Fred's original plan was to leave San Jose today on his cross-country drive to Baltimore via Kalamazoo where his daughter lives.

He's not been feeling well the last few days and hoping for 2 days in a row when he feels good enough to take off.

Plan A - leaving on the 16th is out, but he's got 5 or 6 other plans up his sleeve and he said he'll be in Baltimore even if he has to arrive with a couple of EMTs in tow.

Say a prayer for Fred. He promises to keep me informed about which plan is operational and I'll let you know. Those who have Fred's phone number, I'm sure he'd be glad to hear from you.

We wish Fred all the best for a safe and
healthy trip to Baltimore. At least he's
driving--We're flying!!!

You're in our prayers, Fred.

Keepin'the Flame, Rich & Marilyn
S.C.H.L.C.C.

I know Fred's a fighter!
My prayers are with him always.
He can stop at my house here In Wisconsin on the way, and we can escort him to baltimore.
Fred stay safe.....and we're here for ya buddy!
Pam

Hang in there Fred, I'm anxious to meet all connected collectors in BALTIMORE.

Hope You make it Fred I will be there in spirit my prayers go with you Fred.Bill O'Brien

If anyone can make it from what I hear about Fred...I'm sure he will be there. My prayers are with you.


Ruthie

I'm counting on seeing you in Baltimore, Fred. Lorna and I certainly hope you can make it.

Bob

Fred, I really hope to see you in Baltimore. But please take it easy & be safe. My prayers are with you for safe travel & good health.

TGIFIF

I spoke with Fred yesterday. He still hasn't decided for sure but it doesn't sound promising that we will be seeing him in Baltimore. His daughter-in-law who was to attend with him is not able to accompany him so it would mean a solo trip for Fred. He will advise John once he has made his decision.

I know just what you are going through Fred and my fervent prayers are with youI know you are a fighter but save yourself for next one and we can both attend together.Bill O'Brien,oseabee

Just got the call from Fred.

He's rolling Sunday morning for Baltimore. He expects to get 500 miles behind him on the first day and if all is going well to continue on for the Reunion.

If things aren't going well, he'll take a few days to get back home.

Fred's got his cell phone with him and will report in.

See you there, Fred!!

The old saying is about going on "a wing and a prayer". Well, Fred has lots of prayers following him! I'll be looking forward to seeing the Ancient Mariner in Baltimore! Let's hope that Fred enjoys fair winds and a following sea on his journey.

Dave

DaveH, Jim Johnson, Mombo and I have agreed to give Fred a phone call to check in with him so that he gets a call from one of us each day he is on the road.

I called him about 11:30 this morning and he reported he'd left San Jose only about an hour earlier.


[This message has been edited by JChidester (edited 09-23-2001).]

[This message has been edited by JChidester (edited 09-23-2001).]

Fred, just know that your angels will be with you the whole trip...Whoever talks with him next let him know that our prayers are with him. God speed Fred.

Ruthie

Just spoke with Fred. Yesterday he drove to around 100 miles east of Reno, Nevada. Just now he said he was either in Utah or Colorado heading for I-70 which will take him to Denver where he will spend a couple days. Checking my atlas it would appear that he must still be in Utah if he hasn't reached I-70 yet. When he got to that highway he said he was going to "bunk down for the night." No problems so far. It was a short conversation as he said he was driving down the highway about 70 MPH.

He must be making fairly decent time - he's "on a mission"! Trying to figure out where he might be, I looked at Mapquest - they route you on I-80 all the way till it meets up with I-70 in PA.

This is kinda like the weatherman tracking Santa on Christmas Eve. We need to get Fred a GPS transponder so we can track him electronically.

Dave

I just spoke with Fred at 4:15 Eastern (2:15 Mountain) and he is about 40 miles West of Denver, which is his goal for today. He will rest there for a couple of days with relatives. He sounds good and states that he passed the point of no return about a day and a half ago. I am going to have a longer conversation with him later today when he's off the road for the night and will report any news. But for now he ask me to tell everyone that, " The ancient mariner is still out there being guided by the sun and the stars."
Jim
Johnson



[This message has been edited by JimJohnson (edited 09-25-2001).]

I had a chance to have a longer chat with Fred a few minutes ago and he sounds great. He has arrivied at his destination for today and is staying tonight and tomorrow night with relatives in Denver. He will be back on the road Thursday morning and said to tell everyone that he would see them in Baltimore.
Jim
Johnson

Thanks for the update Jim.
It's great hearing he's doing fine and reaching points as planned and without problems. Paul should have lent him one of his extra cameras so we could have shots of his trip too.

Hi Fred,
Glad to hear that you decided to join us in Baltimore. Hope to meet you there! Have a safe trip there.

Even though we weren't on the official roster, we called Fred today. He is "still in Kansas". He got off the interstate and was traveling the back roads. He said that he's feeling very good -- even better than when he left and looking forward to seeing and talking to everyone in Baltimore. He plans on arriving just in time Thursday for registration.

That's great to hear he is doing so well on his very long journey...Can't wait to see you there Fred...

Ruthie

Thanks, Mike and Patty. I was going to call him today, but I simply told we'd have someone check with him each day. Good to hear he's doing so well!

John

I just got a call from the Ancient Mariner. He's arrived in Des Moines IA and is shutting down his cell phone for the evening. Says he will hit the road tomorrow for Kalamazoo and overnight there until Wednesday AM - then take off for Baltimore, arriving at registration time on Thursday.

