Now is the time to come to the aid of the Party

After a year or more away from the Rambles, one would think that I could come up with a better title for a post.  Maybe I will, and maybe I won't...

I have had lots of time to think about my purpose for blogging, and certainly I have had more than one reminder of the permanency of the inter web and all that is posted to that magical place out in space and certainly beyond time.

 It seems that Facebook and Instagram have taken over in terms of the means of communications with my friends and families.  Yes, I  will admit that I spend too much time peering at the screen and liking various cat videos and reading riding adventure stories from near and far.  Social media has its place and while not quite a Luddite, I do continue to struggle to keep up with the latest app or the newest and quirky meme.  Nevertheless, I will continue to add my thoughts and photos to these meandering and inconsistent posts.

 I have rationalized the continuance of Redhed's Rambles on a number of different levels. Primarily, I want to leave  a record of my time on this planet for my grandchildren, those alive and growing, as well as those who are about to begin their journey. Secondly, rambling on this  blog permits me to indulge in my passion for photography by allowing me to post up a record of my views of this planet and the times that I am living.

 I have noticed that possibly due to the makeup of my brain chemistry,  I have memory issues. Sometimes that can be a good thing, particularly when your broken foot is screaming in pain and the nearest emergency is five hours away. I prefer to allow those memories to fall into the deep black pool of forgotten times.  On the other hand, I have found that cameras have allowed me to capture and retain those moments in time and space that are special and meaningful to me.  For as long as I can remember, I have been carrying a camera of one sort or another.  I have shoe boxes of old black and white photos passed on to me from my Mother, and I believe that she and I share the need to facilitate and enhance  memories through photographs.  Now that the digital world has firmly taken over photographs, there are some who perhaps will minimize this art form. I will admit that I do not have the skills, patience, or equipment of the next Ansell Adams, but one can always hope that that instant when the meaning of life and the true message of existence is caught in my shutter.


I have begun the process, which I believe comes with age, of determining those items of value and worth passing on through my family. I see photography as a tool in the process of educating the next generation.  For example, the basket below is well over one hundred years old.  It was left to my by my aunt Margie, and I believe that her mother, my Grandmother, obtained it when she and my Grandfather owned and managed the Kalamalka corner store, near  Vernon, B.C.  I have been unable to determine the First Nations which wove this wonderful piece of art, and I am guessing that it was made nearby, in the North Okanagan region of British Columbia.

After my mishap with the halibut fishing line, and the death of the BMW GSA, I waited and debated for a few months before I took the plunge and bought another motorcycle.  I had been happy with the Honda products and my ride on the Africa Twin  at the Horizons Unlimited gathering in Nakusp had convinced me that the Africa Twin was a solid bike.  After I bought the bike, I was determined to install the extras needed to make it into a world traveller, in case I should entertain thoughts of that in the future.

Around the same time, my Sister and her family visited me in Tahsis.  They had not be out to the west coast in over 20 years, so it was very special for them to show up and help celebrate my 70th birthday.

We visited Yuquot, also known as "Friendly Cove".  We toured the Church, walked the beach and took a gander from the lighthouse.

The Mowachat-Muchalat people have built a great. viewing platform, and on a clear day, you can see Japan.

Welcome Sister...Ray Williams son has carved a great Welcoming Figure looking towards the open ocean.

With help from my nephew Sean and my brother in-law, the Africa Twin was rigged for riding. Crashbars and good LED lights should keep me safe.

My friend Wayne rides a Yamaha and has many kilometres on that girl.  We enjoy a coffee or two at Sally's Restaurant.

During the Spring, I had a short term contract at the school.  The School Board was allowed some extra funding as a result of the successful fight which the BCTF took to the Supreme Court of Canada in order to restore class size and composition language which the BC Liberal government had stripped from the teacher's contract.  I enjoyed working with the local kids in CMESS and while the classes are considerably smaller, teaching kids is always fun and satisfying.

I had to get to Armstrong to see my Armstrong crew.  The boys were enrolled in a basic oriental fighting class.  They did very well, and both received their belts.

