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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Original Post - Mar 10, 2018 - 06:19pm PT
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Yup - it's that time of the year again.
I headed away from the Joshua Tree area(I actually spent the majority of the time in Yucca Valley, working on my craft and marketing(and getting trolled on Supertopo political threads), to be honest.
Stopped at a Gem and Mineral Show a bit south of Barstow, and now am bivying in the bright lights of Primm Casino World. Do the helicopters slow down with their hovering at some point in the night???
As usual - frayed shoestring budget, and this time it's...well, yeah. So will post some "Pleeze buy my" pictures and links later.
The van is probably running fine, but I always worry about every little sound until I am about 1/3 way in, or out, whichever. I have a ways to go before that. It started making a little bit of a chugging sensation a few weeks ago, when accelerating lightly. Doesn't do it if I push a little harder. But of course the Google suggestions as to causes were so varied I wouldn't know where to begin, and cannot afford to go for one after the other going "well, that wasn't it..." So - starting off a little nervously.
I'm going to be heading through Utah for the frt few weeks, taking my time and doing some touring. This time, I will head through St. George, and then instead of going through Zion, will head north just before there, and edge easterly after a while, going through Green River for a rock show on 3/23-25, if things work that way.
It was hard to leave Joshua Tree, but I just can't stay in the desert when it gets too warm, with Lucas. Last year I left on 3/5, because I wanted to tour in Utah(which was fantastic, and why I am doing it again) but it was SOOOOOO hot. Every day by 2pm I was just desperate for some shade and ice cream, with neither to be had. This year it is cooler, but I need to be past Utah before it starts to be too hot. I miss the spring blooms, but will just have to take all your words and pictures for them.
So - here comes the Pleez Buys. As always - please do not think another thought about it if this is causing you any consternation. I do not want any pity party purchases(well, okay, I wont decline them, but keep it to yourself if that's what you're doing). From what I have learned - my things are actually very nice.
Enough people say the chalkbag they have from ClimbAddict is the best one they've ever had, that I have accepted it as a fact. You have to like a little flash, for them to be your style, but in these days of stuffed animals unstuffed, fleeced and hanging from a harness backside, my ones are actually more like chalkbag haute couture.
Here's a picture of one or two, and the link, is at http://www.ClimbAddictDesigns.com
And Jewelry. I spent a fair amount of time working on new wire wrapped pendants this winter, and have some that are kind of nice for guys, I think. I also have a bunch more stones to work with, so will be continuing to add as I travel. Right now, everything is in the shop, but maybe I will post new ones as they come out. Here's a couple, and direct links. Of course there are many more at http://www.TalismanTooEtsy.com
https://www.etsy.com/listing/598589911
https://www.etsy.com/listing/581719894
https://www.etsy.com/listing/572225182
https://www.etsy.com/listing/590827501
Oh - and let the slagging and good wishes begin!
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Russ Walling
Social climber
from Poofters Froth, Wyoming
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Mar 10, 2018 - 06:33pm PT
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These "pilgrimage" threads never disappoint... Thanks for one of the best laid out and quite possibly the longest running troll series on the Taco. Safe travels!
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 10, 2018 - 06:39pm PT
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Thank you Russ, although I swear I am not trolling!!!! I would actually have to secretly have the funds for the gas, for it to be a troll. Believe me....I don't. Nonetheless, I bought a whole tanks worth in rocks today.
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rottingjohnny
Sport climber
Sands Motel , Las Vegas
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Mar 10, 2018 - 06:54pm PT
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Happi...That van looks familiar...Who did you buy it off of..? Just curious...
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, A sailboat, or some time zone
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Mar 10, 2018 - 07:00pm PT
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Oh no....you’re posting more beautiful things.
I can’t stop myself!
Safe travels...love your Travels With Lucas.
Susan
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 10, 2018 - 07:01pm PT
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It was purchased in 2012 from a couple who live in Middletown, NY. They have an autistic son, whose probably a mid-teenager by now, if that is a clue.
Those people had it for only about a year though. They purchased it to do a trip to Utah one summer.
The people before that were an older couple who used it for summer vacation traveling and took wonderful care of it.
