Janie’s 500,000 Mile Tune Up
©Bert Gildart: My last posting – almost a month ago – mentioned a business trip to Seattle. That business is nearing completion.
Like many of our friends we’ve found when we reach a certain age some of our parts may not work so well. In other words the carburetor may not carb, the generator may not gin, and the pistons simply won’t piss. Time then for a 500,000 mile tune up, but one requiring some of the nation’s very best “mechanics.” We are now convinced the talent she required resides at the University of Washington Hospital in Seattle.
View of Seattle not far from University of Washington Hospital.
But what happens after the overhaul? Will the engine really turn over? Sometimes it requires more than just good artisans.
Thankfully, in Jane’s case, it did; and now she wants me to say that it cranked because of all the well wishes and prayers that readers, friends and family have provided. It has also helped to have her brother Greg here and her daughter Karen. Other family members wanted to come — but so not as to tire a convalescing Janie, we asked them to stagger visits – which they have done, and will continue.
We now have one more pit stop and expect we’ll subsequently be heading home to Montana. A little more rest and we hope to be resuming the exciting travel that has been so much a part of our lives.
For instance, at this exact time about a year ago, we were working on a book about Montana. The year before that we were working on a book about Shenandoah. And a year before that we were in Alaska (again, right about now) working on a story about WEIO, the World Eskimo Indian Olympics. Because I have a hard drive with me that contains some of those Alaskan images, I’m including them here – as a kind of preview of the types of things we soon expect (with a little more time) to be covering again.
Image from four years ago at the World Eskimo Indian Olympics in Alaska, just now winding down and the types of thing we
expect to be covering again — real soon.
And now, before closing I want to say that the doctors out here at the University Hospital in Seattle have to be among the world’s very best! It is also imperative to emphasize that Janie’s strength and determination has been the catalyst behind her outcome. She is one hell of a gal, and I believe she is good for yet another 500,000 miles!
She (her words now) feels that the strength from her friends and family have gotten her to this point.
“See you all soon,” she emphasizes!!
THIS TIME LAST YEAR:
BOOKS ABOUT MONTANA AND GLACIER:
4th ed. Autographed by the Authors
Hiking Shenandoah National Park
Hiking Shenandoah National Park is the 4th edition of a favorite guide book, created by Bert & Janie, a professional husband-wife journalism team. Lots of updates including more waterfall trails, updated descriptions of confusing trail junctions, and new color photographs. New text describes more of the park’s compelling natural history. Often the descriptions are personal as the Gildarts have hiked virtually every single park trail, sometimes repeatedly.
Big Sky Country is beautiful
Montana Icons: 50 Classic Symbols of the Treasure State
Montana Icons is a book for lovers of the western vista. Features photographs of fifty famous landmarks from what many call the “Last Best Place.” The book will make you feel homesick for Montana even if you already live here. Bert Gildart’s varied careers in Montana (Bus driver on an Indian reservation, a teacher, backcountry ranger, as well as a newspaper reporter, and photographer) have given him a special view of Montana, which he shares in this book. Share the view; click here.
$16.95 + Autographed Copy
What makes Glacier, Glacier?
Glacier Icons: 50 Classic Views of the Crown of the Continent
Glacier Icons: What makes Glacier Park so special? In this book you can discover the story behind fifty of this park’s most amazing features. With this entertaining collection of photos, anecdotes and little known facts, Bert Gildart will be your backcountry guide. A former Glacier backcountry ranger turned writer/photographer, his hundreds of stories and images have appeared in literally dozens of periodicals including Time/Life, Smithsonian, and Field & Stream. Take a look at Glacier Icons
$16.95 + Autographed Copy
July 25th, 2013 at 9:09 am
Lots of love to you guys!
If you feel like taking the 20 East through WA on your way home, you’re welcome to stay at our place. No hookups here, but there are less than a mile down the road.
xo
July 25th, 2013 at 11:57 am
Thanks for the fine report, Bert, and we continue to send “Best Wishes for a Speedy Recovery” to Janie, and look forward to seeing you two again when you resume your travels and adventures!
Bill and Larry
July 25th, 2013 at 1:09 pm
Well done Bert and Janie. See you both on the trail soon.
Keep on :chugg’n”
Tomp & Sandi
July 30th, 2013 at 9:17 am
Wow! My iPad now connects with GildartPhoto! So glad to hear of Janie’s progress! Please say a special hello from Susan and me. See you in B.S. if not in Montana.
Cheers,
Jerry