Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Hope

 



“He’s too big” said Dr.Wilcox to Mom in her third trimester. She had already given birth to my two older brothers who were 9 pounders. So the decision was made to induce labor and Mom chose her sister’s birthdate, September 6 and that is when I was born in 1949.

Mom was 5 years old when the great pandemic flu of 1918/1919 shook the world. She held vivid memories of those days all her life. The story she told about the party telephone line informing which of their rural Missouri neighbors had succumbed has in turn stayed with me as well. I never thought that within my lifetime I would live through a pandemic (a little, somewhat, more frightening?) as what she did, but here we are.

I am a fan of the learned optimism mindset espoused by Martin Seligman. As such, if I spill a gallon of milk (did that yesterday) am not that worried that will do so again in the near future. After all there have been hundreds of times that have not spilled any thing including milk. And as to positive occurrences such as being able to run five hours one week, such makes me feel positive that can run six or more the next. The same held true when taking youth through the wilderness. If they could hike four miles along the beach was positive they could do 20 in the mountains. I believe the future holds tremendous promise as regards to lifting people out of poverty, curing disease, and technological advances.

Long before becoming acquainted with Martin’s work I had a belief that things would work out just fine as regards home and work life. And they did. I have a wife for life, three children alongside their amazing spouses whom have grown into loving giving adults, and a rewarding career that although now long finished will never be past.

I realize how fortunate have been. I know that any marriage can be torn asunder, and that anything can happen to children and youth no matter how wonderful their parents maybe. I have an uncle and aunt whom divorced one year after their golden celebration. Early in my career I was the VR counselor assigned to the island’s drug rehabilitation facilities. One of my duties became answering questions families had about why their child overdosed. Why despite that knowledge I thought my family and children would be okay I cannot explain other than to say that had faith such would be the case.

I do though have moments of despair. Especially at times like these when I think of current and future wars, inequality strife, and climate change. Any one of those crisis and others yet unnamed could easily dwarf the current corona situation in terms of ecological damage and human suffering. But sometimes as various philosophers have noted despair may well be a necessary component in order for hope to take hold as such can spur us on to take action to make things better.

If 7th grade math instructor Mr. Albee had not been hard on me maybe I would have never buckled down to get better grades. If Drill Sgt. Hill had not plucked those hairs out of my sideburns, perhaps I would never taken the steps necessary to get assigned to where what mattered was to get the job done well for the patients and not how well one shaved. That effort led to working under Sgt. Riddle whom saved my soldier life. As a program administrator being told to go back where I came from spurned the effort to improve services lest my legacy become that of a consumer group wanting me gone (for more info see post titled award published 11/21).

“The perfect hope is achieved on the brink of despair when instead of falling off the cliff we find ourselves walking on air.” That Thomas Merton quote rings true for me. He also said something about truly humble people not needing to despair to find hope but hey for sure I am not at that level.

I have had this faith most all my life that the future does hold promise. It is why despite age related conditions such as arthritic feet and meniscus tears I still believe can become a better runner. It is why I support the Sierra Club and the Friends of Ho`opono as well as Doctors without Borders, UMCOR and others. I don’t know for sure they will do good with money given but the belief is present that they will.

I also know that belief in the unknown was not necessary for me to understand that my Mom and Dad while here on this earth were proud of, cared for, and loved me.

I have faith they still do.

Friday, September 5, 2025

Best of Days

  Camp Wawbeek 

 I determined Junior year that was interested in the therapeutic recreation field. Elmer recommended contact Wisconsin’s Easter Seals as their Camp Wawbeek was a pioneer in providing natural setting experiences for kids and adults. Director Guy Wharton who was in grad school at Carbondale agreed to meet in Saint Louis. He hired me on the spot due to his knowing Elmer. 

 The first week or orientation opened a new world. Learned how to transfer people in and out of chairs, beds, toilets and provide other types of care. Each counelor was typically assigned one or 16 David Eveland two campers that needed adl assistance with their other 4 or 5 able to care for themselves. There were six 12 day sessions, two for children, one for teenagers and 2 for adults, and a final week at the end for those wanting to bring a parent or attendant. The job was to make sure campers were well taken care of and to do all one could to help them have a great deal of fun. Us staff had fun too via water basketball, person in the middle, and local establishments on nights off. 

