18T07:51:00.002-05:00

By Calvin Woodward, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON — At first glance, everything seems out of place on the map of a new interstate road system taking shape across the nation.
Interstate 95 runs down the stunning sweep of the Pacific Coast, not the congested blandness of the Eastern Seaboard. Route 1 meanders along country roads, not strip malls. And you'll get your kicks on Route 76.

Mapmakers gone wild? Not quite.

State officials and bicycle enthusiasts are stitching together more than 50,000 miles of pedal-friendly pavement to form a vast network of bicycle routes connecting byways, cities and offroad trails in a system like the one created for cars and trucks over half a century ago.

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, working with the Adventure Cycling Association and other groups, recently approved a plan, four years in the making, that lays the foundation for the network. Now it's up to each state to create the routes and put up signs.

"It's a big turning point," said Jim Sayer, executive director of the Adventure Cycling group, the authority on transcontinental bike travel.

"We're coming down out of the clouds, having created the overall national plan, and getting to the nitty-gritty of creating interstate routes on the ground. It's a great opportunity for the U.S. to establish what could be the largest bicycle route network in the world."

The effort relies on cartography instead of construction, signposts instead of earth-movers.

Working from a bewildering tangle of existing roads, planners mapped a web of corridors where the national bicycle system should go. They considered traffic volume, terrain, amenities and ways to link together lightly traveled byways, secondary roads, urban trails and already established transcontinental bicycle routes.

Each corridor on the map they approved is a broad swath 50 miles wide; the precise routes within each corridor are still to be designated, numbered and given signs.

To avoid confusion, the proposed numbering system is reversed from interstate highways. For example, Route 10 is the southernmost east-west interstate for motor vehicles; bicycle Route 10 runs east-west close to the Canadian border.

Long-distance bicycling is catching the imagination — and in some cases, purse strings — of governments worldwide as they look for ways to encourage people-powered travel and tourism. If completed as planned, the U.S. network would outdistance anything offered in other countries, or even continents.

In Europe, a dozen long-distance routes are coming together in the 38,000-mile EuroVelo network, about one-third complete. For a route to qualify, it must have traffic volume under 1,000 vehicles a day, a grade no steeper than 6% and enough width for cyclists to ride two abreast.

In Quebec, the 2,700-mile Route Verte, or Greenway, was finished last year at a cost of more than $80 million Canadian from the provincial government and millions more from localities along the way.

Quebec set rigorous conditions for operators who want business from the cyclists. For example, certified campgrounds must guarantee space to cyclists, reservation or not, and offer a sheltered place to eat. Participating hotels must offer high-carb meals, fresh fruit and secure storage for bikes. Amenities and public transportation are offered at set intervals.

The U.S. is a long way from that level of organization and is unlikely to adopt rigid nationwide standards for what constitutes a bike-friendly interstate route. The lay of the land is such that busier roads with wide shoulders are included along with quiet roads with no shoulders.

Adventure Cycling has thoroughly mapped 38,000 miles on its own. The new corridors incorporate many of those routes, perhaps most notably the TransAmerica Trail, the mother road of transcontinental bicycling connecting Virginia and Oregon over 4,262 miles.

The interstate plan marks a revival of sorts for Route 76, the 1976 bicentennial bicycle route that shares most of the same roads with the TransAm. Virginia has already put up Bicycle Route 76 signs for the new system — signs that will rise again across the country if the vision of the planners is made real.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed

When It Rains, It Pours

2008-12-14T14:38:00.006-05:00

"God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength but with your testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it", 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Your running 100 mph with your hair on fire, you have a 500 mile drive to make, you feel like the wheels are falling off, 14 people are coming to dinner and the refrigerator breaks down and you have to buy a new one.

Just a typical Christmas adventure, all in the span of 3 days in the Chamberlain home. I get home from work Thursday night and Val says the fridge isn't cooling. She moves all the food down to the basement refrigerator. I am planning on leaving to get Molly at WVU from work around 2pm on Friday. I call in and pull the refrigerator apart Friday morning to find the recirculating fan shot. We're off to Lowes and "think" the one we want will fit. I get the measurements and we head home. Yes it will fit "IF" I pull the cabinet out and take out all the floor moulding. The opening is 35 15/16". The new Whirlpool is 35 3/4" wide. What's 3/16 among friends?

All this is completed by about 1:30 pm. Back to Lowes I go. Mean while Valerie is doing her best to prepare for 14 people coming to dinner Saturday night, arriving at 5:30 pm for 1/2 of our church's progressive dinner. Oh, yes she didn't have to walk 4 miles on Friday with all the trips up and down to the basement refrigerator.

Great, Lowes had the fridge we want in stock. Good deal. 10% off, 6 months no payment no interest. The American way. Who could ask for more. Free delivery (guaranteed between 9 am and 5 pm Sat.) and installation and removal of the old one. Gee, it only takes until 3pm because when I get to the register and swipe my Loew's card it says rejected. Haha. Sir you haven't used your card in 4 years. Yes, that is correct, when we bought the dryer. Sorry sir you'll have to fill out an application for a new card.

Finally at 3 pm it's out the door, heading west for M-town. Molly is waiting. So is 22 degrees and 2 inches of new ice and snow as I go over Keyser's ridge on I-68 at 45 mph. Well at least we found a stool at Blackbear and I wasn't driving back the same night. That meant an Irei Remember burrito, an Oatmeal stout, and a Santa pale ale. All this to keep us fortified until 1:30 am while we packed Molly, loaded the car and cleaned her room.

"God is faithful..." Saturday it was a beautiful sunny day for the drive home. The new Whirlpool was delivered by noon and as usual, Valerie pulled off a miraculous stunning dinner for 17 people.

The Perfect Ashe Co., NC Fraser Fir

2008-12-09T21:59:00.008-05:00

The following photos document the 2008 quest for the perfect Christmas tree, Ashe County, NC style. This is a county that sells over 27 Million dollars worth of Fraser firs every year. The White House tree came from there this year. Now as you will see Travis is a professional when it comes to picking out the perfect tree. Heck he even has his own measuring stick. Believe me when I say he may have met his match in a discerning consumer when it came to helping Valerie.

(click on any image to enlarge)

"Valerie, believe me when I say the red ribbon is a 10 foot tree. The STICK doesn't lie"

"10 foot you say, it doesn't look a bit over 9. I just need a bigger house"

"Hmmmm, it could be the perfect tree. Did you say Rick has 24,999 more trees to pick from?"

We stand next to the 2008 winner.

The girls pick the perfect apartment tree for Maggi

We even had the opportunity to make fresh wreaths.

Rick and Jane prepare our tree for the trip up I-81

Two New Blogs I Found

2008-12-05T10:00:00.005-05:00

What an amazing media this Blogging. I have always been amazed at the websites I find while surfing the net through links. The same goes for exploring the blogging world. Many bloggers will have favorites or links to blogs they follow.

I came across two really cool bloggers this week.
Up in Alaska.
Jill Homer, "I'm an Alaska journalist who likes to bicycle in horrendous conditions and eat goldfish crackers and Pepsi for breakfast." She has ridden and is preparing to ride the 2009 Bike Iditarod. A 350 mile winter, crosscountry bike race. She is the author of, "Ghost Trails" a sometimes joyful, often harrowing ride through my experiences in the 2008 Iditarod Trail Invitational, and the events that inspired it. Jill also takes some amazing photos on her daily winter bike rides.

The second blog I found is
The Adventures of Mike and his Bike
"Let the Good Times Roll"

Mike J. lives in Marysville, WA and from the few posts I have read he rides his bike everywhere. Here are two things you might not know about Mike.

"I can name just about any classic rock song within 3 seconds of hearing it. I can also name the artist and year it came out. I try not to yell this information out every time I hear a song but it’s hard not to. This is one of my super powers. It’s a useless superpower but a superpower just the same."

"When I was a kid I was a super picky eater and I really didn’t like candy very much. In fact, my parents would buy me a candy bar as a treat when we would go on trips and they would later find it with one bite taken out of them and left in the back seat. I do remember eating paste in Kindergarten though and liking it. This fact embarrasses my family which cracks me up."

Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks

2008-12-04T09:51:00.002-05:00

International Mountain Bicycling Assoc. (IMBA)

Action Alert
For Immediate Release
11-19-08
Contact: Mark Eller, IMBA Communications Director
markeller@imba.com
303-545-9011

An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.

The NPS has said the proposal for new rules will be formally announced later this year. IMBA hopes the enhanced procedure will allow park superintendents to make trail access decisions locally, instead of being tied to a Washington-based, multi-year regulatory journey. The new rule would treat bicycling like other non-motorized trail users, such as equestrians.

The suggested NPS rule change would only apply to places where including bicycling is non controversial, and would maintain current requirements for environmental review and public notice. Opening a trail to bicycling must be in compliance with the National Park Service Organic Act, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Historic Preservation Act, and all NPS General Management Planning processes.

Proposed Rule Subject of Misunderstandings
Recently, the American Hiking Society (AHS) published a national action alert opposing the as-yet-unreleased NPS rule. This alert is based on the incorrect assumption that requirements for comprehensive environmental review and public commentary about opening a trail to bicycling will be discarded. In fact, these safeguards will remain in place, as required by federal law. IMBA and AHS leaders met nationally on this issue last week.

