The cool, fresh tang of the flowing water reached my nose as the echoes of laughter faded when the last outfitter pulled out carrying boats and tired people back to their campsites.  Tomorrow would be my first time on the river since my friend, Pat, was diagnosed with cancer. My husband, Roy, and I would float several times each year with Pat and her husband, Joe.  I felt her walking beside me in spirit along the river bank as I watched the sunset.  Three years is a long time, and she would have been disappointed that I had waited so long.  Pat was all about experiencing and living life to its fullest.  Tomorrow, the outfitters at The Gilbert General Store were going to carry us to the put-in at Tyler Bend and we will float back down to Gilbert.  Only six miles but a start.

                                       


Morning came with cooler temperatures and heavy fog.  We walked from the Gilbert RV park to The Gilbert Cafe to have breakfast before getting on the river.  The cinnamon rolls weren't ready yet, so we enjoyed breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and the companionship of people who love being on The Buffalo River. When we got to the General store, the guys were finishing up their breakfast at the long plank table.  It didn't take long to get to Tyler Bend.  Only one other group was ahead of us and I was thrilled.  Saturday had been a busy day on the river, and it appeared that we were going to be ahead of the crowd on Sunday.  Kayaks unloaded, life jackets on, sunscreen just in case, cooler strapped down and off we went.

The river was quiet and smooth.  No phones, cars, or people.  Just the sounds of the river, birds and leaves. Occasionally, the slap of a paddle or the sound of a fishing line. The fog began to lift, and big, white, puffy clouds started building over the mountains.  I was finally motivated to photograph.  Around every bend was another glorious scene.  It became difficult to concentrate on paddling.  At one point I was headed down the river backwards and it gave me another view altogether.  We stopped briefly, had a snack and watched the river go by from the gravel bar.

                                      


All too soon we were pulling into Gilbert.  I was filled with a peace that had been missing from my life for quite a while.  Well-being and serenity followed me home.  A special energy and connectedness was there as well.  I was filled with warm memories of floating with Pat and Joe.  I had heard her voice talking me through the fast water and her laughter when I was going down backwards.  Thank you, Pat. And thanks to the National Parks for preserving such glorious places for me to renew myself.

families and the future

I love this little family!  I have known them forever it seems.  I had the opportunity to photograph Luke and Erin's wedding several years ago, and now I have gotten to photograph each of their children in turn.  The baby is so sweet, the middle child is fearless, and their son is so smart and loving.  I really enjoy seeing these families grow.  They are the future.

Roy and I have been going to Eureka Springs, AR, for 43 years.  One of our first dates was a day trip in his 1970 yellow VW bug.  We had enough money for gas but little extra.  We stopped at a small grocery store for bologna (sliced on the spot), white bread and cheese.  I think we each got a soda and we dined alfresco at the park in town.  On March 7, 8, and 9, 2014 we pulled into Wanderlust RV Park in our 2009 42 foot Foretravel motorhome.  We have come a long way in 43 years!

Eureka Springs is a quirky artist community in the mountains of NW Arkansas.  There are many galleries, fabulous restaurants, great shopping and a Festival almost every weekend.  A trip to Eureka Springs is not complete without a trip to Two Dumb Dames candy store for fudge.  The variety is huge,  and there are always seasonal favorites such as Pumpkin Pie Fudge in the Fall.  We enjoy Local Flavor for just about any meal, and Mud Street Cafe is another favorite.  Ermilio's has great Italian food also.  Actually, there are so many it is hard to pick favorites.

The community has a good public transit system, and parking is something that you do pay for.
Around $5.00 for 4 hours.  The streets are narrow and crowded, so don't take your RV downtown-only your tow vehicle.  I will attach some pictures so you can get a feel for the town.
I hope you will visit if you are in the area.  For those of you who ride motorcycles, this is a great area for your hobby, and Eureka Springs is motorcycle friendly.
www.eurekasprings.org

 

Life Changes

So many things to consider.  In 9.5 months, Roy and I will be unemployed for the first time in nearly 45 years.  That raises all kinds of questions, like what are we going to do? Where are we going to live? Do we keep two houses and a motorhome? Where do we spend our time?  How do we balance our travel and home time?  What do I do about my photography? Do I continue doing portraits and weddings or do I start entering photography contests and begin to explore fine art photography?  Lots of questions, no answers.  Everything will become clear in the next few months and change over the next few years.

Blogging: starting over...e

I have spent the better part of two days working on a new theme for my Wordpress blog site.  It is still not working, so here I am, back on Blogger!  This is so easy. Not 'sexy', but easy.  I am feeling frustrated at how hard the other blog is to customize, and create posts and how easy this one is at doing those things. Maybe I need to rethink this blogging business for our travels!
http://www.marthajdameron.com

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Sitting in my hotel room tonight.  Tired, achy, but well fed and my mind is going over and over all the things that I should do, ought to do, might do and want to do.
 
Elise and I came up here to photograph a wedding for a friend and fellow photographer.  We have known him for 2-3 years, and he asked her to photograph his personal wedding.  I am along as a backup/second shooter for Elise.

I still enjoy photography.  I have had a good day just walking, scouting locations, shooting whatever moves me.  That said, my body is talking to me about how it hurts to carry all the equipment, bend, squat, and keep moving.  I need to be working out again, just to keep my neck and shoulders stable.  This has been an  ongoing problem for over 2 years now: chronic pain in my neck and back and shoulder blade area.  my left arm is spasming, and some days I can't seem to get moving.

Life with a purpose.  I heard a man describe his life in those words after retiring from work at 58, traveling around the country for 5 years, and then going back to work.  He didn't  need to work, but he did need a life with purpose.  I don't need to work.  I can live just fine without running a portrait studio.  I am helping out at the lab in their marketing team, and it is fun,  but not my 'purpose'.   I have started water color painting, and it is enjoyable, but it is too early to know if it will help create sense of purpose. I am learning about blogging, and many people find a sense of purpose in it--I don't know where that fits.  I am concerned that I am a single dimensional person--that I have defined myself for too long as a photographer, and that no other label fits or is satifying to me.  Much to think about.

highway 54 400 50

We are traveling west again!  Last night in Pratt Kansas, and tonight in La Junta, CO.  Tomorrow, Tiger Run in Breckenridge.  Denny and Marlys are already there, enjoying the cool. 68 degree weather.  It is supposed to be in the upper 30's tonight and around 66 tomorrow.  We will have gone from a high of 91 today, to 66 tomorrow--what a shift. 

Today, we got here early and then went to Bent's Old Fort Historic Site.  It is a reconstructed, 1840's privately owned trading post.  They rebuilt the site in the 1970's and staff it with people who demonstrate black smithing, cooking, etc., just the way they would have lived in the 1800's.  A really facinating look at life in another time. It was a very hard time. 

Roy and I are tired, and having a quiet night.  Barbara and Robert Rueter are traveling with us in their RV, and Barb has offered to cook breakfast tomorrow.  She is a good cook, and really enjoys preparing for everyone.  I am almost out of ideas for cooking anymore!  If it  isn't simple, I won't make it.

Time for bed.  My eyes aren't cooperating any more.  Tomorrow. I will upload images of the fort.