Tag: camping

Karma

Friday, July 19, 2024

During my twenty years living in Central Oregon, I’ve pulled trailer loads from my property to the city dump over a two-lane paved road that has divided two au natural properties. I’ve roughly estimated that the largest of them is about a section–a one-mile by one-mile square area of land. Along my route are rough parking spots for people exercising dogs or riding horseback.

This area’s population growth and housing construction seriously are altering what has been. Now, those dump-route properties are being developed into city neighborhoods. Their construction crews have closed the old road to the city dump, which interferes with their work, and created a temporary bypass route instead.

Yesterday, I was hauling a load of trash to the dump and traveling on that bypass when a sign warned of a bump ahead. That bump didn’t look like much, but it sent my trailer high, and suddenly, my Jeep began dragging something very heavy and attached. My first impulse was that a tire had gone flat or was trying to come off.

A long line of vehicles following me prevented stopping and taking a look, so I dragged whatever that thing was about a quarter mile, finally finding a small roadside space. I pulled into it, and a vehicle that had been following pulled over, too, stopping in front of my Jeep.

I hopped out and stared at the problem. That bump had popped my trailer completely off its hitch, and I’d been dragging that hitch. I needed help to lift and reset it. Suddenly, the driver of that second vehicle appeared, said he’d seen what had happened, and was there to help me. Before I could bend to help lift the trailer tongue, he grabbed and hefted it up, resetting the hitch.

All so fast, my jaw hung loosely.

He said, “The other day, I was pulling a very heavy load on this road, and that same bump caused this exact problem for my rig. A truck driver who pulled over to help had a power jack capable of lifting and setting my trailer on its hitch. I vowed that if I saw anything similar happening to anyone else, I’d stop and help.” He smiled, “You know, pass it on.”

I gave that fellow a mighty hug. Now, rescued from what could have been an awful plight and hitched again, I continued toward the dump, eager to complete my task and go home.

Despite anything unexpected that might happen en route to the dump site, it’s a trial ridding a trash load in that structure’s complicated setting. I will save yet another dump story for a future time.

Dear Friends: I’m grateful for the rule of karma and the kindness of strangers.

Status Quo

Tuesday, May 07, 2024

Today, I’ll gather the dogs and head out into the countryside with a camera. I plan to search for and record random signs of this spring’s arrival. To me, it’s apparent because my garden tulips are popping. I’m already weeding, and weeds are the green surrounding almost everywhere. However, this green merely seduces me here in Central Oregon since the weather insists on clinging to “cold and dreary.”

I work part-time in a department store and often see customers purchasing lots of summer-style clothing. Most say they plan to depart Central Oregon this week or next and spend time in more summery places, like Mexico, Hawaii, and Costa Rica. I recall wonderful summertime weather and wish for it; am slightly envious of those traveling from cold weather.

As an intrepid homebody, I find those envies situational and momentary. I prefer staying home and making do with what’s around—my dogs, a camera, and, in cooperative weather, a horse to ride. Those make the local surroundings beautiful enough and deeply pleasurable despite our chilly spring times. To me, nearby open spaces are “The Tops.”

Nearby spaces allow for quick escapes from the urban grid. They make staying home as lovely as being anywhere else, and maybe more so. Connecting easily with nature offers a sense of peace and tranquility. Time spent in nature with my animals gives me “elbow room” or “breathing space,” reduces stress, and improves my mental well-being.

If this growing city becomes a more crowded urban environment, I’ll reconsider not wanting to travel. Nowadays, that’s a moot point because Central Oregon still offers the best of both worlds. We can access the excitement and opportunities of urban life and easily find open spaces nearby to relax, recharge, and connect with nature.

Dear Friends: Springtime will happen, is happening; and anticipating is exciting. Diana