MEMORIES LIGHT THE CORNERS OF MY MIND; Castle Rock-WA

This Memory came up on my FB Feed this morning …

Memory: Bob planned this hiking trip on the sly & surprised me one morning, when he whisked me off to enjoy a Day on "my mountain"; Mt. Rainier National Park~2014

Beginning the hike on the trail head leaving Sunrise Lodge, a very wide snow bank covered the trail a ways. My sneakers were soaked, after crossing that snow patch. I didn't care 🙂

My gentle giant waiting for me to catch up; I kept getting sidetracked with the chipmunks. LOL

The trail just kept going up, and up, and up ... it was a pretty steep incline for 2 old duffers - but we were determined.

Beautiful panoramic view, seen from the Wonderland Trail; Mt. Rainier National Park~2014

The view of Mt. Rainier's crown was pretty cool. Box Canyon is directly behind that peak.

Bob made pretty good time with his bum leg; I was proud of him. And my heart was full of love because I knew he was doing this for me, and it was difficult for him.

NO WAY I was crossing the snow bank! Bob was the daredevil. It was straight off the edge on the other side, and Bob toed it to get a look at what lay at the bottom: and teased his chicken little (moi) when he snapped this picture 😉

He took this picture of the lake at the bottom so I could see it later on at home. He was always a thoughtful and loving husband to me.

Walking the loop in Box Canyon - just over that tallest peak of Mount Rainier is where we just came from. I love this place. But I don't think I will ever be going back alone.

I did go back to Box Canyon, solo lobo; 2 or 3 times before Holland came into my Life - however, I avoided the Sunrise aspect of the trip: NOTHING could compel me to try the Sunrise Lodge Road again! That was hair-rising enough the 1st time around, with Bob!

I did the 1st return as a dare to myself: I was missing my mountain, and pulled my big girl panties on & turned the Highlander's ignition with Bob's remembered encouragement echoing in my thoughts, "You can do it. Baby. You & I both know that you can do anything you set your mind to." I set my mind to "GO!" and off I went, in the full confidence Bob always inspired me with.

September 15, 2021~WINGS ~ Mt. Rainier Solo Lobo Daytrip: (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/09/wings-mt-rainier-solo-lobo-daytrip.html) * There is a vid in this post with a salty message; proceed as warned.

The subsequent return visit wasn't so scary; and as always, was enjoyable.

August 20, 2022~NEW ADVENTURES FOR MY NEW LIFE ~Shabbat Blessing: (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2022/08/new-adventures-for-my-new-life-shabbat.html)

But now, my lungs aren't as strong as they used to be - and even though Holland also encourages me in things I want to do … Life has changed & is taking me in different directions, now: and with each passing year, high elevations are too tricky to do solo lobo.

I miss my majestic mountain.

But, if I close my eyes and focus on it - I can feel the coolness of the atmosphere, I can smell the crisp & pungent alpine air, and in my mind - I am again walking the trails & enjoying the beautiful scenery.

I had a Good Life.

I have a Good Life.

I am a fortunate woman.

HIGHWAY STAR; Castle Rock-WA

Deep Purple - 'Highway Star' sing: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr9ie2J2690)

Listening to this song always reminds me of our Metallic Enhanced Corvette Sunset Bronze 'Cuda - it shimmered like desert heat in the sunshine. That thing was hot! 

Of course, nothing topped Bob's first love, his '68 Camaro … but that 'Cuda came pretty darned close 😉

Every time I drive past the Faith Temple Church across from Wal*Mart on Ocean Beach Highway I grin thinking of the night we were going home to Cathlamet from Longview and some smart-ass kid in a VW ass-ended us, locking bumpers - right there where the stop lights overhang; there used to be a vineyard to the left (where the Liquor Store is now).

Bob would have let it go … but when he looked in the rear view mirror and saw that kid howling with laughter, he got steamed.

Maybe the kid was stoned (don't know) - maybe the kid was scared and letting that fear dissipate by howling (don't know); but laughing wasn't the smartest thing to do at the particular moment.