Unfortunately, the alert has rippled through the hiking community, causing consternation and confusion amongst the shared-use trails community. Some hiking-based groups have expressed concern that mountain biking will infringe on foot travel in national parks, but IMBA remains confident that shared-use trails can succeed in national parks, as they do in countless public land settings around the globe.

The alert also suggests that this regulatory change could affect how Wilderness, or areas proposed for Wilderness, will be managed. In fact, these issues are completely separate. IMBA recognizes that cycling is not allowed in areas designated as Wilderness. The NPS proposed rule change would have no impact on Wilderness regulations.

National parks that are not interested in expanding opportunities for bicycling will not be affected by the rule change. The new proceedures will not force mountain biking on any park unit, and superintendents that do not see opportunities for mountain biking in their parks will not be asked to adopt it.

IMBA Encourages Clubs to Reach Out to Hiking Groups and NPS Leaders
IMBA encourages mountain bike organizations to reach out to their local hiking trail partners and NPS local leaders with our fact sheet on the issue, to address concerns and answer questions about the rule change.

Creating opportunities for mountain biking will not diminish experiences for existing users such as hikers or equestrians. Park staff are skilled at selecting appropriate trails for shared-use experiences. Hikers and bikers can work together to repair eroded trails, get kids exercising in parks and build excitement about our national parks.

More on What the Rule Change Will Achieve
The current "special regulations" process for opening NPS trail to bicycling is onerous and cumbersome, often typically taking years to complete. Only two of the roughly 24 parks that allow singletrack mountain biking have managed to complete special regulations, highlighting the unrealistic and unnecessary burden it places on NPS staff. The special regulations process required for bicycles also applies to snowmobiles, jet skis, airplanes, commercial trucking and other similarly intensive park uses. IMBA believes local park management, using the inclusive NEPA process, can best make decisions regarding bicycle use on the trails that they oversee.

In one real-world example, Tennessee's Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, trail users and park staff worked for many years to open two existing routes to bicycling, detailing the process publicly in environmental reviews, park planning documents and rigorous scientific research. Regardless, the trail opening was prohibited because special regulations had not been completed. While bicyclists, NPS staff, hikers and equestrians all support opening these trails to bicycles, the opening date is likely several years in the future, at best.

Another example can be found in Washington, DC, at Fort Dupont National Park. IMBA affiliated club Trips for Kids has been bringing inner-city youth to the park to ride the existing network of singletrack trails for many years. This program helps build self-esteem, get kids exercising and exposes an often underserved population to the benefits of bicycling and national parks. Technically, these trails are out of compliance with this bureaucratic, special regulations process - although all groups involved would call this program wildly successful.

For more information on this issue, please contact IMBA's Government Affairs Director Jenn Dice (jenn@imba.com), or Policy Analyst Drew Vankat (drew@imba.com).

Two Favorites

2008-12-02T08:40:00.003-05:00

My two favorites from the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot.

(click on the images to enlarge)

"Daaaaad, running is soooo boring. Are we there yet?"
"Running is such hard work."

Thankful For Life And Eating

2008-11-27T13:55:00.005-05:00

Photo one is three good reasons for me to be thankful this year. Photo two is another.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Holiday Eating Tips...Wink, Wink!
Tongue-In-Cheek Tips For A Chuckle
By Robin McClure, About.com

For all you would-be dieters and health-conscious party-goers around the holidays, here are 10 tongue-in-cheek holiday eating tips worth a chuckle...or at least a brownie or three!

When eating around the holidays, here are tips to consider before having that next food orgy at the all-you-can eat buffet!

Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the seasonal spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. Toast to the holidays!

If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a holiday party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention.

Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner!

Note from Guide: Author is unknown, but this list has been circulating across the public internet, so it's fair game to spread the holiday cheer!

An Iraqi Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T13:30:00.005-05:00

(click on any image to enlarge)

Friends/Family, below is an Email from an ROTC buddy of mine, 1LT Sgroi, some of you know Tony, some of you don't, please keep him in your prayers as he approaches his final months in Iraq and celebrates Thanksgiving over there.
Cheers,
-Sam
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hello everyone!
I realize it's been months since I sent out a big email update so I figured today would be a good day to get it done.
Anyhow, Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your families. I'm thankful that I have so many great friends and family that have supported me since I've been here. It's been almost a year now, and I've still got about 3 months left. Hopefully the time will go by quickly.
Work here has been kind of crazy as of lately. Just like when I was in school, as time winds down I seem to get busier and more overworked. Since I started working in the city of Abu Ghraib, I've learned to expect anything and be ready for it at any time of the day or night. My men and I are all pretty tired, and definitely ready to come home (or at least take a break). It's that kind of exhaustion that can't be fixed by taking a day off or sleeping. We all need some serious relaxation (and a beer) I think.
The bright side of all that work though is all the progress we've accomplished here. Abu Ghraib has gone through a major transformation over the last year. The residents feel safe again, and we've begun to really focus on rebuilding. Over the last couple of weeks we've been paving roads, installing street lights, renovating hospitals and schools, and cleaning up a lot of the rubble from the war. People are sometimes so thankful that they'll invite me into their homes and insist on feeding me. Iraqis are some of the most generous people you'll ever meet and I've learned to respect and love that about this place.
Of course there's always still some bad guys left and that's what I spend most of my time doing is targeting those remnants of the insurgency. Its similar to being a detective and a SWAT team all at once.
Anyhow, I hope you're all doing well. You're all in my thoughts and prayers, especially those of you who may be reading this and here in Iraq or on your way here soon.
God bless and happy Thanksgiving.
Tony

THANKSGIVING

2008-11-26T18:41:00.003-05:00

by Thomas F. McGorray
Special Agent FBI Ret.

For the wealth that is our friendship,
Whereon no harm did fall;
For the training that we shared alike,
That let us each stand tall.
For the cases that we worked and solved
For the paths we all did trod
For the bravery of our fallen ones,
I thank thee, O my God!

For reports that were well written
And the grace to do what's right.
With our egos badly smitten
Long hours worked through the night.
For Thy safety and protection,
And the disciplining rod
For our fight against crimes evil,
I thank Thee, O my God!

For respecting badge and gun,
And the laws that show the way.
For success in our endeavors,
For completing every day.
For the justice that we strove for
For your blessings and your nod,
For all our brothers died for,
I thank Thee, O my God

For the splendor of your wisdom
Deep rooted in all things
For justice that was well served
And all that goodness brings.
For agents steeped in courage,
We stand so proud, yet awed,
For watching o'er our Bureau,
I thank Thee, O my God.

And as our time grows shorter
And as our suns do set.
We thank thee for this journey
Each agent that we met.
For helping in the battle,
Within, above, abroad,
For watching o'er us daily,
I thank Thee, O my God.

Close Encounter Of A Piper Kind!!

2008-11-24T10:24:00.010-05:00

I have been a road bicycle rider since about 1980. After several years in the dirt on the MTB with Sam I bought a Trek 1000 in 2006 and went back to the roads.
So 38 plus years of riding I have had numerous "close encounters". Almost hitting a deer at 40 MPH in a rain storm on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Elbow brushed by passing vehicles. Empty beer cans bounced off my helmet. Dogs, plenty of dogs (but no bites). Last week's Arte Johnson in the middle of Eskimo Hill road. This to name a few.
I might have to rank last nights Piper encounter as one of the most unique yet. I was out wandering and decided to do a loop of Dogwood Air park, just off Route 1 near Stafford High School. Looking at the photo, I came in on the far right road/taxi way, rode to the far East end and then came back. I cross over to the road on the left heading for Piper Lane. Half way down an airplane landed East to West. I didn't give it much thought as I turned left onto Piper lane, looking up to the top of about a 1/2 mile hill. So imagine my surprise as I am half way up I am out of the saddle, and I hear the airplane behind me. I reached the top and end of the road and turned back to see the Piper taxiing toward me. Not knowing which house he was heading for I backed off the road as far as possible and just watched. He turned left into the last driveway, closest to me, his wing tip less than 30' from me. I just wish I had my camera.

Nice Day For a Hike

2008-11-23T19:57:00.003-05:00

We spent an hour hiking with the Morris kids, Conwell and Holland in the Fredericksburg Battlefield. (click on any image to enlarge)

Winning Isn't News

2008-11-22T14:12:00.002-05:00

By INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY

Iraq: What would happen if the U.S. Won a war but the media didn't tell the American public? Apparently, we have to rely on a British newspaper for the news that we've defeated the last remnants of al-Qaida in Iraq .

London's Sunday Times called it 'the culmination of one of the most spectacular victories of the war on terror.' A terrorist force that once numbered more than 12,000, with strongholds in the west and central regions of Iraq, has over two years been reduced to a mere 1,200 fighters, backed against the wall in the northern city of Mosul.

The destruction of al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI) is one of the most unlikely and unforeseen events in the long history of American warfare. We can thank President Bush's surge strategy, in which he bucked both Republican and Democratic leaders in Washington by increasing our forces there instead of surrendering.

We can also thank the leadership of the new general he placed in charge there, David Petraeus, who may be the foremost expert in the world on counter-insurgency warfare. And we can thank those serving in our military in Iraq who engaged local Iraqi tribal leaders and convinced them America was their friend and AQI their enemy.

Al-Qaida's loss of the hearts and minds of ordinary Iraqis began in Anbar Province, which had been written off as a basket case, and spread out from there.

