Bad week

Hi All,

It was a bad week last week for CAVE personnel.  Started last Sunday when the parents of two rangers were in a car accident.  Their car was t-boned on the way home from church.  Sadly, their father died on Wednesday, and their mother died on Friday as a result of the injuries they sustained in the accident.

On Thursday morning, my good friend and the woman who lets me room with her during the week had a heart attack.  Medical care in Carlsbad is substandard.  The hospital couldn't handle her case and had to fly her to Lubbock TX.  She had open heart surgery on Thursday. 

Early reports on Friday came back that she had no brain activity.  I was heartsick, not wanting to believe it.  Later that day, reports from her daughter (instead of her sister) that she was responding slightly.  A call on Saturday AM from our Chief Ranger says she is still improving, slowly. 

Sunday, the CAVE opening was delayed due to flooding.  Since the fire in June of 2011 at the park, there is little plant life to hold the silt and water from washing over the road.  Not sure how much rain they got, but it doesn't take much to flood.  Luckily, I was up in Alto with John and missed this flood.

We've spent most of the weekend hiking.  It's been a great stress reliever. Seen lots of deer, some interesting tracks and scat (bear, bobcat, cougar etc).  Up here in Alto we do carry Bear Spray when hiking.

We leave for Glacier on September 1st.  CAN'T WAIT! 

Miss you all,

Love,

VAL & JOHN & the kitties!