About This Blog

Kayaks belonging to the Sea Kayak Adventure group in the waters of Johnstone Strait, northeastern Vancouver Island.

Our sea Kayaks wait patiently for us as we have lunch in a cove off of Johnstone Strait where we spent seven days out sea kayaking among orca whales.

I am a wanderer by nature. Always have been. That’s why this blog is titled “Wandering through Time and Place.”

Ten years of blogging on WordPress have taught me that most of my posts fall under the broad category of travel and adventure travel.

View from Sunrise Visitors center at mt. Rainier National Park. Photo by Curtis Mekemson.

Looking up at Emmons Glacier from the Sunrise Visitor’s Center at Mt. Rainier.

Skim my archives to join me on past adventures. One blog finds my wife Peggy and I chugging up the Amazon and eating piranhas while another finds us lost in a raging dust storm at Burning Man in the Nevada Desert. There are blogs on national parks, totem poles, Big Horn Sheep and amorous burros. Learn what it is like to explore East Africa’s big game parks in a Volkswagen Beetle, negotiate the narrow waterways of Northern England in a 60-foot canal boat, and wake up with a bear standing on top of you in the Sierra-Nevada Mountains of California.

Morning sun catching the copper face of the temple provided the rich color here.

Morning sun catching the copper face of the temple provided the rich color here of the 2015 Temple at Burning Man.

Three years ago I celebrated my 75th birthday by backpacking 750 miles down the Pacific Crest Trail. Presently I am blogging a book about that trip and my other wilderness adventures. I am also blogging a book about my experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer in West Africa. Meanwhile, Peggy and I continue to explore closer to home and blog about our experiences during the pandemic with hopes of once again expanding our horizons in the near future. Please join us.

130 thoughts on “About This Blog”

  1. It would be fun to gather suggested activities for Bone’s next adventure. Maybe you can create another spot on the blog for the suggestions.

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  2. While on one of my adventures into the wilderness, in the mountains of North Carolina, I happened upon an itinerant idler by the name of Marshall. I enjoyed chatting with him, and found his stories of travel rather entertaining and informative. I was fortunate enough to run into him again two years later. He gave me this website, I believe as a way to keep in touch.
    I plan to travel more, as opportunity arises, and would like to cross paths again. With any luck, this site can help facilitate that.
    Thanks, and peaceful journies.

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    • Marc… good to hear from you. The Itinerant Idler is a wanderer of epic proportions as he migrates with the seasons. My brother Marshall and I were born to roam the world, coming from a long line of travelers who first hit the shores of North America from England in the 1630s and began to head west. From time to time I catch up with the Itinerant Idler and the modern day Gypsies that make up his world, people who happily disappear off the radar. I will blog about them from time to time when our paths cross.

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  3. Hi Curt… My husband Jake and I had the good fortune of meeting your brother Marshall in Southern Florida this week. He was a fountain of information for us regarding free camping spots as we go north and shared several good stories about his life, including the story you wrote about almost scaring your sister to death. I plan on enjoying your blog as we go along (we are on a year-long adventure)…you are an excellent writer. The RPCV in me really appreciates the memoirs of PC life. Cheers!

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    • Greetings Laurel, First up, I jumped on your website. Looks like you and Jake share our love of travel and photography. In addition to my blog you might want to check my wife Peggy’s blog at http://www.travelswithquivera.blogspot.com where we feature our photos. We have just completed two and a half years of wandering and bought a house outside of Jacksonville, Oregon. We love it and would enjoy having you stop by on your journey. Also, where and when were you a Peace Corps Volunteer. Did you get any recipes out of Marshall? He loves to cook. Thanks for your kind comments.

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  4. This is a wonderful resource Curt, thanks for making it available to me. I enjoy your writing and your photos, and Bone is the perfect host — kind of an Ambassador, wouldn’t you say? I’m sure I’m in good hands when I can sit down, chuckle at Bone’s latest “outfit,” manage a cleansing breathe and roll my neck while absorbing the relaxing graphics. Now, if only it had sound, ……… does it have sound?

