Posted by Brent [206.174.171.51] on Friday, December 25, 2015 at 22:00:33 :
I took my traditional PW Christmas drive today. I say tradition because this is the 4th year in doing this one so I ques it is now a tradition.
In the link is a guy by the name of Rich Young. I came to know Rich about 4 o5 years ago when I was asked if I could go and check on him as he lives way way off grid.
It was a particular harsh winter with lots of snow and wind the snow drifts in some places were 4 to 5 feet deep. I got a call from a friend of his and he asked me if I thought my old Power Wagon could get up to his place. It seems that Rich had not been seen or heard from for about 3 weeks. I said sure I will try. His friend went on to tell me that Rich was well prepared to spend several Months snowed in but that Rich was fighting Cancer and so he was more concerned than usual.
My Boy and I got right on it. We loaded up everything we could think that we might need to get to him and some supplies and medical gear for him just in case. I took my Fire Department handheld radio with me so I had contact with dispatch just in case and also no cell coverage in that area.
We headed out in zub-zero temps and the wind was blowing hard. Now as the Crow fly's it's about 7 miles from my house and 12 miles by road.
The road up to Riches place has some very steep slopes the snow was deep and the further up we went the drifts got worse. We ended up making our own road around the regular dirt roads due to drifting. We did get stuck several times but managed to dig ourselves out. Long story short it took us 6 hrs to get to him.
When we finally got there it was a good sight to see smoke coming out the chimney of his Bus/House.
I won't go into anymore details other than to tell you a few things about Rich Young.
Rich served his Country in the Korean War. He then enlisted in the Navy. Rich is now 82 years of age. He is a Cancer Survivor with a recent return and treatment for his Cancer. He is a beautiful Artist and has some wonderful Paintings, Rich always has a positive pleasant Persona.
Last Fall, Rich was burned over 30% over his back side from a unfortunate accident. When he was burned he waited until morning and drove himself 30 miles to Town so he could take the VA Bus into Salt Lake for treatment. Rich rode the VA bus all the way to Salt Lake 120 miles with 3rd degree burns to his butt, Back, and Legs. He was in the Hospital for 3 months with skin grafts and rehab.
Other than that I can't tell you much more about Rich. He told me today that he thinks his old age is finally getting to him and that he has always felt at Peace in his little Home on the hill.
I hope I have at least one more Christmas run to make up to see Rich.
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