Johnny and I arrived at our camping area Wednesday evening, Aug. 25. The first week of our campout would begin that Sunday, so we were quite early. Did we ever have a surprise!! There were bikers and ATV's everywhere. Johnny said, "I think we need a plan B." We pulled in to a closed road and stayed there that night. In the morning we visited one of the bikers in the camping area near us. He told us this was an Idaho Biker's jamboree and everyone would be leaving Saturday or Sunday. What a relief!! Also, there was a fire camp near, as the town of Dixie, 30 mi. away, was going to be evacuated. This was scary to me, but not my beloved, ex-fire chief. I didn't like the fact that the phone service was out and our cell phone was worthless. Hmmm...This must be true wilderness. The town of Elk City was 25 miles from us. Actually, the Red River Hot Springs was probably the only good point of this area, less than a mile away.
O.K. Now for a more positive picture. Our dear friends, Mary and Dave Abbott, arrived on Friday. We were able to find an area to accommodate most of our camping friends. It would be tight and some would need to keep there rigs on the side of the road or at the campsite nearby. We had the creek close-by and that was important. Oh, don't forget the Hot Springs... Even with the hot days, our week was filled with good memories. Here’s just a few from the first week...
1) walking up to the Hot Springs with our son-in-law, Bill, and our granddaughters, Shayla and Elizabeth
2) helping my friend, Mary, with the meals
3) rides with Mary, Dave, Bill and grand-daughters and Natalie
4) Kenny's stories, worship service, and his song, "Old Shep" (a window washer)
5) Eleanor throwing creek water on me (shame on her)
6) the taste of the awesome desserts Norma prepared and the gifts she made Mary and I with the card signed by all. Thanks everyone.
7) sitting around our huge campfire provided by Lynn W. (candlelight) Great idea as fires not permitted.
8) everyone helping, especially our guys in the morning---John Achord and Joe Griffin.
We had a great time and were able to stay until Tuesday noon of the second week group.
THINGS I REMEMBER THE SECOND WEEK:
1) Miss Laura Latte on her Classy horse
2) getting to visit with Ann and Otis Parks and our swim at the hot springs
3) getting to know the Goodlin's, Kathy, Greg, B1, B2, B3 and B4 (nicknames so I could remember all the kids' names ) What a special family! watching them as they went out riding with Greg on Big Ben and B4 (Braydon) on his tiny pony -- Kathy's warmth, humor and her ENERGY. Greg, you're an awesome Dad, too.
4) enjoying the company with everyone. My riding was limited to 4 trails and 2 trips to the Hot Springs. Everything I experienced while camping left good memories. Only thing I'd change is cooler weather and less dust. Johnny and I thank our Lord for being with all of us and for His protection.
Love and hugs to all our friends,
John and Darla Webber
HAPPY TRAILS