I was watching the kid as Bob opened the 'Cuda's door and started unfolding himself from the low riding bucket seat to his full 6'2" height: as Bob straightened up and started for the back end of the 'Cuda, the kid's crazy laughter stopped and he slowly started slinking down in his seat.

It was funny. Because anyone who knows Bob knew he was a gentle giant - it took a LOT to ruffle his feathers and make him lose his temper; a locked bumper wouldn't make him go ballistic.

Bob - timeframe of the 1978 incident.

But the situation wasn't so funny.

Both cars had been damaged - nothing to laugh about.

Bob walked up to the VW's window and rapped on it with his knuckles and the window came down a crack; Bob asked the kid to get out of the car - and the kid looked at him for a long minute before getting out. Bob told him he'd let the whole thing go if the kid would unlock the bumpers.

It was a job: those bumpers were really locked.

Bob never offered to help.

He just stood by and watched as the kid struggled.

I was chocking on laughter I was struggling to hold in; let the smart-ass sweat it a little.

After about 20 minutes of watching the kid sweat, and huff-n-puff trying his best to get those 2 bumpers apart … Bob finally shook his head and told the repentant kid to get down off the bumpers. When the kid did, Bob lifted his foot and - I am not sure what he did at this point because I could not see what he was doing - as he brought his foot down on the locked bumpers, the car rocked, and it was free!

I hope the kid learned a lesson and was more careful after that incident.

We drove home, and YES! I laughed the whole way rerunning that scene through my head until we dropped into bed.

And, STILL, 4 decades later, driving past that specific spot makes me grin.

And, I swear, I can see Bob opening that 'Cuda's door and unfolding himself like it was only a second ago …

HAPPY SPOUSE, HAPPY HOUSE~3 State Road Gypsy Travel; CA-OR-WA

February 28th & March 1st: I was so ready for a Road Gypsy Day! Our time in Coalinga-CA was fine, but I have been chomping at the bit for a lengthy drive and a change of scenery: today both happened. I have missed my road romances.

We took our time tearing down, loading up, and moving down the freeway …

Full Body Workout~2.5 hrs. x 2; Coalinga-CA & Castle Rock-WA

Packing the house up & crossing parking lots~3 State hop, periodical movement; CA-OR-WA

Calf Raise Movement~15 min. periodical, during a 2.5 hr. packing & shifting motion; Feb-28-'26 & March-1-'26

Weighted Side Twist Motion~10 min. periodical, during a 2.5 hr. packing & shifting motion; Feb-28-'26 & March-1-'26

Weighted Press Overhead Movement~25 min. periodical, during a 2.5 hr. packing & shifting motion; Feb-28-'26 & March-1-'26

Stretch Motion~25 min. periodical, during a 2.5 hr. packing & shifting motion; Feb-28-'26 & March-1-'26

Grip Sumo Squat Motion~25 min. periodical, during a 2.5 hr. packing & shifting motion; Feb-28-'26 & March-1-'26

Step up Motion~15 min. periodical in and out of Betsy, during a 3 State Road Gypsy Travel; CA-OR-WA

FB Post; about 9.30 AM~Coalinga-CA

Holland was dreading the Sunday drivers … but, Elohim showered us with grace & traffic was light, lane changes went smoothly, and Holland drove through the pain - eyes forward & thoughts on hopeful pain relief when we reach the end goal destination point:

Willows-CA from Coalinga-CA; pulling Independence was about 5+ hrs. via I-5 S

Heart-shaped clouds appeared in Willows-CA

Exit 687, Mountain Gate; Wonderland Blvd, I-5 CA from Willows-CA~1 hr 14 min; via I-5 N

FB Post; I know him so well … he plans for 1 or 2 layover  stops, but we always make a straight bee line for Cowlitz County-WA ;-)

It started raining as we started crossing over the Siskiyou's: at least the bugs were washed off the windshield; and even though it was really too dark to get decent pictures, it was nice to look at the passing scenery with clear vision.