Soon after my visit to Armstrong,  I headed up to Revelstoke.  My children had organized a birthday party for me.  Folks rolled in from Edmonton, Vernon, and the lower mainland.

My Grandson, Severyn, worked his way through the woodpile, without any mishap.

He was inseparable from my grandog, Abby

It was wonderful to have a family gathering, and I really appreciated the effort that my Family made to make me feel loved.

Even my Grandog gave me a smooch...

My daughter-in-law and her Mom had a good time as well. It was good to see Pat and Steve make the journey to see their Daughter and son-in-law.

My daughter-in-law Stephanie recorded the festivities.

And then on to summer


The coast guard was very active this summer, building up the lights in the area, and resupplying the lighthouse at Yuquot.  They used Tahsis as the base of operations.

I managed to get down to Duncan for a meeting of Vancouver Island riders.  Scott from Adrenalin Motorcycle Co-op brought up his bus.

Some fellas from up-Island have perfected a carrier for gear, and it seems to tow wonderfully.

Ted and Doug were along for the Duncan meet. W e went on a seniors ride, not stressing bikes nor our bodies.   Doug is thinking about a swim....

I think that he did get his big toe wet...

Meanwhile,  back in Duncan,  Bones waits patiently for Mad Max to appear.  Apparently he will respond to the call of the Pirates...

Sooner....or later.......

Back to Tahsis and further adventures with Doug and Ted on the open water.  We decided to got to Friendly Cove for a looksee.   I was assured that both of them were boatmen, and I mistakenly left the tie-up of  the Yuquot Warrior to both of them.    Needless to say, I am glad that I keep paying my taxes, and that Ottawa has found a way to keep the Coast Guard on the  Coast.    A RIB was dispatched from Critter Cove by the Nooka Light keeper,  and eventually they found my floating boat out in the sound.  The crew claimed that they were happy to rescue my boat, and I was very happy and grateful that they were on duty.    Lesson learned Captain....tie up your own boat!

Conuma Mountain, which has the same shape as a Nuchanulth whalers' hat, towers over the Nootka Sound..

Nootka Light and the keepers have been keeping mariners safe on the west coast for decades.

Our day at Friendly Cove ended without any major losses, and we were treated to a wonderful evening on the water.

I have had a couple of does hanging around all summer, eating any flower that I manage to grow..

I managed a few local rides between fishing trips.

My friend and neighbour, Nigel,  always has room for me fishing.  We had some good trips this summer

 When I arrived in Tahsis, the pictographs on the wall of the Cut were still visible.  Now, they are faded and indistinct. 

Another project that is ongoing for me is the organization and preservation of the medals and military insignia which my Grandfather and Great Uncles. were rewarded in World War 1. 

A late summer ride on the BC Ferry system is always interesting.  I am guaranteed to meet riders from all over, heading to all parts of the world.

On my way to the interior of BC, I had a front wheel flat.  In the process of fixing the flat, I found out that my air compressor did not work. Thanks to the help from a fellow rider, who had to ride 20 km east to a gas station, I was save from a night on the road.  I am very much blessed with the number of people who have helped me over the years.

I managed to get the tire and valve fixed eventually, and get back on the road to Vernon, where my son gave me a tour of the hanger which houses the helicopters for the company which he works for.

While in Vernon, we enjoyed a vintage car show.  I couldn't resist the Ford below.  I had a couple of them, in the day.

My Dad, and my Uncle Jack both served in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

I think this bike was a Triumph, of which I had a couple of, as well.

The blue Ford was my favourite in the show.  I think my daughter may remember riding around in a '49 Ford when she was young.

In downtown Vernon, an artist has produced some wonderful murals of the early history of the town. My grandfather arrived in Vernon in 1906, a few years after my Grandmother arrived from Scotland.  It is my understanding that Grampa worked as a mechanic for Mr. Megaw.   Until I saw this mural, I didn't realize that Grampa may have even ridden the famous Indian motorcycle.

