Author: Keep It On The DL~ DavisLighter

Big Wheels, Bigger Views

This leg of our journey took us winding through Michigan, Ohio, Vermont, New York, and Pennsylvania — each state with its own charm and surprises. After a short stint in Wisconsin, we rolled into Michigan, where the air was crisp and the scenery stunning. This was our first time exploring Michigan and the highlight was Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, where the cliffs rise dramatically over the turquoise waters of Lake Superior. Kayakers looked like colorful specks beneath the towering formations, and every turn on the trail opened up to another postcard-worthy view. We were able to get a last minute sunset cruise that let us see the beauty up close and personal.

Mackinac Island was next, a timeless step back in history where bicycles and horse-drawn carriages rule the streets instead of cars. We explored the island’s scenic trails by renting a bicycle and cycling around the entire island, visited the iconic Grand Hotel, had an amazing lunch at Carriage House, watched them shoot off a canon at Fort Mackinac and watched the sunset paint the Straits of Mackinac in soft orange and pink hues. We loved the location of our rv spot, Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping, which was easy access to all things Mackinaw! We topped off our time there with a visit to the Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park which was very educational.

From there, we headed south to Frankenmuth, a Bavarian-style village that feels like a slice of Germany in the Midwest. We indulged in world-famous chicken dinner at the famous Zehnders, watched the clock tower at the Bavarian Inn, strolled through the quaint downtown shops, and soaked in the festive, small-town atmosphere. Aaron got us a last minute booking on the Cass River where we had wine tasting and chocolate. No complaints there. We stepped into the largest Christmas store…no scratch that, warehouse we have ever been to in our lives, the Bronner”s Christmas Wonderland, where the daily electrical bill runs around $1250/day. The highlight of this entire stay was my first sighting of fireflies out in the corn fields….ahhhhh, pure heaven.

Crossing into Ohio, we didn’t have too much time to drive through rolling farmlands and stop at small-town diners that reminded us how friendly and genuine people can be. What we did get to witness for the first time ever was a good old fashioned rv park brawl which led to the neighbors getting punted around 8:30 at night with a police escort. Luckily we were just spectators! I had a little surprise up my sleeve at this stop along the way. I wanted to explore the island of Put-in-Bay in Lake Erie, so we took a ferry over and rented some scooters and saw the sights.

Then came Vermont, where the winding roads and mountain views offered a peaceful contrast to the busier stretches of our route. Every bend seemed to reveal a covered bridge or charming village, and maple syrup stands were a tempting stop. We had one mission, and one mission only in Vermont, W H I S T L E P I G. Earlier in the summer after we left Mt. Rushmore and we talked about where to head next Aaron said how about Vermont, I said we aren’t driving that far east….well….a few months later…here we are and I am super glad we did. It was a beautiful drive and a memorable stop for Aaron and his bucket list. We had one of the best KOA campsites of all times…sadly it was just for one night only.

Next up was New York, and this leg of the trip felt electric. We hit upstate New York on our way to Vermont where we explored Letchworth State Park, which was absolutely stunning as well as explore Fort Stanwix National Monument.

We explored downtown NYC, taking in the energy that only the city can deliver — bright lights, endless motion, and an unbeatable mix of people from everywhere. We love our HOHO’s and this one was no average HOHO, I opted for both the day and night hop on hop off and it was incredible. The city skyscrapers at night made the skyline a magical vista. We made it to Central Park, a green oasis amid the skyscrapers, where we opted to rent a bicycle and make the romantic journey around the park. We caught both Mets and Yankees games, checking off a pair of baseball bucket-list moments. There’s something surreal about sitting in two legendary stadiums within the same trip, hearing the crowds roar under the summer sky. The biggest highlight was making it on TV in the background of the Today Show and shaking Al Roker’s hand, such a surreal experience. We called my parents and told them they better watch it when it viewed in Arizona, so they could capture the moment for us. Thanks mum and dad.

Our final stop was Pennsylvania, where we slowed the pace and visited Gettysburg. Standing on those hallowed grounds, surrounded by rolling hills and historic monuments, it was impossible not to feel the weight of the past. The stories of courage and sacrifice echoed through the fields, making it one of the most meaningful stops of the journey.