 There were some campsites aways from the main camp lodgings and each session counselors could team up and take their group camping or go on their own. Same for cookouts. I did a lot of those as was good at making fire quicky enough to get the brats eaten. Fellow counselor Steve Avery and I took our teenagers to Crow, the most primitive site on the 400 acre camp gronds situated above the Wisconsin Dells. After getting settled in one of the kids asked what the modernized shelter Iroquis was like. Steve said well theres a girl group there right now lets go look. To get to Iroquois meant having to trek on a dirt trail for a mile. Most of our kids were ambulatory but Michael who had Ducheenes dystrophy used an electric wheel chair when on the main campus but for the campout we got him a manual one which we pushed. Within a couple hundred yards of our hike Mike started to complain about soreness which meant needed to move him some. Then another minute complained again. This kept up for aways and then Avery and I talked about what to do next. Do we continue on or do we go back? We had been going up an incline since leaving Crow but knew the trail would level off soon. We asked Michael. He said lets keep going and his complaining dissipated.

 Everyone was happy we made it all the way to the other campground and then back to ours. That night we had a huge fire in the circle ring. Kept it going till dawn. We fed more wood as there was always at least one or more including Mike still up enjoying the warmth and glow, and bobcat's eyes. It was the best feeling to know that had a part in their happiness. I think that was the gift of Wawbeek. We learned that the more effort that was put into camper enjoyment the more energy we had to keep going, and the more fun we had too. 

The hours were exahausting. Night duty often assigned met needed to turn some of the campers two or more times. But the physical difficulty at times was nothing compared to what many of the campers dealt with every day. Avery and I built an minature golf course one session and another we got everyone at camp to sleep out under the stars three nights in a row on the main campus open field. Kept a big fire going then too. 

Working at camp had a tremendously positive impact on my life, and think that in turn has made a difference for my family and that the people that served throughout my career. Camp Manito wish was awesome too and the campers there were on a tract that would lead to prestige colleges and high paying jobs. The children and youth at Wawbeek on the other hand were on a much more challenging physical path, which for some would mean limited years. For that and other reasons for me the work at Wawbeek was so much more rewarding. And truth is I fit in better there. To paraphrase Eugene O'Neill I became one with the trees, the clouds, the breeze, the Camp Wawbeek sign and knew I belonged. 

 So many life long friends made from time spent at Wawbeek summer of 1970 and part of 1971. Several have stopped off in Hawaii, and have visited with a few on mainland trips but there are many have not seen in the past 55 years, and hoping they are at the upcoming reunion. 

Those were the best of days, those days on the hill above the Dells.


Avery 1977 Poamoho trail

1970 camp staff








Les Jane Zoomer




Trutti and Lynn

Jane and John 2024

Sally 1981

Ron 1971






Pat 1971



Several of the people in these photos have stopped off or vacationed in Hawaii. Lynn and her husband Bill, a physician filled in for the regular MD on Lanai for a month and spent a few days here on Oahu with us. Steve and Barb Avery have been here three times the most memorable when on their honeymoon stayed in my studio for a week. Mise as well been camping out as I only had one towel in those days and plenty cockroaches.

 Les and I did a great hike in the Makiki forest and have seen him a number of times when in AZ as he lived not far from brohter John. Susie Truitt got to see once with Les in AZ for a mini reunion. Jane Stoltz and John were here in 2024 and we ate din sum in Chinatown at the same restaurant where hung out wiht Sally and Dan. Sallly was also here a couple of times when she had layovers on the way to or from teaching gig in Austrailia. Then her and husband Richard vacationed once with their kids and we had a ball at Lanikai with the raft. Pat was here the summer of 1975 taking clasess at UH Manoa. I took her and roommate Wendy around on days off. Those were fun times. Ron never made it over here but he and I did a canoe trip in the Quetico on one of my Army leaves. Mertie also never made it here in person but her spirit did.







