Of death

Death. What a scary thing, yet is something everything must have happen to it. From the one celled germ to the mightiest of trees or whales. Even rocks, though not really alive even can crumple to dust. The whole earth will die in time too.
How should death be seen by those not dead or dying? Some celebrate it as in New Orleans with a jazz band, though most are somber affairs. What is beyond? Are we just out of existence, like that? Is there a heaven? Is there hell? One or both? Are near death experiences real, or the mind working in strange ways?

I think of these things now because my Uncle Tom, AKA in the family "Crazy Uncle Tom", has taken a turn for the worst with a quick acting cancer. He has between 1 day and 2 months. Most likely it will be sooner then later.

I spoke to him just tonight.
I said thank you for the good times, that I'd see him again one day and also asked him 2 things. First was "How do you react to death?", simply he said "You just accept it and deal with it". The second was, what advice he could give, sadly he faded out but said cryptically almost "You'll figure it out and put it together". He faded badly as he is in great pain at that point and we said our goodbyes, quite literally.

Though I have had some friends die, most were older and it was expected almost. Plus I wasn't super close to them either, but close enough. 2 of my Grandparents (One from each side at different times) died, but I was to young really to know them really, let alone remotely understand death. Reading of death in Wars does not really prepare you, even more since mostly they are very quick.
So this is the first serious death I've had to deal with in the family. It is strange. Doesn't feel real. I'm so far away from it. Almost expecting it to be some crazy prank and since he is still alive to just stay living.

Well, I guess the best thing is to think of the person alive and happy, the good times, Etc.
Though pain will happen surely, if the memory of the person is kept alive and well, will they really truly die? And when the time comes for us, how will we deal with it? Though, Uncle Tom seemed rather accepting of death and quite simple it seemed on the subject. Just deal with it and accept it. That seems like good advice. When the time comes, I hope I can be brave like him and not fearful of the next great journey, the greatest journey I'll ever have.

Now, for Shakespeare-

“Of all the wonders that I yet have heard,
It seems to me most strange that men should fear;
Seeing that death, a necessary end,
Will come when it will come.”

This strange strange land called Bridger valley....

Welcome to a world, which is like ours, but different. A place where weather and things make no sense. You are now entering the Twilight zone..... I mean Bridger Valley! This is my 4th season here working at Fort Bridger state historic site.

Within 30 miles about 4000-5000 people live all year round in the LEAST densely populated state in the lower 48 states. It is 7000 feet high "Or in metric about 2300 meters up." about round abouts. Somehow, it can snow all year round, even in the summer. It snows more in May then all year round in other places, like Tennessee or Western Oregon. Why just a few hours before writing there was a goodly amount of snow, then sun, then sleet then sun again.

Along with the horrible weather, is however some of the most wonderful landscape around. Out to the north is bleak for mile around, though just that is beautiful in its own way. Then while out there you can look to the south and see the great Uinta Mountains, covered in snow, even as late as June.
Not many trees grow in the area, but the Pines, Cottonwood and Aspens are such a blessing right on the fort grounds where I live.
Animals love the fort grounds such as at Shiloh NPS in Tennessee. The animals are far more relaxed and don't mind people as much, seeing as they know no one will try to shoot them.
So nice to stroll around the grounds, seeing the trees, birds and other animals. It really makes it worth being here.

So, weather, land, plants, animals and now the best for last, the people!

Well........ that I shall save for another day in more detail. Mostly its sad stories or stories that'd shock many. The youth here are not very open minded and are more regularly much more conservative than the "New South" kids. Racism is even more shocking here then in the parts of Dixieland I'm in. Lets say.... apart from the few forward thinking people "who are almost always 30+", it is more backwards then Tennessee "minus Crump and the creepy roads out of Shiloh!".

This is still the "Wild West", and never think otherwise. It can be brutal here and people can have zero manners or get angry easily quite often. They aren't used to people pretty much! Sometimes I wonder if I'm still in American or some independent nation claiming they, and are more patriotic then the rest. Of course, this isn't true for everyone, plenty of normals here, but these are trends I've noticed.

Huh, well, October isn't to far away till I'm back home anyhow and strange I'm only 100 miles to one of the largest cities in the west.... what the hell am I here for? Oh yeah! I like my managers and enough co-workers and the air is clean! ...Plus money and free lodging. Gotta love that!