From the peaceful shores of Lake Superior to the bustling streets of New York City and the solemn fields of Gettysburg, this trip had a bit of everything — nature, history, food, fun, and reflection. Traveling by RV gave us the freedom to experience it all at our own pace, and every mile brought a new adventure, a new story, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of America.

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Rolling Through the Heartland

There’s nothing quite like summer on the open road — windows down, coffee in the cup holders, and our 5th wheel hitched up and ready for the next adventure. July was our month to wander to my ultimate destination point….Mt. Rushmore, and this month we took on six incredible states: Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Wyoming: Big Skies and Bigger Views

We left Colorado and headed north, kicking things off in Wyoming, where every horizon looks like a painting. From the geological wonder of Devils Tower to the endless grasslands, this state has a way of reminding you how small you are — in the best way. Mornings meant coffee outside the rig with mountain air in our lungs, and evenings were all about watching the sun dip behind the peaks.

Montana: Where the West Still Feels Wild

Crossing into Montana felt like stepping back in time. “Big Sky Country” didn’t disappoint — we drove through rolling hills, trout streams, and ghost towns that whispered stories of old miners and dreamers. Yellowstone was once again the showstopper, and we snagged a perfect site at Yellowstone’s Edge RV Park (with 5 Vilano’s) just in time to catch the last glimmer of a beautiful sunset on the mountains.

North Dakota: Quiet Beauty and Open Roads

North Dakota utterly captivated us. As we ventured into the enchanting Theodore Roosevelt National Park, we were greeted by majestic bison wandering through the rugged badlands, and the nights were so profoundly still that you could hear the whispers of your own thoughts. It felt like a dream, an almost meditative escape — just us, the brilliant stars overhead, and the gentle hum of generators from nearby RV parks. Medora was an extraordinary town, the perfect place to bask in the magic of an outdoor musical. A blend of rich history and delightful humor radiates with a bounty of Western spirit, creating an homage to country music, America itself, Theodore Roosevelt, and the wild heart of the Badlands against an awe-inspiring canvas. Among our most cherished campgrounds was Abraham Lincoln State Park in Bismarck — the oldest State Park in North Dakota — where we dove deep into the stories of the Mandan Native Americans who once called On-a-Slant Village home, exploring our reconstructed earthlodges with a sense of wonder.

South Dakota: Monuments and Memories

From there, we confidently cruised into South Dakota, where every mile was rich with history and Americana, creating an unforgettable tapestry of experiences. Mount Rushmore, with its breathtaking granite faces of four prominent presidents, Crazy Horse, a symbol of Native American heritage still under construction, and the distinctive charm of Deadwood, steeped in Old West lore, were all on our itinerary. We camped just down the road from Mount Rushmore at the outstanding local KOA, an impressive RV park, especially during the lively 4th of July celebrations that filled the air with excitement and patriotic fervor. We enjoyed the Spearfish 4th of July parade, where we spotted “Cappie” from the home renovation show Building Outside the Lines, mingling with the crowd and sharing laughs, and witnessed the iconic shootout in Deadwood while visiting the very bar where Wild Bill Hickok met his fate, standing in awe of the history that unfolded in that very spot. Our adventure continued at Mount Moriah Cemetery, the final resting place of Wild Bill, Calamity Jane, and other remarkable figures, where we took a moment to reflect on their lives and the wild stories that define this legendary region, immersing ourselves in the spirit of the frontier.

Minnesota: Lakes, Loons, and Lazy Evenings

Minnesota rolled out the welcome mat with its shiny lakes and balmy summer nights—what a charmer! We chose a cozy spot off the beaten path at a National Golf Resort in McGregor, Minnesota, thinking it would be the perfect place to kick back. Little did we know, it was also prime time for RV organization and some fun maintenance adventures. This is where our thrilling saga with electrical woes began. Spoiler alert: it was our electrical cord reel playing hide-and-seek, resulting in half of the camper going dark—talk about a camping horror story lol! After hours of detective work, Aaron finally nailed down the culprit, and we wrangled ourselves an appointment the next day at a “mobile repair facility,” which turned out to be a guy’s private residence with a driveway that seemed designed for hobbits. But hey, he worked his magic and patched us up well enough to keep the wheels rolling for a few months of fun—adventure awaits!