I am not sure if they were also from Middletown, but for some reason I think pretty close to there if not.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Mar 10, 2018 - 08:15pm PT
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Best wishes and beautiful products! Safe journeys. Lynne
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jbaker
Trad climber
Redwood City, CA
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Mar 10, 2018 - 08:31pm PT
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Beautiful work!
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Mar 10, 2018 - 10:53pm PT
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hey there say, happiegrrrl... happy safe travels!! and hugs to lucas...
prayers for your jewelry to 'catch the eye' of a good buyer...
>:D<
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Jon Beck
Trad climber
Oceanside
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Mar 10, 2018 - 11:10pm PT
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The pilgrimage is quite the tradition. There must be some way of monetizing the interest in your travels. Maybe a vehicle break-down pool?
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rottingjohnny
Sport climber
Sands Motel , Las Vegas
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Mar 11, 2018 - 12:05am PT
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Happi...My uncle , in upstate New York had a similar van...that's why i asked...
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Mar 11, 2018 - 12:21pm PT
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Safe Travels!
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 11, 2018 - 07:58pm PT
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rottingjohnny - The people at my mechanic also thought the recognized the van, as one they had done the maintenance on for years. They asked about the original owner, whose name I didn't know, and tried to look the VIN # up in their records for those people, to see if it was the same van, but the system had purged after a set number of years.
As for a break-down pool - I don't want to jinx my van, but it is wheezing a little. The trip west in fall went absolutely fine. Not a scare he whole way. But in the last month, Penny seems to have aged a little....
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 11, 2018 - 08:21pm PT
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Yes, I did. and do, do the wire work.
I purchase stones that I think have an especially beautiful pattern, and for the frames, I try to take a Mission approach; complimenting the stone without detracting.
If a stone is pretty but not reeealy nice(which all the ones in this thread are), then the framework will be more gussied up.
These are all copper, oxidized with Liver of Sulphor to give the antique patina. I do have some pieces in sterling sliver as well(and several stones calling for silver, which I need to stop being afraid to do, and get them worked. Several sweet pieces of turquoise I bought this trip - two from a man who dug then and shaped them himself.
FWIW - a lot of people who do wire weaving like to show off the wrapping skills and the stone is secondary for those people. Of course, some do have very nice stones, but more often than not...factory-mined in 3rd world countries, imported and dstributed. I can't always buy from the miner, or even the lapidarist, but it's special when I can.
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john hansen
climber
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Mar 11, 2018 - 09:28pm PT
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I agree with Locker that this is some really nice and intricate weaving work.
Was wondering about the technique to get the wraps around the wires and how every third or fourth wrap goes around the next outside wire.
How do you have room to work in there, is the wire like thread,, or do you put the wraps on before you put them all together?
I suspect it is a continuous process.
Probably a trade secret...
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Chaz
Trad climber
greater Boss Angeles area
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Mar 12, 2018 - 05:45am PT
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Fine looking work there, Happie-G. I can see why you like stopping in places like Quartzite and hanging with the rockhounds.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 12, 2018 - 12:14pm PT
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Was wondering about the technique to get the wraps around the wires and how every third or fourth wrap goes around the next outside wire.
How do you have room to work in there, is the wire like thread,, or do you put the wraps on before you put them all together?
I suspect it is a continuous process.
The start is to cut the number of wires you will use for "base wires." You cut length of wire long enough to be bent into shape around the stone(once you have woven thinner wire around them into the design pattern), plus extra for the bail, any decorative frou frou you might do, and for the back. Some say measure the circumference of the stone, and then cut base wires at three times that length.
Straighten out the wires, to have the best chance at a smooth, even look in the finished piece.
Cut a looooooooong length of weaving wire, which will be thinner in diameter than the base wires. It's like putting a prussik on a climbing rope - you don't use climbing rope size cord for the prussik; you use a thinner one....)
Usually, you start by wrapping the thinner, "weaving wire" a few times around one of the base wires, to secure it in place. You can incorporate that as part of the design(the usual method), or unwrap it later and chop it, and tuck the end in against the base wire(careful, to not have the end sticking out and becoming an annoying pokey thing or catching on things and becoming loose).
Now you have the weaving wire on just ONE base wire. When it is time to add another base wire, you hold it in the non-dominant hand, as best you can in the place you want it to be, and wrap the weaving wire around the second base wire. Add base wires in the same manner when the time comes....
