Author: randy

First things first, “Happy Father’s Day” to my family and friends. Also, to the future father in the family. I am so proud, so touched by the way everyone is doing. You parents are kicking ass. Brings a huge smile to my face when I think of ya’all. All my love and respect.

Now on to my “Reality check”.

I’m going to vent a little. I always try to keep a positive outlook about my life and don’t get me wrong I still do but there are times when it is trying. I know it is this way for everyone and it is not unique to me or my situation. My hardest trying times have been losses of family and friends in my life. My Mom and Dad, Mary, Aunts and Uncles, Cousins, close friends, some felt like brothers and sisters, and most importantly Diana. All of the losses hurt me but hers crushed me. It took a long time to cope with her being gone.

Back to the Reality check. I don’t mean to get distracted by the past. This last 10 days have been a slap in the face. It’s been almost a year since my little mishap in the good old USA. Prior to it I felt on top of the world and I still kind of do in a way because I really do feel blessed in all I have received. I thank God every day. The financial aspects and the physical aspects of my mishap are seemingly slapping the crap out of me or at least distracting me from any meaning.

Physically I am getting better but I need to think more about others. Yesterday I was with a group that planned a little fishing trip in the national park. I had never been to where they wanted to fish but was told it was an hour hike. Last week I went on a small hike (at a lower elevation) and got an idea how my recovery is going. I wasn’t fast but between my legs and lungs I did ok and yes it was not a challenging trail, but I took my time and it felt good. Yesterday not so much. I physically could do it, but I realized I would be too slow to keep up. I will admit that I am super careful right now (totally out of character but I did almost lose the use of my legs and I am still healing) but that is no excuse to expect a whole group to hold back. This trail was a mountain trail at over 4000m (13,000ft) and in the clouds so visibility was not great. Within a short distance I lost site of the group and went up instead of down. One of the group back tracked and waved at me, so I turned around and headed the correct direction. In a short spell I caught up to everyone that had kindly stopped to wait for me. I said sorry I had lost the trail when it was mentioned to me nicely “if you keep up that is not a problem”. Boom reality check! Just stated as a fact right then and there. I understood it totally. I should listen to my head more than my heart and think of how my actions can affect others. Note taken, just not use to it. I mentioned that I would go back and hang around the park near the car and they all said if I wasn’t going, they wouldn’t either. Ugh, reality check again, because of me a whole group changed their plans of a wonderful day hiking a fishing. We did go back down and went to a lake below to fish. It was a wonderful day but in the back of my head I knew I was a weak spoke in the wheel and it bothers me still. I cannot say enough about how sorry I felt then and still feel about it now. Very selfish of me. Most of my life I have always held back to support the weak link now that’s me. Boom again. This has shown its ugly head to me a few times when I can’t keep up in the last 6 months. Thankful that my friends yesterday though disappointed took it in stride. (better than me)

Icing on the cake is the financial reality check from the mishap. That has come to bear and has keep my mind occupied. Boom again.

You know lately I feel that I am just taking up space. Not sure what to do about it. God does have his own ways of keeping you humble if you listen. After the accident I had my eyes opened to a few things, about how I felt deep inside. What was important to me and what I needed to do to fulfill those thoughts. Funny when it seems so simple and clear. Well, you tackle those thoughts and take action. I have made changes, spilled my heart even more (some family and friends could have done without this), done made plans that if I passed today or had something similar as my little mishap last year happened, I would be at peace. That being said I need to find peace living. I will be ok. Now smile.

Good news that on the bike my short comings are mainly my lungs. I will work on that.

Have a wonderful day ya’all.

After thoughts…………..

I know not my usual update and this is not a rant about feeling sorry for myself. More like thinking about getting slapped and what is next in this adventure. It has almost been a year since my misadventure and added with the above it makes you reflect on it all. Funny after all the stupid crap you do someone else almost does you in. Fact is if I had never woken up I would have never known. Fact is if I would had woken up without the use of my legs, I would have wished I hadn’t. My biggest fear by far is being a burden. God please just take me quick before that happens. Just a fact on how I look at life. Dad always said he wanted to go quick and he did. Maybe it rubbed off on me.

