Jan 31 - Cougar is sold

Monday, January 31, 1972
LOCATION: Newport Beach, California 

(8:05 AM 2/1/72)
Layed in the sun for 90 minutes -- read a couple more stories in "Tomorrow the Stars," and kept working on "Enter-Stellar." Took a bath. Mom washed the clothes. Dad and Mom took away the Cougar -- we've gotten it sold. Then he and she went to The Age of the Gardener (health food restaurant). Enter-Stellar coming along well. I'll pro'ly be finished in a couple weeks.

[Attached to this page: One of Grady's photos of Chicago.

See October 7, 1972 posting for more Chi pics & descriptions.]

Jan 30 - Visits from sister & friends

Sunday, January 30, 1972
LOCATION: Newport Beach, California 

(8:02 AM 2/1/72)
Continued filing, reading my anthology, and making notes for "Enter-Stellar." Laramée and Mike came by in the afternoon, and in the evening Barbara and Larry [Brockway] visited us all. Between 11:00 and 1:00 I recorded a portion of an interview with Arch Obler by Clarke Race.

[Attached to this page: One of Grady's photos of Chicago.

See October 7, 1972 posting for more Chi pics & descriptions.]

Jan 29 - Chuck and Wendy**

Saturday, January 29, 1972
LOCATION: Newport Beach & Placentia, California 

11:56 PM
Contributed to the untidy appearance of my room as I attempted to clear out the photo-file closet -- a task now about 1/3 completed. At 5:00 I drove to the Golden Chicken to buy me and Mom dinner -- I also stopped off at Chunk's apartment [Chunk was a goofy nickname for my older brother Chuck] to give Winnie his mail [Winnie -- nickname for Chuck's girlfriend Wendy Carpenter], and got our mail. Dad's been out most of the day trying to sell the cougar -- he's still out now attending a party or something. It is now midnight and today is becoming tomorrow...

C & W's second-story apartment in Placentia, seen from two directions. These pics were sent to me yesterday, July 18, 2014, by Wendy (Carpenter) Wallace. Thanks, Winnie!

[Attached to this page: One of Grady's Polaroid photos of Chicago.

See the October 7, 1972 posting for more Chi pics & descriptions.]

Jan 28 - Good, Bad, Ugly, Dirty

Friday, January 28, 1972
LOCATION: Newport Beach, California

(12:48 AM SAT, 1/29/72)
Continued organization of photos. Mom & I went to an organic food restaurant for dinner (I had a top sirloin steak) and then we went to a movie to see the last half of "The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly," and all of "Dirty Harry." Got out at 11:15 and I am now writing with a pen that says "#AF-49 ACCOUNTANT FINE PT. (BIC) U.S.A. 49¢" on it, and I'm wondering what good that little bit of useless information would be. Who cares. The end, he said.

[Attached to this page: One of Grady's photos of Chicago.

See October 7, 1972 posting for more Chi pics & descriptions.]

Jan 27 - Fascinating facts

Thursday, January 27, 1972
LOCATION: Newport Beach, California

(12:46 AM SAT, 1/29/72)
Didn't do anything today but organized a lot of useless information. Worked on comic strip collection, then began going thru photo file in closet. It'll take a lot of work. Did dishes today at least. M & D went to an A.R.E. meeting [Association for Research and Enlightenment -- this is an organization that was founded by Edgar Cayce (1877 - 1945), a famous psychic who was really "out there." My parents had far-ranging interests]. 

THE AVERAGE PERSON SPENDS OVER 20 YEARS OF HIS LIFE SLEEPING

THE EGGSHELL OF THE EXTINCT ELEPHANT BIRD COULD HOLD OVER 180 HEN'S EGGS

IN AN AVERAGE LIFETIME, THE HEART BEATS SOME 2 1/2 BILLION TIMES

ABOUT 25 MILLION DOGS LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES

A WATERMELON IS ABOUT NINETY TWO PERCENT WATER

IN THE SUMMER ABOUT 500,000 TONS OF WATER PLUNGE OVER NIAGARA FALLS EVERY MINUTE

AS MANY AS A MILLION EARTHQUAKES HAVE BEEN RECORDED IN A YEAR

THE ANTLERS OF THE BULL MOOSE MAY WEIGH 60 LBS REACHING A SPAN OVER 6 FEET

THE PACIFIC OCEAN IS WHAT THE UNITED STATES  IS BETWEEN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN AND

Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight... bring me wealth, power and fame... and, listen, while you're at it, pick out something nice for yourself and put it on my tab. And give my love to Bernice and the kids. 

Jan 26 - Matt will continue high school*

Wednesday, January 26, 1972
LOCATION: Newport Beach, California

10:30 PM

Took a bath after getting up at 8:00 AM. Got the mail, which included several magazines and five volumes of Great Ages of Man [this was a Time Life Books series that Mom subscribed to for me]. Then I walked to school at noon, where everybody was leaving for home as if school was over -- which it was: finals start today evidently.

I wandered around looking lost and soon found Matt Gold up in Dodge, along with a couple of girls with whom we walked away from school. They departed from us when we got to his apartment (Oakwood Apartments, S-102). There I learned he's got a new Laura Nyro album, I got my electric toothbrush (gave him the defective one), met Jack who came in shortly after we arrived, and I found out Matt will be going back to Harbor next week, which is the beginning of the new semester.

DRAMA CLUB with Matt Gold
at bottom center (with cheek next to butt)
The Galleon 1972

I left shortly, walked back to my locker to deposit the stuff of mine I got from Matt, and went to Karen & Dana's apartment, where I met Dana outside. She & me went to her apartment so I could have a tuna sandwich, and Whatshisface was there. Soonly two other guys came in, followed later by Karen. The five of them were going tree climbing in Irvine Park --  I declined the invitation, ate & ran to Sea Schwinn (on the way I met Laurie Weller who was in a car with 3 guys) which was practically closed. I returned home & continued organization procedures. Rained about 8:00.

Jan 25 - Mom noticed the dent

Tuesday, January 25, 1972
LOCATION: Newport Beach, California

(10:30 PM 1/26/72)
Didn't do much at all -- just began organizing the trash in my room. Mom noticed the dent in the side of the car, so I casually mentioned yesterday's incident. So while Mom & Dad were out taking a test for an FAA license [Federal Aviation Administration -- Dad began training for a private pilot license], or something, I called Pam Grau and gave her our name & phone number. It won't be a big deal -- the damage was very minor. Next time I should be more spectacular. (chuckle, ha ha -- groan)

Well -- ya win some,

ya lose some,

and some get rained out...

but ya still suit up

Jan 24 - "You hit my car... please contact me"***

Monday, January 24, 1972
LOCATION: Newport Beach, California

10:30 PM
Another episode in the life drama of Grady Lyda -- I got up at 9:00. The Imperial was parked out on the street, and they were doing some roadwork, so I had to move one of the traffic pylons to drive out the car. First I went to Sea Schwinn, and found out that they are closed on Mondays (that's new). The Antique Shop next door was closed too, so I won't be buying an antique key for a while. I then drove to the bank and withdrew $50 (now I've got $11.24 left in my account), after which I went to Grandlydia to get the dirty clothes and Matt's stuff. I took the clothes to the cleaners (they'll be ready Thursday -- they couldn't clean the pillow, but they'll fix the coat sleeve), and drove to Bailey's Collectors Shop, which was closed.