Now, in Operation Lion's Roar the Iraqi army and the U.S. 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment is destroying the fraction of terrorists who are left. More than 1,000 AQI operatives have already been apprehended.

Sunday Times reporter Marie Colvin, traveling with Iraqi forces in Mosul, found little AQI presence even in bullet-ridden residential areas that were once insurgency strongholds, and reported that the terrorists have lost control of its Mosul urban base, with what is left of the organization having fled south into the countryside.

Meanwhile, the State Department reports that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government has achieved 'satisfactory' progress on 15 of the 18 political benchmarks 'a big change for the better from a year ago.'

Things are going so well that Maliki has even for the first time floated the idea of a timetable for withdrawal of American forces. He did so while visiting the United Arab Emirates , which over the weekend announced that it was forgiving almost $7 billion of debt owed by Baghdad, an impressive vote of confidence from a fellow Arab state in the future of a free Iraq.

But where are the headlines and the front-page stories about all this good news? As the Media Research Center pointed out last week, 'the CBS Evening News, NBC Nightly News and CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 were silent Tuesday night about the benchmarks 'that signaled political progress.'

The war in Iraq has been turned around 180 degrees both militarily and politically because the president stuck to his guns. Yet apart from IBD, Fox News Channel and parts of the foreign press, the media don't seem to consider this historic event a big story.

Copyright 2008 Investor's Business Daily. All Rights Reserved.

Addendum: The reason you haven't seen this on American television or read about it in the American press is simple--journalism is 'dead' in this country. They are controlled by Liberal Democrats who would rather see our troops defeated than recognize a successful Republican initiated response to 9/11.

Adventure Cycling Association

2008-11-21T09:47:00.001-05:00

Matthew 5:9

2008-11-21T07:44:00.002-05:00

"Blessed are the peace-makers: for they shall be called children of God."

Obit
FBI Special AgentSamuel S. Hicks, Suddenly, On November 19, 2008,
SAMUEL S., beloved husband of Brooke A. Hicks (nee Whaples), loving father of Noah, dear son of David Hicks and Charlotte Carrabotta and son-in-law of John and Sherry Whaples, dear grandson of French and Efie Trogdon, loving brother of Ben and Emily Hicks and uncle of Emma Hicks.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Schimunek Funeral Home, Inc., 9705 Belair Road (at Forge Road) on Sunday and Monday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 P.M. Funeral service will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, 5200 N. Charles Street on Tuesday at 11 A.M. Interment to follow in Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to an educational fund to be set up for Noah Hicks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am sad, very sad for his family and young son, Noah.

Pittsburge Tribune--Review
Family vows son will understand FBI father's love, valor

Drug suspect's wife charged in FBI agent's death

2008-11-20T07:55:00.003-05:00

By DAN NEPHIN, Associated Press Writer Dan Nephin, Associated Press Writer
Wed Nov 19, 10:01 pm ET
GLENSHAW, Pa. – An FBI agent trying to arrest a cocaine-dealing suspect at a home near Pittsburgh was killed Wednesday by the man's wife, who might have thought she was shooting an intruder, authorities said. Agent Samuel Hicks was shot about 6 a.m. in the middle-class community of Indiana Township. The 33-year-old was taking part in a drug-ring roundup at the home of Robert Korbe, who was taken into custody on the drug charge.
Christina Korbe, 40, was charged with homicide. Her attorney, Sumner Parker, said his client was with her 10-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son when agents arrived and might have feared for their safety. Korbe "ultimately called 911 to get local police to her house based on what she thought was happening," said Parker, adding that he is representing his
client on state charges.
According to the criminal complaint for Christina Korbe, law enforcers arrived shortly after 6 a.m., announced themselves as police and saw a man running inside. Officers rammed the door and broke a window to enter. Hicks entered first and turned left. A shot was fired, he yelled "I'm hit," and police dragged him outside and called 911.
Christina Korbe later told police she was standing at the top of the stairs and thought she shot an intruder. She called 911 and was arrested while on the phone. Korbe said she never heard police identify themselves.
Robert Korbe said he told his wife to stay upstairs while he went to the door. When he realized it was the police, he ran to the basement, dumped cocaine into a washtub, dressed and ran out the back door before he was arrested, the complaint said. Christina Korbe was at Allegheny County police headquarters until Wednesday evening, when she was taken away on a stretcher crying with a white blanket over her head. She was put into an ambulance and taken to a hospital because she was feeling ill.
Her husband was one of 35 people charged in the 27-count indictment that accuses the defendants of conspiring to traffic cocaine and crack from October 2007 through September. Christina Korbe was not named in the indictment.
Robert Korbe appeared briefly in federal court Wednesday and was represented by a public defender but told the judge he planned to hire his own attorney.
He had told reporters at his home as he was being led into a police car that "they shot their own guy."
FBI agent William Crowley, an agency spokesman, said, "Based on the information we have right now, every indication is that no shot was fired by law enforcement at the crime scene."
Hicks had been with the FBI since March 2007. He was a former Baltimore police officer and school teacher with a wife and 3-year-old son.
"Special Agent Hicks made the ultimate sacrifice that any law enforcement officer makes for his country," Michael Rodriguez, agent in charge of the Pittsburgh FBI office, said in a statement read to reporters.
"He served with honor and bravery and will be greatly missed by his colleagues here in Pittsburgh and throughout the FBI," he said. FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III said: "The loss of Sam Hicks is a tragedy. Our hearts and prayers go out to Sam's family and the members of the Pittsburgh field office."
The last FBI special agent killed in the line of duty was Barry Lee Bush, who was accidentally shot and killed by a fellow agent outside a bank on April 5, 2007, in Readington, N.J., according to the FBI.
Bush, 52, of Forks Township, Pa., and other agents were in pursuit of three bank robbers who were armed but did not fire their weapons, authorities said.

FBI Agent Killed In The Line Of Duty

2008-11-19T14:25:00.002-05:00

Pittsburgh, PA—Special Agent Samuel Hicks, assigned to the Pittsburgh FBI Office, was fatally shot today while executing a federal search warrant associated with a drug distribution ring. One suspect is in custody and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is being conducted.

Special Agent Hicks, 33, joined the FBI in March 2007 and reported to the Pittsburgh Office in August 2007. He was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. Special Agent Hicks is a former police officer with the Baltimore Police Department and also worked as a teacher. He is survived by his wife and three-year-old son.

“This is a real tragedy with the loss of such a talented agent who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country when putting on a badge and accepting the responsibility for protecting our nation,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Rodriguez. “The FBI family mourns alongside Agent Hicks’ family. We ask that the media and the public respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time.”

"The loss of Sam Hicks is a tragedy," said FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III. "Our hearts and prayers go out to Sam's family and the members of the Pittsburgh Field Office."

GM's Point Of View

2008-11-19T07:28:00.003-05:00

I can't say I have an opinion on the auto industry bail-out (loan) plans being discussed but here is a letter I received from GM with stats. I am on the mailing list because of using BAE's GM Supplier discount on Maggi's Vibe. ~~ J
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Because our futures are linked, I want you to know that General Motors is doing everything possible to deal with the impact the financial crisis is having on the domestic auto industry. Yet despite our successful efforts to restructure, reduce costs and enhance liquidity, we are facing an uphill battle with the current administration and Congress in securing a bridge loan.

That's why we need your help now. Simply put, we need you to join us to let Congress know that a bridge loan to help U.S. automakers also helps strengthen the U.S. economy and preserve millions of American jobs.

Despite what you may be hearing, we are not asking Congress for a bailout but rather a loan that will be repaid.

The consequences of the domestic auto industry collapsing would far exceed the $25 billion loan needed to bridge the current crisis. According to a recent study by the Center for Automotive Research:

• One in 10 American jobs depends on U.S. automakers
• Nearly 3 million jobs are at immediate risk
• U.S. personal income could be reduced by $150 billion
• The tax revenue lost over 3 years would be more than $156 billion

Discussions are now underway in Washington, D.C., concerning loans to support U.S. carmakers. I am asking you to support this vital effort by contacting your representatives.

Please take a few minutes to call your representatives by dialing 1-866-471-5332. Just state your name and address, and your message will reach your legislators. You can review a script that will help you state your support at gmfactsandfiction.com. Under the "Mobilize Now" section, click on "I'm a Supplier." If you would rather e-mail your representatives, use the link "I'm a Concerned American."

Please share this information with friends and family using the link on the site.

Thank you for helping keep our economy viable.

Sincerely,

Troy Clarke
President GM North America

A Virtuous Cycle: Bicycling in DC

2008-11-17T07:39:00.000-05:00

The New Lincoln MKX

2008-11-16T13:14:00.007-05:00

Here are a few photos of the 2005 Expedition ("Big Red") replacement vehicle, a 2008, White Chocolate, Lincoln MKX. (click on any image to enlarge)

Fight FOCA

2008-11-14T08:05:00.003-05:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Taken from the FOCA website
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sign the Fight FOCA Petition
Barack Obama is now the incoming President.

And he made a promise to Planned Parenthood last year they expect him to keep.

"The first thing I’d do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That’s the first thing I’d do."

The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) would eliminate every restriction on abortion nationwide.

Barack Obama believes this legislation will "end the abortion wars." To him, "ending the abortion wars" means eradicating every state and federal law on abortion — laws that the majority of Americans support.