This woke me up in the sense that I put things in order as far as the priorities in my heart. If someone needs something and I can help, do it or give it. I only need air, food and not to be a burden. I want to be useful somehow and, in some way, I am feeling kind of useless now, but I hopefully will find a direction.

Wow what a rant. Sorry, I may take it down. Thanks to my family and friends past and present. You have made my life so wonderful. Yes the good and the bad and even I guess (though I am not happy about it) my misadventure. I will figure out how to deal with it one way or another.

Time for a little update. Nothing new in my life, still going to school every day. My Espanol is slow going but that’s ok. Everyone in the house here English is doing well. That’s way cool.

The family in the USA is doing well. Next month the new addition should be showing up!! Way cool. Everyone in Ecuador is doing well also.

A couple of things going on in Ecuador itself that are interesting and disappointing.

Let’s start first with the political situation. Very similar to the way congress acted in the USA when Trump was president has happened here. Instead of working to take care of the country they have spent most of the time trying to get rid of president Lasso. He has 2 years left in office so instead of putting the countries needs first and biding their time, a couple of weeks ago they decided to take a vote to remove him which they did. The president is gone in a couple of months, and they have to hold a new election. The part that is interesting to me is that in the constitution here there is something called I believe the “black cross”. That states that if the president so declares he can fire all of congress which when they fired him, he fired them. So, everyone needs to be re-elected. What a waste of time and money hence the disappointing aspect. The above is what I understand of the situation and when my friends here correct me, I will change as needed. The one thing that I would add is, I wish that after they all got fired the same people could not run for office again for five years. I afraid that the same people will be re-elected, and the politics will not change.

Now here’s the real kicker to the above. While all of the above has been happening crime such as robberies, kidnappings, and also violent crime such as killings has gone up around 300% in the last two years. Ecuador from what I understand is now number 1 in violent crime in South America more so than Venezuela or Colombia. My friends have not said much to me about it, but they talk about it amongst themselves. The people are freaked out about it for it is something they are not used to. A friend did set me up on Instagram where I can follow the local news more. I have talked with a couple of my classmates about this, and they noticed the same. Seems like if you can afford it, you just leave the country. There are many small petty thieves but the most violent are the gangs. The gangs have been around for a while, but they were along the coast where it is very bad. To me it seemed that it was accepted along the coast (just my opinion) as long as it stayed there, now no. The violence has gotten out of hand. Now the gangs are increasing the size of their territory and moving inland starting with the capital Quito, the second largest city in the country. It is not a new problem but a problem that has been growing. Many of the judges and law enforcement are involved and not in a good way and I’m sure some politicians also. Violent crime happens most everywhere. Last week a friend’s arm was grazed by a bullet during a robbery in San Francisco, California. By the way guns laws here are very restrictive which does not help because only the criminals have guns. Of course, the police and military do but are very limited in their use from what I understand. (I say from what I understand quite a bit. I am in a country with limited language skills, and I am still learning how they look at things). So, the politicians have been playing politics and letting the above become a major problem, ugh. If the people around me think it is wiser just to leave, I’m not sure where that leaves me as far as building a future here. When the elections happen, we will know which way the country is leaning. I hope not socialist. Wait and see is all we can do.

Local crime has also increased. There have been neighborhood meetings about it. Again, I hear very little about it unless it is major like businesses being robbed or people walking being robbed also. I am sure there is a lot I miss. I know when I wanted to walk home (less than a mile) on a Tuesday night for some fresh air, a friend just asked for my wallet and watch which I happily gave up because I wouldn’t need them anyway. Another friend did not want me to walk alone. Personally, I don’t worry about it too much. Be aware of your surroundings and have faith. If crap happens it is what it is and handle it accordingly. We are more conscious here about locking the house and driveway gate also. Something that a couple of years ago was not important.

Cotapaxi volcano is still smoking a little.

