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Go west, the upper states.
  • Robert Buesching
  • Robert Buesching

Go west, the upper states.

2 weeks to get from Fort Wayne to the Seattle Airport to pick up my aunt. Then up to Orcas Island for Imagine art and music festival. From there free to explore until I get tired of living in my van or it gets to cold Read more
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  • Robert BueschingGo west, the upper states.Traveler

    Bruun Idun - Way of the Bird Kin

    September 1, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    Troll 2 at Lincoln Park, on the ocean!
    Made a stop at the grocery store on the way to stock up before the island.
    And when I started my car up I had no dash instruments. After visiting the trolley stopped at an auto parts store and got a fuse tester. Was able to fix it, whew. I have been worried that my van would break and not make my critical pickup with my aunt and the ferry to the island.
    But all is good!
    In a hotel by the settle airport and my next post should be from Orcas!!    Read more

  • Robert BueschingGo west, the upper states.Traveler

    Doe Bay!

    September 2, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    Picked up Marlene Rand made it to Doe Bay without any trouble. Saw a few of Julia’s pets and got in a good hike. All on the first day! Got a 9:30a hot tub secession tomorrow 😊

  • Robert BueschingGo west, the upper states.Traveler

    Church Mountain Trail

    September 15, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F

    Separated from River, Julia and Marlene around 11:30 as they headed home. Looked at the map and decided to try the Church Mountain road, then trail as it was pretty close as it looked like it had possibilities. Was able to drive to the trail head with only some scraping crossings over the small stream 😬 But a wonderful hike. It was difficult, I was really tired at the end but the views were stunning after all the switchbacks through the woods. Lots of delicious blueberries above the tree line to snack on. Camped out at the trail headRead more

  • Robert BueschingGo west, the upper states.Traveler

    Ptarmigan Trail (out and back)

    September 16, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    The part in which I realize I don’t have any of my serious and good hiking equipment… and this has now turned into a serious hiking adventure!!
    A glorious hiking day on the up to Mt Baker by the glacier on the Ptarmigan trail. More wild blueberry’s, although not nearly as many as Church Mt, amazing views, and a pica!
    An amazingly warm day, spent the rest of it picking in the parking lot in she sunshine and then drove out of camp along a forest road.    Read more

  • Robert BueschingGo west, the upper states.Traveler

    Iceburg lake circle trail

    September 17, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    Another 5* hike!!
    Side note, have been seeing people hike with skis almost every day. Turns out there is a group called Turns all Year that commits to getting on some kind of snow ever months of the year and making turn. Even on the scattered small patches of snow here.
    The circle trail was really cool and the lakes at the apex absolutely beautiful! There where some great tent spots!
    Got back and had a nice 1/4 of a pizza slice at the pub and then found a random spot on the NF road and the campground was full.    Read more

  • Robert BueschingGo west, the upper states.Traveler

    What’s the plan???

    September 18, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    Took of this morning from the town of Glacier after a stop off at the Wake’n Baking for a cup of coffee, and a quick panicked search for my wallet. (I do try to be a little organized, it’s a work in progress)
    My first stop was the Planet Fitness for a much needed shower, Got that done an saw they there was also a Great Clips in the strip mall and I could get in directly so dropped my shower stuff off at the van and go a nice cut. Then back to the Gym for WiFi and cursory workout and finish my plan.
    The town of Burlington where the PF was has a jumping off point to either the Ferry to Port Townsend and Olympic NP or hwy 20 the is on the other side of My Baker and heads to Cascades NP.
    The weather at least tomorrow and part of the next day looks pretty good before a day or 2 of rain moved in so searched out the trail that some folks were telling me about yesterday. Turned out it’s in just the right spot on the far southeast side of the park to hit tomorrow, only a bit over an hr driver from Burlington ( which was also an hr from Glacier). All the NF campground are closed (😢) bit it also looked like there may be good free, dispersed road camping.
    …. And there was. Found a great spot and it was a great rest day!!
    Up early tomorrow to dive the rest of the NF road and into the NP.
    It will be e a longish day hiking and want an early start.
    Embrace your in-the-boondocks alone time. It’s a time to really practice getting into new things. (With music for me!) because when you play in public, you can practice, but it still has to sound reasonably well… and I realize in the NP’s, if your going to invade people’s scilence in such an amazing place youneed to mostly play amazing thing’s
    (I have asked if I’m annoying to any body who engages me)
    Yesterday I saw 2 lady’s at my end, we were crossing paths to both of our ends. They said “your the harmonica guy.” They seamed thrilled. But it’s a time to give my best.
    … The best night outside! 😊    Read more