The time to Fight FOCA is now. With Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid in charge of Congress, we can expect a fight over FOCA to begin as soon as the next Congress begins.

Please add your name to the Fight FOCA petition and let your friends know about President-Elect Barack Obama’s promise to expand abortion throughout the country.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fight FOCA Petition

I oppose the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), because:

FOCA is a radical attempt to enshrine abortion-on-demand into American law;
FOCA seeks to sweep aside existing, protective laws that I and the majority of Americans support;
FOCA will prevent states from enacting protective measures in the future.
The FightFOCA petition will be sent to key Members of Congress upon the re-introduction of the Freedom of Choice Act in the 111th Congress, and to President-Elect Obama.

Veterans Day Message from BAE's Walt Havenstein

2008-11-11T12:50:00.002-05:00

Colleagues,

In the United States, today is a very special holiday honoring our veterans, which originated on November 11, 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that day to be Armistice Day at the end of World War I. It evolved over time and, in 1954, Congress amended the name to Veterans Day as it has been known since. By any name, it is an important day on which we pay tribute to all former and current members of our Armed Forces.

Just one week ago, we experienced an unprecedented Election Day in the United States. It is not lost on me that we have the distinct privilege of being able to vote in this great democracy because of the brave men and women who have fought for and defended our country’s freedoms. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our veterans for the many rights and privileges we currently enjoy.

BAE Systems is committed to bringing our future veterans home safely and to supporting our military and their families in everything we do. As part of our commitment, we must always remember those who have gone before us in battle and those who are currently fighting in the global war on terror. Please join me today in saluting all of the courageous men and women who have served our country. And as always, should you come in contact with one of our men and women in uniform, be sure to take a moment to stop and say thank you. For this simple act of gratitude, those who are serving our nation around the world are willing to sacrifice their all for us.

Walt Havenstein
President & CEO of BAE Systems Inc.,
the US subsidiary of BAE Systems plc

Pulling an Arte Johnson

2008-11-10T13:23:00.005-05:00

Laugh In,
tricycle,
stop,
fall over

Sound familiar? Maybe not unless your old like me.

Sore wrist, skinned knee, just one more slow speed wreck to add to my growing list.

This site does not support embedded trip maps. Visit http://bicycling.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripId=298530 to view this trip.
Blessing.....

I didn't get run over by a garbage truck, laying in the middle of Eskimo Hill Road still clipped into my pedals, because it was Sunday evening.

Katelyn Mazie Visser

2008-11-10T07:35:00.003-05:00

The Visser family (Amy, Steve and Samuel) latest addition.
"She is a beauty, born at 10AM CST Sunday. Only 6 lbs 11 oz but 21 inches long.
Her big brother Sam already loves her to pieces.", says the proud grandparents, Ed and Beth.

I Miss My Bag Girls

2008-11-09T22:25:00.002-05:00

(Click on either images to see the tears)

A Voice Of Concern

2008-11-06T08:54:00.004-05:00

Travis H. a friend and retired Physician from Springfield, IL share his concerns and worries about the future of his 2nd amendment rights.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We Lost The War
With major losses in congress and executive offices, including the presidency, we now have some major changes in our future. Creeping socialism finally has a secure toe in the door and we can expect our individual and collective freedoms to deteriorate and perhaps, in time, disappear altogether. There will be token choices, of course, but as a nation, we have chosen to sacrifice freedom in the hope of security - thereby insuring the loss of both freedom and security.

The "Robin Hood" style redistribution of the nation's wealth will destroy incentive as it has in other nations who've fallen victim to the false promises of socialism/communism. If we think we've seen corruption in the past, we have our head in the sand. Corruption under a socialized system of government - which is where we're headed - has free reign to proliferate like weeds in an unattended garden. We know what happened to Soviet Russia. Corrupt Communism lead to the eventual downfall of a powerful, massive people. They were not prepared since historically they had never experienced any form of democratic government - corruption was a way of life in Russia and rest of the union.

It may be too late to correct the errors that we have voted into power - especially in our pending loss of guns in the household. One of the earliest - if not the earliest - examples of gun control occurred in Japan on Aug 29, 1588, when a peasant who rose to power banned the possession of swords and firearms by anyone other than the noble class. He was Hideyoshi - later changed to the aristocratic name of Toyotomi. His edict was carried out by the samurai who went door to door and took possession of all firearms other than those belonging to the nobility. He did this under the guise of collecting metal to provide nails and bolts for a temple to house a statue of Buddha. In fact, the metal was used to build a statue of himself. His actual motives for disarming the peasantry was to insure that there would be no resistance to his plans for taxation of the peasantry. In the book, The Samurai, the Mountie, and the Cowboy, author David Kopel states, "The inferior status of the peasantry having been affirmed by civil disarmament, the samurai enjoyed kiri-sute gomen, permission to kill and depart. Any disrespectful member of the lower class could be executed by a samurai's sword."

The principle of the foregoing is clear, conform or suffer the consequences. If we give up our guns, we will be powerless to prevent the existing government(s) from exerting any form of control over our lives that they choose. Our second amendment to the Constitution of the United States, clearly states that an armed militia is - well let's use the original wording, "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

What is a militia? It is not the National Guard. When the Second Amendment was ratified by the members of the United States, the war of independence was over. The purpose for the militia was to provide a military force independent of the government that would serve to protect the citizens from any oppressive form of government such as the ones that had forced those people to leave other countries, including England. We must not be mislead into thinking that the National Guard is a state-operated equivalent of a militia. On the contrary, the guard is a federally funded and controlled arm of the federal government. It is ready to do the bidding of those in control of our lives.

It is not too late. But we must understand the danger of disarmament. From disarmament to enslavement is a short step for those who "know what is best for us."

Respectfully submitted,
Travis
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Steve, a friend of Travis' also passed his concern.

Thank you, Travis.
If I may add a quote from the president-elect himself, exactly what you have written becomes more abundantly clear. And frightening:

In a July 2nd speech in Colorado Springs;

“We cannot continue to rely only on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives that we’ve set,” he said Wednesday. “We’ve got to have a civilian national security force that’s just as powerful, just as strong, just as well funded.”

Up is down and down is up.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://blogs4mccain.com/2008/07/20/obamas-civilian-national-security-force/
"This was slipped into a speech addressing public service, and I’m going to have to confess that I’m dumbfounded. What in the world is he proposing? A non-military security force that is funded the same as the miltary? What are their powers and why are civilians being put in charge of national security? Why shouldn’t we rely on our military to achieve national security objective? Isn’t that’s the whole reason for having a military. This needs some serious explaining. Any new government organization comparable in size and funding to the military would need explaining, but a civilian national security force is radical and illogical."

Secret U.S. mission hauls uranium from Iraq

2008-11-05T09:21:00.005-05:00

You sure didn't see much of this in the main stream liberal media.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Last major stockpile from Saddam's nuclear efforts arrives in Canada
AP - updated 6:57 p.m. ET, Sat., July. 5, 2008
The last major remnant of Saddam Hussein's nuclear program — a huge stockpile of concentrated natural uranium — reached a Canadian port Saturday to complete a secret U.S. operation that included a two-week airlift from Baghdad and a ship voyage crossing two oceans.

The removal of 550 metric tons of "yellowcake" — the seed material for higher-grade nuclear enrichment — was a significant step toward closing the books on Saddam's nuclear legacy. It also brought relief to U.S. and Iraqi authorities who had worried the cache would reach insurgents or smugglers crossing to Iran to aid its nuclear ambitions.

What's now left is the final and complicated push to clean up the remaining radioactive debris at the former Tuwaitha nuclear complex about 12 miles south of Baghdad — using teams that include Iraqi experts recently trained in the Chernobyl fallout zone in Ukraine.

"Everyone is very happy to have this safely out of Iraq," said a senior U.S. official who outlined the nearly three-month operation to The Associated Press. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject.

While yellowcake alone is not considered potent enough for a so-called "dirty bomb" — a conventional explosive that disperses radioactive material — it could stir widespread panic if incorporated in a blast. Yellowcake also can be enriched for use in reactors and, at higher levels, nuclear weapons using sophisticated equipment.

The Iraqi government sold the yellowcake to a Canadian uranium producer, Cameco Corp., in a transaction the official described as worth "tens of millions of dollars." A Cameco spokesman, Lyle Krahn, declined to discuss the price, but said the yellowcake will be processed at facilities in Ontario for use in energy-producing reactors.

"We are pleased ... that we have taken (the yellowcake) from a volatile region into a stable area to produce clean electricity," he said.

Secret mission
The deal culminated more than a year of intense diplomatic and military initiatives — kept hushed in fear of ambushes or attacks once the convoys were under way: first carrying 3,500 barrels by road to Baghdad, then on 37 military flights to the Indian Ocean atoll of Diego Garcia and finally aboard a U.S.-flagged ship for a 8,500-mile trip to Montreal.

And, in a symbolic way, the mission linked the current attempts to stabilize Iraq with some of the high-profile claims about Saddam's weapons capabilities in the buildup to the 2003 invasion.

Accusations that Saddam had tried to purchase more yellowcake from the African nation of Niger — and an article by a former U.S. ambassador refuting the claims — led to a wide-ranging probe into Washington leaks that reached high into the Bush administration.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/u/uraniumyellowcake.htm

On July 5, 2008, the Associated Press (AP)
released a story titled: Secret U.S. mission hauls uranium from Iraq.