So that’s it, no big news or travel, well I did spend 5 days in the USA on a super quick trip. I am still physically healing a little each day from last year’s accident, so that’s good. Mentally I have a lot on my mind, kind of in limbo. A project that I had wanted to work on is on hold because of the above. I have a different project in mind but haven’t proposed it so no one has put in any input as to whether it is a good or bad idea. Goes a different direction from the original project but could be very interesting and fun. I know “not right in the head” is normal for me. Not sure what’s next, a lot to figure out.

Pictures taken in the last few weeks below.

All my love to my Family and Friends!

Elena, Daniela and I visited Colombia for almost 2 weeks. Daniela wanted to spend time visiting two of her best friends. Elena wanted to shop because everything is much cheaper than in Ecuador. Spent most of the time in Bogota and 3 nights in Villa de Leyva. Bogota has 12 million people and there were some protests going on while we were there. I loved the country outside of the city. Villa de Leyva reminded me of Napa, California. Close enough to the city that the well to do can get away for the weekend.

Bogota at night. I played a game of street chess just a couple of blocks down the street.

So, we left Moab and headed east through Colorado heading to Wyoming. We stopped for a night after just crossing into Wyoming. All I remember was it was below zero (-18 Celsius) temperature wise. We arrived at our friends home in Wyoming the next day. Daniela had never shot a gun, so being good friends they treated her to some shooting. It was around 20 degrees (-7 Celsius) so it was almost time for some shorts. Daniela proved to be a pretty darn good shot.

Devil’s Tower

Mount Rushmore National Park

Badlands National Park

Again, snow and cold weather and the park was empty. Beautiful Country.

Illinois

We arrive in Illinois to see family. Spent a few days then headed to Chicago. Wandered around the city in zero-degree (-18 celsius) weather. Just a little chilly in the windy city.

She was laughing as I stopped to show her where an elephant was buried. She was killed when hit by lightning..

Saint Louis, Missouri the “Gateway to the West”.

Heading Back to Ecuador

Hello everyone, well made it back to Ecuador safely and had a wonderful trip. Winter storms kept it interesting. Seems that they either following close behind, or they arrived right before, and sometimes just the edge of the storm showed up. Either way It was a wonderful time. The following is a wrap of the whole trip, I will try not to put everyone to sleep but no promises.

So, the complete trip was 55 days less 2 for flying that makes 53 for whatever. I can say we that we did a lot of whatever, that brings a smile. Daniela has been a partner in adventure showing me so much of Ecuador so I tried to show her as much as I could of the USA in the time we had. She had never been to the west coast where the adventure began.

Flew into San Francisco and were picked up by my nephew JD and taken to his home in San Leandro. He gave his Toyota Tacoma up so he provided wheels, that was a very pleasant surprise. Thanks dude! He had it tuned up and ready to go. The clutch had been replaced but it gave a small problem, it did not like to shift until it was warmed up. It was only a problem when it was cold, and it is winter. Hmmmmm……..

Arrived on a Wednesday night and drove through San Francisco on the way to San Leandro. Spent Thursday getting the truck ready for a little test trip into the foothills. Took off on Friday and headed to Placerville because I had an appointment downtown. Stopped for burritos at Ramona’s in Sacramento. That place can’t be beat, carnitas and beans are the bomb!!! After the stop in Placerville, then headed to Georgetown and the first stop was to get some new mud and snow tires. Spent two nights in town which had just gotten a pretty good dusting of snow. Went up to the Buckeye for dinner and ran into a few friends and family (Dee and Sam). Good to see everyone there doing well. The next morning tried to go up country to Uncle Tom’s Cabin, but the road was pretty icy so turned around and headed to Coloma where gold was discovered. Sunday met Natalie and Mashall at the Corner Kitchen for some grub. The clutch was giving problems so back to the bay area to take care of it. I love the Georgetown area! Didn’t have enough time to visit everyone with the car trouble and all. Hopefully next time.