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  6. Curt – I wrote you some time ago letting you know I had the pleasure of meeting your brother Marshall. I suspect that you’re the only one that can get in touch with him and I’ve a question of him I wonder if you’d please pass on? Marshall told me of a great campsite near Okeechobee to go to, and said access could only be gained by applying at the upstairs office of some State of Florida department/agency located – I believe – in Okeechobee City. I want to follow up on his suggestion but as you can see, I need some specific guidance. Anything you can do would be appreciated. I met Marshall camping at Allapattah Flats and my name is Dave Williams. Thanks so much!

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  11. Thanks Curt for your blog on John Brown’s grave. I’ll most probably make this trek in the spring as well as a visit to Airds Moss to visit Richard Cameron’s grave. My ancestor was Alexander Peden’s brother. I’ve been to their birthplace, Auchencloich, and to many of the Peden’s Pulpits throughout the countryside. I greatly appreciate your detail in writing and I’ll sure keep my eye peeled for the ghost. Again, thank you!

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    • Sounds like you have done extensive research Mark. I hope to get back to Scotland again and do more. Beautiful country and friendly people. It was a fascinating time in Scotland when the Pedins, Browns and Camerons were living. Are you related to Henry Pedin, the Maryland genealogist?

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  12. Curt, in between dodging termites, army ants and Lord knows what else, I hope you have time to receive The Reality Blogger Award, because I just nominated you for it. Your stories are exciting and funny, and I wanted, in whatever small way I can, to make more folks aware of them. Here’s the short link: http://wp.me/p1XDRR-6s

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    • Thank you so much. I have always enjoyed writing and story telling… almost as much as I have enjoyed going out and having the experiences to write about. I will definitely check out the link.

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  13. I tapped the follow button. I’ve read a couple of your articles and you guys have a fun and fascinating website. I’m sincerely looking forward reading about and learning from your adventures… Just keep’m coming and I hope you guys continue having a such an interesting and fun life…

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  14. Based on what I’ve seen from your travels on your website, I thought you might be interested in looking at an article I wrote last June, A MOUNTAIN GORILLA CLOSE ENCOUNTER OF THE WONDERFUL KIND… There’s some background and 3, somewhat, short videos of close encounters with mountain gorillas. The first video is my favorite. You may have already seen these videos, since they’re from YouTube; if not, I hope you enjoy these videos/encounters as much I do…
    Here’s the link:
    http://noulteriormotive.com/2012/06/10/a-mountain-gorilla-close-encounter-of-the-wonderful-kind/

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    • We stumbled over here comnig from a different web page and thought I might as well check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to exploring your web page again.

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      • I appreciate you taking the time stop by my “netpub” …NETPUB translates to “BLOG” . I hate the word BLOG ! Blog sound so unsanitary. If you’re so disposed, you can find out more about “me” by reading my “ABOUT ME”. Thanks again.

    • (I’m not sure if I’m posting this in the cocerrt place as I was unable to post it from the Dashboard.)The type of physician I would like to work with is a gerontologist. A gerontologist specializes in caring for the elderly. I have a fondness for our older population. They built out society and lived in a time that many of us can learn from. I would take great pride in caring for them as they age. In my opinion, working with a doctor that shares my passion and excitement would be the ideal work environment.The type of physician I would not be as excited to work with would be a proctologist. To be completely honest, I just don’t think I have what it takes to be in that environment. It’s important to be professional in any medical environment. I believe my sense of humor would not allow me to be as professional as I would need to be. I would also prefer not to work with ophthalmologist. Several years ago I spent a week with my grandfather at a specialist to have cataracts removed. I found it very difficult to watch the videos of my grandfather’s up coming procedures. It wasn’t difficult caring for my grandfather after surgery, but I must admit the pre-op was an experience that I would not want to assist in on a daily bases.