At this stage, the base wires are all straight. They have not been shaped into the form of the frame around the stone yet(well, sometimes they are, but that's for people who have more experience)
Weave around, in between, up and over, down and under, around or whatever the base wires to create your pattern.
When you have the length desired, then you shape it around the stone to be the frame. Then, you have to make it stay in place when you are no longer holding it with your hands. Usually that means wiring the two curved sides together in some way. You have to consider the bail before doing that, which will affect how you join the sides together.
Then, weave the bail. Or do the work on the back, whichever will come first(Just like in climbing, the answer to that is "It depends.")
Here is a picture of one of my backs. They are all different. I'd like to say that I always make them this pretty, but that would be a lie, though I now do try to make more beautiful backs. I have some that look a little bit like alien beings, and you can go to my shop and click through the listings to see the backs on each piece, and get a chuckle... Every listing has several pictures, and one will always be of the back.
If you did the bail first, then you end with the back. If you did the back first, then you make the bail Ir sometimes, you make the bail and the back simultaneously. It depends....
When I'm done with the wire weaving work, I try to make sure the wire wraps are even, moving them to be evenly spaced, smoothing out a teensy little wave here and there. Usually, you're pretty much stuck with the placement before this, but one can always try. So, the trick is to be thoughtful and purposeful when DOING the weaving. Also, the wire has it's own memory of how it wraps, and it's good to work with that natural movement. That helps reduce potential for kinking the wire. If you get a kink, you have to "unroll" the wire, apologize to the wire for kinking it(yes, important) and then pet it to smooth it out. Otherwise, that kink is going to be set, and it will end up being visible to the maker forevermore, even if everyone else insists they can't see it. Kinks are also going to be weak points, and because they leave SOME mark of having been there, no matter how genuine your apology and how nicely you petted it smooth, will be "part" of the design, whether you want to admit it or not. Best is to, like I said, follow the wire's natural bend as you work, and try to avoid kinks in the first place. It's likely the wire will still get stuck under your seat, or hung up SOMEWHERE, and then you don't need to apologize. But you DO need to stop tugging on the wire when it is obviously hung up on something, before you get the kink so tight it is like a little microknot.
Yes, the wire is alive. At least it is for me. As the pieces are alive when complete. Although that life is not of the same type we consider life to be as sentient beings or even that which we give to plants. It's like, as a climber, you understand what it means when Muir said "The mountains are calling, and I must go." You have hear the mountain speak. It is alive in that way.
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Mar 12, 2018 - 02:58pm PT
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Cool!
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perswig
climber
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Mar 12, 2018 - 06:06pm PT
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Yes, the wire is alive. At least it is for me. As the pieces are alive when complete. Although that life is not of the same type we consider life to be as sentient beings or even that which we give to plants. It's like, as a climber, you understand what it means when Muir said "The mountains are calling, and I must go." You have hear the mountain speak. It is alive in that way.
Nicely written, Happiegrrl.
Dale
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 16, 2018 - 01:08pm PT
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Thank you Dale - Another person I didn't catch this winter in Joshua Tree... Maybe you were not in the area, though I wasn't out and about as much as I could have been.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 16, 2018 - 05:49pm PT
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Oh.... a few hours per piece.
If I had a design that I repeated, then I could get it down to a shorter time, but I try to do something different for each piece. And sometimes, like the one I worked on today, I get almost done, after struggling with some aspect, and realize it's just not good enough.... So, it's hard to put a time on it.
I've tried to come up with some "bread and butter" quickies, but they end up taking just as long. I guess it's just the way it goes, but I am definitely on the hunt for a design I can crank out in less than an hour.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 22, 2018 - 02:23pm PT
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Update on progress....slow-going.
But I am getting new pieces of jewelry made, working on something every day. Here are two new ones:
This stone, I picked up directly from the old guy who mined it and shaped the cabochon. Such a pretty one... I have a second one, cut from the same rock, but going to wait to do that one.
This one I just made yesterday. Picked up this piece of Quartz at a show just after leaving Joshua Tree.
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Mar 22, 2018 - 03:20pm PT
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WOW! really nice and good photo as well!
