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Feb 15, 2016 : Fast Eddie Uncategorized

Departures

I,m heading out for the AT today and I want to thank the person who has made this and many other departures possible,  Rita Thomas Larkin.  Over our many years together she has all ways understood and accepted my urge to wander and seek adventure.   Whether its been motorcycle riding , aerobatic flying, white water rafting, getting lost in Alaska or, more recently hiking the El Camino and now the Appalachian Trail,  she has been supportive and helpful.  Thats not to say that she has never shown a little displeasure at my timing of things.  I’ve figured out over the years that being on the receiving end of the “Rita Look” is not something to be taken lightly.  When our kids were  babies, one walking and one not, I decided that it would be a great idea for Reet to take the kids to the grandparents on the airlines while I road my motocycle cross country to meet up with them.  The Look given,  look ignored.

Long story short;  while I was having a great time burning up the freeway and the occasional side road, Rita was hauling one sick daughter and an infant through the Denver airport.  She’d run out of diapers and couldn’t find any during her short connection time. She managed the situation and made her flight.

When I got to our rendezvous I once again got the look.  I didn’t ignore it and have tried to not be such a jerk since.

So Happy Valentines Day Rita.

And thank you.

 

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Fast Eddie
Feb 15th : Fast Eddie
Author Page
Fast Eddie's Bio

I'm a 63 year old medically retired (limbic encephalitis) airline pilot. I've been married 35 years to a wonderful woman. We have two independent and thriving children. My hobbies have included reading, music, motorcycle touring, and competitive aerobatics in my small bi-plane. I don't compete anymore because of the LE. I got into long distance hiking on the Northern Route of the El Camino de Santiago, about 700 miles including side trips. Looking forward to the challenge of the AT and the characters I'll meet along the way. If you see a black hatted, white bearded old guy just staring into space, please aim him at the next white slash a give a little shove. Thanks. I am doing this as a pledged hike. If anyone is interested in contributing they can go to HikeFor.com and sign up as a sponsor. The organizations I'm targeting are the Mayfield Education and Research Foundation and the Red Rock Community College(Tyler Hagaman Scholarship for Physicians Assistant students. Mayfield funds Neuroscientists who have promising ideas to help understand a wide variety of neurological disorders including limbic encephalitis. The Tyler Hagaman Scholarship is aimed at Physicians Assistant students to help them finish this great program. Tyler died during his last year in the program. It didn't take long to recognize in Tyler many of the characteristics that he shared with his peers and friends; a love of the outdoors and outdoor adventure, a playfulness that he was never shy to express, and a big and willing heart which, I think, is a generational continuation and gift from his parents. This scholarship is a fitting way to remember Tyler.

Comments 1

  • Peggy : Feb 16th

    Now I call that a Valentine!

    Reply

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