Les on Hike in AZ we did a great one in the islands too but can't find  photos from that day

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Runner

 I pIcked up the piano again during the pandemic and thanks to motivation from coach Andrew Snow greatly upped the running volume and quality. From 2020 through 2024 ran 10,359 miles which averages out to over 40 miles a week. April 2020 took part in a mileage accumulation event during which ran and walked 229 miles over 19 days and was second place out of 94 particiants, mostly marines. November 2000 did a month long accumulation event during which ran 252 miles and walked an additional 50. Got a ribbon for first place age group and was second out of 62 overall. Did five pandemic virtual marathons, two that covered 50K, and an in person 5k with and son in laws Ray and Albert. First mile was 13 minutes second mile plus .10 took eleven and final mile when the guys told me to take the lead was 7:55. First place for age group. The pandemic mileage was boosted by one 52 period during which ran at least 2650 miles. Averaged 10 and a half running hours per week during that stretch. I consider it my best running achievement.

September 13 2025 turned a scheduled long training run into yet another virtual and met a personal goal of being able to do a marathon the same year as the April 7th operaion.

5k finish with son in laws Albert and Ray


As a kid we would have neighborhood races. Then in sixth grade there was a field day where I anchored the winning team. I loved the sensation going as fast as could go. Ran for fun during Army down time along the railroad tracks at Fort Polk. 1977 began a consistent running routine which has continued to this day. Did the first marathon that Honolulu December just a shade under 4 hours, and 3 years later personal best 3 hours 35 minutes. Early 1980’s did a 4 miler in 27 minutes, and 1988 another Honolulu marathon at 4 hours 8 minutes. I was gunning for 3:25 but had a bad cold which forced to walk a bit, and a homeowner near triangle park give me a budweiser which downed going up the last hill.


That personal best marathon trained some with Toby a consistent sub 3 hour marathoner and first place age group finisher. He thought I could have done better, but had a groin strain for which Betty gave me some sort of Asian creme to apply. Time got to the end of Kapiolani Park that region was burning so had to run off course a good distance to an enclosed rest room where could rub the blasted stuff off. Unfortunately after returned friend Carlos and his younger brother Adrian who had come from the continent to run the race with me were not in sight. We had a good time afterwards though with Pizza hut pitchers.


Did New York City 2015. Niece Katie and Breen, brother Paul and Susie plus Jennifer and Lani and Phil were all there to cheer me along with two million other people. It was the best race for someone like me who enjoys being applauded. Katie even jumped in and ran with a few times. Did Phoenix when 69 and a half years old. Cramped up badly after waiting 10 minutes for a porta potty at the 5 mile mark. Ran every step the whole way as figured if started walking would never finish.

10 k with Ray 2018 2nd place age division there were only 3 of us

ready to pass of baton 4 mile relay

end of Phoenx Marathon 2019

NYC photo break with Jennifer and Katie actually jumped in and ran with me twice. have video of that but no picture dang it!

chart shows did 302 miles August 2020 with an age rank of 100%!

Results of a three week accumulation even March 2020


1977 I was living at Kapahulu’s Lincoln Avenue less than a mile from Kapiolani park’s running routes. Made it easy to get out and run by the ocean and fresh breezes. Here are some paragraphs about that historic area of Honolulu.


My fav Prez as is most peoples is the same one invariably rated tops by Presidential historians that being the one in the title of this post - Mr. Abraham. Second up for me and in the top 10 when combining partisan red and blue record keepers is the islands own Barack. Sure he made mistakes but he done good too.


Whatever this part is not about Presidents (is not about running either but after a few paragraphs the main focus returns to running) at all, but it is about Honolulu’s Lincoln Avenue. Located in the Kapahulu area just a tad mauka and diamond head of Leonard’s- it consists of a short sans sidewalk stretch running perpendicular from Kapahulu up to Sixth Avenue. The name is a give away that the homes there are old as all residential streets since Statehood are mandated by law to have Hawaiian names. I lived there at 3149 B from the spring of 1976 to 1979 in a small duplex cottage in back of a single-family home. You could hear the resident on the other side of my cabin but fortunately for me, she was an elderly woman who didn’t make noise and wasn’t there too long after I moved in. Her successor was a cop but he when not banging away usually lived elsewhere. Probably did that to avoid the landlord who came around often trying to collect due rent. One day Mister moneybags got so ticked off he entered the cops abode and threw all his clothes and belongings out on our postage stamp size lawn. Good grief!