Thank you, B, for the use of the apartment when returning to the bay. Lucky enough to have the place in Half Moon Bay just a short walk to the Pacific Ocean. That location allows one to go up and down the bay without jumping on the freeways, very nice. Zipped south to Monterey and met up with Rachel and Jaden to check out the aquarium. Great to see them and the aquarium is beautiful. Later we all shot up the coast to Santa Cruz for dinner at the end of the pier. The next day north up the coast to the Golden Gate Bridge and walked to the middle. I wanted to go to Muir woods, but you now have to buy a ticket to go so passed on it and went to Stinson Beach, which was uncrowded and sunny, so perfect. The other days it rained off and on but was still very nice. One day went to the museum to see the Ramses Egyptian exhibit, very cool. After the museum took a walk in Golden Gate Park and visited the Japanese gardens. The next day took the truck to a friend’s shop in Hayward to replace the clutch parts. He had both parts, but he only replaced one and said it was fine. Picked it up and planned another small trip to test it out.

Thought I would show a western style town and the only place I could think of was Virginia City, Nevada so off in that direction next. It had snowed in the Sierra Mountains for the last few days, and I seem to always take the back roads. Needed to put into 4-wheel drive to get up and over the pass but wasn’t too bad. Stopped around Markleeville before entering Nevada. I love the eastern Sierra mountains and it is the least populated county in California. Right up my alley, also some great fishing and a few hot springs there to visit. A fire had pretty much ringed the town but the town itself was saved. On to Nevada.

Virginia city was cold, snowy, icy and pretty much deserted. Just a few people and some shops open. Just enjoyed a day just hanging out. In the morning the clutch seemed ok so off to wherever. Drove through Reno then to North Shore Tahoe. Followed the road around the Lake to South Shore for the night. Road was icy so we took our time. Stayed at the Hard Rock Casino. First time in a big casino and won 65 dollars enough for dinner. After that headed back to the bay for Christmas. The clutch started acting up again in the cold weather, bummer.

Spent Christmas staying with Sue and Joe in Fremont. Did some sightseeing and went to their favorite restaurants. Christmas day turned into a big news with Amanda and JD announcing a new addition to the family due in July. They have since found out that they are having a boy due July 14th, but I am hoping for the 10th. So happy for them!

Jd and Daniela helped me install another clutch part and bleed the system. It still wasn’t perfect but getting time to go anyway. Went with Amanda and JD to San Francico for a day and out for Lobster Thermador at the oldest restaurant in the city. We also hit Lombard Street while in the city. Not much traffic because of the holidays. On New Years it was a stormy day. Went to Alameda and visited the Hornet Museum which is a WWII aircraft carrier. It is next to the pier where I was discharged from the navy. You are able to walk the ships length, look at aircraft and an Apollo space capsule. After all that excitement off to the Pinball Museum. Spent 2 hours playing pinball. Favorite was the oldest which I think can easily be built. Earlier in the week drove around Alameda and showed my old stomping grounds. Ate some good food and had a cocktail. The Air base is closed, and the island is more commercial and crowded than when I was living there. One day took the ferry from the island to San Francisco and walked Chinatown, had lunch then rode the streetcar down to fishman’s wharf. Then caught the ferry back to Alameda. Fun times.

The clutch in the truck never did start working correctly but it was time to hit the road time wise so on January 6th headed out. I wanted to show Yosemite Valley but the weather was not cooperating so the first stop was Sequioa National Park. Well, it was closed when arrived but opened the next day. You had to have tire chains to enter so purchased a set. Figured they may need them somewhere along the way so better than renting. Made it to the General Sherman Tree and walked among the giants. I enjoyed the walk.

Next stop Death Valley National Park which was preparing for a winter storm the next day. Stayed 30 minutes outside the park and a old hotel with an opera house built around 1900, I think. Perfect location for what we wanted to do. Closest restaurant was in Nevada 6 miles away in a a casino.

