What an eclectic, amazing, charming, smart, group! There are 22 of us; and there may be a handful younger than I, and a handful in their 80s, but they are all fit as a freakin’ fiddle. Guess who came in last, gasping across that battlefield ridge? They love to talk and eat and tipple. For several of them, this tour is realizing a long-held dream. There are a couple of not-battle-lover, loyal wives along, reading not-war books, but smiling and riding.
Most are retired. Isn’t it cool that the retired motorcycle cop came with his DAD? Their stories peel every day like fascinating onions. There’s Hank, the 81-year-old professor from UC San Francisco AND professional singer who wrote the memoir of his dad, a Wobbly (look it up). He’s here with his friend Jon. They went to Stanford together and stayed friends. Jon became a Dean at Cal Poly; he wrote a book on rhetoric 50 years ago; still selling.
There’s Bill the OB, with his wife Kathleen, psychologist. Professional speaker/author Carol with judge husband Irv. Brave Wade who has a nuclear consulting company, who had a major stroke three years ago AND is recovering from surgery fusing eight discs; with his equally amazing wife Judy who works in the company. A study in determination. Gerontology psychiatrist Carl and child psychologist Susan who would remind you completely of Earl and Lannis. Fighter pilot Jerry and immigration officer Susan. Gail and sports coach/historian Bob.
To be continued.
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