Alaska Journey Day 2 by Dave Hileman

We left Cabela’s after walking the parking lot for some exercise. It rained hard across Kentucky. It was difficult to keep from stopping at one of the many distilleries for a break. We left the interstate west of Louisville and headed toward Paoli and the Hoosier Forest. We were surprised at how wooded and hilly it was, way more than expected. It was a really beautiful drive to our friend’s home in Solsberry to spend some time with Tom and Angie. We toured their church, saw the Tulip Trestle and the YoHo store. Had a wonderful dinner with them - thanks again folks. We spent the night parked in their driveway and then Tom cooked us an excellent breakfast before we left for Iowa. So far this travel thing is pretty good.

The Tulip Trestle was built in 1906 and is still used today. It is one of the longest and highest trestles of its type in the US. Impressive structure. Would love to see an old steam train crossing it.

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

If it were not for the great food this day would have been a disaster. One state. I will give them the benefit of the doubt only because they seem to know really good cooks. We can allow for an extra day for superior food. I spent a lot of time writing my last challenge for the Alaska Moose. I think the rallies will be huge. Now I need to write my speech. Day two with no ice cream, I’m getting shaky. 

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Looking up. They used to let passengers out to walk on this. Eek!.

Looking up. They used to let passengers out to walk on this. Eek!.







Alaska Journey Day 1 by Dave Hileman

Day One Alaska Trek

Left Raleigh from Geof’s house where we parked the trailer overnight (more level than our place) at just after 7 and headed to Knoxville. A bonus was to see Ellary looking pretty in her dress for Promotion Day as she finished lower school and begins upper school. First stop, a visit with our friend, Jill. She prepared a nice lunch and made us cookies and coffee cake for the journey. Always the gracious hostess we enjoyed a special time with her. We then headed north and ended the day in a Cabela’s parking lot in Lexington, KY. I can report that we saw no bears on day one! It was basically uneventful which is how you want a travel day to unfold. 

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

I think my “Stern Talk”® to the Driver has paid off because we made a lot of states today. Not exactly sure how many we have to go across, maybe 11 or six and today we did FOUR. (I don’t need to remind you that we were four days getting to three states last fall.) So my estimate of 4 days to Alaska is pretty good. Estimating is one of my more outstanding abilities. 

We also ate lunch with the lovely Jill and she made me cookies. Excellent cookies because they had cranberries. I guess she knew I would be a bit homesick for Maine. 

Oh, and not a single cannon or stale old house did we see. This might be a pretty good trip. 

Lets play a game of Which Thing Is Not Like The Other? Can you guess?

Lets play a game of Which Thing Is Not Like The Other? Can you guess?

Orchids at Jill’s

Orchids at Jill’s

Actually Bright and Colorful by Dave Hileman

I sometimes over process images, there is a definite skill with that and for me a steep learning curve. Then sometimes I take a photo and get it into the program and I think that is overdone but, actually, nothing was done to most of this image. It was taken a few moments before sunset as the last of the rays hit these beach grasses.

Assateague National Seashore

Remember the Alaska posts start tomorrow, Sunday, with Wednesday, which is followed on Monday by Thursday etc. I will NEVER keep this all straight for the 120 plus days.

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Common by Dave Hileman

You don’t have to photograph only the rare Spotted Scorch-tailed Pumpkin bird to get some neat shots. The birds in the backyard, at the feeder or ones you pass each day along the road can be interesting. I was shooting photos with Dennis Mook a few weeks ago and we were trying to get some swallows (never did really) meanwhile this female Red-Winged Blackbird was flying around a bridge at Jamestown Island many times with this same piece of straw. Must have made 30 circuits before finally leaving it in a nest on the other side of the creek. Busy bird.

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F A Q - Cadillac the Moose by Dave Hileman

Wow, grass soup is one of my most favorites soups.

Wow, grass soup is one of my most favorites soups.

Why do we travel with a stuffed moose?

A younger version of our granddaughter started sending him on our trips so he could get back to Maine and visit his relatives. She is older now but still indulges us with him for our travels. 