The opening paragraph is as follows:

The last major remnant of Saddam Hussein's nuclear program a huge stockpile of concentrated natural uranium reached a Canadian port Saturday to complete a secret U.S. operation that included a two week airlift from Baghdad and a ship voyage crossing two oceans.

See anything wrong with this picture? We have been hearing from the far-left for more than five years how, Bush lied. Somehow, that slogan loses its credibility now that 550 metric tons of Saddam's yellowcake, used for nuclear weapon enrichment, has been discovered and shipped to Canada for its new use as nuclear energy.

It appears that American troops found the 550 metric tons of uranium in 2003 after invading Iraq. They had to sit on this information and the uranium itself, for fear of terrorists attempting to steal it. It was guarded and kept safe by our military in a 23,000-acre site with large sand beams surrounding the site.

This is vindication for the Bush administration, having been attacked mercilessly by the liberal media and the far-left pundits on the blogosphere. Now that it is proven that President Bush did not lie about Saddam's nuclear ambitions, one would think the
mainstream media would report the story. Once the AP released the story, the mainstream media should have picked it up and broadcast it worldwide.

This never happened, due in large part I believe, to the fact that the mainstream media would have to admit they were wrong about Bush's war motives all along. Thankfully, the AP got it right when it said,

The removal of 550 metric tons of yellowcake the seed material for higher-grade nuclear enrichment was a significant step toward closing the books on Saddam's nuclear legacy.

Closing the book on Saddam's nuclear legacy. Did Saddam have a nuclear legacy after all? I thought Bush lied. As it turns out, the people who lied were Joe Wilson and his wife.

Valerie Plame engaged in a clear case of nepotism and convinced the CIA to send her husband on a fact finding mission in February 2002, seeking to determine if Saddam Hussein attempted to buy yellowcake from Niger. The CIA and British intelligence believed Saddam contacted Niger for that purpose but needed proof.

During his trip to Niger, Wilson actually interviewed the former prime minister of Niger, Ibrahim Assane Mayaki. Mayaki told Wilson that in June of 1999, an Iraqi delegation expressed interest in "expanding commercial relations" for the purposes of purchasing yellowcake.

Wilson chose to overlook Mayaki's remarks and reported to the CIA that there was no evidence of Hussein wanting to purchase yellowcake from Niger.

However, with British intelligence insisting the claim was true, President Bush used that same claim in his State of the Union address in January of 2003.

Outraged by Bush's insistence that the claim was true, Wilson wrote an op-ed in the New York Times in the summer of 2003 slamming Bush.

Wilson did this in spite of the fact that Mayaki said Saddam did try to buy the yellowcake from Niger. The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence disagreed with Wilson and supported Mayaki's claim. This meant nothing to Wilson who
was opposed to the Iraq war and thus had ulterior motives in covering up the prime minister's statements.

It was a simple tactic really. If the far-left and their friends in the media could prove Bush lied about Hussein wanting to purchase
yellowcake from Niger, it would undermine President Bush's credibility and give them more cause for asking what other lies he may have told.

Yet, the real lie came from Wilson, who interpreted his own meaning from the prime minister's statements and concluded all by
himself that the claim of Saddam attempting to purchase yellowcake was "unequivocally wrong." Curiously, the CIA sat on this information and did not inform the CIA Director, who sided with Bush on the yellowcake claim. This was made public in a bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee report in July 2004.

Valerie Plame also engaged in her own lie campaign by spreading the notion that the Bush administration outed her as a CIA agent. Never mind that it was Richard Armitage -- no friend of the Bush administration -- who leaked Plame's identity to the press. Never mind that Plame had not been in the field as a CIA agent in some six years.

The truth is, due to their opposition to the war, Joe Wilson, Valerie Plame, the mainstream media and their left-wing friends on the
blogosphere engaged in a propaganda campaign to undermine the Bush administration. Now that Saddam's uranium has been made public and is no longer a threat to the world, do you think these aforementioned parties will apologize and admit they were wrong? Don't count on it. The rest of the American people should hear the truth about Saddam's uranium. It is up to you and me to inform them every chance we get.

As far as the anti-war crowd is concerned, the next time they say that, "Bush lied," we should tell them to, "Have the yellowcake and eat it too."

Version #2:
A national defense analyst says President Bush should be commended for keeping quiet about a discovery that could have blown his critics out of the water.

Retired Major General Jerry Curry is a decorated combat veteran who served as an Army aviator, paratrooper, and Ranger during a military career that began during the Korean conflict. He recently wrote on his blog about a very under reported story by the Associated Press.

According to the report, a large stockpile of concentrated natural Uranium, known as "yellowcake," reached a Canadian port to complete a top secret U.S. Operation that included a two-week airlift from Baghdad, and a ship voyage crossing two oceans. The Uranium material had been housed at a former Iraqi nuclear complex 12 miles from Baghdad.

Curry says the president kept mum about the discovery in order to keep terrorists in the dark. "He made a very brave stand, a resolute stand..., in which he decided that he wasn't going to blab everything to the press," Curry commends. "...And in the meantime while he kept it quiet, he was buying time from the terrorists to get all that stuff out of the country. So that's what was done -- he just very quietly kept his mouth shut."

"The press beat him to death for the last several years," he continues, "and now it turns out that, yes, there were weapons of mass destruction...." Curry also maintains that Saddam Hussein had an active nuclear program and the material could have been made into a nuclear weapon.

President Bush's actions took courage, he notes, and all Americans should be thankful to have such a brave president who puts the welfare of the American people above personal considerations.

Rex Healthcare Half Marathon

2008-11-04T20:43:00.000-05:00

We spend a great weekend in Raleigh visiting Maggi and watching her run Sunday's half marathon with 2471 of her best friends. We arrived to a wonderful Dusti made dinner Friday night and had lunch and a walk in Pullen Park on Saturday with Ron and Chris.

(click on any image to enlarge)

It was a very early morning on Sunday seeing that the motel forgot to set the wakeup call computer's time back for day light savings and we got a call at 4:30 am. We were both out of the shower before I looked at my watch. The race started at 7 am.
It was about 47 degs. at the start

Travis, Val and I rode the bikes to mile 5 and mile 10.5 to watch Maggi run by.

Mile 10.5 and still smiling
Maggi's numbers for the 13.1 mile half marathon:
650th out of 2472 total
1:54:47 for an average of 8:56 per mile
(including a 2 minute potty break at mile 4)
31st of 130 age group female 20-24
193rd of 1375 females

Greenbrier River, WV Rails to Trail

2008-11-02T19:43:00.001-05:00

Sunday was the best weather and reached about 63 by mid afternoon. We travelled about an hour to ride 20 miles of the 80 mile long Greenbrier River Trail. We headed for Renick at Mile Marker 24 and peddled north.

(click on any image to enlarge)

There are campsites with water and pot-a-potties about every 7 miles. My 1995 Performance, steel framed MTB is still alive and rolling, but on pavement I am having a hard time keeping up with Valerie on her new aluminium, 2009 Trek 7.5 FX WSD fast fitness bike.

Valerie was not a happy camper when we hit the Droop Mountain tunnel. I convinced her the scenery was better on the other side. My small LED head lamp didn't do a lot to quell her Bat fears as we travelled the 400' to the other side.
A mile later she starting to talk to me again when I spotted this 80 foot high rock cliff.
The fall colors were beautiful.

Our turn around point.

The Horrock, WV whistle stop sign.
We finished in 3 hours.

This site does not support embedded trip maps. Visit http://bicycling.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripId=287664 to view this trip.

New River Bridge & Little Beaver State Park

2008-10-30T20:43:00.034-04:00

Friday after the previous night's WVU win, we turned south towards Beckley. We took a break at the New River bridge, the Western hemisphere's longest and highest single span bridge. The Washington Monument and two statues of Liberty stacked on top of each other would fit under the arch.

(click on any image to enlarge)

Seeing the rock face below, I remembered Sam's stories of climbing beneath the bridge the year after 9/11.
Monday we headed for Little Beaver State park for a two hour, 5 mile walkabout. A chilly and windy day. The dam in the back ground was built by the CCC from hand cut local stone.

This site does not support embedded trip maps. Visit http://bicycling.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripId=287657 to view this trip.

The Resort At Glade Springs, WV

2008-10-30T20:43:00.007-04:00

Our 35th wedding anniversary weekend continued on Friday as we drove south to Beckley enroute to Glade Springs.

(click on any image to enlarge)

On Saturday we visited Tamarack, WVs premiere arts and craft center and then onto the Daniel's Vineyard for their fall festival. We found the WV wine surprisingly drinkable.

The view from your 3rd floor room. We had the wing all to ourselves.

Sunday dinner at the Small Talk Cafe in front of cozy fireplace.

Monday after our 5 mile, two hour hike in the Little Beaver State Park we went back to check on the progress of our recent purchase.

Tuesday morning we awoke to almost 3 inches of new snow, that after Sunday's 63 degree, 20 mile bike ride on the Greenbrier River Trail.

WVU 34 - Auburn 17

2008-10-29T20:38:00.006-04:00

Hammer time in Morgantown.
Down 10 to 17 at half, the Mountaineers came back with 24 unanswered points in the second half to beat Auburn. What a great way to start our anniversary weekend in WV.

