Life On A B-I7

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 143

Which is preferred, theories alone or conduct based on theories that have been tested and proven to be of value…

Conduct takes precedence over theory every day in every way.

As Hamlet said:

”There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”

Philosophy (theories) alone will not lead to a good life. Only action taken based on sound philosophy can bring us fulfillment.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 142

When something is told to you, don’t allow yourself to embellish that news with your own thoughts and opinions. It’s news and that’s all it is until it has been verified. The wise man verifies carefully. In other words, he uses an enquiring mind to examine the news from all possible angles before determining what is fact and what is fiction. Even then, the door to clearer understanding is never closed.

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 141

“Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good enough.”

It’s not about “settling.” It’s about not getting overwhelmed by idealism. Don’t look at the world through the lens of where you want the world to be, look at the world as it is and ask, what is it I should be doing to effect change?

Stoic Thought of the Day — Day 140

Abraham Lincoln was humble, self-educated and well spoken. He was deliberate, fair, open-minded and purposeful. He did all that while following a career as a politician.

It doesn’t matter if you live in the snake pit of D.C., the materialist zoo of Wall Street or you grew up in a small closed minded community, you have a choice.

You can still live well. Others have managed to do it.

What? (Continued)

Besides the love of my life and my daughters, there are few people that care more for me than my camping buddy. Honestly, he can be hammered out of his mind but when it’s time to call it, he makes sure I get into my trailer instead of walking over a cliff. He even turns on the heat in the trailer for me because he knows the digital control panel is too complicated for me… Just so there is no confusion on this topic, that is a true friend.

This post may contain some slight exaggeration, but on balance, it is basically accurate.

What?

Somewhere in the deep dark recesses of this mind, I remember writing about this topic: Why write? Just so there is no confusion, I don’t do this for you. I don’t even know who “you” is. It certainly isn’t the love of my life. (Occasionally I will read something I have written to her, when she’s half awake.) It’s not my cat. He can’t read. I tried to teach him to read so I would have a following, but that was a hopeless endeavor. It’s not my good friend that goes camping with me. As pathological as he is, I can’t even get him to read this stuff. It’s 2:40 in the morning. That should tell you everything you need to know. I do this for me. That’s it. There is no other possible explanation.

So what am I saying?

Nothing really. My vain hope is that doing this will prevent my brain from turning to Jello. I think it has already started (turning to Jello) maybe that’s why no one reads this… They don’t want to feel obligated to commit me. Still and all, I can go camping on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. I can get 25 miles off road on the East Rim of the Grand Canyon above Glen Canyon Damn. How many people can say that? Damn few. Even our most respected leaders that pride themselves on knowing all and being able to do anything, have not had this experience. I consider myself blessed. So you play golf and you own golf courses all over the world… Good for you. All golf courses are pretty much the same, especially if your caddy will retrieve all of your shanks and put them back in the fairway for you. (I suppose that’s another story.) Getting back to the matter at hand, it’s now 3:10 in the morning and I probably need to try and get some sleep. Thank you for not reading this.

Blogs

What is the purpose of a blog anyway?

That’s a question with many answers. For me, a blog gives me a reason to write every day. What is the good of that you say? I don’t have a good answer. I find it fulfilling, although I’ll be the first to admit I don’t really know what that means. I think it might be a tool to help stave off the more debilitating side effects of aging, dementia in particular, but I realize there is no scientific evidence to back up that claim. Still, I’m hopeful. There is also a small part of me that wants to leave something behind. I’m not an artist or a musician, so those artifacts are beyond my ability. I worked as a software developer, but everything I built during my career has already been replaced and I’m only 7 years post-retirement. All I really have left is writing. The funny thing is no one reads this. I get it. In the age of Instagram, Facebook, Substack and god help us, X, who has time for the thoughts of one single person writing a daily blog? Perfectly understandable. A still small voice inside me says that I have something to contribute to this world, even if no one is listening. Maybe that’s the real lesson here. Do what we need to do and not worry about our influence. Many people today are more worried about their influence than they are about their contribution. Let’s turn that around. Influence be damned. Make a contribution.

Not Too Bad

My life good (better than not too bad). I have a beautiful and loving companion. I have a cat. I have friends that probably shouldn’t love me, but they do. I have beautiful daughters and two x-wives that don’t hate me (as far as I know). I am reasonably healthy for a man of my years. Enough good health to allow me to pursue that activities that I love. Who could ask for anything more?