  • Robert BueschingGo west, the upper states.Traveler

    Cascade Pass/Sahale Glacier Trail

    September 19, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    Made it to the trailhead after a pretty washboardy 45 min drive. Absolutely gorgeous Mountains!
    And a great hike! Not to the glacier, but as I write this, to a good turnaround point. I can take my time and lounge here in the alpine sun! 😊
    Made a nice cup of coffee at the trailhead.    Read more

  • Robert BueschingGo west, the upper states.Traveler

    Hidden Lakes/Fire Lookout

    September 20, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    Today kicked me, debated hard on skipping the final push to the actual fire watch, but glad I did!
    It was 20plus min motorcycle trip on the rutted forest road to get to the trailhead. Tried it with my van the day before and it was to steep, and it turns out, would have been way to rutted for me make itRead more

  • Robert BueschingGo west, the upper states.Traveler

    R&R

    September 22, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    3 nights to realm a bit. Wanted to stay longer an play some music but it was to chilled. Had a great camp spot but no sun, couldn’t get warm. To a long moto ride to try and fin a stream trail but it was a bit to far off the beaten path, not well used. A nice break, great spot, did a lot of reading and not moving.Read more

  • Robert BueschingGo west, the upper states.Traveler

    Ferry Port Townsend for a hotel night

    September 23, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    A stop a planet fitness on the way to the ferry for a much needed shower and a workout. Feeling a little funky the last days mentaly. It was def time to move on.
    … enjoyed wondering Port Townsend. Had an amazing old hotel, should have got more photos of the sitting areas and halls! Had dinner at the Siren and heard on of the local weekly Tuesday Keltic Jam.
    Drove on after an amazing breakfast sandwich with like arugula, and a good drippy cheese 🥹
    And a coffee.
    And drove on, and lucky had no prob finding a camping site at
    (turn page)    Read more

  • Robert BueschingGo west, the upper states.Traveler

    Dungeness Nat Wildlife Refuge Hike

    September 24, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F

    Dungeness split
    The longest spit in the United States ends at a lighthouse in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
    Yea, I did that!!
    Got a campsite here but couldn’t electronically check in until noon,
    So got a late start. And the hike was a bit longer than I thought. And I didn’t realize I was bumping into a high tide until I checked when it looked suspicious.
    But I kicked ass and it was amazingly!!
    I dottled a bit at the end because, views! But I did most at 2.9 mph average.
    Such a great day.    Read more

  • Robert BueschingGo west, the upper states.Traveler

    Olympic peninsula/national Park

    September 26, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F

    I guess when I thought of Olympic National Park I think of the coastal Hoh Rain Forest (Hall of Mosses Trail) with lots of moss but that’s just a minuscule part of it all. It’s high mountains (hiked the hurricane ridge trail) and hot springs (did an 8:00a session at the Sol Duc hot springs before moving on). Then it skips over to coastal beaches (had an amazing night at the South beach camp) and trails. The whole area is amazing. And passed through the town of Forks, from the Twilight movies. Was a bit preoccupied during some of it as I have a bit of a side quest starting Monday. And I realized that some of visiting the National parks are going in and doing ‘the things’ that you have to do there. And often just rushing off after. You and ALL the people trying to hit those few things. The like actual very small part of the park that has all the moss characteristic of the tropical rainforest.Read more

  • Robert BueschingGo west, the upper states.Traveler

    Side Quest: First a quick stop in Manila

    September 30, 2025 on the Philippines ⋅ 🌧 81 °F

    … So catching the last 9 days up as I sit here with a tropical drink at a rooftop pool in hotel by the airport in Manila.

    I forget how much I said before I left. The gist is I have a friend who is from the Philippines that I have know for maybe 6-7 years. Don’t recall exactly how we met (online)
    He has been in Melbourne for the last 4 years or so and I had seen that he had just returned home, possibly for a short time but he had not decided yet. I have always wanted to travel to the Philippines but hate the planning and the learning curve that is involved if traveling to a new place for the first time. So on a whim I asked if he would be free and consider being my teacher, planner, tour guide if I covered all the expenses.
    So 6 days after buying a ticket here I am! A bit of appreciation at one point. Woke up in the middle of the night in my van in Olympic NP wondering what was thinking?!!? I don’t know this person, really. And he really had mentioned much, as far as would we stay in Manila? What’s the plan????
    So just before my window to get my money back on my I threw my good friend Korrin under the bus and said I was going to cancel because my friend who looked out for me and my house didn’t think I was being a smart traveler, going without a plan and she was worried about me (I actually did hear her say that in my mind 😅)
    He sent me a sad face photo and said he already had a hotel booked in Manila and that opened up the discussion as to where we would go. I felt much better after that. It was always going to be a leap of faith. For his part as well, not really knowing this crazy American who wanted to travel 7500 miles on a few days notice.
    I really didn’t tell anyone but Korrin I was going. She was tracking me and I promised to check in every day. (A smart traveler does not go 7500 miles from his van without telling, someone!) He, Rianier also had friends checking on him to make sure I was not a crazy person…. Leap of faith.