Wisconsin: Cheese Curds and Campfires

Our final stretch for July brought us to Wisconsin — where we didn’t get a chance to explore its true beauty. Between the rolling farmland, lakeside drives, and more cheese curds than we probably should’ve eaten, it was the coziest way to wrap up our month of July!

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Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado

My parents have been rolling across the USA in their RV the past few summers, and they showed us how amazing it is to live life on the road. We’ve definitely lived life on the road for the past decade, but this time, we’d have the freedom to go wherever we wanted, when we wanted. We’d be the bosses of our own adventure!

Aaron asked me where I wanted to go for the summer, and the only place I could think of that I’ve always wanted to see was Mt. Rushmore. So, without any plans, we decided to tie up some loose ends and hit the road on June 8th. We had only one trip under our belt with our 5th wheel a year or so before, so we didn’t want to cram too much into the first day. We rolled out a bit later than expected and headed up the road to Payson, AZ, for our first night of what would turn out to be a 159-day road trip across America!

We had a bunch of new gadgets to test out and make sure we knew what we were doing for the rest of the summer. Aaron did an amazing job getting us all hooked up, and the first night set us up for great success the rest of the summer. After a great night’s sleep, we didn’t want to overdo it, so we headed to Heber, AZ, where we had the chance to sit out with our lawn chairs and enjoy a dreamy star-lit night after hitting up a local brewery. Another successful setup under our belt, and we both thought we could get used to this lifestyle pretty quickly! Our next stop was Gallup, New Mexico. We visited the El Rancho Hotel and and the Petrified Forest National Park. It was our first National Park, and we’re excited to explore more in the future. Dad, thanks for getting us an annual park pass – it’s the best gift ever!  Aaron got himself a new mug for his morning coffee and an arrow from a local Native American selling them around the RV park. That’s a story for another time!

We hit the road again and headed to the colorful state of Colorado. Our first stop in Colorado was Bayfield, CO. We took a break, enjoyed the scenery, did some laundry, and relaxed with the Blackstone in full effect. We then drove to Silverton and Ouray (the Million Dollar Highway) and visited the Mesa Verde National Park. Colorado was such a beautiful state that we took advantage of it and the weather. We visited Pegosa Springs, Del Norte, Hooper, Cañon City, Colorado Springs, and ended our time off in Fort Collins, Colorado.

After a few weeks in the camper, we decided we weren’t done yet. We were loving the adventure, so we decided to tackle Mt. Rushmore or bust!

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Hot Dogs, Cracker Jacks & Chasing Ballparks

Some people dream of climbing mountains or running marathons. Me? My bucket list has always been a little more… baseball shaped. The goal: hit every single Major League Baseball stadium. Call it my version of going 30-for-30.

It all started back in Arizona, where spring training was practically in my backyard. Sunshine, cheap seats, rookies trying to make the roster—it was love at first pitch! Add in the fact that Aaron was once a bat boy for the Seattle Mariners (yes, he’s got dugout street cred), and my fate was sealed. Baseball wasn’t just a game, it was the game.

 I’ve crossed the country chasing the crack of the bat, from the ivy at Wrigley to the Green Monster in Fenway. I’ve watched the sausage races in Milwaukee, taken in the skyline view from PNC Park in Pittsburgh, and marveled at San Francisco’s Oracle Park where home run balls splash into McCovey Cove. Each stadium has its quirks, its traditions, its die-hard fans who remind you that baseball is as much about community as it is about box scores.

Over the years, the ballparks piled up—and so did the stories. My very first MLB game was deep in the heart of Texas, where everything really is bigger, especially the stadium. I chased Tim Lincecum like a groupie, even following him down to Triple-A just to see him pitch. In Kansas City, I nearly took one for the team when Buster Posey’s bat came flying through the net—talk about chin music. At Wrigley, I couldn’t resist hollering “Rizz Dog!” at Anthony Rizzo like I’d been part of the Bleacher Bums my whole life.

And then there are the truly unforgettable moments—like standing in Yankee Stadium, hollering up to the one and only Judge… Mr. Aaron Judge. Or the time in Seattle when Aaron spotted me on the big screen—in the bathroom, no less—double-fisting a box of Cracker Jacks. Yep, nothing screams “America’s pastime” quite like snack food and poor timing.That’s baseball for you: sometimes you’re the MVP, sometimes you’re the blooper reel.