Of acting and the "new South"

Well, yet another good day past! Yesterday on Monday I was able to be part of a short film for Corinth's new Civil War webpage, with me as the face and intro to it. The crew was great to work with "Anne, Jason, Wes, Derrek and Kristy the Tourism director". Pretty simple shoots, but well done. Everyone knew what they wanted rather quickly.
Though it took 3 hours and I forgot many lines, it was great to be doing something I love. I've made the point earlier in other posts that you should do what you love if you can.

Afterward we went to a Philly cheese sandwich place and I was asked by the very cute waitress "Are you one of those Civil War reenactor guys?" Though stuck with sounding like a nerd I said "Well, yes I am, BUT I have found a way to make money with it, I just got back from filming."
So she got a photo of me in my uniform uttering the words "Oh that is Hot". Ha Yes! Women love a man in uniform..... even if it is 140 years out of style.... Of course I also had to make the joke of how hoop skirts drove guys wild and how they liked big bums! Ahh, the 19th century, so many funny little facts and great pickup lines.

Another interesting thing the waitress said is when I mentioned that most people don't like my blue Federal uniform, She then said "What, because Union troops didn't fight for Slavery?" Although the subject VERY simplified here, she, well, was pretty correct. Everyone had many reasons for fighting, but yeah, the South pretty much fought for it and the North LATER fought to end it AND bring the states into a peaceful Union again...

Also everyone on the film crew had no issue with my Blue uniform. I really think there is a new south that is appearing and that people are waking up and figuring out the past better than they ever have before. Hopefully I can be part of the Civil War education in the future and helping people discover the past, with a moderate modern view.

Anyways, until then, out to the Wild West once more in Fort Bridger, Wyoming. 4th Season there.... I totally need to get more creative with how I do things out there. Well, Hopefully I'll have plenty of company this year!

Of tours and war...

Well yet another great tour over with. Only 1 left now.

First one was pitifully small, only 5 people, 3 from a family of a head of the welcome center, a reporter from the local paper who was truly fantastic to have along, and another great fellow from Long Island NYC. Much different to have a small tour. Easier to judge the crowd, but being the first one, lots of kinks to work out and get my feet. Also, having a flash light to disarm the house is VERY helpful.... Thank god I got it off in time.
So, maybe not big, BUT with the article written, it has lead to bigger tours and better ones seeing as I could do a good test run with people I didn't know. Easier for some reason. Had a good chat with the 2 guys afterward.

Second one was important, being as it was 150 years, to THE day, that Fort Sumter was fired on, April 12th. I felt honored to give a Civil War tour on that day.
Though quite a few rednecks were on the tours, had many out of towners. They usually appreciate things more, but plenty of Corinthians enjoy the tours. I try to put little facts of the town in, stories of the buildings and draw people back in time. Make them see Corinth in another light, another era. So at the end I got a good tipping and after a good chat with some people from Michigan.

Now, tonight's tour, I thought I wasn't on my game as much as I was the last one. I forgot a few details, I stumbled and I didn't feel confident. However, having done the tour enough I could go along easy enough in the end. Usual people would interject, some groans of the Federal Blue Uniform I wear would occur, even disinterest or scowls of sorts. Course on the tour before that had happened, I AM down south and ALL of this group was local. But all that was limited and soon would go away once the tour started going.
So explain bout every, ruffle a few feathers and speak of the Saloons and houses of "ill repute", AKA Whore houses and the lack of sanitation.

But at the end of the tour I talk about the Battle that raged on that very ground. How men died where we are walking. Speaking of the fight and reminding them this was the worst of the war. This might seem like a nice town, but in fact, it is just like Shiloh, except its not a field that has signs. I make the point that Confederates after were welcoming of former enemies, and would help them if they were touring. Giving modern number comparison of deaths and wounding. Be the modern equivalent of 20 million, Killed, Wounded "in body and mind" and captured and sent to POW camps. And that War is a sad thing and we should think about the human toll. Not just ideas, but that real people died.

Also added that there was a mass grave at Davis Bridge battle for Rebel troops and 3 lonely tomb stones for 3 troopers from Ohio and that, they died young, never lived life and died in some godforsaken place and are most likely not visited.