    So it all worked out well!! He picked me up at the airport we had dinner and booked a flight and hotel to the first stop, El Nido to leave the next morning!!!

    Let the adventure begin!!    Read more

  • Robert BueschingGo west, the upper states.Traveler

    Side Quest: El Nido

    October 4, 2025 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F

    3 nights each on 2 beautiful islands and wonderful tropical heat and humidity!
    (Really, it was just what I was looking for)
    Good food, exploring, relaxing. Picked the best day to do a boat trip hitting 6 islands. There were 4 options with 6 different options each. Philippines has A LOT of island!
    On the boat trip did some snorkeling, kayaking to hidden lagoons and beach lounging among the karst limestone towers.    Read more

  • Robert BueschingGo west, the upper states.Traveler

    Side Quest: Coron

    October 4, 2025 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F

    Took a fast boat to Coron, was supposed to be around 3 1/2 hrs but it was a bit rough so it was about 1 hr longer
    Coron was a lot different than El Nido. There was not much beach close to the town and the town itself was spread out long ways for quite a distance along the road. Although there was a town center. Sated at the beautiful 2 seasons resort…. Because that is what there is here, 2 seasons and not 4 (rain and not-rain)
    I splurged a lot on this trip because, well it was easier and nice. But if I was planning myself at home with a lot of time I may have chosen differently. But it’s nice to be pampered!

    Rianier know someone, Geoff, that he had met here back in 2019. He and his friends were so nice and I once again was so extremely lucky to get to have true local experience. Those true experiences are rare travel blessings and treasurers! On Sunday Geoff took us the local waterfall hangout where we met his friends, drank beer and sang Karaoke. (In every Asian country I have ever been to if you want to fit in pick your karaoke song and just go for it!)

    Did another boat trip, similar to in El Nido. Hiked to some freshwater lakes for snorkeling, that was ok. Lots tourists taking photos. Really good snorkeling. Got to spend some time watching a sea turtle eat and couple of clear bottom canoe/kayak trips.

    I didn’t get to do it but Coron has a lot of WWII Japanese ships that you can snorkel and dive on. It would def be worthwhile to take a trip back!

    Then the last night got take a rather long bumpy tricycle ride to the hot spring and soak a bit under a big moon!

    (Redhorse beer is good)    Read more

  • Robert BueschingGo west, the upper states.Traveler

    Side Quest: back to Manila, back to van

    October 8, 2025 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F

    And back to Manila. I got a bit paranoid because the on hotel guy mentioned that the small island planes can often get delayed because of weather so booked a night early out of Coron and 2 nights in Manila. It was smart but not much to do in Manila. Ranier was not a big fan of anything downtown. We hung around the hotel strip, there was a lot of restaurants, shops, mall, casino here. And I hung out at the rooftop pool/bar some. But basically killing time. I miss the island

    I learned a lot on this trip, about Philippines and myself. So glad I took that leap of faith and went for it!!

    And now I at the airport dome catching you up and ready to go home… to my van in Seattle… and the adventure continues

    End of side quest 😊    Read more

  • Robert BueschingGo west, the upper states.Traveler

    Back to Van, Oragan trail, Hells Canyon

    October 11, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

    Back on the road.
    Hit planet fitness and then off. Opted for a longer route slightly S and through S Idaho.
    Stopped at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center but of course it was closed due to the Republican government shutdown. To bad, I would like to have learnt more. Then took the Hells Canyon Road because it looked interesting… and was! Twisty turny, made lots of stops and found a campsite along the river/reservoir. Good day!Read more

  • Robert BueschingGo west, the upper states.Traveler

    Cold Fork hot springs

    October 12, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 39 °F

    Today was a lot of diving and indecision. Was heading to a hike quite a bit N that would have taken me to an old B-23 that crashed in the 40’s I believe. And tried to track down 3 hot springs along the way. One I couldn’t find the other 2 were not easily accessible (I needed to do more in depth research). Continued N to the hike for the next day. Got into some snow, turned back and forth probably 6 times. (I was quite a long way N out of my way home)
    Finally decided I was I wasn’t in the mood and headed back. Did find a more commercial hot springs for a soak. Got a hotel around Boise and close to the interstate. Got here around 7:30p Saw some nice sights today but mostly a wash and a lot of sitting.    Read more

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