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 22, 2018 - 05:03pm PT
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I finally got my photo prop and background thing going - hahahah. A gnarled tree piece from Sedona with black construction paper "floor/wall." Just a little Curves bump to darken the bottom, and when needed a Curve nudge the other way to brighten up top, and voila. Unless the place taking pictures has harsh florescent lights. Then I'm screwed.
Thank you for the compliment - that pretty landscape piece near as well made itself. It is the first time the entire thing came together without giving me a run for the money.
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Mar 22, 2018 - 05:07pm PT
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Black construction paper is key although sometimes dark red or navy blue is good as well depending on what the art is. if the light is super harsh.full sun try making a tent with a white sheet.
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Pennsylenvy
Gym climber
A dingy corner in your refrigerator
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Mar 22, 2018 - 05:33pm PT
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Happie !
Your chalk bag looks brand new after years of use. Might be as gud as anything on the market. Thanks! $$$ well spent. Your jewelry is beautiful also! Good on you as others have said for trying to live on your own terms and adventuring. If you pass thru Flagstaff area there is an awesome futon and even better hot tub waiting for you. Furry friends more than welcome. Tim
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 22, 2018 - 05:37pm PT
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Thanks, Pennsylenvy.
I'm headed on a more northern route this time, but thanks for the offer.
Glad to know your chalkbag is still in great shape too!
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thebravecowboy
climber
The Good Places
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Mar 23, 2018 - 12:31am PT
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HEY! That first one is MY chalkbag! I dig the jewelries too, had not seen them prior.
Maybe we'll cross paths this time, Happie - I'm sure Zap and Lucas would do well and you and me could shred some gnar-gnar easy stuff. :-)
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Mar 23, 2018 - 01:21am PT
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hey there, say, happiegrrrl...wow, so very lovely!!! keep up the wonderful work ,and, may you find lots more, neat rocks!!!
happy trails, and prayers... pet the pup-dog, there too...
he is a neat little traveler, for you!
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justthemaid
climber
Jim Henson's Basement
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Mar 23, 2018 - 05:31am PT
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Really nice work Happi. You definitely have the touch. That level of detail with such small wire is pretty gnar. I'm good with wire bending but have zero talent for jewelry design. Your compositions are very beautiful. My chalkbag is holding up amazing BTW.
I just burned through a 10 pound roll of copper wire myself prepping for a show. My hands are werked. Next winter when you are out you should come visit us in Bishop. After luring you in with climbing, I can give you some work as a wire wrangler.
Hows your soldering? No matter... you'll learn... once I shackle you to the workbench for a month. (Sorry was that my outside voice)
:)
Safe travels.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 23, 2018 - 09:31am PT
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JusttheMaid - I was a good solderer with stained glass, which was my first endeavor. I did decorative arts items, such as candle holders, holiday ornaments and curio boxes, and my style was based on Mission Arts & Crafts. The line of solder was an integral aspect of the design.
But I haven't done soldering with jewelry yet. Mainly because - I have no electricity in my "studio, which is my van. But also just have some silly idea that jewelry soldering is going to be different.
10 pounds is a LOT of cooper wire - holy carp! I have decided that this summer I have got to start doing some local shows. I prefer the online selling, to be honest, and so far I have only done Joshua Tree shows with my jewelry. People love it, but most don't have money for that sort of thing.
Thanks for the compliment on my style. I appreciate it!
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, A sailboat, or some time zone
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Mar 23, 2018 - 10:12am PT
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Damn you Happie...you are killing me with your new pieces.
Everyone I see I want.
I wish I were still working...I’d have a different one to wear every day.
I’m looking for some brackets now. If you have any happening let me know.
Susan
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 23, 2018 - 10:22am PT
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Susan - Thank you. Your support has meant so much to me.
I've been thinking about bracelets, but haven't tried anything yet. Part of the thing is that I do not like the "ends" that I see on items already made. Some wire weavers add on a hook and eye closure, but from what I have heard from people is that they don't really "do the job." IMO, the ones I have seen are ugly, as well.
Perhaps I will see what I can work on in the upcoming season, but I don't expect anything really soon, unfortunately. Of course, now my mind will cling to the idea so, one never knows.
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Roots
Mountain climber
Redmond, Oregon
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Mar 23, 2018 - 11:54am PT
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^Interesting....I sent you an email yesterday about bracelets..
rock cairn [at] hot mail
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 23, 2018 - 01:40pm PT
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Roots, I don't see an email from you. If used Supertopo messaging it may not have gone through.