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  15. Hi Curt
    Thanks for visiting our blog, and for the ‘like’ on the Laos post. There’s much more to come. We’re currently in Mexico staying put for a few months while I try madly to get the blog caught up to date (more on Laos, more on Thailand, and Myanmar, a truly extraordinary place). And because we really need a break 🙂 Not confident it will ever actually happen lol since as soon as I’m up to date we’ll be on the move again and there’ll be more – a never ending pleasure.
    Your blog is certainly a traveller’s cornucopia. People think we’re adventurous, but you two leave us in the dust! A pleasure to follow your adventures.
    Cheers, Alison

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    • Hi Alison… just made a long comment on the health issue (also being 70 with a younger wife (grin)… only to have my Internet connection go south. Peggy and I are sitting on the Oregon Coast watching fishing boats unload. Anyway… Thanks for your comments. looks like your blog will be lots of fun. I just hit the follow button as well. Curt

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  16. Thanks Curt.
    Oregon coast sounds nice – hear you’re having a pretty nice spring up there.
    Hate that when the darn internet has a mind of its own!
    Cheers
    Alison

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  17. Thank You for visiting American Male hope you come back and visit soon! What a wonderful gift to give yourself the freedom to travel!

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  20. Hi Curt, I stumbled across your blogs when I was looking info on McClelland castle…McClelland being my mothers maiden name, this castle is our family history. Being the armchair traveller that I am I’m enjoying Peggy & your travels. Great stuff.

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    • Thanks guys. It is truly an honor to be awarded for being “off the wall.” Of all the awards wandering around out there in blogland, I consider yours right up there with my “Freshly Pressed” recognition. 🙂 Hugs, Curt

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  23. Hello, Mr. Mekemson,
    Ran into your name. Sounds like an enviable life! I’m glad to hear mention of Marshall. Granny (Star Marshall Colvig) told me he was impetuous and lacked judgment. Of course, when he visited us he was ten or eleven. How much judgment was he expected to have!?
    Contact me if you will.

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    • Hello Michael,

      Marshall definitely marches to his own drummer. Now he is happily… and I am serious about the happy part, living as a homeless man with a van and a bank account, and migrating back and forth between Florida and North Carolina living in campgrounds. I visit with him when I wander that way and keep in touch with him via phone.

      I never thought I would end up in the land of our grandparents, great grandparents and great, great grandparents, but here I am. And it is a beautiful place to live.

      Glad you made the contact. Look forward to keeping in touch. Where are you living? –Curt

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  24. Hello Mr. Mekemson,
    I stumbled upon your site via “A Holistic Wayfarer” and am so glad I did. I look forward to stopping by regularly.
    Best wishes from Japan,
    Takami

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    • Read your article on the trans-Atlantic flight, Jacob. Enjoyed it. Seems to me, if you want tolerance, you have to practice it. No guarantees, but it sure improves the odds. I hit the follow button. –Curt

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  26. Curt, we love your blog, of course, because the two of you remind us of us! Loving travel, photography, and places to see. I’ve come upon two more posts on Sedona that I’d like to comment on (love them!) but not sure how. Am I overlooking a Comment offer at the end of your posts? Keep on posting. We love seeing where you go.

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  27. Hi Curt,
    We’re just writing to let you know we’re inviting you to the “Behind the Scenes Blog Hop” that’s been going around among a lot of great WordPress bloggers. It features bloggers answering four questions about what they write and how they write it. We see it as an online bloggers’ workshop.

    We’re always interested to hear how talented bloggers like you create your posts. You can find the questions on our post we’re publishing tomorrow (Thursday January 29) that will have a pingback to your blog.

    There’s no pressure to participate or even respond; it’s totally up to you. We’ve long admired your journey through life and enjoy reading the posts about your exploits.

    Thanks and Happy Trails,
    James & Terri

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  28. Hey Curt!! I’m not showing that you’ve been nominated for the “Liebster Award.” If not, I’m nominating you! 🙂

    It is a way to pay it forward to other bloggers through answering a number of blogging/writing related questions, and passing that along. I was nominated over the weekend and am currently working on my post (which will include instructions should you chose to participate) so stay tuned for that! 🙂

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  29. Thanks for following The Immortal Jukebox Simon I hope you have found some entertaining music and writing and perhaps made some discoveries. If its been a while since you last visited come on over! Good luck with your Intriguing blog. Regards Thom

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  31. Hi, Mr. And Mrs. Mekemson:
    I have found your blog site to be wonderfully inspiring 🙂 I found it while looking for places to backpack with my two young daughters this summer (I’ve got my eyes on Red Butte, hence my discovery of your blog site,) and got lost in the fascinating rabbit hole of your adventurous life. I would love it if I could speak with you briefly, or exchange a few emails, to pick your brain about a concept I’m working on for the amateur adventurer. If you have time or capacity to speak with me, I’d be thrilled. I completely understand if you’re unable to for any reason; but if you’re available and willing, please email me.
    Warmest regards to you both, and happy adventures!
    Rachel

