August 7-10
LaPine State Park, Oregon
V 1 - Never Stop Camping
She is 80. He's 81. They have medical issues. She almost died from one last year. Their kids have moved away. It's just the two of them.
They previously downsized from towing a travel trailer. Now their 29 foot RV is getting to be too much for them to manage physically. But they aren't ready to give up traveling and camping.
First he came over to check out my class B. Then he brought her over to look at it. He pulled out his little pocket notebook and took some notes as we talked about other models that might be better for them. I hope they find their next rig soon and enjoy many more trips together.
V 2 - Heartbreaking Camping Trip
The couple pulled in around 4pm as I was heading out for an excursion. The passenger got out of the truck, carrying a pair of old chihuahua pups like 2 footballs, and spotted for the driver to back the trailer in. It took a few attempts as it often does.
The next morning, I stopped over to say hi. One man was hovering over an ice chest. The other man sat at the picnic table facing out, cradling a blind and fearful 14 year old dog. They apologized for coming in so late the night before.
I was confused. I was there to apologize for coming back so late at 10:30 pm. They continued to explain one of the 14 year old dogs had died in the night and they'd gone out to find a vet, returning at 3:30 am.
2 luxurious dog beds were near a pair of camp chairs on an outdoor patio mat. Those senior rescue pups were very loved and spoiled in their final years.
V 3 - Never Stop Hiking
They were coming out of the hole, one little section of paved trail left to reach the parking lot. It was just a short hike down to the Big Tree, the biggest Ponderosa Pine on record.
He was leaning against a tree, looking fit, if you didn't consider the oxygen contraption strapped over his shoulder, making a pumping noise, helping him breathe. He commented on my dog's gait, a slight limp, barely visible to the untrained eye, from climbing a steep bank out of the river earlier that day.
V 4 - Never Stop Walking
I exited the campground for the final time to start my trip home. An old man was walking slowly along the road, a hiking pole in each hand. I thought of my father at home, so glad to be out walking again each day. Such a healthy habit.
I pulled into the trash collection area. A spry old lady was tossing her small trash bag in the dumpster. We exchanged pleasantries and she headed back the way I had just come, to reconnect with her walking partner.
