I have known Mark for 48 years now, since our work and friendship together in Montana with the US Air Force. He worked for me at Malmstrom AFB, but it was one of those 'instantly bonding' type of relationships. We shared many of the same interests, philosophies, and hobbies. Over the years some factors have changed significantly, but nothing that has changed our bond. He has always been my brother from another mother. After Montana our paths changed with Mark pursuing a very successful career in upholstery and then into masonry, owning his own business. His work is known throughout the Midwest. I finished a career in the Air Force and then another teaching.
With the declining geopolitical situation in the past several years I have been finding my soul lacking for value and inspiration; realizing that I needed to make contact with my 'brother' once again. Over the years I had concerns as our beliefs and politics had changed significantly, but I really hungered for some inner peace. Mark and his wife, Robyn, are fine people and represent the best of America, the Air Force, and Veteran Families. Mark and I talked about this recently and assured each other that we are still us, and the rest of the world events are just crap. I should have realized this but was still relieved.
We chose the 2nd week of August for our trip to Central Wisconsin. About 455 miles we still do the 2-day routine. No need for LONG days when you're retired. Enroute we stayed at Pioneer Park in Escanaba. It is one of the county's parks for camping. Very nice with lots of room at $30/night. Close to anything in town you might need.
Pioneer Trail Park - Delta County Parks. 4 stars for this campground. Thank God the gas prices cooperated a bit. Diesel averaged $4.93 round trip. We always stay at Mark's campground across the road from the river. He bought these 5 acres years ago and ran the water and electric utilities to accommodate about a half dozen RVs. It also has a softball field for their annual family reunion game.
Camp Zepplin
Cutting agates
Solving the world's problems, one log at a time
Our trips always include lots of memories about the old days, retirement, and these days aches and pains. This has become an inversely proportional conversational relationship with age. Mark had transplant surgery a year and a half ago but is doing well. We love to visit with several of his neighbors as well as letting Roux romp a bit in the Crystal River outside their back door. On the way over we discovered my patch job on the front trim piece wasn't holding and the right front RV wall was coming unfastened. I emergency duct tape repaired it till we got here and then Mark fabricated a new metal mount for the joist, wall, and roof mount. We resealed and put longer screws in the entire front frame. I didn't realize just how close we were to disaster. Damn light weight RVs. Thank God for a friend with skillz.
Sometimes we venture the 40 miles into Appleton to visit several stores including Harbor Freight and Penzy's Spices. Of course, no visit to Camp Zepplin would be complete without at least one large campfire. This often includes a visit with two more dearly beloved USAF friends, Mike and Cheryl visiting. We are all retired now so life has taken its turns and changes, but we always possess that common bond to renew. We are the 6 Amigos. The White House needs to consult with us to solve most of our nation's problems.
Mark n Robyn
Mike n Cheryl
The Gang
Most nights while here we snack, grill, or eat out, but one night I surprised the gang with my Axis Venison Sheppard's Pie. They provided some fresh local sweet corn and voile'. They loved it! I couldn't have been prouder.
Another great visit with the long-needed benefit of a refilled soul. We're off to the UP now for the UP-State Fair on our way home while Mark and Robyn depart for the annual sojourn to their property in Montana. Vaya Con Dios, my brother. To you and your bride, clear skies and good times. To Mike and Cheryl, we can't wait till our next visit, we love you all.
"The dynamics that are required to make any relationship work; just keep putting your love out there"
Jack Canfield
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