September 17-18, 2017

We had some devastating news this weekend. Joe’s dad, Jack, had a stroke. He is stable now but his speech has been affected. He will need rehab after he is discharged from the hospital. Poor Joe is torn right down the middle. Our current camp @ Devil’s Tower closes at the end of September as do most in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho because of the harsh winters on their way. Elevations above 6000 feet have already had snow, which has been a blessing for the wildfires. We’ve decided to take it one day at a time and make our way as quickly as safety allows across to Tacoma, Washington. If needed, Joe can then fly home knowing Apache and I are safely ensconced with my son and his wife in a year around campground. My son is scoping out camps for us to find one where I can work and stay for a longer period of time if Joe is needed at home. Our hearts and thoughts are back in WV with Joe’s mom and hoping for a full recovery for Jack. Sue and Jack have been married for well over 50 years and they are inseparable. Their love is a celebration from which we can all learn.

Jack and Sue are partially responsible for this trip of ours. They instilled in Joe a love of adventure in camping. As I’ve said before, both worked for the school system and had summers off. Sue talks often of the many summers they spent in Myrtle Beach, SC in their camper. Joe had two families—one in WV and a summer one in SC. Thanks to them, I get to now have a taste of that.  Get well soon, Jack!  So many love you and are thinking of you both!