So I finally went to school at about 10:45. Parking spaces were scarce, and I finally attempted to squeeze into a space -- THE RESULTS WERE DISASTROUS (NOTE THE NOTE).

I DID A HIDEOUS PARKING JOB. I CAME TOO CLOSE, RUBBING INTO THE PARKED CAR'S REAR FENDER -- WHEN I TRIED TO BACK UP I SCRAPED THE CAR, SO, AFTER A MOMENT'S DELIBERATION, I COMMITTED MYSELF AND DROVE FORWARD INTO THE PARKING SPACE. THE IMPERIAL GRAZED THE YELLOW WATJACALLIT, AND I WAS STUCK -- IF I BACKED UP I WOULD INFLICT HEAVY DAMAGES, SO I GAVE UP, GRITTED MY TEETH, EXITTED OUT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE, LOCKED UP, AND WITH A SICK FEELING IN MY STOMACH, LEFT THE SCENE, HOPING IT WOULD GO AWAY. I STAYED IN THE LIBRARY WAITING FOR LUNCH TIME, WHICH CAME IN AN HOUR.

James Fish
The Galleon 1972

James Richard Fish I (Mr. Fish) was sitting on the lawn in the usual place. I sat down next to him and he chuckled a lot -- I was supposed to be in New York. Shawna came next, and said sweetly, "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE!" As I was explaining myself (I learned that Mary was sick) I saw Meg at a distance -- she saw me too, and barely condescended enough to wave, slightly, while talking with some friends. I acknowledged her supreme effort tacitly. I hardly recognized her -- she's changed her hair; it's all fluffy and psuedo-luxurious. She's changed drastically since I was "going with her" a few months ago. For a kid of 15 she sure is growing fast.

Soonly, I left Shawna, Fish, Sheperd Salusky, Craig Harvey, Peter Shergalis, et al, and proceeded to the other group: Timothy Hourigan, Beverly, and several unknowns. My appearance didn't impress them -- they continued with what they were doing, which was studying oral French homework (I don't mean that the way it sounds -- they're clean). They eventually finished and I conversed for awhile. Fish and Shergalis appeared, then I saw Matthew wander by and I accosted him. He's living with Jack, his real father, now, and he came to school to socialize like me. He no longer has to come at all. We talked with various friends upon whom we chanced to stumble for a few moments (I saw Peter Whatsisname from Semantics -- semi-intellectual philosopher; and Donald Englar -- cool friendly radical Donaldo, brother of Bruce Englar).

I saw Meg and Bob, and Matt and I went over to talk (though Matt is officially ignoring Meg), and I asked Meg for my story, which I lent to her a couple of months ago, and which has been sitting in her locker unread for a couple of months. Matt wandered away, and Meg'n 'n' Me went to her locker for the story. She exuded coolness, bordering on open hostility which I don't entirely understand. I asked her, "Who haven't you been getting involved with lately?" Admittedly an impolite question, but appropriate under the circumstances. She said, "I don't want to talk about it," and she didn't. I'm not sure what "it" is, but if she's not going to talk about it, I guess I won't either. As of New Year's she was definitely through with me -- when a girl refuses to kiss you on New Year's Eve at midnight under mistletoe, she's either thru with you or an incurable iconoclast. I got my story, apologized for cluttering her locker with it, and returned to Bev and Tim, with whom I continued to explain the events of the past few weeks. Beverly stole my watch (WHY do girls do that? Shawna often stole my glasses, causing a violent battle) -- and the ensuing struggle to regain my rightful possession proceeded past the bell, and ended finally when I dragged her along the grass, tugging at my watch. She eventually relinquished her grasp and became hostile upon noticing that her white slacks bore grass stains. After necessary admonishments and apologies against Bev's angry glare, I hastily departed.

I passed Meg Waldron again, sitting alone on the lawn as everyone hurried to their classes. I said, "Don't you have a class this period?" and she nodded, hoping I'd leave, and I did. I walked to the bike racks, hoping to find Terri Sneathen before she left for tutoring, but I couldn't locate her. However, I ran into Robin Somebody from Semantics and Physiology, and learned that she is dropping out today. It seems to be catching. Bob sidetracked me as he belatedly wandered to his Chemistry class. He decided to go to the library and I departed from his company at that point, going to the parking lot to see what the situation was. I was still snugly crunched against the car, but now there were a few orange peels on the roof. I left the parking lot and headed for the library, but I once again met Bob, with whom I went to East Hall so he could drop off an assignment in Mrs. Cunningham's box. We wandered about and talked -- I learned he had a birthday yesterday. He's sixteen now and taller than me -- he's giving me a complex (Bob, by the way, was Meg's only theoretical true love, and apparently still is, at least sporadically -- she hates his guts occasionally). While we were standing and talking a few friends came by -- Peter Whatsisname from Semantics, and Ray Stevens from Social Problems (both of whom are graduating at the end of this semester).

We dissolved when the bell rang, and I went back to the library, where I said "Hi" to Laurie Weller, then I found a book and sat down. Laurie wandered by, patted me on the head, and went out the door -- then I noticed that Karen Boucher, a Cancerian from Semantics and Social Problems, was at the table behind me (Good Lord! I didn't know I knew that many girls -- I've mentioned eight so far). I was invited to her table, which was also occupied by a witty fellow with wire framed glasses. We conversed for a few minutes, then Laurie came back and walked through the library. Karen, apparently having business with Laurie, followed her, and I left, thinking I'd get in the car and try to drive away, despite the mechanical difficulties. I lost my nerve and returned to the library, and Karen (who has a five-period day) was preparing to go to her home with Laurie (who was emotionally upset due to male trouble), and the witty fellow with the wire framed glasses (whose name I later learned was something like "Ringo"), and I were invited to go to Karen's house, which was in the apartments immediately across the street. He, me, and she went to her apartment where there was Dana, her older sister (18 going on 19, Pisces, very beautiful, and friendly).

