Off to West-By-God

“Heading out tomorrow for four days in West-By-God. Not sure how much hiking I'll get in, since my knee is still bothering me. But it will be a chance to get away and camp out. Car camping is not the worst thing I've ever done.

Creek Dancer will join me tomorrow night, and a good time will be had by all.

Everybody try to keep UpUrs entertained in my absence. I'd hate to think his ego would get deflated while I was gone.”

“Have a great time and say hi for us, Geo!”

“Geo, I don't think I want to know about the worst thing you've done.



Break a leg, Big Daddy!!!”

“Say hello to the trail for me. I swear I will backpack again before I expire.”

“Have a great trip. Be safe.”

“Thanks all. It will be us agin the rain gods again. God bless the Tarp Mahal!”

“Whew! For a minute there, I was afraid that Phillie-lover was coming out here to California....”

“No Bowlder, that's the Left Coast where you hang out. Last time I was out your way I hung out in the Oakland Army Terminal, three pimples away from being the arsehole of the universe.”

“hope you have good weather. i'm sure you'll have a good time.”

“What "fun," Geo. I'm sitting precisely 2 miles from the Oakland Army Base/Terminal (now being converted to civilian use)....”

“That's the closest I ever came to going over the hill, Bowlder.

Eventually I and another guy figured out that if we volunteered for police call (picking up litter), we could wander away from the detail and not get missed. I spent several afternoons in the bowling alley and theater. Luckily, my flight came through before I made the KP list.

A bunch of Airborne guys fresh out of training would run around in formation with chains in their bloused pants. Some old sergeant had just about enough of them and called them out.

"Do you like the Army?"

"Yes sergeant, we like the Army!"

"Do you love the Army?"

"Yes sergeant, we love the Army!"

"Would you do anything for the Army?"

"Yes sergeant, we would do anything for the Army!"

"Good, because you're pulling KP until your plane leaves!"

The rest of us cheered those Airborne guys and thanked them when we went through the chow line.

I've loved the Airborne ever since!”