Sometimes I Cry

I’m not sure why. I don’t know if it is physiological or emotional or something else. I’m not even sure if it is a problem or a good thing. (I’m hoping it’s not a problem.) It’s been occurring almost once a day. It’s often brought on by music but not always. I think music stimulates this response because our thoughts alone are not able to move us quite as easily as music can. Music engages more senses than thought does. There could be other reasons. Let’s get weird for a second, not “bank truck at a funeral parade” weird, but truly weird: Perhaps I have finally succeeded in slowing my life down enough that I am starting to feel things I should have been feeling all along. I think as humans we are supposed to feel, but we have trained ourselves not to for all sorts of reasons. I think we are becoming a society that only thinks what we are told to think. In a way we have lost the skill required to feel what is inside of us. Of course there could be other explanations. Perhaps I am reaching the end of my life and this is my body telling me to pay attention while I still can. Perhaps I am rewiring my brain to be more aware of myself and what is happening around me. I have no idea really. I don’t find it unpleasant. The only reason I can give is that it just is. I don’t want it to stop. I want to appreciate it.

Yoga Plus

Yoga was first practiced in the Indus Valley some 4,000 years ago. Approximately 2,000 years before it was adopted in India and China. Archeological digs in the Indus Valley reveal a different form of yoga than is commonly practiced today. Statues of people practicing yoga reveal a sitting posture with focus on breathing — what today we call Breath Work. Vinyasa Yoga, or the practice of flow and movement yoga did not become prevalent until yoga practice moved east from the Indus Valley. Of course, this is a very simple explanation of the evolution of yoga. The history of yoga is a fascinating subject in itself. One I have barely tapped. I do know that I would like to lean more about Breath Work. From what I have read it has amazing healing power and can be very beneficial for overall health (as can Vinyasa Yoga).

I am currently reading the book “Breath,” by James Nestor. Nestor spent ten years researching this topic and it is an inspiring work. I’m planning to incorporate Breath Work along with meditation as soon as I complete a bit more research. I would like to find a teacher. I recently went to a Qi Gong class at my local Senior Center and was pleasantly surprised by the experience. Qi Gong is a gentle form of Vinyasa Yoga. I think the practice of Meditation, Breath Work and Qi Gong) can be very beneficial. I’m excited to try all three.

Manifestation

My writing tends to be pretty personal. Not what you would call non-fiction. That’s how I roll. There is a danger however; I need to be cautious not to fall into the “Manifestation” trap.

Manifestation can be compared to wishful thinking. For some, “imagining” an outcome you would like, means you can obtain it by persistent thought alone. That’s not how the world works. You can’t will the universe to give you what you want simply by concentrating your thoughts on your desires. I wish it were that simple.

In order to manifest any change in your life, you need a plan. A process to accompany that desire. I can’t simply write wonderful thoughts. My study of the Stoic masters and my occasional rants here about desirable attributes are not enough to effect change. I have to take substantive steps to achieve those things.

This is how I plan to achieve those things I write about, the ones that I find valuable. I’m going to meditate. I’m going to focus on my physical well being. I think these are the two things I can do on a regular basis to avoid simply “wishing” for change in my life. The first I commit to doing daily. The practice I plan to follow is wholly my own. The focus will be on asking myself how did yesterday go and what should today look like. I’ll also be critiquing my actions and looking for ways to improve how I am living. The second thing I commit to doing daily is exercise. I think exercise leads to more than good health. Besides making the body strong, I think it makes the mind strong. Both of those things bring the confidence to make the changes that are desired. To support those practices, I am also going to continue reading and writing. I like lists, so here is my list to help me “manifest” my self-improvement goals.

1. Meditate for Understanding
2. Exercise for Health
3. Read for Knowledge
4. Write for Joy and Peace

Wiring Your Brain

Whenever you use your brain (all the time) you are wiring your brain for its next thought. There is a reward circuit in your brain that takes whatever you are experiencing and records it. That circuit is accessed and whatever has been stored becomes what your brain seeks out. Whatever emotion you indulge in becomes what your brain seeks. So watch what you allow yourself to indulge in. Hate, anger and conspiracy will foment more hate, anger, and conspiracy. Love, happiness and joy will foment more love, happiness and joy. The choice is ours. Time spent intentionally cultivating the thoughts you would like to experience more often is time spent rewiring your brain. A few minutes a day is all that is needed. This is brain science.

Camping With Friends

Choose your friends wisely. Those with nothing to say sometimes make the best companions, even if they do steal your chair.

High West

Loving-Kindness

Breathe…

Think of someone you care about, say:
“May they be happy and free from suffering.”

Breathe…

Think of someone you are neutral about, say:
“May they be happy and free from suffering.”

Breathe…

Think of someone you dislike, say:
“May they be happy and free from suffering.”