Pamela Grau
The Galleon 1972

Laurie came in momentarily, and left after a few minutes. Dana, me, Karen & Ringo (who was not only witty but typically horny) talked and joked. After an hour, Ringo left, and I stayed a couple more hours, entertaining the two young ladies until about 5:00. I was invited to come back anytime -- I probably will. Dana's worth getting to know a little better.

The parking lot was empty except for a few cars -- the orange peels were gone and the Imperial (slightly scrunched in the side) had a note on the windshield. I was relieved it was a girl -- All I'd need is an angry varsity football gorilla to make my day complete. I went home and called her about 5:45 but her mother answered -- Pam wasn't home then. So much for that -- maybe if I ignore it, it'll go away.  She may have my license number, but I doubt the damage was enough to motivate an insurance squabble -- I hope, I hope, I hope I hope I hope Ihope Ihope Ihope Ihope Ihope Ihope Ihope Ihope Ihope Ihope Ihope Ihope Ihope Ihope Ihope Ihope Ihope Ihope Ihope
PLEASE BE A GOOD GIRL PAM -- WHOEVER YOU ARE

[You might think it's not possible to cram that much text onto a single page. I am including a photo of that entry to show how it was done.]

Jan 23 - "Back in Grand Old Newport Beach"

Sunday, January 23, 1972
LOCATION: Newport Beach, California

12:00 PM
So here I am, back in Grand Old Newport Beach, where once again I can continue preliminary work into my chosen profession, free of school and many other previously limiting factors. The first thing I've got to do is get reorganized, then I've got to get money, or something. I'm free, so let's see what I do with it (freedumb, that is).

7:00 PM
Drove the car again when I went to wash my clothes. I'll have the Imperial again tomorrow to run some errands -- Mom's driving the Cougar to work, so I'll have the car as long as I want.

(10:30 PM 1/24/72)
LARRY [Brockway, Dad's friend] CAME OVER WITH A CHART THAT MEASURES BIORHYTHMIC PATTERNS OF PHYSICAL, INTELLECTUAL, AND SENSITIVITY CURVES. ACCORDING TO THE CHART, WHEN I "LEFT FOR THE THULES" (AS LARRY PUT IT) MY PHYSICAL CYCLE WAS HIGH, AND THE INTELLECTUAL AND SENSITIVITY CURVES WERE ON A DOWN TREND. RIGHT NOW, ALL THREE PATTERNS HAVE REACHED THE LOW POINT SIMULTANEOUSLY, AND ARE MOVING UPWARD IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS. POSSIBLY. IF IT WORKS, IT WOULD PAY TO LOOK INTO THE PSUEDO-SCIENCE OF BIORHYTHMIC INFLUENCES.

Jan 22 - Unpacking into normalcy

Saturday, January 22, 1972
LOCATION: Newport Beach, California

(12:00 PM 1/23/72)
Mom & I went in the Cougar to Matt's house at 2:15 to get the Imperial. Matt and I unpacked his stuff from the trunk and put it inside. We din't have to put his stuff away because he'll be moving it all to his dad's house soon. I saw Rick Strom while Matt was moving the car to the back alley. Strom (who was in Junior High same time I was) was surprised to hear we'd just got back from South Dakota.

Anyway, Mom and I left shortly after I finished unloading the car -- I drove the Imperial home, and she followed in the Cougar. I took my stuff out of the car and put it all in my room. Later, we went to see "Star Spangled Girl" (a movie made from a Neil Simon play, which I realized Mrs. Lindquist had read to us in Drama) and "Paint Your Wagon" (the last half of which we missed due to fog) at the Stadium Theater (Screen II). We didn't get passes to see the last half of "PYW" because I'd thrown away the ticket stubs -- they didn't give passes to anyone unless they'd kept their stubs. In this clever manner, the theater didn't lose too much money on free tickets. Grossly unfair, of course.

NOTE HOW I'M NOT BOTHERING TO FINISH COVERING THE ENTIRE PAGE.
PERHAPS THAT HAS SOME PSYCHOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE.
PERHAPS NOT...

Jan 21 - Dad, Matt & I drive all the way home

Friday, January 21, 1972
LOCATION: On the Road - South Dakota to Newport Beach, California

2:30 PM 1/21/72 [continued from previous page]

We ate at Lusk, then Matt drove for about an hour -- then I drove (at Dad's suggestion) until 2:30 A.M. Then I woke up Lucifer, and he continued while I slept. At about 4:00 he stopped in a Truck nest, where we all slept for a while.

Matt & I woke up at around 7:30 A.M. -- Dad was driving, and we had just reached Rock Springs. At my suggestion we went on to Little America, Wyo., where we got fuel for the car and us. I drove from there, and Dad got some sleep. At 1:45, I stopped in Levan, Utah (we went through Salt Lake City at noon), got gas, and Dad continued driving. In the morning it snowed slightly, and sprinkled a bit, though the sky's still cloudy, the sun's showing through sort of, and there's no snow on the ground.

We just went over a bridge, with a sign that said Chalk Creek. Right now we're driving through Fillmore, Utah, and Matt (in the front seat) is trying to find a station on the Gradio [nickname for radio, haha]. I hooked up the speaker that's sitting on the back seat with me, so the sound's coming from the left, right next to me. Really fascinating, huh?

(11:30 AM 1/23/72)
Dad drove till about 6:30, then Matt drove while dad got some sleep. At 7:30 I started driving because we were going to go through Las Vegas. Somehow I managed not to get lost and Matt took a lot of pictures of the place as we drove through. I stopped to get gas at around 10:00 and Lucifer resumed driving, while I slept in the back seat (Matt has had the front seat for the whole trip). We got to Matt's house by midnight, and he parked the car there, and we took the Audi home. 

Jan 20 - Picking up Dad, plus big car problems

Thursday, January 20, 1972
LOCATION: Bethlehem & Rapid City & Mt Rushmore, South Dakota

9:00 AM
I just woke up, and I'm in Storms [the stereo cabin] now. It's snowing outside with very fine snow flakes.

(2:00 PM 1/21/72)
I ran into Fr. Gilbert and got directions for the airport. Then I tried to start the car, gave up, and put the recharger on. After a while, I consulted Wheezie, and over a period of an hour or so, we failed to start it (waiting for the battery to recharge, trying to start the car, then waiting for the battery to recharge -- while waiting I read my book). By 11:00 A.M., I gave up on the car, told Tom (who was in the print shop), he found Fr. Gilbert, and Gil & I went in his car to pick up Dad, who was coming in on Western Airlines at 11:45 (Mom called last night, Father Gil answered -- but no one relayed the message to me).

A 1968 photo of  Lu Lyda & Grady

Picked up Lucifer [my nickname for Lu Lyda, my dad] at 12:00, got back and ate lunch, then I proceeded to pack the rest of our stuff. Matt took a picture of the whole gang in the chapel, then he disassembled his stereo, I packed it, and dad socialized.

