Does anyone remember Robin Graham? He was National Geographic’s Wonder Boy that sailed around the world solo in 1965. Granny Hat was in love. He was tan, dreamy, so “beach boy” and brave! He got married half way around the world in some exotic port, 11 year old Granny was heart broken when she read the magazine article four years later. But now she wonders…….did Robin Graham have a MOTHER?!? And what was she doing while he was out there on the high seas with no cell phone, no ocean angels and no SPOT device? She couldn’t even keep busy with re-supply boxes and organic fruit leathers. Granny remembers reading about the doldrums Robin experienced when he couldn’t advance, just drifting about on the dark waters wishing for wind.
This week Mission is in a sort of “doldrums”, the PCT just isn’t advancing north. Instead, it takes a circuitous route around the Etna, Fort Jones Valley, meandering much too close to the Northern CA coastline. In the next two days, hopefully wind will find his sail and Mission can make a beeline toward the Cascades. It is discouraging for Granny to see the latitude measurements go south. And there is limited to no cell service, so all quiet on the western front of the PCT. Mission Control just has SPOT to confirm progress.
The Trinity Alps and Marble Mountain Wilderness are very beautiful, though. We can all look forward to some photography when the doldrums are over. As Jimmy Buffet sang, “It’s these changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes, nothing remains quite the same……” Every epic journey will include some high peaks and some doldrums too. Never fear the doldrums, when the winds are still, faith will rise. Here’s to smooth sailing for Mission, may everything be ship shape as he treks. And may the winds of change push him north, Oregon is waiting! While writing this, Mission Control received the check- in from SPOT, the latitude is once again increasing! A little breeze is brewing…….. 41.25535, -122.95534
Oceans, by Hillsong
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep my faith will stand.
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace For I am Yours and You are mine
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and You won’t start now
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Granny Hat 
Wow, you got me on this post! Robin was my hero as a young man – I devoured Robin Graham’s Dove about the same time you did. But I was in the Navy and saw world travel as a magnet pulling me into places I must see. As a guy, I was so happy he found his girl, but I wondered how she would blend her dreams and desires into his. Great tale of life.
Then you talked about a valley I lived in as a 7th grader. Etna, Ft Jones and the area west of Yreka is so cool. Soon the course Mission is headed on will eventually take him over the border with Oregon and another huge soft spot for me-Ashland, OR. The first town you come to upon leaving California on I-5. My family’s travels there from 8th grade to high school graduation gave me the best high school memories, including meeting my wife in typing class as a senior. An answer to prayer in fact.
So often, progress appears like the doldrums, but so much is going on behind the scenes.
Oh, to be a little bird watching Mission as he travels laterally. Change is about to come in a very big way!
Enjoy Momma, he is in very good hands…in fact, THE BEST!
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Emery, loved your comments and your connection to this leg of Mission’s journey. My grandparents lived in Grants Pass Oregon and Dad was a teacher so every summer vacation was a camping trip that meandered north. We camped at Castle Crags, picked blackberries there and visited Dads friend and family in Etna several times- such a beautiful valley. Then we would always stop for the mineral water and beautiful park in Ashland. Wonderful memories!
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Fascinating about your grandparents – mine lived in Grants Pass as well! It’s the climate. When I was a school-teacher in the early 1990s, I assigned Dove, Graham’s book, to my sophomore English students. In this 2010 article, the interviewer answers your question about Robin’s mother. She was 100% opposed to his journey and even hired a lawyer to prevent his going. You have taken a different approach with your young man. https://www.sailmagazine.com/racing/robin-lee-graham-on-the-latest-teen-circumnavs
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Fabulous information, will check out the link. I have never read Dove, but it’s on my list now!
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Spent many wonderful days in Lithia Park and drank Lithia water often. As an 11 year old, we lived on Lower River Road in Grants Pass one year when my dad was working a gold mine near Merlin. I think that is where I learned to dislike the irrepressible hunger for gold so many men have. It has alluded me my whole life, but the treasures stored in Heaven, well that we have an abundance…today Della and I celebrate being parents for 40 years with my namesake having finished his race 15 years ago and now enjoying Home.
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40 years of parenting! Wow! Wish I had met your eldest, someday I will!❤️ Our oldest will be 39 in two days and then Mission and Jeff are close in age too!
We lived in Grants Pass when I was 3-5 yrs old off of New Hope Road near Murphy. My father was principal of New Hope Christian School. My grandparents visited, built a house and then we moved away but would visit every summer.
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The 40 is pretty special because Jeff turned 21 yesterday! Ahh, the life events we celebrate. So wonderful!
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Grants Pass is a great place to live. I have lived here for almost ten years and it is the Climate! I also live on Lower River Road. What a small world.
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