Breathe…

Bicycling The Northern Tier

The Route

The Adventure Cycling Association (ACA) has established many classic bicycle touring routes across the United States, possibly none more scenic than the Northern Tier Route. The Southern Tier and the TransAm are the other two classic transcontinental routes. I have ridden the Southern Tier and the TransAm, the Southern in 2018 and the TransAm in 2023. It’s time to complete the trifecta.

The Northern Tier is the longest of the three routes. I plan to do it solo unless there are others that want to join. My intent is to camp and cook most of the time. From time-to-time I will be taking meals at restaurants along the way and staying in motels or hostels. My partner is planning to sag me the first few days, likely across the state of Washington. The would be the first 400 miles. After that she will meet me along the route in a couple of different places for some rest days and to enjoy some of the many sites along the route.

Starting Point

I’ll be starting the tour in Anacortes Washington on June 1st and finish in Bar Harbor Maine. This makes sense for me because I live in Central Oregon and Anacortes is a one day drive from my doorstep.

There are four major mountain passes along the route. It will be challenging. I believe nows the right time to have a go at the Northern Tier. I’ve been given the gift of cycling and I’m not getting any younger. I’m not world class, but I enjoy the experience and find it challenging and also exhilarating. I will be using the ACA’s digital map set to navigate the route.

Equipment

I ride a custom titanium road bike built by Bill Davidson in Seattle Washington. I’ll be carrying my gear in Ortlieb front and rear panniers on Nitto Campee touring racks. I have a hub generator for the front light. I would also like to use the hub generator to keep my cell phone charged, but I’m still working out the details on that. There are other options for charging, including solar. Since this route presents some road challenges, narrow shoulders in places and both truck and recreational traffic on the road, I’ll also be using look-back radar to keep me apprised of what is behind me. That is another piece of equipment to keep charged, so I may have to add a second generator to the bike. I might go with a simple handlebar mirror in lieu of radar, or I might opt for both. The rest of the equipment is what you would expect a trekking backpacker to carry.

General Plan

For the mathematicians out there, here are some calculations you might like. These are approximations only.

• Average miles per day 60 = 75 days
• Rest every 6th day = 12 days
• Three extended rests of 3 days each = 9 days
• Total days = 96 days

As I get closer to the start date these will be refined. Once on the road these are subject to change.

Personal

I typically start riding early in the morning. That gives me the most options at the end of the day for finding accommodations, or setting up camp and cooking. I like to relax after dinner, unwind, write a bit about the day and generally get ready for the next day. A late start to the day’s riding just makes all that a lot more difficult. I do not ride after dark.

What You Will Find Below

Keep scrolling. You will find information below about:

Each of the 11 sections on the route. These pages have been compiled from the official ACA mapping information.

My proposed itinerary. This is a suggested itinerary. Riding circumstances are variable. Weather, terrain, physical conditioning and a host of other factors could have an impact on this plan. The plan does not show rest days and will likely be modified before heading out and during the ride itself.

My personal training plan. Caveat: I’m not an expert in developing training plans but I think this is a good start. It’s a 13 week plan. Each week I will update that week’s training plan with pertinent commentary (just for fun).

Logistics

I will be posting additional information here about sight seeing, side trips, campgrounds and other accommodations as I develop those.

Follow Along

You can follow me on the journey. Once the tour begins, I will be posting here every day, Use the link “Bicycling the Northern Tier” on the Contents page to filter and view just those entries pertaining to the Northern Tier tour. (There’s a lot of other stuff here that may or may not be of interest. That is of course a matter of opinion and taste.

Section 1, Anacortes, WA to Sandpoint ID, 460 Miles

Highlights of this section are the Cascade Mountain Range, the plains of north eastern Washington and the mountains of northern Idaho. The Anacortes ferry terminal is the western terminus of the Northern Tier bicycle route and starting point for my tour. The first climb out of Anacortes is over Rainy Pass and Washington Pass in the North Cascades. This will make for a challenging start to the tour. I am anticipating sag support for this Section of the tour. I plan to ride self-supported from Sandpoint to the finish in Bar Harbor Maine.

Section 2, Sandpoint, ID to Cut Bank, MT, 450 Miles

One of the highlights of this section is the passage through Glacier National Park. Carved by glaciers 100 million years ago, the scenery through the park is spectacular. There is an alternate route that diverts into Canada. I’m planning to take the alternate. Passport required.

Section 3, Cut Bank, Mt to Dickinson, ND, 550 Miles

Buffalo Jump State Park just west of Great Falls is where indigenous people used the natural mile-long sandstone cliff to stampede buffalo when harvesting them for meat, bone, and fur. There is a short hiking trail at the base of the cliff where you can see bones to this day. From the top of the cliff there is a spectacular panorama of the Missouri River, the Rocky Mountain front, and the buttes and grasslands of the Great Plains.