Why is he named Cadillac?

You may be aware that there is a mountain in Acadia named Cadillac and assume he was named for it. However, the back story is that he was born near a rusted, overgrown 53 Caddy and, of course, the name stuck. HE thinks the mountain is named after him. 

He seems awful small for a moose, right?

PLEASE don’t tell him - his perspective is not aligned with reality. 

How did he become so well spoken and well written?

The advantage of living with three clever and growing kids. He studies at nights - though Moose are largely diurnal he can’t seem to get up in the morning and so stays up very late at night, and while he learns a lot of “stuff” it does not always get connected in a useful way. The synapses don’t always line up.

He seems to be a bit of a bon vivant, is that right?

Depends on your use of the term, he certainly enjoys a good meal, several times a day, but is not too discriminating in his selections which run from ice cream to water lilies to Twinkies. But he does desire to live well so an aspiring bon vivant might be accurate.

Is he useful on the trips?

Not at all. Helpless.

How effective will his Moose Rights campaign be?

Slightly less chance of success than the Pelosi and Trump families enjoying a nice weekend together in a small cottage in Nags Head. 

Does he play any musical instruments?

No, for which we are eternally grateful. We did have to hide a harmonica he found because that was going to be trouble.

Where is his family?

Not sure. We know he was born by Molasses Pond near Eastbrook, Maine. He arrived in Bar Harbor with several dozen cousins via UPS. Once his UPC tag was removed it become difficult to track all of his relatives so he makes all Moose a relative.

Where does he live when not traveling?

Gosh, we don’t know. He goes back to our granddaughter and then shows up again with his sleeping bag, suitcase and snacks when we are about to leave. Never has spending money!

We heard a rumor that he bought a Fuji GFX100 and several lenses, true?

NO, not at all. First he does not have opposable thumbs, nor actually any fingers so no camera. If he did happen to get access to a Mr. Mook’s credit card, we would let him buy a couple but not actually let him use them. I would just borrow them. That is a great idea.

Is he really in the running for a Pulitzer or a Nobel prize?

In his mind there exists no prize, award, office or honor he should  not already have won. In reality, Pulitzer says, “Cadillac who?” Here is a list of awards he has applied for: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_awards We do think he would have a keen shot in the World Nettle-eating Championships. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bottle_Inn

Does Cadillac have a job or a degree?

It depends on the day. He claims, as one of his more outstanding qualities, to be a medical doctor, lobbyist, sailer, writer, artist, city planner, dental hygienist, draftsman, lawyer, wine maker and much more. But, no, he actually has no skills and no degrees. That fact does not seem to stop him from choosing a new career every month or so. What he does have is self-confidence and a certain savoir faire. I can assure you he earns no money but needs a lot.

Is it true that he is running for President?

The Moose Minions are not allowed to comment on rumors. It is true that his Moose Rights campaign has opened new doors for him. And one of his platforms, I mean principle demands, is the restoration of the glorious Bull Moose Party. But of course all speculation is pre-mature. He firmly believes that one of the 57 candidates already running is probably honest.

Work, Work, Work by Dave Hileman

Tuesday is Loading Day and I was tasked with ferrying the food 600 or 700 yards, I would guess, out to the trailer. Why, because the Driver does not want to get “stuck” in his tiny road. Sheesh. Of course the food is the heaviest thing to be packed and that is OK as my unusual strength is one of my more outstanding qualities. However, that is not the issue. Do you see this, this crispy crunchy…. -green thing. This is not food. I packed NO Porterhouse Steaks or even a smaller house steak, no Lilly roots, no ice cream, really NO ICE CREAM. But we have cereal, 20 boxes of cereal. Do you know what cereal is, twigs and bark without the good stuff. No apples, no pie, no doughnuts, nothing essential. And we have not even started the trip, its going to be a long 3 or 4 days.

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On Our Way Today by Dave Hileman

Today is the day we began the trek to Alaska. I am not posting trip photos or diary until Sunday the 2nd. On that day we will be posting what occurred today and will continue to be “off” four days. The four day delay is intended to allow us to post each day or at least almost every day. We know there will be multiple days with no WIFI or cell service. I will get a bit confused as we progress as to what the day actually is so I may not have the Sunday scripture on Sunday. However they may pop up even more. Hope you can share with us on this adventure.