We recently rounded third and headed for home with the last two stadiums left: Yankee Stadium and Citi Field. The Bronx Bombers and the Amazin’ Mets. The House that Ruth Built and the rotunda that honors Jackie Robinson. Once we crossed those off, we went the distance—All 30 stadiums, every park, every anthem, every seventh-inning stretch, every hot dog (probably too many to count), and “Play ball!” echoing in my memory.

It’s been a journey as unpredictable and beautiful as the game itself. And while finishing the list might feel like the bottom of the ninth, I know the truth: for a fan, baseball is always extra innings. There’s  always another game, always another story waiting to happen. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Here’s to many more extra innings! MLB Ballgame Bucket list complete!

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Bourbon Trail Adventures in Kentucky

If you’re a bourbon lover, there’s no place quite like Kentucky. We set out on a trip through Kentucky to visit some of the most popular bourbon distilleries along the famous Bourbon Trail, and what an adventure it turned out to be! From the moment we pulled into our first stop, we knew we were in for more than just a tasting tour—we were stepping into the heart of bourbon country.

Each distillery had its own story to tell. From the iconic heritage brands that have been perfecting their craft for generations, to the newer innovators putting a fresh spin on tradition, every distillery offered something unique. We walked through rickhouses filled with that sweet, unmistakable aroma of aging bourbon, learned the stories behind some of the oldest names in the business, and got a peek at the artistry that goes into every bottle. Our guides joked about the “angel’s share”—the bourbon that evaporates over time—and even let us knock on the barrels to hear the liquid sloshing inside. Standing beside those massive copper stills and learning about mash bills gave us a whole new respect for the craft.

And of course, the tastings were a highlight, well for one of us lol. Every distillery gave us something new to appreciate, whether it was smooth and mellow, or bold and spicy. First you taste the corn, then you taste the oak, and then you feel the hug!!! We found ourselves comparing notes, picking favorites, with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, caramel—every sip carried a little bit of Kentucky pride.

Beyond the bourbon, the trip itself was just as memorable. Driving through Kentucky’s gorgeous rolling hills, stopping in charming little towns, and meeting friendly folks along the way made the whole journey feel special. It wasn’t just about the drinks—it was about the experience, the atmosphere, and the memories we made together. By the end of the trip, we had a deeper love for bourbon—and some new favorites to add to Aarons shelf (or shelves) at home.

By the time we wrapped up our tour, we were tired, happy, and maybe carrying a few extra bottles home for “research.” If you’re ever looking for a mix of history, craftsmanship, and good old-fashioned fun, a bourbon tour through Kentucky should be at the top of your list. Cheers! 🥃

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Life After the Rotor Stops

After more than two decades in the helicopter world—where days were fast-paced, decisions were critical, and the rotors rarely stopped spinning—Aaron and I have officially stepped away. We recently made the big decision to sell our share in the company we helped grow, and for the first time in what feels like forever, we’re not racing toward the next mission. We’re taking a break.

This shift has been both freeing and surprisingly emotional. The helicopter industry has been more than just our career; it’s shaped our identity, our routine, our friendships, and our sense of purpose. Letting go of that isn’t easy. There’s pride, nostalgia, a touch of fear—and a lot of questions we don’t have the answers to yet.

Right now, we’re giving ourselves permission to just pause. To breathe. To travel a bit. To rest. To reflect on everything we’ve accomplished, and to open our hearts and minds to whatever comes next. It’s a strange in-between place, but one that we’re learning to embrace with gratitude and curiosity.

For anyone else facing a big life pivot: you’re not alone. Transitions are messy and beautiful and worth honoring. So here’s to what’s next—whatever that may be, but at least we will be doing it together!

Your life doesn’t get better by chance it gets better by CHANGE. So here we are….

