After driving across the United States my friend Macsen and I found a piece of heaven. We had made it by driving six hours a day while camping along the way. He was the driver and I was the navigator traveling across terrain from high deserts to camping on the banks of big rivers.
     We arrived in the Appalachian Mountains close to the Tennessee border. His friends natural property stretched for miles. This is the farthest I had been away from home and my family weighed on my mind. There was an old cabin on the property of this sub tropical rainforest that was shambles inside. I was more moral help in making it a nice getaway and enjoyed the serenity I felt from this place.The feeling of completion and the beauty of the mountains was more than I could hope for.
     You see, Macsen and I grew up in a poverty stricken time in Bend Oregon. Times were hard for my friend and me. None the less, we were living in poverty with a view. The local economy failed and many families were impacted including mine. In the eighties we would stand in long lines to get powdered milk and cheese. Macsen also had difficulties fitting into the Central Oregon of those days.
     The trip was a chance to feel young and explore our natural world that brought a sense of peace when we were young. We both spent a lot of time on our own and had street smarts. We knew each others trials and were pretty much cut from the same cloth.
     The trip was not easy because to make a living we both had sacrificed our bodies. With back injuries, in a car, driving and camping for days on end, I felt rather unpleasant. We did get on each others nerve from time to time.
     The rewards were much greater than the pain. We ate wild berries and shitaki mushrooms we picked from the land. There was a black bear in the area and I rather enjoyed the nervousness that idea caused my friend. I have camped a lot and he was new again to it. He had moved to the bay area at a young age and had traveled a lot of the world. Around the campfires he told me stories of his travels. I learned to be a good traveler. You have to be prepared and not worry about the unknown. You have to embrace it!
     I have overcome many obstacles in my life. I am sure there will be more to come. While sitting there in the wilderness I felt a sense of accomplishment. Life is an adventure, in crisis you can find opportunity and in sacrifice liberation appears.
   

Stormy skies before the barometer rise

a seagull sails a tide in the sky

with a gift of sight both day and night

hip hop blowing as loud as a peace kite

Going to California with diamonds in his eyes

a caged bird flies away from the lies

truth be told and told the truth

freedom lies behind mild eyes

A clearing sky behind old flights

The new days dawn his guiding light

A bird once caged by others lies

sings of a train ride at night

Other's eyes can keep their ties

Deceiving lies while others fly

Travel at night, the stars are bright

A guiding light, the gift of sight

     The sound of  dirt  as your tires grab the trail is the sound early riders enjoy this warm February day. Close to Bend Oregon is Phil's head trail which connects with miles of forest trails. I remember as a child riding, then animal trails which many Mountain bikers enjoy today. I still know of a few trails you may not see another person all day. Many birds of pray over head on a day like today. If you pay attention you may see a Red tail hawk or a eagle scouting its pray. Maybe they are just gliding on a current enjoying the day.
     I took this picture a few years back. Like today it was the first great riding day. I am happy that this land has not been developed with houses or a few rich mans homes. This was my back yard growing up in Bend and is a place I like my children to enjoy. When I was young I enjoyed seeing a black bear and her cub close to here. I camped here also. Houses are creeping farther west of Bend and it is expected to keep booming. If you visit enjoy what nature has to offer here. The first ride of the year was my favorite ride every year.