(click on any image to enlarge)

Why Did She Send Them To ME????

2008-10-22T14:42:00.004-04:00

WOMAN'S PERFECT BREAKFAST
She's sitting at the table with her gourmet coffee.
Her son is on the cover of the Wheaties box.
Her daughter is on the cover of Business Week.
Her boyfriend is on the cover of Playgirl.
And her husband is on the back of the milk carton.

WOMEN'S REVENGE
'Cash, check or charge?' I asked, after folding items the woman wished to purchase.
As she fumbled for her wallet, I noticed a remote control for a television set in her purse.
'So, do you always carry your TV remote?' I asked.
'No,' she replied, 'but my husband refused to come shopping with me,
and I figured this was the most evil thing I could do to him legally.'

UNDERSTANDING WOMEN
(A MAN'S PERSPECTIVE)
I know I'm not going to understand women.
I'll never understand how you can take boiling hot wax, pour it onto your upper thigh, rip the hair out by the root, and still be afraid of a spider.

MARRIAGE SEMINAR
While attending a Marriage Seminar dealing with communication,
Tom and his wife Grace listened to the instructor,
'It is essential that husbands and wives know each other's likes and dislikes.'
He addressed the man, 'Can you name your wife's favorite flower?'
Tom leaned over, touched his wife's arm gently and whispered, 'It's Pillsbury, isn't it?

CIGARETTES AND TAMPONS
A man walks into a pharmacy and wanders up & down the aisles.
The sales girl notices him and asks him if she can help him.
He answers that he is looking for a box of tampons for his wife.
She directs him down the correct aisle.
A few minutes later, he deposits a huge bag of cotton balls and a ball of string on the counter.
She says, confused, 'Sir, I thought you were looking for some tampons for your wife?
He answers, 'You see, it's like this, yesterday, I sent my wife to the store
to get me a carton of cigarettes, and she came back with a tin of tobacco
and some rolling papers; cause it's sooo-ooo--oo-ooo much cheaper.
So, I figure if I have to roll my own .......... so does she.
(I figure this guy is the one on the milk carton!)

WIFE VS. HUSBAND
A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word.
An earlier discussion had led to an argument and
neither of them wanted to concede their position.
As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats, and pigs,
the husband asked sarcastically, 'Relatives of yours?'
'Yep,' the wife replied, 'in-laws.'

WORDS
A husband read an article to his wife about how many words women use a day....
30,000 to a man's 15,000.
The wife replied, 'The reason has to be because we have to repeat everything to men...
The husband then turned to his wife and asked, 'What?'

CREATION
A man said to his wife one day, 'I don't know how you can be so stupid and so beautiful all at the same time.
'The wife responded, 'Allow me to explain.
God made me beautiful so you would be attracted to me;
God made me stupid so I would be attracted to you!

WHO DOES WHAT
A man and his wife were having an argument about who should brew the coffee each morning.
The wife said, 'You should do it because you get up first, and then we don't have to wait as long to get our coffee.
The husband said, 'You are in charge of cooking around here and you should do it, because that is your job, and I can just wait for my coffee.'
Wife replies, 'No, you should do it, and besides, it is in the Bible that the man should do the coffee.'
Husband replies, 'I can't believe that, show me.'
So she fetched the Bible, and opened the New Testament and showed him at the top of several pages, that it indeed says
'HEBREWS'

The Silent Treatment
A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each other the silent treatment.
Suddenly, the man realized that the next day, he would need his wife to wake him
at 5:00 AM for an early morning business flight.
Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and LOSE), he wrote on a piece of paper,
'Please wake me at 5:00 AM .'
He left it where he knew she would find it.
The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 AM and he had missed his flight. Furious, he was about to go and see why his wife hadn't wakened him, when he noticed a piece of pap er by the bed.
The paper said, 'It is 5:00 AM. Wake up.'
Men are not equipped for these kinds of contests.

God may have created man before woman, but there is always a rough draft before the masterpiece

John Prine - "Paradise"

2008-10-15T22:11:00.002-04:00

John Prine's Paradise has been one of my favorite bluegrass songs since the late 70s. Repairing FBI radios for 2 years, 77-79, from one end of the state to the other gave me a unique appreciation on his lyrics. Kshon's recent post on his new love for Bonnie Raitt and John Prine led me to do a YouTube search. A product of BTO, Led Zepplin and the 60s and a father who listened to Country western forced me away from that genre until 1975. My first FBI boss was from Harrisonburg, VA and Ron (we) listened to nothing but CW and bluegrass.

Wish I Was Young Again

2008-10-15T10:30:00.003-04:00

As much as I try not to be a Universal HD HighDef couch slug, I really enjoy some of the off the wall programming that I come across.
Jeep World of Adventure Sports is one of these kinds of shows on HD.

Red Bull Last Man Standing 2007
One of the world's most challenging off-road motocycle races
100 riders.
80 miles.
2 laps.
You'd be lucky to finish last.
Makes me want to go dirt bike riding again, without the pain, just the mud and smiles.

Ex-FBI Agents Outraged at Obama-Ayers Ties

2008-10-14T16:19:00.002-04:00

Newsmax.com
Ex-FBI Agents Outraged at Obama-Ayers Ties
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 9:46 AM

By: Ronald Kessler

Former FBI agents who worked the Weather Underground case are angry about the longtime relationship between Barack Obama and William Ayers, a leader of the domestic terrorist group who has admitted widespread bombings.

“It outrages me to think that a person would be seeking the presidency of the United States and was close to an individual like Bill Ayers,” former agent Max Noel told Newsmax.

Ayers said in his book that he participated in the bombing of New York City police headquarters in 1970, the U.S. Capitol in 1971, and the Pentagon in 1972. In September 2001, the New York Times quoted him as saying, “I don’t regret setting bombs . . . I feel we didn’t do enough.”

Ayers’ wife, Bernardine Dohrn, was sent to prison for failing to cooperate in solving the robbery of a Brink's armored car in which two police officers were killed.

Charges against Ayers were dropped because the FBI used so-called national security wiretaps that could not be used legally in criminal cases.

Obama launched his political career at Ayers’ home in 1995. From 1999 to 2002, he served with Ayers on the board of the Woods Fund of Chicago. In response to criticism of their relationship, Obama has said he was 8 when Ayers was bombing buildings.

But the presidential candidate was a grown man when he sought and obtained Ayers’ blessing for his entry into politics.

Former FBI agent Willie Reagan said, “I spent seven years of my life hunting down people who described themselves as revolutionary communists and were involved in bombings.”

Reagan, who infiltrated the Weather Underground in New York, said he witnessed members of the group making bombs.

“At some point, Obama knew of his background and should have repudiated him, not later when he is running for president,” Reagan told Newsmax.

Noel, who worked the Weather Underground case in San Francisco, also questioned Obama’s reaction to questions about the issue, saying, “I have a problem with Obama minimizing the relationship and saying it has nothing to do with anything. Because having done background investigations for security clearances for years, you look into a person’s character, his associates, his loyalty and so forth.”

Noel noted that Ayers was a directing force of the Weather Underground. His wife-to-be, Bernardine, headed that organization.

“They were a violent, violent, anti-government, domestic terrorist organization,” Noel said. “Obama has not only associated with those people, he continued associating with racist people like his minister Jeremiah Wright over a period of 20 years. I don’t think that’s by happenstance. It’s just amazing to me. The American people are being led by the nose by people who say this isn’t important.”

Oliver “Buck” Revell, a former associate deputy director of the FBI, is similarly blunt. “In dealing with Bill Ayers, Bernardine Dohrn, and the element that they represented, Obama was dealing with individuals who both openly and admittedly have engaged in treasonous activity and violence against the United States,” said Revell, who worked on the Weather Underground case in Philadelphia and Chicago.

The Obama campaign has refused to say when Obama became aware of Ayers’ terrorist background. When Obama began going to Columbia University in 1981, both Ayers and Dohrn were frequently in the news because of their violent past and brushes with the law. Ayers’ past was well known in Chicago, where he was quoted regularly and described as a former radical and former fugitive. Obama continued to serve on the board of the Woods Fund of Chicago with Ayers for more than a year after Ayers expressed regret in the New York Times for not bombing more people.

“Obama is a bright man, and he’s certainly well read and intelligent,” Revell said. “He had to know the background and activities which have been openly described by Ayers.

“The relationship says to me that Obama lacks judgment, that he lacks a perspective on what the United States should stand for,” he said. “It’s appalling that he was even elected to the state Senate in Illinois, but to go from there to a United States senator and then to a candidate for president is astounding.”

Ronald Kessler is chief Washington correspondent of Newsmax.com.
© 2008 Newsmax. All rights reserved.

Amazing American Experience - Palin Rally, Richmond, VA

2008-10-14T08:31:00.017-04:00

Click on any image to enlarge
All images copyrighted 2008 Jay Chamberlain

We got there early enough, we were 6' from the railing. It was worth standing in place for 2 and a half hours.

