Littleton, NH; Celebration of Wolf’s Message; Fish On! Cape Cod Canal Ride; Army-Navy Wise Cracks; Lobstah!!!

New Hampshire is a very scenic state; one of our favorite towns is Littleton (pop. 5,928). Unfortunately, our visit was cut short by a rainstorm. We did enjoy walking around Main Street, admiring this church and a covered bridge down by the river walk.

The view of the Ammonoosuc River from the deck of Miller’s Deli was pleasant, until the rain drove us inside…

After the showers ended, Suzanne decided that she needed an umbrella; there were many for the taking, but it was a long reach up to grab one…

Our next stop was Cape Cod, where we set up camp at the old Otis AFB campground for a week’s stay. Our principal reason for stopping there was to visit Mike and Beth Pasakarnis, Wolf’s dad and step-mom, and for Suzanne to present “A Celebration of Wolf’s Message”. As many of you are aware, 29 year old Mike “Wolf” Pasakarnis was struck and killed by lightning as was our Susan. As detailed in Suzanne’s latest book, Wolf’s Message, Wolf left behind proof that he knew when, where and how he was to pass to the other side.  He also left behind a message of love that is universal.

 

Just before the presentation, Mike and Beth took us to the gnarled beech tree at Burial Hill in Plymouth where Wolf died; they again left two red roses at the base of the tree in his memory.

Many of Wolf’s friends and people from around the country attended the Celebration of Wolf’s Message in the Radisson Hotel Ballroom in Plymouth. It was a very moving experience, and we all came away with a better understanding of the complex young man whose message for humanity strikes a sympathetic chord in everyone who learns about him.

After the presentation, Mike and Beth took us to a nearby seafood restaurant; Mary Ann Zutes drove from Rochester, NY, for the event (she had also made the trip to Greece with Suzanne, Mike and Beth), as did Bob and Jan Blythe, all the way from The Villages. 

During our week on the Cape, Mike and Beth also took us fishing on their center console boat. Here we are setting out on a warm, sunny morning. It was great being back on the water; for 3 years now, we have been boatless, a sad state; even worse for a fisherman is being fishless, but the times they are a changin’. On the way to meet Mike and Beth, I muttered “Fish shudder at the sound of my name; and Fish fear me!”

Here is your Fearless Fishing Blogmeister armed and ready for battle. Mike steered the boat through tide rips that were rolling our boat 30 degrees side to side, but the winning fisherman this day was Yours Truly! Two sea bass, a dogfish and a couple of small fluke… the only keepers were the sea bass, which Mike graciously filleted for our dinner that evening. It was a great day, and My Good Friend Bob’s gift of the tee shirt must have been my lucky charm… it reads, “Here Fishy Fishy”… 

On the way back in, the spray over the bow was wild, and Beth graciously stood in front of My Lovely Bride, taking the brunt of the salt water on her back; she was drenched by the time we got back in. I was somewhat less dry… “Hey, Beth, how about me???” We also got a short tour of Falmouth Harbor, where tiny hovels lined the beautiful waterfront, their yachts on moorings just a minute’s ride from the house.

We also got out for a great ride on the Cape Cod Canal bike path. This railroad bridge was in fine shape; it’s normally in the up position because of all the shipping and boats that use the canal daily.

Just two weeks ago, Beth had ridden the 192-mile Pan Mass Challenge, the world’s largest fundraiser for cancer research.  Mike is recovering from knee surgery, but valiantly kept up the pace, even in a strong southwesterly breeze on the upwind return leg. It was a glorious day. After we returned to the base, Suzanne decided we needed another workout, so we went to the Army gym to lift weights. We were just finishing when a group of soldiers came in; they were a class of fitness instructors. They saw our Navy jerseys, and the senior guy was showing the class how to do a bench press, and said, “And there are modifications when you’re working with old people…” We almost burst out laughing, and I said under my breath, “Yeah, and how about the past 13 years of Army-Navy games, stud?”

We finished the day at Mike and Beth’s for lobster dinner. Mike drove down to the lobster docks and got the biggest lobsters we’ve ever had. Along with a delicious salad, cahn (corn for the rest of us), and a fabulous berry pie, we left with enough left-over lobster for lunch the next day. Mike and Beth, thanks for your splendid hospitality!!!