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Ranch in the Desert

A few years ago Aaron and I were fortunate enough to acquire 20 acres about 25 minutes west of our home in Tonopah, Arizona. We needed a place for Aaron’s dad to call home for the winters and they don’t make any more dirt, so as far as an investment we didn’t think we could go wrong. The property was divided up into about 7 different parcels and on 2 of the 7 parcels were 2 structures that required demolition and major cleanup. Now when I say major cleanup, I mean a demolition crew that took about a week to fully get rid of all of the structures, trash, and debris. The property had 3 wells which all required re-drilling and had electrical to 1 of the larger parcels.

Aaron and I were gone for work the first year we owned it, so not much got done other than getting water and the electricity up and running for his old man. We had to get the septic cleaned up and back to code. We also fenced in about 12 acres of the property for his dogs and security. Once we finally had some time to be home and get serious about the actual aesthetics of the place, we put up a large shade structure that would accommodate his dad’s trailer, my parents 5th wheel, and our own 5th wheel. My dad and I worked tirelessly on adding extra shade on both sides which turned out exceptionally well. Way to go pa!

We bought a 40′ sea container to house all of our goodies. We then decided that we just needed to plant some trees and bushes to give the place a cozy feel and add a little color to the dry desert. Our first quote to install irrigation to the property and plant the plants was about 18K. Aaron and I about fell over. So after many quotes and not one of them sounding reasonable to either of us, we said “hey, we have watched enough DIY tv, let’s do it ourselves. How hard can it be!” Two back breaking weeks later and adding my father to the work roster, we planted 212 plants/trees, laid down 3,684 feet of pvc pipe, and added 4 watering stations to our irrigation system. We brought in about 10 loads of gravel/rock and kept my dad busy on the tractor for days.

I have a few more ideas for the ‘ranch,’ and I’ll share them with you hopefully in the fall. But for now…ranch life has been just another exciting adventure for all of us, and we love spending time outdoors.

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Magnolia Marie and Grace Ann

I’ve been reminiscing about all the amazing adventures Aaron and I have had, and the wonderful memories we’ve shared with our family and friends. That’s why I’m still keeping this blog going. Most of the posts I write are about happy and exciting adventures. But I don’t usually share the tough times or when we’re feeling lost.

A few years ago, we lost our two precious Persian/Himalayan cats, Dee Dee and Fraizer. They were such beautiful cats, and they brought us so much joy and happiness. Dee Dee left us after 16 years of love and cuddles, and Fraizer stayed with us for a few years after, making us miss them even more. I know how hard it is to lose a pet. It’s a hole that never seems to be filled, but you wouldn’t trade those years for anything.

After much, MUCH, discussion and finally getting my dad’s approval, we decided to open our hearts to two more beautiful babies. We searched for years, and this time around, we wanted female cats. I wanted a calico-colored baby, while my mom wasn’t too picky (she’s less picky than me, lol). After countless months on the internet, many fake claims of having cats all over the US, and a ton of emails and text messages, we finally found a breeder in the Phoenix valley who had exactly what we were looking for.  

We were a bit worried that we couldn’t love another pet like we did our last two babies. I was concerned that my dad might regret the decision since he’s also allergic. But guess what? Maggie was love at first sight! She wasn’t exactly the color we wanted (she’s a diluted calico), but her soft fur, delicate features, and stunning amber eyes instantly melted our hearts.

We had about 5 or 6 weeks with Maggie first, since Grace was from a different litter (the same male but different female than Maggie) Maggie became the spoiled single child, and she bonded with my dad right away. It was so cute!

Even though I’m technically her mom, she’s my dad’s cat all the way. I couldn’t be happier about it! We took turns baby-sitting Maggie during her first 5 weeks with us. Mom and dad would go play cards at their friends’ houses and drop off Maggie at my place so I could be with her. Let me tell you, she had us all wrapped around her finger (even Aaron!). She was the perfect kitten, and we were a bit worried about how it would be when we got Grace.  As perfect as Maggie was and as calm as her personality was, I didn’t think it would be an issue! Haha, about that.

The time finally came for Grace to arrive, and we couldn’t wait to let the bonding begin. We took Maggie over in the car to meet her new sister. Dad and Aaron waited in the car with Maggie while mom and I went in to fill out the paperwork and start the “love fest” with Grace. She was also perfect, and her little face lit up a room. She just sat in your hand and let you love on her. It too was love at first sight!  