That is what I want to convey, REALLY think about death in war, that war is really horrible, get people thinking of the toll of war and think that we are now Americans, North and South, are united now and forever.

I thought I did bad on this tour...... but I got double the tips on this tour, asked if I had done acting before and someone mentioned to the effect that at the end of the tour it was like "All quiet on the western front themed".

I hope I made a difference. To sound all kooky too, I had read the part of my "Battle of Corinth and Iuka" that covered the battle IN the town, and driving tonight all seemed extra dark and spooky. As if the tours were bringing the spirits of the dead back... That or I read too much and think on that stuff too much as well.

So, now, few more days and I'm off to boring Fort Bridger. Just keep an eye out for the odd post here though.




*Personal rant, warning!-

I don't usually think about being patriotic, but in the face of pro Confederate people, people who want America in their own twisted view with no compromise and not following the higher ideals of America. I'm proud to be American and I'm unashamed that being, ONE nation, the UNITED States of America and compromise together with the Union, is THE best option. Maybe I don't agree with much nowadays, or what the nation does, but in this little way, the events of 150 years ago, I am proud. So very proud of those Soldiers in Blue that fought and died so that I, and so many others didn't have to fight a Civil War later on.

Musings of the battle of Shiloh and the Civil War.

Okay, this might be complete crap, or maybe not. Just something I wrote tonight after walking around the Battlefield of Shiloh.

Fields in Shiloh-

The sun sets tonight over the battlefield of Shiloh tonight. The scene of death and destruction and blood. The great Civil War waged through this Tennessee community of Shiloh, the place of peace. This sleepy place most had never heard of, but would affect many. Horrid conflict would touch much of the nation at that time, in one way or the other and this would be one of many sad battles.
But from the ashes of wretched, ugly war, a new nation, a new Union, a new Government, for the people, by the people and a new birth of freedom, would rise.

Now, it is rather powerful, and invigorating, walking the former field of battle with the peach trees in pink bloom, the sun setting with a crisp air about.
To stand quiet among a place of such loud battle and the carnage of war 150 years ago is strange, but now all is sleepy and peaceful. The birds fly happily through the air, ready to roost this cold night. The deer are feeding peacefully, but alert as I walk the green grass. The green and black cannon stay ready for attack, as they have for near a century, but long have they been silent and long they shall remain. How is it that these things happened here? How is it that all can seem so normal again? Ahh, but best not to question the work of nature. Keep the memory alive of the great battle, but enjoy the grand gift that nature gives us.

With the quiet crisp air getting colder and the bountiful life around, I still walk further more along the old fields of battle. Through the soft grass and sod, I think of the deeds of the many there, now long past.
At the end of my stroll, I take with me, profound thanks of the sacrifice of the soldiers holding together the nation, that we have now and enjoy, in those difficult times of century and a half ago. It would seem only fitting to honor them by keeping their memory alive and to make sure that all their work, isn't all for not. I now end my walk and my talk and look at the clock, it is time for me to end right here.

Thanks for reading.

Back home...

Well I've been rather busy at the old Tennessee home here and been just plain bad about writing as well!

So been home in Tennessee about, almost 2 weeks now, but only in Michie the past 11 days.
Feels strange to be home. Seems like I never left, but enough things have changed around here, like someone re-doing the layout of the furniture in a house, but this includes roads and buildings!
Though at the same time I feel like I really haven't left, that the past 5 months of work and then 5 months of travel "Total of 10 months gone from here", have just been a blur, something that just happened really quick and then I was just transported back to a slightly different home.

But anyway, apart from that I should be getting local work in till the summer season starts in Fort Bridger Wyoming. I'll be giving Civil War tours of downtown Corinth and conducting Civil War programs with school kids. Always good fun the tours and good money. I'm glad to get money out of this hobby and my interest.

What I love about my life, is doing what I like get paid for it, then use that money to go traveling, another thing I love to do. I'm really pleased with life now. The trip was exactly what I needed. It has really helped on how I see the world and improved my happiness. Good to break up life with a wild trip round the earth!

Thinking about it, seems, the best things to make you happy is simply- Do things for yourself, things that make you happy and don't fully count on other people to make you happy and fulfilled, but let people help you along in life too. Also don't not help people, just think of yourself when you do things.
Least that's some stuff I noticed. I'm sure I could be fully wrong, or this won't work for everyone. Just some idle thoughts on my end.