I'm on my phone now, and inept.... Will look for the message this evening on my laptop. Or, if you want to copy n paste, can send it via the Etsy "contact" button at TalismanToo.Etsy.com
At any rate, will see if I can find, but if not will email you later.
Thanks, and sorry for delay.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Mar 24, 2018 - 06:52am PT
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hey there say, happiegrrrl... you can also try making a bracelet with stone, by using a fork-base... have it hold the stone, in it...
you may have seen some of those...
i did a few...
they are not as common, though...
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 24, 2018 - 07:17am PT
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Hi Neebee - thank you for the suggestion.
Bracelets have been on my "to do" list, but there's only so much time in a day. Yesterday I started experimenting with bracelet construction but as I said - I cannot stomach the connecting ways I see others using, and there's the task at hand; to come up with something attractive and functioning. I have ideas, and the bracelets would be bangles rather than cuffs and bands, at least as I see it now.
Also, there are others who offer those styles now. People who are hoping for bracelets soon, I would have to beg patience. I am struggling with getting back to NY by mid April and it has an impact on my creative energy. Also...have to admit that when someone asks for something, it causes a sort of chemical reaction within the furnace.....
I've also wanted to work on decorative arts in this medium, and actually believe that will help me to gain a better ability to support myself through craft. I want to do lighting scrims and shades. So, while bracelets are cool, I can't ignore the direction my creative energy is being drawn to. For now, I need work with the stones I have on hand, in ways that I can manage without coming up with failure upon failure. I won't be restocking wire until I get back to NY, so every unsuccessful effort reduces my ability to make pieces I can actually sell.
Oh, and Neebs - Lucas much appreciated your petting by proxy!
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Mar 24, 2018 - 04:14pm PT
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hey there, say, happiegrrrl... oh, GOOD to hear that!!!
here is one of the ideas, for the future...
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 24, 2018 - 06:31pm PT
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Thank you Neebee.
I actually think I know what I will do, with the bracelet concept. It has to be my sort of style, for it to be something I can grow artistically with. Looks like I will have a few days coming up with lots of time....
Today I had decided to make a run to Green River, UT for a gem and mineral show. I gut there at 4pm, and the vendors were packing up, due to a probably slow day and the wind picking up. I had thought they were also selling tomorrow but was wrong. Just today. So, I think I will head down to Moab and area until I am ready to put some miles on again.
Last year when I came through Green River, I veered up from Capitol Reef, which was fairly desolate and kind of monotone gray. This tie I came along I-70 and have to say - really nice scenery.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 4, 2018 - 08:36am PT
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Oh, I missed seeing this until today! Thank you, Dingus, and I am so glad the girls like their pendants. I agree, part of the thing about Artisan jewelry and other items is the story of the maker. Thank you for sharing that.
I have a new trajectory brewing with the wirecrafting as well....Not going to stop doing as the ones people have seen, but I finally figured out how to incorporate basket-weaving technique into my work, and am experimenting with the first piece. Very excited about this, as I will use it for decorative arts as well.
So.....here I am this morning in Grand Junction, CO, and I'd like some Supertopo beta on the next bit of the route.
Thing is the van is NOT going to be asked to go over at Vail Pass. I did that once, and it was very hard to push the engine for that long, sustained uphill. Now, a few years later, I don't want to even think about trying it. Penny is a senior, and I don't think she has it in her.
I have in the past found this route not a problem, from Grand Junction: Dip south on 50, and then at 115 head north into Colorado Springs.Exit Colorado Springs going east on 24.
However.....someone suggested the Hanging Lake hike at Glenwood Springs, and I might like to try it IF the uphill is not too bad yet, and if the weather will hold. There is some rain forecast for Thursday night late, and I would probably leave Friday morning.
Instead of continuing on 70, I would go out of Glenwood Springs south on 82, to 24 and take 24 into Colorado Springs.
For those who have an idea - can you advise how that run up to Glenwood Sprigs is, and how the area around there will be for driving when the storm comes. Will the roads be icy? How is it heading toward Aspen - still going up? How is the pass there, in comparison to going over on 50?
I may have to take the tried and true, and would rather do that than find myself taxing the engine with a slog over, even if it means missing the sights. I think this is Penny's last cross-country drive, but I do need her TO get across!
