The "Ancient Mariner" is getting his sea bag ready for the cross-country trip from San Jose. Fred Kuhlman says he's planning to leave two weeks from today, head into Washington State, across the northern tier and then drop down to Des Moines Iowa.

He's going to take it easy, he says. He'll end up in Kalamazoo and his daughter and he will be making the drive North to the Straits to arrive probably on Sunday.

We'll once again be setting up a "Follow Fred" calling plan from among the volunteers who want to give Fred a call while he's traveling.

Post a reply here or email me if you'd like to let Fred know his friends on the forums are thinking of him. The plan is usually to give him a call around 7-8 p.m. local time where he is.

One person per day while he's on the road. No calls while he lays over at relatives in Des Moines and Kalamazoo.

The journey starts this Sunday. Here's the approximate itinerary for the travels of the Ancient Mariner:



Miles to drive, 7,000+
Days away from home, 67
Family and friends he'll see along the way, priceless!

Those on the calling list will be getting an email from me today or tomorrow with the schedule and map.

See you in just about a month, Fred!

Hi Fred, We look forward to seeing you in at the Reunion.

Sean & Elizabeth

I've never met Fred and only know of him and his adventures from these Forums!
Hope to meet him at the Reunion!!
Fred, have a safe and enjoyable trip!
Rick

Fred, you are not alone on this trip...all your friends are riding right there with you. Have a safe trip and enjoy your family along the way.

For those 'Following Fred' with a Fone Call, if you have Internet access, please post a reply to this thread and let us know how our old friend is doing.

Fred should be rolling the black Suburban out tomorrow on his way.

Hermiston Oregon - 2nd night.

"Not pushing it, but doing good. More people pass me than I pass."

"Doing better since I left home - away from the allergies."

Tomorrow he plans to overnight in or near Missoula Montana.

Missoula, Montana-3rd night

Just spoke with Fred and he is back on schedule and is spending the night in Missoula. The weather has been good and he has had only 1 brief rain shower to drive through. He is doing ok and trying to keep it down to six or eight miles over the speed limit to avoid those nasty road side chats with any of Bob M's brothers in uniform. For those other callers on the list, Fred wanted you to know that his voice mail on his cell phone is set up so that if you miss him for some reason, you can still leave a message.

Dave Hannum reports that he spoke briefly with Fred last night and "Had a lousy connection, but he is in MT somewhere (way away from a cell tower for sure). Making good time. He reported speed limits are 75 and it is 80 miles between rest areas."

Tried to call Fred earlier tonight but only got his voice mail so left a message wishing him well on his trip.

I got a call from Fred Sunday evening to let everyone know he's made it to Des Moines where he'll layover for a few days with a brother and in-laws.

He got a few phone messages and he simply wanted to let everyone know he's doing well and taking it easy.

I called Fred on Sunday but either I was a bit late calling or he was in a bad area to get my call ,just left a message. So I called him last night and he was at his brothers and was unloading his stuff from the truck. He sounded good and says he's looking forward to seeing all of us. I'm sure he is glad to be off the road awhile and has time to visit with his brother. Won't be long now and we will all be "together again."

I wish I could be at the reunion, especially to see my friend Fred, but family commitments are preventing me from attending. My sister and brother-in-law will be staying with me for a few days. They are coming up from Florida. I have two family weddings coming up, one in September and one in October. Why does everything have to happen all at once?

:rolleyes: Bob :rolleyes:

"Fred called a little while ago and he has arrived in Kalamazoo. Didn't sound too bad, but I could hear him breathing pretty heavy at times. Going to get rested up to be ready for the Reunion. Probably a good thing he built in a long rest period as he commented that if he had to head right for the Reunion he might not go. He is looking forward to seeing everyone.

Someone please post this in the thread for me.

Dave"

Posted for Dave who has obviously gotten busy.

Sean

I talked to Fred several days ago. While he was scheduled to start the trip back to San Jose tomorrow (Sep 26), he's postponed departing Kalamazoo by 2 days because he's been unable to get a room in Dallas for the time he was planning to be there.

So he asked me to let the 'Follow Fred' team to know about the change in plans.

Since our Fone Fred days are based on days of the week, those plans won't change.

After posting this, I got an email from Dave who visited with Fred, Gerry and family in Kzoo this weekend. Looks like the latest plan is for Fred to start off tomorrow as originally planned.

That right, Dave?

Fred was scheduled to leave Steve & Gerry's this morning (Sunday) on his way to Texas.

Monday - Sep 26. Talked to Fred and he's in Arkadelphia AK doing well. Says "Hi" to all.

I would be willing to venture a guess that Fred is in AR not AK. I know he can have a lead foot, but don't think he could make Alaska quite this fast.....

Just had a short conversation with Fred (actually two because we had a drop out on his cell phone) and he is in Kilgore Texas and doing very well on his trip home. He sounds great, and said that he is feeling good. He asked me to say hello to everyone. Looks like he is two days behind the schedule that John did, due to his late start, so everyone can adjust their call schedule.

Spoke with Fred this evening as he was headed out to dinner with his friends. He will move on to Dallas tomorrow, planning on a couple of days there.

Spoke to Fred for a few minutes tonight. He was on his way to Dallas. He still sounded great and said he was feeling pretty good.

Patty

Fred's going to be rolling into Arizona tomorrow morning and we expect him in Scottsdale Monday afternoon. He's planning a 2 night stop here and I'm hoping Jim G and Ruthie & Terry will be able to join up with me in putting out the Copper State Welcome Mat for our buddy Fred.

He sounded good on the phone this afternoon. Staying tonight (Sunday) about 20 miles East of the AZ/NM border.

Just talked to Fred and he's home safe and sound. He wanted me thank all of you that followed his trail to and from the reunion. He appreciated all the calls and well wishes. I personally was very happy that me, Terry, John & Jim were able to spend an evening with him this week. Glad you are home, Fred and look forward to your next trip.

Fred is truly an amazing person who has touched the lives of so many people across our country by just being Fred. It's good to know that his most recent adventure was successful and he is once again home.

Bob

Always a pleasure to read about Fred's travels. Extremely nice to see so many people checking in and making sure all goes well. This is an amazing group of people. I'd say the best!!!

Bert