A Roosevelt bull elk at Prairie Creek State Park in northern California.
October 3, 1985
This morning, after breakfast, I went for a walk in the redwoods. How peaceful. How serene. I could have laid down among the ferns and never gotten up. After making the loop, I ran into Jeff and Bruce on the way out, and they said an elk had wandered down through the campground. I went off stalking it, camera in hand.
I think I may have gotten some good pictures of it. One could be sensational. Will have to wait and see. It came to within four feet of me at one point. I kept a fallen tree between me and it. [As it got closer, I realized the fallen tree was not much of a barrier.]
Charlie's bike with trailer and Bill's bike barely reached the diameter of a redwood. |
The riding was hard today. I’m not sure if I was just tired from yesterday’s hill climbing or what.
Had a very late lunch and my first flat of the trip. I didn’t keep the happiest of dispositions for part of the day. I had to continually remind myself of happy thoughts and friends far away.
I guess I still get a little frustrated trying to always play catch up with Billy and John. Luckily, I’m not having problems with my knees like they are. But my shoulders and hands, as well as the balls of my feet, are taking a lot of pressure. Hope I can keep everything functioning properly.
Began sketching out a song in my mind. That was fun and took my mind away from the white line and the logging trucks behind. Also thought a whole lot about several friends.
And between Arcata and Eureka, I rode with a gal who had done a lot of touring and was out exercising this particular day. She was fun to talk with. I enjoyed that break
After reaching Eureka, it took awhile to get our motley crew together. Once we did, we struck out to find a motel. We’ve found a two-bedroom three-bed spot for $35, not bad split between five guys.
I guess I better hit the sack.
One more thought, I suppose. I think I’ve said it elsewhere in my journals, but it bears repeating. If I should die tomorrow, or even tonight in my sleep, I will die peacefully, knowing that I have lived a full and joyful life. I have been blessed with friends beyond number and love past measure. What more can any one person ask for?
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