Tom, Dick and Phil left in the Chevy to go to town. Fr. Gil began to drive away, but came back when he saw the Chevy was gone (He had to go to a wake, and then to court to act as a character witness -- [wild, nearly illegible writing on the rest of this page] DAMN, THIS ROAD IS BBBMMM  BUMPY). Anyway, we all tried to start the Imperial: Me, Gil, Matt, DAD, Wheezie & Swede. Finally Gil drove up his car and we jumped the batteries. Ultimately the thing started, and Gil drove away. So Dad, and Me, and Matt started on our way but the car stopped again just outside the house, blocking the driveway. Wheez, Swede, Me, Dad, and Matt tried to start it again. Then we put the recharger back on. Wheez found that one of the coils was cracked, so a spark was jumping. He taped it, and we waited 1/2 hour for the battery to recharge. Then Dad & I went to start it, and it worked immediately. We all said goodbye again, and left. The skies by this time had cleared. We went to Rapid to return Matt's library books, and then we went to Mount Rushmore. We left Beth. at 3:15, and got to Rushmore at about 5:00. The place was deserted, and despite the lack of light, Matt took some photos. Then we left (continued on next page >>)

Jan 19 - Last day before Dad comes

Wednesday, January 19, 1972
LOCATION: Bethlehem, South Dakota

10:30 AM
I just got up, after Brad and Keith came in. Matt's still in bed (in the Abbott's cabin: bunk house). It snowed last night -- all the trees look flocked. At 6:30 last night the sky was clear, the stars were out, and the moon was visible -- at 8:00 it was snowing. At nine o'clock the sky was clear, the stars were out, and the moon was gone. Now the sky's overcast. Oh well, this is supposed to be our last day here. Dad's coming tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.

"Have you ever seen wethurr like this before?"
"I'd say that's the worst spell of weather we've ever seen."

7:00 PM
Just finished dinner. I haven't done much today. I finished Zelazny's "Moment of the Storm," read Kuttner's "Absolom," skimmed through "Have Time & Be Free" to get some words and theories about time, and I invented a few more temporal laws.

Yesterday I wrote a letter to Grandma Dot and mailed it. The sky is clear now, but a few hours ago it was overcast. Matt went out with his camera and took a picture. Phil got back today. I recharged the car's battery last night, so the car should work all right tomorrow. Matt slept until 12:30 -- the only time I can remember that I woke up before him. I had to go wake him up for lunch.

I wonder how I can fill up the rest of this page -- so far, I've been pretty good about that but I can't think about anything else to write. Perhaps a famous quote would be appropoeaux (let me try that again) perhaps a famous quote might be apropos.

Perhaps.

Jan 18 - Letter of explanation to Grandma Dot***

Tuesday, January 18, 1972
LOCATION: Bethlehem, South Dakota

(9:00 PM 1/17/72)
Matt just talked with his dad, and he (Matt) is now greatly perturbed. For one thing, plans have changed once again: we're not leaving Tuesday, we're leaving Thursday, and a friend of Jack's isn't flying here, Lucifer (Dad) is! [Lucifer was an affectionate nickname for my father based on his first name Lu]

(9:30 PM 1/17/72)
After I wrote that I called Mom for confirmation. So that's how things are now, probably, presumably, temporarily, so far, as is, so far as I can tell, maybe... etc.

9:00 AM
Everybody got up before me, about 8:30. I got up at five to nine, and went outside. It snowed last night -- the mud's frozen, and there's a thin layer of white on the ground.

7:30 PM
M & I did a few minor tasks today -- we cleaned some trowels with gasoline, then we swept and mopped some rooms in the retreat house so they could put in the carpets. Last night, a guy named Dick McCoy dropped in from Sioux Falls (hitch hiked), and stayed -- he's still here now. Also, late in the day yesterday, a guy named Joe came by. Both of them slept in the bunk cabin, so in our room there are five people sleeping (Dick, Joe, Me, Matt & Brad) -- Keith, Wheezie, and Tom sleep in a bigger room. Phil's been in Rapid for the past few days, but he sleeps with us in one of the bunks. Tom said they haven't been this full since August.

Matt & I had a contest to decide who was the best artist -- he drew Laura Nyro, and I drew Melanie, then we both drew radios (he thought I had an unfair advantage drawing people). Anyway, it's snowing right now.

[In the previous year, Grady accompanied his Mother (Charmian), and Grandmother (Dorothea), on a tour to Denmark, Spain & Italy organized by the Shrine of the Nativity. Sending tour groups to various parts of the planet was a means of generating funds for the Conception Abbey, Order of St. Benedict, which maintained Father Gilbert's Retreat Facility at Bethlehem, South Dakota. This is how Grady became aware of the Shrine and Fr. Gil's invitation to visit Bethlehem Cave led to this January '72 road trip with Matt.]

Me, Mom & Grandma Dot starting our trip to Europe in 1971

 8:00 PM
[Inserted here is "Young Grady's" copy of his letter to Grandma Dot -- Dorothea Scheneman, my Mom's mother -- who was close friends with Father Gilbert since they both originated in Kansas City, Missouri]

1/18/72

Dear Grandma Dot,

Sorry it's taken me so long to write -- I haven't written to anybody because I knew all this was temporary and I'd be back soon to talk to everyone in person. But since you're on a case now [Dorothea earned an income as a home care nurse], I may not see you for a while.

The trip up here was not at all difficult. I took a relatively straight path, staying on the major interstate highways, knowing they'd be safe no matter what the weather was. (From the Newport Beach Freeway to Highway 15 to Salt Lake City. Then to Highway 80 as far as Cheyenne. From there, to 25, then to 90, straight to Rapid City.) But surprisingly, the weather was great -- clear sunny skies from California to Wyoming. Things only started getting bad when we got to South Dakota, but it didn't start snowing until we had already reached Bethlehem. Unintentionally, the timing was perfect. We got here just before the weather got really harsh -- the first night we were here it snowed, and during the past week it snowed pretty strongly, and temperatures dropped to -40° -- that was unusually cold even for this area. Right now (8:10 P.M., Tuesday, January 18), it's snowing, but only a couple of days ago it was clear, sunny, and warm (56°+). The weather, needless to say, has been inconsistent.