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  34. You are a real adventurer. My only form of adventure is when it is done in comfort. I tell my friends who want me to go backpacking with them that I grew up poor and rough with no creature comforts, so I would not dream of deliberately leaving a comfortable life. They do not buy it, but I am sticking to my comforts. I will live vicariously through you 🙂

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  35. Hi Curt, I am enjoying drafting along following you on your bike-van trip. In your Billy The Kid post you mention that the governor of New Mexico played a role. His name was Lew Wallace, and he himself was a very interesting person,e.g., Civil War Union general and later author of the novel “Ben-Hur.” PS: Enjoy the K.D. Lang concert coming up at the Brit in Jacksonville. David

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    • Thanks, David. I’d forgotten that he had written Ben Hur. Looking forward to seeing Edie, and wish you and I were getting ready to hike down the John Muir Trail right about now. –Curt

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  36. When I saw your name twice in 5 minutes in the comment sections of two blogs I follow, I figured it was a sign I should check out your blog! I’m glad I did; we seem to like a lot of the same things in life. Happy trails!

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    • Hi Lex, I was talking with my wife Peggy the other day a bit about how we find new people to follow. And then here you were. I read your comment to Peggy and then I read her the name of your blog. “One foot out the door,” she broke out laughing. “That is so you!” I immediately went over to your blog and read your piece on doing a community project in Costa Rica. My two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer came flooding back. Anyway, I have hit the follow button and am looking forward to your posts. –Curt

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  38. Hey there. My name is Chuck Gould and you have used a photograph of mine without my permission or knowledge and, further attributed the photo to Peter Coyote. He is a friend and old digger comrade of mine. The article was about Don McCoy et.al. Where did you obtain this photo of Paula McCoy that I shot in her home in SF in 1967? You need to contact me at:(email address provided) This is a copy write infringement and needs to be remedied.

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  39. Just found this blog, very interesting. I was there at the bigfoot trap in 1975 with Ron Olsen. Took some photos of the trap and also the cabin and some other like small structures. I wonder if Ron Olsen is still living? Lived in Oregon in the 70’s and yes I was a Bigfoot hobbyist you might say! The story I heard was an old miner had lived there for several years and had some sightings is why they decided to put the trap there. And it wasn’t easy to get the permit from the Forest Service and they had to make a road to get the trap there. Hard to believe they exist now but what a fascinating story!!!

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    • Thanks, Gary! It would be fun to see your photos. My understanding was that a person living in the area below the trap where Applegate Lake is now, saw tracks in his garden. Don’t know whether Olsen is still alive. We have only been living in the area for seven years, although I was born in Ashland. Big Foot fascinates me and my brother says one crossed his path in the forest outside of Eugene in the 70s when he lived there. –Curt

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  41. Great Blog Brother – really, REALLY enjoyed it – was sent to me by “Truckee”, a good friend of mine – I also recognized the header photo from the Turnagain Arm – I travel it twice a year when i go to Moose Pass, Alaska to visit my dad. Keep up the great work 🙂

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    • Thanks so much Mark. Meeting people like Truckee along the trail is one of the true delights of hiking along the PCT. And you are right about the Turnagain Arm. Peggy and I were in Alaska to visit our son and his family. At the time, he was flying helicopters for the Coast Guard out of Kodiak. But I also lived in Alaska for three years in the 80s. –Curt

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  42. My ancestor is Andrew Makemson brother of James. Andrews wife was Eliza Jane Lindsey . I am having a hard time connecting all of my family together. I do have more information about Andrew’s father Andrew senior. Who was born in Cork Ireland. I also have a Janet Hugh born about 1670 in Ireland died July 2 1728 Armagh U Ireland. Rebecca about 1720 Cork Ireland. All of my information is very spotty and I’m trying to get it all lined out. Please email me any information that you have. Thank you so much! coronadeb@gmail.com

