Dad's Day

I've often talked about my own Father on Father's Day, so I thought it would be good to talk about Fathers in general today. Wait! What am I talking about? There's no such thing as "Fathers in general" and I've been blessed with a Father "in particular" who has blessed my life richly and generously . . . for over 50 years now. His baptismal name is John, but we've known him as Papa, Cowboy, Pops, and lots of other names over the years. When we used to travel in the family car, we would often play games to pass the time. Once, on a return trip from North Dakota, we played something like "20 Questions." One person got to pick a person, place, or thing and everybody else got 20 chances to get enough information to guess the right answer. The "usual suspects" in the game, especially when it came to prominent persons, were celebrities or historical figures. Well, on my turn on this particular trip I chose our Dad as the prominent person. I think I was razzed by my siblings for not picking a well-known person, but doesn't that sound kind of silly now. How much better could we know him? We were his flesh and blood! Over the years, Papa has shown us truly fatherly love, protection, guidance, tenderness, understanding and, most amazingly, unconditional forgiveness . . . and heaven knows he's had a lot of chances to do that! Fr. David Brown, at Mass this morning in Reedsport, mentioned that any man is capable of being a father, but fewer actually become a dad. So, Happy Father's Dad's Day to my own and all others.

Father and Son at an SF Giants Game

(World Series Champs 2010!)

Friends (Follow-up)
It was a great surprise to encounter Denice Herrmann and Chuck Kennedy this morning at St. John's in Reedsport. We have shared a friendship for nearly twenty years. They live in Deadwood, near Triangle Lake and not far from Mapleton. I've had the joy of watching their children and grandchildren grow up. It was a treat to share in part of their Father's Day observance. They asked if they could share also in part of the walk today and they accompanied me for the first 4 1/2 miles. Our conversation made the time seem to pass more quickly. After being shuttled back to their car, I continued to the Bay Bridge at North Bend and then eventually to Bunker Hill (on the south end of Coos Bay). At the 13.1-mile mark, I called Paul Swadener's "replacement," Bruce Kramer. He was only a few blocks away. Paul has been a great help and I trust that Bruce will fill in for him well. I'm grateful to both of them.

Chuck, Denice, and Yours Truly

***

So, here's what some of you have been waiting for:

The second runner-up in the Name the Walking Stick contest is: Johnnie Walker. It is, in fact, the brand name of my favorite adult beverage (rocks, please), but it’s a little too secular for something called The Pilgrimage. All those still in favor of Johnnie Walker, please offer a toast for a strong third-place finish. Thank you Mr. Derek.

The first runner-up is Hendrick, the name of the artist Rembrandt’s wife's uncle. It turns out that Hendrick was a key ally of the artist and was his agent in securing commissions for his art work. In that he was a helper and companion, this is a very worthy match for the Walking Stick and a strong second-place. Thank you Stephanie and the Mac Zoo.

Drum roll please. The winning entry and the name which will stick with the Stick for ages to come is . . . Junipero (pronounced Hoo-nipper-Oh). Blessed Junipero Serra, Franciscan missionary priest, is the inspiration here, and so is the fact that the Stick is made of Oregon Juniper wood. Below are some interesting facts about “Fr. Serra," as he was called in his day. Thanks to Pat for the winning entry and a great case in defense of the entry.

When I walked into a Quick-Mart in Lakeside (between Reedsport and North Bend) Saturday, the man behind the counter said, “Hoo-boy, that’s quite a stick you got there!” “Hoo-boy” didn’t strike me quite like “Dude . . .”, but it was delivered with a little bit of a Southern accent and was a welcome greeting at 9 of 13 miles on Saturday. Crossing the Bay Bridge today, a man said, "&%#&@, that's a mighty stick, man!" I said, "Its name is Junipero. Thanks anyway. Have a safe trip!"
　
　
Blessed Junipero Serra. Adapted from Saint of the Day: In 1776, when the American Revolution was beginning in the east, another part of the future United States was being born in California. That year a gray-robed Franciscan named Junipero Serra founded the seventh of nine missions, San Juan Capistrano. He had entered the Franciscan Order and had taken the name of St. Francis’ companion, Brother Juniper. Although a teacher for many years in Spain, Fr. Serra responded to a calling to go to the New World. Arriving by ship at Vera Cruz, Mexico, he and a companion walked 250 miles to Mexico City. For 18 years he worked in central Mexico and in the Baja Peninsula. Eventually, he made a 900-mile journey to what is now California and established the first Mission (San Diego) in 1769. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1998.
The word that best describes Junipero is zeal. It was a spirit that came from his deep prayer and dauntless will. “Always forward, never back” was his motto.

Some Scenes from Day 19:

First View of the Bay Bridge (It's Out There!)

The Bay Bridge (About One Mile Later)

The Bay Bridge (Much Closer)

The Bay Bridge (From On Top)

End of Day 19 at Bunkercoal Slough

at Bunker Hill