While walking on Lincoln I thought of those days as a single person living on my own. Hiking with the Sierra Club and making friends with yet to be Haleakala ranger Ron Nagata whose home was just makai of mine. The get to gethers with Ken and Clyde and Kay and Wes and Grace. Visitors Cousin Gail, Steve and Barb, Chaiyutha, Mikey, and my brothers were fun. The first six months of married life with Betty were spent there which brought to mind midday lunch breaks, and the infamous addition of two cups of sugar to spaghetti sauce. Pat Martin, the pastor’s wife told me after we were married that the first year is the hardest. She was right and in her wisdom, she left it to me to figure out that it is also if not number one certainly in the top three of the best years.


Neighbor diamond head side Mr. Nakayama’s home was about three feet from the space next to the cottage steps where parked the five-speed on the floor throwaway engine vega gt. He was always friendly and took me on a tour of his bomb shelter with its six months worth of canned goods supplies. The shelter was a concrete bunker under the ground and plenty Kaimuki people in those days had em. The family streetside of me I never got to know other than to wave hello. The patriarch was always in the yard tending to the garden and extraditing weed seedlings before such could take root. He seemed pleasant enough, just never cared to talk.


As Lincoln is not a thoroughfare to anywhere I had only driven by two or three times in the past 40 years. This week though arrived a half hour early for an appointment at nearby Olu street so decided to take a stroll in the old neighborhood. The yards what there are of them are now as they were back then - immaculate. Most of the homes have been either rebuilt with the original first floor going on top of a new dwelling, or replaced completely. That’s what Mr.Nakayama did. My cottage was gone too. In its place stood a two-story unrecognizable structure. My mailbox was 3149 B but only A remains now.


Apparently, the new structure took the place of B and I stared at it from the street awhile and then as passing the house that was in front of our cottage, peered through the mango and plumeria trees to notice an elderly man weeding or possibly tending his flower garden. I looked at him a few seconds and then blurted out a hello. He didn’t seem to react so I repeated the greeting and then he turned around and I waved at him. He came over to the front of his yard and warily asked “May I help you?” Understand, I had on a good size loaded hiking pack and a three-week beard which makes me look interchangeable with those wearing cardboard signs so he had good cause to be cautious.


Excitedly I exclaimed, “I lived behind your house for three years a very long time ago.”


He looked me up and down displaying the biggest open jaw smile I ever saw while his bright brown eyes lit up with recognition.


“I met my wife here!”


He smiled again then turned around and went back to his weeding.


Betty told me that evening no way that could be the same man when we were there as he was old back then even. But in those days everyone over 35 seemed ancient. For my money am positive he is the same gentleman and is more than likely in his 90’s now. I never knew his name when lived there and don’t know it now but walking on Lincoln Avenue and that encounter sure made my day.


A photo of the gardener’s house can be found on google maps when search for 3149 Lincoln Honolulu. No pictures of the cottage were located. The Chevy Vega was notable for its aluminum engine of which the mechanic told me was lucky got the 50,000 miles out of it that did.


Now, all these years later and almost 76 years old am still running 30 to 40 miles a week and able to do 5k pace for 4×4 minute work outs and 10 k pace can do for well over an hour. That said 2025 has been a somewhat difficult year due to a totally detached posterior tendon and February and March when ran regular workouts with an indwelling catheter in place. Now don’t need the tubes anymore but tendon still an issue. Ortho surgeon said my age forget surgery just go run and when you hurt too much stop. So that is what been doing. Find that foot hurts less when walk and run a good deal as compared to when do nothing. I did though have laparoscopic total prostatectomy surgery April 7, 2025. Was able to run up to the day before and then followed Doc’s orders to not run again till May 18. The six weeks off did not set me back much.