I had to make the time to visit my friend Laura, an artist whose work is getting lots of attention. She grew up with my kids in Tahsis.

Unfortunately she was not in her office, but I did sneak a picture of one of her paintings.  The detail is amazing. I am sure that she will be producing unique and wonderful pieces of art in the near future.

Back at the airport, there were more helicopters in the hanger.  They both are sleek and very modern looking.

Another visit to Armstrong to check out the gang.  My sisters'. grandkids are growing stronger and taller.

Their Mom is an amazing cook, and it is always a treat at her dinner table.

Soon after, I returned to the Island for another mid-Summer ride up Island.

Chris and Sebastian are regulars for the North Island ride..

Dave Williams always does a great job of organizing the ride and keeping us in some sort of order.

The Mad Max can usually be found close to Sebastian.

Laid back Jay....

IGOR taking a rest....

I saw him go this way....

Clay doesn't think so....

Well, whatever....

Campfire time, without the campfire....

Clay rode with my son, Ian, and I to Inuvik a couple of years ago...

Back to Armstrong to see how the garden and the boys  are  growing...

My Mom would have loved these Sunflowers..

And then over to Nakusp for the Horizons Unlimited Meeting.

Another fresh fire in the hills.  The Forest fire situation in BC this summer was incredibly destructive.

A stop at the Trout Lake store for fuel at the old Gas Pump...

The famous Garrard Lake trout.  These guys are huge...

Spillway at the  Duncan dam...

Downtown Kaslo...

I decided to ride up the Idaho peak, near Sandon.

And then came the Horizons Unlimited Meeting in Nakusp.  I think that this is my 7 visit to the HU in Nakusp.  I really like the community, and there is always and opportunity to meet old friends and hear new stories...

Honda Canada outdid themselves with a truckload of new bikes for riders to try..

I saw another Africa Twin with the Mosko system.

My friend Doug fantasizing about a big cruiser

Back to Armstrong to check on the Gang...

And to attend the Armstrong Fall Fair....

Granny teaching about the chicken and the egg....

The boys had contributed to the Armstrong fair...

And then came the Arcade and Games....

And then some Family time....

The Canadian Legion leads the Armstong Fair Parade.

A couple of veterans from the Second War were able to attend..

The local Shriner gang put on a bit of a show

My friend Bill had a 49 Ford.....

This plow might work on a road I know....

And then back to the animals at the Fair...

I figured that I could use this shot in some way, but haven't come up with the best caption....

Between the boys and Grandma, a discussion of economics evolved into a lemonade stand...

And then it was on to carpentry lessons with Dad...and uncle Sean.

Auntie Amy was a guide at the Fair for another day...

Wasup??

Ooh that was good....

Some of the local artists were very good.  The Armstrong Fair is famous for bringing out the local contributions..

This quilt was mind blowing...I can't imagine the patience required to build one.

Time for a rest, Grannie...

I took the guys on a walkabout in downtown Armstrong.  My daughter should remember a few months in this house.

My daughters' grandfather owned the Armstrong hotel for awhile..

The boys are good about wearing their gear, and Mom and Dad ensure that they are kitted out on their motos..

And then the Fall came....I packed up the bike and headed South.  In a few days, I had ridden out of the cold of Idaho and was further south, near the BLM lands across from Twin Falls.  The bike decided to take a rest, and I could not lift her up.  I unloaded as much as I could and tried again, without any movement. She was sleeping downhill an refused to move.  I walked back to what appeared to be a main road, hoping to flag down some help.  After a few side by sides roared by me without slowing, I got mad at myself and went back to confront the bike once more.  Somehow I found the energy and the right angle to get her up.  It seems that when the bike goes down, it is always to the heaviest side, with the panniers that are not easy to extract...Oh well.

The BLM area was used by the locals for target practice, as early October was getting close to hunting season. I recognized the heavy thuds of the big bores as the shooters zeroed their hunting rifles nearby.  It was a bit unnerving, however, to hear the large amount of automatic fire from a number of different locations. My experiences on ranges when I was a shooter was entirely different, and the high rate of fire from different locations out on the desert was new to me.

