Camping in New York

Gary taught me so much about the outdoors, I never really had the chance growing up to enjoy camping as you all had, so he made sure to share how much he loved it with us and made us enjoy every minute of it. I recall our first camping trip here in NY...just the 3 of us, no make that 4, as of course our dog Gypsy was with us too. 

We pull up to the sight and there Sgt Gary giving us the drill on what to do, it all happend so fast, the tent went up, the cooking gear set, tarp tied...my head was spinning! Later that day after Joe and I had gone on a walk for firewood, we came back to the site and there he was, fresh perked coffee in hand, bandanna tied around his head,  cutoff jean shorts...looking like Rambo...he told us he wanted to show us something...so off we went, following Rambo with his knives in pocket and his axe in his hand, like lambs to the slaughter.....after walking off into the woods, he stops turns around and says "Did you hear that?" (Joe and I look at each other silently saying what is he talking about I can't hear a thing) so he says it again, by this time Joe is looking at me like omg mom this crazy man is going to chop us up with his axe!

So I say I can't hear a thing as it's so quiet, and he says "Exactly!" HUGE GRIN on his face.  Then he proceeds to tell us this is what he loves most about the outdoors, finding quiet places, etc. I think the color came back to Joe's face about an hour after we got back to the campsite and started dinner!  Of course, later by the fire under the stars he shared his Wendigo story...I don't think Joe or I slept that weekend!

He was an amazing man, so loving and kind who made so many friends here that really respected him. I am forever blessed he touched my life. <3

Submitted by: Susan Tavernese-Durksen, Wife