STEVE AND LINDA’S EXCELLENT JOURNEY!!!

“Because one day your tomorrow’s run out”

Where To Now

Starting the fourth quarter of my life. \240 \240 \240 \240On new adventures with my wife \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240To try new things and see new lands \240 \240 \240 \240We write the chapter holding hands

Not knowing what tomorrow holds \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 We trust in fate, for what unfolds \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 Will be the dreams we’ve always shared. \240 \240 In places where we’ve never dared.

The goal will be to have the fun. \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 Our toil and plans have finally won. \240 \240 \240 \240 \240Our play book doesn’t map it out. \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 We know not what will come about.

But the yearning and burning \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 And years of earning. \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240Allow us at last. \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 To have a blast!

If where we go does not fulfill. \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 The aim of joy or expected thrill. \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 Back on the road we will proceed. \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 Till on that time our soul does feed.

Where to go along the quest. \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 North or south or even west. \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240We’ll let the winds and angels drive. \240 \240 \240 \240And learn the goal when we arrive.

For everywhere will hold a view. \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 Of mountain, lakes or something new \240 \240 \240We’ll take the path and brave the showers Knowing the joy is always ours

How long we’ll journey is in the air. \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 Of this we do not so much care. \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240For as long as God does smile on us. \240 \240 \240 \240The next adventure we shall discuss

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GREETINGS! to all our family, friends, followers and fans! This is something that we have been meaning to start for some time now, since we retired weeks ago. Actually our newest life chapter started April 16, 2018 with Linda declaring her retirement. She graciously waited for me to complete my work career, which happened on June 4th.

We knew this was the time to quit working and start enjoying our lives. Seeing friends working late into their lives then passing before they could enjoy it. The old addage that “life is short” is very true and one that we are taking seriously. We had prepared, getting doctors appointments out of the way, me completing the wonderful series of Synvisc shots in my knees and practicing our long distance walking. We enjoyed a stay with my sister Sue near Raleigh for a few days, getting organized. In the meantime we packed away all our “stuff “ in a storage unit, sold Linda’s car, ended our lease in Winston-Salem and piled a few things into our pickup and headed out on the road.

First stop going north was a delightful but short visit with grand daughter Marje in Richmond VA. Leah and Joe showed us their usual kind hospitality as we kicked off our retirement.

Still trying to catch up on our journey journal. We had a wonderful month in Vermont curtesy of Billy and Bethanie. Golfing with Bruce and Silas Hill at Bob Nappe’s Kwiniaska GC, golfing with brother in law Scott, a long family bike ride to South Hero with lunch and winery stops, a great overnight visit with old friend Patty and hubby Chris on gorgeous Crystal Lake in Barton VT, a great dinner at Dodie and Jeff’s with Silas in the house, pool day and grill out at Robert and Donna’s, time with Hannah during her visit from Colorado, ferry ride across the lake to lunch in NY with family, lunch with Carol Provost, visit with Bev Fay, lunch with Martha and Michael Wool, walking in the area, biking, out in Billy’s little row boat wih little electric motor, an awesome boat ride in Dave Tucker’s Cris Craft with lunch and deep lake swimming, visit to his and Molly’s beautiful RV site, Camp maintenance, yacht club boats visit seeing old friend and classmate Lea Farrell followed by pizza party and craft brews, great retirement party at camp with large gathering of family and friends thrown by Hannah, Bethanie and Billy, mouse hunting in the camp, captured two on one trap! Suzanne’s nice visit to be with us and family, celebrated Linda’s and my birthday’s in style with nice family dinner gatherings, iinvestigation of the little house in the woods with the nice realtor, babysitting Marje and her first overnighter alone with us, time wth Billy and Bethanie’s new puppies Bird and Mogli, camp porch floor replacement project, night time trash and recycle runs. Our 30th anniversary passed with a quiet embrace and a kiss. Climbed Mt Philo with Linda, Dodie and Suzanne and facetimed Harry and Catherine from top.

After resolving a few glitches with this app, I’m back at trying to catch up with our tale of travels. While in Vermont we made a trip out to Wisconsin for my father’s 90th birthday celebration. All of my brothers and sisters and their families, as well as Steve Fisher’s gang, gathered at Lac du Flambeau at dad’s companion, Mary’s house for a grand celebration! We stayed at the Indian casino hotel called Lake off Torches. Really great to see everyone and commemorate dad’s big time mark. We enjoyed Mary’s awesome house on the lake, some of the guys had good luck fishing, we went zip lining, had great dinners, and a wonderful party night celebration for pops. We hadn’t seen Kevin in a long time and great having everyone together. Flew back to Vermont from little Central Wisconsin Airport, had a nice night at the local “Quality” Inn.