Once we got into the car, we took it easy and held Grace close. We put her face near Maggie’s, and that’s when our precious little “I wouldn’t hurt a fly” Maggie girl let out a loud hiss. She hardly ever cried or made a sound, so this was a big surprise. We couldn’t believe it, and my dad kept saying, “Uh oh…did we make a mistake?”

Right away, we started searching online for “how to bond two kittens,” and everyone said it just takes time. It was tough to accept, and we had our doubts along the way. But after a few weeks of them being separated by a cardboard wall and only getting supervised visits, and a lot of hard work from us to make them bond, they finally did! They’re now inseparable.

Our hearts and souls are full again. So, let’s say hello to Magnolia Marie and Grace Ann!  

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Barcelona and Italy

The Mediterranean Sea is absolutely breathtaking, and I’ve been dreaming of visiting it for ages. Unfortunately, Aaron and I didn’t get to see everything on our list. But hey, that just means we have another trip to Italy planned for the future! Whether we’re admiring the Colosseum after a delicious pizza or getting lost in the olive groves and vineyards, Italy will leave you spellbound.  

Our adventure began in Barcelona, where we caught a red-eye flight from JFK. Barcelona is a vibrant and dynamic city with its narrow streets, medieval architecture, and lively atmosphere. Although our pj’s were on before the sun went down, we got the vibe right away!

We had two wonderful days exploring the city before hopping on board the Norwegian Prima, our home for the next ten days. Our itinerary included three ports in Spain: Valencia, Ibiza, and Palma (Majorca). We also visited two ports in France: Marseille and Cannes. And guess what? We got to explore four ports in Italy: Genoa, Florence/Pisa, Naples, and Rome. Unfortunately, due to strong winds, we couldn’t stop in Valencia. But hey, that gave us more time to soak up the beauty of the ship!  

Every adventure, whether it’s marveling at the vibrant streets of Barcelona or feeling the sea breeze aboard the Norwegian Prima, leaves an unforgettable mark on my soul, teaching me gratitude, patience, and wonder.

Travel isn’t just about the destinations; it’s about the growth, the memories, and the heartfelt connections that stay with me long after the journey ends…. so until our next adventure, thanks for following along…Ciao!

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Wiggins, Mississippi

Aaron headed to Ontario to battle the wildfires in late May and they raged on clear into early August.  They timed out twice and did about 300 hours in the S61 during that time frame.  Almost daily they did 8 hours (eight and skate as they say).  We never planned to be up there for that long, but whatever pays the bills and wherever they can be of assistance, then that is where we go! 

After such a long and arduous season that started so early, we didn’t really think we would have much gas left in the tank to do much more that year, but were able to get a late Forest Service carding in Sacramento in mid August, so we took advantage of it with both the S61 and the Super Puma…just incase they needed help later on.  After 2 days of carding we started looking at the map of where we wanted to stage the machines in hopes of getting picked up on a fire and before the ink was dry on our carding sheets the phone call came in for N448JS.  As I stated earlier, we were in Sacramento, California for the carding process and when the call came in, they requested the aircraft launch to Tallahassee.  Aaron scratched his head and said I’m sorry, I don’t think I have heard of Tallahassee, California.  Their response was “No, Tallahassee, Florida!”  The Super Puma got called a few hours later to head to Texas. So without further delay, they planned their route, we got the fuel truck and the service van headed in the right direction and off we went.  It would take 3 days for both the fuel trailer and service van to arrive.  The helicopter would overnight along route and make it the next day.  

Once we arrived we managed to get hooked up with our Forest Service Manager and get to the proper location on the forest.  We were there just long enough for the fuel trailer and service van to arrive before a hurricane was headed right for us.  Oh Florida, you are silly.  Without taking any chances, they said, you guys better head west, so we are sending you to Wiggins, MS to stage out of there for a while.  I think we figured we would be there for about a week or less as it didn’t seem like much was happening on the fire front, but we got to Wiggins on August 23rd and didn’t leave until mid November.  Yes, you read that correctly, late August until mid November taking up residence at the local Hampton Inn in Wiggins, Mississippi.  We stayed so long that I had to get a better mattress pad at the hotel!  The helicopter stayed on for about another month with the Forest Service getting called to Tennessee and Kentucky.  Holy Cannoli.  What a season to remember!  

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