Ba ba the flying tiger started running after he retired. He would go out most every day at 3 am and do laps around nearby Taipei main police station square block. For our visits I wanted to join him but never got up in time to do so until the year he reached 97 years old. By then his running was on the roof top of their condo building. I stayed awake most of one night and was ready when he went out the door. We did a half hour circling plants and hanging laundry. At the end he stopped, sat down on a bench and wiped his brow with a slight nod and smile towards me. It was the best run I ever did.


Running is more than a hobby which on most days provides the same sense of anticipation and satisfaction that get prior to, and after a wilderness trek. Although have rarely entered races, it is a feel good sensation whenever I run when both feet are off the ground. And at times, at times am flying.

Friday, June 6, 2025

A Manito-wish Strory Revised

 Two hours in on a 3 hour portage, mostly along highway 51, my shoulders were aching and legs a little wobbly from carrying a 17 foot gruman 75 lb aluminum canoe. I yelled out "Break" for like the firth time and finally fellow paddler and camp Manito Wish staffer, Dick Lidington, cross country runner of thin wiry build with curly lightcolored hair begrudgingly said okay. After 5 minutes he said up and at em we gotta get to south Trout lake before dark. And why is that I asked to which he replied sos we can rest up for tomorrow which will be as bad or worse than today. Although I was the only one carrying the canoe, Dick had it just as bad or worse with the duluth grub/personal bag. Those packs had no frames just canvas with leather straps. The two of us, best of friends since camper days and now in our third year together as staff had done several overnighters on days off before. And we had been together on a trip to the upper penisula Sylvania forest with foreign exchange counselor Herb when we were campers. That is the trek we became great friends as a result of Herb, a middle aged school teacher letting the guys from his cabin totally goof off the whole week. Which meant us two were stuck with doing all of the heavy stuff on portages, setting up the tents, getting the fire going and making the meals. His guys were too tired to do anything becuase each night they would sneak out and hitchhike to nearby towns for smokes. 

First summer as staff we were the dishwashers for both 3 week boy sessions and pot and pan cleaners during August Girls camp. The dishwasher room had a sign above its door from Dante that read Abandon all hope ye who enter here. That was the truth our first week or so. You have to work super fast to get dishes, flatwear, cups cleaned before the hot water runs out which it did on us a few times.  Elmer started coming in to watch and give tips on how to get the racks filled faster. They worked.

At least by the third summer Dick had progressed to be horse master, but I was still in the kitchen for August, after being a counselor during boys sessions taking 11 year olds out on the trail as much as could get them motivated to do so. That summer of 69 we both knew it could be our last and the desire was there to try and do something to get the girl counselors to finally take notice. So we came up with the idea to do what is typically a 4 to 5 dayTrout Lake circle paddle starting from camp's boulder Lake boat dock to south Trout lake campsite and then back up north via the west side. The plan was for on the seond day out to dock the boat right around dinner time at thier campsite on what was referred to as lower dam where all 30 of them would be finishing up their training week trip. To make a grand entrance like that meant we would have to cover 44 or so miles in two days, with half that on the first and a good portion ot which would be along side beaver dam infested shallow water Stevensons creek. Dick figured we could save an hour or two if we by passed the creek altogether by portaging along the highway. After our break and another 2 miles of walking we got where could paddle again for awhile then some more portaging which led to getting to the camp site. Too exhausted to put up a tent or cook food we propped up alongside the canoe and ate our extra trail lunches.

After listening to the lonely loons cry we got to talking. "Hey man, is this like the dumbest thing we've done up here I asked." 

"Hell no, I got three or more on you alone can top this easy."  

"Remember Elmer catching you stuffing scoops from his favorite ice creme flavor tub down your throat as he opened the freezer door?"

"You wearing  that  WW1 helmet on back of the honda is another. That cop pulled us over remember he said what the hell on your head boy, and you said a helmet.  He took a look at it and spit and then turned to me and said your helmet don't look so hot either. And then he said "I ought a throw you boys in jail how you think old Elmer would like that un? having to bail youse sorry  punks out?"

'"Yes and I know you replied what! as you grabbed your headgear and went over to highway and pounded it 3 times as hard as you could and then held it up to him and said see that. You were so mad I thought you were gonna call him a mother..........? "

Good thing Dick didn't but that cop did order me to pay $35 which was basically a week's wages and said next time wear a real helmet. Well thats the rub we were on our way to pick up the spare which was getting fixed and that's why had the WW1 tin hat as such was all could find in the camp show box.