Special Edition Tomorrow: Cadillac the Moose the Myth the Legal Issues.

All shined up and ready to roll.

All shined up and ready to roll.

Homeless (Sort of) by Dave Hileman

These two immature Bald Eagles, male on the left, female sort of hidden on right, are not quite ready to fly but the wind last week blew down their nest at Shelly Lake here in Raleigh. The male was uninjured, the female broke some tail feathers. It took a few days but they were rescued and are now in a wildlife center and both ought to be released this summer. My neighbor is one of the volunteer caretakers.

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Remember - Memorial Day by Dave Hileman

We build on or tear down what has been passed on to us as individuals, as a nation. It is difficult living as we do to realize how we live, the freedom, rights and privileges we have are unknown in most all of history. It is hard not to think this is the norm not the exception. And today we should remember the hundreds of thousands who died to create or preserve that promise. We need to see how fragile it is and to work to maintain it in the face of powers, philosophies and practices that diminish what was earned with blood and sacrifice and treasure. Against all odds. America is not an ideal place, never has been and never will be- nothing dependent on human beings ever will but the genus is that it can adapt, as long as people are free, to remedy issues and vie for the good, the just and the fair. This flag that once flew over Fort Sumter is a symbol of that truth where four long and bloody years of war began that set a significant portion of America’s population on a new course toward dignity and freedom. The men and women who have died in service to this their country deserve honor and thanks that cannot be repaid.

Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie National Historic Park

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Patriotic No Passing Zone - Memorial Day Weekend by Dave Hileman

I love this. We were In Hingham, MA last fall and traveling from our campsite to the Boston Ferry we came upon this section of Main Street that was painted in red, white and blue. Creative.

“May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.” Colossians 1:12-14 NLT

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The Log by Dave Hileman

Here is what we finally chose to track each day. We will make this available at the end of this journey.

Milage each day, Campsite (commercial, park, boondock) and Campsite Cost, fuel each day and End of Trip (EOT) cost/ mpg, daily weather, general: Bears, Workouts and Issues.

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National Folk Music Festival by Dave Hileman

We were able to attend this about six years in a row in Richmond but lately have been away, as we will this year, when it occurs on the first weekend in October. There are six stages at Browns Island area and it lasts three days. Excellent music from lots of genres - todays shot was clearly a country act that I recall nothing about but he has a great smile. The bonus is the event is free and there are dozens of food venders. Had a great time every year.

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The Demands! by Dave Hileman

You do not know how we Moose have suffered like steerage class passengers on a first class ship. I became aware of this awful injustice a year ago and have been working very diligently - except for needed R&R like a few brief trips, massages, Game of Thrones, a few video games, the NCAA basketball season and dinners and lunches, and snacks. And a brief appearance on The Voice. Perfect example of blatant unfairness that Moose calls are NOT considered music. I thought Blake was a country guy. Otherwise, antlers to the grinding wheel. What was my subject? Oh, yeah, Moose Rights. 

Our Eight Principle Demands:

  1. Full Antler Access. Cars need more headroom and doors need to be “T” shaped are just a two of the critical adjustments that are necessary for full Moose participation. 

  2. The image of the Moose has been used for years and we have had zero compensation. This must stop. We are demanding full value of Mooseness. We want a huge price maybe even 39 dollars.

  3. The restoration of the United States’ most glorious political party, the Bull Moose Party. Then we too can yell at other people regardless of the facts and maybe vote. See item #1 RE voting booth!

  4. Free maple lattes. 

  5. The outlawing of all cruel and misguided hunting seasons for Moose. Or if hunting is permitted, we want to arm all Moose for self defense. Removal of all “trophy” Moose from walls and fireplaces replaced of course, with Official Moose Images™. 

