Dave Nelson

From: Dave Nelson
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 1998 4:08 PM
Subject: WD, I GOT IT I GOT IT !!!

I GOT IT I GOT IT I GOT IT I GOT IT I GOT IT...

If you haven't guessed by now, I have the Wandering Didj. The WD landed on my door last Thursday and the journal only came yesterday.

Robert Hughes, I must thank you for being so patient with all of my pestering. The case is perfect.

The didj was not what I expected and at first I was a litle dissappointed. That soon passed, because I can't put it down now. After the addition of some bees wax to pertect my oh so delicate lips, it's sounds have been heard throughout my neighbourhood, and countryside. It sure is a lively one, and I actually believe that has improved my technique. I hope to take a video (for myself) and some pics (to include in the journal). Up here in Fort St. John B.C. the fall colours are in full swing, and I hope to capture them with the WD for everyone to enjoy.

Well I am going to go play

From: Dave Nelson
Date: Sunday, October 25, 1998 10:08 AM
Subject: Wandering Didge

Hello All,

No I don't have it right now. I met a store owner this week (Doug) and he has showed a huge interest to the WD. I could not say no when he asked to share the experience. We played together last night and had a splended time. Doug has to sign the journal and paint his thing on the WD. Once this is done and I get it back, off it goes to John in Olympia. I know that there are scheduled stops for the WD but ones like Doug's will add to the experience. Sorry to all for the delay.

Dave in B.C. 56'N, 121'W

From: Dave Nelson
To: brandi@rounddoor.com
Subject: Fwd: WD Its on its way
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 11:37:19 PST

Hi John, and all

Well, it is finally on its way. The journal was sent by reg. post today at lunch time. The WD how ever has a story with it so here goes. Canada post
would not send it internationally because of its size and shape. They suggested that I try the airport. So off to the airport I go. I was able to send it to Sea-Tac Airport the same day. Yes that is correct the WD is at your airport. Can your believe it? I was told that it would arrive @8:30pm. your time. Of course this was considerably more money but I figured that I did have it for a while, and it seemed only fair that I get it to you in style.

It flew by Canadian Cargo with Air Waybill no.018-51425010. The airport
code for Fort St. John is XYJ. I was asked what it was and how much it was
worth, and after an explanation of what a didjeridu was I was told the you will have to pay to get it out of customs, and that your bill would be directly proportionate to the declared value. The least expensive value of declaration was $100.00 CDN for its size and shape. It is a real bummer when it comes to border crossings and I hope that it will be easier for the WD and its senders to do it next time.

Please tell me of its "hassle free"(I hope) pick up and all that stuff.

Enjoy and share the music

Dave in B.C. 56'N, 121"w

From: Dave Nelson Date: Mon, 16 Nov 1998 21:08:27 -0700
Subject: Re: Wandering Didge

Helo Everyone,

The WD has left Canada via air because the silly Canadian Post said it was
"oversized". The journal however, was able to travel by snail-mail. John
Burrows should have the WD by now but I have not heard back from him.
John, if you are geading this, I hope that everything went smoothly and that
the customs charges were minimal. Pls let me know John.

Enjoy, I did.

Dave in B.C. 56'N, 121'W

From: Dave Nelson
To: brandi@rounddoor.com
Subject: Fwd: Re: Its on its way
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 11:45:27 PST

On Fri, 06 Nov 1998 09:06:52 -0800, John Burrows Wrote

Hi Dave!

Wow - I didn't think you'd face quite so many problems getting it across
the border! Sea-Tac is about an hour away, but it's no biggie. I'll have
something to look forward to this weekend ;-)

I need a contact number, however, as I cannot find any listings for
Canadian Cargo and the couple people I talked to from other airlines
at Sea-Tac were less than helpful. Do you think you could find out how I
can get in contact with them to pick it up?

Thanks!!!
John

Hi John,

I just got off the phone with Canadian Regional and got some info for ya.
I was told that the WD will be at the Avia Cargo building at 2345 south 156 St. Sea-Tac International Airport. Ph. 206-433-3966 WB#018-51425010

I should have checked to see if Olympia had an airport. I had no idea
that it is so far away.
Well, I guess its better than waiting for it in the mail. I just hope
that you are not shafted with huge customs charges. I have my fingers
crossed.

Anxiously awaiting the outcome
Dave in B.C. 56'N, 121'W

From: Dave Nelson To: Brandi Chase Subject: WD journal entry
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 11:45:27 PST

Hi Brandi,

I know that I am late on this matter but I though you might like to post
this on the WD web page for me. Thanx.

WD Journal Entry for Dave Nelson.

I could not believe that a real authentic didjeridu was coming to visit me
here in British Columbia. I would be lying if I were to tell you all that I
was not tempted by dishonest and even criminal thoughts. That all changed
when it showed up. Being part of this on a global scale, and it being an
instrument like the didjeridu made those thoughts disappear.

I was like a child on Christmas morning opening that gift I was waiting all
year for. Well, it wasn't what I expected, " very thin, and oddly shaped."
No cracks were visable. I found myself a little disappointed, but the WD
grew on me. It is definetely a high pitched rhythm didj which (I agree)
takes more air than I am used to.

The first night I found myself almost disliking it, but the days to follow
altered my previous impression. I actually think that it has improved my
technique, from basic sound manipulation, and especially circular breathing.
I will never forget the WD because it was here when I nailed circular
breathing. Excellent back pressure!

This is the first "real" didj that I have had an extended time to play. I
have three that I have made myself, and a fourth is soon to follow. They all
use different construction methods. I have dreampt and longed to own a real
didj and the WD has strengthened that desire. I am unaware of any other
didjers/didjists in town, and I really enjoy the list even though I don't
post often. I have been playing seriously now for 2 years, but my first
exposure to the didjeriduu was about five years ago when I blew my first
drone.

Fort St. John is a small ( 15,000 ) town in the northeast corner of British
Columbia, which is the western most province of Canada. Being originally
from Toronto 15,000 is tiny, and to make matters worse, we are two hours
from a town twice its size ( Grand Prairie, Alberta. ), seven hours from
Edmonton. You probably get the pictire. On the possitive side it is quite
beautiful. The rocky mountains are less then an hour away, and for those of
you that are familiar with the Canadian Rockies, you know that they are
absolutely beautiful.

Being this far north, 56' N, The winters are long, ( snow by hallowe'en,
gone bt May) cold, (-40' C for 2 1/2 weeks, -50' C is not uncommon but
expected), and dark, (Dec 21 the sun rises @ 9:40 am, and then sets @ 4:45
pm). The summers, yup you guessed it, short, warm, and light, ( June 21 the
sun rises @ 3:30 am and sets @ 11:45 pm). You only see maybe 15 stars
during the summer, because the sky never gets dark enough. The Nothern
Lights happen throughout the year, but are the best during the fall.

From here the WD will cross its first border to the States. John Burrows in
Olympia is its next stop. Well John, enjoy and share the music.

Dave in B.C. 56'N 121'W
Fort St. John, British Columbia.
Canada.
davenelson@mailexcite.com