The Real McCoy

In 2019, I paddled McCoy.  In fact, I paddled around several islands in McCoy.  Twenty-nineteen was, however, an unusually wet year.  Normally, it seems, there are no islands in McCoy, only peninsulas.  VSO and I went out into the main lake yesterday and found it so shallow that we were actually hitting bottom.  For their turn, just before dinner, the teenagers paddled around a small bay.

Tears No More (Live)

Ever since we began producing our own audio files, our rabid fan base has been clamoring for video production, too.  (OK, maybe one person said that it would be good.)  Well, none of us are very techy, and we don't necessarily enjoy hours in front of the computer working through post-production.  But, with the church closed for the virus crisis, there has been a little extra demand for home-made gospel songs to be added to the on-line service.  We wrote our own (gospel) lyrics for a traditional (bluegrass) tune, and made a live version.  Tears No More.  Here.

Home Grown

About 10 years ago, we installed a 150 square foot garden at The Homestead (seen here in 2010 under a foot of snow).  We were eager gardeners for many years, but recently our efforts have tapered off.  We have been busy with other things, living in other states, and, for a year or so, VSO was recovering from major surgery.  The old garden was steadily filling with weeds and last year's leaves.  Until now.  With the virus crisis in effect, we decided that we'd better grow the things that we can no longer purchase at the grocery store.  So over the past week we've planted toilet paper and purell.

The Devil is Dirty

There are a number of small rivers in Utah that cut through rough country.  They are difficult of access and generally unknown to tourists.  The Paria and the Dirty Devil come to mind.  We've crossed the DD a number of times at Hite, but have never visited the canyon.  Until now.  We banged our way down Poison Creek and spent 48 hours exploring the river and its side canyons.  They are all spectacular.  We were in camp for two nights, and during the cold mornings, EDO took solace in Flannery O'Connor.  (Is there solace in Flannery O'Connor?)  A few more pictures:  Here.

Straight and Curly

Unless you're living in a cave, you probably heard that Prine died last week.  Many very talented artists have posted beautiful tributes (Margo Price and Sturgill Simpson among them).  At EATO, we can't compete with any of them, nor can we write like John Prine.  But, that doesn't mean we haven't covered him from time to time (who hasn't?), so this week we posted Speed of the Sound of Loneliness.  Here.

Novid

According to the local health department, there have been, as of yet, no confirmed cases of the virus in Lassen County.  We are, of course, complying, to the best of our knowledge, with all social distancing and stay-at-home protocols.  But, at the same time, there is nothing wrong with being out in the woods at this time of year.  The willows are blooming, and the girls are putting lots of miles on the legs.

The Lion King

VSO has been working to provide PPE for the family as we deal with the virus crisis.  I said that I wouldn't wear anything that didn't have teeth and claws.  Bingo.  The King of the Jungle.