I must know you pretty well, because I wasn't surprised when -- after seeing Tom -- I immediately heard that you had phoned. I was pretty sure you'd guess I'd come here, and then communications would open up among all parties concerned. I couldn't take Matt to New York without knowing how his parents felt, and I couldn't ask them while I was in Newport, because they'd stop us of course. This way, they'd know what we were capable of, and make a more reasonable decision. The decision's been made, and we're returning to Newport Beach (mostly due to the legal complications), but I feel successful because Matt's parents will respect his freedom a little more -- and if he still wants to go to New York, after thinking it over a little better, he'll be free to do it with his parents' consent. That was my reasoning -- I wasn't running away from anything. I'm lucky enough to have parents (& Grandparents) who respect and trust me. I'm glad about that.

Everyone here talks about you constantly. I'm known as "Mrs. Schenemen's Grandson," and Mrs. Rogers hardly ever talks to me without mentioning you. We got your pictures of Israel, and we also got your vitamins. I have a pocket full of Vitamin-C and I was eating them a lot until Mrs. Rogers said that if I had too much I'd get an allergy or something. Is that right? I don't care, I'm still eating them -- but not as much.

I hadn't realized how much I owed to you until recently. If it weren't for you, I would have never gone to New York, or Europe (one of the most memorable things I'd ever done, before this), I would have never known about Bethlehem, S.D. and Father Gil, or the Latkas (with whom I've been corresponding quite a bit), and I wouldn't have a car, since the Chrysler was yours originally. If it weren't for you my life would be pretty darn dull. You're responsible for this little escapade -- you made it possible -- so if there's anyone to blame, or give thanks to, it's you.

THANKS MUCH,

GRADE-A

Jan 17 - Lame jokes & newer plans

Monday, January 17, 1972
LOCATION: Bethlehem, South Dakota

3:00 PM
This is our last day here. Matt talked with his parents last night: A friend of Jack's will fly here in the morning, Matt & I will drive to the airport, and the three of us will go back. I'm spending the day packing, and Matt's recording some records before we disassemble the stereo.

The characters here have been: Fr. Gilbert Stack, Tom Hildebrand, Wheezie (Steve Minor), Keith Koball, Brad, Dotty, Dorothy, Pearce, Mrs. Rogers, Swede, and Phil (who is now in Rapid City visiting friends for a while). Matt vacuumed Storms (the Stereo Cabin), and I put away the chairs in the main room of the retreat house, which had been put there for the big meeting a few days ago.

We've been talking alot at dinner -- last night during a conversation somebody asked what's black and white and red all over. I said, of course, a pregnant nun, and Fr. Gil chuckled uncontrollably for a few moments. Today I suggested (while reaching for a fried egg) that eggs are the largest single cell in existence (it's not true, and everybody knows that, but that's what my physiology teacher said once) and that started a big discussion on physics, surface tension, calculus, tetrahedrons, pi and various other odd things, most of which were brought up by Gil, and explained. He's bright and he lets everyone know it.

8:30 PM
Matt came in -- "Ta da!" I exclaimed upon his entrance. The stereo was blaring, and I said, "Are we packing that tonight or tomorrow morning?" -- "Huh?" he said. "Have you called your parents yet?" -- "What?" -- "When are we leaving tomorrow?" -- "I... better call," he answered, moving for the door. "Mayhaps you ought," I replied -- "What?" he said, opening the door. "Mayhaps you ought," I repeated more clearly. "Huh?" he asked, and I repeated again. "Oh," he said going out the door. -- "I wax poetic in my phrase," I explained. "I wax deaf in my ears," he finished. Then I turned the stereo off. 

Jan 16 - Warm weather, new plans

Sunday, January 16, 1972
LOCATION: Bethlehem, South Dakota

TOMMY 1969 The Who

1:30 PM
Last night after Matt left, Keith & Wheez came to the stereo cabin to play cards. I played some records, then I put on "Tommy," which I'd never heard before. Keith & Wheez left at about two, and I listened to TOMMY till 3:30. I went outside and saw three deer -- one of them walked to the block of salt to lick it. I watched them for about ten minutes -- they ran away and I went to bed.

I got up around 11:30. It's 56° now, and the snow is turning to mud. I ate the last icicle -- the rest of them have gone to greener pastures. The roofs are dripping, and we're leaving the doors of the cabin open for fresh air.

I called mom and dad, and now things are like this: Jack's flying up here no matter what, and Matt and I will drive back to California with him -- Jack will pay back the $40 to Gil, and finance the trip back. He's supposed to be here Tuesday. It's all over. It was a hollow victory, but a victory nevertheless. The problem is I'm not sure I was fighting for anything. More good has come out of this than bad, so I guess I spent my money wisely.

(3:00 PM 1/17/72)
Sunday is a day of rest, and that's what everybody did. Brad went walking for a few hours -- the sky was clear and the weather warm. Keith layed around playing his mandolin. A few tourists came and Wheezie took them thru the cave. We all watched "In Harm's Way" in Storms [the Stereo Cabin] till 1:00. Finally got to sleep at about 2:30 or 3:00.

Jan 15 - Parents attempt to exert authority

Saturday, January 15, 1972
LOCATION: Bethlehem, South Dakota

1:30 PM
Got to sleep last night at around one thirty. Woke up today -- first at 8:30, when Brad wandered around saying, "Wakey, wakey." Phil groggily said, "I hate you." Brad replied, "It's 13° outside. Get up." "Above zero?" "Yes." -- "Good God! We're having a heat wave!" I promptly went back to sleep and woke up at 12:55. Matt came in a moment later, and said everyone was eating lunch -- he also said he wanted to leave for Chicago today. I eventually talked him out of it, and soon I'll be leaving for Newport Beach.

11:30 PM
WELL, FOLKS, THINGS HAVE TURNED ALL AROUND. LISTEN TO THIS ONE -- YOU WON'T BELIEVE IT! ---- THE WEATHER'S REALLY GETTING WARM -- IT MUST'VE GOT UP TO 40° ABOVE. EVERYTHING'S MELTING, SO MY SUPPLY OF ICICLES IS RUNNING OUT (I'VE BEEN MUNCHING ON THEM FOR THE PAST FEW DAYS). AFTER I FINISHED MY LAST ENTRY, MATT READ THIS BOOK, GRINNING AND CHUCKLING NOW AND THEN. I ALSO LET HIM KNOW I HAVE COPIES OF HIS POETRY, AND HE CALLED ME (ACCURATELY) "SNEAKY." I LET HIM KNOW MORE ABOUT ME TODAY THAN EVER BEFORE -- AND HE UNDERSTANDS QUITE A BIT.