Sounds good; says he's doing really good. I think our keeping tabs on him has lifted his spirits a bit.

Roll on, Fred. See you soon.

Sounds like Fred is making excellent progress on his journey! (More than we can say for poor old Harry and the official HL truck.) He should have a nice couple of days to visit in Kalamazoo before heading out.

Are we planning on a reception line for him at the hotel?

Dave

Well it was my turn to check in with Fred tonight but I was too late as he'd already reached his destination and shut off his phone. Left a message wishing him continued success in his journey.

I just spoke with Fred and he just passed Davenport Iowa on his way to Kalamazoo where he plans to spend a few days with his son and family. He still feels good and can't wait to see everyone in Baltimore. Fred wanted me to thank everyone for their prayers and support.
Jim
Johnson

[This message has been edited by JimJohnson (edited 09-29-2001).]

It's great to hear that Fred is doing so well in his trek across the US. It will be fun to see him again.
Derith

Fred is a real trooper! That's a lot for one person to drive! I'll be thinking even more about his adventure while driving Tuesday morning on our nine hour ride! Can't wait! Almost here! Will be good to see Fred again!

Jeff and I will wave at the city of Kalamazoo as we drive by on Tuesday morning early. We are glad he is doing so well. Can't wait to see him in Baltimore. He is one neat guy.

2beacons (mary)


[This message has been edited by 2beacons (edited 09-30-2001).]

The HL truck got here just fine.
Harry and Nancy got here, and they are looking fine.....
Come on Fred, you can do it.
I would've waited for you if you went by way of WI
Pam

Hey Fred, ...If you get a chance to read the messages at the CF, Lorna and I are looking forward to your arrival in Baltimore. We'll be hitting the road early in the morning on Thursday. I figure about eight hours on the road should get us to Baltimore before 1600 hours. That is a short trip compared to your cross country excursion.

See you soon!

Bob

Just spoke with Fred a short while ago. He left Michigan this morning and expects to stay somewhere in Pa., possibly around Pittsburgh, this evening. He's doing "Great" so we should expect to see him in Baltimore sometime tomorrow afternoon!

Fred is here with relatives in Jarrettsville (15 miles south of Penna border). Will be departing tomorrow heading for Kalamazoo. Will be stopping overnight tomorrow somewhere in Ohio, unless we can figure some way of delaying his departure.
Says he is still feeling great and hopes that your prayers and best wishes go with him until he is home in the Land of Fruits and Nuts; probably around the 1st of November.
John etal. Don't know if you are setting up a dew line or tracking system (don't have my GPS working), but will leave my cell phone on as before. No choice, my kids would kill me otherwise - Fred

[This message has been edited by friendofAncientMariner (edited 10-07-2001).]

One of the highlights of this reunion was to see Fred walk in ready to roll. Nothing can keep that man down! Fred is an original HL Collector from the day they were introduced. He is a delightful and witty gentleman who is loved by his fellow collectors. It is an honor to be considered in his circle of friends.

Sincerely.

Bob

I know Fred was on his way to Baltimore but lets fill the rest in.Did he finally make it and what is his present status we would like to know.especially me.Bill O'B rien

Fred did make it to the Reunion, right on schedule, early Thursday afternoon. I had the pleasure of spending some time with Fred over the weekend. Sunday morning he sat at our table during the breakfast and closing festivities.

Fred mentioned several times that he had people coming up to him and telling him how glad they were to see him. People he had never met before, but followed the Forum's Fred Tracking System.

We will keep in touch with him as he heads home, and ask that everyone keep Fred and his safe travels in their prayers.

Dave

I just spoke with Fred, he is about an hour outside of Kalamazoo, and expects to be there later today. He feels "Great", better than when he left for the reunion, and wants to thank everyone for all the support that he has received from his friends at HL.com. He plans to spend some time with his family in Kalamazoo and will let us know when he leaves, so that we can escort him home. So keep our "Ancient Mariner" in your thoughts and prayers, and we will get him back home again!
Jim
Johnson

Good luck on your way back and glad you made the reunion and had a good time hope to meet you next time keep it up Fred.Bill O'Brien

Fred spent Sun night at our house and left Mon morning around 10 hoping to spend the night in Ohio. We loved having him and tried our best to get him to stay longer.

I have never been a collector of anything--except maybe credit cards--however after hearing about all Fred's wonderful HL friends I am beginning to think I am missing something.

I was one of those people who got to meet Fred for the first time. He sure provided us with a look into his personality, fortitude and compassion at the Sunday Breakfast auction. Do you remember the Reader's Digest most memorable characters? The Ancient Mariner has taken his place on my list!
- Bob

[This message has been edited by rscroope (edited 10-10-2001).]

It was really nice to meet and talk with Fred. He is a very nice gentleman. Fred, you created a lot of excitement and fun at Sundays auction. I know you will cherish your pieces you won. I'm jealous You will be in my thoughts and prayers on your trip home. Hope to see you at the next reunion.

Just got a call from Fred who has arrived in Kalamazoo MI at the home of his son and daughter-in-law.

He says he will be staying there for a couple of weeks and will let us know when he's on the road again to San Jose.

Fred says he's feeling the greatest he has all year! He enjoyed traveling the back roads out of Baltimore - but it did take him 2.5 hours to get just the first 100 miles.

Expect to see a few posts here from Fred while he lays over in K-Zoo.

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