More stuff, and a visit to USA Kilts

[mookien]

Frank: Yes, when they were building it - dynamiting the rock, building the roadbed, grading, paving, etc. They use to make us hide behind the bulldozers and scrapers when they set off the charges. I spent most of my time on the section that ran from Pottersville north. We worked 12 - 14 hour days, six days a week, but at union wages, so I saved enough money to pay for most of my college expenses. Tuition in those days was a whopping $125 per term.

Good looking RV. Furnace, stove, oven, fridge, toilet, shower, hot water? That's nicer than my house! I hope you have a great time "camping". I know it will be comfortable. Years ago, I use to backpack, but now my idea of "roughing it" is to forego the breakfast buffet at Bellagio.

John

[frank_a]

That's what I figured John, so yes, that does date you sir.

Gail and I backpacked for many years. We requested backpacking equipment for our wedding in '74 and got famously equipped. We backpacked right up to me carrying our youngest son on top of my backpack climbing mountains in the Wallowas of Oregon in the late 70's. We brought our 3 sons up camping in tents, and kept that up after the kids were grown and gone up till the year before last. Now we camp in relative luxury!

Thanks for the compliments on our little travel trailer. We will have the smallest Sunline at the meet 'n greet unless the fellow who bought our Sunspot shows up. I would imagine we'll have this trailer a long time, and given the way things are going, maybe as a retirement residence!

I forgot to mention that I installed a roof mount A/C unit before we took off for our annual Keuka Lake summer vacation in July. for my money, that's a lot more valuable addition than a furnace!

Enjoy your day,

Frank

[mookien]

Frank: Tent camping with 3 boys and carrying the youngest on your backpack?! You deserve a bit of luxury. Enjoy the Meet n' Greet, ... and "camping" in your Sunline.

I use to live in SW Oregon - Ashland, Klamath Falls, and Eugene, but that was many years before many years ago. Just a kid at the time.

John

[frank_a]

No, not exactly John, it was the 1st son being carried on top of the gear on my back that got me out of backpacking. Just as good. Over the years, back, shoulder (both), knee (both) surgery has sidelined me from heavy duty stuff anyways. Plus I have a herniated disc and spinal stenosis, so I'm basically just a basket case. Good thing I have an office job eh? I still get a lot done, just smarter. And I have a very positive attitude. That's the big reason I'm getting into kilts finally. Now or never is the way I see it.

I think I still have pics around of that climb in the Wallowas somewhere. I was a much more svelte fellow back then!

Take care and enjoy the evening.

Frank

[frank_a]

Our former trailer...

[mookien]

Cute. It looks just like your new Sunline before it grew up.

You sound like a real cyborg. I trust that all the surgeries were successful. Sounds like they haven't slowed you down at all. Good for you, ... and your positive attitude. That is great! Good luck with your back.

John

[frank_a]

Yeah, isn't that cool John? Somewhere around here I have a shot of both of them together just before we sold the small one. I had captioned it "Ah dad, come on, I want to go out and play!"

Surgeries were mostly successful, but physical abilities have decreased by orders of magnitude. Shoulder problems and arthritis in my hands (mostly base thumb joints), are mostly the things that bother me from a hobby perspective. All this stuff has given me a much more positive outlook, weird as that may be. I'm just glad to be alive! Plus I get to read more...

I think we all need good luck the way things are going. Nevertheless, I feel pretty fortunate, and am sure looking forward to getting my new kilt. Once I get that, I think I'm getting one for the little woman in a Foster/Forrester tartan. Rocky says he can do it.

Enjoy your day!

Frank