I CHECKED THE CAR (IT STARTED FINE), DID A LITTLE PACKING, GOT CLEANED UP, AND WENT TO THE HOUSE WHERE MATT WAS READING A MAGAZINE. I TOLD GIL I WAS LEAVING AND WOULD BE BACK IN ABOUT A WEEK. HE WAS STRONGLY AGAINST IT. HE CALLED MOM FOR ME, AND SHE TOLD ME TO WAIT 'TILL DAD GOT HOME -- HE WOULD CALL ME AT AROUND SIX. AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR IRENE [Matt's slightly crazy mother] PHONED. SAID SHE'D TALKED WITH MOM, AND MOM TOLD HER SHE WAS COMING HERE TO GET THE CAR AND DRIVE IT BACK TO CALIFORNIA. I ASSUMED SHE'D MISUNDERSTOOD. AFTER THE PHONE CALL, TOM CAME TO THE STEREO BUNK TO TALK WITH US. AS IT TURNS OUT, FATHER GIL HAS BEEN PRESSURING HIM TO KEEP US BUSY. WE ASSURED HIM WE'D BE LEAVING SOON.

WHEN DAD CALLED I FOUND OUT JUST HOW STICKY THE SITUATION REALLY WAS. IF I LEFT WITH THE CAR HE WOULD REPORT IT STOLEN -- PREVENTING US FROM GETTING INTO WORSE TROUBLE. HE SAID MOM WAS GOING TO FLY TO S.D., AND DRIVE HER CAR BACK TO CALIFORNIA, SO THAT SHE COULD SELL THE COUGAR, SAVE UP FOR ANOTHER CAR, AND LET ME HAVE THE IMPERIAL IN A FEW MONTHS. THINGS WERE GETTING PRETTY CONFUSING, AND I WAS BEGINNING TO REALIZE "THE JIG WAS UP." WE WERE EITHER GOING TO BE TRAPPED HERE FOR A FEW MORE MONTHS, OR WE'D BOTH HAVE TO DRIVE BACK TO N.B. [Newport Beach, CA]

THE SITUATION REMAINED UNRESOLVED WHEN WE HUNG UP, BUT IT WAS CLEAR M & I WERE GOING NO FURTHER. MATT WAS STILL DETERMINED THAT WE WERE GOING TO CHICAGO, AND I STILL WASN'T ENTIRELY SURE WE WEREN'T, UNTIL THE NEXT CALL. IRENE CALLED DURING SUPPER, ABOUT 15 MINS LATER, AND I TALKED WITH HER AFTER MATT STARTED GETTING MAD. TALKING WITH HER, WE ARRIVED AT THIS DECISION: MATT & I WOULD DRIVE BACK TO NEWPORT BEACH. SHE TALKED WITH MATT AGAIN (AFTER I TOLD HIM THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE WE COULD DO) AND HE RELUCTANTLY FELL TO THE INEVITABLE. SHE SPOKE WITH ME AGAIN -- SHE EXPECTED US TO LEAVE TONIGHT! I TOLD HER WE COULDN'T LEAVE ANY EARLIER THAN TOMORROW AFTERNOON, USING THE BELOW ZERO TEMPERATURES AS AN EXCUSE. SO IT WAS DECIDED.

IT WAS NOT LONG BEFORE I REALIZED WE COULDN'T LEAVE THAT SOON -- WE OWED GIL $40, AND WE NEEDED MONEY TO MAKE THE TRIP. MOM CALLED AGAIN, AND I EXPLAINED WE COULDN'T LEAVE FOR A FEW MORE DAYS. THEN SHE OFFERED ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE: JACK -- MATT'S REAL FATHER -- WOULD FLY UP HERE AND DRIVE MATT AND THE CAR BACK TO CALIFORNIA, LETTING ME STAY HERE, IF I WANTED.

SO THAT WAS IT -- AS THINGS STAND NOW, I'M STAYING HERE, AND MATT'S GOING BACK TO N.B. -- SOMEWHAT IRONIC, RIGHT? WHAT THE HECK, AS LONG AS I'M HERE, I MIGHT AS WELL STAY. WHEN I TOLD MATT, HE WAS SLIGHTLY BEWILDERED. MATT KNOWS ME BETTER THAN I THOUGHT -- I DAMNED NEAR GOT EMOTIONAL WHEN HE SAID HE DIDN'T WANT ME TO STAY. HE SAID, "WHETHER YOU THINK SO OR NOT, I CONSIDER MYSELF TO BE YOUR FRIEND AND I THINK YOU NEED ONE." -- I SAID, "I CAN'T AFFORD FRIENDS."  FORTUNATELY HE LAUGHED AT THAT. "BESIDES, I GOT YOU YOUR FREEDOM, I ACCOMPLISHED MY PURPOSE." HIS PARENTS WILL MOVE TO LONG BEACH, HE DOESN'T HAVE TO GO TO SCHOOL OR LIVE WITH HIS PARENTS, AND THEY'RE THINKING OF BUYING HIM A CAR -- HE WON, EVEN THOUGH THEY GOT HIM BACK.

I SAID THIS PLAN WOULD SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS, AND I RATIONALIZED THE THING LOGICALLY. HE DIDN'T ACCEPT THE EXPLANATION, BUT THE THING WAS SETTLED. HE LEFT TO GO TO SLEEP, BUT BEFORE HE LEFT HE GAVE ME A SHOT IN THE ARM AND SAID, "YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, GRADY."

3:30 AM
Got to bed at 3:30 -- I think I changed my mind. I'm going to Newport Beach. I think. Maybe. Hmmmmm    

Jan 14 - Frozen faucets, toilets, pipes, stereo

Friday, January 14, 1972
LOCATION: Bethlehem, South Dakota

10:00 AM
We got up at 8:30 when Wheezie got the four of us up for breakfast -- we had breakfast at nine. Matt and I carried a couple of typewriters to the Shrine's office for Dorothy (Matt slipped in the snow once, and his gloveless hands almost froze). It's 20° below zero outside. Matt & me went to the retreat house to take showers but found there was no water. I checked with Gil and he said we'd have it pretty soon -- Brad went up to pump some water.

I then went to the stereo cabin -- Phil followed shortly thereafter. It's cold in here, probably about 40° or worse (I can see my breath). I soon found out that there was an icicle on the water faucet and the toilet was frozen. Phil quickly went out to notify the authorities, and Matt came in. He found out the stereo was frozen and decided to move it to some place warmer. In the entry on the last page made in red ink you may have noticed: the ink's frozen. Anyway, Phil put the heater in the bathroom, and Wheezie came in to take the cover off the pipes in the "den" and put a heater next to them. By the way -- the pump's broken. We aren't going to have any water (warm or otherwise) until it gets fixed.

12:00 AM
Worked on the retreat house for a few hours -- till 5:00. Then I took a shower. Some visitors are coming for a meeting or something. I didn't get involved. Matt and I decided to leave as soon as possible.