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, A sailboat, or some time zone
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Happie, I miss you and Lucas!
It was so much fun to have some time with you guys after so long a gap! Lucas is soooo sweet. I love a lap doggie!
See you next time!
Susan and Mike
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Yury
Mountain climber
T.O.
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Happiegrrrl2, have you thought about using silver or stainless steel wire?
What would be a price difference per pendant?
I am asking this question because copper wire has no appeal for me.
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Jon Beck
Trad climber
Oceanside
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I your van is limping along a more southerly route would be better, via Durango or even south of there
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 4, 2018 - 09:28am PT
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Susan - You too! And your Teddy is such a sweetie,too. Give her half a chance and she'll be your lap dog!
Yury - I do use Sterling Silver, but have just a few pieces available right now. Once I get settled back in NY I will work on adding some, but because the metal is quite a bit more pricey, and also has a much springier hand, I have to be feeling it to work with it. However, much of the cost to the pieces lies in the labor, so while an item of similar work will cost more in Sterling, it's not double.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there say, happiegrrrl...
happy good day... i loved DMT's story...
thanks so much, dingus, for sharing that, with your daughters...
what a wonderful father-daughter moment!!!
happy safe trails, happiegrrl, and may you find lots
of more neat things to enjoy, along the way...
you are in my prayers!!
:)
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 4, 2018 - 09:36am PT
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Thanks Joe - She's not limping, but I think the way I would go down 50 is a gentler pass than Wolf Pass, in my recollection.
I think, though, that I will forego heading to Glenwood Springs. I was thinking that I would be getting the rain/snow the night I was there, and could make a beeline out instead of staying over, if I got worried. But I got my days mixed up. It will precip there tonight, not tomorrow as I was thinking, and more/worse forecast for the weekend.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 4, 2018 - 11:35am PT
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^Sounds interesting! I went up 24 last year, but going east at the north end of 12.
Because Capitol Reef is National Park, and thus unwelcome to my dog(they REALLY don't have squat for a place you can have a dog), I have no need to go into that park. And though nearby is interesting, not so interesting as to make me want to go up 24 to the east again. That was pretty desolate. Of both human activity as well as landscape.
Next year, I think I will be needing a van replacement. I'm going to have to work very hard this year to save up.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 7, 2018 - 07:42am PT
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Caught is a bad weather system....yucky.
I knew there was snow coming for the rockies when I was looking a few days ago, and am REALLY glad I didn't go up 70 as I considered.
Nonetheless, as I am leaving Colorado Springs yesterday about 1pm, the sky starts to spit. It's foggy, and misty, and the tmep's dropping. My windshield begins to get icy, which was a surprise. Never had that happen before.
I thought it was that my defroster wasn't keeping up, but when I stopped at Limon, found out that the rods were going to get bad. I guess they call it "Freezing Mist." The water stays liquid, and then as soon as it touches something, freezes.
So I spent the night at the truck stop complex.....This place Ahimsa coffee has pretty good coffee, although it is kind of like being in somebody's house. But I need to get on the road, before it gets cold and freezes the road again.....
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, A sailboat, or some time zone
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I NEVER get tired of reading your adventures.
Far more interesting than Travels With Charley....and the backstory I heard recently was that, while sometimes camping, he mainly was staying with friends or in lovely lodges along the way. Boy, if true, that shot a big hole in my heart of a beloved book.
You, on the other hand, I KNOW are real!
Hugs to you and Lucas.
Susan
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 7, 2018 - 12:30pm PT
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Thank you Susan. Well, I just drove 200 miles through what I guess were Colrado/Kansa wheatfields.
I don't know how to make that sound exciting, except to say the road followed alongside a railroad track the entire time. No moving trains though, but there was an interesting set of train cars(?) sidelined at one point. I think they were used for extracting in some way. The engine, which was smaller in size than what we think of as a regular train engine, was not new tech, and was orange with black accents. I think it said LOMAX or a similar name on it.
Other than that....well, I did see what I think was a snow owl flying off a rare tree(didn't get a good look, so not sure), and several hawks on the wing.
I'm at a travel center off i-70 and Colby, KS for a break, oil check, Lucas walk and gas up. Hoping to make it to Salina, Kansas tonight, So I had better get bck in the car and go.
