Tim discovered a mutual interest in riding ATV's with Larry's cousin and planned an outing for everyone to get together.
What was originally going to be a week-end trip at an entire town devoted to ATV enjoyment located six hours away, shrank into a day trip only a two hour's drive from here. Disappointing as it was, it made it much more doable for all these busy folks who commute long hours to work and weren't able to take a Friday off.
It was our pleasure to have Larry's cousin, Richard, eat dinner and spend the night before the trip with us as our first guest in our newly furnished "guest room". The most fun thing about this story is that Richard is Larry's "Double Cousin". Larry's and Richard's mothers were sisters, and their dads were brothers. All are deceased now, may they rest in peace.
We're sure that these "double cousins" must have similar DNA. We noted resemblances like curly, sandy brown hair that used to be blonde, blue eyes, a very cheerful talkative manner and a great ability to tell interesting stories. Richard's mother was Larry's babysitter for years because she lived with them when she was a teen-ager. After she married Larry's father's brother, they moved in across the street from them and they were all neighbors for years!
Five ATV's were towed along for this trip. Three on the back of Tim's jeep...
One in the truck, and one in the trailer behind it.
Although these folks had minimal but adequate supplies, Richard had everything you could possibly need packed in a compartment on his ATV. They came upon an injured man on the trails and Richard dressed the wound using his First Aid Kit. They needed tie wraps, he had them. He had snacks, bottled water and it went on and on.....! They unanimously voted him MVP of the trip!
They spent a full day riding on miles of trails and through the mud. After seven hours of riding, Larry and Richard came back a couple of hours before the younger folks, who spent time swimming in the beautiful Potomac River adjacent to the 5000 acres of trails.
Everyone arrived back safely, by God's Grace.
Best of all, they were able to enjoy a whole day of family fun and fellowship with this very special cousin who was delightful to talk with and a wonderful guest.