Holland and his family members have driven this route (from Laton-CA to Vader-WA) their entire life, from job to job (Holland, himself, was working a man's job & driving his own car at age 14: he passed as much older because of his height). He can drive this highway blind and know exactly where he was at, in the moment. The landscape changes - but the road remains the same; wider, but same layout.

Elohim did well by matching me with Holland: he is the best traveling companion. He understands the ins & outs of travel - routes, finances needed, fuel mileage estimates, time & distance variances, landscape pros and cons, ect. He hates CA though; and now that Brenda and George are gone, there's no reason to ever go back. If we continue traveling, we'll bypass CA altogether. I'm okay with that.

We passed by Shasta Lake at dusk (5:07 PM); 7-1/2 hours on the road so far.

We saw a dozen deer alongside the roadway (couldn't get a picture because the 6% grade didn't make snapshots possible), and a lovely sunset before total nighttime darkness covered the land. It was raining - not heavily as we passed over the worst of the Pass' steep incline/decline; truck brakes were hot & the scorched odor hung heavily in the air. Holland was going to walk the kinks out … but decided against it when the hot brakes stench caused us both to cough.

I had been listening to a testimonial video; I shared the message with Holland later & we had a good discussion.

Jewish Couple Miraculously Saved by Jesus | Yael & Jeff's Testimony:  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2OgFmi77F8)

Holland called my attention to the Lake, and started telling me about his & his siblings'  youthful antics.

Shasta Lake-CA; Holland & his brothers swam in this lake in 1979-1980 … when the lake held maximum water.

Shasta Lake-CA: 

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shasta_Lake)

Holland really hates CA; he may know CA & CA roadways … but he is not on friendly terms with any of it.

My April 21, 2024~REDDING-CA to LONG BEACH-WA:  (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2024/04/redding-ca-to-long-beach-wa.html)

Yreka-CA from Mountain Gate-CA~1 hr 20 min; via I-5 N

Mount Eddy-CA: 

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Eddy)

A cloud crowned Black Butte-CA  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Butte_(Siskiyou_County,_California))

Sunset in the Siskiyou's-CA

The stench of hot brakes was thick in the wet atmosphere.

Siskiyou Summit: 

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siskiyou_Mountains)

Castle Rock-WA from Ashland-OR~5 hr 5 min; via I-5 N

Heading ever northward, and thinking about the Messianic testimony I had viewed earlier, I got to thinking about the miraculous life change that happened in my personal life, in 1965. I wondered if Charlie was still alive - I know he was in 2022 … but since remarrying, my thoughts have been focused on that. Tonight, I cruised the internet seeking information on a man that was a father figure to me when I needed that; and also a man who taught and exampled the life of Jesus so much so, that I knew at 8 years old that was the life I wanted for myself: Elohim set plans in motion, the Ruach HaKo'desh put the drawing fire in my heart, and Charlie was inspiration that cemented my decision to be sold-out for Christ.

A year ago! I knew I'd come across it some day … but it was still a shock & a heart ache.

This is what I saw …

This is what I remember.

{{Charles Pat Schmitt  March 17, 1937 — February 5, 2025

https://www.donaldsonclarksville.com/obituaries/Charles-Schmitt

Charles Pat Schmitt was born on March 17, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York in Bethany Deaconess Hospital to Charles and Irma (Hausman) Schmitt. He is survived by one younger brother, Warren (Joanne) Schmitt.

Charles and his future wife, Dotty, grew up in the Ridgewood neighborhood. They both attended P.S. 93 Queens and Grover Cleveland High School, Brooklyn. Charles was trained at Prairie Bible College in Alberta, Canada (Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education) and Bethany College of Missions in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He earned his Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology, a Doctorate of Pastoral Ministry and a Doctorate of Theology from Logos Christian University in Jacksonville, Florida. He also holds an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the Methodist Episcopal Church USA.