I soon made it to Moab, Utah and hooked up with my friends Mike and Doug.  We went on an ride down the Colorado River road, and checked out some dinosaur tracks which were near the road..

They had originally been on the ridge, high above us.

We rode with Dan and Barb from Victoria.  Dan was a long time motorcycle enthusiast and mechanic who had helped me with IGOR two years before, in Moab.

Our camp up in the Sand Flats was great. The coyotes serenaded us at night and the sunrises were spectacular.

More dinosaur tracks on another ride..

Doug and Barb

Doug tried to set up his drone to capture some riding. What an interesting piece of technology.

Downtown Moab's trees were all turning, and I was fascinated by the wonderful colours being displayed.

The LaSall mountains were far off to the South.  We had ridden up to 9000 feet a couple of years ago, and I was looking forward to another visit into the Aspen forest.

Dan taking a rest...

Mike on one of the trails.

The sign says "Chicken Corners"...it was a hairy ride..

On one ride, we road far above the Colorado river..far above...

No more vehicles, including bikes....

Creep, Creep....

My chicken dance...

During our first day of riding together in Moab, we experienced a tragedy which impacted all of us.  We came upon a fallen rider who had lost his riding partner over a very steep ledge.  All we could do was comfort him until the SAR and police arrive.  Unfortunately his partner did not survive the 150 foot plunge and it was incredibly sad to try and comfort him. We all accept the fact that riding in this territory has its dangers, and when something as terrible as this cuts a life short, it brings us closer to our own destinies.

Mike and I rode past the site of the tragedy, and completed our ride.  We stopped to contemplate the beauty of the land and to appreciate the fact that we were able to continue our rides.

We rode up to the Musselman arch and did the obligatory walk across the bridge.  No handstands for me..or Mike.

We rode up and down the Schaefer trail, dodging jeeps and fat pickups...

After a week of riding near Moab, I headed south towards Taos, New Mexico.  I  had some friends from Tahsis who had a home there, and I wanted to check out the country-side.  Again, the trees did not disappoint, and the colours were fantastic.

Fishing the Rio Grande River..

I took a side road and managed to get lost for awhile, taking the very long way into Taos...

Near Carson, I had to stop and photograph this wooden-wheeled Model A.

At a local market in downtown Taos...

Just outside of Taos is the wonderful bridge...

I had to stop and chat with these guys

The Rio Grande River...

I met some local Taos riders, and they took me for a Sunday run, up into the "High Road", which apparently was part of the original trail up from old Mexico.

Taos and the surroundings have quite a collection of artists..

My friends, Susan and John played in a local production and produced some pretty wonderful music.

The sign was left over from a former production, but totally  fit the scene..

Their friend Terry was a magical flautist, as well as a wonderful sculptor.

I had met Susan and her husband David in Tahsis many years ago.  They had come there to find a west coast home. They were both artists and unfortunately, Dave passed away last year.  Susan was busy sorting through Dave's prolific production.

Unfortunately, my camera did not capture the subtle grace of David's drawings and sketches.  I was fascinated by the progression of his work, and the amount of what I thought was exceptional art.

I think Susan thought that I was overly interested in the nudes, and I suppose that was true....

Part of the cleaning tasks was to clean and organize the outside shed which had held so many art treasures for so many years of Dave and Susan's life together..John was going to work on the structure once the building was cleared and cleaned.

The old willow tree in the yard reminded me of my Vernon upbringing, where we had beautiful willows in our backyard.

Susan is an artist in her own right, and this redhead was particularly appealing to me.

Their  house is situated on the banks of the Rio Grande River, in Pilar, about 30 km. south of Taos.

I enjoyed my visit to Pilar and Taos. The New Mexicans were interesting, welcoming, and helpful. I enjoyed learning a bit more about New Mexico and the surrounding area. I would be glad to return and learn some more about the local history, all the way from Kit Carson to Charles Manson....It was time for me to head for Phoenix and some new tires, and begin my journey through Mexico.