Catching Up Part 3

This should be my last enstallment of my writings while at Ft. Lewis.

19 June
We've had time off. That has been nce, but, we find ourselves fighting off bordom. Severa; of us got together and went to Mt. Rainier. I was impressed. It was a unique place. We went to Paradise Inn(about 5500feet) and walked beyond Panaroma Point to 7200 feet.(The GPS said so) The trails are very established to a point, where we walked in single track through the snow. It was clouding up, but, Mt. Hood and Mt St. Helens was visible. The crater on St. Helens is huge. The wildlife paid you no mind. They just went about their buisness. Leading up to it was remanicant of Appalachia(is that why all of thse Transplantavanians are there?). Except our Mountains have more charector(nothing peronal Janie) and something other than conifers. I enjoyed it and would be glad to go back.

We continue to pass our time...If you can get enough people in on something and key's to a Van, your'e good. Some guy's play cards, some have gotten drunk and we've watched movies on computers. One pornographic movie has beome a big inside joke. Books are read, go to the PX. just to get out of the place.

Jokes are told, guy's are teased and passing gas causes an iruption of one sort or another. I've been on the Internet twice breifly. Just long enough to look at some e-mail. There is a Coffee shop here on "North Fort" that has a wirless connection and, if you have the set up, your'e good. I've quickly come to the conclusion that some time after my supposed Activation that I need to get a good, capable Lap Top with a wireless card (and DVD Player maybe). I had taken note on what Travlin' Ed had said about his being a life saver while TDY. If I can get by the Coffee Shop while it's open, that would be greaat. I'd at least give note on the Blog(I did) I have an old fashion Machine and I like it. But, o the road a Lap Top would be useful and entertaining.

I bought a new knife today. On the recomendation of e good freind I bought a Cold Steel Kneck Knife(3" Para Edge Tanto Point). I would prefer the Clip Point, but, Ft. Lewis Clothing Sales didn't have it. It was a good deal, $24.95. It's convienant, can fit in any pocket if needed and, Hey!, it's a Cold Steel, it's a tough knife. My buddy has had his for years and has sharpened it once. It's still a sharp knife.

Present Notes
Yesterday after it stopped raining(about 1930) I went out. There was a Black Bear up on the bank above the house. It scrambled at the sight of me. It hustled itself up the bank right smart. Bosco, my dog is supposed to warn me of such things...remember the Coon tale?(for you long time readers)...well, she was snoozing inside the house. I chastised her. She's out there gaurding right now. The Winchester has Nosler Ballistic Tips loaded up as well(.308). I say the thing was about 250 lbs.

I don't mind the thing being here. It's just there is not alot of food for bears at this time of year. Last week one got into a house up in Buncombe County. If they smell food and want it they're coming in. I was told today that one about the same size was seen just the other side of the Ridge that had two cubs(second hand, but, you hear that about every time, just take heed and carry on). I was told(from a good source) that a male has marked it's territory here on the Ridge.

Last year we had a little ol' Feist/ Jack Russell mix that was eaten by a Bear. The signs showed she got into it's face and it snapped her up.

You Suburbanites please do me a favor. If you can't stomach Bears getting into your back yard don't move to the Mountians or Swamps where such things live.

OK...I'm off of here. I've got pictures to download.
Appalachian Intellectual