Great Falls was named for the falls on the Missouri River found here. The falls were a formidable obstacle to the Lewis and Clark expedition when they passed through this territory. The expedition spent several weeks negotiating the 18 mile portage. Today the falls are obscured by hydroelectric development.

Section 4, Dickinson, ND to Fargo, ND, 350 Miles

Welcome to the Great Plains in all their glory. Created by an enormous inland sea that stretched from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic, the plains are made from deposits left by the receding sea some 70 million years ago. The rolling prairie seen today was sculpted by the Wisconsin Glacier as it melted 25,000 years ago. The route follows that of the Red River Valley. The valley is one of the world’s finest for producing small grains. A highlight of travel through North Dakota is spotting Canadian Geese and the occasional Coyote. Remember: “Don’t get cozy with a begging Coyote.” Those signs are prevalent in Joshua Tree National Park in California, but the message applies equally here.

Section 5, Fargo, ND to Walker, MN, 175 Miles

Continuing through the RedRiver Valley you gradually transition to a more lush and moister climate in Minnesota. There is a robust cycling culture in Minnesota so it’s not surprising to meet other cyclists along the route. Logging was a major industry here between 1860 and 1900. One treat is the sampling of wild rice harvested by the Ojibewe people. Try some if you get a chance. The Ojibewe people harvest the grain by canoe on reservation rivers and lakes. The rice is sold around the world as a delicacy and still serves as an important part of the native people’s diet.

Section 6, Walker, MN to Stillwater, MN, 260 Miles

This section of the tour heads south to Minneapolis and St. Paul. With the arrival in 1823 of the first steamboat to navigate the Mississippi River this far north, the twin cities began their growth which ultimately would make them the largest cities in Minnesota. Lakes and ponds, grassy fields, meadows and marshes can be found in abundance. Wildlife is diverse and consists of a veritable smorgasbord of plants, animals, birds and insects, including the state’s unofficial bird, the mosquito.

Section 7, Stillwater, MN to Muscatine, IA, 370 Miles

As you move south through this section of the route the Mississippi Valley widens. It now reaches points where the valley can span several miles in width. The main crop is no longer wheat. Now you will see fields of corn, oats and soybeans. Livestock, dairy, poultry and apple orchards are also important industries. The route passes Effigy Mound National Monument. Covering some three square miles, the monument protects over 200 ancient peoples burial sites dating back approximately 2,500 years. The monument also offers hiking trails that wander through beautiful hardwood forests. In the summer months wildflowers are abundant. One such, the Day Lilly, is actually an imported species that has gone wild.

Section 8, Muscatine, IA to Monroeville, IN, 415 Miles

Now you are entering the “Grand Prairie.” This may be the richest soil in the world all due to glacial activity. This originally brought settlers from the Appalachians and the South. To open the territory, railroads with many spur lines were built in the early 19th century. This brought tradespeople as well as farmers and the proverbial minister, now all hallmarks of this region. Still prevalent today is a strong Protestant tradition with several well known colleges training future generations of pastors. As you reach the end of this section the terrain gradually changes as you leave the Mississippi River plain. With this change comes smaller farms and more diversified farming.

Section 9, Monroeville, IN to Orchard Park, NY, 420 Miles

A large part of this section follows the southern shoreline of Lake Erie for the greater expanse of the lake’s length. Leaving Ohio you leave behind the first oil boom in America. Oil was easy to find in this region. It often bubbled from the ground in places. It even seeped naturally into the water supply. Edwin Drake built the first oil derrick and America’s oil rush was on. Today there are only a few remnants visible of this bygone era. An interesting side-trip here is to the memorial of Captain Perry’s defeat of the British fleet on Lake Erie in 1813. This became a dramatic turning point in the War of 1812. When initially losing the struggle, Commander Perry famously coined the phrase, “Don’t give up the ship.” This ultimately led to a decisive victory over the British. The memorial can be visited by ferry ride. More info is available at the National Park Service

Section 10, Orchard Park, NY to Ticonderoga, NY, 450 Miles

This section follows Lake Ontario although not as close to the shoreline as in the previous section. The first 200 miles of route is relatively flat. If you want to put the hammer down, this is a good place to do it. The route abruptly climbs 1,500 ft into the Adirondack Mountains. You reach the end of the section at the town of Ticonderoga. One of the highlights of this section is Niagra Falls. A short alternate will allow a visit to this natural landmark. Taking in a portion of the Erie Canal is also a worthwhile endeavor.