Hey everyone, just touching base...

**Rat** · 04-12-2007, 13:06

I've been back in country for a about 10 days now, been pretty busy, good busy, but busy none the less. My new camp is Camp Endurance in Iraq, it is located on the outskirts of Al-Quyaarrah in Nothwestern Iraq (if you wanna look it up). It's a good camp so far, pretty quiet for the most part.

I'm not sleeping full time in my hammock like I did the last time. The sleeping arrangments are just a little different. But, I have nice bed so it ain't so bad

.

Roz, Gage and I went camping as soon as I got home. We spent 4 days out at Granger Lake camping (at the primative camp site at Fox Bottom) and crappie fishing.

Gage has turned 4 now and is a little too big to sleep in the hammock with me, and Roz has never been comfortable with him sleeping apart (even tho he was within arms reach) from us. So, I broke down and agreed to a "family" tent. We ended up with the Kelty Green River 6. Yes, that's a 6 man tent. I let Roz pick it out but it had to meet my requirements as well. Namely full fly, taped seams and vestibule, which it does. Did I mention it weighs 31 POUNDS!

I still take my hamock, after 20+ broken bones ther are some nights that I MUST sleep in a hammock, even tho we have new cushy 3" pads

.

I figure in about 4 years Roz will be okay with Gage sleeping in his own hammock. But when he and I go together we still use the hammocks. I just hang his above mine so if he gets out he has to crawl over me first!

One of these days I am going to make it to one of the gatherings. Maybe we can organize one in Texas when I get home next time.

**stoikurt** · 04-12-2007, 13:12

Good to hear from you and have you back in the States for a while. Too bad about that 'tent' thing. How long are you here for? And I assume you're heading back soon. Our prayers are with you and all the Service Men and Women. Stay safe!

**Coffee** · 04-12-2007, 13:16

Good to hear everything is going good for you.

Maybe one of these years we should plan a big trip where everyone travels. Pick a good spot and with enough notice, I'm in.

**Peter_pan** · 04-12-2007, 14:28

Welcome home...even if for a short time.... thanks for serving.

Pan

**NCPatrick** · 04-12-2007, 14:50

Welcome back!

**slowhike** · 04-12-2007, 16:28

good to hear from you man. stay in touch & be sure to let us know when you get back.
we appreciate all of the men & women that stand in harms way for our country.
praying for the safety of your mind, body, & soul. ...tim

**Tango61** · 04-12-2007, 23:52

Hogn8r,
There's a couple of us here in Big D that would be happy to make a Texas gathering. And, down where you are (ie Bertram) there should be plenty of trees. Marble Falls might just be the place. There's a few others from some other boards that might could make it too.
Something to think about for then next time your home.

Tango

**blackie** · 04-13-2007, 00:01

thanks for all you do for this country..come home safe

**Rat** · 04-13-2007, 11:18

Thst's true, Marble Falls has planty of trees to hang from! There are several good places to go around the area, we spent a few days at Colorado Bend not long ago and really enjoyed it. Not a whole lot of trees down by the river tho.

I may be going to Wyoming on my next R&R. Libby Flats, I can't remember the mountain range right now, but my brother lives very near there.

Thanks for the kind words everyone but you need to know that I am not in the military. I am a contractor for the Dept. of. Defense. I work hand-in-hand with the US Army (right now) in direct support of their mission. It is a very cool job and the men and women of the armed services are great to work with. If I could do the same thing at home I would, the only bad part is being away from my family, but I love my job. So please keep our fighting men and women (and contractors

) in your prayers, we all need it.

On a side note I have a bunch of pixels from work at http://new.photos.yahoo.com/hogn8r20...60762395206114 I'm not sure if you hafta be a member to view them or not, it is Yahoo Photots.