Death Valley the next day was cold, rainy and windy in the morning but, late morning the sun came out and it was perfect. Not many people and did some hiking through the rocks and on the sand dunes. Yep, another nice day! The next morning, headed to Las Vegas which is less than 3 hours away. Stopped and did a load of laundry in a small town, and they let me try to bleed the clutch in the parking lot. It did not make a difference.

Arriving in Las Vegas checked into the Luxor hotel/casino. First night went to the “Blue Man Group” which was at the Luxor. Had second row seats, so they give you a poncho to wear because of flying paint. Great show really enjoyed it. Nice start to Las Vegas. Walked the strip and went downtown the next day. Downtown is always fun and gives an idea of what Vegas use to be. A highlight of downtown is visiting the “Gold and Silver Pawn Shop”. The last day in Las Vegas took a helicopter to the Grand Canyon and passed Hoover Dam on the way there. Because people were scared of the weather not many flights were happening that day which was awesome. Landed in the canyon 200ft above the Colorado river, and we were the only ones there. Spent a half hour just looking at the amazing scenery. The weather was perfect, again hit it right. The next day drove to the Grand Canyon.

It was Dark when we first got to the Grand Canyon south entrance. The wind was blowing the snow sideways, and you really couldn’t see very far. The next morning woke up with almost a foot of snow on the truck. Went into the park and they were still plowing the roads and parking lots. Walked the rim trail which normally is full of people and ran into around 20 people only. It was windy, snowing a little at times and truly beautiful. Left the following day towards Monument Valley.

A third of the drive to Monument Valley was on snow covered roads. Could not go the shortest route because the highway was closed due to the snow. Turned north the sun came out for the rest of the drive. Found a small national park on the way with some pueblos. Very nice little surprise but got to get out and walk a little. Arrived at Monument Valley in the dark and yes it was cold. The next day was cold and snowing and the Navajo Reservation closed down access to the valley trail. Ended up staying an extra night hoping it would open. Yep, good timing again. Were able to get a Navajo guide and spent all day on the reservation. Well worth it, an amazing place. Did stop on the highway at “Forest Gump” hill for pictures and made a small video. Next stop Moab, Utah.

On the way to Moab, took a side road which turned into a single lane dirt road (covered in snow and ice) which wound its way to the top of Cedar plateau (didn’t know the name until later). Totally unplanned this little side trip and found Bridges National Park. The ranger at the visitor’s center said we were the 6th people in that day. Nice little park but really could not do much hiking because of ice on the trails. Lots of natural bridges is what the park is known for.

Spent the night in Moab and headed out to Arches National Park in the morning. Guess what? Very few people, the sun was out, and it was cold. It was very nice even though the trails were covered with snow and ice underneath. Did a 3- or 4-mile hike to the most famous arch. On the way back down, I slipped and landed on the trail. I sat there for 5 minutes then got up and headed down. It was just a reminder that my legs are not 100% and to slow down. Up to now no problems and I was really happy about all the walking that I had done. Just a couple of small scrapes and lesson learned. Later that night went back to the park to see the stars. Awesome even with snow clouds around.

Got up the next day heading for family in Wyoming.

TO BE CONTINUED……………………………………………………………….

So after a wonderful time in California time to head out. Had a great time with family and friends, I didn’t get to see as many friends as I wanted because of time and a little car trouble. Still trying to get the car right while on the road.

The weather has been something to pay attention to. Skipped Yosemite, Kings Canyon national park was closed and so was Sequoia when we got there. Sequoia opened the next day so we were able to make it to Giant Grove.

Next day was Death Valley and it was just getting hit by the storm. Second day started off rainy but cleared up nicely. Had a great time there with not so many people. The day ended up with a little bummer but it all worked out.

Now in Las Vegas for a few days. Started off going to the Blue man show. Very creative and lots of fun.

After this off to the Grand Canyon.

Well this has been a challenging year for me. Started it out very well, went south in the middle, and now doing pretty good. Still healing slowly from the accident but at least healing some.

Spending Christmas in the USA with family in California. It is great to see everyone, they are all doing super!

I hope the best for all my family and friends. Thank you so much for your love and support. I am blessed with more than I deserve.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!