"And how can you forget the time after one of the Boulder Junction dances hanging at Trader's having beers and flirting with those women at table next to us.?"

That was not one of my finer moments. We didn't ask them out or anything cause how do you fit 4 on a honda? But being a bit inbrieated upon return to the isolated boys staff cabin during Girls Camp at South Bay I was full of regret. And when got off the bike started yelling and screaming that we messed up. I forgot that although we were half a mile from the main camp south bay also accomodated bookkeeper Rev Harrison and his wife's cabin maybe 50 yards away from ours. So the next morning upon reporting to work I got a message to go to the main office. There the Rev said he and Madge had never heard such foul, disgusting language in their life. He added that was lucky Elmer was not here, and what would your Dad say, and I ought to boot your rear end back to Iowa. Well that was the last  heard about this incident except for the lifetime of teasing from Dick for my woeful screams. I doubt Harrison told Elmer about it given the old director views on such matters. After all he once scolded my older brother Paul after he and a University of Texas cheerleader were stuck for a night on Madeline island due to missing the last ferry out. Elmer wanted to know what happened during their stranded night alone and when Paul said nothing, Elmer retorted "you a damn fool."

Before we knew it was dawn and time to get cracking if to make it to lower dam in time for dinner. Some more long portage slogs along the highway and in the woods mixed wiht paddling as fast as we could. We took a break for the traditional trail lunch of summer sausage, ry krisp and velveeta with bug juice. We decided that Marielle must have come up the lunch menus. Married to Elmer Ott for what we all thought must have been a hundred years. Elmer built a board that dreamed big and they along with the Otts guided camp from its days as only canoe trips to additions of sailing, horsebackriding, riflery, international trips and more as the camp earned its reputation as one of the best in the land. In 1941 a girls session for August was added and Marielle in addtion to making sure three solids a day were provided which were as plentiful as they were nutritious and that no one got indigestion served as Girls director too. She pioneered the way for young women to have the same outdoor experiences as men including canoe trips with no male chaperones. Gruff and stern she had a playful side too which included after losing a bet letting Dick and I plant her down in a dish cart where we pushed all over the dining hall to the roar and delight of campers and staff. She had a ball waving at them.

Lunch finished we pushed onward up through lakes and streams until right on cue we pulled up to shore at lower dam. As anticipated the campsite was a buzz with food preperation. Dick hopped out of the bow and while he grabbed the duluth packs I wedged flipped (rocking the boat at hip level with seats pointing upwarrd and at count of 3 lift and turn so that shoulders meet the midpoin't yoke) the canoe. We then walked right  through their tents hoping to hear a hey stay for dinner or where you guys come from? But such did not happen, in fact am not even sure that anyone said hello.We got to a forest trail and hurried on the last two miles to camp's boat dock. Our big entrance turned out to be a big dud but such did not decrease our smiles and sense of accomplishment. 

Trudging on to South Bay we came upon caretaker Ernie. He could tell we were returning from a trip and asked how come didn't use the Algonquin canvas canoe I had bought for $50 and had painstakinly spent many hours refurburshing. Ernie thought it was a great job and said I should be boatman the next summer. We got along great with him and wife Hilde. Arriving a week or more before boys training camp each June meant the two of us spent a lot of time hauling food items from his basement to the Nash Lodge' kitchen and unloading Budwieser trucks cases of beer for his house. They fed us lunch several times during those weeks.The highlight of which was bycicle drinks consisting of beer and seven up. Ern liked that we helped out his crew, Hans, Fritz and Henry diring our free time, digging post holes and such. Elmer had brought all of them over from postwar Germany. Thay had tales to tell. Henry was a German POW of the Russian Army was on the march to Berlin. He stayed alive by keeping officer's motor bikes running. Not perfectly so as for them to keep him around to keep fixing this and that which went wrong.

