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This log current to September 11, 2007 We were still suffering jet lag I was an exciting and, judging by this photo, a somewhat strange affair. (Becky’s parents in foreground, Becky in second row, in red shirt). In all, it was a heartwarming celebra Before leaving San Diego, we met U.S. Navy Captain Michael Mclaughlin, Commander of the U.S. Navy Submarine base there. That led to a tour of a 360-foot long nuclear-powered submarine. The USS Jefferson City does not need to be refueled for 33 years and can stay underwater indefinitely with its crew of 140 men. It carries both torpedoes and missiles, both of which can be fired while submerged. The next day the vessel headed into the Pacific, leaving us with a profound respect In Los Angeles, we attended a wedding reception for Sally Bryant, a friend since our Washington days, and her husband Steve Kaufman (Photo). It was wild for a couple of Gypsies to be riding around in Beverly Hills in a long, black limo and attending a formal dinner for 140 people in a swank restaurant. Then we drove the Gypsy Wagon 1,325 miles in 20 hours to reach southern Montana ahead of a major winter blizzard. Now we’ll Don finally has a clean draft of his book on the life of Senator Al Simpson of Wyoming. He’ll continue fine-tuning the 715 page document for a couple of months. April 16, 2007 in Montana April 19, 2007 April 28, 2007. The Moose poop has May 6, 2007 at Expedition HQ May 7, 2007 The Burma Army continues to attack poor villagers. On 28 April, the Burma Army burned down seven homes and nineteen field houses in the village of Kay Pu (Lat/Long: N 18 36 50 E 097 03 00), in northern Papun District. The entire village of more than 400 people had already fled in late April after Burma Army units 505 and 507 burned down 4 villages located close by. May 12, 2007 at HQ Fortunately, the pilot was not hurt. This is the second incident in less than a month. The incident reminded Don of the hundreds of times he landed in gusty crosswinds, and how each was a challenge. Earlier this year, in Kathmandu, Nepal, we were interviewed by the editor of a monthly English language magazine. Alfresco is a terrific publication, one aimed primarily at younger people seeking their way in life. Burma Army troops have executed Free Burma ran May 25, 2007 in Red Lodge To commemorate this amazing road that climbs to 11,000 feet in only a few miles -- and to symbolize the work that goes into opening it up for the summer, the town gathered its snow shovelers and set a word record for having gathered several hundred in one place -- including this one. On this Memorial Day there was a short but meaningful parade. Military veterans marched proudly by, as did younger people -- all demonstrating patriotism. If only the people dying in Burm We feel very patriotic today -- not because we feel every decision in our war in Iraq has been correct, but because we honor the men and women who risk their lives in service to the rest of us. We hope you will thank a veteran today. Don’t get into politics, just thank a veteran and think of all the people in the world who pray to be so blessed as we are in the land of the free. Our band, Alte Kameraden, (“Old Friends”) played today on the streets of our little town -- Don on the trumpet, Becky on drums. It was good. Life is good. June 19, 2007 We have received an email from someone Don took a We thank John for contacting us. We understand the pain of his childhood, and rejoice his subsequent success in life. The Gypsy Wagon Expedition is currently bivouacked in southern Montana, in the shadow of the state’s highest mountains. See new photos in our Montana Photo Gallery. Click here. July 1, 2007 in southern Montana July 12, 2007 One of the great things about writing The book will be named “Fresh Western Breeze, the Philosophy, Wit and Robust Life of Senator Alan K. Simpson.” This mountain in the Teton chain north of Jackson in western Wyoming is named Mount Moran. July 24, 2007 in the forest. When not editing, Don plays his trumpet -- so far not attracting moose or bears. July 27, 2007 at HQ in Red Lodge As Don has recently been voted a member of the Carbon County (Montana) Historical Society Board of Directors, we have taken on a project to benefit its capital improvement project. This fall, the Society will auction a Crow Indian Tipi depicting artwork by internationally famous Native American artist Kevin Red Star. (Photo by Mervin Coleman Studio, Red Lodge) We are working to put this 32-foot high tipi on display at the well known western design show in Jackson, Wyoming, and in other venues before telephone bidding closes in November. This is a major piece of Native American art, and it is expected to go for a very significant sum. August 13, 2007 in Montana To demonstrate how tough these bikers are, check out this girl’s leg and arm. That’s not paint! She took a spill on a corner and skidded on the street pavement, ripping the skin off her leg and arm. Amazingly, that didn’t keep her from finishing the race! This week we are going to honor Don’s high school band teacher. Our band, Alte Kameraden (Old Friends, in German) will perform in Cody, Wyoming. Richard Jensen, now in his 80’s will be invited to conduct a number. If only all of you could know the inspiration this man gave generations of young people. We intend that Friday, August 17th, will be very “Mr. Holland’s Opus-ish,” if you get the reference. August 18, 2007 The band we are in, Alte Kameraden, played for an ice cream social in Cody, and we invited Mr. Jensen to conduct a number. It felt good -- right -- to honor this man who inspired so many young people, giving them a gift they will carry forever. Thank you, Mr. Jensen. You are loved by many. September 4, 2007 enroute |
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from the trip back from Nepal when we hopped in the Gypsy Wagon and drove 1,200 miles to San Diego to join the celebration of Becky’s parents’ 50th wedding anniversary.
tion.
for the military personnel who operate this multi-billion dollar investment in America’s security.
finally catch some sleep!
been mostly washed away, and spring is in the air. Planning a sailing adventure for fall, and lots of exploration to do before then.
began.
ne on final approach to the Red Lodge (MT) airport, very near Expedition HQ. As it seemed light for the crosswind, we watch as it touched down, and then departed the runway.
ger relief team member Saw Lee Reh Kyaw after interrogating him at their headquarters. Lee Reh had been captured two days before, while he was providing humanitarian assistance to Karenni villagers. Patrolling Burma Army troops opened fire and attacked the village of Ha Lee Ku. One pro-democracy Karenni soldier was shot and killed immediately, while Lee Reh was shot in the leg and badly wounded. The Burma Army soldiers took him to their headquarters, interrogated him, tortured him and then shot and killed him.
a at the hands of their own thuggish Army could know the security and peace that comes from freedom and the right to state your opinion without fear.
photo of in that camp. 
erican Citizen now and i love the freedom. Thank you for the picture. 
a book about a former U.S. senator whose ancestors were from Jackson, Wyoming is going to Jackson to do research.
set up camp high in the mountains just northeast of northeast Yellowstone National Park. Escaping the brutal summer temperatures at lower altitudes, we are editing Don’s book on the life of Senator Al Simpson of Wyoming.
we feel it important to participate locally. 
bicycle races where run in Red Lodge, Montana, the little town that is headquarters to our expedition.
Wyoming last night, we had a chance to honor Don’s old high school band teacher. Richard Jensen (seen here with his wife Joyce), taught music for 38 years.