Hank Williams, Jr. sings the National Anthem

(L-R) Hank Williams, Jr, Martin Buser (4 time Iditarod Champ), Todd Palin

Valerie tried for a handshake but got her poster signed instead.
Valerie did get to shake hands with Alaska's "First Dude" and America's future "First Hunk", Todd Palin
Sarah Palin's autograph
The crowd was estimated at 20-25,000

Hank sang this version of his hit song "Family Tradition"

Democrats “no inmate left behind” voter registration drive

2008-10-10T15:15:00.000-04:00

10/9/2008 10:46:00 AM
Frederick says tactics “stink”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Richmond, Virginia (October 9, 2008) – It may not be illegal, but Delegate Jeffrey M. Frederick, Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia is crying foul over recent press reports about Democratic sheriffs’ tactic of registering prison inmates to vote in this November’s election.

Sheriff Stan Barry of Fairfax and Sheriff Vanessa Crawford of Petersburg, both Democrats, have been signing-up new voters from their jail cells who are being held for misdemeanors or awaiting trials on felony charges. Felons lose their right to vote upon conviction.

“First we hear about felony voter fraud in Virginia. Then we have state election board employees rushing to restore voting rights to felons. And now, we have partisan sheriffs going into their jails and making sure criminals can vote. Can these people get any more into the gutter? Where is the shame,” asked Frederick. “Is this really the electoral process Washington and Jefferson envisioned?”

Democratic-leaning organizations have been aggressive this year in registering people to vote. One group, ACORN, had its offices recently raided in Las Vegas for submitting hundreds of fraudulent voter forms, and is also being investigated in Missouri – another battleground state. Another group, the Community Voters Project, had three employees charged with felony voter fraud in Hampton, Virginia earlier this year.

Governor Tim Kaine, national co-chair of the Obama campaign, has been restoring voting rights to felons at a fevered pace this year, with staff at the State Board of Elections then working to register those felons to vote. Former Gov. Mark Warner, a candidate for U.S. Senate this year, began the process of streamlining voting rights for felons.

“This might not be illegal, but it sure stinks to high heaven. Is this really how Obama expects to win the presidency with – a coalition of criminals? I guess it’s Obama’s latest big government program: ‘no inmate left behind’” Frederick said.

Red Bull Rampage Qualifying - Holy No-hands Batman!

2008-10-10T07:53:00.007-04:00

October 6, 2008
Red Bull Rampage: The Evolution will feature 26 of the world's best mountain bike riders, duking it out on some ridiculous big-mountain terrain to determine just who is the all-around best freerider.
The return of Red Bull Rampage is drawing close and the world's best riders are getting set to tackle a course that will be the ultimate test of their skills. With a $10,000 first place prize, these riders are set to give whatever it takes to be on top - blood, sweat and maybe even some tears. In addition, the Utah Sports Commission will present a $5,000 check for the best trick of the event.

This is one sick video.

Red Bull Rampage returns triumphantly after four years of silence. Although a rain delay kept many anxious, the mountain bike gods unleashed the glorious sun to scorch the barren Utah terrain.
More daredevil that athlete, Thomas Vanderham, stuck a no-hander over a 59-foot canyon gap and took home best trick. However, it was 17 year old Brandon Semenuk that took home the prize of 10,000 dollars and bragging rights.

Army Amateur Radio Station in Iraq Seeks American Military Personnel to Lead Station

2008-10-09T11:33:00.001-04:00

Army Captain Jeff Hammer,YI9IC/N9NIC, the custodian of the Baghdad Amateur Radio Society (BARS), is due to come home after a nine month tour of duty with the Indiana National Guard. "I need someone I can turn the BARS station over to," he said. "Please assist me in finding other Amateur Radio operators in or coming to Iraq."
The Baghdad station boasts the following equipment: an ICOM IC-7000 transceiver, an LDG Z-100 autotuner, a Kantronics KAM XL wireless modem, a RIGblaster Pro, an MFJ 25 A power supply, plus a Cushcraft MA5B 3-element beam and a Trans World TW2010 vertical dipole. The club library is valued at $400. All items in the station have been donated by various Amateur Radio vendors.
Hammer, a military intelligence officer who previously served in Afghanistan, took over the club leadership last spring from Army Major Scott Hedberg, AD7MI, when Hedberg returned to the US. Since his arrival in April 2008, Hammer has mentored half a dozen service members for their licenses and led the station's first ARRL Field Day operation. "We enjoy learning about radio and talking with unique people in unique places," he said. "We've been excited to talk to many stations back in the U.S."
Hammer said it can get busy, too, handling MARSgrams between soldiers and their families during holidays. BARS members operate under the Army call sign AEN5NAA relaying soldier messages through MARS WinLink stations in Qatar or Germany.
Keeping the club active is a challenge in the face of constant troop rotation, Hammer said. "Operating Amateur Radio in camp is fairly easy, as long as you ask your commander and don't cause interference," he said. "If you know of any hams deploying to Iraq, contact me as soon as possible to coordinate the transfer of equipment and discuss licensing procedures." Hammer can be reached via e-mail.

Why The Mountains??

2008-10-01T08:20:00.009-04:00

Sam's reason for "Why the Mountains?" Columbus Day 2008

"Hours slide by like minutes. The accumulated clutter of day-to-day existence — the lapses of conscience, the unpaid bills, the bungled opportunities, the dust under the couch, the inescapable prison of your genes — all of it is temporarily forgotten, crowded from your thoughts by an overpowering clarity of purpose by the seriousness of the task at hand." — Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild

"To those who have struggled with them, the mountains reveal beauties that they will not disclose to those who make no effort. That is the reward the mountains give to effort. And it is because they have so much to give and give it so lavishly to those who will wrestle with them that men love the mountains and go back to them again and again. The mountains reserve their choice gifts for those who stand upon their summits." — Sir Francis Younghusband

"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way." — Dr. Seuss (1904—1991)

"Be master of your petty annoyances and conserve your energies for the big, worthwhile things. It isn't the mountain ahead that wears you out — it's the grain of sand in your shoe." — Robert Service (1874—1958)

"A man does not climb a mountain without bringing some of it away with him and leaving something of himself upon it." — Martin Conway

"But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he cannot learn, feel, change, grow or live. Chained by his servitude he is a slave who has forfeited all freedom. Only a person who risks is free. The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; and the realist adjusts the sails." — William Arthur Ward

“The burning lungs, throbbing legs and aching back are a small sacrifice for the freedom and tranquility of the mountain trails.” -- Jay Forest Chamberlain

WVU Alma Mater by Kevin T.

2008-09-29T21:14:00.006-04:00

I just happen to capture Kevin T's beautiful voice singing the WVU Alma Mater song before kickoff.

"Alma Mater"
Alma, our Alma Mater,

The home of Mountaineers,

Sing we of thy honor

Everlasting through the years;

Alma, our Alma Mater,

We pledge in song to you,

Hail, all hail our Alma Mater,

West Virginia 'U.'

WVU Football

2008-09-29T20:57:00.007-04:00

WVU Army ROTC knows how to tailgate

WVU vs Marshall Univ, Saturday September 27. Cool, overcast and the rain held off until the 4th quarter, and we won.

Valerie and Molly attempt to identify a WVU first down

Valerie and Molly get it right.

Got Game Photo

2008-09-25T14:41:00.003-04:00

Well I bite the bullet last night and signed up for a internet domain name for my new photography business (if you want to call it that). gotgamephoto.com. It is linked to my Zenfolio site where in a few week I hope to be selling some of my photos. I will be focusing (HaHa) on local sports like high school Field Hockey and Soccer at first. I am also planning on talking Sam into sending me some of his panaromic Alaska images to sell.

James River Face Wilderness

2008-09-22T13:37:00.038-04:00

Friday night I met Maggi in Big Island, VA, west of Lynchburg, about 7 miles south of the AT James River crossing and our starting point for the weekend. We lucked out and found a campsite just .3 of a mile north from the road parking. We had the tent up and we were in bed by 11:00. In the morning we went back to the car and moved them .5 mile to the bridge parking lot and had a cold breakfast of bagels with Nutella and Cliff Bars. We divided the load of tent, food and water and headed out. We crossed the James River bridge heading south on the AT. Destination Marble Springs.
Up, Up, Up and only a handful of switchbacks.

Why we punish ourselves, 2000+ foot climb in 3.5 miles
Another view of the James River
(click on any image to enlarge)
The Devil's Marbleyard was an awesome sight. A dozen photos doesn't begin to show the enormous field of broken rock.
This is just one small section, less than 25% of the "Yard".

"In terms of environment, western Virginia has nearly seen it all. The geology of the region tells the story. The various limestones, sandstones, and shales of the Shenandoah Valley and the Valley and Ridge province formed in settings still found on earth. For example, the Antietam Quartzite found at Devil's Marbleyard in Arnold's Valley is the result of a transgression, or rise in sea level relative to the land, that took place over 500 millions years ago. It was then a very pure quartz beach sand, similar to those found on the Outer Banks of North Carolina today. Proof of this setting may be found on all the blocks and boulders at the Marbleyard. The straight tube-like structures all running parallel to one another are the fossilized remains of cavities in which what was probably a worm-like creature lived. The Antietam Quartzite can also be found in the hill above Buena Vista and in St. Marys Wilderness Area."

10 miles on Saturday included the 30 minute, 1 mile down hike after lunch to visit the "yard". After the long morning climb up from the river we had lunch and stashed our packs and headed down. Even without our packs it took 45 minutes to get back up on tired legs.

We were visited Saturday evening while preparing dinner by two guys who yelled, "Make sure you hang your food tonight. We just had a 150 lb Black bear cross the trail about 400 yard away." If you click on the image you will see the red bottom bag suspended at least 10 feet above Maggi's head. Always the last thing you do before hitting the sack.

