Sounds of ceremonial music filled the sparse cabin that summer evening. It was to be our home for two days and nights and we were invited, by way of British Broadcasting Company and our old portable radio, to be guests at the wedding of Prince Charles of England and Lady Diana Spencer.
Even at age nine, my son Marcus knew it was significant. “Mom, isn’t this kind of historical,” he asked, and we both strained to hear what the bishop was saying.
I took his arm as he escorted me to my folding chair, bending from the waist to give a sweeping bow as he left to take his seat. During long interludes of organ music, we could have bowed our heads in prayerful contemplation but we chose to resume our board game until the next trumpeter’s call. As the couple wed and the processional left the chapel, we milled about as if in a crowded room, inquiring whether one might enjoy a glass of iced tea or a Fig Newton. “How delightful!”
To some folks, the cabins at Sol duc Hot Springs just past Lake Crescent were old and musty. To us, they were clean and cozy. After spending a night on a sloping tent site, the last one available at the Port Angeles KOA, even the worn out coil spring mattresses looked comfortable.
As we hiked and observed the natural world around us, we took away new respect for the majesty of this land. Deer, squirrels and raccoons must have been amused as two citified folks fell under their spell. The memory of that time was recalled recently when my son stayed with me for a few days as I recovered from knee surgery. He was surprised at the images I still held in my mind, of the moss-covered path up to the falls, the fragrance of giant cedars, shafts of light, bird calls and bubbling waters that began upstream under at the roaring falls.
I was new at this camping business and that made planning seem endless. Our trip was 26 summers ago and I have never regretted making the decision to go. We somehow managed to squeeze Doc Bailey’s 9 foot by 12 foot canvas tent, a cooler filled with favorite things to eat, two lawn chairs, pillows, blankets and clothing into our Datsun B-210. In the corners were swimsuits and towels for the hot springs and cold pool fed by mountain springs.
One of my favorite photos is of a boy, my boy, standing in the middle of the cabin wearing a Camp Orkila T-shirt, looking like the happiest kid in the world.
Our children grow too fast. Let them know they are special and ask them to help plan a weekend trip to the forests, the beach or mountains. It’s so worth it, and the memories will warm you like a midnight campfire.
Old friends reunite
JIM VANNICE is looking forward to seeing his shipmates when Heavy Attack Squadron Four reunites here in July.
Registration is on Thursday, July 17, after which a barbecue will be held at Rocky Point. Banquets are set for Friday and Saturday nights.
Heavy Four was formed from VP-57 at NAS Whidbey on July 1, 1956. The drone of propeller-driven aircraft was replaced with the whine and blast of jets as Heavy Four introduced the A3D Skywarrior to the Northwest that year.
Heavy Four remained at Whidbey for 12 years, deploying detachments aboard small deck carriers early on and later enjoyed the luxury of operating from larger boats. The Heavy Attack community played a vital role as a deterrent during the Cold War and later transitioned to a role as aerial tankers providing in-flight fuel to thirsty air wing aircraft. A number of aircraft were also outfitted to provide electronic surveillance capabilities.
On Nov. 1, 1968, Heavy Four was reorganized as VAQ-131, providing these support capabilities to the fleet.
The invitation extends to people from other heavy attack squadrons, so ask for registration forms and other information from Al Archer, 4770 Bayshore Dr., Blaine, WA 98230, (360) 393-9425, or e-mail a3dskywarrior7@gmail.com.
Let’s talk. Call me at 675-6611 or write to lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com with your news.
