Wow, what a visit! Pilgrim Farmer John and his gang rode in to Phil’s Camino around high noon yesterday. We may never be the same around these parts.
Two trucks pulled up in the yard, one a Suburban with John’s guys and another a pickup with a nice sweet couple Richard and Julie. Julie is local and cousin of one of the guys, Ken. But the guys piling out of the Suburban are Marine and Navy vets, various flavors of officers, mostly flyers. They have experience leaving kisses and destruction in their paths. I think that is fairly accurate. Anyway they left us kissed and exhausted. They still have it. Let’s see if I can recall them all: Kent the Elder, Doctor Tom, Ken aka Bruiser, Dapper Dan, Garnett the Swabbie and of course Pilgrim Farmer John our Caminoheads Heartland Bureau Chief.
Having arrived earlier than expected thus interrupting my last minute cleanup attempts I put them to work in pairs to get things ready. That worked out well and we managed to talk and laugh away a couple of hours before the 1600 hours walk. Sometime in there Father John walked over to give the blessing to the corn who were all standing proudly at attention for him. I was happy.
As John was the only one of the crowd that had seen the Phil’s Camino documentary we piled everyone into the living room and played the DVD for them. They were duly impressed. I hadn’t seen it in at least six months so I was reminded how good it is.
The walk went well of course without any falls or animal bites. It all looked great to me after months of cleanup from the winter snows. Of course I’m the only one who saw that. Oh, I need to mention that Jane, one of our pretty regular walkers showed up to help out the home team. Thank you Jane.
So, the guys brought a huge pile of food and bottles and a giant frosted cake for the sagging tapas table. We all did a mighty fine job on that and I doubt that supper was needed by anyone after that. Thanks guys! So they are all flying out today to various points on the map: Iowa, Vermont, South Carolina, Oklahoma.
Walking in a minute, later loves, Felipé.
Phil, Sunday was a very memorable day! Thnx for having our rag tag group over for tapas, a viewing, a camino and mucho yuks! You remain always in our thoughts and prayers. Your faith, “never quit” trait, and strength derives partly from your Marine Corps background. You are our hero. Semper Fi. Bruiser
Ken ~ thanks so much for putting out the effort to get you and your party over here to Raven Ranch. We don’t make much money but we have a good time. I am honored to know you and your friends. I am envious of your groups ability to hang together (since 1969). Please feel free to come back any time you are in the neighborhood, that’s for everyone. Felipé.
Amigo Felipe! After my joyful reunion with my dear Cathy on Monday, she of course asked about “high lights” of my trip, knowing we had experienced some amazing sights. It took very little introspection to name Raven Ranch and Phil’s Home Camino as the pinnacle of the memorable trip. I loved having my life long mates get to meet you and understand first hand why I hold you in such high esteem. Courage is a quality they all recognize and admire. I’m even more stoked now about the BC conclave in August! Many thanks to you and Rebecca! SF, PFJ
John ~ yes, your visit was one of the best speaking of memorable! Friends of yours are definitely friends of mine and visa versa I am positive. Yes, and am looking forward to The August get together also. So, stay tuned, more amazing fun to follow! Hello to Farmer Cathy. don Felipé