Got up in Salt Lake to a very chilly morning. Dry as a bone, too. We must’ve missed the big snow by a couple of days, gauging the snowbanks around town. We got on the big road before 10 am, kicking ass north up into Idaho, and over towards the Oregon border.

I’m glad to say I survived another trip through the “Burley Vortex.” There’s just something about that town that messed with me a couple time in the mid ’90s. Flat tires and snowstorms and getting pulled over and shit. Just watch yer back when you go through it, travelers.

Went through some precipitation just outside of Mountain Home, and then things cleared way up allowing a record hunting pitstop at the Record Exchange in downtown Boise. Got some goodies, and got back on the big road.

We passed over into Oregon, and then started the push up towards Deadman’s Pass. 15 miles outta La Grande, things turned right ugly. Big snowstorm. We pulled off, had a feast at a Mexican restaurant and called it a night nice and early.

If you ever need a place to stay in La Grande, let me recommend the Orchard Hotel. Thumbs up in a big way.

- - - -

BEST “CARD” OF THE SEASON: Suddenly, all the wellwishing and sentiments just don’t add up. Hoss gets down to brass tacks in a way only he can. “I want you to prosper in uncertain times. Here are some Wise Investments.”

On the way back to Portland Leigh and I had a pretty grave discussion about the possibility of “things going to shit” and how we’d handle it, and what preparations could be taken. Just in case. PJ’s speculation is a little more long term, but, look how fast the financial collapse happened, and then apply that to the nation’s trucking system bringing goods to and fro around the nation, and then think about sudden foot shortages and what not. Scary thoughts.

Good stuff to think about. Spent a good chunk of the day pouring over some of the pointers in Hoss’ card. One smart cookie, he is.

With that said, I will get back to my gluttonous life making landfill, living fast and hawking shameless amounts of DDC Merch. Go easy on me! Man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do!