Collecting Trip Next Week

I can't wait! I will be setting off next Wendnesday morning, early-30, to collect pinion pine (pinus edulis) and live oak from the South West. It's like I'm already there. I'm on my own. Louis doesn't want to go. There's nothing there for him in the area I plan to go.

He doesn't seem worried that I'm setting off alone. My collecting buddy George can't go. Thanks to him, I know how to collect in shale and limestone. I will drive for about 9 hours and probably be too eager to dig to wait until the next day. I hope to have at least two or three hours dig time on the first night and all of the next day I think I'll be there two nights.

I will be more prepared this time. I will have my rooting hormone with me.

I had planned to meadow crash like in my old scouting days, but my better half drew the line there. I'm not sure which predators he's more worried about; two-legged, four legged, or slithery. I'm still tempted to do it at least one of the nights I'm there. Nothing like sleeping on the frozen earth to remind you of who you really are and how much life matters. But then, after a few hours of hard work, I might feel plenty validated and crave a soft warm bed. Maybe I should save the sleeping on the earth thing for my back yard. Not all adventuring is desirable-I guess some of the enduring-the-hardships was out of necessity. I'm older. I have become attached to common comforts.

Our best friend Steve got it right away. "Oh, man, you're having an adventure aren't you?! I'm jealous!"

Part of this trip is as much about reclaiming part of myself as it is gathering potential bonsai.

At my age, I was beginning to think the adventures were over. Not that the married with a house, a dog and a fence is a bad life! I've got it good here. I'm happy. I am still madly in love with my husband. I love my stressful job! But I miss some of the old me. The fiercely independent, strike-out-on-your-own, devil be damned me. I only wish I could take my dog. It would be too much for her. She's old and gray since the last time I went.



I hope to find some old pinion like the old fella I collected a few years ago (pictured). It is doing well, considering the fact that I didn't secure it in its new pot a couple years ago.

I also hope to bring home some gnarly old live oaks. I'm still waiting on a call back from one of the land owners to grant me permission again.

I'll be keeping my eyes open along the way to see what else grows in the region besides miles and tumbleweeds.

I plan to take lots of pictures and post an article on BonsaiTalk.com.

Really, I'm now halfway planning a digging trip to Houston, Tx, too. I have family there I haven't seen in forever. I could see them and look for some tropical stuff. I especially would like to find some fat bougainvillea, some sea grape, and whatever else I can obtain permission for.

At this rate I'm going to have to make some money by selling collected material so that I can buy a jeep! Our little cars aren't really suited to this kinda thing. George drove last time so it wasn't a problem then.

So, as my thoughts race and I lose sleep in anticipation, I have started gathering the few tools I'm going to need. Oh, that reminds me; where did I put that chain?

If I never post again, it's because I became coyote food...(that would be my luck; that a gangly ol coyote ould get me instead of the noble and fierce eagle). I know, I ain't right. To end on such a morbid note!