December 2022

I had big plans for December … I was going to finally take my official you need military clearance tour of Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Monument and then explore my remaining three other NPS Units in the Bay Area. I had the best idea ever … take Mak with me on this second mission and he could hang out with his college roommate and dear friends in the area, and I could have him join me for the special tour. Then my Sister Kelly called to inquire if I was keen on the weather report … most specifically the impending freezing ice and new to me “Arctic Blast” storm that was destined to hit Portland. After a few quick calculations and many checks on multiple weather apps, I was confident we could make it out on 12/21, but not sure we could make it back on 12/22. Then there could be a domino effect as we needed to be in Salem to celebrate Christmas Eve on 12/24 and then to the Dominican Republic on 12/26. Thoughts of getting stuck and not able to make the other schedules work was a barrier that grew larger with every new weather forecast. So I so sadly had to send an email to my best buddy Eric Stearns with the NPS and inform him that, for a second time, I would have to cancel. The good news is that he totally understood and now I can start planning for 2023.

I am always aware that Mother Nature is in control and this is a great reminder of her powers.