The next day girl's staff returned from thier training trip and Elmer gave a pep talk in the Nash Lodge foyer. He had a rapt audience as he colorfully described the 4 fundamentals of camp Manito-wish's purpose and how such is achieved via the camp experience - to grow in wisdom, in stature, in favor with other people and with God. Ever since first heard that speech as a camper have prayed daily for God's help to help me and all those close to me live the 4 square motto. As Elmer has, I know I too have fallen short many times to live up to the purpose but I do try. Later that and every evening after of girls camp the women sang beautifully songs such as Today, No Man is an Island, Let there be Peace on earth, Michael row your boat ashore, Blowin in the wind and so on. Dick and I would often make aesthetically pleasing log cabin fires for them to sing by in the gigantic stone mason fire place while they enchanted.

That summer while Dick was horsemaster he hooked me up with Twig, a gentle middle age mare whom once got to know you she loved to canter and at times gallop. I got to ride her plenty and the sensation when going fast was similar to what felt years later surfing the kayak. As the wave was in charge on water so was Twig. And time that summer was in charge of both Dick and mine lives. We knew the Army would be calling soon. 

I must have heard a zillion sermons from My Dad that were about the same stuff as the 4 square model. What camp did was provide a laboratory where through activities including canoe trips, dishwashing, talking to home sick campers, one had the opportunity to grow. And it helped tremendously to have a loyal, steadfast, hard-working friend alongside. A friend who pitched in to help anyone in need, to work extra to get a job done right, who would listen even when what said was inchoerent. And to have fun with too such as the time I was riding b.... on the honda when he revved it up, turned on the beams and drove next to and around dozens of black bears feeding at the Boulder Junction dump,while we whooped and hollared, and parked cars honked thier horns.

Fun was probably what cemented our bond. We learned to play off each others observations/comments. We were quick and whether in front of the whole camp or during our meals with kitchen staff we had the ability to get people falling off their chairs with laughter. I think fun is also the key to striving one's best to live the four square life. That is the most precious lesson I learned those summers 60 years ago. Thanks to so many for that and thanks especially to my friend, Dick Lidington.


Here we are near the end of that Sylvania canoe trip. Am wearing a reddish flopy hat and Dick is sitting on a big rock with red plaid flannel jacket.
.


The boat dock with trips getting ready to pull out



Talking to a homesick camper, my face was scarred up some siad due to a bear attack but others said due to a horse anxious to return to the stables for food.



As adults with wives in Vegas, 2008.  


Addendums!

1. Both older brothers are camp alumni too. A high school teacher in Muscatine got John a summer job at camp in1961. He was a counselor, section director and trips director with his last season being 1967 prior to going off to becoming a Marine. Paul started working at camp in 1965 progressing to where he led two 20 day canoe trips for older youth the summer of 67. They are of course two of my bestest friends and would have never got to go there if not for them.  

See post titled Brothers, where what would be dated 2/1/24 for more information about them at windwarddavemusings.blogspot.com 

As to the bestest same goes for my brother from a different mother, Francis Carlos Montoya. How we became such good friends is in the post titled Army. And have many life long great friends from Camp Wawbeek days. At some point am going to write that story.

2. The Army got Dick soon after that 69 session. Although he became airborne he got sent to Germany instead of Viet Nam. They got me too but not till 1971 and spent my time in Tiger land, Louisiana instead of at the real war thank my lucky stars.

3. Coming from middle class familes we were both campership campers. His thanks to his Mom being legend for leading girls Canadian canoe trips. A swimming pool company owner and builder after army days he cold have also ran a business teaching people how to win at Capture the Flag. For us at camp the best way to be victorious was to be on his team.

4. The unsung heroes at camp were the cooks, Minnie, Nelda, Mrs.J , Bill Talarek. The ladies were widowed and elderly but nonetheless worked tirelessly each summer. Being up in the north woods also meant no soap operas to watch or family nearby so they gave a lot. Talarek was our age and hung out with us too. Most notably falling off the same horse and capsizing while in my Algonquin each summer. He was a good egg.

Algonquin wooden canoe not mine but similar. You can see how narrow it is which if not balanced just right leads to capsizing.


  

The tin helmet, guess it is easy to figure why that cop got ticked off.



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