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divad
Trad climber
wmass
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Always interesting to follow your adventures, not only across country and back, but through life. Keep on truckin'.
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Safe travels Happy. Funny how Isa and I both like the places that people tell us to avoid because they are supposedly boreing or desolute. We loved Saskatchewan and Ontario as well as eastern Alberta. All that stuff is cool in my book. Love Alberta and Saskatchewan when the train rolls right along side you for miles and miles..
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justthemaid
climber
Jim Henson's Basement
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Fond memories of Kansas. Head due north and you'll be in Atwood Kansas. My great grandparents lived there and my parents would bring me out in the summertime. I loved it when I was a kid. Wheat and corn fields + fireflies sunflowers and old buildings are endlessly fascinating when you are little. I read somewhere Atwood is one of the last places in the US you can still legally homestead.
One of these years I'm going to crash one of the family reunions.
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JOEY.F
Gym climber
It's not rocket surgery
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Hi Happie, I'm in need of one of your awesome chalk bags How does one do this?
Thanks!
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 7, 2018 - 06:04pm PT
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Joey F. You can see the current selection of chalkbags at https://www.etsy.com/shop/climbaddictdesigns
JTM - I did a quick look about homesteading and though it's not quite what we think of as traditional homesteading, it is pretty cool to know it's available. I love seeing these small towns, and drove through one today(I'd have to look at the map for the name) that made me so sad. Just a one-street "downtown" but the only active enterprise seemed to be the grain elevator. As I went through, I was thinking how the small towns that cater to the creative arts seem to be able to revitalize the best. That, and an stalwart refusal to let chain businesses come in.
It seems Kansas has several towns with opportunities to get free/inexpensive land, and the article I read said there are also some in Alaska and Texas, but when I followed the link, it said I didn't have access.
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JOEY.F
Gym climber
It's not rocket surgery
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Thanks, my original went by the wayside. Cheers!
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 8, 2018 - 09:05am PT
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^I just sent you a message via the Supertopo system, which doesn't work all that well. If you didn't get it - before you make your choice, can you please send me a note via the Contact button on my Etsy shop linked above?
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 10, 2018 - 05:16pm PT
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Allllmost there....Tonight I am in Springfield, Illinois.
The last few days I have been putting on more miles than I am used to, and by this time at night it's hard to keep my eyes open. But if I go to sleep too early, then I wake up in the middle of the night.
If anyone wants, I have been posting pictures from the travels on Instagram, at https://www.instagram.com/talismantoo/
Not much in the way of climbing-related there, fair warming. It's more a focus on little details I notice as I am in small towns, mixed with some nature images, mixed with images of my jewelry and in-progress videos
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i-b-goB
Social climber
Wise Acres
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Apr 10, 2018 - 05:28pm PT
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Beautiful work and fair travels!
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab, A sailboat, or some time zone
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Apr 10, 2018 - 05:59pm PT
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Hugs to you and that curly fur baby!
Susan
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Jon Beck
Trad climber
Oceanside
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Apr 10, 2018 - 08:59pm PT
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Cool pictures, makes me want to hit the road! not much of a jewelry person myself, but your stuff is very cool. You definitely got a knack for making it.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 11, 2018 - 03:57pm PT
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Thanks everyone. I have to say that, although in my mind I was like "Once I get passed Gunnison, it's just driving," has been untrue. Visiting these small towns spontaneously is such a fun thing to do.
Macon, Missouri started out so depressing, as I hate to see old towns all but abandoned, but as I went around, I talked to a few people and learned a bit. That one desperately needs some kind of good juju, or the downtown will not make it much longer, though.
Then, I pulled into Hannibal, MO to work on an order, and discovered it was the birthplace of Samuel Clemmens(although they market it as birthplace of Mark Twain... which I suppose is true also, but....definitely trading on the Americana aspect of it. Nonetheless, very cool buildings there.
Then today, I just pulled off into Lafayette, Indiana to get gas and check on line, and didn't realize, as I went further up the road, that it was home of Perdue University. I just saw this fantasically revitalized downtown and was like "Who'd have known!?" But yeah, I suppose having a major uni will help pay for the upkeep. Anyway - gorgeous architectural detail there - wow.