Sunday morning campsite at Marble Springs. Just 8 miles back to the car. Mostly down hill. Mostly.

Yes, fresh Black bear scat, 400 yards from our camp on Sunday morning. Sitting in the middle of the AT. It was not there at 4:30 pm Saturday on the way in.

Morning fog.

The last mile parallels the river and was a welcome relief after that long down hill.

Almost home. Crossing the AT James River bridge one last time. Just two more sets of stairs. The calves were screaming STOP. Lunch in Lynchburg for an all you can eat salad at Ruby Tuesday made up for all the pain.

Our Life Is So Plain All We Watch Is The Puddles Gathering Rain
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Maggi's Comments
After a long week working to take care of other people, Dad and I set out on a long over due backpacking trip, to take care of ourselves. The mountains are breathtaking; every time I see them it reminds me how much I love being outdoors exploring God's creation. Friday night Dad and I met after dark and hiked .3 miles into a nice leaf covered spot to set up home for the night. Saturday we were up a little after first light to get started on our 10 miles, mostly up hill. The weather was perfect, mostly sunny 70's that became 60's the higher we went.

The Devil's Marbleyard was well worth the side trip we took after lunch. It blew me away, how the boulders/rocks came to lay there is beyond me. Only God could have created such an amazing site. We came across a Boy Scout troop of 37 boys of all ages (elementary-high school) climbing across and around the Marbleyard. All I could think of was, I would NOT want to be responsible for them and I'm glad I'm not their mother. For me it took all fours to feel comfortable climbing up, down and around the rocks, it was amazing.

I was relieved when we got to Marble springs, home for the night. Dinner that night was Mexican beans and rice, freeze dried so all we had to do was add water. YUM! is all I have to say. Very very good I didn't even notice that I hadn't had a fruit or vegetable all day. We had to put our bear bag high that night since a black bear was spotted by two locals ~400 yards from our camp, yikes! It got dark and I think both dad and I were ready for bed. I read for a little until my hands got too cold to keep outside of the sleeping bag.

Sunday was beautiful too and the steep down hill posed an equally challenging day. The whole weekend just gave me the bug to get outside more. I think Dad and I will be making this more of a tradition now rather than an occasional trip. It was a great way for us to catch up on our father/daughter time. Although our legs were saying otherwise, we didn't want the weekend to end, so we grabbed some lunch and much needed veggies at the Ruby Tuesday’s salad bar. We parted ways Sunday afternoon and this Monday morning it was back to reality, but with great memories that will last forever.

Click on Google Earth image above and or the track profile below to see our Sunday, 8 mile return hike from my Garmin GPS track.

Bear vs. bike: Teacher riding to school runs into bruin above Miller Creek

2008-09-18T09:23:00.006-04:00

This story reminds me of my near miss in the Shenandoah NP in 1985. Just before graduating from Agents class I did a 100 mile ride on the Parkway, into Big Meadows and back to Front Royal. It started raining on the way back. I was easily hitting 35-40 MPH down the longer hills when a deer walked out into the road. Even with my brakes full on I never slowed because of the wet. I let out a whistle as loud as possible. She stopped, looked at me as I went past her nose less than a foot away.

Photo by MICHAEL GALLACHER/Missoulian

By TRISTAN SCOTT of the Missoulian 12 Sept. 2008

Jim Litz has a broken bike helmet and bruised ribs to show for the 25-mile-per-hour collision with a 300-pound black bear Monday morning while riding his bike to work from his home in upper Miller Creek. “I was lucky. I was truly lucky, because I accosted the bear and he let me live,” Litz said, while recovering from his injuries Tuesday afternoon at his home.

Jim Litz is accustomed to pedaling past 300-pound black bears on his morning commute to work.“I've come close to them this time of year,” Litz said, clutching his side and grimacing. “I know bears. The entire creek bottom is just hammered by bears. That's the beauty of living here. But typically, they're crossing the road and I have plenty of time to avoid them.”

That wasn't the case during Litz's Monday morning ride down Bear Run Creek Road, up above Miller Creek. The 57-year-old man passes slender serviceberry branchlets and dogwoods festooned with bear feed, and frequently spots the animals noshing berries on his way to work at Target Range Middle School, where he teaches science to seventh- and eighth-graders. Usually, the animals barrel off the road and out of sight.

This time, however, Litz was clipping along the dirt road at 25 mph when he came upon a rise, spied a massive black bear 10 feet in front of him, and pedaled directly into the animal, T-boning its broad side.

“I didn't have time to respond. I never even hit my brakes,” Litz said.

He tumbled over his handlebars, planting his helmeted head on the bruin's back, and man and beast went cartwheeling down the road.

The bear rolled over Litz's head, and its mass cracked his helmet. As the duo toppled over one another, the bear clawed at Litz's cycling jacket, scratching his flesh from shoulder to buttocks before scampering up a hill above the road, where it stopped and whined.

Litz's wife drove by soon after and took her husband to Community Medical Center, and he immediately called Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to report the unusual collision. Game wardens told him they didn't think the animal was seriously injured, but was more likely suffering from some bruised ribs - just like Litz.

“Yep, that's my bear story,” Litz said Tuesday afternoon, too sore and bruised to go to work, but certain that he'd be back in the saddle by Friday. “That day it just happened to be on that particular corner of the road, and all the stars were lined up against me.”

The rib contusions are painful, and the scrapes down his back aren't pretty, but Litz figures he made out on top given the circumstances.

Litz's wife rides her bike to work, too. But she drives down past the feeding gauntlet on Bear Run Creek Road and parks along Miller Creek Road before pulling her road bike off the roof of her car.

As for Litz's bike, a cyclo-cross, it survived unscathed aside for the front wheel coming slightly out of true. But pointing to his cracked helmet, Litz hopes the story inspires his students to wear their helmets.

“I was lucky. I was truly lucky, because I accosted the bear and he let me live,” Litz said. “I truly respect them. They're beautiful creatures.”

Music Builds

2008-09-15T21:42:00.009-04:00

We had a wonderful evening of Christian rock music last night at the Nissan Pavilion. Starting at 6:00 pm Jars of Clay, Robert Randolph, Switchfoot and Third Day played for 4:45. A totally awesome, spiritual and uplifting evening singing praise to the Lord. (click on any image to enlarge)

Molly would have love the free samples of Cheerwine
Old rockers never die, they just can't get out of the low chairs quick enough.
Jars of Clay
The place wasn't half full. Lots of church youth groups.
Robert Randolph Family Band
Full Moon

Valerie's New Trek

2008-09-14T13:40:00.009-04:00

We finally located Valerie's birthday present at a bike shop near Mount Vernon. After a hot test ride yesterday afternoon on the Mount Vernon bike trail we decided on the 2009 Trek 7.5 FX WSD (Women Specific Design) fast fitness bike. It's a beauty. Carbon front folk, aluminum frame, 27 speed, Bontrager alloy rims and 700x32c tires. This tire size will allow us to also ride the crushed gravel surfaces we like to ride on the Rails to Trails. I'll have to switch to my Trek 1000 road bike when we ride together. There is no way I'll be able to stay with her on my old, fat tire, Performance Mtn bike.

(Click on the image to enlarge)

Think Big

2008-09-01T16:24:00.000-04:00

Paddle Magazine May/June 2008
We’re only approaching the midway point of 2008. That means you have at least six months to dream up something huge, and then plan and prepare for it before the year ends. The worst that can happen is that you’ll have the most fulfilling experience of your life. Whether you drop 30-footers or slowly J stroke along the calm shoreline, an awaiting challenge will break you, hurt you, and stir doubt in you, but in the end reward you like nothing else you’ll ever do. So go see the Northern Lights. Run the Grand Canyon of the Stikine. Or simply cross that choppy lake. Whatever you do, do it better than before. Do it now.

Ohio State University psychology professor Richard Petty says merely nodding your head up and down will give you more confidence in what you think. As for shaking it? You guessed it. You lose confidence. It makes you wonder about your own body language when you day dream about something on your personal Life List.

My Son, My Brother, My Husband, My Friend

A Caledon Wander

Walk A Mile......

Two Nights In Lynchburg - Bliss

A Winey Saturday With Friends

First Aid For The Sole

My First Bike Overnight Ride

Thump.... "Rock, Jay!!" Two Days On The River.

Red Rock Canyon Near Las Vegas, NV

A Thankful Thanksgiving

Could Be The Last Float Of the 2010 Season

Dan Beat Me Like A Drum!!

Jamaica - My Favorite Photos

Segway Training

NWS Snow Totals

Alaska, Virginia Style

Quantico Crows

Crosman 1377 ~ Before and After

Christmas 2009 Photos

A Christmas Poem

Family Snowball Fight

A White Christmas It Will Be!!

Sharrows and "Bikes May Use Full Lane" Now in National Traffic Sign Standard

Send A Thank You Card To Our Troops

It's About Time ~ New And Refinished Floors

Winston Churchill on Islam - 1899

Are You Missing The Gift Of The Present?

Hiking Praise - David Crowder Band

Billy Goat Trail ~ section B

Lets Go Mountaineers WVU 35 - ECU 20

A Blast From The Past

The Forth, Inn at Kelly's Ford 2009

Last But Not Least

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