  6. Appropriate statues of deserving Moose who helped make America. Bullwinkle J. Moose, Thidwick, Midget, Balsam &  the much maligned Thunderclap Moose are just of few of the thousands of deserving Moose. Small plastic replicas will be available in the Moose Rights Gift Emporium online. 

  7. Ending of demeaning names. Or compensation for the use of Moose or its variants like mousse (we see what you did) in fine dinning establishments, gift shops, exotic cars, lodges and all other commercial usage. 

  8. Marsh establishment in all municipal, county, state and national parks and all spas and resorts for bathing, marsh delicacies and lodging thus making travel much easier for millions of Moose. We recommend 20% be planted in delicious lilies. 

These are, of course, initial demands that are completely reasonable and should have zero difficulty passing once we organize our March on Mount Vernon - we have learned a march on poor Mr. Washington is the best publicity. I have two commencement speeches (one of my most outstanding skills) to give this weekend so have a nice Memorial Day weekend

Breaking in my new sleeping bag for this trip. I estimate it will take three days to get there.

Breaking in my new sleeping bag for this trip. I estimate it will take three days to get there.

Another One by Dave Hileman

I don’t know what it is, maybe the colors or the reflections or just the idea of sea and the smells of the shore, but I am drawn to these kind of photos, I must have 30 or more over the last few years. This one is really cool colors.

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Miss Me? by Dave Hileman

"Here I come to save the day" 


That means that Mighty Moose is on his way. 

Yes sir, when there is a wrong to right 

Cadillac will join the fight. 

On the sea or on the land, 

He gets the situation well in hand.

(If you wish to sing along you can find the tune here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdIev12fCPs)

My 2019 debut at Two Lane Touring is appropriate for a theme song because this is going to be an epic trip. And with the history of our current guide, definitely in need of multiple rescues. Some of you may be wondering why I would endure another of these endless wanderings, an entirely appropriate question. Ordinarily I would have said no; three of these journeys were enough for one lifetime. But I am on a mission, an important mission that if successful will mean I need to do no more of these trips with the “guides.”

I have been very busy with correspondence with various distant relatives primarily in Alaska. We are organizing! MOOSE RIGHTS is our rallying call and Moose Rights is our goal. So, you understand why it is critical to get to Alaska to reach the most Moose. This winter I had to use all my skill and subterfuge to make sure the guides chose it as their destination. I do fear that with them at the helm we may not ever get there. I remember the trip to Maine. Alaska is further away and the maps do not agreed as to where it even is - how will the Driver, (my new name to distinguish between the kind, pretty one and him), stumble his way to Alaska?

I did sign up for a couple of these essays before we are scheduled to leave but after I may not be able to write too often as I will be very busy organizing and corresponding - one of my more outstanding qualities. I will update you on the Moose Rights Platform tomorrow. 

Another thorny  mess I had to free myself from.

Another thorny mess I had to free myself from.



Different by Dave Hileman

This is a piebald deer because of its two color mixture. This buck appeared in the edge of the woods as we were hiking the carriage road to Witch Hole Pond in Acadia National Park. The local newspaper ran my photo of the deer with a brief article about our week in Bar Harbor. It is the only photo I have ever had published. Don’t think I can retire from the royalties:)

Acadia National Park

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Favorites by Dave Hileman

These are Harlequin Ducks. This photo is from the first time I ever saw one and I was quite excited. A beautiful distinct plumage makes these easy to ID when they are not flying low and fast along a stream. They love the rocks and fast rushing waters of rivers where they dive for food in what appears to be an impossible place to “swim.” This pair was on the Yellowstone River in the park.

Yellowstone National Park

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In Charge by Dave Hileman

This is one very big turtle. What kind? Who cares I’m not going near it - nor was anything else, he was serene and respected. I think he was the grand turtle of this pond.

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Unique by Dave Hileman

This large and distinct church building is in a very small town along the Virginia Carolina boarder. This one even has a large dome on the roof. I would imagine that the building could seat the entire town today. How will these kind of structures survive into another generation? It is not just a question of economy or upkeep but changing perspectives, limited usage and reduced population. I would love to see inside this property, maybe someday.

“But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.” Hebrews 8:6 NLT

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