Leaving Vermont on July 28, we scooted on down to old Massachusetts, landing in Walpole at sister Lynne and brother in law Larry’s ponderosa. Already a gorgeous spread, they now featured an almost completed classic big garage, otherwise known as Larrys place! We really enjoyed their great hospitality as they took us into their daily busy activities. Niece Audry and nephew Kyle were so fun. Swimming, baseball, mass, shopping, yard play turkey trot watching and grilling. We thoroughly had a ball experiencing their lives. We took a day trip into Boston on the train for some sightseeing and a 10 mile walk. Mostly along the Charles River and the Common. We also enjoyed a visit to Hingham to have a lunch date with Linda’s dad’s cousin Muriel Smith. A spry 94, Muriel showed us all around the big and beautiful place where she lives. We had a hard time keeping up! We had a great lunch at the bistro and checked out her nice apartment. On Sunday we went to sister Di and brother in law Dave’s party place for a grill out and pool festival. Their two grown kids joined us. Nick took the time out of his hectic job as one of Boston’s finest and brought his pooch Atticus, a ball chasing fanatic. Jaclyn and her husband Matt, who are expecting their first young un in October, came down from Redding. Also we were thrilled to be able to see cousin Joyce and her better half John and cousin Maryanne and hubby, Captain George. We had a great day pool side laughing, swimming, grilling and just having a ball.

The beginning of August we said goodbye to the Bongettes and Walpole, and pointed the truck south to magical Cape Cod. We checked into Dikie Risko ‘s family beachside home in Mashpee, a Cape Cod classic, sleeps 18 which is good because there are 10 kids in his family.

Our first event was a dinner date with Linda’s work colleague Donna at the beautiful Falmouth Yacht Club. Donna’s husband is the manager of this old sailing landmark. It was a marvelous dinner, seaside, in view of Martha’s Vinyard and the boating activity off shore. It was nice meeting Donna and spending a little time with her. She and Linda shared “war” stories of their corporate jobs....pretty funny. Dinner of course was scrumptious and dessert a hedonistic delight! We bid Donna adieu and headed back to Starboard Lane.

Next day we were joined by Rick and his partner Jayce from RI, immy Kelliher from Mansfield MA and Pete Ferretti from CT and Billy Gildea and his love Barbara newly, now from Mashpee as well. We gathered for the weekend, all old friends for some seaside frolic and to visit our dearly departed comrade, Raff, who we said goodbye to 7 years ago. Great grilling, games, goofing and getting caught up filled the weekend. Billy and Barbara hosted us Saturday night to a fabulous winner winner chicken dinner at Bill’s killer new home. Many laughs had by all as the Red Sox swept the weekend series from the Yankees and proved again they are the best team in baseball!

On Sunday everyone parted, each heading their own way. We began our trip back to North Carolina and followed Pete south to Connecticut. He was so kind to offer us room and board for the night. At Camp Ferretti, the amenities included a cool pool, incredible blueberry picking, steaks on the grill, Moscow mules and delightful visit with his sister Jane and brother Andy. Their abode is the amazing big old family home where they all grew up. We enjoyed great conversation, a refreshing swim and a very comfortable night. We felt right at home with the Ferretti clan!

PART TWO!!

Steve and Linda’s retirement journey goes to The Camino de Santiago!

Severall years ago our dear daughter Hannah introduced us to the Camino de Santiago after her summer study abroad in Madrid Spain. We discussed and researched this hike off and on for a long time. We watched the famous movie with Martin Sheen “The Way”. The idea of doing this trek became part of our conversations and dreams for retirement. As the end of our work careers approached, we got more serious with our research of The Way of St James. A 487 mile walk across northern Spain, the Camino is a centuries old route taken by pilgrims from all over Europe, to the legendary grave of St James the apostle, in the cathedral at Santiago du Compestella. These days the journey is taken by thousands each year, for thousands of reasons. No matter the motivation, the trip involves a degree of personal spiritual reflection for every participant.

Hannah’s encouragement lit the flame of adventure in our hearts and minds, so plans were developed for our personal journey.

September 5th we flew from Raliegh NC to Paris France. Immediately took trains south, headed to St Jean Pied de Port at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains bordering Spain. This is the starting point of our pilgrimage on the Camino!

So it has been two weeks since we started our Camino. We have climbed over the Pyrenees, come down through the foot hill towns and have hiked about 180 miles so far. We average about 15 miles a day and that is including two days off. The daily walk is usually 6 to 7 hours, depending on distances between towns. We are usually exhausted by the afternoon. The weather has been warm, actually unseasonably hot for September. The sun beats down on us in the afternoons so our OR hats with sun drapes protection are essential. Our feet are no problem and we love our shoes, unlike many folks on the trail who battle blisters and other feet ailments. The Spanish people are very welcoming and friendly, though very few speak English. Our accommodations have been great. We have avoided the hostels or “aubergues”, in favor of small hotels, hostales, casa rurals and pensiones. The food is quite different, usually repetitive, but often very good. We don’t have big evening meals, usually light breakfast with coffee “americano” and fruit for lunch on the trail. Meeting people everyday is a highlight. There are walkers from all over the world. We have made new friends, have learned stories from around the globe and enjoyed many new encounters.