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  43. My ancestor is Andrew Makemson brother of James. Andrews wife was Eliza Jane Lindsey . I am having a hard time connecting all of my family together. I do have more information about Andrew’s father Andrew senior. Who was born in Cork Ireland. I also have a Janet TUGH Born about 1670 in Ireland died July 2 1728 Armagh U Ireland. Rebecca about 1720 Cork Ireland. All of my information is very spotty and I’m trying to get it all lined out. Please email me any information that you have. Thank you so much! coronadeb@gmail.com

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    • Hi Deborah. I will be glad to share what I have. I mentioned above that I will be traveling to Northern Ireland in the spring to visit our ancestral area. Right now I am finishing up a 750 mile backpack trek I have been doing to celebrate my 75th birthday. –Curt

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  44. Hi Curtis- my name is Teddy, a colleague and friend of Clay. He shared your blog with me, and I’ve really enjoyed following it. Love the new look on the page! Clay mentioned you will be in the SF Bay area in February. I live there now and hope we can find a day to connect and meet! Please feel free to email/ping me: bermessa@gmail.com

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    • First, thanks Teddy. Peggy and I enjoy sharing our adventures on WordPress. Glad you are enjoying them and like the new look.
      Second, Clay had mentioned you to me when we were in Charlotte over Christmas and has talked highly of you before. I’d be delighted to meet up with you when I am in San Francisco at the Writers Conference. I will email you to work out the details. –Curt

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    • I went back and looked at the post, David. On WP it showed the standard comment section at the bottom, and several people had commented. Not sure of the problem, but I see you did get in from the “About” post. Let me know if you continue to have a problem. –Curt

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  46. Dear Curt and Peggy, I know that the comments are closed, but I wanted to let you know how sorry we are for the loss of your brother. Your tribute was so special and will be forever on our minds. Love and Hugs, Terri & James

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  48. I found your story while researching my ancestor. He is my 6th great grandfather, Andrew Makemson. We are related!
    It was wonderful to read the vivid and descriptive tale of the brothers bravery!
    Thank you!
    Deborah

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  49. Have found your Liberian tales fascinating, bringing back so many of my own memories from Liberia in 1970-1971. I was a student at Cuttington, so Gbarnga was a part of my bailiwick, visited Phebe Hospital when I had malaria, loved eating at Oscar’s, There also was a Lebanese restaurant that was great, made a killer burger and fries along with the hummus and pita. There is so little that seems to have survived from that time–no surprise, I guess, 2 civil wars obliterate a lot. Anyway, thanks for the memories! Best, Robin

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    • So glad you enjoyed the tales, Robin. Liberia was definitely another world then. I haven’t been back, so I can only imagine the devastation caused by the civil wars, but everything I have read points to that devastation. That Liberians can still push on, that they can still sing, and dance and laugh, speaks to their spirit. Thanks so much for commenting. –Curt

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  50. Hi Curt, We hope you’re having a great summer. We just published a post about “Blogs We Love” … and yours is one of them! We wanted to thank you for all the joy you bing to our blogging community. All the best, Terri & James @gallivance.net

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    • First, thanks much James and Teri! Appreciated! Bone says thank you as well! We have just started out two to three month exploration of the backroads of America in our small TV. –Curt

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      • It is a Class B Pleasure Way, Terri, 22 feet long and comes with a bathroom, kitchen, and couch that makes into a bed. Quite comfortable. It’s our second one. Between the two, we have traveled over a quarter of a million miles in North America. Unfortunately, always expensive, they have gone over the top with the new demand for small RVs. Otherwise, we’d buy our third one. 🙂 –Curt

      • I just went to their website. Those are SO cool. I can see why you and Peggy enjoy traveling in it. I see so many young travelers embracing “Vanlife” and I bet these are popular with them, too. I hope you guys have a great trip. ~Terri

  53. Hi Curt. I just came across your blog in my internet travels seeking family genealogy information. We are cousins through the Marshalls–Stella Louise “Star” Marshall was my grandmother. I have collected a good amount of Marshall information that has been passed down to me by various relatives. If you are interested in comparing notes, please feel free to contact me at my email.
    Cheers,
    Cousin Tim Colvig

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  54. Hi Curt, I am in awe of the adventures you and Peggy have been on. And even though mine are barely a fraction, I’m thrilled to say my boots have their place on the trail. 🙂 It’s great to connect with you and travel along.

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