Though now time to go do a few chores, but thought it'd be good to make a post after my long break.

End of the line and 40,000 miles.....

Well, it's the 18th of February and the trip which has gone since late September of 2010 is at an end. In a way though the trip started in Mid April 2010 since I started work in Wyoming. I'll have hit I think 40,000 miles by the time I'm back home in Michie, Tennessee. I'm at, I THINK 30,000 or so.

All sorts of crazy ways I've traveled. Car, Plane, Bus, Train, Motorboat, Row boat, Sail boat, Camel, Donkey, Horse, Horse cart, Tuk tuk, ski lift thingy, subway "tube"and of course good old walking!
10 months from home in Tennessee...... but so much has gone on since then and I've grown as a person greatly again. But only possible because I had much much help.

I'd like to try to thank everyone that has helped me along the way in these past months.-

My Parents first and foremost. Without your guys support in so many ways I have no idea where I'd be now. Most likely something not as interesting and most likely unfulfilling.
Thank you Mom and Dad.

Like to thank the staff at Fort Bridger State Historic site. Without you guys re-hiring me again and again I wouldn't have the money to go on these amazing trips. Thank you Linda for hiring me way back in 2006. Thank you Syd for always helping me out in tough times at the fort and your support too. Cecil..... I'll get back to you.
Then everyone else at the fort too that's helped me seeing as there are to many to list!

My Aunt Connie has to rate VERY high here! When I was stuck at the crossroads of staying in the Nile* Valley or going onto the Sinai then Petra Jordan she without missing a beat gave me a nice sum of cash to get me to those place. That would have been very good in itself, BUT then the riots began in the Nile Valley and I would have had a VERY tough time of it in Egypt and getting out of there and then to Thailand here. THANK YOU CONNIE!
"*Or Nail if your an average Egyptian which has a 5 year olds grasp of English"

I'd like to thank Philip Alderton and his great Alderton clan. You made those holiday seasons feel so much better even though I was far far away from home. Plus Philip for all the help on our wacky 3 week Euro road trip and 4 weeks in the UK.

Then like to Thank the Skinner clan of Dublin Ireland. You guys are so kind to let me stay so so so many times in your home these past trips and even more so back in December even in these difficult times.
And of course Kasper & Tomas for enduring my friendship and company!

Like to thank William and Mel and the rest of the gang for putting up with me in the Middle East. You guys were great!

Then a quick thanks to everyone else that helped me out-

Chezaubernard Antoine for being a great guy and letting me stay at his flat in Glasgow on such short notice.
Georgina Pope for letting me crash in the spare room in Edinburgh.
Amanda Stopar for waking up in the morning and getting my butt from the station to the spare couch in her flat in London.
The Bales in California for hosting me at the very start of the 10 month journey and the end of it.

Can't thank you guys enough for that help of a simple bed or couch. It is really nice to have that when you are like 2000-6000 miles from home.
My lodgings are always open to you guys, like all my friends!

Then a shout out to all my great pals from SOSKAN in the UK and then all the travel buds I've had over the past several months.
If I have forgotten anyone, most sorry! But if I have, just in case, THANK YOU!

Apart from the thank you's, not much else going on. Life is easy and I've gotten a little more cash so got some money for fishing off the pier here in Bang bao and drinking cocnuts!

I am shocked it's the end of the trip however.
I leave here on the 20th and just keeping traveling, waiting traveling till I'm back to my home and my room "and dog Ranger" in Tennessee something like a week from now.
All this adventure, missing/avoiding the riots and protests in.... Hmmm, 6 nations. All within no more than 2 weeks. Sometimes 2 days even. I'm a lucky bastard I think. Only thing that slowed me up was snow in December. Delayed me for 12 hours one time and made me re-think a few travel plans. Thats it so far, knock on wood,.... Dang. Good luck there for sure.

Anyway... This will be almost the last post. I think I'll get one more done as a follow up in Tennessee and get photos up on photobucket and post the link to here.
But yeah, thats it.

Thank you if you have kept up with my adventures these past months via my blog.
Now to leave you with a song of Bilbo Baggins! Wow! What a nerd I am.....

(The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.)

It's a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might be swept off to.

So for all of you, TRAVEL IF YOU CAN! No matter the age, IF you can, TRAVEL!