Charles and Dotty first met in a neighborhood youth group meeting at Trinity Reformed Church when he was 14 and Dotty was 12. Charles had a life-changing encounter with Jesus as a young teenager. He started training for the ministry at age 17 and devoted himself to a lifetime of serving the Lord and His people as a pastor and Bible teacher.

Charles and Dotty married in December 1963 and have three exceptional daughters, Laura (George) Uecker, Dianna (Scott) Whittle, and Jenny Childers. Charles carried a deep love for his five wonderful grandchildren, Chase (25), Kai (24), Dylan (23), Brooke (23), and Hunter (22).

After Charles and Dotty were married, in addition to pastoring, they co-owned seven restaurants, two campgrounds, and a 32-unit apartment complex. Charles also ministered extensively across five continents with a deep love in particular for India and Nepal. He had the privilege of helping to start Bible Schools in India and in Maryland. From his teenage years, Charles had an unwavering heart for missions (especially in the 10/40 window) and for Israel.

Charles authored seven books, including Our Tremendous Lover—a Song of Solomon devotional; A Heart for God—a study on King David; Floods Upon the Dry Ground, a historical study of revival Church history; A Firm Foundation, a study of doctrines of the Christian faith; Ephesians High Adventure; Are These the Last Days; and End Time Truths for End Time People. Two of his books were translated into several languages and used as a curriculum in Bible Schools. Charles fervently carried a passion to teach the Scriptures for the equipping of the Body of Christ and to share the Good News of our Lord Jesus to the Nations.

On January 28, 2025, Charles recorded a short exhortation video on Facebook: "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). He encouraged himself and his listeners to prepare to meet Jesus Christ. Charles fought the good fight, he kept the faith, and on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, he finished the race as he stepped into the Healing Presence of His Lord and Savior.

Charles will always be remembered for his generous spirit, lively sense of humor, sincere love for the Word of God, and his profound gift of the exposition of the Scriptures.

In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting a missions donation.}}

Pastor Charles Schmitt & his wife Dotty (Dorothy), founded the Fellowship of Believers in Grand Rapids, Minnesota … which started as home Bible Studies & rented storefronts before purchasing a building - it was here that I was saved in 1965. By the time I was a young wife/mother in the late-1970's, they had added 2 children to their family as well, and then moved to Maryland and founded 2 more fellowships - their last one being Immanuel’s Church in Silver Springs, Maryland in 1982, in the suburbs of Washington, D.C.

I honestly can say that I never knew a time when Charlie was not smiling, laughing, saying something encouraging to someone, praying with someone/for someone. I saw his wife Dotty, angry many times … and he was always soothing & calmly meeting the situation with admirable peaceful solutions. I understand that he was a mere human being - but he truly exemplified what a sold-out Christian man should be.

Charlie lived & breathed the life of Christ 24/7/365.

Charlie was the kind of personality I wanted in my life; people (male or female friends; fellowship gatherings) had to measure up, if I was to spend quality time with them.

Bob was the heart throb I measured every male against.

Charlie was the man I measured every man against. Every pastor against. Every Christian against.

The world seems a colder place without his presence in it. MPO

Charlie was a beautiful soul & I loved him.

We stopped in Halsey-OR around 2 AM for fuel, and I watched a little wild brown rabbit hop it's way across the parking lot.

I also remembered Bob's dad, Bob Sr. talking about Halsey … and I wondered, 'what on earth was he doing clear down here?' Holland said that Halsey used to be a logging community - then, it made sense; Bob was a logger most of our married life & Bob Sr. - as well as Rose (my Bob's mother), both drove their log truck to ferry a truck load of fallen logs to market: that would have been an all day haul for 1 load.

From Halsey, we drove straight to Castle Rock, arriving in the wee hours of early dawn.

We made it - safe & sound: March 1st, 2026

We drove 863 miles straight through from Coalinga-CA to Castle Rock-WA; 50 mi travel time = 1 hour, Betsy pulling Independence (30,000 miles on the RV, alone); but we are finally parked in the one location that tickles my husband to no end.

Happy Husband; Castle Rock-WA

And I'm going to be as good as gold while we are here.