I'm on the home stretch, but haven't got to be back on a schedule(I missed the scheduled appearance my supervisor was hoping for, as he asked if I could be back to work on this Friday, though I had told him 4/15 back when I left JT), and expecting to arrive about noon on Saturday. Just under 800 miles left.
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Apr 11, 2018 - 04:04pm PT
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Hope it warms up for you. been pretty cold in VT.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 11, 2018 - 04:41pm PT
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Yeah - the weekend is rain forecast, and I think they had snow a few days ago - Brrr!
But it's seasonably nice here in Indiana, and so I am guessing after this carpy rainy weekend, it should be good at the Gunks.
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Apr 12, 2018 - 03:09am PT
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fresh snow on the ground this morning in VT but I am also up pretty high. Gunks usually much warmer than us.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 12, 2018 - 05:40am PT
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Gunks has sunny tomorrow, potential rain Saturday and probable rain Sunday(which is just so much fun to arrive in.)
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 14, 2018 - 04:32pm PT
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We are stopped for our last night(if I'm not jinxing myself) in Tuhkhannock, Pennsylvania, with about 100 miles driving left.
The Allegheny's gave Penny a run for her money, I will say, and I had my fears that she wouldn't get up the hill on a few occasions. I had wanted to stop at Clark's Summit, but pulled into this town to give Lucas his walk and see how much further it would be. Was I ever happy to see it was only 20 more miles. So, I stopped for dinner, and Google tells me there is a Walmart 3 miles away, so I decided to stay there, and then tomorrow we will come back into the historic town center to enjoy. Unless it is raining....then, maybe not.
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 15, 2018 - 03:05pm PT
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Made it back to NY, arriving at my place at 2pm.
Penny definitely has something going on, though. When I press the gas pedal, the engine shudders. I have to press pretty hard, and then it goes without the shakies. Also, it starts to shudder a little bit when I let off the pedal at higher speeds. Also, doesn't seem to have as much power when I DO press the gas. That one, I think is probably the oil leek gaining on the poor girl. Loosing compression.
Once I get back settled in, will have to see what is going on, but I have the feeling that was her last cross-country drive.
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Apr 15, 2018 - 03:44pm PT
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Could just be plugs and wires etc???
nasty ice storm here today....
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 16, 2018 - 09:19am PT
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Thank you, DMT - and you know, I hope, that we also appreciate the photo essays you post as well.
As for the van, I have to have it checked out after I get back to work. A coworker asked if, when I depress gas pedal in Neutral, if it delays, thinking that might give some indication whether it is the pedal linkage, or maybe something to do with transmission(he wasn't pretending to be an expert, so nobody needs to jump on that in a negative way).
At any rate, in Neutral, the RPMs increase immediately, no hesitation.
The van has a couple things going on. One is the hesitation with response when pressing the gas. It has ALWAYS had a delay, unless I really floored it because I had to get passed someone and didn't want to dilly-dally at it. Then, it would kick in and go like a race pony.
I don't think I would want to put her in the position of having to do that these days, unless it was an emergency.
But, it doesn't "catch" unless I press a little hard. It goes uhn-hn-uhn-uhhhh, and then wehn I press harder, goes vrroooommmm! And then, when I get up to cruising speed it kind of shudders a bit then, too, if I have the pedal depressed at all. Foot off entirely, no shuddering.
And the second issue, I can't eve say it sounds like it is coming from the engine, actually, but it almost sounds like what I would thing a knocking rod might sound like.
I know this is all vague. Probably I should have started a separate thread so people could get the full value fun out of it.....
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Jon Beck
Trad climber
Oceanside
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Apr 16, 2018 - 10:32am PT
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Has the issue gotten progressively worse? Plugs, points (if your van has them) and wires are the first suspect. I would ignore the linkage suggestion.
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Apr 16, 2018 - 02:26pm PT
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Your best bet is to bite the bullet and get to a mechanic sooner rather than later.. sorry :(
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 17, 2018 - 08:46am PT
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Yes, a mechanic is the key, and will do. It started the stuttering a few weeks before I left Joshua Tree, and got worse while I was going through the Alleghenies.
BUT!
It isn't "as bad" now. It was really asking a lot to go up those hills, after having already been driving a few hours.
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| Messages 1 - 73 of total 73 in this topic |
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