Life of my mother, Joan: “Gifts from the Fairies”

Even if Dorothy’s eyes hadn’t been full of tears, she wouldn’t have
seen the fairies. At least not until they consciously decided they
wanted her to see them. All she might have seen before they became
fully visible was an unusual disturbance in the air beneath the tree
where they stopped to observe her.

My UO Freshman Year

Steve Bence: 1971 Zaragoza HS, Spain Senior Year (left) ... 1972 UO Freshman Year (right)

In June 1971 I graduated from Zaragoza American High School in Spain. I was an 800/1500 meter runner. Three months later I arrived at the University of Oregon to start my college career. Bill Bowerman and Bill Dellinger coached a very talented group of teammates which included my soon-to-be friend, Steve Prefontaine.

Below is a short story, including workouts, of how I went from a 1:55 high school half-miler to a 1:47 all-American during my UO freshman year.

Life of my mother, Joan: "Factfulness"

In reading this book, I realize I had early in life analyzed and learned whose word I could trust, how to observe bad behavior's consequences and decide not to copy other's behaviors, and that most news should be avoided.

Examples: (that you may already know)

Life of my mother Joan: "Was my birth unusual?"

REACHING OUT TO GRASP LIFE

I was born to two mothers Dorothy and Blanche. Both were present at my birth but it was Blanche who saw me reach out, ready to grasp life in this new environment. Dorothy was too preoccupied with the immediate after effects of having given birth to witness my first adventure.

My Hood to Coast Experiences

I'm a runner

I still call myself a runner even though I haven't been able to run for almost 20 years. My knees are shot.

1972 Olympic Trials 800 meters  (I'm the Oregon half-miler on the left)
Dave Wottle (in the hat) set a world record at the Trials and won the 1972 Olympic gold medal

However my Hood to Coast experiences have taught me that running is more than just a physical activity. Running is also a mindset which has been an important thread throughout my life.

What follows are my favorite Hood to Coast experiences and lessons.

Day #24: Saigon to Portland

Fake sushi on display at Tokyo's Narita Airport.

Day #23: Mekong River to Saigon

Graphic of Cu Chi Tunnels

Day #22: Mekong River

Our "travel family" photo in front of Buddha.

Day #21: Mekong River

Incense and a card for family good luck.

Mary and I filled out a card for the family which is high in the "basket".  The incense will burn for two weeks.

Day #20: Phnom Pehn to Mekong River

Bird Sanctuary

Day #19: Phnom Pehn

Killing Fields

Day #18: Tonle Sap River to Phnom Pehn

Not the most comfortable transportation for Woody to the local temple.

Day #17: Siem Reap to Tonle Sap River

This 83-year old teacher told us his personal story of how he survived through the Pol Pot regime

Day #16: Siem Reap

Sunrise at Angkar Wat.

Day #15: Siem Reap

Mary met a new friend today.

Day #14: Saigon to Siem Reap

Cambodia.  A new country visited!

We arrived in Cambodia this morning.  This is my 48th country.

Day #13: Saigon

Dinner in Saigon. (l-r, Woody, Kathy, Mary, Jane, Quinny, Steve)

Day #12: Saigon

Saigon night food tour on motorbikes.  (l-r Steve, Markie Burkhart, Mary, Don Gibadlo)

Day #11: Hoi An to Saigon

Post is coming. 

Day #10: Hoi An

My Son sanctuary.

Lunch at Street restaurant near Hotel.

My Son temple

We hired a car for $45 and went to My Son.  There we hired tour guide for $10.

Day #9: Hoi An

Post is coming.
Cooking class. Shopping, Boat, Short walk, Class/eat.
Walk. 

Day #8: Hoi An

Post is coming.
Bike tour.
Return by bike.
Walk Hoi An.
Restaurant bike guide, Lucky, recommended. 

Day #7: Ha Long Bay to Hoi An

Post is coming.
Fishing village.
Pearls.
Driver to Hanoi airport.
Fly to Da Nang.
Driver to Hoi An.
Local dinner. 

Day #6: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Post is coming.
Actually Bai Tu Long Bay.
Breakfast at Hotel. Woody’s birthday.
Driver to Hanoi airport.
Fly to Da Nang.
Board boat.
Cave.
Kayak.
Dinner. Woody’s birthday.
Sleep on boat. 

Day #5: Hanoi

We wrapped up the day with a walking Street Food tour.

Day #4: Hanoi

Ho Chi Minh museum and mausoleum.

Day #3: Hanoi

We spent a lot of the day walking the streets of the Old Quarter in Hanoi.

Day #2: Honoi

We arrived about midnight and went straight to bed.  Marvelous Hotel in Hanoi.

We arrived in Hanoi late Friday evening.  Mary had to get her multiple entry visa at the airport which took a while.  It was close to midnight when we finally got to the hotel.

Day #1: Portland to Hanoi

Portland to Vancouver B.C. to Tokyo to Hanoi

We left Portland on Thursday January 11th.