Jan 13 - Letters and calls from home

Thursday, January 13, 1972
LOCATION: Bethlehem & Rapid City, South Dakota

9:30 AM
It's 18° below zero out there and the wind is blowing pretty hard. We'll be leaving for Rapid soon with Wheeze. I got up at nine after going to sleep at around 2:30. I got a letter from Mom along with Sue & Peggy's letters [friends in Chicago], and another on from G. Dot [Grandma Dot: maternal grandmother Dorothea Scheneman].

Last night at about 11:00, Tom came into the bunk cabin and said Father wanted to see me, so I went up to the house. He said Dad had called and wanted Gil to call back collect, so I put in the phone call and he talked with him a while. Matt's parents got the number, and they were going to call within the next hour, so I went to the stereo cabin to get Matt up. Nothing too new came from the conversations -- just a better understanding of the situation involved. Things'll be cleared in a month.

3:30 PM
Left for Rapid at 11:00 AM and got back at 3:00. Went to South Dakota Tech so Wheez could make a phone call. They have a good museum there with dinosaur fossils. Bought my glasses, so I can see clearly now -- not yellowly [previous prescription lenses had a yellow tint]. Wheez did lots of shopping for Bethlehem (bread, paper, cups, milk, etc.).

In Rapid it was 11° below zero. We ate lunch at McDonald's, now I'm going to take a shower if there's any hot water around.

10:00 AM, Friday
I washed my face at the retreat house and spent the rest of the day being lazy. The stereo cabin was so cold we all wore our jackets to listen to the stereo, but after dinner we deserted the place. Matt for the first time slept in the bunk cabin after failing to repair a couple of heaters in the stereo cabin.

It's getting a bit chilly

Jan 12 - Working for food and shelter

Wednesday, January 12, 1972
LOCATION: Bethlehem, South Dakota

6:00 PM
Went to sleep last night about 2:00 A.M. Finished drawing "Nexus Shift" while Matt made a tape of some good songs (There's a Hole in the Future, Caravan, Greensleeves, Scarborough Fair, etc.), and fell asleep listening to it. Tom came in at 9:30 to get us awake -- then he got us working. It snowed last night and snowed this morning.

We went with Tom to maintain the rest areas (2) on the highway -- they get $150 a month for that. Matt & I shoveled snow and emptied trash. When we drove back, Tom put on one of the chains with great difficulty and expension of energy, but we eventually made it -- he was driving 40 mph! Gad! I'll never try that on these roads in this weather.

We barely had time to recuperate before he enlisted our aid cutting and staining wood strips for the retreat house -- he wants us to work for our food and shelter, which is a reasonable attitude I suppose. Had lunch at 1:00, got back to work, finished at about 2:30, and I went to the Bunk Cabin to finish reading, and just about took a nap, but Matt got me before too long, and I called Tiffany's -- our glasses are ready. We got $40 from Gil and then we found out our car wouldn't start. We stuck a recharger to it with the help of Wheezie, carried some typewriters to the house from the Shrine for Dorothy -- ate some food, and went to the stereo cabin to loaf a while. We'll go into town tomorrow with Wheezie to get our glasses.

Gadzooks! It's 5° out there!

Father Gilbert got a letter from KIIS in California sending fifteen dollars for 1,100 "I LOVE YOU" cards. Must be a sales gimmick, or publicity.

[These "I Love You" cards were produced in Shrine of the Nativity's on-site print shop and they were a major source of donations. This Benedictine monastery was also supported by tourists who came to see the famous cave. The property was called Crystal Cave until February 1957, when Father Gilbert Stack, OSB, was assigned operations by the Conception Abbey, Order of St. Benedict of the Roman Catholic Church. He renamed it Bethlehem Cave and began generating income with it. This property was sold and the cave was closed in 2004. For more about the history of  the cave, see July 18]

Quote by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity,

we shall harness for God the energies of love, and then,

for a second time in the history of the world,

man will have discovered fire.

Jan 11 - Matt's letter to girlfriend Judy***

Tuesday, January 11, 1972
LOCATION: Bethlehem, South Dakota

10:30 AM
Got to sleep last night at 1:30 in the stereo cabin. The three of us -- Matt, Me, and Phil (social sciences investigator or something) -- stayed there till 1:00, listening to the stereo and reading. I found out a button is missing on my new jacket.

12:00 AM
We had lunch at 1:00, and I went to the stereo cabin to draw an abstract painting from one of Fr. Gilbert's books. It took me most of the day to finish. I helped Brad put up wood strips on the ceiling of the chapel in the retreat house. Afterwards, I returned to the Stereo Cabin to finish my drawing.

Dinner was at 6:30 -- we had Chow Mein, rice, thingamajigs, whatjamacallits, and banana bread. I checked the Imperial for anti-freeze at the suggestion of Fr. Gilbert -- the car started fine, and registered plenty of anti-freeze.

I called mom and dad to tell them to send the $60.00, and they complied with Gilbert's thinking about building a geodesic dome to plant vegetables in. Tomorrow, M & I have to go to Rapid for our glasses -- we asked Fr. for $30 for me, and $8 for Matt, telling him we'd pay him back as soon as M's check ($40) and my bank account ($60) comes in.

It started snowing again, giving the land a fresh look and guaranteeing snow shoveling jobs tomorrow.

[Inserted here is a letter by Matt to his girlfriend, but he never mailed it so Grady grabbed the letter and put it in this book]

*judy

if you're travelling to the North Country fair

where the wind is heavy on the borderline

remember me to one who lives there...

Leon Russell

Its a week since I left newport.  in that time I have seen more things than ever before I have seen.  It's supported my idea that newport was a severely limited and limiting place.  I have visited states, driven hiways, been a temporary drifter, and subjected myself to the theoretical forces of the Gestapo.  And I am not finished yet.  I find myself in a commune in the unlikely and remote black hills of south dakota.  It's run by a catholic father, and the people and philosophy are both as beautiful as the forest surrounding.  The big town, Rapid City, is perhaps a normal midwestern town, but with my conditioning I can't help but describe it as strange... strange.  the plan of me and my colleague, Grady Lyda, is to live here and work in Rapid City 'till we have enough filthy green to travel to New York City, there to establish ourselves, get interesting work or develop a business.  I have with me - myself, which includes all clothes, the stereo, and personal effects.  the car is a portable sanitarium. anyway, this is asking you if you would like to visit me in New York this summer (after you've finished school).  I will feed you bagels & cheese every morning, take you to see the sights, and provide snappy repartee.  See what it's really like to live outside sunny Calif.  let life drive you crazy.  take it from someone who's seen both sides of the sanity fence.  It's better.  but that depends on definition of 'better' . or maybe 'bet' . or 'ter' . (give up) think about it and write me.  that address again -- Bethlehem, South Dakota 57708 (THEIR OWN ZIPCODE, YET.)

