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Been fiddlin' around August 23, 2008Leave a comment  View More Images ...at the Old Time Fiddler's gathering at the Three Rivers Resort in Lowell, ID (doesn't actually exist, but it is a place. Trust me on this one, I have pictures). Lowell does not have a zip code or mailing address, but you can find it between the 45 and 55 mile per hour speed limits somewhere around mile marker 150 something on Hwy 12. Honest to goodness, I listened to the owner of the resort explain their location. Regardless of how you define its location, it is a fabulous place. The Selway and Lochsa Rivers converge to form the Clearwater River. On the banks of these two very scenic rivers lies the Three Rivers Resort. Oh yeah, my bike is still in the shop! Really! Cross my heart! So, you are probably wondering why I am still here. That's a long story too, left for my alternate blog... ha ha! The bars they are installing on my bike don't fit with the handlebar bag in place and so I had them move the bars more to the outside and lower my handlebar bag fitting. I am supposed to call Brad tomorrow morning, early (he is going to be surprised how early) and pick it up! Actually, I had a presentation scheduled today at the Kamiah Elementary School. So, I took the time to join Margo as she went to Lowell (just up the road from Kamiah) to gather information for an article for Idaho Magazine. It's a regional magazine that highlights the people and places of Idaho. It was a pleasure to watch her interview the folks at Three Rivers. The fiddlers are a group of people, mostly in their 60's and 70's. (some in their 80's) that travel the state, performing at various venues, camping and having a grand old time. The jam session was great. These folks are fabulous and just a joy to listen to. One of the old time fiddlers played a bass bucket. A plastic pickle bucket with one end of the string tied to an eyebolt in the center of the bottom of the bucket and the other end of the string tied to a broom handle (I think Jed Clampett played one in The Beverly Hillbillies). He changes the pitch of the string by moving the broom handle such that the string stretches or loosens. Since the frequency of the vibration of the string characterizes the pitch, as the frequency increases the pitch increases, changing the sound of the note. For today's math problem, without getting into standing wave theory, simply determine how you calculate the frequency of a wave by knowing it's period. What's the formula? If you increase the period of the wave, does the frequency go up or down? What if you decrease the period of the wave? I'm not interested in numbers, but the formula and how changing one variable in the equation affects the answer. As I was watching the folks play, this lady caught my attention because she was wearing a Kennedy Space Center t-shirt from STS-118's launch, which said, "I was there." Well, since this is Idaho, I figured Barb Morgan had something to do with it and sure enough, Lynda Paznokas knows Barb. I struck up a conversation with her, while Margo interviewed her husband, John "Skip" Paznokas. Both work for Washington State University. Once again, I am amazed at how small this world is. The degrees of separation are astoundingly miniscule. As Margo interviewed the owner of the resort, one thing became perfectly clear to me. There is a large possibility that I could become bait for one of the local carnivores if I let my guard down. "Oh, the bears will start coming out really soon with the apples ripen and the berries are ready." "A cougar came through that door right there and stole our Airedale puppy." "Moose will trample your remains." "We don't let the kids outside unless they carry a 30.06 with bear shot." (Just kidding about the 30.06, everything else is true.) This will be a fun ride come Monday. Where's my pepper spray... My presentation at the school went well, small group, but very enthusiastic. Horace and Andrea were there and I am so grateful for their friendship and support. I am blessed to know them and to have met so many in their family. This was the right amount of time to stay in the Lewiston area. I will leave in the morning, happy to be continuing my journey, but sad that I will be leaving so many wonderful people. I can't say enough that the joy of this trip has been the people I have met and the friendships I have made along the way. This trip started out as a squiggly line on a map. Featureless places on a flat piece of paper! But the reality is, the random line had a purpose and it becomes clearer with each passing day. Each place has become a vibrant memory. Names have become faces with personality and warmth. For those that know me well, the past few months have been a very difficult and emotionally stressful time. This trip was the answer to my prayers. A blessing in disguise that has filled my heart with a joy I have not experienced in a long, long time. I look forward to many more laughter filled miles and memories that will last a lifetime! See you on the road tomorrow! More Images:              6 Comments
Aug 25, 2008 1:45 pm - April wrote : Hi John, I really enjoyed your presentation at the Kamiah school Saturday night. Very inspiring! Unfortunately the photos I took for the newspaper didn't turn out as well as the ones Margo took, so I was hoping that we would have permission to include one or more of the ones posted above to be included in the paper this week. Please email us at progress@clearwaterprogress.com if this is okay with you. Thanks and good luck on the rest of your journey. I am excited to hear how the leg to Missoula went, that is such beautiful country!
Aug 24, 2008 7:27 pm - Bill Ward wrote : John, been following your tour and reading the blogs. Dude, I am so happy this is happening for you. What an experience! And the tone of your blogs reflects the true nature of your spirit. You are becoming more happy and I love reading about it. You rwmain in our prayers and I look forward to seeing you again in Oklahoma. Love ya, man. Your crazy cousin in Tulsa.
Aug 24, 2008 7:20 pm - Ron & Nadine wrote : John, Nadine and I realy enjoyed your short visit with us. It was very nice finding someone as accomplished as you being so humble and freindly. We hope that your trip goes well and you stay safe. Have a great trip and good luck.
Aug 24, 2008 6:32 pm - Rex Walheim wrote : John, Glad to hear you are enjoying your ride. There are a lot of folks here at your old Space Center that are enjoying your blogs. I am looking forward to meeting up with you when you get in range, so get back on your bike and get moving! Have fun. Rex Walheim
Aug 24, 2008 4:53 pm - juliechenoweth wrote : What a special treat to have you stop and say hello to us today. I so admire your accomplishments in life and pray that your journey continues to be filled with adventures and with safety. Godspeed. Julie Chenoweth - Orofino Add a comment: |
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My son asked you if you, "Have you ever been to the sun?" We really enjoyed your visit and presentation. You are a truly blessed for all the good you are doing. Taking time away from your family and it takes a lot of discipline to do what you are doing. Good Luck on the rest of your trip. Bessie Elise