I think, at this point, I can definitely and unequivicably make the compulsively profound statement - - - - I miss you.
Matt Gold
P.S. don't worry about money.  I'll pay 4 you in the City.

see for me if her hair's hanging long --
that's the way I remember her best. -- L. Russell

[Below are the Front & Back photos of this letter. Matt was a clever artist: if you

click on this image & look carefully, you can see a giant Question Mark behind his text.]

Jan 10 - Shopping in Rapid City**

Monday, January 10, 1972
LOCATION: Bethlehem & Rapid City, South Dakota

11:30 PM
Snowed last night. I woke up at 10:30 and went to the stereo cabin where I found Matt. We shoveled snow till mass at about 12:30. Had lunch at 1:00. Wheezie and Brad were going into Rapid City, so Matt & I went with them, since we were going to go anyway, and we shouldn't drive the Imperial.

Last night Matt's parents called, then he called his real dad. His parents (rigid & conservative) don't mind him running off, but his dad (liberal) is slightly mad. Anyway, everything's basically fine except for the car which has an APB out on it still. Going to have to get that taken care of.

Anyway, we drove to Rapid, and M & I went to an optometrist -- he wanted new frames, and I wanted new clear lenses. We've got to go back Wednesday to get them. Then we proceeded to buy other stuff -- Matt got pants, shirts, records, film, and gloves -- I got a jacket, a book, wrist band, gloves, pants, belt, boots, and socks. After that we went to a restaurant to eat, then we went to the library, but on the way we were accosted by four or five beggars -- to a few in a car, Matt gave some cigarettes, and I gave a $5 (damn! I couldn't find anything smaller -- they only asked for 50 cents). We've got to be careful from now on. I've got just $2 left!

[A page is inserted here with these photos attached]

Here are pictures from those days in South Dakota. I got them in a letter sent by Tom Hildebrand today -- April 19, 1972. The top one was taken from the trailer next to the print shop. I'm wearing one of Matt's hats (Wheezie adopted that hat before we left), and in back is Storms [named for Loui Storm who bought the property in 1919, but we knew it as the stereo cabin], and behind that is the Chapel, comprising the main house where Fr. Gil lived. The lower photo is of Wheezie with me ambitiously shoveling in the background. The building is the Abbot's Cabin [the bunk house] where we all slept.

Grady Lyda, Bethlehem, South Dakota, January 1972 

Wheezie (Steve Minor), Bethlehem, SD, January 1972

Jan 09 - All Points Bulletin

Sunday, January 9, 1972
LOCATION: Bethlehem, South Dakota

4:30 PM
Last night we went cave crawling where I got very muddy, and acquainted myself with the local folk. Before that, Matt and I set up his stereo equipment in a cabin. I slept in one of the rooms in Tom's, etc's, cabin -- that's where Matt & I will be staying. I left the cave before Matt, leaving with Tom, Penny, Mary, and someone else. I got to bed at about 11:30, and Matt got back at about 1:00 A.M. I got up this morning at around 8:30 when Matt came in to change clothes -- he's slept in the retreat house or somewhere.

We had breakfast at 9:30 (oat meal & scrambled eggs), then threw around paper airplanes for awhile. I got to work stripping the insulation from the wire I'd use on the tire chains while the gang in the retreat house sat around and listened to Brad play the guitar.

Mass broke things up at 11:30 A.M., during which I went to the cabin, listened to the stereo, and finished stripping the wire. Since I didn't have the keys to the car, I went to my room to do the writing I had to do (diary & Latka letter) -- but Tom arrived, and I went to see Matt. Father Gilbert talked with us, and we found out there is an All Points Bulletin out on the car, and we are truant [The APB means that any police officer in the US could arrest me, anywhere at any time, for car theft. I was a "wanted man," but luckily nobody thought of looking for me in the mountains of South Dakota].

Matt's parents have contacted mine (via Meg), and they all know where we are, we have their consent, and everything's fine, except for the police. Matt's mother is going to try to get that taken care of, but there are definitely going to be some legal problems involved.

We can stay here as long as we want, so we'll pro'ly be here a month or more. 'S alright -- I think I'll like it.

Jan 08 - Lost on the way to Bethlehem, SD

Saturday, January 8, 1972
LOCATION: Rapid City, Spearfish & Bethlehem, South Dakota

Got up at 9:30, walked to a nearby gas station to get the tire fixed, and repaired the spare. Before we left I bought gloves and a gas can. We also got some oil for the car. Matt drove first, then after about half an hour I took over because we were getting closer to Bethlehem, South Dakota. The weather was coldest its been since we started.

I passed the turn off to Bethlehem the first time, and went straight to Spearfish, where I patronized a local phonebooth, checked the phonebook, and called Geri's home. It turned out that she left last Wednesday on a plane to go to Langdon, Utah, for college. Oh well...

Anyway, we reversed our position and headed back for Bethlehem. I took a turnoff which I thought would take us where we wanted to go, and the road got very icy, so we put the chains on with a great deal of difficulty (one of the chains didn't fit one of the tires because one of the tires was the wrong size -- that happened when we changed the flat).

I noted my mistake in turning where I did, and we got back on the highway -- took off the damned chains -- and hunted for the Bethlehem turn off. We eventually found it, went up the treacherous winding road (put the chains back on), drove at 5 miles an hour, and got to the Shrine of the Nativity in Bethlehem, S.D.

Hallelujah!

Jan 07 - Cop stop in Custer, South Dakota

Friday, January 7, 1972
LOCATION: Cheyenne, Wyoming; Custer & Rapid City, South Dakota

Matt and I slept last night in the car. I slept while Matt drove, and we stopped in Little America, Cheyenne, at 10:30 A.M. to eat. Presently, we're stopping at an exit to hook up Matt's stereo speakers to the radio.

So, with A.M. music blaring at us from behind, Matt drove on. He kept going until somewhere around seven, then I drove all the way to Rapid City. There were several interruptions however.

As I was driving thru Custer, South Dakota, I supposedly drove thru a red light (though I still don't remember it), and at 8:15 P.M. I was stopped by a policeman. It was a two dollar fine which I promptly paid, and he radioed in my name and license number -- I was summarily cleared and allowed to go. Matt was ecstatic that we weren't in trouble.

Travelling on highway 16 was rather interesting, since we were extremely low on gas, and the road was dark, deserted, narrow, windy and long. To save gas we coasted in neutral when we were going downhill, and we went through a few narrow tunnels. Finally we made it to Rapid City, filled up the tank, drove the wrong way on a one way street, bought food at a Colonel Sanders Kentucky Fried Chicken place, got a motel, watched T.V., and ate. We also found out we had a flat tire.

[A $2.00 traffic fine! Are you kidding me? Here's the proof.]